History gives a community a sense of stability and continuity and for this reason
I did the Pictorial History book and continued to collect pictures and articles which I am now able to share with you.
This website is under construction and will be added to over the next few months, probably years as I gradually upload what I have accumulated. I'm a hoarder so I have loads.
Following the publication of the first Southbourne Pictorial History book in 2010, when people realised I was interested, I have been given lots of photos, articles and personal stories so that my computer is full of local history and this was beginning to worry me. Although I have given many, many books away to local schools and shared quite a bit of our history with the Records Office and Libraries, what will happen to all the stuff on my computer when I pop my clogs?
The Southbourne History Website went live in January 2024.
It has taken me some time and a lot of effort to get this far, but there is now enough to share with you and the world.
I would add that like the book, when I had to teach myself Publisher, learn how to scan pictures and edit them etc., and find out about how to publish, I have had to start from the beginning and learn how to manage WordPress (not easy for an oldie.) Determined that all this stuff would not be lost I have persevered and we now have, albeit very simple, a history website. One happy old lady.
Ruth Heelan (the local busybody)
Memories are an important part of a person’s identity. |
This programme for the 1951 Festival Pageant performed in The Glebe by the 300 children who attended the Council School on the corner of Stein Road/New Road, explores the development of the Bourne area. Link below
Festival Pageant 1951 - Southbourne Pictorial History (southbournehistory.uk)
Link to Southbourne Scenes below. This map shows places of interest with photos.
Map - Southbourne Scenes - Southbourne, West Sussex | Pictorial History (southbournehistory.uk)
Not strictly Southbourne, as I am told he lived in Westbourne, but I was amazed at this personal account of D-Day and so typed it up to share on the website.
A Sapper's D-Day - Len Butt - read his account below. Click on the title to open the presentation