Industry & Agriculture Group

The third meeting of the Group was held on Wednesday 2nd June 2004 in the house of John Breeze.

Those Present. Mary Offord (Chair), John Breeze, Michael Kent, John Millett, Gwyn Skae, Sigi Goolden, Martin Turner (Secretary).

Apologies. Had been received from Dudley Groves. Paul Ottaway who originally expressed interest in this side of local research, has said that he no longer wishes to be a member of the I and A Group.

Welcome. Mary welcomed Sigi Goolden to the Group. Sigis specific interest is the Wealden Iron Industry.

Minutes of the Last Meeting & Matters Arising.

Presentation to full Meeting. It was agreed that rather than making a ten minute presentation at a full meeting, we should submit an article for the Newsletter. Martin reported that Michael Harte was keen that we should, if possible, submit an article by Thursday 10th June, for the next Newsletter. Michael Harte had said that a column in the Newsletter was 300 words, so ideally any article should be that length or multiples of it. Mary said she would write an article on Bricks to meet this deadline.

Reports.

Wealden Iron Industry. (Gwyn Skae, Charles Wilkinson, Sigi Goolden.) Gwyn said that she was coming to the end of reading the definitive book on the subject, with a view to writing an article for the Newsletter. Gwyn and Sigi said that they would be putting their heads together.

Livestock & Dairy Industry. (John Millett, Charles Wilkinson, Walter Hodder) John said he would like to concentrate on the dairy industry but possibly taking in sheep and pigs as well? John said that he thought Charles would like to be concerned with the history of the Market. John Breeze said that as soon as he had more time he would be involved with researching the medieval Trewetts Farm.

John Millett said that the Market had, anyway latterly, been a fatstock market selling cattle for slaughter and that the main reason for it closing was the fact that the passage way which went up beside Martel Chemists, was too difficult for delivery lorries. John said the Wadhurst ground was considered too heavy for Dairy cattle and that farmers had been encouraged to get out of Dairy cattle in favour of fatstock.

Hop & Brewing Industry & Cider Making. (Michael Kent, Dudley Groves.) Michael said that his specific interest was cider making and that after further research he hoped to be able to write a short article for the Bulletin. Michael also said he would do research on Hop growing in the area. In his absence it was suggested that Dudley might be interested to research the Brewing industry. The close proximity of the Old Vine to his house seemed to make this appointment appropriate. The Brewery that once existed in Durgates between Holmesdale Close and Humberts was thought to be worth researching. It was noted that no one as yet had shown an interest in fruit growing. John Millett mentioned the following as people who would have useful information about Hops and indeed agriculture in general. - Richard Froggatt, Norman Gingell, Rodney Piper, Tim Watson - now living in Heathfield (Market), Jim Overy.

Brick & Tile Making. Mary Offord - See comments above concerning proposed article

Wood Industry & Woodland. Mary Offord, Martin Turner Research has yet to progress

Textile Industry - Growing of Flax and Weaving. Sue Petrie - no report was available

Marl. Martin said that he was interested in the number of Marl pits in the area and the use of Marl and would be prepared to write a short article on this.

The significance of Rail Neil Rose - no report was available, but it was suggested that he might be prepared to write a 300 word article for the Bulletin.

Recording and the Card Index System. Mary handed out examples of cards for the recording of information and went through the procedure for completing them. John Millett agreed to hold the box and spare cards and to maintain the system, forwarding completed cards to Heather Woodward when necessary.

Interviewing. Mary said she had had a copy of the method devised by the Oral Group. This provided a shape for the interviewers questions. Gwyn expressed concern that people should be fully informed before the interview started concerning the nature and implications of the interview. Mary said she would modify the Oral Group method to meet our likely requirements and produce this for further discussion at our next meeting. There was talk about the merits of using or not using a tape recorder.

Any Other Business

Recovering of Costs Martin reminded everyone that he should be informed of any expenses incurred and would claim from the treasurer as and when necessary.

"Within the Wood" Mary said that she had photocopied John Milletts interesting booklet and that this was available for people to borrow. Michael took advantage of this.

Additional Members It was agreed that we as a group could benefit by having a few additional members to assist with the research. John said he would take this matter up at the forthcoming General Committee meeting. Perhaps a notice could be shown in the next Bulletin or mention made a the next meeting.

Next Meeting. The next Group Meeting will be on Wednesday August 25th at John Breezes home. Much appreciation was shown by everyone for Johns offer and for his hospitality.

Telephone numbers John Breeze 782586, Sigi Goolden 784494, Dudley Groves 784722, Walter Hodder 782108, Michael Kent 782944, John Millett 782809, Mary Offord 784037, Sue Petrie 542829, Neil Rose 782608, Gwyn Skae 783899, Martin Turner 783803, Charles Wilkinson 782604.