Thatcham Historical Society

Peter Allen Memorial Lectures

nick — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:06:13 +0000

An event is being organised to coincide with National Local History Month and also in memory of the late Peter Allen who passed away in May 2009. Hence the series of lectures is to be called “The Peter Allen Memorial Lectures.” The event is being organised by Thatcham Historical Society, but with a great deal of help and support from many individuals and organistions. For more information, please see www.paml.info.

Historic Environment of Thatcham

nick — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:23:44 +0000

Location:

Common Room, First Floor, Sixth Form Block, Kennet School, Thatcham.

Event Date:

Mon, 22/02/2010 - 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Sarah Orr from West Berkshire Council Archaeology Service is to give a talk entitled “West Berkshire's archaeology service and the Historic Environment of Thatcham.” Sarah is not planning to give a talk on the history of Thatcham but rather on the local physical remains of the past that her team aim to promote and preserve in various ways. Sarah will cover what the council’s archaeology service does, what information they hold in the historic environment record and how the team want to work together with local communities to develop a “sense of place.”

Speaker(s):

Sarah Orr

Annual General Meeting 2010

nick — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:05:13 +0000

A packed room gathered for the Annual General Meeting of the Thatcham Historical Society on Monday (25th January). Sue thanked the members for the continued support of the society and fellow committee members for their hard work in promoting and organising events over the past year. Sue reviewed the events of 2009 and noted that for various reasons one of our trips had to be cancelled for various reasons.

Speaker Review: A history of Dolls houses

nick — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:38:07 +0000

Sue noted that dolls houses, collecting and making, was the second fastest growing hobby in the world. A hobby that dates back to the Egyptians who are known to have had dolls, although there is no evidence of dolls houses (or pyramids!).

Sue noted that there are many different styles of houses, not just the type of house they represent but also how they are built and furnished. The modern era of collecting dolls houses started in Holland and Germany in the 16th Century and was an expensive hobby that usually only women participated in. This is partly due to the fact that at this period in history women were pregnant for much of their early adulthood.

Newsletter: November 2009 (Volume 6, Issue 3)

nick — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:36:01 +0000

Date:

30/11/2009

Speaker review: The Colonels' Lady and Judy O'Grady.

nick — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:30:05 +0000

A packed room greeted Dan Allen on 19th October for his talk entitled “The Colonels' Lady and Judy O'Grady.” The talk looked at Women in the Victorian Army around the dates of 1850 to 1915. Dan described this as 35 years of research and a lifetime obsession.

Dan started his talk by noting that soldiers in the army were not allowed to marry unless they had permission to do so from their superior officer. Even if permission was given, marriage was discouraged. However the higher classes in the army, officers could marry depending on their rank. Captains could marry, majors should marry and colonels must marry.

The Lost World of Mr Hardy

nick — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:16:15 +0000

Showing: Sunday 22nd November 1.15pm+ 4pm The Corn Exchange, Newbury

Special Screenings of The Lost World of Mr Hardy followed by Q&A with filmmaker

“I defy you to watch with a dry eye” - The Times, Ken Russell

“Savour the glory... relish every minute." - Fieldsports magazine

"Equal to any Hollywood production... but with soul" - Flylife magazine

"Hugely entertaining and thought provoking" - Fly Fishing and Fly Tying magazine

Thatcham: an historic town in a changing world

nick — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:49:27 +0000

A new publication on Thatcham’s heritage was launched on the evening of the 10th October 2009 at the Frank Hutchings Community Hall. The publication is a direct result of a study that was instigated by the late Peter Allen under his role as the Thatcham Vision Project Manager and has been undertaken jointly by Thatcham Vision (www.thatchamonline.net) and Thatcham Historical Society (www.thatchamhistoricalsociety.org.uk). Sadly Peter passed away in May and the whole team has put every effort into making this publication something Peter would have been proud of and have dedicated it to him.

Review: William Morris

nick — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:11:53 +0000

William Morris was born on 24th March 1834 and died 3rd October 1896 and many people today fail to recognise just what a great man he was. Tonight’s talk (28th September 2009) by Dr Lois Pihlens uncovered the true extent of his accomplishments.

When William Morris was born, Britain was an industrial nation and a premier workshop of the world. However, Britain was losing its craftsmanship’s and starting to produce poorer products. A few people wanted to change this and William Morris was one of those.

Thatcham Festival of Arts and Leisure

nick — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:01:28 +0000

For those of you who have not heard, Thatcham Festival of Arts and Leisure will shortly be taking place. The Thatcham Historical Society will have an exhibition in St. Mary's Church on the 10th October between 10am and 4pm. Everyone is welcome to pop along and have a look. Entry is free and there will be a mixture of displays.

BBC Berkshire Bus

nick — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:53:10 +0000

One of our committee members, Dr Nick Young, spent part of this morning with BBC Radio Berkshire on the BBC Berkshire Bus with Mary Green. We had a short, live talk, on the history of Thatcham, highlighting the fact that there have been finds made in and around Thatcham that provide dates through almost every period of history from the Mesolithic onwards.

West Berkshire Living Landscape

nick — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:50:11 +0000

What’s been happening in the West Berkshire Living Landscape
Jacky Akam, Project Manager, BBOWT, July 2009

The West Berkshire Living Landscape is on the edge of Newbury and Thatcham. It covers 26km2 and is a mosaic of land rich with history and wildlife. Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) and West Berkshire Council (WBC) have joined forces in an initiative to celebrate this landscape, create more opportunities for people to enjoy it and expand the wildlife habitats within it.

The Oldest Roman coin found in Britain

nick — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:25:55 +0000

Malcolm Langford, who gave the society a talk in May entitled "The past in Stone and Metal" and a Metal Detectorist from West Berkshire, has unearthed the oldest Roman coin found in Britain.The coin, a silver roman coin, dates back to 207BC. This makes it the oldest found in Britain. Read more on the CBA website.

Thatcham: an historic town in a changing world

nick — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:17:39 +0000

A new publication on Thatcham’s heritage is to be launched this October. The publication is a direct result of a study that was instigated by Peter Allen under his role as the Thatcham Vision Project Manager and has been undertaken jointly by Thatcham Vision and Thatcham Historical Society. Sadly Peter passed away in May. The whole team has put every effort into making this publication something Peter would have been proud of and have dedicated it to him.

Local History Online

nick — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 08:47:29 +0000

Local History Online — www.local-history.co.uk — has had a complete makeover to celebrate its twelfth birthday. We have kept all of the features which local historians find most useful, such as the Bookshop, Calendar of events, News, Getting started, Links to local history and related websites (over 300 of them) Courses and Local History Magazine, and we have greatly expanded the Local history societies section, which now has direct links to over 650 society websites and contact details for an additional 560 societies.

Review: Duke of Wellington's Country House at Stratfield Saye

nick — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:45:04 +0000

A packed room greeted Michael Arris tonight’s (29th June) for his talk entitled “Duke of Wellington's Country House at Stratfield Saye.”

It was noted that there were several people with the same title, Duke of Wellington, lived or had connections with Stratfield Saye, but that the talk would concentrate on the first Duke of Wellington, Field Marshall Arthur Wellesley. The First Duke, also known as the Great Duke, was born in 1796 and died in 1852.

The house and grounds consist of 5000 acres and can be dated back to before William the Conqueror. The house owes much of its style to George Pitt who played a pivitol role in its development.

Newsletter: June 2009 (Volume 6, Issue 2)

nick — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:13:20 +0000

Date:

29/06/2009

Explore Newbury's buried past

nick — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:57:19 +0000

On Thursday 30th July, local history enthusiasts can join archaeologists from the West Berkshire Council's Heritage Service to explore Newbury's buried past. Find out more on the West Berks website.

Bryan Gush, Thatcham Garage

nick — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:39:27 +0000

I am trying to find more for my local car club about Bryan Gush who apparently had a garage in Thatcham and developed his own car that was very successful at Brooklands in Spring (possibly March) 1934. I have a NWN article 29.3.1934 but no more local background. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Little Lane, Upper Bucklebury

nick — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:31:49 +0000

Hi,

I am trying to find out historical and land usage information about the site of my house and the immediate surrounding area, in Little Lane, Upper Bucklebury.

Do you have any resources covering the area, or can you point me in the direction of a person or organisation who might be able to help?

I have found one old OS map, which suggests that there may have been a cemetery covering the site, however, having spoken to a number of local people (church, parish council, former resident of my house), nobody knows anything about it.

I would be grateful for any assistance.
Thanks in advance.
Best regards,

Alex.

Newsletter: March 2009 (Volume 6, Issue 1)

nick — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:01:46 +0000

Date:

30/03/2009

Remembering Peter

nick — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:46:51 +0000

Members of the public are invited to send in photographs, anecdotes, memories, articles and any other material suitable for collation into a large bound volume to remember Peter Allen who has just recently died. Please send any suitable material to Thatcham Town Council, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham RG18 3HF. Alternatively, please email enquiries@thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Peter touched so many people’s lives in Thatcham and beyond in so many ways. A book of memories to be entitled “Remembering Peter …” will be a very special reminder to his family of the very great and lasting contribution he has made to the community.

History Month Fact 31: Spelling of Thatcham

nick — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

The earliest spelling of Thatcham is Thæc-ham : it is so spelt in the copy of a will belonging to the latter part of the tenth century ; while in the Domesday Survey of 1086 it is spelt Tace-ham. The name may originate from the Saxon settlement, possibly from a chief called Tace. Thus creating Tace’s Ham, evolving over the centuries to become Thatcham. Thakeham in Sussex is also recorded as being known originally as Tace Ham, as no doubt others have.

Audio File:

31.mp3

History Month Fact 30: Bells re-tuned

nick — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

The six bells in the tower of Thatcham parish church are re-tuned in 1929 and two more are added to complete the octave. Men working in the tower find a tiny coffin containing the mummified remains of a baby. There is an inquest but no explanation has ever been found.

Audio File:

30.mp3

History Month Fact 29: Ladies elected

nick — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

The Parish Council has long been male dominated. This changes in 1919 when ladies are elected for the first time to Thatcham Parish Council. The first two being Mrs. Ashman and Mrs. Pike.

Audio File:

29.mp3

History Month Fact 28: lady gardeners

nick — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Miss Elizabeth Hughes-Jones established one of the first schools for lady gardeners in the country in 1906. The school was originally known as Henwick Fruit Farm and later as Henwick Fruit and Flower Farm School as well as Thatcham Fruit and Flower Farm School. The school survived in various forms, including a mushroom farm until 1982 and was eventually redeveloped in 1989 with the current Wyevale Garden Centre.

Audio File:

28.mp3

History Month Fact 27: British School Closes

nick — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

The British School in Church Lane closes in 1913. This is because it is too overcrowded. Pupils move to the new Council School on the London Road, later called the Francis Baily School.

Audio File:

27.mp3

Review: The past in Stone and Metal

nick — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:53:25 +0000

Our members were give a talk tonight (18th May 2009) by Malcolm Langford, a local metal detectorist and historian.
Malcolm, who is an enthusiastic speaker and historian, wanted to highlight the importance of Thatcham through the items that he and his colleagues have discovered.
It was noted that there have been at least 8 attempts to colonise this country through the millennia. These started back in the Ice Age when people travelled ice. Distances travelled were huge. For example it is known that people moved from France, over the ice to America. Bone needles were used in making clothes and oil soaked skin boats. Many of these are still in use today, by the Inuit’s for example.

History Month Fact 26: Coach and van works

nick — Mon, 25 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

In 1911, A.H and C.G Brown expand their business and open a "coach and van works", called the Broadway Motor Works, in the Broadway next to the King's Head. The company managed to keep training until 1990.

Audio File:

26.mp3

History Month Fact 25: Samuel Barfield

nick — Sun, 24 May 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Samuel Barfield wrote the book "Thatcham, Berks, and its Manors" but died in 1899, before it could be published. James Parker took on the material and had it published in 1901. To this day the book remains one of the most complete histories of Thatcham. It is spread over two volumes, one containing the appendices which has much of the source material used in the research for the book.

Audio File:

25.mp3

Thatcham Historical Society

Peter Allen Memorial Lectures

Historic Environment of Thatcham

Annual General Meeting 2010

Speaker Review: A history of Dolls houses

Newsletter: November 2009 (Volume 6, Issue 3)

Speaker review: The Colonels' Lady and Judy O'Grady.

The Lost World of Mr Hardy

Thatcham: an historic town in a changing world

Review: William Morris

Thatcham Festival of Arts and Leisure

BBC Berkshire Bus

West Berkshire Living Landscape

What’s been happening in the West Berkshire Living Landscape Jacky Akam, Project Manager, BBOWT, July 2009

The Oldest Roman coin found in Britain

Thatcham: an historic town in a changing world

Local History Online

Review: Duke of Wellington's Country House at Stratfield Saye

Newsletter: June 2009 (Volume 6, Issue 2)

Explore Newbury's buried past

Bryan Gush, Thatcham Garage

Little Lane, Upper Bucklebury

Newsletter: March 2009 (Volume 6, Issue 1)

Remembering Peter

History Month Fact 31: Spelling of Thatcham

History Month Fact 30: Bells re-tuned

History Month Fact 29: Ladies elected

History Month Fact 28: lady gardeners

History Month Fact 27: British School Closes

Review: The past in Stone and Metal

History Month Fact 26: Coach and van works

History Month Fact 25: Samuel Barfield

What’s been happening in the West Berkshire Living Landscape
Jacky Akam, Project Manager, BBOWT, July 2009