After the AGM our Chairman Dood gave a talk about the history of motor rallying. It was interesting to hear about the enthusiasm for this sport in the very early 1900s when the drivers had no protection and the roads were unmetalled. The 1970s and 1980s were the high point of rallying and the decline since then has several causes. the photo shows how much mud could accumulate on a car.
The Society had a very funny but also informative talk by Ian Basket (pictured) about the famous heist at the last meeting. He showed many photos of the sites involved and had tracked down several artefacts e.g. the mail carriage from the train. We found out how well planned it had been and what happened to the participants after the event. A crucial part involved a glove and the signal (the same type of signal as in the photo). An excellent talk.
Alan Pilbeam gave a fascinating talk last week on the Royal Progress through Gloucestershire which took place in 1535. He outlined the different interests of King Hey VIII, Ann Boleyn and Thomas Crowell. The last section was some photographs showing the palaces and monasteries where they stayed, which including some interesting facts about deer parks.
Members went on a coach trip to Llancaiach Fawr manor near Merthyr Tydfil in July. This is a medieval manor house set in the time of the Civil War in the 17th century. The house is complete with period furniture, household implements and servants in each room. They were all dressed in period costume and told us about there work and answered questions. All of this as if it was still 1652. It was like going back 350 years.
Staffordshire Regiments Museum
In August members visited the Staffordshire Regiments Museum near Lichfield. After tea and coffee served in NAAFI mugs we were given a guided tour around some World War I trenches complete with sound effects. The tour concluded with everyone sat in a cramped, dark World War II air raid shelter while an air raid was going on. Very realistic.
Afterwards we spent a couple of hours visiting Lichfield where some members went around the Cathedral. A slight problem occurred on the return journey when the coach would not start. However another coach soon arrived with some jump leads and got us moving again.