When I first suggested collecting individual memories of the 1940s and early 1950s as a way of marking the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, I was not at all sure of the reaction that I would receive. In the event, I was much encouraged by the willingness of people to be interviewed on tape so that their memories could be accurately transcribed in their own words. I was also grateful for the expertise of the group from the Parish Players who helped me present those words in dramatic form, accompanied by Maureen Cox’s selection of appropriate music from the period.

The two performances in the church over the Golden Jubilee week raised over £100 for Church Funds (including a generous individual donation) and £200 for two of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee charities: I CAN (which supports children with speech and language problems) and the Soldiers’ Sailors’ and Airmen Families Association.

Reflecting on the event now, I am struck by the vagaries of memory and by our joint ability to remember the best rather than the worst of times. It was striking to note that no-one, to my surprise, remembered anything that could be described as an unhappy memory. Despite the considerable losses of that period, both human and material, none of the people interviewed chose to speak about those memories on this occasion. There were, of course, one or two little factual errors regarding train destinations and bus numbers which were pointed out to me, but it would have been wrong to correct these since the intention was to use the exact words spoken by the people interviewed.

My own memories of the Coronation are very limited. I was a 2 year old in a pirate costume at a street party, but I am never very sure whether I remember the event or have just reconstructed it in my mind from the photographs I was shown later. In a very real sense, however, I now feel that I have shared in some way with the memories of those of you who lived through a period which has been much in our minds recently.

The project continues, and we are still looking for people who remember the period 1942-1953 and are willing to be interviewed about it. We would also be delighted to receive offers of help (020 8395 7439) with the interviewing or the lengthy task of transcribing the interviews from the tapes. Later in the year, we will publish longer sections of the interviews in printed form, with names this time, so you won’t have to guess whose memory it is. Merton Heritage Centre have expressed interest in the project and have offered the use of photographs from their collection. They would also like to store the tapes in their archives, and this will be done subject to the individual consent of those interviewed.