The
Blackawton with Strete History Group was set up in 2001. A few
people living in both villages found they had a common interest in
local history – so BASH was born.
The two
villages have always had close links. Strete was an integral part
of Blackawton parish until the late 19th century. In
1881 Strete became an ecclesiastical parish in its own right, but
it only became a discrete civil parish in 1935 when the princely
sum of £7 was allotted to establish the new Strete Parish
Council.
Some
early research carried out by members provided sufficient material
for the Group to produce a couple of booklets on various aspects
of local history. More recently BASH was involved with the
production of a more ambitious book – The Land We Left Behind –
which commemorated the evacuation of the area in 1943.
Today
BASH members are active on two major projects – Living Memories, a
collection of historic pictures of the area together with recorded
interviews of people who have lived in the villages for a long
time, and Life into Landscape, through which we are charting the
ancient history of the area with the help of a professional
archaeologist.
BASH
currently has over fifty members, and we run a lively programme of
talks and visits on matters of local interest.
For
more information about BASH and its activities contact Anne on
01803 712662 or email
historybash@hotmail.co.uk.
