Writing this at the end of September, on what may well be the last burst of Summer sunshine, a cloudless sky and a “no coat needed” temperature, I had a sense of relief that the next couple of months might not be as busy as the last two or three.
At our Quarterly Meetings, in addition to a Guest Speaker, we also have a display of old and more recent photographs and other items of memorabilia from our Archive, usually about a specific subject relating to our Village and Parish. Our Archive is divided into about a dozen subjects, eg the Church, School, Apple Pie Fair, Compton and the Castle, People, Events, Sport and Social etc. Choosing a subject and the photographs suitable to be shown is becoming more difficult as the years go by, so if you would like to see a display about anything “Marldon”, please let us know and we will see what we can do.
Our Open Meeting in September was also our AGM (Annual General Meeting), which
reports on the Group’s activities in the previous year. To start the Meeting, our Guest Speaker was Paul Rendell and his subject was “Nature in the Garden”, featuring the plants and wildlife not only in gardens and the countryside generally, but also in his own extensive, partly wooded garden. A very enjoyable and informative hour, featuring countless slides of flora, birds and animals, and much enjoyed by our audience. Our display (see above) was about “Farms and Farming”, and proved most interesting to all who attended.
Briefly, the Meeting went on to hear the Chairman’s annual Report, which referred again to the high standard of our Guest Speakers throughout the year, as well as the Reports of our Treasurer/Secretary, which indicated that our membership numbers and finances were slightly up on last year. The Secretary also reported that our Guest Speaker programme for 2020 had already been arranged, and our new website and Facebook page continue to be a valuable source of information to many people both in this country and around the world. He also reported that the Red Ensign was flown above the Church and elsewhere in the Village for the 3rd successive year to celebrate Merchant Navy Day on 3rd September. Finally, the Officers and Committee were re-elected en bloc, and thanked for their help, and there being no other business, the Meeting was closed.
Finally, although our Membership numbers increased last year, a number of our regular Members were unable to attend our AGM, and we hope that they will be able to renew their membership shortly. Our annual subscription is still only £5 and includes free admission to all our Quarterly Meetings (except our Christmas Evening, for which there will be a nominal charge).
If you would like to become a Member, or if you are a “lapsed” Member please contact our Secretary Derek (529859) or our Chairman Tony (521419). Many thanks.
Tony Chidlow .. Chairman
Marldon Local History Group 