Nathalie, project manager, talks about her involvement with The EDGE Project
I’ve been involved in running The EDGE Project, Aldershot, since November 2015. The project is a ‘youth-led’ programme that empowers young people aged 14–24 to organise, develop and deliver projects within their local community. The EDGE Project works in partnership with a few local organisations, including The British Army Boxing Team, Farnborough College of Technology, Grainger Plc, Aldershot Military Museum and The Farnham Astronomical Society. The focus is on using film, photography and media to engage students and young people to run projects based on the historical heritage of Aldershot and, in particular, the home of the British Army. The EDGE Project has successfully completed a 10-episode documentary series called Boxing Days, based on short life stories and interviews with the boxers in the British Army Boxing Team.
A documentary and an exhibition
The current project, War Town, is a 60-minute, four-part documentary series commemorating the centenary of the end of World War One. The students involved have been attending workshops and talks with local historian and author Paul Vickers. Participants were split into film crews that covered the war years and how things have changed in the British Army history in Aldershot, sport development in the army, military architecture and the civilian history of Aldershot town. The cinematographic project consists of a screening of the documentary and an exhibition, all as part of the 2018 Heritage Open Days annual event.
As a ‘thank you’ to Paul Vickers for his dedicated volunteering time on the War Town project, The EDGE Project is supporting the launch of his new book, Secret Aldershot, which is a collection of short stories, ranging from the gothic era to one of the first performances by The Beatles to a crowd of just 11 people! Paul Vickers was previously the librarian at the Prince Consort’s Library and is currently the heritage projects officer for the Friends of the Aldershot Military Museum.
Starting as a project manager in May 2018
I started as a project manager for LifeBook in May 2018. I was drawn to LifeBook because of their passion for keeping heritage alive and the method of having a project team who works closely with authors. I shared with my directors what I do with The EDGE Project, and they warmed to the idea of supporting the event, while The EDGE Project was delighted to receive the support of LifeBook as a personal autobiography service. I instantly saw several connections in the heart and ethos of both LifeBook and The EDGE Project; it’s easy to see where there are parallels in valuing history, heritage, legacy and keeping the past in the future for generations to come.
I feel extremely blessed to be part of this event, and I hope it will instil some inspiration in members of the public and reveal how important is it to cherish the past.
The event takes place at the Aldershot Enterprise Centre, Gallwey Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 2PW. The evening will consist of a drinks reception, buffet, a talk from the author, a photography exhibition, and a booking signing, and it will run as an official event for the 2018 Heritage Open Days.
LifeBook is a fantastic place to work
The team is friendly, passionate, hardworking and genuinely believe in what we do for our authors. LifeBook is dedicated to bringing life stories to life, and when I leave my desk, I am inspired and encouraged knowing that I am helping to support authors and a project team in two areas I feel very passionate about: history and heritage.
The Heritage Open Days run from 6th–16th September, and details of the event can be found here.
Other useful links:
Project Aldershot on Facebook
War Town website
Friends of the Aldershot Military Museum
