Information About This Project
INTRODUCTION
I became interested in the history of Pamber Heath after reading the `Nostalgia' articles by Carol Stevens in the Pamber Heath Memorial Hall newsletters in 1993. I then discovered that my wife's great-grandfather William Stroud had been a prominent member of the community and the first parish council chairman in 1894. In early 1994, I first thought about the idea of writing a book about the history of Pamber Heath but circumstances prevented it at the time. However, I decided to research the Stroud family history and it became my focus and interest in the following years. At the end of 1999 my interest in Pamber Heath's history was re-kindled but I don't know why. All I knew was that I had developed an inner urge to preserve and document it before the further passage of time when it would be too late to find those with any memories, documents or photographs of the village years ago. I therefore began a personal project on the 1st of January 2000 to gather memories and old photographs of Pamber Heath. The idea of publishing a book was still in my mind and, fortunately, circumstances then made it possible. Research of documentary sources and visits to various people was the next step.
GATHERING AND STORAGE OF INFORMATION
I decided to create a physical archive as well as three computer files to act as a database of information - People, Places and Events. Research was undertaken and people were visited. In between I wrote and laid out my book. Memories were noted at the time of visiting but were not added to the database - only the documentary evidence.
COLLECTION NAME
Pamber Heath Archives was the name chosen for my physical collection as well as for this web site.
MANAGEMENT OF THE ARCHIVES
All items were safely stored in box files and a log book was used to record details about every document or photograph deposited. Each was given an archive ITEM number, which is referred to as a source of information on various pages of this web site. Much of the information contained in the deposited documents was transferred to computer. Photographs were scanned and thereby also transferred to computer. Wherever possible, the original copy was scanned for best quality of reproduction and, in the case of loaned photographs, a photographic copy was made for deposit into the archives.
PUBLICATION OF MATERIAL
The material was published in two forms: Firstly, on this web site starting in January 2000 as it would be particularly useful to family history researchers as well as those interested in Pamber Heath's history. Secondly, in a book which went on sale on October the 25th 2001. The book proved very popular as 300 copies out of the 750 printed were sold in the first week and sold out within three months. Further reprints also all sold out. Orders are currently being taken for a possible final reprint. In the case of this web site, there are restrictions of copyright or `gentlemen's agreements' which prevented the publication of many photographs and some information. I also had to be careful not to publish everything as that would have unduly prejudiced the sale of my book. The project was completed in September 2001 but I have continued to maintain and improve this web site over the last few years and carried out a little further research from time-to-time. I have also added information to this web site since September 2001 from research undertaken before closure of the project as well as from further research since then. It has not been possible to research the available documents completely, particularly old newspapers, due to the time and effort needed and so there are still many facts to uncover.
FUTURE PLANS
I will continue to maintain and improve this web site and research further from time-to-time, according to time, interest etc. There are no plans at present for a follow-up book. The plan is to eventually deposit all the archive material in Hampshire Record Office to preserve it for future generations but I have already deposited a copy of the book there.
NUMBER OF ITEMS DEPOSITED IN THE ARCHIVES
330 items have been deposited so far.
Raymond West, 30th of March 2006