Hayling Island U3A has been awarded a National Lottery grant for a project to recall the social history of the Island from 1919 through to 1946.
The project will review the 1920’s, the life of people living on the Island during that time, their work and play and how the depression affected their lives and local employment prospects.
During the following decade there were hopes of better things to come and development of the Island to meet the needs of the holiday maker and day tripper. This period of expansion was dashed by the threat of war, which was declared in 1939. The early 1940’s changed the complexion of the Island, and sadly once again Hayling families experienced the loss of loved ones and lived in fear of aerial attack.
If your family or relatives lived on Hayling Island during any part of this period of history, we would be pleased to hear your stories, and are particularly keen to make contact with families who lost loved ones during WW2, as we hope to include montages of each man or woman who gave their lives in the service of their Country, and of the many civilians whose lives were lost through air attacks.
Many readers may recall that in the book ‘Hayling Island Life and Times 1914-1919’ which was written by members of U3A, we included montages of all the Hayling men who lost their lives.
At the end of the project in 2019 we hope to be able to again produce a book which will encompass the lives of all those who made Hayling their home. If you are able to offer any information please contact Hayling U3A at Changing Years @ Hayling U3A.org.uk or phone 023 9246 9394.