Introduction to the group
by Fred Netley
There is no doubt that Local History is a subject that commands the interest of a great many people of all ages. In recognition of this, the East Brighton Bygones Local History Society was formed.
We are now a well established society and our members are very keen to tell everyone about the enjoyable gatherings that we have all shared from the start. Each time we meet, there is always some subject about the local history of our city that evokes great interest in everyone present.
The society, which meets at the Valley Social Centre, Whitehawk Way, on the second Wednesday of every month, always welcomes new members. The meetings start at 2pm and anyone that comes along will be made most welcome: just come along. If you are one of those many people with an interest in local history, you will enjoy Bygones.
Initially financed by the proceeds of the book Holy Oak, A History of Whitehawk and Manor Farm, the group has since received funding from EB4U Community Chest and Sussex Community Foundation.
The book has recently been updated and is available through this website.
Being based in East Brighton, a great deal of the society's activities have revolved around local and social history subjects about Whitehawk and Manor Farm, Moulsecoomb, Bates and Saunders Park Estates as well as other areas of our city that have had influence on these areas. Of course, we are keen to concern our society with the origins and the historical past of Brighton and Hove in general and, as we develop our group more and more, that's what we will do.
With a history as rich as ours in East Brighton and beyond, there is no doubt at all that Bygones has a great future. The membership that we have now are a really good and friendly group who are brought together by their interest in local history and a desire to learn.