Uncovering RH6’s Past: Horley’s history uncovered

Ever wondered about the history of your road or even your house? Finding out about your local and family history can be fascinating and we know a group that can help you to do just that…

Formed in 1952, the group has been providing residents with information on RH6’s bygone days for many years. Their aim is to collect, record and share their findings, to ensure Horley and the surrounding area’s history stays alive and is accessible to all. Their website www.horleyhistory.org.uk contains all sorts of interesting facts, along with a large gallery of fascinating photographs which will conjure up nostalgic memories for many of our readers.

The Society now has more than 70 members, who all play different parts in the group. Some are avid researchers, others write up history notes, vocal members give talks on local history and the keen authors amongst them even draft and publish books for sale on regional history topics. They really are the go-to group for anything you may need to know about the past.

On Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, Horley Local History Society can be found at the Local History Centre, in Horley Library, with members’ on-hand to help you find out how to get started with your own personal research.

Perhaps you’d like to uncover details about your road or even your house? Or, information about your family’s history? The Society can point residents in the right direction, with their knowledge and access to resources.

“We try to show and teach people how to carry out history research rather than do it for them,” member Doug Cox, explains. “In this way, we are more likely to induce people to become members and/or take it up for themselves.”

Doug, who compiled a book of dedication to honour Horley’s 122 soldiers who fell during World War I (Men of Horley 1914 – 1918 Lest We Forget), told us why he thought local history is so important. “If you don’t record it now it can be lost forever,” he says.

This month, the keen historian and former Reigate and Banstead Borough councillor will be giving an illustrated talk at the Society’s monthly meeting (May 26) on The Battle of the Somme, before the 100th anniversary of the battle on July 1.

In addition, Doug is currently researching Horley people who served in World War 2. This is for a follow-up book after his successful book on dedicated to honour Horley’s 122 soldiers who fell during World War I (Men of Horley 1914 – 1918 Lest We Forget). If you can help with details of anyone who served, he would be pleased to hear from you and can be reached on the ‘contact us’ section on the group website.

[box type=”shadow” align=”” class=”” width=”800″]Interested?
To find out more, pop along to the Horley Local History Society sessions held on Tuesdays from 3.00pm-5.00pm or Saturdays from 11.00am-1.00pm at Horley Library. Alternatively, monthly meetings are at Horley Methodist Church Hall every fourth Thursday of each month, from 7.30pm (small entrance fee of £1 for visitors). Membership costs just £7.00 a year or £10.00 for a couple.[/box]