By Nick Corbo-Stewart, Volunteer Coordinator and Archivist
In the week that celebrates and recognises the contributions of volunteers around the country, we at the West Sussex Record Office (WSRO) would like to thank all our volunteers from the local community who continue to make a positive contribution towards the services WSRO provides.
Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and locations to give their time to support WSRO. Throughout 2024-2025, they have continued working on numerous historic collections, which span a range of different topics, and their invaluable efforts mean that even more records are now available for researchers to consult. A few examples of our volunteers’ work include:
The papers, photographs and publicity of portrait painter Juliett Pannett of Angmering (AM 1860). Her sitters included leading figures in British society from the mid to late twentieth century such as Queen Elizabeth II, other members of the Royal Family, several Prime Ministers and well known military officers, musicians and athletes. She was also the sister of Phoebe Somers, a well-known Sussex professional lecturer and illustrator, whose catalogued artwork for local newspapers (also listed by volunteers) is available as AM 677.
The sales particulars (SP collection) of Churchman and Duke. This collection comprises brochures selling properties built in the rapidly expanding town of Crawley during the 1960s and 1970s. Our volunteers sorted through 25 boxes and catalogued 1385 sales particulars.
The business papers of Duke and Ockenden (DANDO) of Littlehampton. An engineering company supplying drilling services, equipment, water wells, windmills and pumps. DANDO produced equipment (including trench pumps) which helped Britain to fight during two World Wars. In later years the company became a leader in international drilling equipment design.
The aviation business records of F G Miles Aircraft Limited of Shoreham (AM 1749). Innovative British aircraft designers and manufacturers, whose work influenced technological developments in the sector for decades during the 20th century. Our volunteers have listed the photographs, specifications and administrative papers of this unique company.
Volunteers have also sorted through 24 boxes of correspondence, minutes and plans of the many organisations supplying of water to the residents and businesses of the county from late 19th century to 1979, in the West Sussex Water (WSW) collection.
Amongst our smaller collections, the volunteers have catalogued material relating to the Festival of Industry which took place at Chichester Cathedral in June 1968 (AM 1568). The collection, which includes publicity leaflets, organisational papers and photographs, brings to life the best of 1960s craft and technological advances and transports the researcher back to this week-long extravaganza.
Another volunteer has taken us on a trip to the theatre by cataloguing the performance programmes, flyers and photographs of productions of the Worthing Operatic Society (AM 1765).
If it’s hospitality you’re interested in, the volunteers have catalogued records relating to the history of The Swan Hotel in Arundel (AM 1788). Dating from the latter end of the 18th century, these records, which include deeds, photographs and brochures, chart the history of a well hostelry and local landmark.
Finally, volunteers have uncovered the scientific and personal journey of the 20th century naturalist and geologist Edmond Martin Venables (AM 1669). From his notebooks of observations and publications to his correspondence and photographs of a life lived.
In addition, volunteers continue to add regularly to our local government, parish, non-conformist, map, photographic and plan catalogues.
WSRO is proud to engage the community by providing opportunities for all of our volunteers to learn new skills in research, transcription, listing, sorting, packaging, information technology, data manipulation and document handling. It is also a place to meet other volunteers and members of staff who share the same passion for the care and development of our archive.
The volunteers’ invaluable support that helps the Record Office to open up new and exciting collections to of all our visitors and those accessing our services remotely.
We at the Record Office would like to say a BIG thank you to our volunteers, for continuing to work before, during this National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) National Volunteer Week and beyond.
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