Share your memories of Devonport at special community event

People who live in or have a connection with Devonport are being invited to a special event at The Box on Saturday 11 January where they can share their memories, stories and objects.

The ‘Recent History Day’ is part of The Box’s programme marking the 200th anniversary of the founding of Devonport – once a separate town named Dock.

Over the last two centuries, the community has experienced a great deal of change; moving from a hugely prosperous, independent town to become part of Plymouth; experiencing devastation following extensive bombing in World War II; and major regeneration over the last two decades.

People are welcome to drop in to The Box at any point between 10am and 5pm on 11 January where they are encouraged to share their Devonport tales, films, photographs or other items. Free tea and cake will be on offer. The event will also be a great opportunity to look at the commemorative displays that are currently on show.

The Box holds over 20,000 items related to Devonport in its collections and is highlighting the anniversary in three different ways across. A series of display cases in its Active Archives gallery give a glimpse into Devonport’s past and look to the future. A further display in the Bridge Gallery features even more images from the archives. A new commission by filmmakers Naresh Kaushal and Jamie Harper can also be viewed on the large screens in the Media Lab.

“Devonport has been on such a journey over the last two hundred years, and people who do or have lived there often feel an enormous sense of pride and community,” said Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader. “As part of this anniversary we really want to celebrate that. The Box has an amazing amount of archive material relating to the area in its collections, but we’re keen to hear and find out even more. I really hope people will come along to the ‘Recent History Day’ and take part in what promises to be a great event.”

The Box’s Devonport 200 programme is part of a wider city commemoration led by Real Ideas which will culminate with a special light-themed event in early 2025.

You can find out more about The Box from theboxplymouth.com.

More information about all the Devonport 200 events and activities that are taking place is available from devonport200.uk.