EXBOURNE's new local history group — ELH — this week marked its inaugural meeting by setting up working groups for two important projects.

One, under team leader Margaret Weeks, will focus on oral history with the aim of recording as much living memory as possible from current and past residents. Ultimately, it is hoped a CD of the results will be published.

The second group, led by Sue Rose, will concentrate on some of the more important buildings in and around the village.

ELH has set itself the brief of researching and publishing items of interest from Exbourne and its surrounding areas, so villages like Jacobstowe are included.

A half-day display of photos and other material is planned for September.

Secretary Rose Williams said: 'This was an excellent and productive first meeting and the response so far is very encouraging. To be able to have two projects on the go from such an early stage is a big achievement.

'Involvement in ELH is not restricted to residents and we invite anyone with information about our history of the village, its houses and the neighbouring farms to get in touch. Old photos are particularly welcome and we wíll copy all originals before returning them safely.'

For more information about ELH, contact Rose Williams on 01837 851426.