A FAIR celebrating the history of a town took place over the weekend and organisers have hailed it as a great success.

The Harwich Society History Fair took place in the 1912 Centre and Bunkhouse in Cow Lane on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30.

The event was organised and led by society members Linda Morgan, Philip Parker and Richard Oxborrow who all agreed that the large task of organising and running the fair proved to be worthwhile.

Ms Morgan said: “Whilst we had a great deal of local history on display we had decided to shift the focus slightly and concentrated on conversations between the Harwich Society team and those visiting the fair in order to gain and share historical knowledge about our town.

“It seemed to be a popular approach with a great deal being learned by everyone.”

The fair returned after a two year absence and went on from 11am to 4pm, admission was free of charge.

Albums of photographs, old maps and documents and various artifacts were on display and Harwich Society reps were present to explain what takes place in each.

Hundreds of visitors attended the fair over the two days and a lot of immediate research carried out to answer questions or extend knowledge.

Additionally, significant on going research will now take place as a result of the conversations that took place.

Ms Morgan added: “We learned a lot and were able to provide answers to many questions so everyone with an interest in the history of Harwich and Dovercourt gained from the event.

“Harwich is the gift that keeps on giving and it is lovely to see that its history is so important to so many residents and visitors alike.”

For more information on the Harwich Society and the services it provides visit harwich-society.co.uk/ or email info@harwich-society.co.uk.