SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY JOURNAL

 

Some of the most significant and dramatic events in the 20th century history of Saffron Walden are featured in a special new edition of the Saffron Walden Historical Journal now on sale.

 

This special issue, enlarged to 40 pages to celebrate the 75th anniversary in 2008-9 of the Historical Society, is focused on the stories linked to anniversaries of important events in the life of the town at ten-yearly intervals over the course of the century.

 

The collection of stories starts 100 years ago in October 1908 with the birth in Saffron Walden of a little girl called Ruby Hurn, a musical prodigy who grew up to become one of the most noted violinists of her time.

 

A few years later came the First World War, in which one in six of the town's population served, and in which one in six of those who served did not return: the effect on Saffron Walden of its ending in November 1918, 90 years ago, is examined in a moving article by WW1 historian Robert Pike.

 

Just over a decade later, in May 1929 came the election of Rab Butler as MP for Saffron Walden, and his long devotion to the town is recalled in a masterly summary by the present-day MP, Sir Alan Haselhurst, who has experienced at first hand how the bonds between town and Rab over almost four decades remain enduring to this day.

 

In 1933, the Historical Society itself came into being, first called the Saffron Walden Antiquarian Society, and the current secretary, Kathryn Fiddock, provides a fitting reflection on this important organisation. There is also a tribute to it by Lord Petre, Lord Lieutenant of Essex.

 

Town Clerk and historian Malcolm White delves into the details of how 70 years ago Saffron Walden was in danger of having the Nazi flag flown above the town hall, and in common with every other community was forced to set up an elaborate provision for a possible German invasion, of which surviving pillboxes are a reminder.

 

In postwar times, a notable highlight came 60 years ago in 1948 when Audley End was bought for the nation, and Littlebury historian Lizzie Sanders refers back 200 years to show that this was the second time that the mansion had been separated from its estate.

 

Next, the beginnings of Saffron Walden Carnival in 1958 are highlighted in a newspaper article of the time.

 

Then in December 1969 came the greatest tragedy in the 20th century history of the town, when the Rose & Crown burned down. Local historian Zofia Everett was at that time living near the inn and witnessed the destruction. Her harrowing interviews with those who were there, coupled with Gordon Ridgewell's photographs of the scene, form a unique record of this saddest of Walden anniversaries.

 

The final articles deal with the 1979 publication of a conservation blueprint for the town, the 1988 Royal wedding at the parish church and the formation in 1998 of the Saffron Walden Initiative, which has already made such a difference to the life of the town.

 

'We are especially pleased with this issue of the Journal and grateful to the many distinguished writers who have contributed,' commented the Editor, Jacqueline Cooper. 'We hope it will form a fitting reflection on some of the most important events in the town's history and also provide a very good read.'

 

The journal features a colour cover with a reproduction of a new painting by professional artist Brian Sanders of Littlebury of Audley End, never before published. Also in the centre pages are colour photos by society treasurer Dick Jemmett depicting various places in Saffron Walden which have changed in the course of time.

 

Copies at the usual price £2.50 can be found at Waitrose supermarket, the TIC in Market Square, Lankester Antiques and other outlets, or by post from 9 High Street, Saffron Walden.

ends

 

 

Further information: email mrsjacquelinecooper@gmail.com