Sharing My Secret Derbyshire Interview On BBC Radio

I was invited to speak on Secret Derbyshire for BBC Radio Derby, where I told the story of my work in Riddings with flax and discussed why local heritage is important to me as a contemporary community textile artist. The programme mistakenly listed my name as Amanda Harran, but my correct name is Amanda Haran, which is an easy mix-up.

I'm popping the link here so you can listen to the conversation.

Why This Interview Matters to My Practice

This opportunity to chat with the BBC felt (nerve-wrackingly) vital, as it allowed me to speak about the flax heritage that runs quietly under our feet on a stage bigger than Riddings and Alfreton (though beautiful stages both are, without question). Many people in Amber Valley remember small details about rope walks, flax fields, lorries dispersing flax confetti from uncovered loads and the sound of local mills. Focusing the lens on working-class recollection is critical to the project's success.

There's a sinew of exploring memories through my work; I really enjoy taking the time and care to truly listen, acknowledge, and cradle rememberings, using the gathered community treasure to inspire meaningful artistic work that brings people together in a deliberate show of pride. My collaboration and creative ambitions are high.

Ordinary folk's histories have the tendency to be undocumented and unappreciated. One of my aims is to collect local stories before they are lost, then use them to inspire people to grow flax with me next season and strengthen the community connections that already exist here. Speaking about this on the radio was a chance to reach new people and invite them into the work.

What I Spoke About On BBC Secret Derbyshire

During the conversation, I shared not only the joy of making heritage visible again, but also:

• How the Riddings Community Flax Project began

• Why flax has deep roots in Derbyshire

• The value of everyday memories

• How creative textile practice can support community wellbeing

Listening to people is central to my work. Community stories shape the direction of each project and guide many of my decisions. I want to create work that belongs with people rather than being placed on top of them, akin to Stephen Willats, a titan in community arts and someone I have been studying and emulating as a Creative Listener.

Growing Attention For Community Flax Work

It means a great deal to be part of a programme that celebrates local voices. The interest in flax and community textiles shows that people are ready to reconnect with the land, with one another, and with their own stories.

My current projects continue to explore these themes, and I am developing new work that brings together heritage, place, and participation in gentle and thoughtful ways. Invitations from radio programmes help to enhance the visibility of this work and support future opportunities across Derbyshire.

Finding Out More

If you discovered my practice through this BBC interview, you can explore the projects mentioned here:

• Riddings Community Flax Project

• Beneath Our Feet Exhibition

• Projects Overview

• Artist CV

I hope this recorded chat encourages more people to join the journey as we grow, gather, listen, and make together.

This invitation felt like a lovely moment of recognition for the community flax project and for the way local stories are becoming a bigger part of my practice as a contemporary community textile artist in Derbyshire. Thank you to BBC Radio Derby for featuring my work. It was a lovely experience to share what is happening in Amber Valley right now and to invite more people into the conversation.

I'm thrilled to spread the word about our rich traditions.