Welcome to Worle History Society.
Here you will be able to find dates of meetings, how to contact the committee, and updates on our latest research and projects. Just click on the top bar for details.
Membership fee is £5 a year, renewable at the AGM in September each year. Members pay £1 at each meeting to help pay for the hall and boost funds. Visitors are always welcome at meetings and other activities for a modest £2 contribution.
Don't forget, our next meeting on January 5th will be at 2.00 p.m.
Its a members meeting, so bring all your precious bits along with you to share with everyone else. In the meantime, Merry Christmas, All, and good wishes for 2012.
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that dear John Beacham passed away on 1st January, 2012. John, who was christened Valentine John, was born on 14th February, 1925. He worked on local farms all his life, first at Cyprus Farm and later at East Huish Farm. On 18th July, 1953 he married June Knight and they had two children, Wendy and Tim.
John and June made me so welcome in their home when I was researching for the Worle Home Guard book. John was one of the last 3 men still living at the time. Our sympathy and love are extended to June and the family. John's funeral service will take place at Wick St. Lawrence Church on Monday 16th January at 12.30 p.m., followed by the committal at Worle Crematorium and a gathering at Wick Village Hall.
The Annual Quiz was voted a success. There were 9 teams of four players each, and the contest was keenly fought. 'Two plus Two' won with 23 points and went off with the booze
The Stuffed Owls were mad with life, having lost by HALF A MARK. Hard line, folks.
Food and Raffle were both a success, thanks to the committee. Well done to Sam for winning the Radio.
New 'Worle at War' book now available. It covers three years from January 1939 to December 1941. Ring Raye on 516773 for a copy. They are £9.99p each. Picture below of the book signing at Waterstones. [Courtesy Dean Price]
John Crockford Hawley's talk on Worle Conservation Area was illuminating and greatly enjoyed by all. We think it may have been a record attendance. John has been a loyal supporter since we began and everyone was most appreciative. Hopefully an new booklet on the topic will be ready for you to buy in January.
A special thank you to Antony Jones, whose talk on his family history research and his favourite relative was informative and highly engaging. Several members gave short explanations of the material they had brought along for us all to share. Thanks to everyone, especially Nadine for her excellent introduction. Sadly, I forgot my camera, so there are no photos.
The village walk evening in August was blessed with sunshine - no rain - a miracle. Forty of us strode around the lanes and byways, led by David Hart, who regaled us with fascinating anecdotes. Many thanks, Dave.
The Mendip Morris Men provided music and dance at the Golden Lion - much enjoyed by all, including passers by. The evening ended with supper, provided by the manager of the Lion. A good way to end the year and prepare for the AGM in September. Peter was snapping away. A selection of his efforts are below.
The 2012 calendars were delivered yesterday, and we only have 89 left!! Phone Raye on 516773 and arrange to pick one up. They are £5.95 each, and beautiful.
Calendar night, above
Pictures and report of Bellringing evening, below.
Above: Members studying the archives and watching the ringers.
Below: John Boorman giving a lesson and the West Window
Worle's ancient Church of St. Martin's welcomed the History Society on 5th May to bellringing practice. We were treated to amusing and informative talks from Jim Lampard and John Boorman. Visits to the ringing platform and the bell tower were safely negotiated and the displays of early records much enjoyed, but the highlight was the ringing.
Our Schools evening in April was an entertaining and busy evening. Arthur Spencer and Terry Gilbert gave us laughter, happy memories and information. Both headmasters brought along photographs and records of life at Priory and St. Martins. 50 people went home with reminders of school days and more knowledge of education in Worle. The displays were popular and created queues! Photos below.
Above: Arthur Spencer and Terry Gilbert
Members having a look!
Our 1940 night meeting was very successful. Nadine's rationing food was very tasty, especially the carrot cake. Luke Brown, our youngest fan, turned up clad in his best evacuee outfit and several members brought war memorabilia. Thank you all for the contributions.
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We welcomed 46 members and friends to our February meeting, when Dave Hart gave a illuminating talk on Worle's Lanes and Byways, illustrated with maps and photographs. Dave has offered to collate the material into a book for interested parties to purchase. Excellent news. Pete Johnson took the picture of the evening, below.
Grateful thanks to everyone who came along to our Members' afternoon on 6th January. The photographs, memories and documents were fascinating.
The members presenting their treasures to the rest of the society.
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- Have a look at Worle in 2010, on the left, for Remembrance Sunday pictures
Gillian Jones enthralled us all with her talk on Market Gardens on Worle hillside.
Gillian Jones, on the left, chatting to Kaye Gunningham [nee Lovell]
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Our open meeting 'Fussell's Rubber Co. Ltd.' was a happy success. Worle turned out in huge numbers and our speakers were marvellous. They brought a wide array of memorabilia and photographs for us to admire, and we all shared memories happily, as
you can see.
Below: Hugh Champion addressing the meeting.
Above: Julian Fussell, Hugh Champion and Michael Fussell with their memories
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45 lovely Worle people turned up for the AGM on 2nd September and we welcome many new members. Frank Gosden, already a stalwart of the committee, was unanimously elected as our new Research Co-ordinator and David Hart found himself co-opted to the committee, which is very good news. See committee page for details.
Peter Johnson's talk about his research into Worle's Tithe map was both educational and entertaining. His brand new digital version of the map, which includes apportionment details, is fascinating and colourful. Thank you Peter
Our evening walk with Chris Richards was a great success, attended by 50 eager walkers. Thank you, Chris, for a fascinating insight into the history and geology of the area. Picture above. For more click on Village Walks on the top left
Researchers' supper on 19th August was a fun social event. See 'projects' on the links bar at the top for details and pictures.
We also have a new supply of '1953, Life in Worle' - £10 each
and the new Worle Home Guard Books - £6.25p
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We have been out and about publicising the Society and talking to people this July. Last Saturday we had a stall at the Family and Local History Open Day, held at St. Paul's Church Hall, and this weekend we were at the Northern Somerset Community Archaeology Open Day at the Town Quarry.
Pete with John Penrose M.P.
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