Swavesey Meridian Feb/Mar 2008
9
CLUB REPORTS
Swavesey and District History Society
On the 7th January 1881, according to “The Swavesey Chronicles”*, 180 people took to the Swavesey National School room whilst “The Rev. J. Beeby gave a talk, illustrated by Magic Lantern Slides”. The scenes were of the grandest places in London, compared with the most abject poverty misery and privation.
Fast forward to 11th December 2007 when 40 members of the Society were entranced by a “Magic Lantern Show” given by David Cozens. Having explained the origins of the lantern, the trails and tribulations of the early shows, especially the problems of lighting and how they were overcome, David proceeded to show slides similar to those of the Rev. Beeby, and then more on stories, rhymes and parables. He explained and showed those particularly involving nursery rhymes to the amusement and involvement of his audience. It is difficult to imagine the response to such slides in Victorian times if we are entranced today!
After a festive interlude the 31st Annual General Meeting was held, chaired by Stan Fairclough who thanked the Secretary Carolyn Redmayne for arranging a good first programme and thanks also to Sue Atkinson for once again looking after the Societies’ money affairs. In that respect Sue drew attention to the increased costs last year especially the higher charge by Swavesey College for the hire of the hall, as a consequence of which it was proposed necessary to increase subscription for next year to £10 and to visitors £2.
The President of the Society, John Shepperson in reiterating the comments of the Chairman, drew attention to the efforts of Stan Fairclough who had stood in as Chairman at short notice for the whole season and had agreed to remain vice chairman; further that several new members had been recruited to the committee, one of which had been proposed to the Chair – Carole Pook, who many will know retired as Head of History after some 30 years at Swavesey College. This was heartily approved as were the various proposals and the meeting ended.
Copies of the programme may be had from the Society Secretary, Carolyn Redmayne on (01954) 230037. The society meets every third Tuesday in the month in the Common Room at Swavesey Village College at 7.30pm. Visitors are very welcome.
* “The Swavesey Chronicles ”is a Society publication and is a “must read” if you want to understand the social history of the Swavesey locals. The Society has also published separate “Chronicles” on Over, Boxworth/Connington/Fen Drayton combined, Elsworth and Knapwell as well as the Fenland and Upland (reprint). For copies of any of these publications please contact committee member Ann Shepperson on (01954) 230313.
Fast forward to 11th December 2007 when 40 members of the Society were entranced by a “Magic Lantern Show” given by David Cozens. Having explained the origins of the lantern, the trails and tribulations of the early shows, especially the problems of lighting and how they were overcome, David proceeded to show slides similar to those of the Rev. Beeby, and then more on stories, rhymes and parables. He explained and showed those particularly involving nursery rhymes to the amusement and involvement of his audience. It is difficult to imagine the response to such slides in Victorian times if we are entranced today!
After a festive interlude the 31st Annual General Meeting was held, chaired by Stan Fairclough who thanked the Secretary Carolyn Redmayne for arranging a good first programme and thanks also to Sue Atkinson for once again looking after the Societies’ money affairs. In that respect Sue drew attention to the increased costs last year especially the higher charge by Swavesey College for the hire of the hall, as a consequence of which it was proposed necessary to increase subscription for next year to £10 and to visitors £2.
The President of the Society, John Shepperson in reiterating the comments of the Chairman, drew attention to the efforts of Stan Fairclough who had stood in as Chairman at short notice for the whole season and had agreed to remain vice chairman; further that several new members had been recruited to the committee, one of which had been proposed to the Chair – Carole Pook, who many will know retired as Head of History after some 30 years at Swavesey College. This was heartily approved as were the various proposals and the meeting ended.
Copies of the programme may be had from the Society Secretary, Carolyn Redmayne on (01954) 230037. The society meets every third Tuesday in the month in the Common Room at Swavesey Village College at 7.30pm. Visitors are very welcome.
* “The Swavesey Chronicles ”is a Society publication and is a “must read” if you want to understand the social history of the Swavesey locals. The Society has also published separate “Chronicles” on Over, Boxworth/Connington/Fen Drayton combined, Elsworth and Knapwell as well as the Fenland and Upland (reprint). For copies of any of these publications please contact committee member Ann Shepperson on (01954) 230313.