Force with fire

We are not enjoying the wet and windy weather but it does mean that people are staying at home more and researching their families which has led to a surge in enquiries. One of our favourites was the photograph of Fireman Joe. Needless to say he was not a fireman at all and if you want to know the full story, find it here Fireman Joe | Police ancestors, New contributions | Gloucestershire Police Archives

Despite the weather the talk and event circuit has stayed busy. In January there was another visit to Northleach Prison to continue to develop the outreach programme and there was a large turnout in Bream at the Forest of Dean Local History Society meeting for a talk on the history of Gloucestershire Constabulary with reference to The Forest.  And our final February event was at the corporate welcome for new police staff.

March saw a first for us, a talk outside the historic county of Gloucestershire! We went to Ledbury in Herefordshire to talk about tales of derring-do performed by members of the constabulary before and during their police service. We also celebrated International Women’s day at the Heritage Hub with a talk on the first women in Gloucestershire Constabulary.

The coming months continue to look busy too with talks booked at and for Tetbury Police Museum, Charlton Kings Local History Society, Cheltenham Police Cadets, Heritage Hub, a dementia event in a care home, several more police corporate welcome events and Thornbury U3A.

However, we still have room for more events and talks. The only thing we say is that each talk is written to order so we do need a bit of warning.

If you have any police related photographs, we are always happy to receive Jpegs via admin@gloucestershirepolicearchives.org.uk and queries can also be sent to the same email address. We are also able to scan photographs in our office at the Heritage Hub which is usually open Monday to Wednesday until 2.30pm but it is worth checking before you make a visit as we do go out and about quite often.