Exhibition celebrates more than a century of Rushmere St Andrew’s history

Displays at the Then and Now exhibition detailing the history of Rushmere St Andrew. Picture: JASON NOBLE (Image: Archant)

The Rushmere St Andrew Then and Now display has been held at the village hall on today and Saturday, where dozens of photographs, memories, maps, pictures and newspaper clippings are being showcased.

Fires on Rushmere Heath have always been a problem for those living nearby. Doug Cotton took this photograph from his home in Camberley Road in the 1950s (Image: Archant)

Community groups have come together to help contribute to the displays, with people being encouraged to share their memories.

The Rushmere post-office as it was around 1906 (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ron Spore, who organised the event alongside Leonard Woolf, said: “It clearly shows there’s a great level of interest amongst local people for the history of the area, and linking history to the modern day. We hope it will promote localism and affinity with the village.”

Ransomes grass cutting machinery, large and small, has been used by generations. This photograph was taken at Rushmere in 1900

District councillor Robert Whiting, who helped fund the event through his locality budget, added: “I am really delighted to see how Ron and his core team have pulled this together to provide an excellent history.”

Restoration of the clock face of St Andrews Church, Rushmere, in March 1980

The exhibition is open until 8pm this evening, and continues from 10am-4pm on Saturday.

Young caddies at Rushmere Golf Club around a century ago. Photo from Dave Kindred collection

A villager from Rushmere St Andrew pictured in the 1890s, as part of the village history exhibition (Image: Archant)