The Society's first chair was Richard Channon, the then village recorder, and the first important administrative task was to develop a Constitution that clearly laid out the aims and ambitions of the Society that would be relevant and stand the test of time.
Aims of the Society:
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To research the history of the parish of Stoke by Nayland
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To encourage local interest and involve local people in researching the history of Stoke by Nayland, its buildings, residents, events and artefacts
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Welcome contributions from anyone who has documents, photographs, memories or information to add to recorded archives
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To document, catalogue and copy archive material held by individuals and in public record offices
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To facilitate access by interested people to original or facsimile documents and other material
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Involve local residents in recording their memories of people, places and events both orally and through the written word
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Set up exhibitions on subjects of local interest, publish a society website, publish occasional books / pamphlets
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Make contact with other local history societies and Suffolk County Archivists
The Society therefore plays a vital role in preserving and celebrating the village's heritage. Through its various activities and
programs, the society helps to keep the history of Stoke-by-Nayland alive,ensuring that the stories, achievements, and experiences of past generations continue to be valued and remembered.
Activities and Events
Lectures and Talks
Guided Walks and Tours
Research and Publications
Exhibitions and Displays
Maintain Archives and Database
Carole and Bryan Boggis have been significant contributors to the Society for many years. The New Zealand project was a major piece of work completed by them.
Our former Village Recorders, John & June Wallace and Bill Webb who compiled a comprehensive catalogue of the houses in Stoke by Nayland, without which, our understanding of the village would not have been as detailed and informative. John and June were major contributors to the village archives not least through their archaeological work looking back to the founding of the earliest settlements.
