Oral history project: Common Cold Unit

The history of medicine has been shaped by infections, diseases and outbreaks. During the 2020 Covid-19 we took time to look back at how these were controlled and treated with Public Health measures, vaccines and medicine in our local area. What we discovered when looking back with fresh eyes was quite remarkable. Although Covid-19 is a new disease it is caused by a type of coronavirus that was first discovered by research done at the Common Cold Unit, Salisbury in 1964.

Once this story started to emerge so did an intense interest in the work done at the unit, which closed in the 1990s after fifty years of research into the cure for the common cold.

Throughout the following years we contacted staff and volunteers who worked and visited the Common Cold Unit.  We recorded their stories and found out more about the research, lifestyle and atmosphere that gives a more complete sense of place.

• Staff Kathy – Behind the trials: Everyday work of the Common Cold Unit
• Staff Audrey – There was no such thing as a typical day
• Staff Kay – A career in virus research
• Staff Lorna – Living and working at the Common Cold Unit

• Volunteer Maureen – Cider in the snow
• Volunteer Caroline – A cheap holiday and a curious experiment
• Volunteer Kate – Thirty Feet Apart

Funding was provided by British Science Association to train volunteers and community engagement events.