The Stratford Society have been involved in previous annual Heritage Exhibitions and this year we were again invited to participate by the Town Council for the 4 day event from Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 Sept.

Hitherto the Society had photographic displays covering various topics of interest but this time we concentrated on a single subject namely the Tollhouse on Clopton Bridge employing both quality photographs and structural drawings.

We had been asked by the District Council to consider what might be done to the Tollhouse to improve its future benefit to the Town. The Society decided to involve as many local interested bodies as possible. With this in mind the opportunity was taken to invite visitors to the exhibition to offer their suggestions on the future of this historic building by completing a questionaire.

About 80 people responded including children, and the results will be taken into account before any formal proposals are submitted by the Society. Ideas are more important than numbers and some may be surprised that several people offered to pay to live there.

There was a problem again this year with the availability of Society members to steward this event, again with it being left to a few and probably fewer this time. Earlier notification would no doubt help and perhaps a volunteer register could be useful. Suggestions or volunteers are welcome.

JACK CRIMP
SEPTEMBER 2007