Village histories, although having a common basis, differ widely in character and personalities.  Each man took an active part in the government of the village, acting in rotation as churchwarden, overseer of the poor, constable and pinder.  Their reports were read and passed at the annual Vestry meeting, usually held in the parish church and attended by the inhabitants who had the right to query any item.

Our forefathers in Palterton were mostly agricultural labourers and associated trades.  They were mostly poor, uneducated: yet through their customs, folk songs, games, proverbs, local parish and above all religious life - all dating back more than 1000 years - they were conscious of handing on the immemorial traditions of the village which their great grandchildren have almost forgotten.

The people of Palterton in yesteryear, for all their lack of education, had a 'culture' of their own: unlike the present generation who for all their media, have hardly begun to acquire one.

The result is that a large and growing section of the village is more or less consciously out of touch with the village traditions of Palterton.  Newcomers have mostly no knowledge of these traditions and show little desire to be part of the village life.

The need for forging links between the past and present has never been more obvious than at the present time.