News 30/3/10
The Barras Story - A community led heritage and learning project
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Barras Story is a community-led heritage and learning project using archive photography, film and oral history to explore the social, cultural, historical and economic importance of the Barras Market to the East End of Glasgow.
Photo © Alan Knight
Set-up in 1921 by Maggie McIver, the traders and past customers today remember the market's hey-day, when 'spielers' would turn selling into a stage show, shifting their wares as quickly as their razor-sharp patter would allow. People once came from all over Scotland to search for bargains at the Barras. The project will tell the story of the Barras from its beginnings to when it was still going strong in the 80's. The days people want to remember the Barras for, rather than today when it is more known for criminal gangs peddling contraband - one of the reasons Scotland's most famous market could be shut down. 
Diversity film workshops
In partnership with the People's Palace, Diversity Films will be running a series of workshops in the East End of Glasgow covering the following skills:
- Project research and development
- Accessing and recording photos/film/documents/history of a place
- Researching and recording oral histories ~Managing a Film/Video Project
- Camera and Sound Recording Skills
- Recording Oral Histories on Camera - Interview Skills
- Editing The Barras Story
Work with professional filmmakers
Project participants will then work with a team of professional filmmakers, Alan Knight and Abigail Howkins to develop, direct, film, edit and produce a documentary film about the Barras.
The workshop programme will start in April 2010, with production of the documentary project taking place between May and August and screenings of the completed project in September 2010.
More information and participation
Further details of the training and development programme will be announced shortly.
If you would like to sign up to take part in The Barras Story, please email sarah@diversityfilms.org.uk or contact Diversity Films on 0141 357 7299.
The programme is open to everyone, regardless of age, background or experience.
The Pathfinder is part of Glasgow East Learning Network supported by Glasgow Community Planning Partnership East Area and John Wheatley College, Scottish Charity No. SCO21200.
sarah@diversityfilms.org.uk or 
0141 357 7299. 
