Chardcast
The ChardCast project is being developed by Chard Museum on behalf of Culturally Chard. It is funded by South Somerset District Council and Historic England.
The project is led by Richard Tomlinson. Richard lives in Chard and works as a freelance artist and creative technologist. His practice combines the production of audio visual artwork such as video installation and sound-art with facilitation of community engagement projects.
Richard is currently also producing an interactive video installation entitled ‘Through the Looking Glass’, commissioned by The Brewhouse Theatre and Art Centre. The installation will allow visitors to fast forward through billions of years of life on Earth, whilst also reflect on how their actions impact on the planet. The work was exhibited in July 2022.
Richard will be leading groups and individuals through the process of producing future ChardCast episodes. Themes include Astonishing Inventions, the Carnival, Making of the Banners of Chard, the impact of the Reservoir and Chard Goes Global: Chard Together which will share perceptions of the town as multicultural.
If you want to help produce a ChardCast simply email info@chardmuseum.co.uk or call 07870697956
Episode 1
In this first episode of ChardCast we join volunteers at Chard Museum talking about a selection of photographs from the museum archive.
Episode 3
In the third episode of ChardCast we join children from Chard School talking about amazing inventions and inspirational inventors of Chard.
Episode 5
Listen to a story from the 2nd World War, find out about an apprentice who worked at the Gillingham family firm in the 1940s and discover why it’s important to record the voices of ‘ordinary people’ - people who are actually extraordinary
Episode 7
In this month’s episode join students from Holyrood School in a blue plaque walk and talk through the town.
Episode 9
This episode focuses on the life and achievements of John Stringfellow. Children from Redstart school visited Chard Museum and were treated to a Stringfellow presentation from museum volunteer Vince Lean.
Episode 11
Stories from young Ukranians Part 2 - Independence and Life in Somerset, we focus on long journeys to the UK and the quirks of living in Somerset.
Episode 13
Heritage Open Days is a nationwide community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. In this episode we join in on one of the tours and take a deeper look into the wonderful Guildhall at the heart of our town.
Episode 2
In this second episode of ChardCast we join children from Manor Court Community Primary School talking about their experience of performing in Chard Carnival.
Episode 4
The fourth episode of ChardCast comes to you from the beautiful environment of Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve.
Episode 6
In March 2023 Chard's Ethnic Diverse Communities hosted a wonderful event called Chard Together: Chard Goes Global. It was supported by the Community Hub, Culturally Chard and Somerset Diverse Communities.
Episode 8
Chard town has a huge and varied heritage. Hear local volunteers and youngsters give you a flavour of their experiences of this amazing place, including Lace Industry, home of flight, X-rays and prosthetics.
Episode 10
In this special episode of ChardCast we hear real life stories from young Ukrainians. The recordings were made at Nightingales, a wonderful Ukrainian support group who meet in Chard. Part 1 - The start of the war.
Episode 12
In this episode we hear all about the important and meaningful museum collections that belong to children from Avishayes Primary School in Chard.
Episode 14
Bill Case passed away in early November 2023. He owned MP Toys in the town centre for many years. This is an excerpt of a longer interview made with Museum volunteer, Sue Heward. It’s our small tribute to Bill’s memory.
