This is a final report for our website on our project entitled “Recording History and Heritage of East Hoathly and its surroundings and is a condensed version of that sent to the Lottery Heritage Initiative overseen by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Naturally the aims and objectives of the project changed over the timespan to adapt to our circumstances but as well as gaining in experience and training, we identified enthusiastic support and interest across the whole community of local villages.
The project was managed by Andrea Goodridge and undertaken with invaluable support, cooperation and guidance by fellow members of the Committee of the East Hoathly & District Preservation Society, namely Chairman: Mervyn Barnes, Honorary Treasurer: Vic Tidswell, Honorary Secretary: June Tidswell, Wildlife Recorder: Eddie Goodridge. The committee met regularly to review our aims and provide reports to the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as arranging and overseeing events and training. The project began in the spring of 2006 and ended in the winter of 2009. It was originally envisaged to cover a period of 2 years but was extended to cover 3 years.
We were awarded the sum of £12,334.55 for the project. We publish a list of collected data, archived materials, mounted exhibitions and boards as a result. We recognised that we were not only creating a legacy for the future but also identifying an interest in ongoing history of the people and environment in our local community. We have worked with and continue to work with Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Biodiversity Records Centre, East Sussex Records Office, Council for the Protection of Rural England, Federation of Sussex Amenity Societies, Wealden District Council as well as village organisations such as the Cricket Club, Age Concern, the Carnival Society, the Tennis Club etc.
We intend to continue to:
Other mini projects identified are: