Polstead Village Recorder’s Report for 2007 –
08
Bernard Casburn handed over to me following last year’s Annual
Village Meeting and passed on to me the records that he had
gathered in immaculate order and condition. He and Lucy Casburn
very kindly took me to the Suffolk Recorders’ Day, in October,
which was held at Mendlesham Community Centre. There we had an
excellent series of presentations offering advice on various
aspects of the local recorder’s role and detailing the experience
and achievements of a number of local recorders across Suffolk.
One of the most interesting items during the day was a talk
about the technique of recording interviews for record purposes
and, in particular, the importance of having equipment that enables
the recording to be fully edited, so that its usefulness can be
greatly enhanced.
I should like to pay tribute to all that Bernard did to
establish the role of the Village Recorder and to initiate an
excellent collection of Polstead records.
The Past Year
During the past year the following activities have been
undertaken:
- Digital Photographs
Initiation of a collection of digital photographs of activities
and events as they happen, to add to the collection of printed
photographs put together by Bernard. Existing photographic records
in Suffolk are increasingly being digitised retrospectively, at
considerable expense, to extend their life and increase
accessibility. It is therefore important to move to the initial use
of digital material as far as possible. A selection of pictures
taken during the course of the year is available for inspection on
computer at the back of the hall. These will be stored in future in
digital form, available for printing as required.
- Works at Polstead Church
I have concentrated on recording a busy year of archaeological
survey work and conservation and maintenance work at Polstead St
Mary’s Church. During 2007 this has included: archaeological work
on the area of the proposed extension of the churchyard, where the
dig revealed suspected remains of an Early Bronze Age fortified
hill top site; survey work in the South aisle, which revealed
traces of the site of a large wooden pillar, possibly dating from
the original wooden Saxon church; reordering of the South aisle,
including completely relaying the floor in lime concrete, repairing
and re-hanging the wall panelling and carpeting the floor with wool
carpet on felt underlay; repair of plaster throughout the church
and full redecoration with lime wash. (This required full
scaffolding throughout the church which was accordingly closed from
October to December.) A full account of the works is on the
Polstead website
-
Conservation and Maintenance at Polstead
Church
- Polstead Bells
Anne Lewis kindly offered to assist with the work of the
Recorder, in which she has a keen interest. Together we hope to
develop this role jointly in the future. Anne has meanwhile
produced an excellent record of the history of the Polstead peal of
bells, particularly since their restoration in 1955, which is
available for reference by anyone interested.
4. Burial Register 1876 – 1986
A photocopy has been made of the Burial Register
1876 – 1986, which is being deposited in the Bury Suffolk Record
Office. The photocopy will be available for reference by anyone in
Polstead, without the time and expense involved in going to Bury. A
constant stream of enquires is received about relatives thought to
be buried in the churchyard. Also available is a copy of the map of
the over 800 marked graves in the churchyard, which was prepared by
the Women’s Institute some years ago.
5. On-going record of activities
Various pictures have been taken of events such as the farewell
to the outgoing Parish Council Members in May 2007, the village
lunch, the flower show and the carol service etc.
6. Contributions to Suffolk websites
Contributions have been made to the
Dedham Vale Society website, giving summary
information about Polstead and its past; and similar material was
duly incorporated in the Polstead website, on the
About
Polstead page.
For The Future
Over the next year or so, we intend to:
- Try to develop a good interview recording capability so that
the memories of existing Polstead residents can be recorded
effectively, before it is too late.
- Extend the record information on the Polstead website,
including an inventory of what the Recorder has
available.
- Work towards the organisation of an “Open Day” in the Village
Hall, probably in 2009, which will provide an opportunity for
anyone interested to review the records available and discover
interesting facts about Polstead.
- Jointly attend the next Suffolk Recorder’s Day in October
2008.
Any suggestions for the focussing of further effort to record
Polstead would be gratefully received.
Bill Wigglesworth - tel.: 01787
210029
email
Anne Lewis
22 April
2008