The Group has continued in much the same format since it’s inception in 1978 as a group of potential authors of booklets about Westbourne history. There have been occasional History exhibitions, all well received and latterly causing an influx of new members, but the Group struggled to find a method to use the new enthusiasm and then along came Covid.
With the core active membership down to four, it has been decided to reach out to the public and wider membership through meetings open to the public and the membership.
The core members have morphed into a more formal committee to lead the change and undertake the day-to-day administration.
Committee meetings will continue with the aim of setting a program. Current thinking is to have a mix of meetings. One time – a presentation followed by open discussion. The next – a more open session where attendees can contribute and discuss a particular pre-notified topic.
Thinking is at an early stage. Comments welcome, particularly on timing i.e. daytime vs evening, weekday vs weekend. Contact any Committee member – see Home page for details.
The first meeting, in June we hope, looks likely to be a presentation and discussion about lost shops and businesses, lead by Jim Clarke. Keep an eye out for publicity and/or on this News page.
As part of the new direction, a more formal membership list is being created, in line with Data Protection rules. Those who “joined” pre Covid will be contacted, anyone interested can either contact our Secretary, Nigel to request inclusion or sign up at any future event.
The bit that is not changing is the original purpose to record and make public Westbourne History. Jim and Roger continue to work on their respective publications – Lost shops and Businesses – Watermills. Jim in particular requests help in locating and copying relevant old photographs. Roger is also nearing completion of another CD product about major property sales in the early 1900s, in particular the break-up of the Stansted estate. Many significant buildings and farms in the area changed hands during that time.
AND – a few more Photo images added to our collection !