Everyone has a story to tell . . .
In living memory Steyning has changed. Until the 1950s it was still a market town with fields, farms and market gardens surrounding the central area of the town. There were forges, a dairy, the town gas silo, the market, several building firms and other light industries and businesses. There are those who remember how World War 2 affected the town, the Canadian and American soldiers stationed locally and evacuees with fond memories of their time here. But post war changes to farming practices, new housing developments, the closure of the railway and building of a by-pass, all had an impact on Steyning. It became a town where the majority of the population commute to work elsewhere or retire to enjoy leisure time in the beautiful setting provided by the town.
Click on a name to hear some extracts from our oral history archives:
Our interviewees tell their stories and as they do, they describe the changes to the social history of the town, as has happened all over the country.
Do you live locally or have Steyning connections? Help Steyning Museum to record our past.
Did you experience wartime in Steyning – the Land Army, the Home Guard, the British Resistance? Were you educated in Steyning and have memories of the Grammar School? Did you travel on the Horsham Flyer? Do you have information about the market, local farms or traders? Do you remember the Silver Jubilee celebrations and the carnival floats? Have you been involved with local sports clubs or any of the dozens of local clubs and societies? Did you spend your childhood in Steyning or were you an evacuee here?
There are a myriad of topics and tales to tell. We want to hear from you. Our interviews will be informal and hopefully enjoyable.
If you feel you may be able to help, please make contact.
Email contact@steyningmuseum.org.uk to leave a message with your details and ideas. A member of our Oral History Team will then get in touch with you.