As previewed last month in November members saw the return of popular local historian and author, Mark Davies, who gave an entertaining talk entitled ‘Oxford’s Historic Waterways’ . Mark is, of course, very knowledgeable about Oxford’s Waterways having lived on a Narrowboat on the Oxford Canal for many years, so it was no surprise that the evening was both interesting and enlightening. Mark covered in great detail the Thames historic past both before and after the medieval period when the river was used for transportation and University Sport.
The History Society’s Christmas event in December was a very interesting and sometimes humorous presentation by local author and retired senior police officer, Shaun Morley, entitled ’Drunk and Riotous’ the story of Oxfordshire’s Friendly Societies. This talk explained in great detail how these village based ’Clubs’ helped the local membership to cope with any loss of income caused by accident or illness, before the advent of the welfare state in 1911. The Societies, who usually met in the local pub, also arranged an Annual Village Social Event.
A very pleasant evening concluded with the serving delicious sausage rolls and mince pies.
‘this month’
The first event of the new year will be held on Monday the 10th January 2015 at 7:45pm in the Methodist Church when well known local author and comedy scrip writer, Richard O Smith, will give an illustrated talk entitled Britain’s Most Eccentric Sports’ . Those who were lucky enough to witness Richard’s previous offering to the History Society last year, will remember very amusing night! Richard, who lives in Rose Hill, only took up full time comedy writing two years ago but is now nationally famous, having written four best selling books.
If you missed him last time make sure you don’t miss January’s visit.
‘next month’
On Monday the 16th February 2015 at 7:45pm in the Methodist Church the History Society will be holding its Annual General Meeting. The main items on the Agenda will the election of the new Committee and the confirmation of the Members’ Subscriptions for 2016. Another matter to be resolved will be the destination for the Society’s Annual Summer Coach Trip.
Following the formal part of the Meeting there will be a Members’ Evening which will include a film presentation by one of the Society’s new Co-Chairmen, Bob Johnston, telling us about the reconstruction of the French Rail Network after the Second World War.
Kennington History Society talks are free to members with visitors welcome @ £2:50. Click here for further details and a membership application form.
By the time you read this Members should have received their latest copy of the Times Past the Society’s Newsletter, which will include a copy of the Society’s Programme for 2015 and a Renewal Notice for Membership Subscriptions.
Happy New Year
George Ross
