Once upon a time Telford…
A new app created by young people is being launched next week (20 AUG) to help people uncover the recent history of Telford Town Park and the surrounding area.
Created as part of a Heritage Lottery funded project ‘Telford Our New Town’ Once Upon a Telford is an interactive way for people to discover more about the local area, whether resident or visitor.
Led by the Reading Hack, a group of inspiring young people aged from 11-16, and in conjunction with Telford & Wrekin Library Service, a number of elements bring together the whole Once Upon a Telford project, which has five main themes:
· Telford Town Centre
· Telford Town Park
· Chelsea Gardens
· Wonderland
· Transport
One of the most exciting elements being launched is an app which enables the user to follow the interactive map on a trail through the town park and gardens and experience the area first hand, with additional content becoming available the more the area is explored.
The app also explores each of the five main themes, and features photos and information about the development and history of each area.
To complement the app, the group also created a giant pop-up book with the help of artist Katy Alston, as well as other related items that were created with Fablab at Enginuity using methods such as 3d and laser printing.
Once Upon a Telford launches on Thursday (20 AUG) at Southwater Library from 11am until 3pm. Everyone is invited along to the launch where it will be possible to see the giant pop-up book, the additional items created by the group, as well as downloading and exploring the app and completing the trail.
Councillor Angela McClements, cabinet member for Communities, Regeneration and Transport, said: “So much hard work and dedication has gone into this project by the Reading Hack group, supported by library staff.
“It’s fantastic that Once Upon a Telford is now being officially launched and everyone will be able to see the culmination of all that hard work, as well as take part and enjoy all the elements of the project.
“I am proud of what the group has achieved and hope residents and visitors alike download the app which will bring to life the centre of Telford in a way it never has been before.”
The app has been developed by local software company Brozelabs and is available to download now on iOS and android phones and devices.
Reading Hack will be starting new exciting projects when the group begins meeting again on Thursday 10 September from 5.30-7pm at Southwater Library. Young people 11-16 interested in joining the group are welcomed and can just come along to the next meeting.
For more information on the Once Upon a Telford project or the Reading Hack email libraryenquiries@telford.gov.uk
