Upcoming Events
WSAS Talk: Hurrah for Shippam’s
Wednesday 11th February – 2pm
The Novium, Tower Street, Chichester, PO19 1QH
This event will consist of a visit to the exhibition, a twenty minute talk, and a visit behind the scenes, all about the history of the famous Shippam’s brand and the production of its foods in Chichester.
Click on the poster for more details.
To book, please use the booking form in the latest issue of The Researcher or email contact@wsas.co.uk.
WSAS Talk: Hormouth to Seal Island
Saturday 18th April – 2.30pm
Chichester Harbour Conservancy Education Centre, Dell Quay Road, Apuldram, PO20 7EB
A Short Maritime History of the Harbour and Coast – a talk by Dr Ian Friel.
Click on the poster for more details.
To book, please use the booking form in the latest issue of The Researcher or email contact@wsas.co.uk.
WSAS AGM & Talk
Saturday 21st March – 12pm Noon
Parish Hall, Thakeham Road, Storrington, RH20 3PP
Archaeology & Archives – a talk by Mike Pitts, president of the Sussex Archaeological Society, discussing his latest book, Island at the Edge of the World – the Forgotten History of Easter Island, about a couple with Sussex connections who visited Easter Island in the early 20th century.
Click on the poster for more details.
To book, please use the booking form in the latest issue of The Researcher or email contact@wsas.co.uk.
WSAS 2026 Calendar
Keep up to date with our upcoming events.
To book, please use the booking forms in the latest issue of The Researcher or email contact@wsas.co.uk.
Who are the Friends?
The Friends are people who use the Record Office or who wish to help and support its work of preserving the wonderful archival heritage of West Sussex. They play an important role in raising funds and purchasing documents to add to WSRO collections.
Founded in 1973
President: Lord Egremont
Chairman: Richard Howell
Aims of the society:
- To arouse and stimulate interest in historical records and increase awareness of the need for their preservation.
- To assist in the work of West Sussex Record Office by fund-raising, working parties and any other means.
- To seek out material of historical interest and persuade owners to ensure its preservation.
- To arrange outings, lectures and other activities to foster interest in the history of West Sussex.
Why should I join WSAS?
Anyone with an interest in their heritage can join WSAS. There are many benefits of becoming a member:
Events and Talks
- Talks on a wide range of West Sussex topics that have included Halnaker House, Graylingwell Hospital archives, the Selsey Tram, the history of Chanctonbury Ring and the archaeology of Petworth Park.
- Outdoor Events during the summer often including tea at the end! We have enjoyed events such as a trip on the Wey and Arun Canal, a walk in the Arun Valley to learn about the lime industry and guided tours of Shulbrede Priory and the Land Settlement Association smallholdings at Sidlesham.
- AGM held in the spring at different venues with lunch and a speaker afterwards.
- Conference held in autumn at various venues and focusing in depth on a different aspect of West Sussex history each year.
- Workshops WSAS members’ discounts for Record Office talks and workshops.
- December Get-together A festive morning at the Record Office with mince pies, wine and coffee; an opportunity to put questions to the County Archivist and an introduction to new aspects of West Sussex history.
Publications
Members receive our highly respected annual Journal of West Sussex History and the Society welcomes the submission of material for inclusion.
Our illustrated newsletter The Researcher is sent out quarterly, keeping members up to date with forthcoming events, reports of recent meetings and news from the Record Office.
Saving West Sussex Documents
WSAS plays a major role in supporting the work of the Record Office and helping acquire West Sussex documents that come up for sale in auction rooms and dealerships across the country.
Since 1974, WSAS has been able to contribute towards the purchase of many important historical records that might otherwise have disappeared into private hands at home or abroad. These include deeds, estate records, letters, diaries, business records, maps and plans dating back over 500 years, which have now been added to the collections.
Click here to join us in helping the Record Office to save the historical records of the country.
