A PROJECT to capture memories of Droitwich Spa’s canal system and create a unique ‘community mind map’ culminated with a unique creative experience for volunteers.

In just six hours budding actors from the town worked with a drama leader to create a short play based on some of the memories and artefacts unearthed during the mind map research.

The event took place on Saturday, January 31, at Droitwich Community Hall, Heritage Way.

The community mind map was unveiled to the public at 2pm when, using a new CD Rom created as part of the project, they were able to discover more about the human stories behind the town’s canals.

The canal restoration team was also on hand to answer questions about the restoration project and the history of the waterways.

Then, at 4pm, the play in a day team showcased their hard work.

Pam Davey, who is chairman of the town’s heritage group, said: “The play in a day is a fantastic way to bring these stories to life and was a great experience for everyone taking part.

“Through this research project we have been able to capture the stories of the canals as told by ordinary members of the public living in Droitwich and Worcestershire. It is really important to record the social history of these two great waterways and the part they played in people’s lives so people using the restored canals in the future will understand the important role they played in the past.”

The Waterways Trust raised £10,000 from Awards for All for the celebration on behalf of Droitwich Canals Restoration Project to record the stories of the canals as told by the people who worked on and lived alongside them.