Monday January 21st 2008
Ron Godbold: “A Walk
Along the River Path”
Ron‘s slide show of the river path that runs from Station Road
Bridge to the ICI entrance in the Bridge Street and Takers Lane
area was full of interest on many levels. He first of all pointed
out many changes and bits of historical significance along its
route and then from about the half-way point in his talk the theme
changed to one of nature and wildlife. Ron’s extensive knowledge of
the flora and fauna that is supported by the conditions along its
length and his patience and dexterity with his camera produced some
excellent shots of birds, butterflies and insects etc. and even the
odd lizard and grass snake. Ron also expressed his concern about
the proposed development in that area, in the hope that the
delicate balance needed to preserve an important green area of the
town, can be sympathetically managed for the benefit of all.
Monday February 18th 2008
Stuart Bowell: “Suffolk Breweries Past and Present”
A large contingent from the Greene King Brewery in Bury St
Edmunds came to this well-attended talk. They heard how every town
would have had at least one or more brewery producing ales of
various quality for local consumption. He explained how over time
these were gradually bought out by bigger companies and that
standards dropped as a result. However, the Campaign for Real Ale
group that he champions has helped to influence the big companies
to produce better quality beers and ales, as well as encourage the
smaller ‘micro breweries’ to compete in this lucrative market. A
fascinating talk although, alas, no free samples!
Monday March 17th 2008
“A Members Interest Evening”
Only a few people turned up for the
‘Members Interest Evening,’ but those who did were treated to a
plethora of interesting artifacts, photos and Stowmarket
memorabilia. In the past this type of meeting is usually very
popular and people have asked us when we can have another one where
they can show off their prized possessions. We would hope for a
better response in future. However, it is always nice to know
what else is out there.
Monday April 21st 2008
Jeannette Baldry: “The
Stowmarket Lent Assizes: 1695
Jeannette's talk to the group in April was on the Lent Assizes,
held at Stowmarket in 1695. Unable to be held at Bury St. Edmunds,
they were, possibly for the only time, held in the town, on the
Camping Land, in a specially erected booth. Hollingsworth, however
reports that the Assizes were held in Stowmarket in 1648.
The talk was based around a series of letters written by the
under sheriffs Paman and Alexander to the High Sheriff of Suffolk,
Daniell Browning, of Crowfield Hall. The letters dealt with the
location of the assizes, the accommodation for
the Assize Justices and the High Sheriff, the appointment of
lancers, trumpeters and other men with detail of uniform and
allowances for food and lodging, details of gifts and provisions,
plus the location for the Sheriff's Assize supper, with receipts
from local traders.
There were also details on the distribution of white kid gloves,
in the event of a Mayden Assize, i.e. an Assize where nobody was
sentenced to death.
Additionally there were details of the indictments for the
Stowmarket Assize, but these have not been transcribed, some of the
writing being not only very feint, but also in Latin!!!!
Monday May 19th 2008
A.G.M followed by:-
Rhodri Gardner: “Ipswich
Waterfront Excavations: 2003—2006 ”
Lots of people turned up for this Monday’s meeting and I suspect
it was not for the AGM!
The AGM agenda was quickly sped through, without objections.
John Luke stood down as Chairman and Lisa Harris stepped in to vote
in Steve Williams as the new Chairman. Jeannette Baldry has agreed
to continue as Treasurer and Sue Williams as Secretary for another
year. Neil Langridge will stay as Programme Organiser and John Luke
has taken over the role as Press Liaison Officer.
Steve’s first role as Chairman was to introduce Rhodri Gardner
to talk on the Ipswich Waterfront Excavations 2003—2006. Rhodri,
using his laptop and presentation equipment, showed the Group a
wealth of interesting facts about the historical development of the
river Orwell at Ipswich dating back to Roman times, through the
Anglo-Saxon period and into the Mediaeval era etc. One of the main
features was how the original bank was several yards behind where
it currently stands and that several periods of land reclamation
have been carried out over the years.
Monday June 16th 2008
Pauline Llewellyn: “A
Visit to Onehouse Church”
Twenty-three people enjoyed a pleasant summer’s evening at
Onehouse church. Pauline Llewellyn’s extensive research and
connection with the church and parish of Onehouse showed as she
shared her knowledge with an enthralled assemblage of interested
people.
We sat in the church for the main part of the talk and Pauline
pointed out various features that indicated how the fabric of the
church has been altered over the years. This also included finds
that had been made when the tower had to be reduced in height and
strengthened a few years ago. She also had several illustrations
that depicted previous periods. Most of the group were then invited
to look round the outside of the church, where other features of
interest were pointed out to us.
After this fascinating insight into the life of this old church,
we were invited back to the Parish Room for tea and biscuits. Our
appreciation was given to Pauline in the usual manner and there was
collection for the ladies who made the teas, as well a generous
round of applause.
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