A LIBRARIAN in Reading has been given a national award for an “outstanding” contributions in his work in historical studies.
David Cliffe was bestowed the Outstanding Individual Contribution award by the British Association for Local History.
Mr Cliffe works with the History of Reading Society and the Berkshire Local History Association, which sees him undertaking research and archival work at the Local Studies Library.
Though he has retired, he held posts in libraries across the borough, including a tenure as the County Reference librarian, which concluded in 1998 with the abolishment of Berkshire County Council.
He was then offered the newly-created position of Local Studies Manager at Reading Borough Council, where he worked with the record office which would become the Royal Berkshire Archives.
This saw him handling materials that staff hadn’t had the time to process in the Local Studies Library, which forms part of Central Library.
These included old photographs, art prints and drawings, lantern slides, glass negatives, and even documents such as programmes, invoices, timetables and handbills dating back centuries.
He has also published books on libraries, churches, cinemas, pubs, and breweries in Reading.
David was born in Macclesfield, Cheshire, in 1946, and he explains that he was interested in natural and local history from an early age.
““There weren’t many books in the house but when I learned to read, we did have the local paper.
“I particularly liked articles on natural history and local history, and these have remained two of my life-long interests.”
Public libraries spurred him to pass the Eleven Plus entrance exam and go on to study at a grammar school before undertaking History of English Language, medieval English Literature, folklore and dialect studies at Leeds University.
From there he worked with the Institute of Folk Life Studies, where he honed his skills as an archivist and historian.
He gained a diploma in Librarianship and sought work, which led to him taking up a position in Reading.
“Reading was a different kind of town,” he explained, “much bigger than the rather smoky mill town at the foot of the Pennines I was coming from.
“In my researches, and in helping other people with theirs, it has been useful to know something of the history of Macclesfield, Leeds, and Reading.
“It’s all been very rewarding Of course, it was a pleasure and an honour to receive news of the award – and a surprise.
“At my time of life it’s good to feel that you’re still useful, but I can’t help thinking that this is the kind of thing that happens to you when people think that you might be about to give up.
“I’d like to assure friends and acquaintances in Reading that I’ve no intention of stepping down from doing what I enjoy doing at any time soon.”
The British Association for Local History’s annual awards commend historians who have made significant voluntary contributions to documentation and archiving, either in their own subjects or more broadly.
It aims to encourage research and publication, promote newsletters, and celebrate local history.
David was one of three commended with the Outstanding Individual Contribution, alongside Anne Balfour, co-chair of the Strathblane Heritage Society, and archivist Lawrence Gregory.
More information about the British Association for Local History is available via: balh.org.uk
