Here’s a extra clue! He was reputedly the richest commoner in England when he died in 1611.
Talks, tea and cakes
On 27th May we welcomed guests from neighbouring counties as well as visitors closer to home who were keen to see how our four year project was undertaken.
Not all members of the team were able to attend, but those who were there explained their part in creating Balsham, a village story 1617-2017. A visual presentation using the old and new maps was shown to great effect As with all previous exhibitions we were delighted to hear that the photographs, documents and maps on display were informative and interesting, with the added bonus of tea and cakes.
Balsham Feast Day is on 7th July, where we will also have a presence, and copies of the book will be available to purchase price £15.
The Church Institute, our venue for Talk, tea and cake on 27th May
Are you coming on Sunday to meet the team?
If you are, here is a rough guide to our afternoon programme.
2.00 - 2.30pm - Meet and Greet and a chance to look around our exhibition
2.30 - 3.00pm - Presentation by Seppe on the maps that made the book.
3.00 - 3.45pm - Questions and Answers session
3.45pm onwards - Meet the Team over Tea and Cake
All timings are approximate; we look forward to seeing you.
Learn about Park House, one of Balsham's beautiful homes
Do you remember this? We need you!
What cover would you have chosen for our book?
Would you have chosen a different cover? What image from the book do you think would make a great cover? Why not let us know at our Talks, Tea and Cake event on May 27th from 2-5pm in Balsham? Join us for a cuppa and quiz the team on how to make a book - Berenice, our award-winning designer and 'book coach' will be there to answer your questions publishing a book. You can find out about maps from Dr. Seppe Cassettari and buy a copy of Balsham, a village story 1617 - 2017. The team would also love to hear memories from current and former residents. All are warmly welcome whether you are a resident or not.
Which charity commissioned the 1617 map of Balsham?
Why we can't fit a band in our 'bandstand'!
Many children growing up nicknamed it 'the bandstand' as it looks so much like a Victorian bandstand but you would be struggling to fit in a quartet inside! Do you have any memories of hanging out at the bandstand as some of children of our authors did? Or was your haunt outside the Bell? Do come along and share with us on 27th May at our Talk, Tea and Cakes event. We're really interested in getting more information on 60s, 70s and 80s history too.
Lost windmills of Balsham, and one to visit in Fulbourn.
We're all delighted to see that the Fulbourn Windmill is having an open day on 12th May. We encourage you to pop along and find out more about this iconic buiding that's been a landmark between Balsham and Cambridge for many years. Did you know that Balsham had two windmills and we've recorded what we know of them in Balsham, a village story 1617-2017..
Talk, tea and cakes and hear more secret histories
Balsham Maze Open Day - National Gardens Scheme
What have we been up to since the start of the year?
We have been kept busy posting out our books across the country. We are reliably informed the Balsham, a village story 1617 - 2017 has been purchased, and sent worldwide. If you have any feedback which has enabled the recipients of the book to discover family history or other historical connections to our village, please get in touch, we would love to know 'your story'.
On a local level, at the time of writing, 252 households in our village have not claimed their free book. We are making a final attempt to ascertain if they actually require one.
New houses are being built and we intend that a book be given to our new residents.
We are going to be at the Balsham Maze Open Day at the end of this month on Sunday 25th March. Do come and find us!
Cambridge 105FM interview
New Year Greetings
Wishing you a Merry Christmas
The Balsham Map Project are taking a well earned break for the Christmas holiday. We wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and Happy New Year and thank you for your support.
We'll be back in the New Year at the Balsham Community Market on 13th January at 2pm, at the village institute in Balsham. See you then!
Our Christmas Tree
The Old School
Dr Stephen Porter
Meet our book designer
Meet our designer who talks on her website about our publication. Berenice Smith designed and maintained our website, and also took us through the book publishing process. She also designed the printed book and the cover, plus our ebook. She has also designed our lovely leaflets in the Balsham Review.