I was pleased to have the chance to take part in this style of research module within my studies. I feel that having a group topic that we could all contribute to, as well as the wider Engage project, gave a good starting point for my first in-depth work with primary sources.
I have realized that by starting a project like this you have to ask yourself questions constantly to keep a fresh and motivated approach to your work. Although a lot of my questions have been answered there has been more questions created out of them. As i focused on Christ Church I only touched on the history of the other churches in Shieldfield. I m glad I chose Christ Church as it is still functioning in, even if only on a mall level, within the community.
If I could broaden my research on this subject I would definitely carry out oral histories. Although I was lucky enough to speak briefly with Joyce, Christ Church's caretaker, I would have liked to have asked some more questions as she attended the church when it played a more important role in the community.
This project has taught me a lot about different methods of research and also the importance of an area's identity in relation to, not only its community, but how people from outside of the area see it. There is no really conclusion to this project as it is the kind of research that can be added to over time.
