Recording the events of today for tomorrow's history
My name is Dorothy Anderson and I have lived in Wickhambrook
for 20 years. I took over as History Recorder in 1997 when Alf
Hicks died.
The Recorders’ Scheme was started 50 years ago by the Suffolk
Local History Council, and it was their aim to have someone in each
parish to’obtain and record systematically every piece of evidence
which may have the slightest bearing on the course of history in Suffolk’
The idea then was to uncover the past, but that has changed, and Recorders
now are asked to record what is happening at present in the parishes.
Typical of the information that a Suffolk Recorder
collects
Any events taking place in the village would be recorded
as recent history
Old photos that are not wanted by the family then please
consider donating them
New buildings, extensions or changes to properties in the
village
A Recorder is asked to see that the present is adequately
recorded at local level, and to be on the look-out for items of historical
interest which might otherwise be overlooked or lost for ever. This
can be done by keeping a diary or a scrapbook, and by taking photographs.
I have a good collection of posters, tickets and programmes for village
events and I take photographs of people and places and try to keep
up with changes to properties and new buildings. I am a member of
several organisations and this helps me to keep in touch.
I have to write a report every year, which is kept in the Record Office,
and usually compile it from newspaper reports and personal knowledge.
Unlike my predecessor, I am not able to attend every meeting of every
organisation, so I am very grateful to those clubs
and societies who keep me informed of their activities.
I am also indebted to the Parish
Council who sponsor me each year. This helps with the
cost of films, developing, folders and files.
Suffolk Recorder
Dorothy Anderson
01440 820376
A Recorder is only as good as the information she can collect, so
if you are arranging an event, building or demolishing a house, or
just want to be sure that your organisation is included in the Annual
Report, please let me know.
