The meeting was arranged to discuss the structure of the groups and their work programme, because it was clear that groups were in danger of duplicating their activities. In particular the Development of Wadhurst [DW] group felt that their responsibilities clashed with Industry and Agriculture [IA], which provided much of the impetus for the growth and prosperity of Wadhurst in the past, Estates & Buildings [EB], which either drove the economic activity or provided the buildings in which the working population lived or operated, and Family History [FH], which was uncovering details about those who actually developed Wadhurst. Also relevant was a recent initiative, sponsored by English Heritage - the Extensive Urban Surveys (EUS) programme to assess the historic character of selected towns [including Wadhurst] and provide local planning authorities with planning guidance and archaeological advice on high quality urban conservation. The Surveys will help to define Conservation Areas, assess historic environmental value and archaeological potential and identify research priorities. They will also have an educational purpose, stimulating interest in our rich urban heritage - further details at http://www.wadhurst.info/whs/eus.htm.

17 members, representing each of the current 5 working groups, discussed this and related issues for 2 hours and came to the following conclusions:
1. there was a lack of focus in the current programme of studies
2. this could be improved if a clear project was defined for the next 6 - 9 months
3. it had to be remembered that there was a limit to the amount of time individuals either could or were prepared to put into research
4. Oral History [OH] was, in a sense, a stand alone activity - but one which would throw up information of value to all areas; it was vital that the transcription problem was solved urgently
5. concentrating on a defined period of time and a more limited area would a sensible way ahead - but IA should not be constrained by geography

It was therefore decided that the first project for the Society should be a study of the development of the Victorian High Street - from west of Hill House east to the site of the Lower Toll Gate; the area should include the Church to the north and the old Mill to the South. The December meeting of the Society would be used to report on progress and the ultimate objective should be a full written report on the project.

Work over the next months should therefore be concentrated:
1. for DW and EB (who may merge into a single work group) the Victorian maps available need to compared and the current buildings precisely related to those plans; changes to the medieval buildings in Victorian times also need to be analysed. The date of the Courthope map needs to be checked [MJH to do].
2. for FH work on the churchyard inscriptions needs to be completed and made available to the other groups; information already obtained on the Victorian families in the High Street also needs to be made accessible
3. for OH the programme of interviews should continue as currently planned; the results need to be fed to other groups as relevant information is gathered

It was also agreed that a further meeting should be held in late September to discuss progress, that a visit should be arranged to the Record Office in Lewes [RR to arrange] and that a plan of the graveyard should be made available to FH as soon as possible [MT to organise]