A small group of enthusiastic people have come together to form the Stalbridge Archive Group, whose aim is to preserve photographs, historical documents and artefacts relating to Stalbridge and its people. The Town Council very kindly let the group have some space in the Hub which meant that the collection can be stored in a safe and secure environment.
Over the last few months the group which has increased to eight members and meets each week to catalogue the ever growing collection. They have been very fortunate to have had the advice and practical help of Elizabeth Ralph who is a professional conservator. The eventual aim of the group is to have displays in the Hub and to offer Stalbridge residents the opportunity to access historical information. One example of what the group has been given is a newspaper cutting dated 1913 which reports on Stalbridge 200 years ago. There was a market on Tuesdays and fairs on 6th May and 4th September, there were 134 houses and a population of 899 (over six people per house!). The population of Stalbridge today is 2719. When you are turning out drawers and cupboards in the future and you come across historical documents or photographs, the group would be pleased to accept items either as gifts or on long term loan, or even have the opportunity to photocopy them. The group are also interested in items from the recent past. We look forward to hearing from you. Please contact Ann Moore on 01963 362159 or Tony or Lesley Wood on [email protected] |