The Aston Cantlow & District Local History Society celebrated its 20th anniversary with an exhibition and dinner on Saturday 28th June. Founded in 1994 the Society has provided a forum for those interested in researching the history of the parish, resulting in the accumulation of a substantial amount of archive material, as well as delivering a programme of lectures, visits and talks on many related subjects.
The exhibition held in Aston Cantlow village hall, the latest in a long running programme of such events, was well attended by people from around the parish together with several visitors from other parts of the UK. An opportunity was taken to include details of local activities relating to the First World War which attracted a good deal of interest.
The Information Board of “History of the Village Hall” presented to Chairman of the Village Hall Trustees, Malcolm Gloster
The dinner was attended by 50 members and visitors who enjoyed an excellent meal provided by the Aston Cantlow branch of the WI. During the evening an account of the past two decades of the Society was given by Margaret Twigg the organiser of the event. Starting with a description of the early beginnings she pointed out many highlights such as the publication of the Millennium book, the opening of the archives and the joint project with the Churches Conservation Trust to conserve Billesley Church.
The toast to the Society was proposed by Phil Summerfield and received with acclamation.
The Society is marking the anniversary with thewas presented to Malcolm Gloster the Chairman of the Aston Cantlow village hall Trustees.
The highlight of the evening was a most entertaining talk by Jill Fraser describing the background research required during the production of the popular ITV programme “Heart of the Country”. As a researcher who lived in the village she described the lengths she went to in order to try and avoid upsetting local sentiment, while at the same time providing subjects which resonated with people in the heart of England. Her anecdotes caused much amusement amongst her audience, many of whom had seen, and in some case taken part in the programmes which had eventually resulted from her work.
A vote of thanks to Jill for a delightful and entertaining talk was given by Brian Twigg.
