Andrew Blackman, the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, officially opened the archive resource centre (ARC) at the Pett Methodist chapel last Saturday, February 12. Over 120 people turned out to celebrate the opening and to view the fascinating exhibitions, share memories, enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of tea! In addition, local Fairlight historian Haydon Luke gave two fascinating talks about a few of the more famous artists associated with the area, including Reginald Eves, Jacob Epstein, Graham Coton and Mark Gertler. We were also fortunate to have an exhibition of original paintings by these artists, together with a stone chipping, believed to have come from one Jacob Epstein’s sculptures, which was found in the garden he once lived in in Pett Level!
Lord-Lieutenant, Andrew Blackman commented, “The archive resource centre is a fabulous resource for anyone interested in the life and history of Fairlight, Guestling and Pett – how incredibly lucky we are to have such an impressive archive in our own backyard. I know just how much hard work, commitment and determination have gone into making the ARC happen – thank you to volunteers, supporters, committee members and sponsors”
Fran Rogers, chairman of the ARC, gave an overview of the process of getting to where the ARC is today, established in 2019 as a community archive project for the parishes of Fairlight, Guestling, Pett, with the aim of collecting, preserving and making available, either physically or digitally, photographs, documents, oral histories, maps and artefacts which tell the stories of the three adjoining parishes.
Since 2019 and despite Covid, the ARC has been busy fundraising and applying for various grants. Fran commented that this open day was an opportunity to thank Rother District Council and ward councillors Roger Bird and Andrew Meir, The Isobel Blackman Foundation, and the respective parish councils of Fairlight, Guestling and Pett. In addition, many individuals across the area have made donations large and small to the friends fund.
The ARC has now secured a permanent home at the Methodist church in Pett, where a research room has been fitted out. Their next step is to raise sufficient funds to complete the purchase of specialised archive software that will enable them to make the whole collection available online.
In addition to the lord-lieutenant, the ARC was delighted to welcome Sally-Ann Hart MP, who was very impressed with the project and kindly agreed to become a patron.
A great day was had by all, and the many grateful and lovely comments from those who attended the open day show how important it is to record and preserve the local history of our villages and towns for future generations.
If you have any material which you would like to either donate to the ARC or to loan for them to scan and catalogue, please contact: archiveresourcecentre@outlook.com.
Image Credits: Kt Bruce .