Who We Are

Newent Local History Society was started by local historian David Bick in 1984, with the intention of promoting a wider interest in local history. An inaugural meeting was arranged in the Market House and in the first year membership reached 68.

The initial membership fee was £1 and early meetings were held in the Community Centre in Ross Road. Later they transferred to the Library and meetings are now held at Sheppard House, Onslow Rd. Newent, GL18 1TL. The membership fee has now risen to the princely sum of £10.00

David Bick became the first Chairman and then later President of the Society. Dr Kenneth Tomlinson was the first President in 1987, followed by David Bick, Joe Hillaby, David Smith, Frances Penney, Winston Baldock, and currently Martin Brown.

The Society has access to a considerable collection of archive material, much of which is indexed (containing almost 11,000 entries), and has some original material which is not available elsewhere. We welcome enquiries and make no charge for small amounts of research.

The society organises nine talks on topics of local historical interest in the year. Two visits take place in the summer months and there is a social evening in January. We encourage research into local history and the collection of archival material.

We welcome new members