Flying, Digging and Batting: A brief dip into new collections at West Sussex Record Office

By Nick Corbo-Stewart, Archivist and Volunteer Coordinator

In this series of blogs looking at new collections at West Sussex Record Office (WSRO), I will continue to guide you, the reader, to the variety of work undertaken by the volunteers. Through a culmination of sorting, listing, ordering, cataloguing and packaging; with the ability to inform and educate all who have an interest in the history of West Sussex, their completed collections are now open for use by our researchers. Below, is a preview of three of these new collections.

F G Miles Limited of Shoreham, 1940-2021

Innovative aircraft designers and manufacturers. Initially based at Redhill, Surrey and then later at Shoreham aerodrome. One of the many such companies that existed in the booming British aircraft manufacturing sector in the post war 1945 period. Founded by Frederick George (F G) Miles, and later joined by his brother, George Herbert (H) Miles. This company was dedicated to design of new aircraft, parts and developing testing equipment. Customers came from within the military and commercial sectors, nationally and internationally. F G Miles remained in business until the 1980s.

The collection focuses on projects the company was involved in. Starting with a series of correspondence, you can follow a path of product development through written discussion, both internally and externally with commercial partners. The company papers include minutes of meetings, including working with producers of the 1966 war film: The Blue Max. Design work is contained within project files; with particular focus on innovative jet and prop aircraft prototypes. Here, photographs, plans and specifications can be found of numerous design concepts. The researcher can also see company publicity papers, promoting Miles products (such as flight simulators), and ‘Milestones’ newsletters for employees. Finally, a series of photographs show many of the company activities, including sales pitches, visitors, views of aircraft and testing equipment.

Catalogue reference: AM 1749

1. AM 1749/4/3/14: Miles Student, 1950s-1960s.
2. AM 1749/4/3/1: Miles Caravan: Prototype models, 1950s-1960s.
3. AM 1749/3/3/1: Milestones, 1969-1972.
4. AM 1749/1/2/3: Correspondence re participation in ‘The Blue Max’ film, 1965.

Hassocks Horticultural Society, 1948-2022

Horticulture, the small scale, non-industrial cultivation of plants, sometimes for ornamental purposes, has always had a professional and amateur interest within Sussex. This collection shows the activity of an organisation which brings together the work of experts and amateurs in this field. Hassocks Horticultural Society has been active for many decades in encouraging its members interest in horticulture; from practical instruction, exhibitions to organised visits to show gardens.

The collection begins with neatly hand-written minutes of its committee, showing the daily administration of its membership, reports, accounts, organisation of regular visits/lectures and demonstrations. The members themselves are kept well informed of the Society activities via its newsletter, ‘Greenfingers’, of which a select range exists from 1969 to 2017.  Membership cards, with the earliest example from 1948, include printed activity programmes, featuring lectures, films and competitions. Finally, a miscellaneous series of items reflects the other activities society members engaged with; including newspaper articles publicising the organisations activities and exhibitions, summer show posters and invites to celebration dinners.

Catalogue reference: AM 1760

1. AM 1760/1/1: Minute book, 1953-1971.
2. AM 1760/2/2: Newsletters: Greenfingers, Mar 1991-Jan 2017.
3. AM 1760/6: Membership cards, 20^th century.
4. AM 1760/6: Membership cards (covers), 20^th century.

The Sussex Invitation Cricket League, 1979-2017

Participation in one of the nation’s favourite games is a regular pastime of many from around the County. Cricket is played at all levels and ‘grassroots’ leagues have been set up to promote this activity. This collection reflects the dedication of amateur involvement of players, officials and spectators in one such league. Being one of many similar smaller collections at the Record Office which reflect this sporting activity.

The collection contains detailed league tables, yearly reviews, reports, histories and photographs. For example, those wishing to know more about leading bowlers or batters every season can look up the seasonal reviews of chosen year. This is backed up by clippings from local newspapers, such as the Worthing Herald, who regularly reported on matches taking place within the County. Finally, photographs of participating teams are included, featuring some of the umpires who officiated in matches.

Catalogue reference: AM 1777

1. AM 1777/6/1/4: Cricket Club teams, late 20^th century.
2. AM 1777/6/1/4: Cricket Club teams, late 20^th century.
3. AM 1777/4/5: Newspaper report, 16 Sep 2004.
4. AM 1777/2: Reviews, late 20^th century.

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