The ninth West Berkshire Heritage Forum AGM held on 22nd June 2018 was a well attended and informative event. After the main business of the meeting and election of the committee, the audience were treated to talks by six representatives from local societies or parishes.
Viv Wison, of Stockcross & Surroundings Historical Association, whose group had hosted the AGM at Sutton Hall, explained how their Society started with a local war memorial research project, which had led to the publication of a book, but had then branched out into other areas of research, including an Oral History project. www.stockcrosshistory.org.uk/
Joy Appleton of the Boxford History Project, explained how three years excavation has revealed some remarkable Roman finds representing considerable settlement in the area, including a fabulous Bellorophon Mosaic which the project hopes to excavate fully in 2019. http://boxford.org.uk/category/boxford-history/
Wynne Frankum of the Bucklebury History Group, part of the Bucklebury Parish Council, explained that after successfully Locally Listing the Cemetery Chapel, they are now looking at the unusual grave markers, and Localy Listing and preserving John Morton's Chapel. http://www.buckleburyparis.org/history-group
Dr David Peacock gave a presentation on The Newbury Society, of which he is Chair, stressing its dedication to preservation and protection of the valuable historic buildings within the town, but also discussing some of the public facing events the Society holds, such as Heritage Days and the History Duel between Newbury and Thatcham. www.newbury-society.org
Cllr Jan Cover of Thatcham Town Council explained about the work of the Thatcham Heritage Working Group, which is currently developing a Blue Plaque process for Thatcham, as well as creating Interpretation Panels for the Broadway, and a series of History Walks in July. http://www.thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/untold-stories-of-the-great...
Ros Clow, from the Friends of Newtown Road Cemetery, explained how the original project to research those buried in the cemetery was expanding, with Open Days and War Grave tours around the cemetery, and plans for Hallowe'en and Remembrance Sunday this year. http://fnrcnewbury.org.uk