Bygone Buriton Local History Exhibition

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old photo of High Street

A trip down memory lane

Buriton’s Local History project has been collecting old photographs, memories and other information about life in the parish for many years. 

This exhibition is a chance to see some of what has been discovered – and perhaps help add another piece to the story.

There will be a wide range of displays, photographs and information about life in the parish in years gone by – and copies of all Buriton’s Local History books will also be available.

The exhibition is free and will take place in the village hall on Saturday 26 September, from 1pm to 4pm.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park, and the exhibition will include information about the history of the park, including its opening by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

And there will be evidence of the thousands of years of history that lie under our feet – from the Bronze Age, Celtic and Roman times through to the Civil War and beyond.  The exhibition will include an intriguing collection of finds uncovered by local historians which give clues about what life was like around Buriton long ago. Ancient coins, brooches, buckles, thimbles and buttons may be small, but each offers a glimpse into the lives of people who lived, worked and travelled through the area centuries ago.

Other displays will include:

  • Hop growing and picking – the seasonal activity that once transformed the parish.
  • The Buriton and Butser chalk quarries and lime works – a reminder of another important local industry.
  • The railway – including local families who worked on the line.
  • Leisure and entertainment – from football and cricket to pheasant and rabbit shoots, early entertainments and social clubs.

A particular highlight will be a fascinating collection of nearly 100 historic village postcards, some more than a century old, all enlarged to A3 size.

Entry is free and everyone is encouraged to bring any old photos, newspaper articles or other information relating to Buriton, Weston, Nursted or Ditcham.

So come along, explore the displays, share your memories and see how much you recognise.  It promises to be another fascinating trip down memory lane!

If you can help with the research in any way, please contact Doug Jones on 01730 231326 or visit www.buriton.org.uk