People living in Eaton Socon and Eaton Ford are being asked to bring old photographs of the local area along to a history exhibition which forms part of this year’s May Day celebrations.
The May Day event has been organised by the Eaton Socon Community Association and opens on May 5 with the history exhibition in St Mary’s Church.
Visitors to the church will be able to discover how the Great North Road has affected Eaton Socon and how the ancient route has brought both prosperity and problems to the parish.
The exhibition will also feature the old Bushmead Secondary School – including photographs of the school as well as pupils and teachers.
There will be information about plans for a Poppy Trail to discover the Commonwealth War Graves in the town and visitors can look back at the history of the many pubs dotted around the parish over the last 40 years.
Local historian Sue Jarrett, who is the chairman of ESCA and has helped to organise the exhibition, said: “Bring along your photos and memories and share them with others – help us to record your history or if you are new to the area then find out more about your local area. There is always lots to discover.”
Anyone interested in tracing their family tree and local ancestors can search the Eaton Socon censuses, directories, churchyard and cemetery records and other archives.
“We are always grateful to local people who have helped us to record the history of the Eatons and we encourage anyone with more information about life in the Eatons to let us know. If you wish to bring along photographs or information about your family, schools or events in the Eatons please come along and help us to add to our information and for a future book,” said Mrs Jarrett.
The exhibition will be open from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Monday 7th Local history booklets, trails, and other souvenirs will be on sale.
The traditional May Day celebrations will take place on Monday on Eaton Socon Village Green, from midday till 4.30pm. There will be stalls on the green, swing boats and small fairground rides, a barbecue and a grand raffle. Around midday the entertainment will begin with music from local live bands, at 2pm the May Queen and princesses will be crowned and dance group Heartsease will continue the tradition of May pole dancing. This will be followed by more local entertainment from the Sentinels Majorettes, several well known local dance groups, and a line-dancing group where audience participation will be encouraged. The prestigious Eatons Community Cup will be awarded at 3pm and the grand raffle will be drawn just after 4pm.
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