Healing the Wounds Oral History Project (2016)

Awarded through the Heritage Lottery Fund this project captures personal stories of 18 Irish Emigrants who came to settle in South London from the 1940s onwards.

The speakers include Richard Brady, Pat Brailsford, Nuala Concannon, Eddie Coughlan, Philomena Dennis, Agnes Forde, Jo Higgins, Rose Kane, Ann Keane, Ann Lucas, Richard Lucas, Joan Mythen, Cal O'Herlihy, John O’Regan, Helen Summerfield, Kay Tracey, Mary Twomey, Ben Ward.

During the period that the interviewees lived through, there was a campaign of bombing in London including an incident at the Kings Arms public house in Woolwich, on 7 November 1974. The period between 1940 to the 1980s forms the backdrop to a far more positive story, one within which Irish men and women have supported each other, helped shape communities and contributed to the development of South London. Their involvement has stretched across professions including the construction industry, commercial business and the health sector.

This booklet, together with an exhibition in Royal Greenwich Heritage Centre from September 2016 until March 2017, is the culmination of a rich oral history project, showcasing people's unique stories, in their own words. Each person in their own right has contributed to the social and economic life of their neighbourhood and they continue to do so today. They have forged strong links across communities and have been ambassadors through good and bad times.

Many Irish people settled in Woolwich and the surrounding area during the 1940s onwards, though an Irish presence in the borough predates this.

The project team would like to thank:

• the interviewees and the Irish Community in Greenwich Bexley and Lewisham
• the staff team at Royal Greenwich Heritage Centre
• trustees, Director, staff and volunteers of Irish Community Services (ICS)