National Centre for Writing (NCW) hosted a special gathering for Bengali and Sylheti-speaking communities to celebrate the city’s medieval quarter and showcase stories from its migrant history on 13 November.
Based in the 15th century Dragon Hall in the heart of England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, NCW explores how writing can inspire and change the world. Its programme of events, festivals and courses reaches more than 14,000 people annually with an additional 110,000 engaged online. Through its learning and participation programme, it supports 20,000 young people a year and has a commitment to working with those in the most disadvantaged areas.
The event marked the mid-way point in an 18-month project called Stories From the Quarter, which has so far seen 11 members of the Bengali community record accounts of how their families came to Norwich and their experiences of life in the city today.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project aims to connect more people and communities with the migrant heritage of Norwich’s medieval quarter, which runs from Lower King Street to Magdalen Street.
Between March and April, a series of 11 one-hour spoken histories were recorded with Bengali people from different parts of the community, including restaurant owners, medical practitioners, older residents who arrived in the aftermath of the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh and those who settled later as economic migrants.
The event featured community performances, family-friendly medieval storytelling, an interview with programme leads, and complimentary food from Spice Valley on Magdalen Street. Guests also received a printed preview of the spoken histories featuring tales from local residents.
The oral histories will be stored at Norwich Record Office and will be available online for everyone to enjoy from 2023.
Owner of Spice Valley Wali Ullah said: “Recording my story and having it preserved at Norfolk Record Office means a lot to me and the Bengali community in Norwich. The interview helped me to feel valued and connected with the city and its heritage.”
Mr Ullah relocated to Norwich in 2006 on the day of the Lord Mayor’s Celebration.
“Roads were barricaded for the parade, there were fireworks that night, we enjoyed with our son in my lap. The mayor is still a revered customer in my restaurant.
“I think this project will help future generations to understand our culture, heritage, values and contribution, and will create bridges with other communities too.”
NCW programme manager Hannah Garrard said: “Now that all 11 histories have been recorded, we are in the process of condensing and translating each script into both Bengali and English, which will become available to the public in audio and pamphlet form next year.”
Further activities planned for the Bengali community include creative writing workshops, creative sessions and resources for young people, a series of podcasts, a community open day and an interactive public walking trail exploring libraries, Dragon Hall, community mosques, restaurants and schools.
Ms Garrard said: “There will be a physical trail map which takes people to key locations across the city that represent Bengali life in some way – from much-loved spice restaurants to places of worship. We’re excited for the whole city to get involved!”
For more information, please visit www.nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk
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