The Chance to Chat boxes have been put together by Chris Moore at Stroud Fair Shares who describes them as follows:

The boxes are in fact not boxes at all but are containers which could stimulate memories and stories in themselves, such as a small suitcase, a bread bin, and other types of cases. Inside you'll find many things, such as an on old turn dial telephone that should be able to receive incoming phone calls so people may be able to use it, a knitting bag with wool and needles that people are encouraged to use (any knitting could be kept or returned to the box, if kept please replace the wool), an old swimming costume, a Green Shield Stamp book, a bag of stamps, purses and pre decimal money, records that we would encourage people to play on a record player and maybe have a dance and much, much more. Listen to family members, friends and those you care for, talk about their lives, you may be surprised by what you hear.

The memory containers can be borrowed by anyone who feels they would be useful to stimulate memories and stories, especially if they would help to maintain or rebuild relationships. Family and informal carers, those living with dementia, care home members, small groups or individuals can borrow the containers. The containers are full of evocative objects which are intended to be handled and used.

Please click on the containers below to find out a few of the objects in each box to help you select the box you wish to borrow.

  • Contents include: Horse riding helmet, glass jelly mould, British Railways Locomotives Book (for trainspotting), 28 dominos, Izal toilet paper and many more objects.

  • Contents include: cream rotary telephone, Green Shields stamps in book, Ladybird book of ‘The Little Red Hen’, Max Factor eye lash make up refill, with brush and in carboard box, shaving bush and many more objects.

  • Contents include: child’s red jumper, showing a rider and hounds, Beano comic, Warne’s Ready Reckoner, skipping rope, glass Tizer bottle and many more objects.

  • Contents include: Geography Note book completed at Pates Grammar School, Perry Como single record, Playing card for Putting Green in Bournemouth (with scores), Forest Green Rovers FC Programme and many more objects.

Boxes can be borrowed, free of charge, using the contact our Learning Officer page. A few days’ notice would be appreciated, so that we can make the box ready for collection.

The Museum in the Park is acting as a collection and return point for the Chance to Chat boxes. The Museum is open:

Tuesday - 10am to 4.30pm
Wednesday - 10am to 4.30pm
Thursday - 10am to 4.30pm
Friday - 10am to 4.30pm
Saturday - 11am to 4.30pm
Sunday - 11am to 4.30pm
Monday - Closed
Bank Holidays - 11am to 4.30pm.

Visit how to find us for information about finding Museum in the Park.

Alternatively, our Remote Learning Packages, designed for use with school groups, may suit your group.