2008

In 2008 the Group will be meeting at Farnham Maltings on Monday, May 19. 10.30 - 12.30.

The group was started over 10 years ago, to tape record the memories and reminiscences of people who have lived in Farnham for many years.  The tapes made are indexed and deposited for reference at the Museum of Farnhamt.  There are already 164 interviews recorded and these treasures are available at the Museum by telephoning Chris Hellier on 01252-715094, to arrange access.

Last year we started a new project entitled “Voices of East Street”, which is designed to give a picture of what life was like in East Street over the last 100 years.

We have collected many personal memories and are now concentrating more on specific subjects such as Farnham institutions, businesses, buildings, particular events, and accounts of trades and crafts no longer practised.  Contributions already cover subjects such as; the old Castle Theatre, Trimmers Cottage Hospital and Farnham Girls’ Grammar School in West Street early in the 20th century. Nonagenarians have also recorded their memories of a wide range of events.  There is even an account of the life of a chauffeur to the Bishop of Guildford when he was resident at Farnham Castle

Those who kindly agree to share their memories have a preliminary talk with one of the Group, when the subjects to be discussed and the method of recording are agreed – some people like to be interviewed, while others prefer to make recordings on their own, or two people may talk between themselves.  The recordings can be made at home, or wherever convenient.

Anyone taking part is given a copy of the tape to keep.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Farnham Institute Charity in 2005, the Group has purchased new digital recording equipment, which will be replacing the audio cassettes currently used.

The Museum of Farnham has expressed its gratitude for the work done by the Group over the last few years in preserving for posterity the memories of Farnham past.  This type of historical evidence is unique and invaluable, as it provides us with the details that are never recorded in books or in news items.  When people relate their own experiences the listener is able to share in the emotions, which those memories evoke.  The Museum has already drawn on the Group’s “memory archive” for use in their Exhibitions (World War II, Hops, History of Health Care etc, etc).

The Group meets at Farnham Maltings from six to eight times a year to discuss future interviews and the report on progress.  Some members undertake interviewing; others are involved with different aspects of the Group’s work – liaising with the Museum, indexing tapes etc.

New ideas as well as new members are very welcome.  Anyone interested in joining the Group, please contact:

Gill Picken, Group Secretary, Tel: 01252 658124, Email: david.picken2@ntlworld.com
Anthony J. Clift, Group Leader, Tel: 01252 718387, Email: ajcliftconsult@dial.pipex.com