Here are a selection of Testimonials.
Youth work Experience
Youth Zine project 2025 with 17-18 year olds producing their own zine on current themes of their choice, incorporating history and design publishing skills.
Bob the caretaker – a local view
A local caretaker Bob gives his view of the Museum in Somers Town.
Bangladeshi Women’s group on why the club matters
Members of the Lotus Group explain the importance of storytelling and how creative activites built inclusive community.
Why we began – a review from the outside
Ex BL-curator reviews us- built by community for communiy – it’s what all museums should be doing!
Activities and the space
Review of 2023 Activities – a space for the local community
Local Member of Lotus Group
Local resident Bahar tells of her expereince of atttending the Bangaladeshi Women’s group for over 3 years and its dancing and singing.
Lotus group feedback
‘I come on Fridays – It’s like my home – we have fun singing and I did a chapter in the book. This is near my home so I can come, and I feel at home here!’
Bahar Begum, Local resident, Bangladeshi Lotus Group 2026
“I have seen firsthand the impact that a safe and welcoming space can have on these women. The group has provided them with a trusted environment where they can build friendships, gain confidence, and overcome loneliness. Many participants have expressed how much this initiative has improved their emotional well-being and sense of belonging.’
“ An invaluable opportunity for these women to integrate into the
wider community, boosting their emotional well-being and creating a more inclusive
and supportive environment.”
Shahanaz Ahmed, Local resident, Bangladeshi Lotus Group Lead 2026
Lotus group feedback
Rahima Begum
I am a resident of Somerstown i have been coming to the Lotus groups for a few years now i really enjoy coming to the group every Friday i feel excited, it’s good for my mental health i like the ladies who run the Diana, Shanaz and Rubina
Jahanara Begum
I am a Somerstown resident i have been coming to the Lotus group for the last few years now
I enjoyed the afternoon tea, the signing session, and the company of the ladies. I am thankful to Diana, Rubina and Shanaz for running the group they are amazing.
Wahida Nargis
I like coming to the Lotus group every Friday i enjoy the company of the ladies in our group
Get to meet my friends.
My mental health feels good because of the singing and dancing sessions we participate in. I am also a Somerstown resident. Diana is very nice and so are Shanaz and Rubina.
Nadira
I love coming to the group every Friday. I enjoy the storytelling and singing with the ladies. I live on Chalton Street in Somerstown and have been coming to the Lotus group for the last three years. It’s good for my mental health.
And a big thank you Diana, Shanaz and Rubina for running the project and giving us the pace all three of you are amazing.
“this community needs something like this to keep alive the local history If it wasn’t here people would be much poorer for it – it’s saving things – making points – it’s making a voice”
Dervilla Carroll – Goldington
My name is Dervilla Carroll. I have lived in Somers Town for 35 years. The People’s Museum is a truly remarkable project – a tiny space for us but with a huge heart and imagination led by Diana Foster, aided by volunteers rooted in the local community.
The sheer variety of achievements and events – too many to list them all, from recovering some of the original Gilbert Bayes ceramic finials (which decorated the courtyards of the Sydney housing Estate) to workshops, art classes for local children, the Bangladeshi Women’s Lotus Group, book launches, musical evenings, and the Somers Town guided walks which bring the rich history of this small area vividly to life and are accessible to all, and all this on limited resources.
The museum is a welcoming hub; for locals who drop in for a coffee and a chat or to reminisce, and for those who have moved from the area, the delight in seeing their family history preserved in the museum’s photo collection when they return to revisit where they grew up, is a source of great pride. Others on their way to work or to catch a train are amazed to discover this gem and the rich heritage of the local area. I have made so many new friends from all walks of life and ethnicities since I started visiting this tiny space and continue to do so as the museum events increasingly attract a diverse range of people both local, from further afield and even international visitors!
My hope is that the unique value of this little local museum is widely recognized and endures as a witness to the culture, creativity, and resilience of this small community between Euston and St Pancras station.
Youth club collaborations↗
Co-created murals in the street – working with FYA Youth in Action – a community response to the recent murder.
An outside view – politician on why history matters
Andrew Feinstein, Camden politician visits – and understands the need for a social space in a community relating to shortage of social housing.
Ema Howling
Local resident and Somers Town Museum Advisory Committee member
Somers Town, London NW1
LOCAL SCHOOL FEEDBACK
It felt like a celebration of Somers Town. Being on a low income, being able to use the space for free was invaluable.
Anna Lerner local resident and photographer
“After the (pupils’) visit, many declared they had learned more in that hour than in all my lessons combined, which is of course a bittersweet testimonial, .. they said: ‘ ‘I just thought we lived in a run-down area,’ one exclaimed, ‘but it is actually really important historically!’ “
“They strengthen bonds in the community they perpetuate Somers Town Legacy of social activism for a new generation who urgently need to learn how to act in their society.”
- Elizabeth Keim Regent High school English teacher 2024
“helping to restore a sense of pride and place for local people”
Holds “a wide range of local community organisations have been included in collaborations to
create well attended and dynamic events…connecting the local community to wider society and adding to the vibrancy of the area.”
- Carol Carter Local ex-lead of Housing Association Origin
“Through my involvement with the museum, I have witnessed the profound impact of our efforts to document and celebrate the legacy of Somers Town and surrounding areas.”
- Jane Gull local resident and filmmaker activist
“This place offer people a open space to chat & relax. Serve for the people’s needs. Good <3”
In Visitor Book
“Welcome to the incredible Somers Town, everybody! I grew up and went to school here, and am incredibly excited to find that the community history is being preserved! I’ll be back to learn more and contribute more too! Long live the Museum!”
Adam, visitor book
“I’m from Walker House! And these lovely sing for me @ night! I hear them from my windows opposite, lovelies! You actually brighten up the area with your lovely voices! Love ya xxx”
- Amia Walker House in visitor book
- Great museum, lovely to see pride in the community of Somers Town”
- Joe, visitor book
“This has been one of the most interesting places and experiences of my stays in London. Thank you for preserving and presenting such a fascinating part of this city’s culture.”
– Ray, In Visitor Book
“Wonderful evening celebrating V.E. Day. I have travelled from West London having heard an interview with Kate & Robert Elms on BBC Radio London. Kate was amazing, the warmth of the community so welcoming on such an important day in history. Anisha was so welcoming & sharing knowledge of the museum. I will definitely be following this wonderful space.”
– Maureen visitor book
“Hello! Thank you all SO much for your hospitality! My Internship here has been wonderful. I hope you all have a great summer. Learning all the ins and outs of the museum and the area’s history have truly been a pleasure! Love, Emily”
Emily Intern 2025 In Visitor Book
Hello, Thank you for this wonderful museum. I lived in Somers Town 2000–2010 and the community was challenged from many sides but I see now that the vibrancy is more obvious now than then. This place is inspiring and charts special memories and objects that are so important to tell the story of Somers Town. Keep on keeping on!
Kate In Visitor Book
Bob Caretaker for 17 years in Somers Town
TRA FEEDBACK
“ it actively fosters positive connections both within Somers Town and with those from outside the area.”
“facilitates community events, supporting a diverse range of gatherings and activities.
“ a dynamic hub for community health, support, and gathering.
Prior to our involvement with the museum, we observed gaps in intergenerational engagement and positive local gatherings.
The museum has addressed these gaps”
“an increase in youth-led engagement with the museum through its apprenticeship programs.”
“the museum into a local sanctuary, fostering connections across generations where diverse, intergenerational gatherings develop organically.”
“created a positive space for local discourse, and bridged the gaps between other local stakeholders and us, thanks to its inclusive and welcoming culture”
…, we, the STTA, have directly benefited by engaging with the local community, local artists, other TRAs, professional charitable organisations, Mental Health specialists, local councillors, and academics, which has increased our ability to support our members as a TRA.
“a beacon of stability, promoting community well-being, supporting tourism, and preserving the area’s heritage.”
Without the museum’s current operational funding, the Somers Town community would greatly suffer the loss of a vital organ of our society that has promoted a positive cultural setting, social cohesion, individual value, and a proud local identity.
Without it, grassroots organisations such as ours will have less opportunity to engage with the wider stakeholders of our local community. We therefore urge you to recognise and sustain this invaluable resource for Somers Town and beyond.”
- Mohammed Akmal. I am the Chair of the Somers Town Tenants Association 2026
RESIDENT FEEDBACK
“My name is Ema Howling, and I am a Somers Town resident, community organiser and textile artist. I am also Vice Chair of the Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum, a local parent governor and a member of the Somers Town Museum Advisory Committee.
I became involved with the museum because I believe the history of Somers Town should be preserved and told by the people who live here. My role is to contribute a resident’s perspective, share local knowledge and help ensure that the museum remains connected, welcoming and accountable to our community.
The museum directly involves residents in collecting memories, sharing stories and celebrating the people, creativity and working-class heritage of Somers Town. It gives local people a genuine sense of ownership and ensures that our history is not lost as the area changes.
Somers Town Museum is more than a place displaying the past. It is an important community space that brings generations together, strengthens local identity and helps residents feel that their lives and experiences matter. I am proud to support its work and strongly believe it is a valuable asset for Somers Town and the wider borough of Camden.”