Christmas meeting 23rd December

As our meeting was so close to Christmas, we had decided not to invite a speaker. Members were however asked to bring an object that was perhaps common place when they were young but perhaps not seen now. It all went surprisingly well with a diverse range of objects from household and farm utensils to treasured family items, from the ordinary to the extraordinary. It was a bit a fun rounded off with a festive quiz from Bob and Trish followed by mince pies, stollen and some excellent millionaire's shortcake.

Sir Thomas Egerton 24th November

Bernard Dennis certainly tells a good story. And what a story he had to tell. Sir Thomas Egerton, born a few miles from Tarporley in Doddleston, was the 'local boy made good'. Born in relatively humble circumstances, Thomas rose to some of the highest posts in the land. including Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, and Lord Chancellor. He served both Queen Elizabeth and King James in a time of significant changes. A fascinating man.

Beeston Castle 27th October

Kate Potter is the manager for English Heritage with the responsibility for looking after Beeston Castle. Kate gave us a brief talk, not only on her job, but also on the history and life of the castle. The castle site has been occupied since prehistoric times and the buildings are an early example of castle architecture. But surprisingly, apart from the Civil War, it has had a very limited military 'career'. 

A Royal Visit to Crewe 24th September

David Cooke kicked off our new season by a talk on the visit by King George V and Queen Mary to Crewe and North Staffordshire in 1913. David described the visit of the royal couple and in particular the industries they visited. It is salutary to realise how nearly all of that local manufacturing, especially the major railway engine works at Crewe and the extensive factories in the Potteries, has disappeared in the last century or perhaps even in our lifetimes.

Welcome to new 2016/2017 season

We have just finalised next year's programme. Details can be found by clicking on the 'Programme 2016/2017 ' tab above. The first talk is on Thursday 22nd September.

Heritage Open Days and Chester Heritage Festival

Heritage Open Days are opportunities to visit places not normally open to the public.

There is a national scheme, which co-ordinates events over the country, and a local Chester festival.

The national scheme kicks off on September 8th with some 5000 events. Details can be found on https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ You can search this site for local events. I noted some 65 places to visit within 10 miles of Tarporley.

CW&C and Chester Civic Trust have extended the Open Day theme by organising a Chester Heritage Festival (3rd - 11th September). This Festival includes a week of talks, film showings and tours. Please see http://historyandheritage.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk/ for more information.

Visit to Arley Hall 29th June

The weather wasn't kind for our summer outing. The rain was persistent and it was cold. However the 25 society members who came to Arley Hall are a tough lot. Maybe we spent rather too much time in the coffee shop in the morning, but we enjoyed an informal guided tour around the Hall after lunch. And there was a brief window of sunshine later when we could at least sample the gardens and admire the superb deep herbaceous borders.