People may talk about making memories, but rarely think in terms of making history, not unless they are involved in some momentous event. But, records of memories are what create history.
Records might be created by newspaper reports, clubs lining up their teams for formal photographs, schools creating honours boards and in many other ways. They might not seem of interest in a few days’ time, but years down the line, then many people find them fascinating.
Perhaps we wonder about the reason for our road’s name, or who lived in it a hundred years ago. At community level, events like important anniversaries tend to include photos and displays about how things used to be. For example, a lot of schools have celebrated their 150th anniversaries in the past year or two, thanks to Victorian Education Acts. Some went so far as dressing up and re-enacting lessons, though I hope none considered corporal punishment!
All the counties across our region have both official archives and voluntary local history societies. The British Association for Local History has a directory of societies and the individual counties have umbrella organisations bringing them together. There are differences in organisation, but they usually have events for enthusiasts.
For example, this Saturday, 26 July, the Norfolk Archaeological & Historical Research Group have Norfolk Landscape History Day, although only online tickets are left. Later in the year, on Saturday 11 October, the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Societies are presenting a joint symposium, on the history of transport in these counties.
In Suffolk, the importance of recording local events is recognised with a formal Local Recorders Scheme. My local recorder for the village of Dennington, Pené Welham, describes her role as a Parish Recorder:
The idea behind this role is to give a picture of life in the village with reports of events. Readers can compare life in the village over the years. The Parish Recorder’s role is conducted under the auspices of Suffolk Local History Council (SLHC). In theory, there should be a Recorder in each village, but since this is a voluntary role, it is sometimes not possible.
I took over the role in August 2020 from a resident who was busy with other research, and I received comprehensive information about the role from the Recorder Secretary of SLHC.
Topics vary widely: events in the village such as fêtes, sports events, exhibitions and concerts, building renovations and house sales, the weather and its effect on the countryside and school activities. If possible, I interview residents and take photos if appropriate.
For instance, a large Suffolk farmhouse had a completely new thatched roof. I took photos of the progress and talked to the owner and the thatchers. Another house, originally a farmhouse, underwent a major rebuild. Again, I talked to the owner who was doing a lot of the work himself. He had to follow the process of conforming to the regulations underlying the restoration of a listed building, with the use of seasoned oak and the question of what might be discovered when a wall was uncovered.
When the local secondary school had a trip, I interviewed my neighbour who is a pupil. He gave a graphic description with his opinion of the trip – mainly complementary – and made interesting comparisons between life in Dennington and that in Holland.
Newspaper articles and items from magazines are included if they refer to Dennington. For instance, the consultation regarding the church in Dennington which is “At high Risk” and the present efforts to get a National Heritage Lottery grant. Obviously, if the item is covered by the most comprehensive Dennington News magazine which appears quarterly, I make a reference to it in the record.
I have to ask permission to include any interviews and make sure that children are not included in a photo, unless permission is explicitly given. However, there was no problem about photos of the countryside to mark the changing seasons or this “Monster” fairground steam engine stuck in Dennington for 5 hours for repairs.
In January, after a lot of proof reading, a hard copy is sent to the Recorder Secretary who reads and then submits them to the SLHC archive at the Hub in Ipswich for submission. Recently, I have also sent a copy to the Parish Council Clerk to put on the parish webpage, which is really exciting for me after all the hard work.
On the whole though, the role of Parish Recorder is rewarding and interesting. You become much more aware of what is happening in the village.
The Suffolk Local History Council Recorders’ Scheme, established in the 1950s, is unique as a county-wide scheme. Many parts of the country have local history groups or societies, but this scheme is notable for its systematic approach and organisation across the entire county, with volunteers in almost every parish. If you’re interested in learning more about the scheme, a good place to start is with an excellent article by Diana Bickerton, who is the Local History Recorder for Shottisham, titled Preserving the now as history for the future, which East Anglia Bylines published in 2023.
Elsewhere in our region, local history groups have had to contend with major boundary changes to their county over time, both losing and gaining ground. As a result, the Essex Society for Archaeology & HIstory covers the whole of the historic county of Essex, including the unitary authorities and what are now five London boroughs. The Cambridgeshire archives, though, encompass their modern county, including Huntingdonshire. Their voluntary societies range from the whole of Huntingdonshire through to groups for individual roads.
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Felixstowe carnival – with spectacular drone show
In other event news, Felixstowe Carnival starts tomorrow evening, Friday 25 July, and is on all weekend. There are funfair rides, lots of free events and one very special free one.
We had news this week that the Port of Felixstowe is donating a spectacular Drone Show. They said: “This special show is a gift to the community and carnival from the Port of Felixstowe, as a heartfelt thank you for 150 years of support. Our town has played a huge role in our journey – without you, we wouldn’t be the UK’s largest port and such a vital part of local life.”
The drone show is on Saturday 26 July at 22:30 at the Beachside Events Area. You need to be in the right place to get the full effects.
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Lego event in Ipswich
And then, on Sunday, National Brick Events comes to Ipswich. Yes, that’s Lego bricks. If there’s a retired set you wish you could get your hands on, you just might succeed here. Or you could contribute to a collaborative structure, climb on their submarine or get some photographs – and create your own history of a day.
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Bishop of Norwich’s 900-year, four-acre garden, open for the last time this year
The RSPCA Wildlife Hospital at East Winch have announced The Bishop of Norwich has agreed to open his 900-year-old beautiful garden on Sunday 27th July – the last time for this year! All the money raised will be donated to RSPCA Wildlife Hospital where hundreds of wildlife animals from seals to birds are meticulously cared for each year. There will be a live ukulele band, plant sales, garden games and refreshments. Open from 13:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00). £5 entrance fee. Under 16’s and wheelchair users free. Assistance dogs only. Bishop’s Garden, Norwich, NR3 1SB (pedestrian entry through archway off St Martin at Palace Plain.) Nearest parking: Adam and Eve Car Park.
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