13th December 2023
Christmas at the Lion Hotel
The speaker at the December meeting was John Butterworth, a journalist for over 40 years. He was editor of both the Shrewsbury Chronical and the Black Country Bugle.
The subject of his presentation on this occasion was Christmas at the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury, focusing on celebrities who stayed there when performing in the town’s theatre, mainly in pantomime.
The Lion Hotel is in Wyle Cop and dates from the 15th century. It was remodelled in the 18th century in the Gothic style. The Lion on the Tuscan porch was made in 1777. The hotel’s impressive ballroom dates from 1775-1780. A stagecoach route from London to Holyhead via Shrewsberry was established in competition with the usual route via Chester. This stimulated the development of the Lion Hotel and the local economy.
John gave a list of well-known characters who had stayed at the Lion Hotel, including Charles Dickens, Cliff Richard, The Beatles, Tony Hancock, and Morecambe and Wise. He took his audience on a trip down memory lane!
8th November 2023
Crimson Fields: Front Line Nurses and Surgeons in the Great War
The speakers at the Centre’s November meeting were David Bardell and Mick Byrne. They are volunteers at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire. Their presentation began with an act of remembrance, and then focused on the work and bravery of nurses and Surgeons in World War 1.
The foundations of military nursing were laid down by Florence Nightingale. She left behind a fine legacy. Well known figures in World War 1 included Agatha Miller (later Agatha Christie) and Edith Cavell (who worked in Belgium and was executed for treason in 1915). The speakers outlined the careers of a number of nurses on the front line.
The work of pioneering surgeons saved many lives, often with limited reserves. Expertise in the fields of neurosurgery, orthopaedics, and plastic surgery developed. Prominent surgeons included Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Robert Jones.
The Royal Army Medical Corps came into being. Many pacifists were stretcher bearers, serving with distinction and gallantry. They were held in high esteem, and many were awarded Victoria Crosses, Distinguished Conduct Medals, and Military Medals.
The presentation was a reminder of the horrors of war, and the bravery of ordinary men and women in the service of their country. Also, it underlined the care and kindness shown to those around them.
10th October 2023
Those Damn Tin Cans
The speakers at the Centre’s October meeting were David and Pam Humphries, making a return visit. The intriguing title of their presentation relates to the Birmingham Prefabs. The phrase was coined by George Bernard Shaw.
A pioneer of the development of pre-fabricated homes was Herbert Austin. He ordered 500 timber bungalows for his workers, and they were erected on Turves Green, near to his rapidly expanding car factory at Longbridge.
After World War 1 the housing stock was poor, with many back-to-back properties in Birmingham. The momentum for better social housing grew in the wake of World War 2. Birmingham suffered many air raids, partly because of the Spitfire aircraft factory at Castle Bromwich and the BSA armaments factory within the city.
Temporary measures were needed to provide homes after the loss of many buildings and so factory produced pre-fabricated homes were manufactured, being easily transported on the back of a lorry. A number of different types were produced, but they were of similar design and size. There were various materials used – asbestos, aluminium, timber or pre-cast concrete. Production costs were high.
The prefabs were designed as temporary accommodation for 10 years, but many homes were lived in for decades. Some prefabs in Wake Green Road, Moseley are now grade 2 listed, and are being restored. They were an important part of our social history.
12th September 2023
Grace Darling & The Fine Art of Saving Live At Sea
The speaker at out September meeting was Dr. James Taylor.
Grace Darling, born in 1815, was the daughter of a lighthouse-keeper on the Farne Islands. Early on 7th September 1838 Grace saw the wreck of the Forfarshire on a nearby island and she and her father, deeming conditions too difficult for the lifeboat to make the journey, rowed out to rescue survivors.
Grace became a national heroine, but died of consumption aged 26. Dr.Taylor showed how her image was promoted by a wide range of painters, notably William Bell Scott with a series at Wallington and by Thomas Joy whose paintings are in Dundee
9th May 2023
The Real Dad’s Army
The speaker at The Centre’s May meeting was Ray Sturdy. Ray has an extensive list of talks relating to social history and travel. He has been giving presentations for over 15 years and has raised well over £100.000 for charity in that time.
Ray began his talk with reference to the ever-popular TV series ‘Dad’s Army’. Following an appeal, the local Defence Volunteers were formed in 1940. The name was changed to the Home Guard, but the nickname ‘Dad’s Army’ was soon established. The volunteers were in the age range 17 to 63, and many had served in World War 1. Women also volunteered. When the British Expeditionary Forces (330.000 in number) were evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940, many rifles and much ammunition had been left behind. The priority was to re-arm the military, and in took some time to provide the Home Guard with weapons.
Some members of the Home Guard in guerrilla war tactics, and many became craak shots – their accuracy was sometimes better than the regular soldiers. A ‘secret army’ – a British resistance movement – was set up in case of invasion with potential saboteurs. These self-sufficient units numbered between 850 and 900 hideouts around the country. Farmers set up mounted units in more remote areas. Home Guard members manned coastal defences and anti-aircraft guns. At the end of the war there were some 1.7million members of the Home Guard – 1300 died in defence of the nation.
Ray referred to the ‘Dad’s Army’ museum in Thetford, Norfolk, where the TV series was filmed. It is well worth a visit.
The Home Guard played an important role in World War 11 and became respected and valued. That’s talk reminded his audience of close-to-home wartime experiences – an era of Vera Lynn, George Formby and Gracie Fields.
11th April 2023
Life on the Royal Yacht Britannia – at Sea with the Royal Family
The speaker at the Centre’s April meeting was Chief Petty Officer (WO2) David Rushforth, who served in the Royal Navy from April 1967 until June 1980. He served on the Royal Yacht Britannia from January 1976 until June 1979. David is an officeholder in the Association of Royal Yachtsmen (of which there are 1084 members) and in January 2023 he and a group of those members presented King Charles with a model of Britannia at Sandringham. In 1936 there were initial discussions about a new royal yacht (which could also serve as a hospital ship), but the onset of World War II put plans on hold. The discussions reopened in 1949, and King George VI agreed the designs. The keel was laid at the Clydeside shipyard John Brown in June 1952.
The ship was launched and named by Queen Elizabeth on 16 April 1953. Britannia then entered service on 11 January 1954. She was decommissioned at a ceremony attended by the Queen (the only time it is said when she shed a tear in public) and other members of the Royal Family on 11 December 1997. Britannia was then moved to Leith in 1998 where she has proved to be the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland.
Britannia had 230 crew (who wore plimsolls on board), and the commanding office was always a rear-admiral. The ship was unique in that her name and port of origin were not displayed.
David Rushforth took his audience on a tour of the ship, and gave an interesting insight of life on board. He had a wealth of wide-ranging anecdotes. Highlights of his service included the US bicentenary celebrations, the Montreal Olympics and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee events.
Britannia was clearly a very special ship, much loved by the Royal Family. Furnishings were modest and practical, but elegant and comfortable. Brintons carpets were used extensively. Queen Elizabeth kept to a routine on board with breakfast at 9.30 a.m. and tea at 3.30 p.m. Up to 56 people could be accommodated at a banquet, with Royal Marine bandsmen playing music both on board and on the quayside.
Britannia is well worth a visit. Tourists can find a bygone era of style and naval history.
14th March 2023
The Richest Legacies: The British Colonial Buildings of India
The speaker at the Centre’s March meeting was Anthony Peers, a leading architectural historian with an active involvement in building conservation. One of his major projects was the restoration of Birmingham Town Hall.
Nowadays Britain is less connected with the rest of the world, in sharp contrast to a time of the British Empire. Britain’s involvement in India largely developed from the establishment and growth of the East India Company. India is a country of different spiritual and cultural styles and traditions from Britain, but the British Empire’s influence became apparent with the construction of colonial buildings.
Madras became the hub of trading activities and prominent buildings were erected, such as Government House and Banqueting Hall, St. Andrew’s church and St. Mary’s church in the 19th century. Calcutta was described as a city of palaces with Government House reflecting Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, the home of George Curzon, a onetime Viceroy of India. Calcutta Town Hall, designed by John Garstin (1813) is a fine example of great imperial architecture. St. Paul’s Cathedral in Calcutta (1840s) has similarities with Canterbury and Norwich Cathedrals. It has a fine window designed by Burne-Jones.
Bombay became an important port when the Suez Canal was opened in 1869. The influence of George Gilbert Scott can be seen in India – the gothic revival style is the best in the world. Reference was made to some outstanding buildings including the Simla Residency, Bombay Railway Station, Allhalabad Cathedral, Madras Law Courts, Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta (same marble used as the Taj Mahal) and Mysore Palace. In Britain the Moghul influence can be seen in the Brighton Pavillion, and Sezincote in Gloucestershire.
When the Centre of administration was moved from Calcutta to New Delhi, Edwin Lutyens, a man of genuine brilliance, was engaged to work on the layout and design of the new city including the Viceroy’s Palace.
Anthony Peers then referred to his involvement with conservation and restoration work in India, helping with advice and training in relation to traditional preservation techniques, and how conservation work should be done. Glaziers from Britain’s cathedrals had assisted and shared their skills.
Anthony’s presentation was illustrated with impressive examples of the large numbers of remarkable colonial buildings still to be found in India.
14th February 2023
AGM plus Helen Bratt-Wyton
Wightwick Manor
AGM 14th February 2023
The meeting was chaired by David Brown, president. He welcomed those present, and thanked them for attending. He acknowledged members support and the work of the committee. It has been a successful year.
The chairman, Chris Fonteyn, presented his 33rd annual report. The year, under review, was a post Covid return to normality. He referred to the outings and meetings held, and the holiday undertaken in North Wales. He recorded his thanks to the committee members for their support and commitment. He referred to the impact of the pandemic on the National Trust, with a significant reduction in the number of volunteers. Hopefully this vital resource will strengthen and grow, as the NT relies heavily on volunteers. The Centre is aiming for a growth in membership, and he outlined the plans for the 2023 programme.
The treasurer, Trevor Sidaway, presented the audited accounts. The Centre is in a sound financial position and a modest surplus has been achieved. It has been possible to main donations of £3000.00 to 4 NT properties.
The election of the officers and committee members took place. After almost 28 years of service in the committee Marjorie Fernihough had decided to stand down. She was elected as a Vice President of the Centre in recognition of her valued contribution to the Centre’s success.
Following the AGM, Helen Bratt-Wyton, senior house and collections manager at Wightwick Manor gave a presentation. She had worked at the property for 25 years, starting as a volunteer.
Theodore Mander was a paint and varnish manufacturer, who developed a major international company. He bought the old manor and estate at Wightwick in the 1880s. In 1884 he attended a lecture in Wolverhampton by Oscar Wylde, which inspired him to build a new home on the site in old English style. Theodore took copious notes at the lecture and the interior of the new manor (which was completed in 1887) was furnished and decorated in the style of the aesthetic movement. Geoffrey Mander inherited the Estate at the age of 23. He became Liberal MP for East Wolverhampton. He had a passionate belief in public access to open spaces. In 1937 he gave Wightwick Manor to the NT, but continued living there. Today the Mander family maintain strong links with the property and still use the family flat.
There is an extensive art collection at Wightwick Manor, and 14 paintings are being loaned to an exhibition in the USA. Wightwick regularly loans artworks to a range of exhibitions, such as the Tate Gallery. In total there are some 11000 items in the collection.
A major project being undertaken is work on the exterior. The Victorian builders did not have the experience or quality materials when the timer-framed manor was built, and it now needs attention. The stained glass will be removed, and the oak window frames will be replaced. The project will cost £750.000 and hopefully will be completed in 3 to 4 years, depending on funding.
Another project is the digitalisation of the Mander family collection of photographs of up to 3000 images, which will go online. This will be funded from the Mander family trust, which provides about £40.000 per annum in income. Work will also be carried out on the De Morgan gallery and tile library.
In the gardens at Wightwick there has been an extensive programme of planting daffodils. Work is also being carried out on the apple trees, the peach house and the Rose Pergola. There is a problem will ash die-back disease.
Wightwick Manor has a copy of an historic book – the works of Geoffrey Chaucer- of which 425 copies were produced, with illustrations by Burne-Jones. The Centre has given a donation of £1000 and this will be used to purchase an I-Pad type device to enable visitors to see the pages within the book and the marvellous decorative illustrations.
Helen thanked the Centre for this donation which is much appreciated. She encouraged members to visit Wightwick Manor which is open 363 days of the year.
11th January 2023
The History of Shropshire
Dorothy Nicholle was the speaker at the Centre’s January meeting,making a return visit. She came to live in Shropshire in1990, and is a tourist guide in the Heart of England area. She has written a number of books and is resident in Oswestry.
Dorothy’s presentation began with reference to the iron age and the Celtic era. A number of hill forts were constructed and the ramparts on and near Oswestry can be clearly seen. Caractacus was the local leader, but he was defeated in battle with the Romans. However, he was respected by the Romans and he moved to live in Rome where he eventually died. The Romans brought civilisation to England and settled here. The town of Roxeter was established and became the fourth largest town in England after London, Cirencester and St. Albans. The Romans abandoned Britain in 410AD.
Then came the influence of the Anglo-Saxons who established such Shropshire towns as Shrewsbury, Wem, Wellington, Oswestry, Broseley, Shifnall and Ellesmere. The Christian Oswald was killed in battle in 642AD and he was hung drawn and quartered at a tree which became known as ‘Oswald’s Tree’, and the settlement which grew nearby is Oswestry. King Offer marked the extent of his territory by the construction of his Dyke in the late 700s AD, an amazing logistical challenge. The Vikings navigated the River Severn and for a short time had a settlement at Bridgnorth.
The Norman invasion came in 1066. The wall painting in Claverley Church has similarities with the Bayeux tapestry. A number of castles were constructed in Shropshire, such as Shrewsbury (now a military museum), Whittington, Wem and Ellesmere. The impressive Ludlow Castle was stone built and was an important palace.
Medieval times were relatively quiet. The wool trade was the basis of the County’s wealth, and St. Lawrence’s church, Ludlow, is a ‘wool church’, reflecting that wealth. The Black Death in the 1300s decimated the population. The battle of Shrewsbury in 1403 was the first battle in Britain when long bows were used. King Henry 1V defeated rebels under Harry ‘Hotspur’ in a ferocious battle.
The Elizabthan age saw something of a building boom with places such as Pitchford Hall, Shipton Hall and Moreton Corbet Hall being built. After the battle of Worcester in 1651 Charles11 gained sanctuary at Boscobel House, thanks to the Cotton family. When he became king in 1660 he granted the family’s servants a payment in perpetuity recognising their service to the Crown in assisting his escape. (The Penderel brothers.)
The industrial revolution began in Shropshire and the iconic iron bridge in Coalbrookdale is testament to that. The transport system developed roads and canals. The Craven Arms milestone and Shewsbury railway station are worth seeking out.
Dorothy’s talk was a stimulus for people to explore their own back yard!