| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Leader: |
Chris Craig
Tel: 01458 833857
|
| When: | Fortnightly on Friday mornings 10:00 am-12:00 pm Week 1. 2 terms. |
| Venue: | United Reformed Church, Glastonbury |
A long-standing and very popular group, Local History continues with the usual mixture of interesting and enjoyable talks, covering topics from the locality of Glastonbury, the county of Somerset, to the South West of England. It is friendly group which gives the opportunity to meet the locals , both long-term and more recent incomers.
Subjects covered in the talks and the style of presentation vary immensely, many being given by outside guest speakers showing a great deal of knowledge in their particular subject, and others (especially welcome) by our own members with a wealth of local knowledge.
Last year's talks included 'The New Shoemakers Museum in Street, The Heritage Group at The Red Brick Building, The work of The Pilgrim's reception Center, The Vicar's Row project in Wells, the stories around our local postal and road histories, a wide-ranging photographic history, The Early Glastonbury Abbey Estates, and many other fascinating topics.
There is always a coffee and tea break and a chance to ask questions, and room for discussion afterwards. A lot of talks include PowerPoint presentations.
Due to the popularity of the Local History Group we will be moving to the rear hall of Glastonbury United Reformed Church. We have just installed blackout blinds which enables PowerPoint presentations. This is more spacious than the meeting room we used previously, so we should be more comfortable. It is at the bottom of the alleyway to the left of the Church, opposite The Good Earth Wholefood Shop.
Autumn 2026 Programme
Friday 18th September Polly Corbishley will tell us about the great Wessex St Aldheim. He was extremely important in spreading Christianity in the area. Sherborne and Frome were amongst the Churches he established. Sherborne was the head church of the Diocese in Saxon times.
Friday 2nd October John Richard Will tell us about the work of The Somerset Vernacular Buildings organisation. They explore ancient buildings in a village or town. They analyse the building techniques and record them , using modern technology to date them and see how they have evolved over time.
Friday 16th October Christine King from the Pilton Local History group, will tell the story of Annie Naish. She was the mother of the local Naish brothers, cider makers and farmers. She was a fascinating local woman and a keen amateur photographer. We will see some of her historic work.
Friday 30th October, our own Francis Thyer will shine a spotlight on some of the interesting history of Street. Francis always delights with his research. Many of our native members, know or are related to the people he talks about.
Friday 13th November Jennifer Martin will guide us through some of the Latin inscriptions on tombstones in Wells Cathedral. She will reveal many interesting anecdotes that her researches revealed. She will also bring copies of the book she published on the subject.
Friday 27th November Roger Parsons who has lived here, his whole life will talk about The Marsh Family who had a major impact on our community