To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

Belated New Year greetings to you all

AGM & Supper.  A reminder that the AGM and the Supper will be held in Kineton Village Hall next Friday 18 January, starting at 7.30pm.  During the AGM our retiring President, Lord Willoughby de Broke, will be handing over to his successor, Dr Robert Bearman.

If you have not already booked, there are still some tickets available for the Supper, price £11-50 per person; but please make sure the you book through Gill Ashley-Smith, 01926-640545,  before Wednesday when we must give our caterer Isobel Gill our final numbers.

February meeting.  On Friday 15 February Stephen Laing will be talking to us about “Women and the Motor Industry”  Subscriptions for the new 2013-14 season, still only £7-50 per person, fall due at that meeting.  In return for your payment you will receive a programme card listing the topics and speakers for the next twelve months.

Website.  Why not visit our updated website at www.kinetonheritage.co.uk

With best wishes

Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary

12 January 2013

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

Under the general title ‘Christmas Treats’ our next meeting, on Friday 14 December at 7.30pm, combines the festive with the serious.

This will be the last meeting attended by Lord Willoughby de Broke as our Honorary President before he retires after five years in this role.

At the beginning of the evening there will be a brief Extraordinary General Meeting to elect a new Honorary President for the next five years.  Your committee will be proposing the election of Dr Robert (Bob) Bearman, MBE, FRHistS, who lives in Butlers Marston and is a well-known local historian and writer on Shakespearean biography, who recently received a ‘Personal Achievement’ award from the British Association for Local History for his work over the last forty years.  He has also spoken to the Group at meetings in the past and has been guest of honour at an AGM Supper.

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 The main Treats for the evening will be short informal presentations by three of our members.  David Gill will be revealing ‘A Mystery Solved’, Brian Douthwaite will be talking about the project to establish an Edgehill Battlefield Hub in Radway and the associated bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, and Brian Lewis will be illustrating ‘An Item of Local Interest.’

To round off the evening, in addition to the traditional mince pies and mulled wine, there will be lebkuchen and kinderpunsch (spicy biscuits and non-alcoholic punch) and wassail (spicy hot cider based drink made with baked apples).

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 The remaining tickets for the AGM Supper 18 January 2013.will be on sale at this meeting.  Ticket price £11-50 per person.

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 There will also be the opportunity for some Christmas shopping to buy local history books as presents for yourself or for friends:-

Coventry and Warwickshire 1914-1919: Local Aspects of the Great War, edited by Chris Holland

In this newly published book of ten articles (including one by Gill Ashley-Smith on Caring for the Wounded in Kineton), local historians explore major themes from the period to show how individuals and communities in Coventry and Warwickshire responded to the demands placed upon them by more than four years of war.  Available at the discounted price of £9-00 (usually £9-95).

Butlers Marston: its history through its houses.  Also on sale at this meeting will be Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Bearman’s new book tracing the history of this small Warwickshire village through a study of its standing buildings.  Price £5-00, it includes 22 photographs and a foldout map.

Come and enjoy!

Peter Ashley-Smith, Secretary

7 December 2012

Update 11.12.12

Lord Willoughby de Broke is now unable to attend our meeting on Friday evening, 14 December.  However, he hopes to be able to join us for the AGM and Supper on Friday 18 January, and to hand over his role as Honorary President to his successor.

Peter Ashley-Smith, K&DLHG secretary

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

Special Event on Saturday 13 October

Remember that Saturday 13 October is fast approaching.  If you or your friends have not yet bought your tickets, they are still available price £5-00 (school children £2-50). from Sue Fisher’s in Bridge Street, Flower Thyme in Banbury Street, or by ‘phone from David Beaumont (01926-641076).

During the evening Dr Kevin Leahy will be talking about ‘Gold, God and Battle: what the Staffordshire Hoard is telling us’ in the Kineton High School Hall at 7.30pm.

This month’s meeting is on Friday 19 October when Richard York will be talking about and playing Instruments of Medieval Music.  If you want to know more it is worth visiting Richard’s website; either Google Richard York or go direct to www.richard-york.co.uk

Butlers Marston: its history through its houses.  Dr Robert ‘Bob’ Bearman’s new book tracing the history of this small Warwickshire village through a study of its standing buildings will be on sale at our meeting on 19 October, price £5-00.  It includes 22 photographs and a foldout map.

Other events

Monday 22 October 10.00 am to 4.15pm

Warwickshire Before the Norman Conquest.  Our chairman, David Freke, will be contributing to two sessions during this day school, which surveys key developments in the Warwickshire area between the Roman invasion and the Norman Conquest.  David’s first talk is on “Roman to Saxon: Evolution or Revolution”  Tickets cost £15 and must be booked in advance by calling 01926-738959

Sat 13 October (14.00 -17.00) and Sun 14 October (10.30 -13.00)

Aston Cantlow and District Local History Society are holding Archive Fun Days in Aston Cantlow Village Hall over this weekend.  Everyone welcome.  We are promised “Exhibitions, Displays, Activities including The Billesley Project, Jubilee photos and recent new material and ‘Spot the Object’ competition with prizes, as well as hands-on help with local archives.”

With best wishes

Peter Ashley-Smith, K&DLHG secretary 3 October 2012

Supplementary newsletter

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

1.     Honorary President.  Lord Willoughby de Broke’s five-year term of office as Honorary President will come to an end at our Annual General Meeting in January 2013.  He has now informed us that “while I have enjoyed my Honorary Presidency I do not think it sensible to sign on for another 5-year stint in my 75^th year, so I think you ought to appoint a successor who may also be rather more ‘hands-on’ than me.”

Your committee will be considering the arrangements for appointing a successor at its next meeting.

2.     New Warwickshire Records online.

Strange taxes, the rights of individuals, unusual occupations are all subjects that are reflected in the new range of searchable indexes launched by the website Ancestry.co.uk. The records can be accessed for free at WCRO and at Warwickshire libraries  The indexes are grouped together under the heading Warwickshire Occupational and Quarter Sessions 1662-1866 and relate to unusual historic records kept at Warwickshire County Record Office.

To celebrate the launch of this database staff from Ancestry.co.uk will be available to answer questions and to deliver a mid-day presentation at Warwickshire County Record Office on Tuesday 30^th October.

Volunteers will be available to assist visitors using Ancestry for FREE from Tuesday 30^th October until Saturday morning 3rd November.  A place can be booked by contacting Warwickshire County Record Office on 01926 738959.

3.     The Edgehill Hub at Radway.  Attached is a request for information to be used in the preparation of the Edgehill Hub, which is being coordinated by several members of K&DLHG, including Rachel Mander and David Beaumont.

With best wishes

Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary 25 October 2012

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

This month’s meeting is on Friday 18 May when James Bond will be talking about Deserted Medieval Villages in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

K&DLHG Outings 2012

For those who did not get their tickets at the April meeting, there is still a chance to book for these two outings next Friday.  Bring your cheque book or cash because there is a fixed limit on numbers for each outing and remaining places are limited.

Friday 15 June. Evening visit to Marton, starting at 7.00pm. Includes a village walk and the opportunity to see the Museum. Organised by David Beaumont.

Monday 16 July. Afternoon visit with guided tours of the churches of Charwelton and Fawsley in Northamptonshire, ending with another guided tour and cream tea at nearby Fawsley Hall.  Organised by Gill Ashley-Smith, but being sold on the night by Catherine Petrie.

Special Event on Saturday 13 October

Tickets for the special event being held to mark the K&DLHG’s 25^th year will also go on sale to members at the meeting on 18 May.  Tickets, price £5-00 (school children £2-50). Beat the crowds before tickets go on sale to the general public after this meeting.

During the evening Dr Kevin Leahy will talk about ‘Gold, God and Battle: what the Staffordshire Hoard is telling us’ in the Kineton High School Hall at 7.30pm.

Other Events

Tuesday 12^th June 9.45am – 4.30pm  Day School at Hill Close Gardens, Warwick. Introduction to the archaeology of Roman Warwickshire – What the Romans did for us (and how do we know that?).

Tutor: David Freke (K&DLHG chairman).  Cost £12, inclusive of morning coffee and afternoon tea.  Further information from Karen Kemp 01926-731230

Thursday 14^th June at 7.30pm  Splendour and Sorrow – the secret story of the world famous medieval windows of the Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary’s Church, Warwick.  Renowned medievalist Roger Rosewell will reveal the meaning of these windows – stories of war and rebellion, love and divorce, ambition and downfall. Doors open at 6.30pm for viewing. Ticket prices £5 and £4 (concessions).  Admission by ticket purchased in advance from Warwick Tourist Office, Warwick Books, St Mary’s Church Gift Shop or tel: 01926-403940

Best wishes Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary 11 May 2012

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

This month’s meeting is on Friday 20 April, when Dr Stanley Ireland will be talking about The  Warmington Hoard (also known as The South Warwickshire Hoard , acquired at a cost of £52,000, for display in Warwick Museum).

K&DLHG Outings 2012

Tickets for the two outings on offer this year go on sale at the April meeting.

Friday 15 June. Evening visit to Marton, starting at 7.00pm. Includes a village walk and the opportunity to see the Museum. Numbers limited to 30. Organised by David Beaumont.

Monday 16 July. Afternoon visit with guided tours of the churches of Charwelton and Fawsley in Northamptonshire, ending with another guided tour and cream tea at nearby Fawsley Hall.  Numbers  limited to 40. Organised by Gill Ashley-Smith, but being sold on the night by Catherine Petrie.

The interest already expressed in these outings suggests that demand for tickets will be high. If they do not sell out on 20 April, there may be another opportunity on 18 May,   

Next month’s meeting At our meeting on Friday 18 May James Bond (no relation) will be describing Deserted Medieval Villages in Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Special Event

Tickets, price £5-00 (school children £2-50), for the special event being held to mark the K&DLHG’s 25^th year will go on sale at the meeting on 18 May.  The event itself is on Saturday 13 October, when Dr Kevin Leahy will talk about ‘Gold, God and Battle: what the Staffordshire Hoard is telling us’ in the Kineton High School Hall at 7.30pm. 

Subscriptions 2012-13.  Annual subscriptions (still £7-50!) can still be renewed at our next meeting; as always one of the immediate benefits of renewal will be the programme card for 2012-13.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter

Best wishes Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary 6 April 2012

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

This month’s meeting.  On this coming Friday 16 March Judith Ellis will be talking to us about ‘Trading Places –photographs and memories of Campden shops.’

Subscriptions 2012-13.  Annual subscriptions (still £7-50!) can be renewed at that meeting; among the immediate benefits of renewal will be the programme card for 2012-13.

K&DLHG Outings 2012

There will be only two on offer this year.  However, both promise to be well worth your active support.  If you have not already done so, put the dates in your diary now. Full details later.

Friday 15 June. Evening visit to Marton, starting at 7.00pm. Includes a village walk and the opportunity to see the Museum. Numbers limited to 30. Organised by David Beaumont.

Monday 16 July. Afternoon visit with guided tours of the churches of Charwelton and Fawsley in Northamptonshire, ending with another guided tour and cream tea at nearby Fawsley Hall.  Numbers may also be limited. Organised by Gill Ashley-Smith.

Booking will open at the meeting on Friday 20 April and, if tickets do not sell out then, there may be another opportunity on 18 May,   

Next month’s meeting. This will be on Friday 20 April, when Dr Stanley Ireland will be talking about The  Warmington Hoard (also known as The South Warwickshire Hoard , acquired at a cost of £52,000, for display in Warwick Museum).

Date for your diary. To mark the K&DLHG’s 25^th year a special event has been arranged for Saturday 13 October, when Dr Kevin Leahy will talk about ‘Gold, God and Battle: what the Staffordshire Hoard is telling us’ in the Kineton High School Hall at 7.30pm.  Tickets, price £5-00 (school children £2-50), will go on sale later in the year.

Best wishes Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary 12 March 2012

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

This month’s meeting.  On Friday 17 February Richard Pearson will be talking to us about Tudor Education in South Warwickshire.

Subscriptions 2012-13.  Annual subscriptions (still £7-50!) can be renewed at that meeting; among the immediate benefits of renewal will be the programme card for 2012-13.

Date for your diary. To mark the K&DLHG’s 25^th year a special event has been arranged for Saturday 13 October, when Dr Kevin Leahy will talk about ‘Gold, God and Battle: what the Staffordshire Hoard is telling us’ in the Kineton High School Hall at 7.30pm.  Tickets, price £5-00 (school children £2-50), will go on sale later in the year.

 Other events of local interest.

 Tuesday 21 February.  Dr Sylvia Pinches will be talking to the Warwickshire Local History Society about ‘Compton Verney’ on which she has done extensive research. Meetings are held in the Friends’ Meeting House, 39 High Street, Warwick, with coffee available from 7.30pm and the talk starting at 8.00pm.  K&DLHG members qualify for free admission.

Wednesday 29 February 10am to 12 noon.  Cuppa & Cake Morning at Ettington Community Centre,

Ettington, CV37 7SX. “ Cuppa and cake chat!  Find out about learning opportunities in your area.  Bring your friends!  We are promoting our Adult and Community Learning service.  We can offer courses in computing, digital editing, art, local history, photography, relaxation etc.  We hire village halls and community centres.  Come and meet tutors and find out what we can offer.  We need a minimum of 8 people interested in a subject and we can set up courses at convenient times for your life style.  For more information contact:  Lynne Marcel 01926 413608 email: lynnemarcel@warwickshire.gov.uk  Everyone welcome!”

How do we know…? “a series of discovery sessions involving lively discussions, artefacts, archives, specimens and illuminating information about Warwickshire’s past. Come along to learn more about your areas of interest or discover something altogether new with experts and specialists from the relevant fields. All sessions take place at Warwickshire County Record Office, Priory Park, off Cape Road, Warwick, CV34 4JS. Please call 01926 738959 to book your place.
Saturday 25^th February 2.00 pm
Come and find out about the Warwickshire Historic Environment Record which has information about all types of Archaeological Sites and Monuments in the county covering all periods of the past from prehistoric through to modern. Ben Wallace, the Historic Environment Record Manager from Warwickshire County Council, will lead this session. Discover the wide variety of information held, how to access the records and what you can do to help. Who knows what you’ll find in your own area!  
Saturday 24^th March 2.00 pm
Learn all about Warwickshire’s ancient landscapes and inhabitants with Jon Radley, Curator of Natural Sciences at Warwickshire Museum. Find out how the rocks and fossils in the field and in our collections act as evidence for Warwickshire’s changing environments, climates and ecology through time.
Saturday 21^st April 2.00 pm
Come and find out how to begin researching your family tree with one of our archivists, using the local and national sources available at the County Record Office, including parish registers, census records and online sites. “

26 May – 10 June. Leamington Looks Back – Leamington’s inaugural festival of history,

A few festival features:

·         A 2-week programme of local history and heritage events(walks, talks, films, exhibitions, learning workshops and live performances) with the aim of making history more accessible

·         A ticketed keynote event: In 2012, Tony Benn & Roy Bailey will deliver The Writing on the Wall: a History of Dissent in Words and Song, at the Royal Spa Centre. Tickets online now.

·         1950s dinner-dance, with dance classes leading up to the date, recalling the Coronation celebrations

·         1940s and 1950s nostalgia picnics with bands in the Jephson Gardens

Over 40 events taking place throughout Leamington and in surrounding villages at commercial and public venues, from cafes to museums, with something for everyone, from families and children to history buffs and vintage collectors. An education programme in partnership with Leamington Art Gallery & Museum, Warwickshire’s Adult & Community Learning (Foundation, KS1 & KS2 history workshops), Heritage Education and the County Record Office

For further information please contact me: jennystjohn1@gmail.comor 01926774373.”

 Congratulations on reading to the end of this newsletter!.

Best wishes Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary 7 February 2012

Supplementary to newsletter

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

News of three events announced at yesterday evening’s meeting.

Next Saturday 25 February there will be a meeting in Radway Village Hall with the aim of introducing the public to proposals to make Radway Church a hub displaying  information and artefacts relating to the Battle of Edgehill and, if possible, Radway’s part in the conflict.  Speakers will include Dr Glenn Foard on the Battle itself, Julian Humphreys the Battlefields Trust Information Officer, Glynis Powell from Warwick Museum and Helen Mcgowan from Coventry Divine Inspiration. Coffee available at 10.00am, with the meeting running from 10.30 and ending about 12 noon after a question and answer session.  All welcome.

K&DLHG Outings 2012

In the absence of any member willing to take on the responsibility of organising the customary programme of three or more outings during June, July and August, there will be only two on offer this year. However, both promise to be well worth your active support.  Put the dates in your diary now. Full details later. Booking will open at the meeting on Friday 20 April and, if tickets do not sell out then, there may be another opportunity on 18 May,    

Friday 15 June. Evening visit to Marton, starting at 7.00pm. Includes a village walk and the opportunity to see the Museum. Numbers limited to 30. Organised by David Beaumont.

Monday 16 July. Afternoon visit with guided tours of the churches of Charwelton and Fawsley in Northamptonshire, ending with another guided tour and cream tea at nearby Fawsley Hall.  Numbers may also be limited. Organised by Gill Ashley-Smith.

For those of you who have not yet got your programme card for 2012, our next meeting will be on

Friday 16 March, when Judith Ellis will be talking about ‘Trading Places –photographs and memories of Campden shops.’

Best wishes Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary 17 February 2012

To all members on the K&DLHG mailing list

AGM and Supper.  A reminder that our 24^th AGM will be held in Kineton Village Hall on 20 January 2012, beginning at 7.30pm.  This will be followed by a pre-booked Supper.

Last call for Supper.  There are only four tickets remaining for the Supper.  We have undertaken to give our caterer, Isobel Gill, final numbers on Monday 9 January.  Therefore, if you know of anyone who wants to attend the Supper but has not yet bought a ticket (£10-50 each), please encourage them to contact Gill (01926-640545) within the next few days.

February meeting.  On Friday 17 February Richard Pearson will be talking to us about Tudor Education in South Warwickshire.  Annual subscriptions (still £7-50!) can be renewed at that meeting; among the immediate benefits of renewal will be the programme card for 2012-13.

With best wishes for a Happy New Year

Peter Ashley-Smith, secretary   4 January 2012