A very rough guide for interviewers when collecting stories

General advice:

• As the project views the village from the lens of the railway that ran through it, interviewers should aim to collect stories relating to the impact of the railway and how locals interacted with it etc
• Despite this emphasis on railway history - the project is squarely focussed on the village of Braunton and the stories of its residents, instead of the mechanics of the railway as it ran. For example, information about exact railway timetabling is less relevant unless forming a part of a individual's story.
• If possible audio recordings are to be taken of discussions with residents of the village as a record of their stories. If such a recording is taken, it would be ideal if the interviewee gave their name - if they so wish - and talk briefly about their connection to the village at the beginning of this recording.
• Below are a series of suggested questions that I have found useful for stimulating discussion - feel free to use these if they seem relevant. These are not aimed at rigidly steering discussion but can be useful talking points in a lull in the conversation.

Suggested conversation points / questions:

• What are you recollections of Braunton station / goods yard?
• Did your family use the railway?
• What impact do you think the closing of the railway had on the village and its locality?
• Did the railway make Braunton more connected? / Was this lost when the railway went?
• Do you remember the last train to Ilfracombe?
• How long have you lived in the village?
• Do you think that the return of the railway would be a force for good for the village?