Chinese Community interviews!

Yesterday we went to the Chinese Association of Newcastle to interview ten residents from China and Hong Kong. We wanted to hear their memories of illness and medicine to help us with our exhibition. We arrived at the Association at 11.15 and were met by Stephen, one of the centre volunteers. We were immeidately made very welcome and were led up to a room that was set aside for the interview. Despite all being a bit nervious, as soon as the residents arrived we were put at ease. It was fantastic hearing everything they had to say.... although we had planned to ask 16 questions, we only managed to do three!!!! We didn't mind, as the residents had so much to say and we wanted to hear it all! Fortunately we recorded all of the interviews, so we had time to listen rather than scribbling everything down!

The residents had lots to say about their experiences from across the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s,  the relationship between modern and traditional medicines and even recognised some of our objects! We hope to arrange for the residents to visit us in the museum in the near future. It was fantastic! A massive thank you to all of the residents and the Association for helping us!

After this we went for a Chinese meal (keeping in the spirit of the day) and then some of us went on a 'historical tour of Newcastle' (forunately the rain had stopped). All in all a great day. Jen even managed to do some shopping!

See below for some clips from the interviews and photos from the day.

[interview 'montage']

[The residents with the SoTW Durham team]

[One resident shows us his lucky coin which gives protection from ill health and misfortune]

[Jono, Alex and Amy enjoying the warmth of Bessie Surtee's House on the historical tour]