Stroud Probus: An illustrated talk on bridges with Amy Woolacot

AMY Woolacot from Leckhampton was the guest speaker at our January meeting when she gave an illustrated talk on bridges.

It is something we take for granted but as her talk progressed she took us back to a time when most rivers were crossed by fords which were usually situated near a bend where the water flow slowed.

She showed pictures of some of the earliest bridges constructed by placing stones in the water and then laying large flat stones on top and these were known as clapper bridges.

The building techniques developed over the years and eventually the first iron bridge was constructed followed by suspension bridges, the most famous of which is the iconic Clifton bridge built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

She also explained the derivation of river names and Frome in very old English means brisk.

Probus meet at 10.30am on the second and fourth Wednesday each month at the Cotswold Indoor Bowling Centre, Dudbridge, Stroud, where ample free parking is available, and it is open to all retired men.

The next meeting is on February 10, when it will be a welcome return of Peter Berry whose passions in life are steam engines and travel, and on this occasion his subject will be a 'Zimbabwe Steam Safari'.

This is an ideal opportunity for those with an interest in steam locomotives to come along and enjoy the morning.