Stroud Local History Society Review of 2017
WHAT an interesting year, with talks about the first balloon ascent from Stroud in 1785; Edwardian transport in the Stroud area; the history of Ebley Oil Mill – now the Snow Mill; pictures of the Old Stroud Brewery; researching Badbrook, 1940s photographs; local films about Gladys Beale, founder of Blue Boys school, Minchinhampton, and old Christmas commercials.
Visits to: Brockworth Court and Tithe Barn, which was visited by Henry VIII; Bailey Paints at Griffin Mill, Thrupp who make specialist paints; Hawkwood College - used to be owned by the Capel family and was called the Grove; the old buildings at Salmon Springs, where we heard how the malting process was done.
Over 700 people came to our summer exhibition to see our research about Holloways Clothing Company, the Stroud 1911 pageant, WW1 home front in Stroud, and displays about local schools, where we were joined by other local history societies. Our display for the Gloucestershire Local History Association was 'Gardens for fun, flowers and food'.
We provided information to Radio Gloucestershire about Holloways Clothing Company, when they sounded the Holloway Whistle in Stroud, and you may have heard some of us on the radio. We responded to Stroud District Council Heritage Strategy and Stroud Town Council Cultural strategy consultations and had a Christmas tree in the Parish Church
We have been given pictures of the Piano works and Sawmills at Woodchester, which are now on our website, brochures from Waller's Phoenix Iron Works, a collection of old local newspapers, and a collection of photographic negatives.
New this year are Howard Beard's 'Then and Now' cards - an old view on one side with the current view on the other, and a caption inside - some views have changed considerably, while others are remarkably the same.
The 2018 programme is now on our website, and non-members are welcome to attend - do come if you are interested in Stroud - you don't need to be an expert. (Some meetings and visits must be booked in advance).
stroudlocalhistorysociety.org.uk
email: contact@stroudlocalhistorysociety.org.uk
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