Safeguarding the community history of the
Parishes of Fawley, Hythe & Dibden and Marchwood
Waterside – A
Pictorial Past was
written and published in 1991 by Clare and Fred
Murley. Since then nearly 3,000 copies have been
sold.
It was an excellently researched and written book
but due to the Murley’s primary
involvement over many years with Fawley their knowledge
base about Hythe, Dibden, Marchwood and Eling was limited
and this shows in the book through the disproportionate
length of the chapters which apply to the three parish
areas.
There are 58 pages covering Fawley Parish, 16½ pages
for Hythe & Dibden whilst there are only 5½ pages
covering Marchwood and Eling.
Since 1991 significant
further research has been undertaken both in Fawley and
Hythe & Dibden such that it is now considered that
a revision is now possible and indeed necessary. Some
additional work has also been undertaken by individuals
in Marchwood and further research could enhance our knowledge
of the area to bring the parish up to an equivalent level.
Accordingly it has been decided, with the full agreement
of Clare Murley, that now is the time to publish a new
edition.
What is envisaged is a three volume series with a single volume for each of the
three parish areas. Each volume will be comparable in format and size to the
current single volume. They will consist of 96 pages which will contain about
40,000 words, 100 photographs and additional mapping to illustrate each volume
and link back to the other two.
The current format of progressing naturally through
the parish along the roads will continue as it is felt that this is the best
method of linking history within the parish but some subjects such as sport,
which spread throughout a parish, would be better dealt with together in a separate
section.
Clare Murley has agreed to provide the revised text which will cover the parish
of Fawley in one volume whilst Graham Parkes is currently writing the new volume
on Hythe & Dibden. It is proposed that the Marchwood volume, which requires
further research, will be written as a joint project by residents of Marchwood
under the guidance and editorship of Clare Murley and Graham Parkes.
All three volumes will be published by Waterside Heritage and it is envisaged
that the Hythe & Dibden volume will be published first, followed by Fawley
and then Marchwood.
Both Clare Murley and Graham Parkes have agreed to transfer
their copyright interest in the volumes to Waterside Heritage. This will ensure
that after the basic printing and promotion costs all profits will go towards
the running of the Waterside Heritage Centre.
We need to find volunteers to investigate and write about their parts
of Marchwood for the proposed new “History of Marchwood“ book.
A meeting will be held in the Pine Room at the Village
Hall on
Wednesday 12th January at 7.00pm
Call Mr Graham Parkes for more details on
023 8084 4074 (daytime) or 023
8084 7388 (evenings)
or just come on the night.
Waterside
Heritage
