FEATURE
History in
the making
History has always proved a fascinating Fellows of the National Historical
Association in its Secretary, Terence
subject for academics and enthusiasts
Blunden, and Treasurer, Gillian
alike. Delving into the past invariably
Burnett.
unearths facts, figures and evidence
Island Life caught up with current
that have never previously been
IW branch Chairman, Dr David
brought to light.
Wake, who can trace his family roots
The Island itself is steeped in history
back to the 19th century in East
that stretches so far back it is now
Cowes. Although he travels widely
recognised worldwide as one of the
in his corporate interests in the UK,
main areas where dinosaurs roamed
Africa, US and Australia, his home is
across its landscape millions of years
at Luccombe
ago.
and he plays
It is hardly
an active part
surprising then
The Historical Association is the
that the Island has voice of History. It brings together in Island life
as a Governor
a thriving branch
people who share an interest in, and
of the IW
of the Historical
love for the past. It aims to further College.
Association, an
the study and teaching of history
David said:
organisation
at all levels. Membership is open
“People often
recognised as the
‘voice of history’.
to everyone, teacher and student, erroneously
think that
The Island branch
amateur and professional.
because we are
was originally
an IW Branch,
formed back in
we concentrate
1922, some 16
on local history. In fact, our focus is
years after the National Association
on national history – leaving the local
was set up.
history and heritage groups to consider
But membership waned here in the
local topics. As part of the national
mid 1920s, and it was not until June
organisation the Branch has access to
23, 1950 that it enjoyed its ‘second
a list of speakers, mainly university
coming’ thanks to the driving force of
Walter Roberts, then history teacher at lecturers, who provide lectures of a
very high calibre, and whilst on the
Newport Secondary Grammar School.
Island are very happy to visit our
Now the Island HA is one of 52
secondary schools.”
branches throughout the country and
He continued: “Over the past 20
has an ever-growing membership that
is currently in excess of 170. Presidents years, starting with the chairmanship
of Molly Pewsey, the Branch has
here have included A.L. Hutchinson
moved forward using modern
(1950-56) J.B. Priestley (1956-60),
technology to provide a better
A.J.P. Taylor (1960-1976), Dr Jack
service for our members. We are now
Jones (1988-2005) and currently Dr
considered locally to be a ‘legitimate
Paul Hooper. It also has the unique
organisation’ and are often asked
distinction of having two Honorary
46
www.visitislandlife.com
to join groups who are looking at
proposals which will improve the
quality of Island life or safeguard the
Island’s heritage.”
The Island branch committee are
currently looking forward to the
National President, Jackie Eales,
Professor of Early Modern History at
Canterbury Christ Church University,
joining them for lunch at Brading
Roman Villa. Later she will address the
members at an evening lecture.
The HA IW holds seven monthly
lectures from October to April; an
annual dinner and/or lunch; an annual
outing, and organises walks around
Island villages with a local historian.
For more information, contact the
Secretary, Terence Blunden, tel:
(01983) 524410, e-mail terence.
[email protected]
Above: HA National President, Jackie Eales,
Professor of Early Modern History at Canterbury
Christ Church University
Top: David Wake, Terry Blunden, Gillian Burnett,
Molly Pewsey, John Matthews, Rebecca Sullivan
(HA Chief Executive), Johanna Jones, Ken Hicks,
Tom Priestley, Sheila Mace, John Hobart and
Andrew Hutchinson