Ella’s Peas: the Batchelor’s story – call for volunteers

Women of Steel, join Ella’s Archive Group!

Help Bring Sheffield Industrial Heritage to Life.

About the Project

Chol Theatre’s new project Ella’s Peas shines a light on Ella Hudson-Gasking, Sheffield’s little-known, industrial change-maker. Ella led Bachelor’s in the early 20th century, revolutionising food processing and mass-production. She ran a company truly cared for its workers and delighted the UK with the iconic mushy pea! Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund we will share her impact and the experiences of those who worked with her.

Volunteer Opportunity

We’re looking for six women aged 50+ with a connection to Batchelor’s to join Ella’s Archive Group. As a volunteer, you’ll become part of the ‘detective’ team, working alongside Chol to explore Sheffield archives and to collect oral histories from former workers. These will inspire a brand new play, set to premiere in spring 2025.

What you’ll do

• Research & Storytelling: Uncover and record Batchelor’s history through archives and artefacts
• Oral History Training: Gain new skills in collecting and preserving oral histories
• Community Impact: Help shape a play that celebrates Sheffield industrial past, sharing it with future generations.

Flexible Volunteering with Key Dates

You’ll need to attend sessions between December and January, but we’ll plan them around your commitments as much as possible. An important date is Wednesday 27th November – where we invite you to join us for a friendly ‘Cuppa and Chat’ to meet our team and other volunteers at the Magick Shop on 82 Broad St, Sheffield S2 5TG . This is a chance to hear more about the project, come at either 3pm or 7pm to fit your schedule.

Have a story to share?

If you or someone you know has memories of Batchelor’s up until the 1980s, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s working in the factori or memories of Batchelor’s community spirit, every story counts! You can also download this flyer.

Interested? Get in Touch! Contact Carly at carly@wearechol.co.uk to express your interest or if you have any questions.