Annual Mystery Tour
The main task of the Friends is to support Gloucestershire Archives but local members also like to enjoy social events.
Annual Mystery Tour
In early June we set off on our annual Mystery Tour, led by historian Dr John Chandler. This year he took us to the Somerset Levels to explore their history. First, we visited the Grade I Listed, and wonderfully named, Westonzoyland Church. The weather was less than kind and we fought our way through torrential rain to reach the church, but it was worth it. We not only enjoyed the building and its outstanding wood carving but also the Battle of Sedgemoor Visitors Centre, which is housed within the church.
Then we paid a visit to the town of Street, where we had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments in Clarks Village, named after the Quaker shoemaking family which put Street on the map. Finally, we travelled to Burnham-on-Sea to study the town’s architecture, through which we traced its transformation from a tiny fishing village into a popular seaside resort.
Our thanks go to John Chandler for another fascinating day out.
Sent to Coventry
In July another trip took members to Coventry. This time members were given a comprehensive written guide to all the outstanding places in the city so they could choose what they especially wanted to see during their visit.
The unique cathedral, with its plethora of art created by the greatest craftsmen and women of the 20th Century, was inevitably the star attraction but there were many other treasures to be seen in the city. The local archives kindly hosted a tour, and many members also visited the Guildhall where they marvelled at the ceiling of carved angels and at one of the rarest and most important tapestries in the country. Holy Trinity Church, a medieval building which also escaped destruction in World War II, was another attraction for members. The church’s magnificent Doom painting, which dates from the 1430s, is one of England’s most significant pieces of Medieval art.
Our thanks to Cherry Ann Knott for organising the visit so efficiently and for preparing the comprehensive written guide.
Trustees and officers
All charities need committed people to oversee and run them. The Friends have been blessed with many such trustees and officers over its 25-year history. Unfortunately, two trustees have recently had to step down, because of other commitments and ill health, and two more are due to retire in October.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in helping the Friends continue their valuable work please contact the Chairman, Clive Andrews, for an informal discussion: candrews@discovermyfamily.co.uk We particularly need someone who could take on the role of Treasurer, even if just for a year or two, but people with other skills, and who are keen to support the Archives, will be equally welcome.