We are a small group meeting once a month in Fordham Village Hall. We explore and experience local, national and international themes in order to learn about the history of our locality and how it has been shaped by people and events. In doing so, we hope to preserve the heritage of Fordham and the surrounding area.
Fordham Local History Society had its very first meeting back in March 1997 in Fordham Village Hall and was attended by 19 people.
Pat Lewis gave the first talk and she was made honourary president, sadly Pat passed away in August 2017. Her valuable contribution to the history of Fordham has underpinned much of our society.
The AGM in November 2022 was held in the hall this year with yearly accounts checked and verified by accountant G. Hewes. Wendy Shepherd continues as chairperson, treasurer and programme secretary. Christine Alexander is the second signatory. Michael Hamilton-Macy is the Colchester Archaeological Group liaison. Jenny Kay is the society's president
Membership is free to anyone who wishes to join us, we pay £4.00 on the door at the meeting.
Our meetings now take place on the third Tuesday of every month except in April, August and December.
An afterschool History Club was started in September 2017 for the pupils of All Saints Village School. Sadly this has been put on hold due to Covid 19. It has not restarted.
We also offer a research service if you require any family history covered in the census documents and Essex Archives.
Currently we are updating information about our WW1 casualties, this can be found on the war memorial page and work continues on the WW2 Fordham book.
Take a journey back to the past and enjoy the images of Fordham.
Our new book written as part of our WW1 Heritage Lottery funded community project is now available to read online or if you would prefer a copy of the book, please contact us. There is no charge for the book but if you wish to make a donation to the British Legion via us, our British Legion organiser will ensure the donation is passed on. However, as the book is 240 pages thick, we will require a cheque for £2.00 to cover the postage and packaging. This cheque should be made out to Fordham Local History Society.We also have a set of postcards of old Fordham for sale at 5 for £3.00 which includes postage.
£3.00 plus £1.00 p&p
or 2 for £5.00
£3.00 plus £1.00 p&p
or 2 for £5.00
Please note: You may download the book here to read. No part of of this book may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means electrical or mechanical without the permission of the author. The right of Wendy Shepherd to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. Content Copyright © 2017 Wendy Shepherd and FLHS. All rights reserved.
Fordham Local History Society
We come together to preserve Fordham's history for the benefit of the community