ACROSS the Forest of Dean last weekend, doors were thrown open to welcome visitors in to explore the history of our landscape and communities as part of Heritage Open Days.

From community exhibitions to talks, walks and even bike rides, over 30 events took place from Dymock to Lydney and from Mitcheldean to St Briavels.

Marie Fraser Griffiths put together a ‘Then and Now’ pictorial history of Lydney High Street for an event that took place at the Community Centre in Naas Lane, which also featured Lydney WI, the Forest of Dean Metal Detecting Club and Lydney Old Grammarians.  

Marie said: “I found old photos of the High Street and then went out and took photos of how the same area looks today. I also talked to people and gathered their memories of the buildings and businesses and wrote it all down.

The High Street has changed hugely over time and some of the people who came spent over an hour studying the photos and remembering the town as it used to be.”

Heritage Open Days are part of a Europe-wide celebration of heritage, which often focuses on historical detail at a very local level. Lydbrook Baptist Church opened a growing collection of archive material, photos and memorabilia to those interested in researching local and family history. St Stephen’s Church in Cinderford presented an exhibition about prolific Forest author and poet Leonard Clark and Abenhall Church presented an exhibition put together by Year Seven pupils from Dene Magna School. It focused on World War One family history research that the pupils had carried out.

Marie is interested in carrying out further research into the High Street in Lydney, adding: “Many youn­ger people don’t know what Lydney was like in the past. The Tesco side of the street was completely different and was full of buildings that were demolished in the last century. I’d love to hear from anyone who wants to share their memories of the street.”

You can email Marie on [email protected] or ring on 01594 843107. Her exhibition is on display in Lydney Library until the end of September.