The Parish Archive was set up in 2015. Its objectives are to collect and conserve
materials related to the history of the parish and to make these known and
available to the community. The Archive is constituted separately from the Local
History Society but works closely with it.
The Archive consists mainly of documents, maps and photographs, along with a
limited number of artefacts. There is a wealth of interesting knowledge that can
be shared with future generations about village life, buildings, businesses, schools
and community activities. Everything is catalogued in a database, making it easy
to access records. We are in the process of digitising our collection of
photographs so that these can be made more readily available.
There are also recordings and transcripts of interviews with local people, which
provide fascinating insights into life in the last century.
The Archive puts on displays of local interest at Village occasions, such as Fetes
and commemorative events. We also respond to requests for information, which
come either in person or by email, often requiring significant time to research.
The Archive Group need funds to cover rental of the room and other necessary
expenditure, particularly for laptops and other equipment. The Parish Council
provides a generous annual grant to the Archive for running costs. The Local
History Society has also demonstrated its commitment through a series of grants
for equipment.
The small team of local people who run the Archive meet weekly in the Meeting
Room off Grays Tea Rooms at Brenchley Memorial Hall. The room is open to all on
Thursday mornings from 10-1pm.
What you can do
1. Come and visit. Everybody is welcome to come along to see what progress
is being made, to look at the materials or to research a local topic. So
please come along and see what is on offer. You can also follow Brenchley
& Matfield Archives on Facebook
2. If you have any documents, photographs or other items that might be of
interest please consider bringing them to the Archive. You can either
donate them if no longer wanted or we would be happy to scan or
photograph and then return them.
3. If you have lived in the villages over a long period, or know of anyone else
who is a long standing resident and would be willing to make a recording of
memories please contact Kevin Sparkhall 01892 722498. The interviews
take the form of a relaxed chat in comfortable surroundings and are not in
any way stressful.
For further information contact Kevin Sparkhall on 01892 722498, or by email at
mailto:kevinsparkhall@gmail.com
Brenchley & Matfield Local History Society 