Upcoming Orchards and Local History Workshops

19th January 2017

Are you interested in orchards and local history? We have the perfect workshop for you!

Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service will be running two free workshops in Evesham and Tenbury Libraries next month to look at how people can research local orchards and local history with sources held in the archives and in local libraries.

Picking apples – photo from the Worcestershire Photographic Survey

Orchards are an important and much loved part of the historic landscape of Worcestershire (and our neighbouring counties) and we have long been famous for them. They are now the focus of a Heritage Lottery Funded project, which is seeking to help restore orchards and to provide people with the knowledge to look after them. They are also seeking to find out more about local orchards in particular areas to help manage the landscapes.

The workshops will look at sources we hold in The Hive and those held within local libraries, which can be used to investigate local history and particularly orchards. We will have some local examples of these available to view.

1880 OS Map of Rochford – many of the fields are shown at orchards

We hope the workshops will encourage you to volunteer to help research orchards in the Tenbury/Rochford and Evesham/Chadbury areas over the next few months. With guidance and support we are looking for helpers to look at maps, newspapers, census records and photos to see what information can be found in the community. The aim is to gather information and stories to contribute to a walk/talk led by one of our archaeologists in the spring. A report will also be produced which will help with the care of orchards in the future and ensure they are rightly recognised. All are welcome to attend the workshops and there is no commitment to any further involvement by doing so.

The workshops will be held as follows:

Evesham Library on Friday, 17th February 10am-12pm (previously advertised 10 Feb)

Tenbury Library on Saturday, 11th February 10am-12pm

At the end of each workshop there will be an opportunity to stay on and have a look again at some of the maps and sources and ask questions about your own research or about the project.

If you would like to come along, or just find out more, please phone Paul on 01905 766352 or email explorethepast@worcestershire.gov.uk

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