A Complete Guide to the Heritage Project "Our Place": Acomb and Westfield

Ever walked down a familiar street and thought about all the things that have happened there? Maybe it’s the park bench where a grandparent used to sit, the old sweet shop that’s now a takeaway, or a funny story about a local landmark that only a few people know. These places and stories are what make a neighbourhood feel like home. And now, a new initiative is looking to capture exactly that. The York Civic Trust has just kicked off a brilliant community-led heritage project called ‘Our Place: Acomb and Westfield’, and it’s all about celebrating the buildings, places, and memories that matter to the people who live there.

What's this new heritage project all about?

So, what’s the big idea? The York Civic Trust, which is celebrating its big 80th year, has launched this special heritage project to create a living map of Acomb and Westfield's history, as told by its own residents. The project, called Our Place: Acomb and Westfield, is all about uncovering the hidden gems and personal stories that you won't find in a history book. It’s a chance for people to point at a building or a patch of green space and say, "This matters." This fantastic initiative has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which supports projects that connect people to their local history.

The whole thing is designed to be completely community-led. That means it’s not about experts telling everyone what’s important. Instead, it puts the power right into the hands of local residents. It’s their stories, their memories, and their chosen places that will shape the outcome of this heritage project. Think of it as a giant scrapbook for the entire neighbourhood, filled with tales of everything from playground adventures to the history of the local chippy. The goal is to celebrate the everyday buildings and spaces that hold real meaning, proving that heritage isn’t just about grand castles and cathedrals; it’s about the places where life actually happens.

Your stories, your places

This is where it gets really interesting for the residents of Acomb and Westfield. The ‘Our Place: Acomb and Westfield’ initiative is an open invitation for everyone to share their thoughts. What buildings do people walk past every day and feel a connection to? Are there specific places that hold special memories? This project wants to hear all of it. The stories could be anything – big or small. Perhaps it's a tale about a street party from decades ago, a memory of a particular shopkeeper, or the reason a certain footpath got its local nickname. These are the details that build a community’s identity.

The project is focused on gathering information about:

• Buildings: From well-known landmarks to ordinary houses with extraordinary histories.

• Places: Parks, squares, street corners, or any spot that means something to people.

• Stories: Personal memories, local legends, and historical anecdotes that bring these locations to life.

By bringing these elements together, the York Civic Trust aims to create a rich picture of the area's unique character. It’s a community-led effort to make sure these important local stories aren’t forgotten, and that future generations can understand what made these places so special to the people who lived there.

How to get involved this spring and summer

Getting involved couldn't be easier. The hub for the entire heritage project is based at Acomb Explore Library. Throughout the spring and summer, the library will host a special interactive installation. An interactive installation is just a fun, hands-on way for people to share their ideas. It might be a giant map where residents can pin their favourite places, a memory wall for sticky notes, or a station where people can record their stories. It’s designed to be simple, engaging, and open to absolutely everyone.

Alongside the installation, there will be a whole programme of free community events. These events are a great chance for residents to meet up, chat about their memories, and contribute to the Our Place: Acomb and Westfield project in a friendly, relaxed setting. The events are scheduled to run all through spring and summer, giving everyone plenty of time to pop in and have their say. All the activities are completely free, making it easy for families, friends, and neighbours to take part in this community-led initiative. Keeping an eye on the schedule at Acomb Explore Library is the best way to find out what’s happening and when.

Why this local initiative matters

In its 80th year, the York Civic Trust is putting a spotlight on what makes York’s neighbourhoods tick. This isn't just about collecting stories for fun; it's about understanding and preserving local identity. The buildings we see and the places we visit every day shape our lives, and this project acknowledges that. By asking residents to share what’s important to them, the ‘Our Place: Acomb and Westfield’ heritage project ensures that the official record of the area reflects the real-life experiences of its community.

With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this initiative will create a valuable archive of local knowledge. The collection of stories and pinpointed places could be used in all sorts of ways in the future – perhaps an online map, a local exhibition, or even a walking trail. It’s a living project that grows with every memory shared. So, whether it’s a story about a particular building, a favourite park, or just a feeling about a certain street, the invitation is there for residents to contribute. This spring and summer, everyone has the chance to add their own chapter to the ongoing story of Acomb and Westfield. The free community events and the interactive installation at Acomb Explore Library are waiting.