The Christmas Dinner of the Local History Society

Once again the Cavendish George was a comfortable and festive venue for the Christmas dinner of the District Local History Society. On 8th December 25 members and guests enjoyed traditional fare - with crackers of course - in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Chairman Alan Fitch reflected upon an active year for the Society which had included a guided tour of historic Long Melford, local explorations with metal detectors, President Ashley Cooper's talk on the excavations at Goldingham Hall, a dog walker's view of East Anglia and the history of Sudbury's department store, Winch and Blatch, as well as a couple of archive film evenings. Secretary Clare Mathieson gave an outline of the 2016 programme when there will be talks on the dissolution of the monastries, Foxearth in the Great War, the Tower of London ( by our locally-living Yeoman Warder), the history of the Harwich picture palace, local history through Essex ballads, Nurse training in the 1960s at Walnut Tree hospital and some facts about budgerigars by a member! In prospect are possible visits to the Whitechapel bell foundry and Ely. Clare will communicate with members about these. The President expressed appreciation for the way the Society was progressing and in particular for the leadership shown by the Chairman.

The evening provided a convivial end to an interesting season and the promise of a full and varied diary of events for the coming year.

Ken Nice