Memories are made of this

DVD tells story of first generation Pakistani immigrants
THE first generation of Pakistani people to move Oldham from their home country have helped create a heritage project, exploring the ways people have adapted their lives since their arrival in Britain.

The Oldham Greenhill Community Sports Club has begun a series of social activities, including the oral history project, where members set about interviewing Oldham’s Pakistani residents who moved to the area over 50 years ago, in what was originally a trial relocation.

As the arrivals quickly realised Oldham was a good place to set up home, they settled and have now shared their experiences with the 20 young people undertaking the project.

Their memories — covering subject ranging from where to access halal meat, language barriers and finding work — have been retold and put together to form a special DVD, named “Rewind Glodwick”, which will be available from the Oldham Archives.

To commemorate the group’s hard work, the members held a celebratory DVD launch for all those who participated in its creation, and their families.

Tahira Hussain, who helped run the project, said: “There have been a lot of young people taking part in this, and we’ve taught them how to interview, and ask simple questions that get good answers.

“We’ve explored a lot of different things and learned about the history of things we now take for granted.

“It’s been very emotional for everyone involved, especially for those looking back on a journey that was only going to last a couple of months, but has actually become their whole lives.”