Weekend History Seminar

Wedgwood Memorial College

Friday, 4 February-Sunday, 6 February 2011

Jane Wood

I had not attended this weekend before which is held at the Wedgwood Memorial College in Barlaston near Stoke on Trent. On my way to the college I visited the nearby Wedgewood Museum and Visitors Centre which I thoroughly recommend as it clearly shows the fascinating history of this company. The huge selection of pottery it displays is amazing. The venue for the weekend was very good as was the food! Also it was great value for money. After dinner on the Friday there was a talk by the chair of the society Don Vincent about 'St Stephen's Gateway Chapel, Bordesley Abbey, Reddich'.

On Saturday morning Rosemary Conely spoke about 'The Great War - Myths and Family Reality' basing it on her own family. It is hoped this will be followed up by inviting other society members to send details of their own family experience during that period. Keith Ward then recounted what happened in the early twentieth century when spies were feared to have infiltrated Britain in 'Sidney Street Revisited'.

Jill Groves then gave a fascinating incite to people's possessions during 1611 to 1711 through probate inventories studied in the Altrincham Area. In the afternoon Pat Aves spoke about almhouses including St Mary Magdalen's the leper chapel which I have visited in Ripon.

The Annual General Meeting was then held.

In the evening Ruth Barbour ran a quiz which we thanked her for compiling. On Sunday Jeff Porter spoke about the holocaust and the story of a women who survived Auschwitz to be reunited with her family. Finally Paul Shipman spoke about the 'Impact of Quarrying on South Leicestershire Landscape'.

After lunch I thanked everyone for welcoming me to the group and for an enjoyable weekend. Next year's theme will be 'Work And Leisure' so do look out for information nearer the time.