Call for stories of women and girls across Cheshire

23 October 2026

People across Cheshire are being invited to help create a unique archive of life in the county by sharing stories of women and girls for the 20,000 Women Zine Project.

The project aims to address the historic underrepresentation of women in archival collections and ensure that the experiences, voices and stories of women and girls living in Cheshire in 2026 are preserved for future generations.

The project encourages people of all ages to create and submit a zine - a small self-made publication, that can include writing, drawings, photographs, collage, or digital media.

Submitted zines will become part of a special archive collection, creating a remarkable snapshot of life in Cheshire in 2026. A selection will also be displayed in the new archive centres in Chester and Crewe in 2027.

The project is inspired by a wider programme exploring how women's stories have shaped Cheshire's communities, workplaces, families and culture.

Contributors might choose to share a day in the life, favourite places, ambitions, challenges, family stories, journeys, achievements or hopes for the future. The aim is simply to capture what life is like for women and girls in Cheshire today.

Resources are available online to help residents get started, including a short introductory film, an accessible digital zine maker and educational materials for schools.

For information on how to create and submit a zine, or for further information about the women’s project, visit the news section on the Cheshire Archives website or contact recordoffice@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader at Cheshire East Council, said: “As we prepare for Cheshire’s new archive centre, opening in Crewe next year, this project gives residents the chance to become part of the county’s history.

“Women have played a vital role in shaping our communities, families, workplaces and culture, yet their stories have not always been fully represented in historical collections.

“Whether through words, photographs, artwork or memories, every contribution will help tell the story of life in Cheshire in 2026. I hope women and girls from across the county will take this opportunity to share their experiences and ensure they are preserved for future generations.”

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