MP Simon Opher has thrown his support behind a new project in Cam celebrating working class heritage. 

The Stroud MP met with Historic England at GL11 Community Hub to learn about the oral history project on Friday, September 13.

The scheme - known as Women’s Work - aims to shine a light on the experiences of women born in the 1930s, 40s and 50s who worked at Cam Mills. 

It has been funded through Historic England’s Everyday Heritage Grants scheme and run by GL11.

According to organisers, around 30 women will record their memories of working in one of the district’s last remaining textile mills. 

Adam Jones, volunteer manager at GL11 said: “The women who worked in Cam Mills were part of huge social change in the 20th century. 

“Their experiences of working and managing family life are so important - they shaped our community then and now. 

“It’s fascinating, and a privilege, to capture their recollections for posterity.”

The project support the charity's work to reduce social isolation and improve wellbeing. 

Participants have formed connections through sharing their memories and have learned new skills as volunteer interviewers or picture researchers.

Dr Linda Monckton, head of wellbeing at Historic England, said: “Evidence shows that heritage is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. 

“Being in historic places or getting involved in local history can help prevent and treat the long-term conditions that are creating pressure on the healthcare system. 

“Community Hubs like GL11 are brilliant at connecting people with local heritage projects to help boost skills and confidence and address loneliness and isolation.”

Dr Simon Opher said: “It’s been great to meet with Adam and Linda, and to hear how sharing experiences of our recent past supports our community’s well being today. 

“Like the arts and nature, heritage has huge potential for helping us to feel well and stay connected.”

A previous project gathered people’s stories about living and working in Dursley, particularly in male-dominated engineering firms such as Listers and Maudsley’s.

This new project provides a similar record of the overlooked experiences of the female textile mill workers.