The memories that we gather are a vital reminder of our roots

The culture, customs and traditions of generations gone by make us who we are today, says Liz Hare

IN this age of false news some would argue that memories are contradictory and unreliable. Naturally, our memories are selective, but it’s surprising how generic stories emerge in Citadel Arts Group’s memory-sharing projects.

How often we’ve heard the one about the “tarry bubbles”. Children used to rush out when the road mender’s vehicle passed and loved to burst the bubbles of soft tar with their feet. There was always a child who didn’t take their socks off and ruined them. Did you know that butter was the best way of cleaning tarry feet?

The rag and bone man is another recurring memory. He gave a balloon for old clothes and quite a few children – wee boys usually – traded their best new coat for a balloon. In most versions of this memory mum retrieves the coat just in time!

These are shared memories of a way of life before health and safely, a time of poverty for many, where a balloon was treasured. They convey a picture of society more vividly than in any textbook.

Recently we’ve shared the memory of Dazzle ship artist Eva Harriet Mackenzie in our play entitled Dazzle. Dazzle camouflage was used to help protect ships from German U-boats in World War One. Eva studied art in Edinburgh, she drove ambulances during the First World War and worked on the camouflage Dazzle designs.

She played a key role in a fascinating element of World War One history. Her story is a a reminder that