by Wickhambrook History Society
The weekend got off to a flying start with a Cheese and Wine evening when Ashley Cooper, a farmer and historian from Gestingthorpe gave a talk which included a poem about Wickhambrook, specially written for the occasion and paid tribute to the late Alf Hicks and Percy Nunn, both of whom he got to know as a long time speaker at History Society meetings.
We had marvellous displays from members of the History Society Study Group. Steve Coe has researched education in the village, John Seal has written a Little History of the village, Joyce Draycott has investigated Ashfield Green and its residents and Kay and Michael MacEvoy undertook a survey of the churchyard.
We borrowed items from the Record Office in Bury and Leslie Hanbury lent his large and fascinating Tithe Map. Jock Whitehouse of Hundon put on a display about RAF Stradishall and there were items from the History Recorder’s collection too.
Most people who came to look spent at least an hour in the church and many enjoyed tea and delicious cake provided by the WI.
It was good to see friends and neighbours meeting up as well as some more far-flung history enthusiasts. Thanks are due to many people for the success of the weekend – the working party headed by Philip Draycott, the local businesses who sponsored us, members of the History Society who acted as stewards and the WI. A big thank you also goes to those who brought postcards, photographs and documents to share with others.
A weekend to remember.
I was asked about the Millennium Project by several newcomers to the village . In 1998 we decided to try and find the oldest house in the village as part of an exhibition we were planning for 2000. Each resident was given a form to fill in with a photograph of their house, but as is the way of things, not everyone responded so there are gaps in our knowledge. If you would like to fill in a form about your house, please contact me on 01440 820376.
Dorothy Anderson
Chairman, Local History Society
History Recorder for Wickhambrook