South Woodham Ferrers Local History Society

There is a rare opportunity to view a film, ‘A Community by Design’, that was made in and around South Woodham Ferrers more than 30 years ago. Part of an Open University design course, first aired in 1983, this half-hour programme examined the design origins of the town and the reasoning behind Essex County Council’s innovative Design Guide for Residential Areas which underpinned so much of what has been built here.

The film has many recognisable shots of the developing town and includes interviews with key players including architects and builders. It highlights the conflicts that can occur between a desire to achieve an attractive environment based on traditional building forms and the need to meet the demands of a modern way of life. The film could bring an important and timely message to the town and might usefully enlighten those whose recent planning decisions appear to demonstrate a woeful ignorance of the town’s origins.

The Open University has very kindly given the South Woodham Ferrers Local History Society permission to show this historic and instructive film at the society’s next meeting. ‘A Community by Design’ will form the centre-piece of the first part of the Society’s ‘Christmas Special’ evening - the second part of which will be another of the Society’s popular local history quizzes that will again provide a few visual ‘teasers’ from our town’s past.

If visitors want to view the OU film but do not wish to stay for the quiz there will be the opportunity to leave during the half-time break for tea, coffee and mince pies...