Basingstoke & Deane anniversary exhibition
Residents and businesses are being invited to take part
As part of a special exhibition to celebrate 50 years since the creation of Basingstoke and Deane, residents and businesses are being encouraged to share their experiences of living and working in the area.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be capturing memories from people who have been in the area since the 1970s for an exhibition of images and stories that is set to launch in October.
The ‘Basingfolk’ project and exhibition is part of a wider series of events and activities being led by the council to mark 50 years of the joining of the communities into the district now known as Basingstoke and Deane.
Covering 245 square miles, the area was brought together on 1 April 1974, when the then Basingstoke District Council was created under the Local Government Act 1972.
On 20 January 1978 the district was renamed Basingstoke and Deane and granted borough status. The name Deane was chosen to represent the rural parts of the borough as it is the area's smallest village.
Change
Basingstoke and the surrounding towns and villages have seen a lot of changes over the last half century, with the population growing from around 103,000 to over 190,000.
Other changes include the development of a shopping centre in Potters Walk in the 1970s, the creation of The Malls in the 1980s and Festival Place in 2002.
The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), near to Tadley, was also formed in 1987 and at the same time Whitchurch Silk Mill was being restored to open as a museum in 1990, while Overton revived its historic sheep fair in 2000.
Major employers have also influenced the profile of the borough including Eli Lilly and Company, The AA, Lansing Bagnall, Smith’s Industries, Van Moppes and The Thornycroft Company.
Memories
The borough council’s Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said:
“Marking 50 years since the creation of Basingstoke and Deane, as we now know it, in 1974 gives us a really good opportunity to look back and celebrate how fantastic our area is and go on a journey to explore how it has evolved during that time.
“We really want everyone that has lived and worked here during that time to get in touch with us and share their memories and experiences to help us provide a colourful insight into our history and celebrate the people who have contributed to its vibrancy and success.
“We are urging people to contact our Love Basingstoke team to be part of this special exhibition and share their stories and photographs. We hope residents across the borough enjoy looking back at how the area has evolved during this time.”
Get involved
Residents wanting to get involved can email hello@lovebasingstoke.com or call 01256 844844 and ask to be part of the Basingfolk project.