How did all this start?
Peter Thorogood, a keen photographer and archivist of both his family and the local community, passed away last year, and his family kindly offered some of his collection to Emma Rawlings, a PVPA committee member.
We discovered old press cuttings, photo copies and details of generations past.
It was so intriguing we thought there must be more with other families who have ‘stuff’ from years gone by that they have in lofts, sheds and garages hidden away.
No-one likes to throw these important family archives away, but most don’t know what to do with it all either!
So we asked if our lovely village members would research their own families or houses, and it grew from there.
Each person then printed off text and photographs and added it all to boards which were displayed over the weekend.
We even had an old barrow cart, and a delivery bike lovingly restored and displayed after being found in a barn at South Hall Farm.
We thought it was possible the bicycle was for milk deliveries around the village in late 19th and early 20th century.
However, as these stories come to light, a neighbour who has lived here all his life, explained that the bike was used as an apple cart from the orchard – and many of the boys would go ‘scrumping’ for apples each day after school.
The weekend provided many new stories and anecdotes in need of further research for the coming months, and a proviso for this website.
It brought a whole series of past events together and connected them to their descendants, some of whom did not realise they had family in the village.
It provided time for reminiscing, learning, and discovery.
This is just the beginning, check back here regularly for updates, and if you have any information relating to Paglesham please do make contact, we would love to hear from you.