2026 Annual Review
On 16 April, the Newbold Verdon Parish Archive held its Annual General Meeting, where the Chair reflected on the past year’s achievements and outlined plans for the months ahead. Members endorsed refreshed versions of the Constitution and Key Objectives, which will take effect from April 2026.
These objectives reaffirm the Archive’s commitment to collecting and preserving local history, maintaining a public website and digital catalogue, encouraging research, strengthening links with community groups, and continuing to identify funding needs and opportunities. A full outline of the projects linked to these objectives will be available on the website.
Growing the Collection
The Archive continues to expand its work in preserving the heritage of Newbold Verdon and Heath. Recent donations from the Leicestershire Archaeological Society have added a rich selection of historical material, now being carefully scanned, catalogued and stored to safeguard it for future generations. Over the summer, the Group hopes to share this growing collection through presentations at selected venues. The Archive is also benefiting from the ongoing generosity of a community member who continues to donate additional items.
New Projects Underway
Several new projects are now underway, including research into the area’s coalmining community and the long-term review of local newspaper articles relating to Newbold Verdon and Heath. Volunteers are scanning and cataloguing these materials so they can be preserved and made accessible.
A recently donated collection of Verdon on View community magazines is proving especially valuable. By examining articles and advertisements published over the past forty years, the Archive hopes to highlight how village life has changed and how the community has evolved.
Digital Catalogue Restored
After a challenging period in which the Digital Catalogue suffered from missing links, the dedicated work of the Vice Chair has ensured it is now fully reviewed, repaired and restored to the website. The site continues to be updated with new links and resources to support anyone wishing to explore their own history and heritage.
These improvements make it easier than ever for residents to follow their interests, interpret material for themselves and carry out personal research. Feedback from users regularly demonstrates how valuable the Archive is as a starting point for family and local history enquiries.
One recent comment described the Archive as “a very positive experience with information freely given and a desire to help expressed at all times,” noting that volunteers “went beyond” the initial query to provide additional insights.
Community Engagement
To strengthen community engagement, the Archive has been building closer links with local organisations such as the Scouts, Guides, Women’s Institute and Community Club, and promoting the Archive as a shared resource for all.
One successful initiative has been inviting residents to help identify photographs with missing information. This has sparked lively conversations, most notably when an article about the closure of Statham’s Shoes prompted a flood of memories and stories. Several new projects have grown from these discussions, and the Archive will be sharing more about this work in the coming months.
Articles written by residents about their own recollections have also proved extremely popular. A recent example is the widely read piece Fire at the Undertakers, which can be accessed by clicking here. The Archive hopes more people will contribute their memories, as these personal accounts play a vital role in preserving the area’s heritage for future generations.
Equipment and Resources
During 2025, the Archive received a grant that enabled the purchase of an A3 printer, greatly improving the Group’s ability to produce in-house publicity materials. The printer is also available for community use when A3 printing is required. The funding additionally allowed the purchase of a second waterproof and fireproof cabinet, providing essential protection for the Archive’s expanding collection.
Looking Ahead
February 2027 will mark the Archive’s fifth birthday. Plans are already underway to celebrate this milestone with a series of community events, including a competition for the village’s primary school children. The Archive will continue to share articles, updates and the occasional Challenge, which has proved hugely popular and has encouraged many residents to contribute memories and recollections.
As the Archive grows, the Group warmly invites anyone who would like to help preserve local history to get involved. Whether you have memories to record, stories to share, or the ability to interview relatives about their childhoods, families, village businesses or experiences of the area, every contribution helps strengthen the Archive for future generations.