Our Newsletters
Autumn Newsletter 2018
The Malling Society Autumn Newsletter 2018 From the Vice Chair (acting Chair) Dear Members, So, what has been going on during the summer… Sadly, we heard of the sudden deaths of 2 of West Malling’s well-known residents, Tim Baldock and Tony Briggs. Our condolences went out to both families. In May we adopted our new updated Constitution which can be seen on the website at http://www.themallingsociety.org.uk/the-malling-society-constitution/ In June, David Williams a local historian gave us an interesting talk on “The History of Oldbury Hill through its Trackways”. I used to pass this site every day without knowing what was there. The Executive Committee has made Ron Martin (Archivist), Mike North (Local Historian and contributor to research) and Bob Vago (For continuing, invaluable work at The Twitch Heritage Centre) lifetime Honorary Members of The Malling Society. We had a slight change to the original advertised talk on “Records of Vagrants, Gypsies, Travellers and Strangers in Kent, by Gillian Rickard. Sadly, Gillian was unable to make July, instead, we had an amusing but inspirational talk by a member of staff from the local charity Spadework, Gill Speed. We also had a chance to buy some of the items grown in their nursery. My two Mint plants are doing very well. Our second event for July, saw 21 of us, enjoy a very hot summer outing to the Kent and Sussex railway from Bodium to Tenterden, we had a Ploughman’s lunch on the outward journey, spent some time in Tenterden and a cream tea on our return. Some of us were also able to look around the sheds and carriages at the Bodium site, it was very interesting to see the carriage that brought the bodies of Edith Cavell and the Unknown Warrior back to the England. Thank you, Richard for organising it and we eagerly look forward to next year’s outing. Our September meeting brought us “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. A highly amusing illustrated story of Kentish Public Libraries by Christoph Bull, tour guide, speaker, historical advisor and Mace Bearer for Gravesham Borough Council. Alan Payne returned in October with an illustrated talk, of the heritage and buildings in Greenwich, called “An armchair tour of Greenwich” I understand from our Secretary he has agreed to return again next year. Throughout the year, The Twitch Heritage Centre has been open 7 times with a constant flow of visitors to see our new photographic exhibition ‘Blues and Crews’ based on the Police and Fire Services in West Malling. We do need some more volunteers to help staff the Twitch on open days if you can help please send your details to Eileen Vigo, our Twitch Representative. As you know from last year’s report from the then Chair – Molly mentioned that there was no memorial in the churchyard to the memory of Freda Barton, the Vicar and Freda Barton’s Granddaughter had been consulted, approved and agreed it would be appropriate to purchase a chestnut bench. Plans have been sent to the Church Council for their agreement, which has been given, with the proviso that we get the approval from Freda’s granddaughter in writing. We’ll keep you informed as to the progress. Don’t forget the Malling Society’s Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 20th November 2018 at 8pm to be held...
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