GLHA Summer Afternoon meeting 2024
The Association’s Summer Afternoon Meeting was held at The Main Place in Coleford on Sunday, 30th June, and was organised by the Forest of Dean Local History Society. The event was introduced by Nick Penny, the Mayor of Coleford, and Sally Self, Chair of GLHA.
Around 70 people attended and were able to view a series of displays on the history of Coleford and had the opportunity to buy the special Coleford edition of the Society’s journal - The New Regard.
Following an introductory talk on the history of the town by Chris Sullivan, attendees had a choice of one of four walks or visits. Some chose to drive the short journey to Newland church, which dates from the 12th century, where they were given a conducted tour by local historian Averil Kear. Walkers could choose part of the Hidden Heritage walk to explore some of the sites in and around the town, including the remains of the Whitecliff Furnace, with Sue Middleton, or to learn more about the 800 year old history of the town centre with John Lane. The final choice was the Coleford ‘pub crawl’, visiting the sites of over 40 ale houses, beer houses and inns of Victorian Coleford with Simon Moore, who was suitably dressed as an Edwardian gentleman. Many of the buildings have been put to different uses but there are a few of the old pubs still flourishing today.
The day was rounded off in the traditional GLHA fashion with a splendid afternoon tea and the chance to look again at the various displays.