Mass Observation Project

[Bbq1]

I know during the World War 2 and afterwards there were people compiling diaries about their daily life. Nella Last is a well know diarist. Is this project still going on today does anybody know ?

Yes - there's a 12th May diary anyone can contribute to each year. They're only interested in other contributors in particular demographics, I think.

http://www.massobs.org.uk/write-for-us/become-a-mass-observer

Thanks. Im really interested in getting involved in that.

have just read the second book by Nella Last the peace years really interesting the everyday life of an ordinary lady in a small town

Simon Garfield has edited some Mass Obs diaries, too. There are three volumes I think, and they each cover about 5 people.

Victoria Wood adapted and acted in her version of Nella's diary, "Housewife 49" for tv. It was excellent, one of the best things she did. Highly recommended.

This is fascinating I've just signed up thanks

I read a book called Blitz Spirit by Becky Brown during lockdown and it was fascinating! It was the first I’d heard of this project and some of those peoples diary entries I still think of now.