Slough Museum display celebrates voices from Britwell Estate's past and present

An exploration of Britwell Estate’s history told through the people that live there is being offered at a new Slough Museum exhibition. 

Britwell Stories offers a glimpse into the estate’s almost 70 year-past through artefacts and photographs – many, personal mementos donated by residents.

More than 50 visitors, including Slough Deputy Mayor Councillor Asim Naveed and Arts Council South East director Peter Heslip attended the exhibition unveiling on October 11.

David Drake, exhibition curator, said: “We are celebrating the people and the history of the Britwell Estate which welcomed its first residents in the 1950s when the keys to the first of nearly 3000 new homes were handed over.”

“Many of the early residents came from London where poor housing conditions caused by generations of neglect and the mass bombings that occurred during the Second World War meant that much of London’s housing stock was reduced to slum conditions.

“Since that time, many new residents have moved to Britwell and it is a very diverse community reflecting wider changes that took place in Slough”.

A short film has been made to accompany the exhibition in partnership with Slough Museum and Slough-based youth film producers Resource Productions.

13 Britwell Voices features interviews with Britwell residents old and young who share their stories from the past – and their hopes for the future.

It features reflections on the area's history from long-time residents Rosemary and Nick MacDonald.

Yvonne Roles, founder of Britwell Drama Group, shared ‘fondness’ for Britwell.

She said: “The reputation isn’t good and a lot of people will sort of put it down that don’t live there but it's just hearsay. So, I will stand up for it if I hear that.”

And there are also words from student Chiedza Chademunhu.

“It needs improving, I'm not going to lie,” she said. “But it’s home.”

13 Britwell Voices director, Michael Pearcy said: “What people say in the film is a frank and honest but positive reflection of life on the Britwell Estate.

“We hear how many of the early residents left inadequate housing in London for the move to a bright, clean and green life on Britwell.

“Contributors talk about the challenges of growing up on Britwell and we see how individuals are talking action to support the community spirit on the estate.”

Britwell Stories is on display at Slough Museum at 72 Buckingham Avenue, from 11am till 3pm every Friday. The last opportunity to see it is on November 8.

You can watch 13 Britwell Voices on Youtube.