Meetings are held in Adderbury Institute at 7.15pm for 7.30pm, with refreshments served beforehand.
Subscriptions cost £18 per person or £34 for a couple. Visitors are very welcome at a charge of £5.
January 19th Harvesting Men Trina Wilcock
Trina, a member of Oxfordshire Family History Society, will explain why and how she researched the 12 men from Balscote who lost their lives in WW1, and give an insight into their backgrounds and experiences of war.
February 17th* Antiques and a Little Bit of Nonsense Charlie Ross
We are delighted to welcome Charlie Ross to entertain us with stories from the life of an auctioneer. An English antiques expert, presenter and auctioneer, Charlie is known for regular appearances on several TV antique programmes.
March 16th AGM + Were They the Champions? Bill Williams
This is the fascinating story of the Chipping Norton Baseball Club and how they became ‘unofficial’ British Champions in the 1920’s. Bill will also enlighten us about how a special ‘Louisville Slugger’ came to the town museum.
April 20th Doreen Warriner (1904-72): Unsung Humanitarian Hero Ian Myson
Ian, Chair of Bloxham History Club, will tell the extraordinary story of Doreen Warriner, after whom the local school is named. An academic ground-breaker, she was also one of the most important British figures in the history of humanitarian relief in the 20th century.
May 18th The Rollright Stones: Archaeology, History and Folklore George Lambrick
George Lambrick, Chairman of the Rollright Stones Trust, will explain how ideas have changed over the centuries about this well-known group of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments — and explore the wealth of folklore associated with them.
Saturday June 20th 2-5.30pm Adderbury History and Memories: An afternoon event for the community
Join us for a fun and engaging afternoon exploring how our village has changed over the decades. Discover old maps , browse old photographs, get hands-on with objects and magazines from our archive, and share memories of your own. From the school to the shops, Quakers to the M40, there is something for everyone. There will be refreshments served and publications for sale.
July 20th Oxfordshire Emigrants on the Cataraqui Ship 1845 Neil Wilson
This tragic story tells how the poor were ‘encouraged’ to emigrate in the 19th century and the fate of the 400, many from Oxfordshire, who endured the journey on the Cataraqui —only to be shipwrecked one day from its destination of Melbourne, leaving just nine survivors.
September 21st The Rise and Fall of Alice Chaucer, Duchess of Suffolk (d1475) Dr Rowena E. Archer
Alice, granddaughter of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, was born a commoner but died a duchess, buried in a magnificent tomb in Ewelme Church. The story of her marriages, arts patronage and management of her estates is a remarkable tale of resilience and determination. Medieval historian Dr Rowena E. Archer is a Fellow and lecturer at Brasenose College and lecturer at Christ Church.
October 19th Cold Comforts: The Hidden Ice Houses of Oxfordshire Melanie King
It was not only in Adderbury that great households in the 18th and 19th century went to extraordinary lengths to preserve perishables and impress their guests with out of season delicacies. We welcome Melanie to tell us how ice was a symbol of wealth, status and technological ambition
November 16th Lampreys of Banbury Simon and Patrick Bradshaw
The familiar ‘Lampreys’ building on Bridge Street Banbury dates to at least 1839. Simon and Patrick will reminisce about the agricultural merchant’s business that operated there— as well as Bridge Wharf and other locations in town — dealing in corn, cake, forage, seeds, coal, and coke.
December 14th Christmas Entertainment
Details to be announced closer to the time.
*Please note this is a Tuesday