“History is just one dammed thing after another” is a comment attributed to the British historian Arnold Toynbee. He was critiquing the view that history is a simple collection of facts. Part of the fascination of history is looking back to uncover the timeline of events, why one thing led to another and why individuals did the things they did. To understand a deeper meaning. In looking at local history, we want to imagine the lives that people, perhaps our ancestors, lived. Why? Because it gives context to our own experiences and conjures up the sense that we are on a journey.
In this journey we believe that we are seekers of truth. We are armed with mighty tools: official records, first-hand accounts and testimony, photographs, paintings, film and videos, maps, artefacts and architecture. But inevitably truth is an elusive fellow; we must find consensus and corroboration and yet it remains slightly out of touch. Our best efforts will not let us hold the past in the palm of our hands. Our picture of the past evolves, and we form an impression in our minds of why things are the way they are.
Through its programme of presentations and the maintenance and collation of a local archive, the local history group helps preserve these lived experiences so that we can all dip our toe in the pool of knowledge about Ninfield and the local area and creates a space where we can share our memories. In 2025 we have heard about the Sackville family, The Voyage of the Sunbeam, Suffragettes and Suffragists, the history of Pevensey and the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to name but a few.
Our final meeting of the year will be held on 11 December, when we will hear about Priest Hunting in Kent and Sussex by Meyrick Simmons and we will enjoy some festive nibbles by way of accompaniment. Please do check out the programme of talks for 2026 on our website and don’t forget, if you have stories or photographs that you would like to share, we would love to hear from you!
On behalf of the Committee, I wish you all an enjoyable festive period and prosperous New Year.
Ninfield Local History Group meets each month (not January) at the Methodist Hall in Church Lane, on the second Thursday of each month 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We also open our archives each quarter at the Sparkes Pavilion so that you can view photographs and documents relating to the village and the surrounding area, talk to a local expert and share your stories.
You can find out more about the group, see our talks schedule, view photographs, read stories and more on our website:
www.ninfieldlocalhistorygroup/org.uk
or get in touch:
info@ninfieldlocalhistorygroup.org.uk.
Brian Stockton, Chair, Ninfield Local History group
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