Lancing and Sompting villages have a rich and varied past and some interesting characters have resided there. Did you know that Anna Sewell, authoress of Black Beauty lived at Fircroft, Manor Road or that Lord Alfred Douglas Oscar Wilde’s “Bosie” lived at Monk’s Farm House towards the end of his life? Sir Henry Cooper and his identical twin George were evacuated from London to Lancing and Thomas Henry King of The Trebor Company (remember Refreshers, Black Jacks, Extra Strong Mints?) lived in Trebor Cottage in Cokeham Lane for some twenty years. These are just a few of the famous poets, artists, historians, adventurers, cartoonists, inventors and authors that have stayed or lived in and around the two coastal villages.
It is this rich history that often remains hidden under the many developments the area has and continues to experience that Lancing & Sompting Pastfinders has been delving into and uncovering for the past 21 years. The local history group was formed back in 1996 when locals Philip Fry, Mike Prince and Bob Brown decided to start the group that has since then gone from strength to strength.
Over the years upwards of 1000 historic images have been digitalised thanks to a Heritage Lottery Fund award, and memorabilia has been collected all of which will be part of the new exhibition “Sompting Old” on Saturday July 1st from 10am to 4.30pm and Sunday July 2nd from 10am till 4pm at The Harriet Johnson Community Centre (the old Sompting school) Loose Lane Sompting. At the exhibition this year you will find :
- Many NEW images and school class photos for naming
- L&S Pastfinders Local History Displays
- WWII display with bombs and sirens
- Local history books by local authors
- Local History Corner
- Pastfinders has produced a large number of booklets detailing the history of the villages which are available to purchase at very low prices along with some photos
- The Friends of Sompting Church
- Family Tree research advice
- Worthing Archaeological Society display and information
- Sussex Traditions display and information
- Did your ancestor work for a local grower?
- Entrance is free and refreshments will be available
- More activities outside in the grounds of the Centre
The group is keen to continue expanding their collections and are always grateful for the loan of photographs, old deeds or ephemera for scanning. All items will be returned to their owners.
A varied monthly programme is run by L&S Pastfinders on the first Tuesday evening of the month including visits and walks to places of local interest. Visit www.lancing-sompting-pastfinders.co.uk for up-to-date information on our programme and many articles of historical interest.
The exhibition is part of the Sompting Festival taking place on Sompting Recreation Ground on the Friday, Saturday & Sunday where more activities will be going on including an Adult Football Tournament, a Medieval Re-enactment, a Barn Dance, a Hog roast, a Dog Show, an Irish Band, a Status Quo Tribute Band plus many other events.