Gemma Parker Congleton Town Three years ago I moved from Congleton to Manchester. Although Congleton is a town just outside Manchester, I feel there is such a contrast in lifestyle and attitudes of the residents. Where Manchester is more cosmopolitan Congleton has a very close-knit community. I have always been very conscious of the contrasts and differences of the small town with the big city. This year I have begun to develop project work based around my return to my hometown. It has become evident to me that my time away has given me the opportunity to study the area more objectively. I have in essence become the outsider looking in. The work concentrates on Congleton Town Football club. . I focused on studying the ground itself and the people that work there. From the Chairman to the cleaners, the grounds man, the catering staff and of course the fans. How they interact and work as a community reflects how Congleton as a town is. I have also become interested in photographing the spaces when there is no one around, documenting changing rooms, the bar, the pitch; these spaces when they are not in use I feel gives a reflection on the history of the club. This project has enabled me to see the value of the community and rather than being critical of its ‘small-town’ attitude I feel I have developed a greater understanding of the importance of maintaining a strong community identity.