I will begin my first report as the History Group Chair by wishing all readers a very belated Happy and Prosperous New Year.
However, having said that it is with much sadness that I now have to move on to mention the sad passing of our last Chairman and newly elected Life President TONY CHIDLOW.
Tony passed away earlier this year on January 12th in the Torbay Hospital after a long but bravely fought illness. I know everyone joins with me in sending prayers, thoughts and condolences to his wife Sylvia, daughter Samantha and all their family.
Tony was a founder member of the Marldon Local History Group back in 2001 and served in all positions on the Committee from Treasurer, Secretary and until very recently as Chairman, having taken over that last role in 2012.
He was also a very active member of MEG (Marldon Environment Group) which is probably where I first met him, out on the footpaths cutting back brambles!
Back in 2012, my wife Julie and I were already members of the History Group when Tony was due to take over as Chairman, and his plea at a Social Evening for a Secretary and Treasurer to take over from him led us both to volunteer. Then started a growing friendship and relationship with Tony and Sylvia, one I shall very much miss now as Tony was always available to answer any questions I might have, or to offer a guiding hand if I strayed off the History Group path. As I take over as Chairman, Julie now takes over as Secretary.
Rest in Peace Tony.
So onto History Group matters now, the show must go on and with Covid restrictions being lifted (we all hope) I can tell you that we have all our Speakers fully booked for 2022, and our next ‘Social Evening’ promises to be a very interesting one as it is an illustrated talk by NICK PANNELL on FRIDAY 04 March at 7:30pm, the topic being “SHIPWRECKS IN TORBAY”
This talk is free to all members and just £2 to non-members, but for just £5 you can join our Group and attend all meetings plus enjoy a cuppa afterwards.
Please continue to support us, I look forward to seeing you at this event.
Stay safe.
Derek Hore .. MLHG Chair
www. marldonlocalhistorygroup.com
PS .. the passing of Tony and other prominent Village figures reminds us how quickly Village memories can be lost forever. If you have any memories or photos from the past, do let us know as we can then add them to our archives
Marldon Local History Group 