Sarah Ellen by Kate Hardcastle

Please tell us about yourself:
I 'emigrated' to Lancashire from Yorkshire in 2000. Still trying to bring culture to the natives - settling in well - indigenous tribes very friendly and helpful.

What is your story about?
My grandma Sarah Ellen who went with her mother to America in 1890's so that her mother could be united with her lover. How Sarah Ellen's life was affected by this event and what the future holds for me.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?
Intrigued by the mysterious Jim Smith in the US and the strength of character my great grandma showed to leave her home and her husband with a young daughter in tow to travel across the Atlantic to join Mr. Smith.
I followed in her footsteps recently and found it traumatic enough just to travel by air with a return ticket.

What was the experience of making your digital story like?

Cathartic. It clarified her story for me. I learned something new about ancestry, technology and myself.
I met wonderful diverse characters. The BBC's Rob and Rachel appear to be natural teachers in this field and the centre support staff were wonderful.

Play film