Time-travelling interactive trail for Elsecar
Heritage Centre launches new trail designed by local teenagers to engage young people in the region’s history
A new self-guided digital trail launched this summer provides a fun, engaging way to learn about the rich history and heritage of Elsecar, in the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Image courtesy of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
‘Echoes Through Time: an Elsecar Story’, which can be accessed through a smartphone, sees time travellers Kit and Echo (played by Aston and Joel from Netherwood School) visiting key moments in the village’s history while searching for the ‘black diamond’. In doing so, they uncover stories and meet characters the Elsecar’s past. Key dates and significant numbers relating to Elsecar can then be used to crack the code at the end of the trail.
The launch of the new trail coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Miner’s Strike. It explores the impact of the strike on local communities while also referencing other key moments in Elsecar’s history, such as the visit of the king and queen in 1912 and the building of the 18th century Newcomen Engine for pumping water – one of the only engines of its kind still standing in its original location.
The free trail is suitable for ages 10 and above. Visitors to Elsecar Heritage Centre simply collect a trail map from the visitor centre, then use their own devices to scan QR codes and watch the films. The trail will run until September 1, 2024.
Echoes Through Time has been developed by the Next Big Thing, Barnsley Museums’ young creatives group. Local teenagers co-wrote the script, working with artists Gemma Whelan and Becky Newbould, aka the We Great Ladies. The teens also play roles in a series of short films that make up the trail.
To research and write the trail, the team visited Barnsley Archives and interviewed Cllr Mick Stowe, a former apprentice at the National Coal Board.
The project received support through the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the ‘Building Bridges’ project, as well as through Creative Minds and Arts Council England.
Aston, the actor who plays Kit, says: ‘I really enjoyed working on this project and learning more about Elsecar’s history. It was fun to act in different roles and to create a trail that other young people can enjoy. I hope they will find it interesting and exciting. The whole team have been incredible to work with and I am really proud of all their hard work.’
Gemma Whelan, from We Great Ladies, adds: ‘We are very proud of the work that the young creatives have done on this project. They have shown great enthusiasm, creativity and talent in developing the script and the films for the trail. They have also gained valuable skills and experience in working with heritage, archives and digital media.’
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson in charge of Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Metrolitan Council, says: ‘What an incredible way to showcase Elsecar’s history in a new and innovative way. It is great way for us to work alongside young people to create something that will inspire and educate while being entertaining at the same time. It’s an exciting time for Elsecar and we have ambitions to make it a world class visitor destination based on its heritage and unique offer.’
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