In May we formally launched the Bremhill Parish History Project, generously funded by a variety of trusts and organisations including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, by holding a meeting in the Bremhill Village Hall. Martin Nye outlined the plans for the project, describing how we will research the history of the Parish and make it available in a variety of accessible forms. This will include a book, a website and digital archive, local walk and cycle ride apps and leaflets, and resources for local schools, plus the Bremhill History Festival planned for September 2020. Martin explained how we will engage with the community, through the creation of village groups led by local co-ordinators.

Our professional historian, Louise Ryland-Epton gave a talk about the importance of local history and highlighted a moment in the nineteenth century when Bremhill hit the front pages of the national press, with a fascinating account of the Anti-Corn Law demonstration in 1846 in Bremhill. This included a vivid description of the impassioned plea from a local woman, Lucy Simpkins, for fairer treatment of farm workers.

Helen Stuckey shared some of her experiences as a volunteer researching the history of Tytherton Lucas, unearthing some fascinating stories and details of the evolution of the village, including the fact that there are at least 18 different ways of spelling Tytherton Lucas!

We are busy planning some activities to run over the summer months. This will include a Heritage event in the Parish, some training workshops at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham and possibly some archaeological exploration with the Wiltshire Field Archaeology Group. Look out for more information in the coming weeks.

Finally, can you please fill in your surveys (they were inserted in last month's magazine and printed on yellow paper) and return to your village co-ordinators listed on the form.

If anyone would like to join our mailing list please contact me, Sarah Jones on xsarahjones@gmail.com.