WE SPOKE TO ROB, ANOTHER OF OUR TIRELESS VOLUNTEERS, ABOUT HIS TIME WORKING ON THE HISTORY PROJECT.
What do you do and where are you from?
‘I’m a PhD student, currently living in Hackney.’
What drove you to volunteer on this project?
‘I wanted to do something in Hackney that would allow me to meet new and different people, and to contribute to making the borough a better place.’
What was your relationship to Shoreditch Town Hall before the project?
‘None, beyond occasionally waiting for the 242 bus at the stop opposite!’
Your favourite moment of the project so far?
‘Learning about the ex-boxers’ association and being invited along to a meet-up, even though I’ve never boxed in my life!’
Your most memorable interview/quote?
‘The four ex-boxers meandering on and off the topic of Shoreditch Town Hall for 40 minutes, but all total gentlemen and a real pleasure to hear their stories and thoughts on life!’
Your favourite thing about London?
‘How big, diverse and completely fascinating the city is; the view from Waterloo Bridge (in both directions); the brilliant backstreet pubs I know about but many others don’t which means they never get busy.’
What did you hope to get from volunteering with Shoreditch Town Hall on this project, and would you say you achieved that?
‘I hoped to learn skills in oral history projects (recording & interview techniques) as well as the chance to meet, interview and work alongside interesting people. I totally did all that and am inspired to perhaps try an oral history project of my own in the near future.’
Tell us a fun fact about you!
‘I’m really good at skimming stones on water.’
If you are interested in volunteering at Shoreditch Town Hall or to learn more about how to get involved in our history project, please get in contact by emailing history@shoreditchtownhall.com, calling 020 7739 6176 or writing to us at Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT.