Christmas and medieval festivals

Christmas came early to the Society this year. We had decided to hold our festive meeting on December 4th to avoid clashes in busy calendars.

We were very pleased to welcome back Tom Hughes who led us through a calendar year of seasonal festivals. These festivals reflected both Church and the rural life of ploughing, sowing and harvesting, and even the odd hanging. Not only did Tom entertain us with music on contemporary instruments, he discovered a troupe of mummers in the audience.

The evening ended with mulled wine and punch, and home-made pies and gingerbread. Many thanks to those who provided these refreshments.

British Association for Local History (BALH)

Bob Welch reminds us that our Society is a member of BALH. The BALH has just launched a new website http://www.balh.org.uk/. This website is a comprehensive introduction to the Association, its activities and publications. Well worth a visit.

BALH also produces a regular Newsletter. Click on Newsletter for the December issue.