Kim’s Story

Kim had always been interested in local history and heritage and had passed this interest onto her children. She had often seen photographs from the Victorian era pop up on the local Facebook history page and found her self staring at the architecture in her street and wondering why it was the way it was.

But she was put off by not knowing where to start learning about the history of her street, and then how she would record it and share it.

She was delighted to hear about the Ten Street project, more so when she received through her door and letter from John at number 33, addressed 

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“Dear Neighbour 

[OUR STREET] has been chosen to be part of this local community project. Over the next 6 months we will be learning more about the street’s history and maybe your particular house, including old photos and the many stories that make up our heritage, guided by local historians and experts. At the end of it the project will feature [OUR STREET] in a book and an online resource. We would be delighted if you and yours would like to be involved.

[OUR STREET] had a key roll in Lowestoft’s burgeoning Porcelain industry in the 1890s with several kilns still in place. During the war several houses in [OUR STREET] had a narrow escape when incendiary bombs landed nearby… etc

IVAN BUNN, Local Histrian and advisor to the Ten Streets project

We look forward to hearing how you would like to be involved

Thanks John (at 33 [OUR STREET]

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She then went to her first meet-up and was pleased to see so many other locals involved. It was a chance to meet the key support people involved and a talk from Local Historian David Butcher giving tips on getting started. We also were given this as a handy reference pack, very exciting!

We in the [OUR STREET] group then met up for a cup tea and a chat, armed with the helpful guide I dropped a line to Burt Collyer (Photo historian) who kindly looked out three old photos of [OUR STREET] Including one showing OUR HOUSE!! Circa 1910 (strange hats!). Also Ivan BUNN pointed me towards Kelly’s Directories (Lowestoft Research Archive) so I know who lived in my house and what they did for a living.