Ewelme Society
Aims – “The Society exists to promote and encourage the preservation, development and improvement of features of Ewelme of general public amenity or historic interest.
- To stimulate public interest and care for the beauty, history and character of Ewelme and its neighbourhood.
- To encourage high standards of architecture and town planning, particularly in the adaptation of fresh developments to existing surroundings.
- To hold meetings at which, for instance, qualified persons would be invited to speak on subjects bearing on the Society’s objectives.”
History - The Ewelme Society was formed in 1968 by concerned residents to divert the busy B4009 from its course through the village High Street. The road was then designated by the AA as a ‘preferred route’ for vehicles travelling from the West towards Aylesbury and East Anglia. In time other major concerns were addressed, in particular a protest against the dumping of ‘controlled substances’ in Ewelme gravel quarries which resulted in much stricter laws regarding the dumping of toxic waste. Later, moves were made to remove Ewelme from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so that gravel extraction could take place to the north of the village. This plan was also fought, and now Ewelme enjoys Conservation Area status.
The Society continues to take up many and varied causes to preserve and protect the environment for the enjoyment of villagers, old and new.
Projects - In the mid-1990’s a sub-committee was set up to research and archive the history of the village in the twentieth century, under the title ‘20th Century Ewelme’. This was achieved by recording taped interviews, collecting photographs, memorabilia and archival material. These efforts resulted in a week long exhibition at the Village Hall in May 2000 as a tribute to Ewelme’s modern heritage. A book ‘Glimpses of an Oxfordshire Village’ and a professionally made video ‘Ewelme – A Century of Change’ were produced and are available for sale. A large photographic and document archive is being kept up to date, in hard copy and digitally. The contents of the Archive are copyright, and are available for personal inspection on request.
EWELME HISTORIAL ARCHIVE
A project to record the history of Ewelme in the 20th Century was undertaken by a sub-committee of The Ewelme Society. This research began in 1994 and culminated in a week long 20th Century Ewelme Millennium Exhibition in May 2000.
From the research The Ewelme Society published -
The village book - ”GLIMPSES OF AN OXFORDSHIRE VILLAGE: EWELME 1900-2000” Edited by Ann Chisholm and Michael Davie
Ten chapters. 104 pages. Ninety black and white photographs. (Price £5, plus postage and packing)
The book is based on extensive local research covering life and events in Ewelme during the last century. Also, villagers gave taped interviews - and their recollections are woven into the chapters.
The village Video - “EWELME: A HUNDRED YEARS OF CHANGE” Produced by Lisa Holmes. Narrated by Jeremy Child
Running time 22 minutes 42 seconds. Stereo. (Price £5, plus postage and packing). Shortly to be available in DVD format.
Audio-CD or Cassette Tape –
A professional recording of Reverend Martin Garner’s talk in St Mary’s Church on the occasion of THE EWELME EXHIBITION FUND SCHOLARS’ DAY on 17th June 2006. Running time 40 minutes. (Price £5, plus postage and packing). Copyright 2006 – The Ewelme Society
The book, video are Copyright 2000 - The Ewelme Society
The book and video are available for sale at Derry’s Den, High Street, Benson, or by email request to the Secretary – ewelme.society@ewelme.info
The archive project is ongoing and to date consists of 39 folders arranged in alphabetical subject matter containing approximately 1,000 items of information.
The Archive originally contained material relating only to the 20th Century, but it is now being expanded to cover past centuries. Queries and requests for information in hard or electronic copy should be sent to the Secretary - ewelme.society@ewelme.info
Also, on separate files are :-
Ongoing Related Projects
Village Photographs
An archive of historical and modern photographs – in electronic and hard copy.
Tapestry Collage
Consisting of six local views in counted cross stitch will be completed and mounted for display in a community location. Kits are available (email The Secretary for details).
Mapping Project
To be completed