Introduction
Following our entry into the Britain in Bloom finals, in both 2008 and 2009, we were advised by the competition organizers that the theme they had set for was "Community Roots".
After some consideration it was been decided to hold events celebrating Filby's history and people using this theme to reflect the changing face of the community over time.
Two major events are held each year which draw people to the village. The Open Gardens Weekend, in July, and the August Bank Holiday Extravaganza which runs, yes, over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The 2008 theme was simply 'Community Roots' but in 2009 it was entitled 'Community Roots:- Raspberries and Cream' and focused on Filby's fruit growing era when over four tons of fruit left the village each year.
Since 2008 any donations received at the exhibitions and profits from any sales of copies of the photographs go towards the New Community Centre fund. The Community Centre will have a secure room where the material can be safely housed and provide facilities for residents and researchers to access the collection.
The 2010 photographic exhibition for Open Gardens exhibition will be held on 17th and 18th July in the Cubroom, Main Road from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.
The Bank Holiday event will also be held in the Club Room, Main Road, from Saturday to Monday inclusive, the 28th to 30th August from 10:00 a.m.
The Story to Date
2008
In 2008 material put together by the Filby Society was recovered although we continue to look for a few items we remember but had not been able to track down.
We were also appealing for anyone with photographs, films or documents they would be willing to share to get in touch. Everything is always, of course, handled with care and returned. In most cases copies, restored if we are able to, are exhibited rather than precious originals. All contributions are acknowledged.
Most exciting was confirmation that the Norfolk Record Office, which secured the highest overall score of any archive repository in England and Wales in the 2007 assessments, was to work with us and contribute material. They have a wealth of material relating to Filby and this partnership gives us a wonderful opportunity to see a selection and share resources.
To see details of Norfolk Record Office's achievement why not visit: Norfolk Record Office Awards
2009
In 2009 the display in the church for Open Gardens was themed on Filby Weddings and featured weddings of people who lived in Filby, or were married in Filby, both at All Saints Church and the Methodist Chapel, or had valid connections with the village. Initially we thought we might manage to put together about 50 pictures. In the end we were able to display 158.
Since then the collection has been put into two binders and continues to grow, over 180 to date. These pictures are still being added to and can be seen at all our exhibitions and, between exhibitions, spend most of their time 'on tour' with interested families and individuals. This helps us to put names to faces, especially in the group photographs.
2010
We continue to collect photographs and documents and we are pleased to be able to report they continued to be offered and that we are having the opportunity to share a lot of memories with folk from a wide area and add to our knowledge of the history of the people of this community.
2011
We find ourselves competing in the Britain in Bloom finals again. Meanwhile the collection has continued to grow at a steady pace and this year, as well as continuing to collect material covering all aspects of village life and activities, we are concentrating on putting together, under the title of Filby People remembered, a collection of pictures and short biographies of people who lived all or part of their lives in Filby.
If you have any material you wish to share either email the webmaster at: pottingshed@filby-in-bloom.org.uk or telephone Keith and Lesley Johnson on 01493 369536
We look forward to hearing from you.
