If I can pick up on some of David Gatley's very important points about
recording the present, he may not have heard of the Local History Recorder
Scheme. This was set up in the 1950s in Suffolk and has spread to a handful
of other counties - Norfolk, Essex and Hertfordshire are ones I know of. I
have not found any evidence that it has spread over the whole country,
although it may do so under a different name. I would really like to hear
about anyone running such schemes in other counties, and share experiences
and views on how this can develop further.
The aim of the Local History Recorder scheme is precisely as David says - to
record the present, in addition to ensuring that old archives, photos etc
are not thrown away. Recorders often take pictures of buildings before and
after changes in the village, for instance, or keep a record of special
events. They also compile oral history tapes of long-term residents - an
urgent task, likewise recording fading inscriptions on gravestones, and
numerous other unglamorous but essential projects. Of course local
historians all over the place do this kind of thing without any recognition,
but the Local History Recorder Scheme is an attempt to organise it in a
loose sort of way, and to offer advice and pool facilities. Hence my
question about the best way to preserve photographic evidence - the answer,
so I gather from all these replies, is that there is no guaranteed method at
all?
Jacqueline Cooper
Chairman
Uttlesford (District) Local History Recorders, Essex
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