Jan Norman, left, and Jo Dowding of Guernsey Museums and Galleries with items from the last century people have dug out to help those with memory issues. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0868659)

MEMORY boxes can be the key to unlocking the past for many older Guernsey people.

Islanders were asked to raid their attics, cupboards and sheds and donate suitable items for the project and Guernsey Museums and Galleries access and learning manager Jo Dowding was delighted with the response.

Items from the 1930s to the 1960s have been gifted for the initiative, launched by the museum last month. The boxes are used to encourage people to share and discuss past experiences.

‘We had a fantastic response. Some people came back several times with items. It was lovely hearing the stories behind the objects,’ said Miss Dowding.

She said initially people thought she wanted antiques and precious items but what she needed was objects which typified the era – from Keyho’s paper bags to copies of the Dandy and Beano. There was even a grocery book from the time donated that included brands and prices. ‘For someone interested in social history, that is a lovely item,’ she said.

Jan Norman donated several items including photos, a telegram and her dad’s Red Cross identity card.

She knows first-hand how effective the boxes can be.

‘They really do work to stimulate people’s memories,’ said Mrs Norman. Her mum spent her last year in residential care and would go home at weekends.

‘We went through all the memorabilia and we just sat and reminisced. We didn’t get anything done, but it was the best quality time we ever spent together,’ she said.