Federation
of Old Cornwall Societies
"THE WAR IN OUR AREA"
Bodmin
Fire Brigade ARP team, 1939.
By
courtesy of the Cornwall Centre’s (see its online photographic collection at www.cornwallphotoimagebank.co.uk)
.
An
invitation to Old Cornwall Societies –
The
Federation would like you to enter its new Competition to create a package of
information about the era of the Second World War in your Society’s area of
Cornwall.
A
lot has already been written and recorded about the topic, but Old Cornwall is
renowned for its concern with the minutiae as well as the bigger picture.
We ‘gather the fragments’…
So
what’s it all about?
The
content can be as varied as you can make it –
Recollections
of, for instance -
day-to-day
life for adults and children between 1939 and 1945
places
and/or events of significance in the War effort
the
effects of having the military stationed locally
evacuees
rationing
Researched
information for those who like to use libraries and archives
Discovery
of images of wartime in Cornwall
Research
into those locals who lost their lives, were injured, or achieved
recognition for their actions
Descriptions
and images of present-day remains for those with an archaeological bent
Tip:
Try to avoid re-hashing what other people have published already.
Who
can be involved?
This
is a Project in which members of all ages can engage -
If
you recall the period but don’t feel confident setting it down, pair up with
someone who can take notes, write well, and/or use a computer.
If
you have computer skills, take on the role of word-processor.
If
you have a camera, use it for recording the structures and artifacts which
survive today, and don’t forget a portrait of anyone supplying first-hand
reminiscences is also valuable.
If
you have a talent for drawing, or sketching, why not put your artistic
interpretation skills to good use here?
Tip:
It is probably a good idea to ‘elect’ someone with good
organisational aptitude as a team leader and to meet from time to time to review
progress.
What
will happen to the packages?
The
Federation deposits its books, journals and papers at the Courtney Library of
the Royal Institution of Cornwall in Truro.
There they are safely stored and available for bona fide researchers by
prior arrangement with the Federation.
However,
any Society wishing to keep its package may do so, and the Federation suggests
that it be the Recorder’s responsibility to preserve it.
Will
it be published?
Depending
upon the success of the Project, the Federation may wish to publish parts of the
gathered information, or to use the data so collected (in books or journals).
Entry
to the Competition confirms that the Federation’s Officers may do so
without obstruction; and that they may give authority to other researchers who
may wish to use the information provided that there is due acknowledgement of
the source.
The
rules.
Who
may enter?
All
Old Cornwall Societies may enter. An
individual may also enter but the Competition is designed to encourage Society
members to help each other (“like they did in the War”!).
Presentation
A
folder-file or box-file suitable for A4 paper will be preferred.
Content
structured for easy comprehension and use will also bring credit.
Judging
The
judges will be a panel of independent persons of note with an interest in
Cornwall’s history.
Winning
The
winning Society will receive a Trophy to be retained throughout 2009, and the
inestimable associated glory!
The
Timetable
The
competition will be officially ‘launched’ at the General Meeting at County
Hall, Truro, on Saturday 1st March (but getting started sooner will
not count against you!).
The
closing date is Saturday 31st January 2009.
The
winners will be announced at the General Meeting on Saturday 7th
March 2009.
Entries
to: David Stark, Orchard Lodge, London Apprentice, St Austell, PL26 7AR.
Tel 01726-75423.