August-September, 2014

Elan Dam Visit Sunday 22nd June

The day could not have been better when 16 Society members set of with our two Rangers on a day of exploration, discovery and excitement. For those who may have not been to the Elan Dam Visitor centre it is a place of various interests and none more so than on the day we had our visit. There was everything from Astronomy to RSPB bird watching and Photographic groups. The whole place was “buzzing” with young and old and a very happy place to be . We set off with Alan & Janice and followed the footpath that the original workers on the dam would have taken on their way to work. Alan set a scene of hardship and fatal accidents but also a community that thrived within the Elan Village They had a school, hospital, shop even their own constabulary all in wooden buildings now replaced with stone structures. The Temperance Movement tried to save the men from the “demon drink” but a farmer got a liquor licence across the river, at what is now the Elan Valley Hotel and the men built a bridge to get there and back, but did not always make it back home. The hedges became a familiar bed for many with some dying from exposure in the winter months. Life was hard, but at least they were earning. Word spread about the village and workers came from afar, thus creating a colourful mixed cultural environment.

The Birmingham Water Co employed several Engineers over the years but the most famous was Mr Ticknell who engineered the Pen-y-garreg Dam which we toured behind after our lunch break. This was a spectacular look behind a dam, for many of us it was for the first time. Awesome is the only word I can think of to describe the feeling as we went deep down to the bottom of the Dam and its workings, the very thought of all that water behind a brick wall was just mind blowing. The sound of the water was not as loud as I had imagined but the views form the centre tower when we came back up for air was amazing. They had held their first Wedding ceremony in this area on the Saturday with a 60-strong male voice choir serenading them. Certainly different, the bride had arrived by tandem with her father on the footpath the engineers would have taken from the Manor house where they were lodged. We were very grateful for Alan & Janice`s knowledge on all aspects of the Dam and the wonderful wildlife around us. They even laid on a ‘Titanic’ experience! We temporarily got locked in and the barred gate was our only exit then the water started to flood in it was tense but we all kept our head above water. When we arrived back on top the water was cascading over the Dam and was a true spectacle to see. The drive back to the centre was too short as it meant we had to part company from this delightful couple of Rangers who had guided us safely through a past, forgotten time and amazing world of engineering on a vast scale. After a huge thank you from us all we finally had to say Goodbye but I am sure many will return.

Behind the Scenes at Hereford Museum Resource & learning centre Thursday 24th July

This tour has to go down as probably one of the most varied and interesting ones. The staff at the centre had gone out of their way to target our visit with as many connections as they could to Kington. We just ran out of time, each member saw as much as they possibly could and over tea at the end we all shared our experiences and we all saw something different. It was a fabulous visit and one we shall have to repeat. Apart from the restored Kington Tram cart there were objects from the old laundry in Kington, parts of the tramway track, several favour tokens with documentation to support the use of them and what was bought with them, a silver snuff box from the Vaughan family and so much more you had to be there to appreciate it all. The centre holds a huge Fine Art collection and again the staff had pulled out paintings etc. that were relevant to our area. They kept apologising that there were only 77 items that had a connection to Kington, but we could not have seen all 77 in the 2 hours we spent there. Amazing place and so comforting that all these artefacts are so well looked after and with such passion. I think all 12 members who attended will probably be going back for a personal journey and we encourage anyone else to do the same. In this day and age of technology it was so rewarding to see that out past is still intact. Our thanks to the centre and all the staff and volunteers who hold our County’s past in their hands.

Reviews by Nancy Wheatland

Message from Chris Pullin

Hereford Cathedral is fortunate to possess some ancient treasures of international significance, of which the Mappa Mundi and Chained Library are two. Canon Chris Pullin, who has responsibility for overseeing their care on behalf of the Cathedral Chapter, will speak about them both, drawing out their history and significance for us. These treasures may come to us from the past, but they can still surprise us in the present; those who created them were among the most educated and sophisticated Europeans of their day, and Hereford was at the cutting edge of scientific knowledge in the years before the creation of the Mappa Mundi.

Dates for your Diary

Friday 19th September   Rev. Canon Chris Pullin.   Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library. Followed by a visit on October 4th.   (See notes above).

Friday 17th October   AGM followed by two talks by Society members.

Editor:   Vera Harrison

June/July, 2014

Tour of Presteigne with Duncan James Sunday 18th May

It was a hot Sunday afternoon when 25 Society members and guests set of with Duncan to explore Presteigne. He led us down Station Rd and into the High St but not before we stopped at the beautiful Arts & Craft house on the corner. It has to be the most decorated of houses in Presteigne with sunflowers and intricate mosaic patterns, one to stare at next time you pass by.

Duncan’s knowledge only inspires you to look more keenly at a building. He took us behind a few buildings, down back alley-ways, through gates and into beautiful courtyard gardens, even into a Wine Bar! We saw parts of Presteigne that were well hidden and entered into a world of history, tragedy and ingenious design, looking at Hall houses, remains of balconies, exposed timbers and stone roofing, all of which just made us look and look again at Presteigne.

Duncan showed us where the Great Fire of 1681 took place, but so many buildings are now gone there is little evidence to back it up, so a lot of speculation about where it started, its devastation obvious with all the timber framed buildings. We were led to the River Lugg, which looked most inviting on the hot afternoon, and along to the Church but did not enter, he encouraged us to return and see inside at our leisure. The original site of John Beddoes School is opposite the Church, a residential house stands there now, and a very fitting plaque marks the site for all to read.

We went behind the scenes again in Broad Street and wandered behind houses and cottages ending up at the Judges’ Lodgings. The tour finally ended up at The Radnorshire Arms where an expensive tea enhanced the wonderful day we had in Presteigne. Tea was in the garden and the chatter from the members was full of “Did you see..?” and “What about that..?” Duncan answered many questions and this tour backed up his earlier talk with gusto. I think I can say a memorable day for all and a huge thank you to Duncan for his time and experience.

Review by Nancy Wheatland

Programme sub-committee news

We hope you have all seen the magnificent Hereford Bull Trow, now on view on the River Wye, or seen the article in the Hereford Times?   Interesting for us as we are having Commander Andrew Wynn coming to tell us all about this boat next year on March 20th, 2015. Something to celebrate, as it is all made in Herefordshire .

Next outing for the summer recess is our day trip to the Elan Valley Dams.   If you have put your name down for this day please ensure you have read the safety brief that was handed out with the flyer. We meet at 10.30 at the Visitor Centre, car parking fees are £2 for all day. The village tour will start at 11a.m and return to the centre for lunch; either bring a picnic or eat in the cafe. Those going on the Dam tour will leave at 13.30 to Pen y Garreg dam to start the tour at 2pm. Car sharing is advised as parking is limited Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear as the brief suggests. We return to the centre approximately 2 hrs later, for tea. The cost for this is a minimum donation of £2 each towards Water Aid. We have 20 names so far, if you wish to come please contact either Nancy Wheatland; Julia Reid or John Potts.

The July Visit

The other Summer visit is on a Thursday 24th July 2pm and is a “behind the scenes” of the Hereford Museum with Judy Stevenson. The tour will take approximately 2 hrs., with tea afterwards at a cost of £2 each . We meet at the Resource Centre in Friar St

The September Talk

We resume business as usual in September with a talk from the Rev. Canon Chris Pullin on the Mappa Mundi on Friday 19th September. Hope to see you all, and the programme committee would like to thank you for your support over the last year’s events. We hope you have enjoyed the programme and look forward to sharing the next year’s one with you all.

May, 2014

A Few Swords, and some Social History

by Michael Harrison

The sword is a double edged weapon – from antiquity, which has evolved over time, for two separate purposes; and as a personal accoutrement – has acquired decoration denoting ownership, purpose, and loyalties – sometimes subtly disguised to cater for changing situations.

So think of Excalibur and its connotations, or of Crecy, and knights being ‘dubbed’ having survived the slaughter. Even after the introduction of gunpowder, the sword was the principle weapon for close combat, and we were shown a wonderful assortment associated with the period of the Civil War and its aftermath. Those used by mounted troops were of a length suitable for horseback engagement, as opposed to the lance of the foot soldiers.

The blade was of quality forged steel, often originating abroad – say Solingen, in Germany, on which there may be an inscription, not for identification but perhaps a silent prayer for forgiveness. The grip is protected by a guard with a projecting Quillon opposite the knuckle bow, which will end at the pommel, all of which are susceptible to elaboration.

A ‘Cavalier’ sword could have a badge of a Rose and Crown, or a Rose with an encircling wreath. Later, with better quality brass available, this could be used for the hilt, but the decoration now of a leopards head with a lion and a unicorn could be viewed differently, depending on your Jacobite or Williamite sympathies. For good luck, on either side – a classical motif of four horsemen with flying cloaks could be used, but for those with firm convictions, a bust of William and Mary.

A later Officers’ sword received as a gift, showed a Baronets’ shield with St. George and the Dragon, originating in Yorkshire, and probably from Shotley Bridge Armament Works – handy for Newcastle upon Tyne, with the possibility of importing not only steel from Solingen, but also some of their skilled work force (not encouraged by the authorities) whose superior products allowed the blade to now be ‘hollowed’ for lightness with strength.

Later weapons for their original purpose were the small swords (of continental origin), obviously very portable in civilian life, and offering protection from footpads and such like, but still embellished with ‘Trophy Work’. The ‘hangar’ was a single edged sword, whose descriptions abound, as they were often lost or otherwise misplaced – leading to detailed descriptions being published to aid recovery (? Small hope!). A variety used by huntsmen, and those with rural pretensions, had a ‘saw back’ ? useful for refractory vegetation during the chase. These weapons were adapted for use at sea by the Navy as Cutlasses.

So swords are still in demand, as proper accompaniment to an Officer’s Uniform, but the blade though concealed in an elaborate scabbard, still has to gleam when flourished for a salute, or for dubbing purposes of those to be endowed with fancy leg wear.

Review by JR

This was the last talk before the Summer Recess, but here is a reminder of the visits arranged for that period.

Summer visits

Sunday 18th May 2pm Walk around Presteigne with Duncan James £2 charge Meet in the carpark on the by-pass road where the recycling bins are. Tea afterwards in the Radnorshire Arms.

Sunday 22nd June All day at Elan Valley village and Dams. Opportunity to have a guided tour of the village and a behind the scene Dam tour. Minimum donation £2 to Water Aid. Refreshments available in the visitors centre or take a picnic. Names required Please contact Nancy Wheatland.

Thursday 24th July 2pm Behind the scenes at Hereford Museum with Judy Stevenson £2 charge which includes tea.

An early reminder of the next talk. For those who like to prepare early, on Friday 19th September the Rev. Canon Chris Pullin will give a talk on the Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library.

March, 2014

Population Movement During the Late Industrial Age

by Dr. David Maund

The Victorian period in history has acquired an almost Dickensian reputation for grime and over crowded towns, surrounded by almost deserted countryside, afflicted by various agricultural disasters, compounded by the increased import of food staples from abroad to supply cheaper food for the millworkers etc.

It is helpful to actually study the period, and one particular area in detail, using the Census returns for the time, which latterly included much more useful information about the origin and status of those listed, and successive entries can be used to follow relocation, and changes in households.

Dr. Maund is ideally suited to the task in respect of an area of Herefordshire occupied at the time by his family, and family researches can scan areas further afield for follow up.  Maund (from MAGEN, from MAGON SAETE) is easily the oldest family name in the County, with its pre Roman origins.

The area studied in North Herefordshire surrounds Little Hereford – the focus, with 17 parishes included, all within striking distance of the market towns of Ludlow, Tenbury Wells and Leominster.  It is prime agricultural land and many compact farms, with small adaptable fields and abundant pasture.  With the advent of railways – access to Shrewsbury – thence Lancashire, Hereford – thence South Wales, and later Bewdley – thence Birmingham, provided ample stimulus for travel further afield.

One important condition in this area was the fact that most of the area studied was under a single landlord, which makes a huge difference in maintaining agricultural stability.

The Census returns for 1841, when analysed, show that the population of England was split 50% in towns and 50% in the countryside.  Subsequent returns show that with an increasing population, 80% of people were living in towns by 1901, with a combined total more than double that of 1841.  The returns also show a slow decline in numbers per cent in the countryside.  Therefore, were people from this area taking off in droves for the nearest big conurbation in search of new better paid jobs?  Research showed that using 1871 and 1881 reports, that from this area of 17 parishes, more than 600 families changed addresses in this period.

So, where did they go?  Well, they moved almost next door – the vast majority relocated less than 10 miles away – some moved to a market town because of their expanding job opportunities, and a minuscule number, mainly youngsters, went to an industrial centre (Clee Hill held few attractions for them in spite of being next door).  However the total numbers held up, so from where did ‘incomers’ originate?  The figures show that 70% of them, mainly whole families, moved from nearer than 20 miles away.

Of the total, 15% had moved to the country from a town.  There were obviously plenty of job opportunities locally, and the total number on poor relief in this period was less than 70, in a population of 8,000.  Can this be explained?

Well, the landlord certainly wouldn’t have any of his farms vacant, and would make sure the tenants were found from wherever, with rentals and conditions adjusted as necessary.  In addition, with the change in dietary habits in the burgeoning towns and cities of the Midlands, now closer by rail, the demand for fresh food, milk and vegetables (perishables) could ideally be met by Herefordshire, and that is what occurred, as local farming practice adapted to the new conditions.

The Population of the area showed a slow decline from 1881 on, probably due to increased mechanisation, and the ability of local workers to travel further to their jobs.

So Herefordshire escaped the depopulation of other areas not that far away, but the serenity of the countryside began to attract visitors from elsewhere, many of whom now settle here. Review by JR.

The Enigma Machine and the role it played in the Battle for the Atlantic

Dr Mark Baldwin will present a talk at Kington Primary School 7:30pm Friday 21st March 2014

One of the Second World War’s most fascinating stories is that of the Enigma cipher machine, widely adopted by the Germans to provide secure communications. Nevertheless, the Allies devised techniques for ‘breaking’ Enigma ciphers, and thus read several million German messages, providing invaluable intelligence. Internationally renowned, Dr Baldwin is one of Britain’s leading speakers on the Enigma machine and WW2 code-breaking. After the presentation, the audience are invited to take part in a hands-on practical demonstration of one of the few surviving Enigma machines. As these are so rare, Dr Baldwin is providing a unusual opportunity for the audience not just to view, but also to operate, an original WW2 Enigma machine. Mark Wheatland.

Remember that items for the Annual Papers are requested for inclusion this Autumn.

Friday 18th April. Michael Harrison. A Few Swords and some Local History.

February, 2014

Brampton Bryan Visit, 2:30pm, 14^th March 2014

About half the members who expressed an interest in the visit to Brampton Bryan Hall are yet to submit their donations (£15 per person) for this visit. Can I please request you forward your donations to either John Potts or myself, Mark Wheatland (opposite the War Memorial). Payment confirms your attendance and I have been informed by Edward Harley that all donations this year are going to the upkeep of Brampton Bryan church.

Edward requests that we all arrive on the day promptly with the visit starting at 2:30pm at the Victorian Dairy.  For many of us coming from Kington we will approach Brampton Bryan from Knighton. As you enter Brampton Bryan, on your left you will see a small lodge followed by the long yew hedge. Turn left through the lodge gate and take the second left, down a ramp into the tarmac car park. The Victorian Dairy is the columned building at the far end of the car park.  Edward and his wife Victoria will be there to meet us, again I emphasise 2:30pm prompt, and will give us a short introductory talk setting the scene for what we are about to see. Please ladies/gents, no high heels and if the weather is wet Edward requests a change of footwear before entering the house. Following the tour we return to the Dairy for tea about 4:30pm.

Once again can I please request your donations as soon as possible to confirm your attendance? For security reasons I have been asked to provide a list of those attending by the end of February. Mark Wheatland

A Talk about Presteigne by Duncan James

Of the three small Middle Marches towns of Kington, Presteigne and Knighton, Presteigne probably has the most secrets which can be demonstrated to an informed inquirer.  Although ‘peripheral’ in a manor of speaking, all were at busy river crossings, intersecting route ways into Powys, later Central Wales.

All, of ancient foundation, have been affected by various external (or internal) influences – ranging from near destruction – following the disasters of the 13 and 14 hundreds, – to the surge of rebuilding in the recovery from the effects of the Plague etc., and more settled conditions after the Wars of the Roses, with mainly locally sourced timber, and increasing prosperity demonstrated by the preparation and decoration of exposed internal and external woodwork.

Continued development (in various guises) led to preservation and / or modification of many of these houses, but the original design and layout can be revealed often when either rebuilding or repairs take place.  In the case of Presteigne, more really interesting and important early houses can be demonstrated there now, in spite of the effects of a widespread fire in the 1600s.

The earliest surviving building in the town is the Church of St. Andrew, of ‘Saxon’ origin, but its circuitous churchyard precinct is a legacy of the Northumbrian progenitors (labeled ‘Columban’) – ultimately derived from Iona.

Nothing else is known to survive from before the middle 1400s, when recovery from the plague etc. ‘incentivised’ town building, and the current ‘Hall house’ type of occupation continued, but very quickly adapted to add on spacious box framed upper floored wings with ‘solars’ at the status ends and also the use of upper floor jetties, especially towards street frontage – a form of obvious decoration.

Presteigne during this period was blessed with relative stability, and its focus as a market for the surrounding countryside, and also the fact that Wales to the (wild) West provided a disincentive for the forces of law and order and commerce to venture further.

Apart from the town houses – mainly in Broad Street and the High Street, there are a number of truly interesting and elegant country properties of similar age, within a few miles of the town centre – ‘Old Impton’ near Norton, – ‘Upper Dolly’ towards Whitton – and ‘Old Wegnells’ to the east, which could almost be described as satellites, and all demonstrate conspicuous decoration.  By contrast ‘Carters Croft’ in Stapleton is a plain old fashioned hall house, somewhat modified, but the basic structure is beautifully worked – an illustration of the attention to detail allowed at the time, and the quality of the materials and the workforce available.

In the town, ‘Whitehall’ just off the centre in Hereford Street is a late hall house (1463) with a cross passage included in the service end to save space in the crowded burgage plots.  The original thatch roof was plastered on the inside, and fitted with central louvers for the hall fireplace.  All the wind braces were cusped, and later an elegant Tudor ceiling was installed.

At the ‘status’ end there is a jettied cross wing for upstairs accommodation, provided with braziers for heating.  All this has been later disguised by external plastering, and the addition of gables on the street front.

The prosperous 1800s are represented by the Shire Hall / Judge’s lodging, in Broad Street, but there are no secrets there.

The Victorian craze for municipal aggrandisement gave rise to the Market Hall complete with Venetian campanile, but sadly the brickwork of the tower shows that originality has been let down during subsequent repairs.

We shall visit the town in the company of Duncan on Sunday May 18^th, and see it all for ourselves.

Review by JR.

Some 19th Century Population Trends in an area of the Teme Valley By Dr. David Maund, Friday 21^st February 2014

Dr. Maund will throw light on the population movement during the 19^th century. The conventional thought of this period is that there was massive movement of the population from the countryside to the town.  In a small area of the middle Teme Valley this does not seem to be quite so obvious and an interesting pattern emerges.

December, 2013

Walk and tour around The Orgasmic Cider Company, 26th October 2013

On a lovely Saturday October afternoon, twelve of our members arrived to have a tour of a family run Cider Co. The weather was very kind to us and made the walk around the orchards even more enjoyable. We were greeted by Steve Layton who runs and manages the business with his brother. Cider making has been in the family for several generations and his Great Grandfather supplied cider to a hotel in Cardiff, but generally back then it was purely for the farm hands consumption and not a commercial business as it is today.

Steve took us first to the “old orchard”, this area is organic and farmed in the old ways. Some of the trees were over 35 years old, as they bowed under the weight of their fruit it was like being back in  time. The ankle deep grass under foot just added to the atmosphere , glad we all brought boots! His brother was in the distance shaking boughs to drop the apples, as these are organically grown the fruit scab was obvious on the apples but Steve reassured us that the scab does not harm the cider in fact it enhances it and as cider is so acid it would kill off any bacteria that got in it.

As the sun shone we were captivated by a late dragonfly flying around us and a small frog jumping in the grass. Wildlife has its disadvantages though as Steve took us across the road to the commercial side he told us of how the rabbits, hares and deer can ruin trees, in fact the hares have even been clever enough to peel back the protective wire net around the trunks of these newly planted trees. This area was a huge contrast, the trees were in rows all 9 ft. apart and standing to attention at certain height for the machinery to pick the crop, all Steve and his brother had to do here was  to cultivate the trees and pick the fruit to send to the huge concern of Bulmers.  He walked us round a wide range of types of apple from Gala to Blenheim  Oranges , the smell of the fallen apples fermenting on the ground was intoxicating. He had twelve beehives at the back of this orchard to help with the pollination and also sold the honey. We then came to a clearing and were in awe of the most magnificent oak tree of several hundred years old, which put the whole orchard in its place, it was gigantic.

Back on the farm, we went into the factory area, it was like a huge kitchen in a hanger with vats of cider & perry bubbling away. Some machinery newly acquired to make the filling of the bottles and labelling less time consuming but on the whole the process was very much hands on, including the pasteurising. They kept the amount of cider made to 70,000 gallons as this stopped the Custom & Excise taxing them, it was also more manageable for the two of them

Steve opened a selection of his ciders, perry , pear & apple juice for us to taste . . . They were superb and his blending of types of apples had certainly paid off as he had won a couple of prizes the day before at the Brecon Food show. The members then went into his shop area and many of us purchased Christmas presents, or so they implied! The afternoon ended with a vote of thanks from Mark Wheatland to Steve, a very happy bunch of members. We thoroughly recommend you calling in on a Saturday & sampling for yourself.  Review: Nancy Wheatland

Subs

Yes, a small word, yet it means such a lot to the  competent running of the Society. If you have forgotten to pay, please remember now and send your £10 to our treasurer, John Potts. If you mean to resign, which we sincerely hope is not the case, please give John a ring so that, sadly, your name will be removed from our Members’ List.

Ffrancis Payne

Dr. Rerrie’s interesting  review of this talk by Cyril Jones will be published in the next Bulletin.

Social & Quiz

As you were reminded in the last Bulletin, please be aware of this entertaining event! The faithful among you will remember to bring along something for the table and a prize for the raffle. We rely a lot on the weather, so please send up your wishes for a dry, still evening. The date, once again,  is Friday December 6th at the Primary school at 7.30. Please come along.

Editor:   Vera Harrison

November, 2013

 An Agricultural Chaplaincy in the Marches

The Rev’d David Gwatkin, of an old Welsh farming family, currently at Luntley near Pembridge, where his father is the sole manager of a herd of 370 dairy heifers, has been the sponsored Agricultural Chaplain of an area in the Marches, including South Shropshire. N. Herefordshire, and part of East Wales, for the past four years.

The present day problems faced by the farming community were outlined, mainly isolation and the break up of communities, largely accounted for by increased mechanization of farming practice, with a loss of rural personnel to the towns, and also interference from without, i.e. red tape and suchlike, plus overall the unpredictable weather – which can vary from the splendid (and productive) one year, to the disastrous – ruining everything from planting to harvesting, and for animal husbandry, the hovering presence of disease, as not just a few – but a whole herd, may have to be sacrificed.

There may be clergy present at livestock markets, but the rural chaplain can and does get out, and sees his ‘flock’ in situ, and relieve some of the sense of isolation, which can impose a severe psychological strain – evidenced by the increase in suicides among the farming community.  In addition, because of the relative isolation, there is always the worry of “who is going to take over later on”, particularly where a farm has been in one family for generations, as an alternative career can be much less stressful.  Also, modernity in communication depends on countrywide cover – but there are rural pockets of electronic isolation – so computer based contacts are out, (? a blessing – but not if legally required!)

And over all this lingers the memory of the last episode of foot and mouth disease, with financial consequences – but even more so the spectacle of whole flocks of animals being destroyed.

So the chaplain can mitigate some of the personal and psychological problems by lending an ear, and possibly suggesting practical help, but from an historical perspective – we have been here before – as much of  this as a return of the severe problem faced by our agricultural community in the late Victorian period, when mechanization started to make an impact on farming, and the rural worker left for the town, compounded by the severe cattle plague of 1865, followed in the 1870s of the effect ‘from elsewhere’, on the huge imports from North America of wheat, leading to the loss of wheatfields here to which was later added the effect of the beginning importation of frozen meat from the Southern Hemisphere, all of which benefited the food supply of urban workers – but left the agricultural community with severe problems.  The eventual upshot was often the arrival of new people from elsewhere, with funds, taking over farms and keeping the flag flying until the need for home grown food became mandatory in the early 1900s, and there are signs that something similar is occurring now – with ‘diversification’ of farming practice and use of land and buildings, and of course the beginning emphasis of encouraging the use of locally sourced foodstuffs, which we can only recommend.     Review by JR.

A Reminder from Nancy Wheatland

For the next meeting on Nov. 15th there will be a talk on Ffrancis Payne.   The guest speaker is Cyril Jones who has sent these brief notes regarding his talk:  Ffrancis Payne was born in Kington in 1900. In this talk his background will be outlined and how his upbringing in this town influenced his decision to become a Welsh speaker & eminent Welsh writer. The talk will include translated descriptions of the Kington  (and East Radnorshire/Herefordshire) of his childhood & adolescence. His importance as a prose writer & an academic who was steeped in the literary and agricultural past of this area will also be assessed.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

November 15th.   See notes above.

December 6th.  A quick reminder from me that this is the date of our annual Social & Quiz.   The quiz is very easy this time, I promise.   Please may we call on you once more to bring along  some Christmas fare for the table and something for the raffle but above all, yourselves.   You can’t have a party without people!  We all hope to see you then.

Vera Harrison:   Editor

‘A History of Cider’ by Penny Platts

Apples have been around since at least the Garden of Eden, and there were ‘orchards’ mentioned in the Odyssey, and also in Roman Britain, and ‘cider’ was being made in the Middle Ages, nearly acquiring a prohibition when the name became confused with ‘strong drink’ in a Biblical Translation by the Lollards (? Intentional).

Historically, cider was reputedly associated with longevity and medicinal properties, but although the effect could well have been illusory, the claims were perpetrated by a more recent mass producer.

Serious cultivation of apple trees began after Ambassador Scudamore returned hence from France in the 1600s, with grafts from the variety ‘Red Streak’, and planted them at Holme Lacy.  The idea, apart from the flavour of the apple, was to produce small short trees, taking up less space on land of poorer quality, and making harvesting easier.

Popularity lead to Tax Imposition up to the 1830s, and because only 1500 gallons of cider are ‘tax free’ – smaller producers tended to predominate.  Alcohol percentages of less than 8% exempted cider from being classed as wine, with higher duties.

Detailed study began in the 1800s with the publication of Pomona by Andrew Knight, and the early Woolhope Club compiled a huge catalogue of apple varieties.

Large scale production of cider began with Westons and Bulmers in the County, and even pears were drafted in producing ‘pear cider’! rather than the more usual ‘perry’ (apparently “any old pears will do”.)

Originally the apple crop was crushed in a horse powered mill, or squashed by straining humans with a press, with the juice collected into vats, and various additions (some unintentional) used to promote fermentation and impart flavour.

However modern production is highly mechanised with fancy machines and stainless steel equipment, with the exception of the maturing vats – made of oak casks, still requiring the ancient craft of the coopers.  The whole process is strictly controlled, and consistency rather than variety is the watchword – so by and large you know what you will get, minimizing the perils of a draught of scrumpy acquired at the farm gate in days of yore.

The Orgasmic Cider Company, Saturday 26^th October

Great Parton Farm, Eardisley HR3 6NX. Meet at 2pm in their car park

For 350 years cider has been made in Herefordshire and throughout the county there is a strong tradition of farm cider making. Cider production is an agricultural activity which farmers undertake during slack months at the end of the year. The apple and pear orchards are also useful for other farming activities such as grazing stock. Perry is manufactured from the Perry Pear and has seen a revival in recent year. Slightly harder to produce than cider due to the soft nature of pears, Perry requires more tender loving care. However, with some Perry trees cropping to 300 years, twice that expected of an apple tree, this pleasant sweet drink is making a comeback. Penny Platt’s talk on ‘The History of Cider’ will have whet our whistles and now we are able to visit our local cider and perry manufacturer at Little Parton just outside Eardisley on the A4112 road to Leominster. The Orgasmic Cider Company is a family run business based at Great Parton Farm. On our visit we will be shown around the Cider House and told all about the processes of cider and perry manufacture in a traditional small farm based business. The tour will also visit the orchards so stout footwear and perhaps rainwear are strongly recommended. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to sample the Orgasmic produce and buy if you wish. This will be the last outing for the History Society this year, there is no charge for the tour, so everyone is encouraged to attend if possible. You may even pick up a nice little tipple.

Dates for your Diary

Friday 18^th October

This year’s Society AGM will be held at Kington Primary School starting at 7:30pm prompt. To be followed by two presentations. The Reverend David Gwatkin will talk about his life in the community as a rural vicar and Dr John Rerrie will present his talk on ‘Place names in the Kington area’

Saturday 26^th October

Visit to the Orgasmic Cider Company, Great Parton Farm, Eardisley. Meet 2pm in their car park.

Friday 14^th March 2014

Visit to Brampton Bryan Hall. The date for this visit has now been confirmed. We currently have 18 Society Members signed up for the visit and are attempting to increase this to 25. Anyone, who has not already shown an interest, and is interested in taking up this opportunity, is invited to contact Mark Wheatland to be added to the list.

Editor: Vera Harrison

September, 2013

Place Names in the Landscape

This was the theme of the Local History Day School in Hereford, with an initial contribution from a speaker – John Freeman – of the English Place Name Society, who is revising Herefordshire’s Place Name origins, followed by contributions from Local Societies, on their special areas.

The Hundred of Elsdon, later Huntington, occupies a unique position in Herefordshire, indeed in England, as it is part of an English (previously Mercian) County, bordering a fragmented but strongly Celtic group of peoples, whose language presumably previously was applied to the whole of the area, prior to any Anglo-Saxon incursion, and whose place names still survive – often unrecognized, or tidied up into ‘English’ sounding words, but sometimes seeming to persist when a Saxon title has been subtly altered over the years to appear ‘Celtic’ or Welsh.  To make matters more difficult, words from both origins are frequently joined, and a particular trait of Old English (pre Conquest) – vowels and consonants are interchanged, – this being a particular problem with the letter R and U.

Place names are therefore a reflection of history, and with regard to English, West Midland Mercian gave place to West Saxon English of King Alfred, a problem highlighted by David Crystal, who reminds us that North West Herefordshire retained the use of Old English longer than anywhere else in England.

From a Welsh viewpoint, we must remember that ‘Irish’ missionaries played a large part in the ‘British’ attempts to re-evangelize the Midlands in the post Roman era, with Irish favourite Saints’ names cropping up.

There is no real remnant of the Roman occupation in place names hereabouts, but ‘Gaer’ in Brilley is a distinct possibility – from caer – a camp. Likewise, the only obvious post Conquest place name nearby is Painscastle – from the Norman Knight – Fitzpaine.

Geographically, the Hundred spreads from the Lugg in the North (Combe – Cwm – Valley), across the Arrow Valley, and over the Wye beyond Winforton to include Middlewood, between Bredwardine and Hay, which seems anomalous, as the Wye would seem to have been a natural boundary.  The landscape was densely wooded, with some clearings, presumably used for pasture or meadow, as although the Anglo Saxons were agrarian settlers, the Celtic tribes were mainly dispersed and mobile, and the place names reflect this, as all the settlements have ‘English’ names, and the landscape features – if they are ‘managed’, have English names – like Kingswood, but if original, have names like Hengoed – ‘old wood’.  Even settlements of mainly Celtic people have English names, such as Walton and Welson (for Welsh, i.e. foreigners!), and old landscape features that are altered later appear, like Burnt Hengoed, and one huge area of clearance is Brilley – Brun (burnt) leah (clearing), illustrating the letter swaps of Old English.    Review by John Rerrie

Pembridge Walk Report: Sunday 14^th July 2013

It is not often in this country we can say the weather is too hot but seventeen Society members can vouch that during their walk around Pembridge the weather was very hot. As ever, Duncan James, our guide, managed the conditions really well whilst also imparting some very interesting facts about the development and construction techniques used in Pembridge. He informed us that back on 2002-4 he had been involved in a project, organised by Pembridge Amenity Trust, to date the timbers in many of the prominent buildings of Pembridge and it was around the results of those investigations that his walk was focused. The walk was a continuation of the talk Duncan had given in April and started at the remarkable church Bell Tower. The notorious Owain Glyn Dwr made an early appearance on the walk when he visited Pembridge in the early 1400s and left little of it standing. Only the four huge corner posts of the Bell Tower are considered to be pre-Glyn Dwr (1207-1223). We were shown some remarkably old buildings dating from the 15^th and 16^th century, which in some cases left you wondering how they were still standing, but were a testament to the materials and techniques used in their construction. It was also interesting to see how buildings had been modified and change to suit circumstances, a practice which continues to this day. The walk concluded at Ye Olde Steppes tearoom where we weary few were able to rest and take a lovely refreshing beverage and, of course, avail ourselves of other sweet treats on offer. Duncan’s subject knowledge and desire to impart information is undoubted and I’m sure I speak for all those present that despite the heat the afternoon was most enjoyable and informative and our wholehearted thanks must go to Duncan.

Knighton Charity Donation

Those members who went on the Knighton visit might be interested to hear that £60 was raised on the day for the Wales Air Ambulance, for which the charity is most grateful. The Society’s thanks go out to those who donated and I think £60 from just 18 attendees is an excellent result.

Dates for your Diary

Friday 20^th September  Penny Platts, A talk at Kington Junior School, 7:30pm, entitled ‘The History of Cider’  (See earlier Bulletin)

Saturday 28th September  A visit to the Mayor’s Parlour in Hereford where we will possibly meet the Mayor and definitely see the glittering treasures of Herefordshire. Meet at Hereford Town Hall, St. Owen’s St. 2 p.m.

STOP PRESS

Jenny Harrison has sent this invitation  to members of the Society and their friends:

Monday Club. The Brilley Monday Club will be inviting members of the KHS to join us for a talk in Brilley Village Hall on Monday, September 16th at 7.30, ( non members of Monday Club £3.00)

Richard Rees will be talking on: ‘The Proposed Flooding of Breconshire in the Eighteen Hundreds – Water for London’. I gather Mr Rees came across this extraordinary suggestion when researching railways in Breconshire.

There will be coffee, and biscuits afterwards, The Secretary will be writing formally to invite KHS, but in the meantime I thought you might like advance notice for the Bulletin. Brilley Village Hall is on the ‘main’ road through Brilley, on the left hand side coming from Kington. Well beyond Brilley Mountain and before you reach the Church. It is signed, and there is plenty of parking.

More info: “Subject: Richard Rees: “Flooding Breconshire” An exposé of 19th century plans to create huge reservoirs in Breconshire and mid-Wales to supply London with 315 million gallons of water per day. In addition to his talk, Richard Rees will provide the audience with an opportunity to examine schedules of the farms and properties that would have been affected by the venture. Try not to miss this fascinating talk and slide show.”

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Phillip Edwards, 632^nd Mayor of the City of Hereford

Invites you to visit the Mayors Parlour on 28^th September 2013. Meet at Hereford Town Hall at 2pm.

Come and meet the Mayor of Hereford who will give us a fascinating insight into the long and distinguished history of Hereford. He will show you the ancient charters which entitle Hereford to call itself a city and you will see many of the glittering artefacts presented to the city in its 800 year history. He will show you the Royal Seal of Edward 1, Royal Charters through the centuries and ceremonial swords and paraphernalia still used to the present day. You will hear all about the golden Mayoral Chain, why the Mayor wears it and how it came into being. The Mayor will then unlock the city vaults where you will see a truly glittering display of artefacts, charters and more Royal Seals. In addition, if the Council Chambers are not in use, we will be allowed to visit them and see where power in Herefordshire is administered. The tour will end back in the Mayors Parlour where refreshments will be served and you will have the opportunity to ask questions of the Mayor. There is no charge for this visit but each year the Mayor supports local charities. This year Councillor Edwards is raising funds for St Michael’s Hospice and The Hereford Society for Aiding the Industrious. An intriguing charity and one I’m sure the Mayor will be happy to enlighten us about. You are requested to make a donation when leaving the Mayors Parlour. The visit will last about two hours, plenty of time for shopping before and after, so come on make a day of it.

SUBS

Yes, that moment has come round once more and we are asking you to renew your subs. Remember, it is £10 for single and £15 for family membership. It is sad that we have to charge, but circumstances leave us no option. The Papers cost a lot to print and the postal charges are staggering. Also, of course, our lecturers charge more, as they must. Their expenses have risen too, with cost of petrol, preparation, etc.

Please be kind so that we don’t have to send you numerous reminders, and send your subs. before October 1st. Our treasurer will be spreading his hands beneath his letterbox, waiting for the torrent of mail.