Devon Church Launches Voices of Woolsery Digital History Trail
A historic church in North Devon has unveiled an interactive digital trail designed to immerse visitors in the rich history of both the church and the surrounding village.
All Hallows Church in Woolsery has launched the "Voices of Woolsery" digital history trail through its new InfoPoint system, which includes an engaging mix of audio and visual content, quizzes, and puzzles. The project has been made possible through funding from a Heritage Lottery grant.
Visitors can now explore the centuries-old history of the church and village by scanning a QR code on the InfoPoint, gaining access to the archive of stories, memories, and historical details.
The launch of "Voices of Woolsery" took place on Saturday, 14th September, attracting more than 200 locals and visitors. The event was part of the Devon Historic Churches ‘Ride and Stride initiative, which encourages people to explore Devon's 600 churches on foot or by bike.
A significant aspect of this project is the collection of recorded stories and memories from local residents, which will continue to grow as more contributions are added over time. This endeavour allows the church to serve as a living archive, preserving valuable parish history.
Rev’d Jane Skinner, the vicar of All Hallows, expressed her enthusiasm: “We see the potential for the church to be a treasure that is opened up for the village and visitors to experience, discover, and enjoy. With InfoPoint, we become the archive for the parish, recording significant memories and information that may otherwise be lost. And all narrated by the people involved in this local history – telling their own stories."
The launch event started off with the bellingers ringing, signalling the start of the event and various featured activities took place during the day, including a chance to climb the church tower, a Teddy Parachute Drop, crafts, and refreshments. Local Beavers and Cubs also participated, using the InfoPoint system to earn their local knowledge badges.
Rev’d Jane Skinner added, “Capturing events, achievements, and stories is a gift for the future. We hope that this will inspire spiritual exploration in All Hallows, including meeting Jesus, who is depicted in the church's stained-glass window."
Comments about the day:
My children will enjoy hearing these stories as they grow up - and make recordings in the future!
Great for kids to be able to come in and use their phones to do the tours
I haven't been in church for 50 years and loved the tour, great way to spend an hour
Excellent learnt all about the garage and Bucks Mills
A lovely morning , interesting tour and friendship, food very blessed
It’s been too busy!
I will come back and visit and listen to further stories in my own time (Organiser note; That is great, as we plan to release a new voice every month).
I loved listening to local voices and their stories!
Just overwhelmed, amazing and brilliant - will be back.
Everyone was really welcoming , thank you!
I would like a quiet session in a couple weeks time and to be shown how to get on with my smartphone, just confidence on how to use it. (good idea - we will help you with that)
Everything changes and not always for the best, this is a good thing for Woolsery
I loved it. I listened to Gordon and Garth and laughed - Barney's real Devon accent is stronger than my own!
I'm a friend of Margaret and really enjoyed listening to her voice. I miss her, she taught my husband to play piano at 70!
We’re learning! Looking at “King Cole” Mother, Sister and daughter all around their smartphone.
Children enjoyed making badges, enjoying the fun activities today.
Not just about the Church, children can relate to all the different stories
Lovely to listen to all the local voices and accents
Would love to hear Children’s voices and young people included (Organisers note: That is the plan)
A proper history of the village because people don't want to open books.
This is my teat for my 77th birthday. I left Woolsery 49 years ago
Been here for years but stuff pre 1960s it is really nice to hear stories about the garage and how it used to be.
Wonderful that we are enabled to do such a thing with the grant, important to keep such things - memories - takes me back!
Really Brilliant! So glad we came by today, it was meant to be!
We saw the post on social media and having the chance to go up the tower, really interesting visit
Always wanted to climb up the tower and now I was able to for the first time! A dad!
Nice for those who are new to understand more about the village you belong to and connect.
Really enjoyed it, I like the way it tells you - not too complicated - cannot think of anything to improve!
Enjoyed memories brought back, listened to Gordon on the Twinning and visited France.
Really enjoyed the tower trips and having the chance to go up!
I enjoyed moments of watching people interact with the guided tour and listening to the voices.
I managed to get on the guided tour. It was simple to navigate my way around.
I've really enjoyed listening to all the voices, I enjoyed listening to Barney and his stories.
I listened to the Twinning and it brought back so many happy memories of our exchanges we did between our villages.
I listened to Jonathan Downes clips, on Richard Cole statue in the church and his memories.
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