A NEW permanent tribute to Studley’s bygone needle industry is to opened in the village hall this Saturday (April 22).
The wall display and artefact collection summarises the history of an industry that once was at the centre of Studley’s community, shaping both its geography and its spirit.
Although the buildings, the machinery and the jobs have gone, researchers found that it still lives on in the hearts, memories and family histories of those who knew it.
The display will be complemented by a new Needle Heritage Research Point in Studley Library, which will go live at the end of April.
This includes recordings of oral histories and a new digital photo display, as well as sources of information.
A commemorative ‘Needlers Directory’ will also be stored and maintained there and anyone with photos to share, a story to tell or with any connection to the local industry is invited to contribute.
Everyone is invited to join the project team for tea and cake and to see the display on Saturday between 12noon and 3pm, when celebrated local historian and author Arthur Cooke will be ‘Talking down memory lane’.
