The Stebbing Local History Society is delighted to announce that its 2017 programme of speakers is now complete. Many thanks go to Wendy Chalklen for sorting it all out in her usual efficient and cheery way!
As is traditional now the February meeting will be wholly focused on Stebbing. At the time of writing it is likely to consist of a talk focused on the Stebbing Elizabethan Fayre, especially its early years. As well as photographs and other memorabilia there will be a showing of a cinefilm to bring it all to life. There will also be a second talk, either Stebbing photo related or possibly a talk related to old Stebbing farming (we will let you know nearer the time). It will also be the A.G.M. although nowadays this doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to get through. If you have anything pertinant to the society that you would like to bring to our attention do get in touch or bring it up on the night.
In April Tony Morton will be talking about ancient woodlands, especially those in Uttlesford. Stebbing has some ancient woodland in the parish which is currently under threat of being surrounded by new development. Woodland has always been an important resource in the rural economy.
By June we expect that summer will be here and so we have a talk on the seaside heritage of Essex. Nearly everyone has fond memories of trips to the seaside and Essex has a particularly strong seaside heritage. Below is an image dating to the 1920’s of an arranged outing from Stebbing, probably organised by the Congregational Church in Mill Lane. We don’t know where they were going but it could quite easily be a trip to the coast. The charabanc is parked at the top of Mill Lane. Wherever they were going it must have been quite an adventure compared to travel nowadays and the weight of the vehicle and those solid tyres must have given the roads (and the occupants) quite a pounding.
The destination for the summer outing is yet to be finalised but as per usual it will be somewhere that you can’t arrange as an individual.
In September we are delighted to be welcoming back Tim Turner from Sworders auctioneers. Last time Tim gave us a wonderful talk on the history of tea – this time it will be about country houses in the 20th century.
Just two days after Rememberance Day we have an appropriate talk from Tim Luard about an Essex nurse on the front line in the first world war. The nurse in question was Tim’s Great Aunt, Kate Luard.
The committee hopes that you will find the programme varied and interesting. In the meantime have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
GJ
The speaker is Peter Layzell (right) and the talk is titled “Essex Regiment During Word War One”. The Essex Regiment was the local regiment for Stebbing men during the war and as such is of special significance to us in Stebbing. The talk, which is drawn from testimonies and newspaper accounts follows the Essex Regiment from 1914 to 1920 including its organisation, characters, daily routine, trench life and significant events.
