Links to Sections

• West Sussex Archives Society/Friends of West Sussex Record Office
• West Sussex Archives Society Application Form

West Sussex Archives Society (WSAS) was founded in 1973 as a registered charity (number 266997), and currently has over 200 members. It acts as a 'friends' organisation and aims to support the work of the Record Office. Everyone is welcome and you don't have to be an historian or expert - just a good friend. The society's president is Lord Egremont.

What does WSAS do?

• Stimulates interest in historical records

• Seeks out archives for safe keeping

• Persuades owners to ensure the preservation of records

• Fosters an interest in the history of West Sussex

• Raises funds to assist the Record Office primarily to purchase documents

• Keeps Friends in touch through the Newsletter and the West Sussex History Journal

• Organises visits to places of historical interest

• Provides an annual programme of workshops and talks on archives and historical topics

Members meet on Saturday afternoons at different venues around the county or at WSRO in Chichester. Previous events have included:

• A narrow boat cruise on the Wey and Arun Canal with an illustrated talk The lost route to the sea.

• A visit to Shipley, with a talk on the history of the parish church and a guided tour of the windmill.

• A tour and talk about the Mass Observation Archive at Sussex University.

• A walk to Clapham parish church followed by tea and a talk at Castle Goring.

• A visit to Marlipins Museum, Shoreham

• A barge trip along the Chichester Canal, with a talk about its history.

Twice a year a day-long workshop is held at WSRO concerning archives held at the record office. Previous themes have included tithe maps, taxation records, quarter session records, manorial documents and probate inventories.

We hold an annual day conference on a single topic, with several speakers. In 2006 the topic was 'Wartime Sussex', in 2007 the topic was 'Woman in History'.

In December we have an informal symposium with short talks and a quiz. Mince pies, tea and coffee are provided.

West Sussex Archives Society - Programme for 2008

Fees are for WSAS members/guests.

Forthcoming Events for 2008

13 September 2008, 11am at the Scout Hut, Prinsted Lane, Southbourne

All-day visit to Prinsted and Chidham

11am. The day will begin with a gentle stroll around the village of Prinsted.  Starting at the Scout hut (where teas will be served and toilet facilities are available) and finishing on Prinsted Lane, the morning walk will include a number of stopping places, some of them giving more distant glimpses (and a chance to mention a few historical points) of St John’s church Southbourne, and the more distant former RAF base of Thorney Island. This is part of Heritage Open Day and is free.

12.15pm. Lunch at The Old House at Home in Chidham.  This is a building of considerable interest and forms part of our historic tour of this area of the county.

1.30pm. Talk on the history of Chidham followed by a walk around this delightful rural village. This part of the day is free to members and £2 per guest.

11 October 2008, 10am at the Records Office

Maritime Sussex – An all day event (£10/£15)

The morning session begins at 10am and includes a coffee break.

Lost ships found a talk by Ian Friel, writer and naval histroian, with examples of Sussex wreaks and projects , illustarted by slides.

Diving into History a talk by Ian Barefoot, he will explore the joint initiative with The ‘Heritage Lottery Fund’ and the Nautical Archaeology Society, bringing Maritime heritage to life. 

1-2pm Lunch.  There are plenty of places to eat near to the office, and in the town. 

The afternoon session begins at 2pm with

Adopt a Wreck Project a talk by Tad Taberer who dives with a group of divers who are passionate about shipwrecks.  Tad will talk about why they dive shipwrecks and their joint project with the Nautical Archaelogical Society on the wreck of theSS T.R. Thompson.  Includes video clips and photos of diving on the wreck of the Thompson.

West Sussex Settlements Lost To The Sea, a talk by John Mills, looking at  settlements and ports of West Sussex that have been inundated by the sea.

 

Saturday, 8 November 2008, 10am at the Records Office (£5/£7)

A second workshop on quarter session papers led by Richard Childs.  This will build on the workshop that Richard led the previous November.

 

20 December 2008 10am at Edes House, Chichester (free)

Annual symposium for members, with quizzes, prizes, mince pies and wine.

West Sussex Archives Society telephone contacts:

Chairman & Journal Editor: Philip MacDougall tel: 01243 573782

Was your last visit to the Record Office useful?

If so, why not share your research findings with others?

The West Sussex Archives Society publishes the West Sussex History journal once a year. It is free to members of the Society while non-members can buy single copies from the reception desk at the Record Office. If you would like to share your research please contact the editor, Philip MacDougall, on 01243 573782

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