Up Close is an interview series for Biddulph Nub News, talking to local people about their businesses, hobbies, or anything else they want to chat about!

In the latest instalment of Up Close we spoke to Biddulph's Laura Chapman about her love of local history, and sharing stories of the area's past with other enthusiasts.

Laura set up the Biddulph in Photographs (Past and Present) and Congleton in Photographs (Past and Present) Facebook pages, with each page growing to have thousands of members.

She is now using her pages to help fundraise by selling charity local calendars, after two of her friends were sadly diagnosed with cancer.

Read the interview below...

How long have you been interested in history and especially local history? Was there anything in particular that sparked your interest?

"I set up Congleton in Photographs (Past and Present) in October 2017 when I was on maternity leave and a bit fed up, so I decided to share my love of local history with everyone.

"The group went crazy and it now has just over seven thousand members. We have some amazing recent photos posted, and I use these in a charity calendar that I produce every year.

"I then decided to research the history of Biddulph as I now live here and set up Biddulph in Photographs (Past and Present) that also has been very popular with over four thousand members.

"I think my interest in local history started when I was around 14 years old, my nan had a beautiful oil painting of Lawton Street in Congleton and it fascinated me."

How does it feel that the two groups have become so popular, is it exciting to know that so many other people share your interest in the history of the local area?

"It is absolutely amazing! It's so lovely seeing old family photos and the stories behind them. A lot of my members are very grateful for the memories of the olden days or the places that used to be home for them."

What are some of the best or most memorable photographs that you have seen in the groups?

"Mike Hurst posted some fantastic photos of Congleton town centre from the 80's. They got so many comments, it was just lovely reading them."

Do you think that Biddulph in particular has an especially interesting local history?

"Biddulph has a lot of local history, I absolutely love reading about James Bateman and his huge orchid collection, he did a lot of good for the town."

Tell me more about your charity calendars, why did you decide to start making them?

"The charity came about when my friend Emma was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She needed a lot of money to get her life-changing surgery, but unfortunately it was too little too late.

"This year's calendar is for another friend of mine, Maxine, again she has terminal cancer and the money will be used for her final wishes."

What are your charity plans for the future?

"Going forward I would love to do a Biddulph calendar and I'm currently looking into getting a sponsor. I would love to help Biddulph Youth and Community Zone as they are a fantastic charity and help the local community so much."

Is there anything else you would like to add?

"I would also like to thank my admin team - Steve Sumnall, Alan Smith, Ade Hough and Mark Sandbach, I couldn't have done it without their help.

"Calendars are £8 each and are available from Huff & Puff in Congleton. I have also just started Stoke on Trent in Photographs (Past and Present) if anyone would like to join!"

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