Book Launch: Old Memories
On 21 March, we had the pleasure of attending the official launch of the book “Old Memories” at the Baptist Church — a truly inspiring and heartfelt event.
The book is the result of a unique intergenerational project that brought together Ukrainian teenagers and members of the older generation. Its purpose is to preserve personal memories and stories, ensuring they are passed on to future generations.
Old Memories offers a glimpse into the childhood and youth of our grandparents — their dreams, challenges, traditions, and everyday joys during a time when life was very different. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding our past in order to better understand who we are today.
The project began in response to the events of 2022, when many Ukrainian families were forced to leave their homes due to the full-scale war and seek safety in the United Kingdom. Alongside their belongings, they carried with them treasured memories, recipes, songs, traditions, and a lifetime of experiences.
Young people aged 12 to 21 played a key role in bringing this project to life. They wrote the texts themselves and carefully selected photographs that vividly illustrate the stories of the older generation.
The project was run by Kryla and funded by Birmingham City Council through the NB4U programme.
We would like to congratulate everyone involved in creating this meaningful book and thank the organisers for an engaging and memorable presentation. It was a wonderful opportunity to take a journey back in time and connect with the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine.
This event was made possible by the generous support of Birmingham City Council