Parish Maps

What people say about their Parish Maps

The question "What do you value in your place?" turns everyone into experts. From the smallest of details to the most enduring stories, no-one else can dictate what is important to you - the lovely doors along the row, Geoff's hedge and how he keeps the holly trimmed, the pollarded willows, the sluice gates, orchards and wandering chickens; seasonal things - such as where the best blackberries and mushrooms can be found, Jim ploughing that way, where the toads spawn, the floods; events that have become stories - "do you remember when lightning struck the holm oak?"...

BUCKLAND (Buckinghamshire): "Everybody involved in this project learned much more about the diversity of the parish in which we live." Read MORE from Buckland.

FELPHAM (West Sussex): "The map has one stark message: 'The battle continues to save the remaining small green areas from bricks, mortar and tarmac'." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

SHALFORD (Essex): "A true community project with many people playing an active part."

BLACKAWTON (Devon): "Community identity has been both extended and intensified by the project."

WARNINGCAMP (West Sussex): "Did I realise what was involved when I started, and if I'd known, would I have done it? Well, the answer to the first question is No, I had no idea. And to the second, an emphatic Yes. And to coin a phrase 'it's the journey, not the destination'." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

CHICHESTER, St John's Street (West Sussex): "The intention has been to show the good, the bad and the ugly parts: traffic and McDonalds litter, as well as hidden gardens and interesting architecture." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

STANDLAKE (Oxfordshire): "The whole collage can be read like a novel. the central story is geographical, with sections representing the current life and history of the parish." Read MORE from Standlake.

AVETON GIFFORD (Devon): "We learnt which trees were important. The 'face tree' had a face on its bark, and its low bending limbs were easily climbed. Pampas grass would hide you from invading tribes and, in the middle of the stream, elvers could be found clinging like ribbons around a pebble, yet disappearing at a touch." Read MORE about the Aveton Gifford map.

BILLINGSHURST (West Sussex): "We aimed to present what Billingshurst feels like - in addition to what it looks like. Almost everybody can find some point of reference with their own experience. Many have said that whenever they look at the map they see something new." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

OSWESTRY (Shropshire): "When we're working together, people don't look down on us, we're looking across at each other as equals."

BUCKLAND (Buckinghamshire): "It brought people together, working towards a common goal. It has also taught us a great deal more about the very interesting and exciting parish in which we live."

MILLAND (West Sussex): "This is the first time that our new parish, created in its own right from four ancient parishes in 1972, is shown in its entirety." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

SUNDERLAND (County Durham): "The children (who made the map), now teenagers, some even with their own young families, still come to look at it and point out the pieces they did. The current schoolchildren often see that they value the same detail as a generation before them."

THIRSK (North Yorkshire): "Since its inception, the map has become a major talking point. It has provoked much comment like: 'Where is Bribery Terrace, and how did it get its name?' and 'I have never seen sheep in Front Street'. It shows how much people miss about their own town, until it is pointed out to them." Read MORE about the Thirsk map.

ASHINGTON (West Sussex): "The tapestry has been created with a great deal of love and care." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

HINGHAM (Norfolk): "A truly local effort... it is about Hingham and it is by Hingham people."

BOBBING (Kent): "When the map was finished many more people wished they had been involved."

ITCHENOR (West Sussex): "A wily fox shoots across the fields; two rabbits are but tokens for the colony that regularly munches its way across Shipton Green at night!" Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

STANDLAKE (Oxfordshire): "It has all been very therapeutic... When the collage was hung on the bare walls of the new village hall, people said it made it feel more like home."

DONNINGTON (West Sussex): "Hopefully the parish is now firmly 'on the map', a true community which is a lively mix of semi-urban and rural life." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

EASTON (Bristol): "The map was taken round on a double decker bus to encourage all residents to participate. Being on the bus gave a great sense of occasion, making it an event in itself and there was much talking, singing and swapping of stories from the older residents."

CRAWLEY DOWN (West Sussex): "It was a huge learning curve for us all... Much was learnt and many friendships made." Read MORE about West Sussex maps.

SUTTON & BIGNOR (West Sussex): "It was great fun and we are sorry it is all finished!" Read MORE about West Sussex maps.