Warwickshire Libraries worked with artist Heidi Pendergrast across four locations in the county, exploring stories, memories, and the responses of the next generation in Atherstone, Bedworth, Lillington and Nuneaton. Together, these communities shaped a series of celebrations that reflected both local history and personal experiences of freedom.

Hear from Bedworth Almshouses’ residents about their reflections on VE Day, and life during and after WWII

Warwickshire Remembers: Life on the Home Front

The project brought together a close‑knit group of women at Atherstone Library, residents of the Bedworth Almshouses, young people at Lillington Youth Centre, and pupils at St Paul’s C of E Primary School. Each group contributed its own perspective, from intergenerational conversations about wartime hardship to creative explorations of what freedom means today.

Across the four locations, the project delivered four community‑led celebrations, engaging seven artists, who led sixteen workshops for 117 participants. The celebration events welcomed 379 attendees, showcasing a rich collection of creative outputs including three zines, six giant art display boards, and a documentary film capturing the journey.

Participants described the experience as uplifting and thought‑provoking, with over 95% saying they felt happier after taking part and 94% reporting a change in attitude. Many spoke about the impact of hearing one another’s stories directly:

“It was enlightening to hear directly from members of the general public of the hardships they had to suffer during the war.” – Participant in Bedworth celebration

“What a wonderful event; the project was so engaging and the Our Freedom zine really reflects the hours of discussion in our group. How lovely to have a celebration event to mark the publication of the zine. Huge thanks to Heidi and Warwickshire Library Service.” – Community Group Participant in Atherstone

One of the participants, Ann Bates‑Clay, contributed a poem that was published in the group’s zine, capturing the spirit of the project and the many forms freedom can take:

The freedom of water to flow where it will,
A flock of birds flying over a hill,
A balloon in the sky going who knows where?
A travelling Showman accompanying the fair –

These are all types of freedom.

To retire from work and stay at home.
To meet with friends of stay on my own.
Have enough money to do what I can,
Not to be tied to any one man –

These are all types of freedom.