1956
In 1956, our annual report highlighted the economic contribution rural craftsmen make nationally, noting that there were 613 master craftmen’s shops in Hampshire, with each providing work for 3 men on average and an output of £1.5 million
1958
From 18-21 June 1958, HCSS organised a large exhibition of village craftsmen, who would show off how to make “boats, saddles, bricks, pottery, hurdles, wrought ironwork, sails and furniture” as well as “stone masonry, weaving, bowl turning, thatching and water engineering”, the emphasis of the show being on all of the trades still needed in communities.
Source: Reading Standard, May 1959
1959
In 1959, leader of HCSS described one of its most important tasks was supporting rural industries. At this time, HCSS employed a full-time advisor who “travelled around the county helping craftsmen to improve their methods and their buildings.” HCSS had pioneered the introduction of oil-fired kilns for brickmaking, for example.
Source: Hampshire Telegraph and Post, May 1959
Throughout our 70 years, Action Hampshire has supported community enterprise.
From our support to rural craftsmakers in the 1950s to supporting community shops through the Community Business Trade Up programme (click this link) and now our work facilitating Peer to Peer Networks for Solent LEP (find out more via this link). Click this link to view the SolentLEP page.
