Tales from the Archives

Join us for a fascinating podcast with archivists Pam and Gwen from Manchester High School for Girls, as we explore one of the most remarkable school archives in the country. From the school's earliest beginnings to its significant role in the Votes for Women movement, the archive offers a unique window into the lives of generations of pupils. We explore the school's experiences during b...

In this episode, we explore the story of Hampstead FC—now known as The Harlequins —with club historian and former player Graeme Roberts. You’ll gain a fascinating insight into the club’s digital archives, why making them accessible online is so important, and the plans for developing and expanding the archives in the future. Graeme shares, with great admiration, the story of the outstanding sports...

This episode is a call to all who work with, manage, or care about school archives! We spotlight School Archives Day (12 March 2026) , an initiative conceived by Julie Devenney , Archivist at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, home to a rich and extensive archive. Julie is also the founder of the popular @ArchiveHashtag on X, connecting archivists and enthusiasts around the world. Learn how you can celeb...

A fascinating conversation with Richard McIlwain, Chief Executive of the Vegetarian Society, exploring the story behind its remarkable digital archives. In this episode, we trace how the vegetarian Societies publications have evolved over 175 years, revealing how vegetarianism has been shaped by changing ideas around social justice, nutrition, animal welfare, and environmental responsibility. The...

Join me as I chat with Michael Harrison , who has an impressive CV and has served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Marketors in 2014 . Its a wonderful conversation about his year in office and his fascinating Yearbook memoirs, which have since been printed and digitised and are now available online.  Michael shares his memories of the fun social events, the more serious work of raising money...

Air Commodore Cozens was more than a highly accomplished RAF pilot — he was also a filmmaker whose work helped shape the war effort. From the frozen extremes of the British Arctic Air Route Expedition, where his photography and film earned him the Polar Medal, to wartime footage so sensitive it was locked away under the Official Secrets Act, Air Commodore Cozens was always at the heart of history....

Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary — and they marked the occasion with three full days of celebration, complete with media coverage. It’s an anniversary rich with stories, memories, and digital archives to share.   In this episode, we talk to Steve Holt, former Chair of the Foundation of Christ’s Hospital School at Lincoln, who played a key role in the di...

Back in the 1300’s, the story of the Drapers’ Company began in the heart of the City of London — but who are they today, and what do they do? This Christmas, we find out with the help of the excellent archivist Penelope Fussell, as we explore the feasts and information contained in the treasured Elizabethan Dinner book, now digitised and made accessible online for personal study, exploration, and...

In conversation with Robin Fletcher, the CEO of The Boarding School Association. Hear how he wanted to create a portal to remember the people who lost their lives for the countries they served, from Boarding Schools around the world. www. Bobor.org.uk is an online permanent record built by The SDS Group which   honours pupils, staff, and volunteers from boarding schools who served, sacrificed, or...

In 1883, Christmas at Manchester Grammar School didn’t mean entirely downing tools. A curious timetable shows optional, extra-cost lessons ticking along through the “Christmas vacation” — though, mercifully for the boys, even the Victorians kept Christmas week itself free.  In this episode, Kate @ SDS talks to Manchester Grammar School  Extraordinary and fascinating archives online!