Around the Lamp

“AROUND the Lamp” is a twice yearly magazine that is distributed to many people who have an association with Painswick.

It is filled with life stories, memories, anecdotes and all things that connect the people of the lovely town of Painswick (the Queen of the Cotswolds).

The magazine has not always been called “Around the Lamp”; in 1995 the publication was called “The Clarion”.

It was the brainchild of a Painswick resident who wanted to make sure that people who had grown up in Painswick (mainly in the 1930s) and had left the town, could still keep up with what was happening.

The Clarion was published very successfully for a number of years until, very sadly, circumstances prevailed which meant that it was not possible for some of the original team to carry on, so in 2001 some new committee members joined the team and “Around the Lamp” was born.

Its first publication was in autumn 2002.

The title, it was felt, was very apt as the Victoria Lamp, which used to stand in the centre of Victoria Street, was a popular meeting place for most Painswickians, the saying was "see you at the lamp".

The committee encourages its some 120 members to send in their memories, photographs and any stories they may have.

This is particularly good for those members who do not live close to Painswick.

In fact, we have several members who live abroad and they really value being able to read about people, places and events that they remember.

Everyone involved with the magazine thoroughly enjoys putting it together and reading the articles that our members provide.

If it were not for our members, the magazine would simply not exist.

We try to include in the magazine something for everyone from war memories, life histories and some current events such as in 2012 the Olympic Torch being paraded through Painswick.

Every September, Painswick celebrates The Clypping Service.

Tradition states that the Service takes place on Sunday, September 19, or the closest Sunday after that date.

This is a custom that is known to have become an annual event in the Victorian era.

The “Around the Lamp” committee decided to have a Reunion Tea in the Town Hall each September to coincide with the Clypping Service.

Those of our members, who are able, join us in the Town Hall after the Clypping Service for a cup of tea, a piece of cake and most importantly, a chat with friends that they might not have seen since the last Reunion.

The room is always buzzing with the sound of people catching up with news and sometimes, even making new friends.

Recently the committee made the decision to allow non-members to join in the Reunion Tea after the Clypping Service, so everyone is made welcome.

To this end, we are always pleased when new people join our little group as everyone has different stories and memories to share.

If anyone would be interested in joining our Group they would be very welcome.

Please contact our Chairman, Mr David Barnes (david-barnes@tiscali.co.uk)