Upcoming Events
WSAS Talk: The Highdown Lowdown
The Visitor Centre, Highdown Gardens, Worthing
Thursday 16 May – 2pm
A talk by Alex New, curator of Highdown Gardens, and archive volunteer Jane Dore.
More details and a booking form for the above event can be found in the April issue of The Researcher newsletter: click here to view.
WSAS Private Tour: St Mary’s House, Bramber, Steyning
Saturday 8 June – 2pm
Experienced guides will give a guided tour of St Mary’s, a former pilgrim inn c 1450, set in 5 acres of beautiful gardens.
More details and a booking form for the above event can be found in the April issue of The Researcher newsletter: click here to view.
WSAS Walk: Arundel, One Thousand Years of Town, Castle and Church
Saturday 13 July – 2pm
A walk and talk led by John Barkshire will show on the ground how Arundel has evolved over the centuries.
More details and a booking form for the above event can be found in the April issue of The Researcher newsletter: click here to view
Who are the Friends?
The Friends are people who use the Record Office or who wish to help and support its work of preserving the wonderful archival heritage of West Sussex. They play an important role in raising funds and purchasing documents to add to WSRO collections.
Founded in 1973
President: Lord Egremont
Chairman: Richard Howell
Aims of the society:
- To arouse and stimulate interest in historical records and increase awareness of the need for their preservation.
- To assist in the work of West Sussex Record Office by fund-raising, working parties and any other means.
- To seek out material of historical interest and persuade owners to ensure its preservation.
- To arrange outings, lectures and other activities to foster interest in the history of West Sussex.
Why should I join WSAS?
Anyone with an interest in their heritage can join WSAS. There are many benefits of becoming a member:
Events and Talks
- Talks on a wide range of West Sussex topics that have included Halnaker House, Graylingwell Hospital archives, the Selsey Tram, the history of Chanctonbury Ring and the archaeology of Petworth Park.
- Outdoor Events during the summer often including tea at the end! We have enjoyed events such as a trip on the Wey and Arun Canal, a walk in the Arun Valley to learn about the lime industry and guided tours of Shulbrede Priory and the Land Settlement Association smallholdings at Sidlesham.
- AGM held in the spring at different venues with lunch and a speaker afterwards.
- Conference held in autumn at various venues and focusing in depth on a different aspect of West Sussex history each year.
- Workshops WSAS members’ discounts for Record Office talks and workshops.
- December Get-together A festive morning at the Record Office with mince pies, wine and coffee; an opportunity to put questions to the County Archivist and an introduction to new aspects of West Sussex history.
Publications
Members receive our highly respected annual Journal of West Sussex History and the Society welcomes the submission of material for inclusion.
Our illustrated newsletter The Researcher is sent out quarterly, keeping members up to date with forthcoming events, reports of recent meetings and news from the Record Office.
Saving West Sussex Documents
WSAS plays a major role in supporting the work of the Record Office and helping acquire West Sussex documents that come up for sale in auction rooms and dealerships across the country.
Since 1974, WSAS has been able to contribute towards the purchase of many important historical records that might otherwise have disappeared into private hands at home or abroad. These include deeds, estate records, letters, diaries, business records, maps and plans dating back over 500 years, which have now been added to the collections.
Click here to join us in helping the Record Office to save the historical records of the country.
