Stories told of the past life of the village by its older residents are a rich mine of information. The matrix of facts, memories public and personal, beliefs, myths – and even misinformation, gives a fascinating insight into the past and is an essential complement to the documents and artefacts which are the more usual sources of history. The Society sees it as a core part of its heritage activities.

The Oral History Group conduct structured interviews with residents, mostly those who are elderly and have lived in the area for many years, and are gathering a valuable recorded archive. A particularly important scoop was made in interviewing the star centenarian Harry Patch who spent part of his early life here.

Our Newsletters and meetings always contain a plea for researchers. Nowhere is this more needed than in oral history and we look forward to volunteers coming forward.