Share your memories of man’s first steps on Moon

PEOPLE across the UK are being urged to share their memories and photographs of the Apollo 11 Moon landing ahead of the historic event’s 50th anniversary in July.

Members of the public are being asked to submit their personal accounts of the occasion, in which Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first astronauts to walk on the Moon on July 21 1969.

Memories are being collected by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Space Agency, which will curate and share a selection on July 20, the day Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the Moon.

“The 1969 Apollo 11 Moon landing was not just a pivotal moment in space exploration, but a defining moment for humanity,” said British astronaut Tim Peake. “Whether you were too young to witness the first footsteps on the Moon, or old enough to see it for yourself, the Moon landing has inspired so many people over the past 50 years.”

People are welcome to upload anything from written accounts and stories of how the moment inspired them, to newspaper cuttings and grainy photographs of families gathered around the television.

Chris Skidmore, the science minister, said: “Landing on the Moon was unthinkable at the beginning of the 20th century, so when Armstrong heralded the moment as ‘one giant leap for mankind’, those words rightly have echoed through the ages.

“Through our modern Industrial Strategy, we are backing the UK’S thriving space sector so that the young people inspired by this great event of the past will have opportunities to work in the industry’s highly skilled, well-paid jobs of the future.”

American space agency Nasa recently launched a similar initiative, asking people to send voice recordings of their memories for an audio series.

“As a young child I was, like millions of people around the world, fascinated watching the Apollo 11 Moon landing,” said Sue Horne, head of space exploration at the UK Space Agency.

“I remember our headmistress, who disapproved of television, insisted that the school television was on at lunchtime so we could watch the latest news on this historic event.

“The Moon landing was an inspiration to me and it’s exciting to think that young people today will be part of the next chapter of lunar exploration, with the UK playing an important role.

“I am looking forward to sharing in people’s memories of this iconic moment in space exploration.”

Memories can be submitted until June 18 at moonlandingmemories.com.