Heritage: the Power of Playfulness

© Ragged Society of Antiquarian Ramblers, 2002
Eek! Young people at a heritage site! The Gunton Dandy

As those of you who have been attending the Magdalen Walks project will have gathered by now, I like to be relaxed and playful (in the right places) in my approach to heritage. Because of my personal story, I am interested in outreach and engagement, and it is my view that too much of the heritage sector is too earnest, elitist and pompous. Because some of my work has been around engaging young offenders and excluded pupils units with history, I know something about the challenges of relating something that can seem abstract and 'stuffy' to people. I don't dumb down the ideas, but I will invent games, activities and use humour to relate the past with the present. Being playful isn't only about energising and engaging audiences, it is - in my view - a key part of wellbeing. Over the past few years I have taken this philosophy and made some new things; heritage-inspired ventures that have taken on a life of their own and seem to be meaningful and fulfilling to people. 

One of these 'projects' is The Ragged Society of Antiquarian Ramblers: 'a creative collective of friends who are inspired by historic sites, quirky spaces, a love of laughter - and cake!' I have been told that our blog is one of the most popular heritage blogs in Britain, with around a quarter a million hits thus far. 

I am a writer for the Heritage Open Days national blog and wrote a piece about the background to the Ragged Ramblers and thought that you Magdalen Walkers might be interested in taking a glimpse into this world:

Playful Heritage

I'm not proposing that the Magdalen Walks project takes the Ragged Ramblers' model as its template, but I would encourage people to experiment and be playful with the heritage in our community. I can tell you, it can be a very rewarding experience! 

My friend Paul as Queen Victoria in Stiffkey Church, Norfolk

Norwich Over the Water

Eighteenth century prospect of north
Norwich, centred on St Clement's Church

This morning volunteers interested in researching and promoting the history, heritage and archaeology of the north of city will be gathering at The Stage along St Augustines. I will be helping to facilitate this project, which we are calling 'Magdalen Walks'. As well as working together to research our area, by late Spring 2016 we will be offering tours of Norwich 'Over The Water'. Walking is a key part of our venture, and this is about encouraging curiosity, discovery and physical and mental health. In addition, we will be working with BBC Voices to make a series of films showcasing this historic heart of Norwich. 

Having lived in the north of the city for 23 years now, getting the opportunity to help promote the history, heritage and archaeology of 'my patch' really excites me! If you're interested in getting involved, email me on howeychoosetouseit@gmail.com. 

Colin Howey

Freelance Heritage Interpretation Trainer