Woking Living Words
Oral Heritage Comes Alive

Memories of cricketers and footballers, of children playing on the common and falling in the canal, shopping, The mosque, immigration and the railways are generously illustrated with scores of photos in Woking Living Words. The 246-page book presents the life of the people in this borough, in the words of the people themselves gathered through a series of one to one interviews, and reflects the themes of the history gallery, Woking's Story.

More than 200 people from all walks of life and backgrounds were interviewed, more than 50 volunteers undertook interviews, transcriptions and proof reading and the collection of 150-plus old images of the town and its environs. It is believed to be one of the first books that has been put together purely by volunteers and provides an insight into the colour and development of the town through those who were involved with it.

Oral historian Rib Davis, co-ordinator of The Living History project, edited the book, that contains a foreword by the county’s greatest cricketer Sir Alec Bedser and is printed by Biddles of King’s Lynn, Norfolk.

Speaking at the launch he said:” There are some historical facts we all know about Woking and most of them are covered in this book – except for The Cemetery – not too many people came forward to tell us about it! But this collection of stories gives a vivid insight into everyday life and the parts of the town that really provided a focal point for gatherings. It is perfect for “dipping into”, especially on the train!”

Woking Living Words is priced £9.99. It is available from The Lightbox Gift Shop and both Waterstones stores in the town centre (in The Peacocks and Wolsey Place).

Many of the memories in the book can be listened to in Woking's Story at The Lightbox. You can find out more about the themes looked at in the book in and watch videos from the town's history. Please see below for more details.