'Why archive?' — a talk by Elaine Kirby

Elaine Kirby with a picture of Archivist, Richard Pearce-Moses

Picture by Bob Naylor©

"Archivists keep records that have enduring value as reliable memories of the past, and they help people find and understand the information they need in those records."

The words of renowned American archivist, Richard Pearce-Moses who is the inspiration for Elaine Kirby's talk 'Why Archive' which Devizes Boat Club have organised at the Canal Centre on Devizes Wharf on Saturday — all are invited.

Elaine is the Administrator and one of a team of volunteers at the Kennet & Avon Canal Archive based at the British Waterways offices at Caen Hill in Devizes. 

She brings to the talk many unpublished old pictures of the Kennet & Avon Canal along with some memorable early film — including some old colour film shot by the Army Air Corps that highlights the many changes to the look of the canal in recent years.

Stills from the Army Air Corps film of the K&ACanal

Saturday 12  November 2011 at 7pm in the upstairs meeting room of the Canal Centre on Devizes Wharf.
There is a charge of £2 a head. Tea and coffee will be provided and any surplus money from the evening will go towards the work of the archive.

You are welcome to bring your own wine and beer.

The K&A Canal archive team are a mine of useful information — they can be contacted at:  kamuseumandarch@yahoo.co.uk