Building, Acting and Relaxing: A brief dip into new collections at West Sussex Record Office

By Nick Corbo-Stewart, Archivist and Volunteer Coordinator

The volunteers at West Sussex Record Office (WSRO) work with a wide variety of collections. They sort, list, order, catalogue and package. Once ready, these are opened for use to our researchers.

Within this, the first of a series of blogs, I will introduce you, the reader, to some of the variety of content within this work – its ability to inform and educate all who have an interest in the history of West Sussex, starting with these three recently catalogued collections.

Collection title: D H Amey of Worthing, 1957-1992

One of many collections that focus on the activities of businesses in West Sussex, both large and small. D H Amey was a building company operating in the post war era, founded, owned and run by Derek Harry Amey and his family. It was responsible for many projects in and around the Worthing area. These range from small scale construction work to the building of bespoke property for clients, and renovations of commercial buildings.

The collection records the life of this company from its founding to its final years, with many items showing how the business was operated. These run from its origins, through its certificate of incorporation and on to membership of professional building trades. We then move onto daily administration, featuring the company’s accounts, planning of work schedules and employee record books. The flow and type of work the business handled is shown in its estimate books and job tickets. Finally, plans and photographs showcase its involvement in major development projects, such as the building of Peak House and the renovations of the Ocean Hotel on the Worthing sea front.

Catalogue reference: Amey

1. Amey 1/2/3/1: Purchase book for tools and equipment, inside pages, May 1960-Apr 1966
2. Amey 3/2/3: Worthing: Ocean Hotel, 1958
3. Amey 3/3/1: Estimates book for Mr Amey, Volume 1, Nov 1969-May 1972

Collection title: Worthing Operatic Society, 1970-2004

The tradition of amateur dramatics is alive and well in West Sussex. Many such groups have been founded to cater for public demand. The Worthing Operatic Society is one such organisation. With its actors, and guest performers, this Society has performed popular national shows and musicals, delighting and enthralling audiences over many decades. It also allowed its participants the opportunity to gain experience in the performing arts.

This collection reflects popular entertainment delivered by this Society in the latter half of the 20^th century. Included are programmes featuring operas, operettas and musicals such as My Fair Lady, The Mikado and Carousel. Photographs record many of the actors and their performances. With these can be found associated publicity, including locally produced flyers and newspaper articles. Finally, the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, including the creation of costumes for productions, planning and organising of the membership of the Society, is set out in supporting correspondence and papers.

Catalogue reference: AM 1765

1. AM 1765/1/7: Programme for The Merry Widow, 1990
2. AM 1765/3/1: Flyer for Cavalleria Rusticana, 1970s
3. AM 1765/5/5: Costume measurements for Merrie England, Oct 1980

Collection title: Documents relating to The Swan Hotel, Arundel, 1759-1999

Public houses and hotels are a traditional feature of the landscape of the county. Their history often reflects many changes and requirements of those seeking hospitality in the local area. For hundreds of years, The Swan Hotel in Arundel has served as a venue for rest and relaxation for its guests and visitors.

This collection starts with a series of original deeds and documents which record the history of ownership of this hotel from 1759 to 1990. Here a researcher can gain a sense of the development of the property, its value and the names/occupations of those involved in its custodianship. The deeds are complemented by a number of photographs that document its changing external appearance from the early part of the 20^th century to the early 21^st century. These also give glimpses of the interiors, including some of the renovation work that has taken place over the years. Finally, for those seeking a history of the hotel and life within, additional research notes are available within the collection.

Catalogue reference: AM 1788

1. AM 1788/1/13: Conveyance for The Swan Inn, Arundel (and other freehold and leasehold property),  11 Jul 1955-18 Apr 1978
2. AM 1788/1/16: Counterpart to deed comprising turnover lease, bonus agreement and charge relating to The Swan Hotel, Arundel, 18 Apr 1978
3. AM 1788/2/4: Arundel: The Swan Hotel, c1980s

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