June/July, 2017

Monday 8th May Tour of the archive room at Hergest Croft

This event was a rare opportunity to see the archive room at Hergest which is not usually open to the public and therefore was well attended by our members on both the morning and the afternoon tours.

Heather Pegg, the archivist, gave a full history of how the Banks family arrived at Hergest and the start up of the archive room in 1925.

We all recognise the significance of social history and how it influences the outcome of how and what we are, but back in the 18th & 19th century it was even more important and verbal stories handed down needed to be written and clarified for future inheritance and the like. The archivist pointed out the union between the Harley and the Banks families and how land and titles get “blurred” when records are not available.

On display, were scrap books, diaries, school reports, photographs, a small part of the huge fossil collection, shells collected by the family, hand-made lace items and lots more.   This display was well received and enjoyed. It was obvious that the work done in the archive department is a lifetime’s work and there is still more to be discovered and exposed, as not all the old books and documents have yet been explored.

This was a wonderful step into one family history and brought to light the times they endured and in which they lived.

Review: Nancy Wheatland.

Increase in Annual Subscriptions. An announcement from our Treasurer.

Dear Members,

Our Annual Subscriptions are being increased as of 1^st October 2017. Single Membership will rise to £12.00 and Family Membership to £17.00. The increase is owing to an increase in the room rental at the Primary School and paying for the Library room in the Museum. Speakers are now charging higher fees and some asking for travel expenses. To keep our Society going this increase is essential. If you wish to pay your subscription through your bank our details are: HSBC, 1 Broad Street, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 8BU   Sort code 40 28 13 account no. 21154419. We do hope you will still think we offer good value and will continue your association with us.

Dates for your Diary.

Our next visit is to Parkstile Cottage in Lyonshall on 16th September, followed by tea in the cottage. If you would like to join us please phone Nancy on 01544 230691 as soon as possible. The evening before, 15th September, Sue Gee will be talking about the research into her novel “Mysteries of Glass” in the Lyonshall area, which starts in Parkstile Cottage. The talk will be at 7.30 in Kington Primary School as usual. Do come and join us – members are free, visitors £2, which includes tea or coffee and biscuits.

As was mentioned at our recent meeting, we would also welcome more members on the committee, in particular with arranging future speakers and visits. Do phone if you feel you can help. Thank you.