4:38pm Tuesday 4th March 2008
By Miriam Phillips
CHILDREN have inspired the young and old in their quest to preserve a century of memories of Weymouth Pavilion.
Children from Westfield Technology College joined up with pupils from St Andrew's Primary School to embark on a project to discover as much as they could about Weymouth Pavilion.
The 18-month Past Pavilion project saw the children interviewing local residents about their memories of the Pavilion, both before and after the disastrous fire in 1954.
More than 50 children aged seven to eleven filmed the interviews themselves, which were then put on to the DVD.
They also carried out practical investigations into the historic uses of the building, which was once named The Ritz, by looking at books and old newspapers.
David Sekers from the Heritage Lottery Fund said the £8,400 donation for the project was money well spent.
He said: "The project hugely rewarding and really heart warming because it shows that every generation wants to find out about their roots and it is inspiring that the children were so interested in their heritage."
Local artist Joe Stevens came up with the idea for the project two years ago and said it has been thoroughly worthwhile.
Inclusion co-ordinator at the college Karen Bidwell said the project will become part of a local archive for years to come.
She added: "The children were really passionate about searching for important memories and also how life was in Weymouth as far back as 1908."
To share your memories of the Pavilion or to get a DVD contact Westfield Technology College on 01305 833518 or visit www.pavilionpast.org.uk
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