History gives a community a sense of stability and continuity and for this reason  I did the Pictorial History book and continued to collect pictures and articles which I am now able to share with you.

This website, https://southbournehistory.uk,  is under construction and will be added to over the next few months, probably years as I gradually upload what I have accumulated. I'm a hoarder so I have loads.

Following the publication of the first Southbourne Pictorial History book in 2010, when people knew I was interested, I have been given lots of photos, articles and personal stories so that my computer is full of local history and this was beginning to worry me.  Although I have given many, many books away to local schools and shared quite a bit of our history with the Records Office and Libraries, what will happen to all the stuff on my computer when I pop my clogs?

Well, as I am 80 in January, this isn't too far away so my birthday present to me (and to you) is the Southbourne History Website.  It has taken me some time and a lot of effort to get this far, but there is now enough to share with you and the world.

I would add that like the book, when I had to teach myself Publisher, learn how to scan pictures and edit them etc., and find out about how to publish, I have had to start from the beginning and learn how to manage WordPress (not easy for an oldie.)   Determined that all this stuff would not be lost I have persevered and we now have, albeit very simple, a history website.  One happy old lady.  

The Author may be contact on 01243 371156 or by email: ruth.heelan@talktalk   

Ruth Heelan December 2023