Mr. Barry Stevenson of Cowlinge conducted an Antiques
Roadshow for the History Society and displayed his encyclopaedic knowledge
of all aspects of the contents of our attics and sideboards. Whether
he was looking at china, silver, wood , books or documents, Mr Stevenson
was able to tell the age and provenance of most of what he called
our ‘little gems’.
It was evident throughout the evening that as well as being very knowledgeable,
he has a great love for his subject, and has not lost his enthusiasm
after what turned out to be his 290th Roadshow!
The highlight of the evening was a pack of printed, hand-coloured
playing cards and a booklet about the Hearth Tax, found by one of
the members in a chimney stack in Bury St. Edmunds. These had been
dated by an expert at the V&A at around 1630.
We were pleased to welcome a visitor from Haverhill at the meeting.
Mr. Basil Rowland had discovered Baptismal Records of 1846 onwards
relating to the Wickhambrook Methodist Church while doing research
at the Cambridge Record Office. A meeting will be set up for interested
parties to have a closer look.
A visit to Gifford’s Hall had to be postponed because of the
snow.
On Saturday 20th March there will be
a social evening for members and friends when Neil
Lanham of the Bumpstead Boys will talk on the oral tradition
of East Anglia, with song and story. Neil is interested to meet anyone
who has worked on the land as he is collecting reminiscences from
the area. Tickets (£6) are available from the secretary (820376)
and include refreshments. This will take place in the WI Hall, so
places are limited.
Secretary
Dorothy Anderson
01440 820376
Events Secretary
Gillian Cooper
01440 820052
Next Meeting
Tuesday 17th February
Tuesday 17th February 7.30pm in the WI Hall
Sutton Hoo with Lindsey Leigh
New Members are very welcome.
Contact the secretary or have a look at the Local
History Society page
