The Ropley History Network and Archive will be set up in 2019 at the request of a number of interested Ropley residents, as a sub group of the Ropley Society.
It’s aim is to create a group for people who have an interest in the history of the village and the local area.
The purpose of the group will be to research and archive information and or material covering the history of Ropley and the local area and to make this accessible via a shared digital platform.
It is anticipated that involvement and contributions will be on an informal and voluntary basis with individuals from the group meeting occasionally to share and discuss areas of interests and projects of their own and perhaps link up with other individuals that may have a shared interest in a subject of study.
Initial thinking is that, as part of the work of the group an online archive and catalogue will be created, (though this will be funding dependent) in order to digitise and store at least some of the existing informal village archive.
Update August 2019
Many thanks to everyone who came along and supported this new venture at the Coffee Rooms on June 8th and 12th. Over 40 people came to the 2 sessions, most were really enthusiastic about the idea of setting up a local History for Ropley covering the Parish and the surrounding area.
Many people brought with them work and investigations in an area of interest that they had already been doing. For example – work on the old houses and roads in the village and others brought along ideas for potential projects.
History Projects
We now have a list of 9 potential project areas which villagers are working on.
1. Digitising the existing archive
2. Investigating the Gravestones in the churchyard
3. Pond Cottages and the History of the medieval centre of the village
4. The History of the Railway and Canal
5. Kitwood and Hawthorn Road
6. Stapley Lane and Parkstone Road
7. History of Church Cottages
8. History of Monkwood – Prior to and during its development as an agricultural settlement post WWI.
9. The Farming heritage in Ropley and the local area-Investigation of the evolution of farms and farming in the parish and the surrounding area.
If you would like to get involved with one (or more) of these please let us know by sending an email to ropleyhistory@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the project lead for that area.
Digital Archive Website – Currently the Steering group is investigating the presentation of the digital archive platform and the funding opportunities. Hopefully, by the end of the year, these decisions will be finalised and can move forward with providing a fantastic history and archive website.
Many thanks again for all your support
The Ropley History Network and Archive Steering Group