Despite taking place almost 90 years ago, the Mass Observation research initiative that started in 1937 in Bolton is still regarded by many as an important part of the town’s history, not just in Bolton but further afield too, including at the BBC no less. Live from Worktown were contacted by Radio 4 producer, Katharine Longworth, to find out more about one particular aspect of the research – a survey on happiness.
This survey encouraged people to send letters on the subject of “What is happiness to you and yours?” After studying these responses, Katharine was keen to spend time in Bolton to discover whether the town still holds the secret to happiness.
We were just one Bolton organisation contacted by Katharine but we were pleased to accompany her on a walk around the town centre visiting places that had links to Mass Observation.
As well as LfW directors Peter Firth and Julia Uttley, we were joined by a number of Bolton locals:
Don Tonge (documentary photographer)
Jeff Dawson (poet and committee member of the Bolton Socialist Club)
Ian Aspinall (actor and artist).
After a briefing by Katharine in the Bolton Library cafe, we headed out on a tour starting with Victoria Square and then Nelson Square, where there used to be a hotel that Tom Harrison (who led the Mass Observation in Bolton) once stayed in, now the site of the Northern Monkey pub.
Moving on, we stopped in Churchgate, where Peter recited some of the information he would impart during our popular town-centre My Place walk. We then visited the historic Socialist Club building in Wood Street, before heading out to see Davenport Street, where a small unassuming terraced house once served as the Mass Observation HQ.
While the original terraced house used by the MO team no longer stands on Davenport Street, The Royal pub at the end of the road on Vernon Street is still open, so we felt we had to have a pint in what would have been the MO team’s local.
Heading back into the Town Centre, we concluded our tour with a visit to Ye Olde Pastie Shoppe on Churchgate, where Ian had kindly arranged with Marie Walsh, the head of the family business, for us to have a glimpse behind-the-scenes at the bakery, as well as an opportunity for a final interview.
In case you’ve not seen beyond the shop itself, please flick through the images below.
And, what could be better than a traditional Bolton pastie to ensure the tour ended on a happy note?
After finishing this tasty treat, we all said our goodbyes and Katharine headed off to see her contacts at the University of Greater Manchester for more interesting information on Mass Observation and the Happiness Survey.
Broadcast on Radio 4 at 7:30pm on Sunday 1st February, you can also listen to the programme on catch up: Bolton: The Happiest Town on Earth?
Photos: Julia Uttley (except BBC image, right).
