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.
2012 has started well. We have bought a new laptop and data projector to replace the stolen ones. Our first practice with them last night was great - much better quality pictures. We must thank Frank for his efforts researching the market for us.
Skidmore and Sons are stocking our books, pamphlets, and other bits and pieces. Pay them a visit in Worle High Street, opposite the War Memorial.
David Hart's talk at our February 2012 meeting, on Richard Parsley's life and times gave us a wonderful chance to see the town and the village through new eyes. Thank you, Dave.
Above: Peter, Frank and David, dressed for the weather! Great head gear, chaps.
Below: The members chatting, and Sam, our youngest member after his free membership presentation.
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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