These twelve "Digital Stories" recount local people's memories of the Bilson Mission 'tin church', its Sunday school, and their place in the wider life and recent history of Cinderford. Co-produced with the Mission's former congregation and former Sunday school pupils, these short films were made possible with the support of Historic England, Cinderford Town Council, Cinderford Churches, and the University of Gloucestershire's School of Creative Industries.
Thanks to all those who shared their memories, photographs, voices, and time. Special thanks to Voices form he Forest volunteers Cheryl Mayo and Jean Cooper-Moran, and to Mike Barnsley and Rachel Witham of St Stephen's Church.
Thanks to all those who shared their memories, photographs, voices, and time. Special thanks to Voices form he Forest volunteers Cheryl Mayo and Jean Cooper-Moran, and to Mike Barnsley and Rachel Witham of St Stephen's Church.
Always a Warm Welcome: Barbara Morgan
Barbara recalls Sunday school at "the little tin church" in the 1950s, harvest festivals and "treats" at the nearby by Holly Wood.
Family and Fellowship: Christine Moore
Christine recalls her long-standing family connections to the Mission, including her Mum's tireless work in support of it.
The Cinderford Missionaries: John Wood
John remembers trips with the Sunday school as a child, Cinderford carnivals, and years later being surprised to find evidence of the (very) far-reaching influence of the Bilson Mission.
Bible of Brabazon?: John Belcher
John recalls summers spent in Cinderford with his grandparents, and time (mis?)-spent at the Bilson Mission Sunday school.
We Had to Go: Robin Phelps
Robin remembers the surrounding community of Denecroft, and explains his suspicions why "us kids" were really sent to Sunday school.
Preaching is in the Genes: Lynne Chaundy
Lynne recounts her spiritual journey to become the last in a long-line of Lay Readers at Bilson Mission.
Churching: Maureen Wheeler
Maureen explains how an ancient church rite for new mothers was still being practiced at Bilson in the 1950s when she had her first child.
I was Born Next Door: Joy Jayne
Joy recalls how her grandmother Emily Butler lived next door to the Mission, and herself starting at the Sunday school during World War Two.
It was Just Like Bilson Mission: Daphne Le Bloa
Daphne remembers summers spent with her grannies, "Eden Hall", her 'tin' bungalow next to and very similar to Bilson Mission's tin church.
The Doctor's Surgery: José Brazier
José recalls growing up at The Pleck, Cindeford carnivals of the 1940s, and how many years later doctor's surgeries were held in the Bilson Mission Rooms.
Mother Made All Our Clothes: Doreen Howard
Doreen explains how the London Blitz prompted her family to move back to the Forest, remembers attending "the little tin church", and playing with evacuee children.
Mugs of Tea and Buttered Buns: Ruth Bell
Ruth recalls growing up at No.10 Upper Bilson next to the 'tin church', and returning to live there many years later. In her self-penned poem Ruth remembers "treats" held at near by Holly Wood.
A Bilson Soap Story: Dawn Brown
Dawn remembers going to the Mission with her grandmother, and a very special family heirloom.