Welcome to the IDHTS’s website
Last edited 8th May 2025
The IDHTS
Our History:
Robert (Bob) Pratt, a well known local businessman and amateur historian had the idea to form a Society to provide a forum for all those interested in the history of transport. Bob had already been involved in the formation of two local historical organisations, the Suffolk Photographic Survey & the Suffolk Local History Council (both are accessible via Suffolk Local History Council link). Bob assembled a small group of local transport enthusiasts who formed the Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society in 1963 to cover transport by air, road, rail and water.
The initial format of monthly meetings, with the exception of June, July and August, has continued almost unchanged until the present day. The meetings are addressed by invited locally and nationally known speakers.
Visits are also made to local venues of transport interest.
The Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society publishes a quarterly newsletter 'Transport Matters' (ISSN 0306 0187), this publication includes accounts of lectures given and articles on transport subjects.
Spring 2025 Programme:
The IDHTS May 28th Presentation is on *The History and Operation of the East Anglian Air Ambulance by Julian Fincham-Jacques.
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is coming up to its 25th anniversary since its foundation in the year 2000. Julian will be taking us through the how the EAAA came about and tell the story of how its operation has grown over the last 25 years including details of how it helps save lives every day. This should be a very interesting talk giving examples of the difference it’s made to so many people over the years. * Note this a change to the previously advertised Presentation.
2024/5 Membership: Due to production & distribution increased costs of Transport Matters, this year we are introducing two ‘bands’ of membership due to increased distribution costs, with a Print and Digital Membership fee. This will mean an increase to £13 for Print Single members & £16.50 for Print Joint members. There will be no increase in Digital Membership (as in 23/34= £12 for single & £15 for Joint). This will reflect the increased costs of printing & postage for print members. A new design of 2024/25 membership form has been added to the Membership Page and was sent to all members. A plea from the treasurer, If your unable to AGM meeting please send cheque or direct bank payment by the end of September so as to avoid us having to ‘chase’ members up for fees!
The Society meets at the Ipswich Citadel, Salvation Army, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH at 7.30 p.m. (doors open from 7.00). Free car parking available & refreshments. Entrance fee £2.50. (Non-members £4.00) Non-members always welcome. http://www.ipswichanddistricthistoricaltransportsociety.co.uk or on the IDHTS Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Ipswichanddistricthistoricalsociety/
The Committee reserve the right to amend the programme due to non-availability of the presenter/s. Please always check our website or Facebook page for up-to-date details of events.
