Berkshire Local History Association

Newsletter No. 79 - May 2004

The Chairman's Corner

In our last Newsletter I was proud to announce the award of a MBE, to our founder member and Vice President, Dr. Judith Hunter. Sadly, I now have to record her death at the comparatively young age of sixty five years. Norman Oxley, a friend and colleague of Judith, has granted his permission to print a short eulogy which he gave at the Slough Crematorium on April 14th. Judith will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The AGM of the Association was not particularly well attended and no new members were proposed for the Executive Committee. The venue chosen for this year's meeting was very spacious, the facilities good and the hall could easily hold one hundred persons with adequate parking so we should hope that future meetings will attract more members.

Our President, Professor Collins from the chair, conducted the official business crisply, allowing plenty of time for lunch and an opportunity to converse before our Journal Editor, Dr. Jeremy Burchardt, addressed us on a subject which he is presently researching, entitled, 'Counter Urbanisation', which as the title suggests, contradicted the widely held view that the country dweller was still moving into the towns. The talk prompted a very lively discussion and older members present were able to contribute examples of population movements in the county which had taken place within their lifetimes. It would seem that the extension of town boundaries rather than the movement of individuals had played a significant part in the rapid increase in town population figures. The new arrivals into Berkshire towns such as Reading, Slough and Newbury, are often from other urban areas of Great Britain and more recently, from overseas. A subject of great interest and import.

I have included a report from our web-site which Emily Tarrant is continuing to build successfully.

Please note that the building work at the Berkshire Record Office is now virtually completed and the staff are able to give their full service again.

We have not yet been able to replace Janet Kennish as editor of this Newsletter but I am sure that someone with an interest in Local History and some computer experience would find the task interesting and not too arduous. Please come forward.

Best wishes, Peter Johnson

Dr. Judith Hunter. MBE.

Judith's biggest legacy must be in the Royal Borough Museum Collection. Judith wast he curator of a small museum in the Guildhall in Windsor. When this closed in 1984, the collection was literally dumped in a room in the Council Depot in Tinkers Lane. Most people would have walked away but against all the odds, Judith fought to keep the Collection going. She persuaded the council to give her more room space, she started a 'Friends Organisation' and set up a team of volunteers. The Collection was computerised and the number of researchers and visitors greatly increased. By the time she retired in 2000, the Collection was ready to apply for official status as a registered museum and this has now been achieved. A campaign, started in 1994, for a heritage cum local history museum to properly house the Collection is still a lively issue.

Accuracy of historical facts, use of correct English, clear presentation and persistence to get everything right, were always Judith's goals with no cutting of corners. These goals were clearly shown in the exhibitions mounted in the Guildhall in Windsor.

The study of local settlements and the lives of succeeding generations were her great interest. Her first study in depth was the village of Eton Wick and from this came her first publication, 'Eton Wick'. The village still has a thriving local history group originating from Judith's work.

Over the years, her contributions to the Berkshire Local History Association and the Windsor Local History Group were outstanding. She was also always in demand as a lecturer on a wide range of historical subjects.

We were delighted when Judith gained her Ph.D. It always raised a smile when people learnt that it was a study of public houses and the sale of drink.

The award of the MBE was richly deserved and she so enjoyed her visit to the palace for her investiture.

Judith's studies were published in over twenty books, magazines and guides and many books by other authors were the result of her support, encouragement, enthusiasm and knowledge. Judith has left a rich treasury of the history of this area, not only for us here now but for future generations.

Norman Oxley, friend and colleague

Berkshire Society News

Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre

'The Old Laundry Medical Museum' at the royal Berkshire Hospital has had recent grants towards an oral history project and for the expansion of the museum. There are Open Days on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 to 4.30 pm which will continue until building works begin later in 2004. Admission free. Further information on www.bmhc.org. Telephone 0118 926 2724.

A history of Battle Hospital is in preparation, to be published in 2005, the year when the hospital finally closes. This will be a companion volume to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, 1839-1989 and will join the books sold in aid of the Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre, (Registered Charity No. 10848900)

'The Royal Berkshire Hospital, 1939-1989'.

Margaret Railton and Marshall-Barr. ISBN 0 9514373 0 5. Published by the Royal Berkshire Hospital, 1989, £12.95.

'Early Medical Services, Berkshire and South Oxfordshire', from 1740.

Margaret Railton ISBN 0 952411008, Palmood Publications, 1994, £10 95.

'Care and Compassion', Old prints and Photographs of Hospitals and Nurses in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire, 1839-1930.

Compiled by Margaret Railton and Marshall Barr. ISBN 0 9539417 0 1 Published by Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre, 2000. £8.00.

Dr. Marshall Barr

West Berkshire Museum

The Museum is running a special exhibition of 249 paintings, 12 gold coins and a mammoth's tusk until 19th June 2004.

Find out more at - www.westberkshiremuseum.org.uk

Centenary Lecture Program

Thursday, 17th June, 2004, 'Armour of the English Civil War'

Thom Richardson, Keeper of Armour, Royal Armories. The lecture will include material from Mr. Richardson's new book on London armouries of the 17th Century and references to the collection of armour at Littlecote House, near Hungerford.

Thursday, 15th July, 2004, 'Jack of Newbury, The clothier of England'

Dr. David Peacock, Local Historian, Dr. David Peacock will be speaking about the national importance of Jack 'o Newbury who produced thousands of cloths per year spent thousands of pounds buying property and mixed with some of the most prominent people in Tudor England.

Thursday 16th September, 'Early Mesolithic Activity and Environment in the Kennet Valley.'

Cathie Chisham, Wessex Archaeology. The Kennet Valley is internationally renowned for Middle Stone Age activity. Cathie Chisham will present the latest findings and developments about this key period in the history of West Berkshire.

Thursday, 21st October, 2004. "John Kendrick and the Building of the Newbury Cloth Hall".

Dr. Christine Jackson, Staff Tutor and Fellow of Kellog College, University of Oxford. Christine Jackson will explore Newbury Corporation's use of John Kendrick's generous bequest to the town to both relieve poverty in the cloth trade and enhance the civic built environment.

Thursday, 18th November, 2004. "From Berkshire to 'The Beagle', a Career in Ruins".

Julian Richards, Archaeologist and Broadcaster. Julian Richards, the face of BBC 2's 'Meet the Ancestors', will explain how his journey of archaeological discovery started as a young undergraduate on the Berkshire Downs in the early 1970s and ended up on the other side of the world in Tierra del Fuego over 30 years later.

Lectures will take place in Newbury Town Hall from 18.45 to 20.30.

Tickets are £5.00 per lecture, obtainable from West Berkshire Museum, The Wharf, Newbury, Telephone 01635 30511. E-mail heritage@westberks.gov.uk

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell & District Historical Society

Of all our monthly meetings, the one in January is always the occasion when we wonder how many members will brave the weather or be stricken down with coughs and colds. We need not have worried this year as a full house enjoyed Trevor Ottlewski's evening of 'Berkshire Beyond the Obvious'. What a lot of curiosities we had missed on our travels. A few examples are not open to the public or are to be seen only by arrangement but most are by the roadside or in town streets. Next time members are in Windsor, I hope they will spare time to look out for: carriage resting irons in the kerbs outside the castle, firemarks on buildings, a tribute to Windsor martyrs a direction dial, an Air Mail post-box and in the Batchelor's Acre, the Plum Pudding obelisk.

February was our annual Reg Morris Memorial Night when we get members to give short talks on a given subject. This year the subject was an historical book whether a serious treatise, novel or other form of literature which the speaker wished to recommend to others. We had three entries, the subjects being - 'The Thames', 'How the USA was Measured' and 'A Childhood in Archangel Before and During the Revolution'. This was followed by two readings and ended with a re-enaction of a conversation piece out of a Victorian biography.

In March, Ken Wells, Curator of the Thames Valley Police Museum, gave us a talk on 'Victorian Policing'. Firstly Ken gave us a brief history of his own police career which had included a stint in Bracknell. Much to his surprise, he found a colleague from those days in the audience. Then going right back to night watchmen, village constables and Bow Street Runners, we progressed to Sir Robert Peel and the Metropolitan Police Force which he founded shortly before Victoria became queen. Other police forces soon sprang up across the country, often having slightly differing uniforms.

Before the meeting I had been asked to suggest a suitable male model and nominated Committee member, Jeff Woods. Ken produced an almost complete Victorian constable's uniform, including truncheon, whistle and rattle but without trousers (Jeff retained his own) and proceeded to add layer upon layer of kit; at each stage, explaining their particular use, ending with cape and lamp. We had not had so much fun since Mrs. Davenport produced a Victorian Swimming costume.

Members will be able to learn even more about the police history when we go to Sulhamstead , 1st June, 2004

Centre for Rural History, University of Reading

Summer Seminar Series 2004

Transport, Trade and Travel in the Countryside

Tuesday, 1st June, 2004

• Mark Casson (University of Reading) - The impact of Railways on the Rural Economy.
• Jill Murdoch (University of York): From Elephant to Penge West; The Railway in the Artist's Landscape.

Tuesday, 8th June, 2004

• Stephen Hipkin (Canterbury Christ Church) - The metropolitan grain trade of Kent and the local politics of dearth 1560-1640.
• Michael Winstanley (University of Lancaster) - Corn and Potatoes, the food supply of industrial Lancashire. c. 1780-1850.

Tuesday, 15th. June, 2004

• Brian Griffin (Bath Spa University) - Cycling and Rural Ireland in the 1880s and 1890s.
• Peter Merriman (University of Reading) - 'Beautified is a vile phrase': the politics and aesthetics of roads in mid Twentieth-century Britain.

All sessions will take place in the seminar room of the Museum of English Rural Life, Chancellor's Way, Whiteknight's, University of Reading. They will begin at 2pm. With a refreshment break between papers. Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Nicola Verdon Tel. 0118 378 7341, n.j.verdon@reading.ac.uk if you require further details.

Arborfield Local History Society

We are delighted to learn that this society is being reformed and is joining our Association. At one time this group was one of the largest and most active in the county and we wish the Chairman, Helen de Meyer, and her members every success.

Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group

This important group of local historians does not often receive the publicity it deserves which is probably due to the fact that most local people are unaware of the achievements of local producers. Most have heard of Huntley and Palmers and possibly Jethro Tull but how many associate Reading and Newbury with cloth and clothing manufacture and sailmaking; the Reading Iron Company with the manufacture of steam engines and winding gear for mining; John and Walter Wilder for agricultural machinery and their iron foundries; bricks and tiles; pin and needle making and many wire products. Bent Weber the present chairman has some new faces in his committee Peter Trout, Secretary, Peter Pribik, Treasurer; Ron Neal, Activities Organiser and Robin Wallace-Sims, Newsletter Editor. Tel. 0118 971 3185. You may have specialised knowledge of other industries.

Finchampstead History and Heritage Group

Our first subject of 2004 homed in on the use of bricks and terracotta in local buildings. Our speaker, Sue Branfoot, showed us the range of bricks that have been used in the past which differed not only in size but also in texture and shape. Her passion for the often fine 19th century brickwork of Reading was well illustrated and showed how both industrial and residential buildings made good use of the different colours and shapes available; relative utilitarian industrial buildings, in some cases, displaying a quality of workmanship and range of bricks which would be at home on a fine country house. Whilst Reading bricks were prized far beyond the local area, unfortunately such fine brickwork is not always appreciated by either local authority or residents and examples portrayed the way in which a largely harmonious design could be spoilt by ill conceived alterations.

Dr. Hugh Davies visited us in March to speak on the subject of Roman Roads on which he has published a comprehensive and well researched book, illustrated with photos and diagrams. We were shown the countrywide network of what are considered the principal Roman roads. Their method of construction, together with the variety of widths and forms of ditching were explained as were the methods put forward over the years to explain the straight lines so often encountered. We were given a more detailed look at the local Devil's Highway, along which, a variety of features were pointed out and then, via Silchester, followed the road away into the West Country Finally we were shown how legend can distort facts, well illustrated by one road in particular, which was originally considered Roman but has since been proved post-mediaeval.

Trevor Ottlewski.

Goring and Streatley Local History Society

In December we had a joint opresentation by Rosemary and Tony Kelly about the effect of the Civil War on Oxford. Rosemary gave the talk and described the slides while Tony gave readings from contemporary documents. Oxford became a Royalist stronghold after the battle of Edgehill and was besieged by the Roundheads. Able-bodied men were required to work one day per week building defences, on pain of a fine for default and cattle and sheep were grazed in the college grounds. The city became seriously overcrowded and there was a serious fire there in 1644; disease broke out and it was estimated that 20% of the population died during the siege.

The city was never captured by the Roundheads but the Royalists left in 1646, after the battle of Naseby and subsequently surrendered. This was an interesting and well presented talk.

Kerr Kirkwood came in January to tell us about A.W. Bucknell, a farmer who kept a daily record of the work on his farm. He began farming near Hungerford, then at Aldermaston from 1911 to 1936, when he moved to Purley until 1940. The wage bill for the 9 men he was employing before Word War 1, was £4. 8. 6d per week; in addition, the men had cheap eggs, vegetables and firewood. Milk was sent to London daily by train and feed was supplied to the local hunt. In the Winter, the men worked at road mending for which he charged £1 or £2 per day for labour and horses. Later he bred and sold horses and was involved in animal inspection. He was a shrewd but fair businessman.

About 40 members attended our Annual Lunch at Streatley Golf Club in February. This was a relaxed and enjoyable occasion.

In March, Bill King told us about the 'Upper Thames Patrol', formed in 1938, to patrol the 135, miles of the Thames, between Teddington and Lechlade. The river was a vital strategic link as well as a defence line and damage to the bridges or locks would have seriously reduced its effectiveness. Thames conservancy staff formed the core of the manpower but were later supplemented by volunteers and men awaiting call-up. Each section of the river was patrolled by day and night and had the expected invasion come, the patrol would have been involved in serious fighting. It was stood down in 1944, when the danger of invasion was considered over. The talk was illustrated with contemporary photographs of the patrol at work and with German maps prepared for the invasion.

The Hanney History Group

From information supplied by their chairman, Ann Fewins, Telephone, 01235 868378, e-mail annfewins@beeb.net

This group meets monthly from September to April on the fourth Tuesday of each month. In the Summer months, we organise a program of visits and outings. Visitors are most welcome. The group which was founded in 1984, is also committed to recording and preserving the history of the Hanneys, by research, by the development of an archive of photographs, documents, memorabilia and recordings and by publishing some of our work. We also try to assist those who are interested in researching their family history or who wish to know more about their house or village.

We hope you may be interested in some of our meetings and visits. All meetings start at 8pm in the Old Hanney Room in the War Memorial Hall and visitors are most welcome.

Coming visits:- Please notify Ann Fewins if you wish to join us.

Tuesday May 25th. Visit to Berkshire Record Office, 9, Coley Avenue, Reading.

Thursday, June 24th. A private Guided tour of William Morris's country home, Kelmscott Manor. Cost, £10.90, to include afternoon tea, payable in advance. This will be followed by a visit to the church of St. George, Kelmscott, which dates from Norman times, has medieval wall paintings and is where the grave of William Morris is in the churchyard.

Tuesday, July 27th. 7pm. Guided tour of Christ's Hospital, Abingdon, Mr. David Barren will guide us round the medieval almshouses and hall and talk about the portraits. No charge.

Ann Fewins

Mortimer Local History Group

We were visited in November by Alan Thirton, the curator of Basing House. He is an excellent speaker and we were completely enthralled by his expert knowledge of the amazing history of the house and its siege during the Civil War. I would recommend any society looking for a speaker to contact Alan. They will not be disappointed.

One of our members, Peter Stone, talked to us in December on the subject of shopping in Mortimer. We have a good number of printed interviews with old residents and of course the shops were often mentioned by them. As in most villages, there were far more shops in the past than there are at present. We were so inspired by Peter's talk that we are considering the possibility of producing another of our books, this time on shopping so we look forward to a busy time ahead if this takes off.

Our Christmas party was held in January, a light hearted affair with quizzes and splendid food provided by members. It was much enjoyed by everyone, even by those not usually party people.

We had another splendid speaker in February, Marie Matie was asked to speak on her work in Bletchley Park during the war and although this is not a local subject. Marie lives locally. She was a code breaker towards the end of the war, working on Japanese codes. She was very amusing and interesting. The people working at Bletchley were not allowed to tell even their colleagues about their work. She said that the hardest part was not being allowed to speak of it at all until restrictions were partly lifted fifty years later.

Two more of our members, Ruth and Meir Weiss, told us of their hard work over past years with a 'Pick your Own', fruit farm in Mortimer. They worked the land from the late 1970s planting all kinds of soft fruit including what they termed,'funny fruit', such as Tayberries and blackberries as well as well as asparagus, beans, plums and apples. Also, they had a children's playground, a farm shop and coffee corner. They were sad when the land was sold to provide more housing in the village and their beloved orchard was felled but they had no regrets for all the work they and their family had put in and said their time in Mortimer has been the happiest in their lives.

The AGM of the group takes place on May 20th 2004. The meetings for June and July have not been finalised.

21st September, 2004. Visit to Drake House, Drury Lane, Mortimer.

14th October, 2004. Barrie Newton will speak on his duties as Gentleman Usher to the Queen.

18th November, 2004. Mike Targett on Burghfield.

16th December, 2004. Fay Evans on Mortimer Lodge.

June Woodward.

Eton Wick History Group

Mary Gyngell reports that The Eton Wick History Group has now established its own website, the address of which is www.etonwickhistory.co.uk about 60 members attend the group meetings which are held in the village hall.

Tadley and District History Society

Tadley, a village on the Hampshire border with Berkshire was introduced to us by Mr. Alan Cooke while he was acting as a volunteer, examining and repacking photographic slides at the Rural History History Centre. He dealt well with the usual jibes about the extensive treacle mines, believed by many in Berkshire to actually exist in the area and then we discovered that they had a very active Local History Society.

TADS, their abbreviated name, have joined our association and we look forward to co-operating with them to our mutual advantage. They produce an A4 Newsletter and issue No. 5 is full of facts and photographs of the development of a small cottage grocery store, eventually becoming today, a large Sainsbury's Superstore. An interesting feature is a list of events in the area, reported in the Hants and Berks Gazette over the last 100 years and a further list of international events over the same period.

The Society has a list of its publications, books and maps, at very reasonable prices which are obtainable from Tadley and District History Society, PO Box 7264, Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 3FA. Prices include postage and packing.

TADS was founded in 1984 for people interested in local social history and in the broader scope of history and natural history. Annual subscription is £8.00 (individual), £15.00 (couples), £1.50 per meeting for visitors.

Monthly evening talks are held on the 3rd. Wednesday of each month (except August) at St. Paul's Church Hall, Tadley, starting at 8 pm. There is also an annual coach outing and occasional local walks.

Forthcoming meetings

Wednesday, 16th June, 2004. 'Francis Frith, Man of Pictures', Picture Postcard pioneer.

Wednesday, 21st July, 2004. 'The Living Paintings Trust', by Sylvia Lane. How a local lady brought pictures to the blind.

Wednesday, 15th September, 2004. 'The lost Roman Villa at North Waltham', by Richard Tanner. The search by the North Waltham, Steventon Ashe and Deane H. S.

Twyford and Ruscombe Local History Society

The Society was forced to move its home in Twyford last September when the local school found it could no longer accommodate us but we have a new venue in the Wargrave Piggott School where we have the use of the comfortable library.

Moving house to the neighbouring parish has not deterred members from attending and our meetings have been well supported.

Forthcoming Meetings

Monday, June 14th 2004. ' Decades of Discipline including Berkshire Workhouses'. Margaret Houlbrooke is the speaker and those who have listened to her before know how well she treats her subject.

July, 2004. Organised walk with Elizabeth Cader-Cuff, who spoke to us recently; we will visit an area associated with one of the writers in her book, 'Walk with Writers'. Also we will gather for a ploughman's lunch.

August, 2004. We hope to visit Fawley Court.

September 13th 2004 "The D-Day Crossword' a talk by Ron Smith who addressed us in the Autumn 2003, on the architect, Edwin Lutyens, an amusing and informative talk.

Wargrave Local History Group

For our January meeting, Margaret Houlbrooke spoke about the history of the suffragette movement. The activities of the movement have become part of 20th Century folklore. However the campaign for women to have the vote began in 1867, at the time of the second Reform Act, when men of the poorer classes in towns were given the vote, their rural counterparts getting it in 1884. For the first 30 years or so, the women tried to persuade MPs of the justice of their cause but parliament always turned them down. By 1900, the women started to get impatient and organised themselves as "The National Union of Women's Suffrage Society", and increased the volume of their activities. Another group, 'The Women's Social and Political Union', with Mrs. Pankhurst at its head, embarked on more militant activities to attract public attention. Hunger strikers were force fed and those in failing health were released, only to be arrested again when they recovered, known as 'The Cat and Mouse Act'. All this effort was ineffective. The women never got the full support of men or in general, of other women and Parliament was unresponsive. However, the part that women played in the 14-18 war, was rewarded by the Representation of the People Act, 1917, granting votes to women over 30 years

In February, Canon Bob Whiteley gave a talk, entitled 'From Army Academy to Almshouses'. He began with Harriet Cooke-Smith. Born in 1824, she came to Wargrave aged 2 when her father, Revd. James Hitchins became the vicar. In 1858, she married her cousin William Smith and they bought a house in Wargrave, extended it and called it 'Woodclyffe House'. Harriette inherited a large sum of money when William died and Woodclyffe Hall was built as a village hall in memory of William. Later the Parish Magazine announced that the north block of 'Hill Lands', had been turned into a block of eight comfortable and spacious alms houses, each self contained, by Harriet Cooke-Smith. This building had begun as the north block of an army academy run by the Revd. Albert Pritchard. In 1883, he spent a considerable sum on two buildings for his business, adding to the premises three years later. In 1891, 8 students, an army tutor and a caretaker lived in the north block; Hill Lands itself was reserved for the brightest group. Pritchard himself living there while the south block catered for the slow stream 'Militia' group. A most notable student was Hugh Trenchard who spent 7 years there, having repeatedly failed his examinations. He later became Chief of Air Staff of the RAF and later, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. In the 1890s, the numbers at Hill Lands rapidly declined; Pritchard was heavily in debt. The buildings were sold and in 1901, Harriet Cooke-Smith agreed to buy the north block for the Woodclyffe Almshouses. The facilities were limited, each flat had a single cold tap in the kitchen and outside toilets remained until the 1960s. Gas cookers were installed in 1951 but there were no electric power points until 1958. Bob also spoke about some of the residents including one of the first, Elizabeth Birt.

The March Meeting of the Wargrave L.H.S. began with the A.G.M. when the past year's activities were reviewed and the committee elected. For the rest of the evening members displayed photographs or objects of interest to discus. These included paintings of Bear place, an album prepared by the junior school, memorabilia from the celebrations of the 1953 Coronation of the Queen, including Mappin and Webb spoons presented to the winners of the childrens' races and Coronation mugs given to the children after a tea party. Other items displayed were a section of bell rope from the church tower, an 1877 conveyance for four cottages in Church Street, a board with biblical text and a warming pan that had been a prize for the pancake races and several interesting photographs.

All interested are invited to Society meetings which are normally in the Hannan Room, Mill Green, Wargrave starting at 8pm. Please contact Peter Delaney 940 3121 for more information about the society. Details may also be found on the website pages at www.wargrave.net/history

The 2004-2005 Program.

June 8th. The A'Bear Family. David Nash Ford. David will tell us about the A'Bear Family who lived in the parish for over 600 years.

July 7th. A Local History Visit, Details later of an afternoon visit to a miniature museum, followed by a tempting tea.

September 14th. The Piggot Infant School. Ann Bushnell. The infant school moved about 40 years ago from the Victoria Road to Beverly Gardens. Ann, (Headmistress for much of that period) will share her memories of the school at both sites with us.

October 12th. The Skiff Rowing Association. Patric Fennessy. Patrick will tell us about skiff and punting activities on the River Thames.

November 9th. The Wargrave Surgery. Sandra Swan. Sandra will tell us about the changes which occurred in her time as our village doctor.

December 14th. Christmas Party

January 11th 2005. Waltham St. Lawrence. Margaret Railton. Margaret will tell us about our neighbouring village of Waltham St. Lawrence.

Peter Delaney

Maidenhead Heritage Centre

The centre has issued a new leaflet giving details of the talks and walks which can be provided for societies. Copies may be obtained from the Administration on 01628 780555.

From the 19th May the current display of the 63 listed buildings within the old Borough of Maidenhead will be replaced by 'Memories of D-Day', to commemorate the 60th Anniversary. It will be opened by one of our volunteers, who as a sergeant, led the first platoon to land on one of the beaches. His orders were to hold the beachead osts. On the 2nd June there will be a public lecture by Dr. P. Craddick Adams of the RMCS, Shrivenham, on 'Planning for Overlord, the background to the Longest Day'.

On the 10th June there will be the popular River Thames Historical Cruise. Early booking is essential.

From the 16th June the next exhibition will be 'Maidenhead's Thames: Summer on the River', and will feature the Victorian heyday of the river.

From the 26th August there will be an exhibition covering one of the town's most prosperous periods entitled 'Stage Coach Maidenhead'. This will include a display by Alan Rosevear of the work of the 'Milestone Society'.

Brian Boulter

Where was the Talbot?

Among a collection of cuttings from an unidentified newspaper, recently acquiredby the Maidenhead Heritage Centre, is the following dated 1788.

Apart from the rather remarkable story, we have a problem identifying where the incident took place. There was no inn called 'The Talbot', three miles from Maidenhead nor was there a road to Langley. It could be that the reporter confused Maidenhead with Slough. There is a road to Langley branching off the Bath Road about three miles on the London side of Slough but no record of a Talbot Inn at the junction. If anyone can help, contact me at the Heritage Centre.

Brian Boulter

Wokingham History Group

Forthcoming events.

June 14th. The Development of Monumental Brasses: Ken Stirman.

July 12th. English Church Bells and Bell Ringing: John Harrison.

September 13th. Pewter Through the Ages: Roger Barnes.

October 11th. Hand-axes to Cannon Balls: Jill Greenaway.

November 8th. Rural Life: Brian Eighteen.

As part of the countrywide "Heritage Open Days", event. Town Guides from The Wokingham History Group will lead visitors around Wokingham Town Centre, pointing out buildings and highlighting some of the events and characters that have contributed to Wokingham's rich history.

The walk is taking place on - Sunday, September 12th at 2.15 pm. The event is free no booking is required; the duration of the walk is expected to be in the region of two hours and the meeting point is outside Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place.

Trevor Ottlewski

Project Purley

We ended 2003 in style with our Christmas Party at the Gatehouse at the kind invitation ofVal and Rick Jones. With the increased membership, there was a good crowd to enjoy the excellent food and mulled wine. Much hilarity ensued with the competition to put suitable captions to a variety of photographs. All captions to have Purley connotations There were some amazing entries, the best from Sylvia Conquest, who was the deserving winner.

2004, dawned and we started the New Year with an "in house" evening. The theme was WWII, and members were invited to bring along memorabilia and to talk about their own experiences during that time. The range of items brought along included ration books, a tin hat, propaganda leaflets, an army manual and all manner of things to stir the memory of those who had lived through those times. Also brought was a lovely wedding dress worn at the time of the London blitz in 1940, when the bride and groom spent their wedding night in an air raid shelter.

Various members who were children during the war told of their own experiences; ranging from an evacuation from Singapore to Australia, to fleeing from Germany to seek refuge in Southern Italy. Altogether, a very successful evening enjoyed by all.

In February, we had two speakers. Our Chairman, Jean Debney and Secretary Rita Denman, joined forces to give an illustrated talk about the St. John family of Lydiard Tregoze and their connection with the manor of Purley Magna. Jean began by explaining the definition of a manor and in this connection, Purley Magna, which from the 13th C. was held by the Carew family, who lived in the old manor house adjacent to 'St. Mary the Virgin', church. Members were shown the Carew family tree, tracing the descent to Jane Inwardby, daughter of Sanchia Carew and heiress to the estates. In the 15th C. Jane married St. John of Lydiard Tregoze and so the manor of Purley Magna passed to the St. John family and remained with them until the 17th C.

Those members who visited there last year will recall, Lydiard Tregoze is a fascinating mansion and the nearby church is full of monuments of the family. Of note is a triptych depicting the family of the 1st Baronet, circa 1683. The St. John family members, notably Lady Diana Spencer, wife of 3rd. Viscount Frederick, added to the beauty of the house in the 18thC. The estate remained in the family until the 20th C. and is today managed by the Swindon Corporation and continues to be carefully restored. This family was important and it is interesting to think of the connection with Purley.

The AGM was held in March and our Chairman, Jean Debney reported on another successful year during which the Society enjoyed a varied program and membership continued to grow, necessitating a move to a larger meeting place.

There were some changes to the committee and Jean thanked all for their continuing support. The business meeting concluded. Tony Corley gave an interesting talk about Huntley and Palmer's of Reading.

In 1822, a scholarly Quaker, Thomas Huntley, set up a business in London St., Reading, selling hand made biscuits. Tony's talk followed the development and expansion of this world famous company. It was accompanied by a series of nostalgic slides showing the illustrations on tins and packaging through the years.

Millie Bordis

Forthcoming meetings-

June 18th/19th. 'The Wardrobe', RGBW Regimental Museum, Salisbury.

July 16th. Barbecue. Venue to be arranged. September 17th. To be arranged.

Report from BLHA Website

Unique Visitors* Web Tracker Total, 1742.

*Unique visitor means that it is not counting when a visitor returns to the site.

Geographical Breakdown

'Hit Counter' gives the overall total 'Hits' as 3363. (This differs from the total given by the Web Tracker because it counts return visits.)

The website has now been up and running for two years. I am very pleased with the usage of the site shown by the above statistics. Since I first designed the site there have been some major developments in web design and therefore I am working on a redesign of the site to fall in with current standards. In particular, I am looking at increasing the access of the site as this is something of which the web designer must be aware. For example, I need to ensure that there is enough contrast between the text and the background colour so that it is easier for those with sight impairment to read. In addition to this, I am looking at changing the layout of the site so that it works in the software used by the blind to have webpages read to them.

I am at the beginning of the redesign process so this would be a good time for members to send their comments. Has anyone had any difficulties navigating the site? Is there something you would like added to the site to make it easier/more enjoyable to use? Is there anything about the site that you particularly like and would like to continue?

Please send all comments to me at webdesigner@blha.org.uk or by post to Emily Tarrant, 17 Anna Pavlova Close, Abingdon OX14 1TF.

Emily Tarrant