THE dust was blown off the vaults last weekend as once again Studley Local History Group opened its archives to the public.
There were themed photo displays on the nearby villages of Coughton, Mappleborough and Sambourne plus displays on Studley Fire Service and local sports clubs.
Visitors were also able to see and handle a newly-discovered ball and chain, not yet dated but unearthed in an Allendale Crescent garden.
As usual group members were on hand to scan items brought in for sharing with the archive and print copies of display photos on request.
Cataloguing and indexing of the group’s archive is under way and news on some of the group’s recent research also featured. This included an appeal for living descendants of Rowland and Jabez Hill; information on Studley Castle and Priory Farm and an appeal for photos and mementos to be displayed in a planned Heroes Gallery, a tribute to all who served and in celebration of the end of the First World War in November.
There was also a small exhibition of paintings from old photographs by former Middletown resident Roger Thomas, depicting scenes of Studley and its surroundings.
On the book stall, early birds scooped up a selection of framed local maps and buildings, alongside a preview imprint of Arthur Daniels’ new book: ‘Journeys into Studley History, Volume 1: The Fabric of The Village’ due to be launched later this month by Show & Tell Publications. You can pre-order the book, which costs £5, from Karen Cording on 01527 69150 or email [email protected]
For those who own a copy of Arthur Cooke’s book commemorating ‘100 Studley Men’ who lost their lives during the Great War, a name list and page index to the book is now free on request, also available via Karen.
