Help create a new archive of women’s and girls’ lives this summer

6 August 2026

Cheshire Archives’ 20,000 Women Project aims to collect stories of women and girls living in Cheshire. The project seeks to redress an historic imbalance where women’s experiences have too often been overlooked or left out of the county’s archives.

Anyone can take part and make their own mini-magazine or zine, using the materials provided. Zines might include articles, drawings, interviews, poems, stories, lists, memories, collages, comics or puzzles.

No previous art or writing experience is needed; children, teenagers and adults can take part independently or make a zine with friends, relatives or as part of a group. Packs can be used at the station or taken away to complete at home.

Created by artist Heather Wilson, each Zine Station provides everything needed to get started. Heather said: “There are instructions, templates, bright papers, stickers, letters and copyright-free images; participants can choose a woman or girl living in Cheshire today - perhaps a relative, friend, neighbour, colleague or themselves - and turn her interests, ambitions, memories, achievements and everyday experiences into an eight-page mini-zine.”

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader and strategic lead for economic development at Cheshire East Council, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for women and girls across Cheshire to become part of the county’s history.

“Every zine submitted will help create a rich, diverse and authentic record of life in Cheshire today, ensuring that future generations can learn from and be inspired by the experiences, achievements and everyday stories of the women and girls who live here.

“We’re excited to see the creativity, memories and voices that people choose to share through this project."

Zine Making Stations will be at the Silk Museum in Macclesfield, plus Bollington, Disley, Macclesfield and Poynton Libraries.

Thereafter they will move around the county to different venues for the rest of the year when the project will end. For updates, please follow the Instagram page @cheshire_archives_women.

Cheshire Archives will be moving to two new purpose-built Archive Centres in Chester and Crewe in early 2027.

Construction of the two new Archive Centres has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Wolfson Foundation, an independent, grant-making charity with a focus on research and education.