 St.
Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve History Archive Project
archivists@stwulstans.org.uk
St. Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve has such an interesting
history relating to its previous uses as a military, then T.B and
then psychiatric hospitals, the wealth of information, stories,
photographs and personal memories need to be compiled and recorded
before they are lost forever. The aim of this project is to research,
source and compile oral, written, pictorial and any other information
relevant to the site of St. Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve
with the aim of compiling a database to be held at the county record
office for public use and producing an information leaflet detailing
the history of the site. And of course the information will also
be available to a wide audience on this website.
Currently there are two volunteer archivists. Interviewing people
and recording their memories started in June 2007. Most interviews
are tape recorded but if an individual is not happy with this written
notes can be taken. The tapes are typed up verbatim by one of the
archivists and hand written notes typed up in a shorter form. Any
photographs, documents, maps etc that people are happy to share
are stored in electronic form by scanning in to a computer and the
originals swiftly returned to their owners. Those giving information
are asked to complete several forms on which they can indicate what
the information may and what it may not be used for. Copies of interviews
or the transcripts can be given to the individual should they request
it.
All recordings, transcripts and documents will then be sent to
The County Records Office for safe storage and for the public to
access them in the future.
Progress so far – November 2007
We have accumulated some fascinating information already and undertaken
quite a few recorded and non recorded interviews. Everyone we have
spoken to has given us exciting and valuable insights in to life
at St Wulstans over the years.
We would like to hear from anyone who has memories of the hospital
at any of its different stages. Please see the initial interest
form on the Archivist part of this web site. This allows us to have
information about your experiences prior to contacting you. Please
be patient if you do not hear from us immediately as both the archivists
are volunteers and have other commitments at times.
We are especially interested to hear from anyone who was or knew
the squatters at the site after the Psychiatric hospital closed.
We are also interested in anyone who was involved in the Police
training that took place there, again after St Wulstans closed for
the last time.
If you are not sure about giving information to the project or
just want to know more please feel free to email us and we will
email you back or we are happy to speak to you by ‘phone if
you send us your telephone number.
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