AN exhibition celebrating the lives, times and history of mums in Crewe has launched.

MotherWell CIC, working with local community groups, has produced the ‘Mum’s the Word’ project, which explores how the lives and roles of mums living in Crewe has changed over time.

Residents can see the exhibition from Tuesday, April 12 at St Barnabas Church on West Street, where it is expect to remain for about a month.

Funding from Cheshire Crime Commissioner, as voted by central Crewe residents, enabled the idea of the exhibition to transform into a reality.

Almost 80 people, led by MotherWell CIC co-founder, Kate Blakemore and MotherWell volunteer Natalie Simm, came together to work on the project over a six month period.

Kate said: “This has been an incredibly popular exhibition. We have all been surprised at the wide variety of people who have been interested in helping to make the project.

“For example, one elderly gentleman took a real interest because his mum had raised him as a single parent in Crewe.

“His contribution was really valued and was an opportunity for him to reminisce about the pride he showed in his upbringing in the area.

“The Polish community living in Crewe have also demonstrated their pride in Crewe since the launch, through their interest.

“It has been a great way of combining common interests and bridging gaps between the communities.”

The exhibition focuses on mums in Crewe but also features the history and changes that have taken place in the area during over time.

Visitors can expect to find out more about subjects such as the history of Crewe Alex Football Club and see ‘Then and Now’ photographs from well-known streets and shops in the area.

Old newspaper clippings, photographs, toys, poems and case studies of famous people who were born or have visited Crewe are just some of the features that make up the extensive exhibition.

Wulvern Housing’s Pickmere has been one of six locations where the exhibition was compiled.

Pat Sandland, Wulvern’s extra care manager, said: “Memory sharing is a proven way to help elderly people and those suffering with memory problems to remember events from their past, maintain their confidence and improve their self-esteem.

“Our residents have really benefitted from being involved with the project and have enjoyed sharing their experiences of growing up with the younger mums and each other.”