Dear Paddington Project
In our lives, we all have at least one place that has made a significant impact on who were are and what we've achieved.
Paddington, Brisbane, is a special place for many generations of Queenslanders.
For residents, business owners, workers, visitors and tourists, this leafy inner-west Brisbane suburb has become more than just a locality for those who choose to immerse themselves in all it has to offer.
Paddington's colourful tapestry has been woven by its cultures, its music, its art, its architecture, its events, its changing landscape and lifestyles over the years, and, of course, its people.
We at Paddington Then & Now want to hear about, and share, people's personal history and experiences, using the medium of a hand-written letter… we are calling it the
“Dear Paddington Project”
We invite the following people to post us a hand-written letter:
Those who were born or moved here...
Those with ancestors who lived here...
Those who visited family here...
Those who went to school here...
Those who raised a family here...
Those who bought or rented their first home here...
Those who've renovated a timber cottage here...
Those who've run a business or worked here...
Those who feel a special connection to Paddington.
How to write a love letter to Paddington
Gather your supplies: paper, crayons, markers, pencils, stickers, glitter, glue, scissors. Or just a pen and a sheet of paper. Make it as simple or elaborate as you want.
Think about things in Paddington that make you love it. Consider the places you've frequented; the events you've enjoyed; the most interesting people you’ve known; the houses you've lived in; the streets you've played in; the rituals you've relied on; and the things you would miss if you moved away, or have missed since you've left.
Write your love letter by hand - only type it if you absolutely have to.
Start it "Dear Paddington,”
Think of Paddington as a person you'd like to thank for the service it has given you.
Sign it if you want, or leave it anonymous. Your choice.
Put your letter in an envelope, drop it into the letterbox at 144 Latrobe Tce Paddington, or pop it in the post to the same address.
The Dear Paddington Project is all about sharing history through
lived experiences of our beloved suburb. By using the lost art of letter-writing,
we believe that people, especially the older generations,
will be able to connect with their past in a personal and heart-felt way
that can be shared with a broad audience.
Letters will be published on our social media channels, in typed format, or read out loud by the author, or Kerry and Caylie, with the authors' permission, and collated into a book of the same name.
