As part of its ongoing Pairings residency programme, which matches artists with projects that celebrate our diverse natural environment and culture, Glossop Creates has recently commissioned award-winning radio journalist, podcast presenter and aural storyteller Clare Savory - and paired her with the Peak District National Park.

‍

Clare, who lives in Hadfield, has been focusing her research on the reservoirs of the Longdendale Valley, which lie on the border of the park. From whispering chimneys, plane crash survivors, world firsts and UFO sightings, Clare is taking a deeper look into the lesser known stories of the chain of five Longdendale Reservoirs and the surrounding landscape.

‍

After researching for many months, discovering stories and walking the well-trodden paths of the reservoirs, Clare has pulled together all of her research and findings in a new online hub, which can now be found at http://longdendaletales.co.uk

‍

This incredible digital space includes 28 walking podcasts which can be listened to on walks around the reservoirs. The podcast series - called Longdendale Tales - has been co-created with different local users and artists, so each brings with it its own unique story and interpretation of the landscape.  The walking podcasts are also available to listen to in your car, at home or on your dog walks via YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

‍

The digital hub also includes stories, interviews with local historians and archeologists, sketches, soundscapes and much more.

‍

Clare said: “This important section of the Peak District National Park, which teeters on the border, is a pot of gold in its rich tapestry of mill history, aviation, farming and environmental championing storylines.  My work celebrates all of these stories in different ways and discovers the truth of what Glossop's waterways really mean to its people, both  past and present.

‍

‍

“The digital hub provides a great central location to bring so many different mediums together  - these local spaces and places can feel so familiar to us, but art can change and enhance our experiences - and widen our understanding of a place.

‍

“I can’t wait for local people to explore the new space and get in touch with further stories, pictures and ideas.”

‍

Claire Tymon says, “We are truly overwhelmed and grateful for the commitment and creativity Clare has generously provided for her Pairings residency. Our ambition with the Pairings programme is to financially and curatorially support an artist to initiate an idea or a proposal for a longer term project, which we can then use to apply for funding and build partners. But Clare has gone above and beyond, with very little guidance required from us. We have probably learnt more from Clare, we’re certainly inspired by her energy and integrity, and especially her storytelling capabilities.

‍

“Glossop Creates will continue to support and advocate for artistic endeavours that respond to our local environments and communities, and we’ll do as much as we can to ensure Clare’s stories are experienced by as many people as possible.”

‍

Find out what Clare has been up to and what she has planned for the future in our next blog about Longdendale Tales…

‍

http://longdendaletales.co.uk

‍