The Lavenham Society
NEWSLETTER AND EVENTS 2017
For Lavenham people
now and in the future
Happy New Year – January 2017
A Happy New Year to you all from your committee and welcome to
our latest Newsletter. Last year the Lavenham Society celebrated
its 20th anniversary and continues to have a growing membership.
Since its conception, the Society’s aims have remained unchanged:
- to protect and enhance the largely unspoiled environment of the
village and its flourishing community
- to encourage and support sympathetic standards of planning,
renovation and development, and
- to work with local government to promote the views of Lavenham people.
Much of our work is carried out quietly behind the scenes and includes:
- assessing and commenting on planning applications and local plans, such as the Neighbourhood Plan
- providing donations to local good causes such as the Christmas lights, and
- dealing with matters of local concern, such as our recent activity regarding the village fire hydrants.
In the more public arena, the Society continues to organise a varied programme of talks from interesting speakers
throughout the year and arranges trips to local places of interest. With your continued support, all this work will
continue during 2017 and the committee hopes to meet many of you at our various events. This year’s Events list
forms part of this newsletter.
Review of Lavenham Society events 2016
Guided tour of the ruins of Rougham Hall
In May, Lavenham Society members enjoyed an absolute treat at
Rougham Hall. Entering the large barn, we were welcomed with
refreshments by Sir George Agnew before he entertained us with a
potted history of the Hall. He brought to life Rougham’s glorious past
until a WW2 bomb effectively wiped out its future.
There have been
some rather
eccentric
occupants
throughout its
history. In the 19th Century, one ‘thrice-married’ owner defied
convention altogether and set up home with his mistress - the
shepherdess. Sir George’s great grandfather- a Liberal MP, art
dealer and part owner of Punch magazine - took exception to a
German Zeppelin flying overhead in 1916 and took pot shots at
it from the roof!
The story of the bomb also had a humorous twist. It fell on a Monday night (the Butler’s night off) causing extensive
damage as it went through the dining room and cellar creating a massive crater. The Butler was the only member of
staff trained in air raid procedures, and had he been there, he would have herded all occupants into the cellars to
their certain deaths!!
We explored what was left of Rougham Hall, marvelling at the beauty of the romantic ruins, now used for film
locations, fashion photoshoots etc. The clock tower and stable block are still standing, but the house itself is in a
precarious state. George led us on a ghost walk and then to the rhododendron garden and into a somewhat
overgrown maze - his childhood playground.
Guided tour of Clare Priory and the new Church
In August, Fr. David Middleton OSA explained to Lavenham Society members that he had a longstanding connection
with Clare Priory as it was here that he was received into the order in 1960, immediately after leaving school.
On our walk around the site we learnt a myriad of
dates and pertinent facts. In 1248, at the invitation of
Richard de Clare, grandson of one of the signatories of
Magna Carta, the Austin Friars established their first
community in England, here at Clare. There is little left
of the original church which was 186 feet long - built in
1307 and extended in 1340 when Joan of Acre,
daughter of Edward 1st, was buried here.
In the Reformation, the Priory was suppressed and
much of the church building was subsequently
plundered for its stone etc. Over the next four centuries it passed through the ownership of several families,
beginning with Richard Frende and then the Barnardiston and the Barker families until in 1953, through the kindness
of the daughter of Lady May Barker, the priory returned to the keeping of the Austin Friars. In May 1953, the first
mass was celebrated here since the Reformation.
Fr. David then handed the evening over to Tony Sheppard who took us into the new church. The new award-winning
church is magnificent and neatly adjoins and blends in with the old church, which had originally been built as the
infirmary for the priory. It has enabled the Catholic community in the area to worship in one place together and is
large enough for weddings, funerals and special services whereas the old building could seat only about 80. It is also
the mother church of Augustinian Province of England and Scotland.
The Bayeux Tapestry - with cheese and wine
In October, in a packed hall, Mark Mitchels gave us a fascinating and beautifully illustrated talk about the complex
relationships between Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy, which culminated in the
battle of Hastings in 1066.
The tapestry, which is technically an
embroidered linen cloth, was thought to have
been made in England, possibly Kent, during the
1070’s. It is 230 feet (70m) long, divided into 50
panels, although around 6 metres are thought
to be missing.
Around the edges of the tapestry are borders
that show strange and often bizarre scenes – a
few of which made ladies in the audience blush!
The remarkably vibrant colours were produced
using vegetable dyes, and interestingly, we
heard that the famous arrow shown spearing
Harold’s eye is a much later addition. Having
said this, Mark felt that although the tapestry
was a political statement, it is remarkably faithful to the historical records that survive.
Much debate has taken place over the centuries as to who commissioned the tapestry; Mark gave a convincing case
for it to have been Bishop Odo, William’s half-brother and Earl of Kent, who pops up several times looking slightly
taller and more regal than those around him! Works of art are frequently destroyed by later generations, so we are
fortunate that the Bayeux tapestry, which hung around the nave walls of Bayeux Cathedral, was removed during the
French revolution and not discovered again for many years, thus preserving it so that everyone can now see one of
the most important art treasures in the world.
A medieval landscape in the land of Dracula - the Saxon villages and fortified churches of Transylvania
In April, Edward Martin pointed out that Transylvania, now part of Romania, is always linked to Dracula in Western
minds, so began by telling us about the many legends that had led to Bram Stoker writing has famous novel.
Accompanied by some very clever computer graphics (with bats
flying across the screen) we heard how Vlad III Tepeş (the Impaler)
had invaded in the 15th century. Although fond of watching his
enemies being hideously mutilated while he ate a hearty lunch,
there is actually no evidence that he or other ‘barbarians’ were in
the habit of nibbling necks or actually drinking blood.
Having got the ghoulish part of his talk over, Edward showed us
some of the beautiful fortified villages and churches, built as a
result of the many incursions from the east which began in the 12th
century. As protection, the kings of Hungary invited Germans
(Saxons) to settle in the area. Distinctive settlements were established and the churches transformed into virtual
peasant castles to shelter entire villages from the invaders.
Seven of these unique places are now World Heritage Sites, and
although some have survived relatively complete, others are in a
sad state of dereliction. Inside, they have multi-level storeys, with
enormous store rooms at the top enabling the community to keep
both valuables and food safe. Many of them still contain huge oak
chests in which grain was stored many centuries ago.
We were all fascinated, but sad that no funding could be found to
save such important places. Tourism was beginning to bring some
money into the area, but the fear was that hordes of people would
result in the spoiling of the very thing that made them so unique.
A tour of the Inns and Alehouses of Bury St Edmunds
In June, Martyn Taylor, a Blue-badge guide, took us on a journey through the decades looking at pubs still here and
some long gone, telling us stories of the venues, people and events.
Charles Dickens once stayed at the Angel Hotel on Angel Hill. The Virginia creeper which famously covers the
Georgian front of the building was cut back from the windows some years ago – to stop mice climbing into the
bedrooms! Also on Angel Hill, the building now occupied by Willetts Solicitors was once The Globe coaching inn. The
owner invested all his money into this expensive venture only to be made bankrupt a few years later on the arrival of
the first trains in Bury in 1846.
During the Victorian period the industrial area of the town, with its
mills and coal yards, was located between the town centre and the
railway station. This area was populated by a multitude of pubs
including the Old New Inn, the first purpose built pub in Bury. With
the town’s overcrowded houses and outside toilets the Bury Free
Press newspaper, first published in 1855, became known by
workers as the Bury bummer due to its handy secondary function.
Returning to the town centre, The Nutshell with a bar that
measures just 15ft by 7ft, proudly holds the title of smallest pub in
Britain. Despite its diminutive size, on one memorable occasion it once held 102 people and a dog. The bar first
served beer in 1867 and is now a major tourist attraction, displaying interesting photos and memorabilia.
Memories and recollections of Lavenham
In February, following the AGM, David Deacon entertained us with an informative and amusing presentation of
Lavenham and its reliance on various food stuffs in the 40s and 50s. Using a variety of hats to describe some of the
more eccentric characters, we heard fascinating stories of this bygone age. His talk highlighted the close-knit village
community, when everyone knew everybody (and all their business!) but supported each other and the local traders.
A very nostalgic evening.
Lavenham Society 20th Anniversary Celebration and Dinner
In September the Society celebrated its 20th birthday at The Swan
hotel in Lavenham. Over 60 members and guests enjoyed a fine
meal in the Gallery Restaurant regaled by our chair Jane Gosling.
Jane explained the origins of the Society and some of the work it
had done over the years and more recently. The Society is as strong
now as it ever was, and with a strong membership and plenty to do
it is anticipated the Society and its committee will carry on with the
good work for many years to come.
2016 Christmas party – An evening of seasonal readings and poetry
In December, members entertained us with another delightful evening of their favourite Christmas poems and
readings. This, along with the usual delicious nibbles and drinks, nicely rounded off the year’s events.
Some of our other activities during 2016
Some of the less visible activities the Society became involved in last
year included:
Donations
The Society regularly gives donations to local good causes. Over the
past few years the Society donated almost £800 to the Church Roof
Lead Appeal, the Lavenham Literary Festival, the Christmas Lights and
other beneficiaries.
Fire Service cutbacks
In 2015 the Society responded to the Suffolk County Council (SCC) consultation on the proposal to reduce the
number of fire appliances in Sudbury and Bury as part of its ongoing cost-cutting measures. In a written submission
to SCC we highlighted the number of Grade 1 and 2 buildings in the village, the lack of fire separation in adjoining
medieval buildings and that Lavenham is regarded as the best preserved medieval village in England. In May 2016,
the SCC consultation concluded that two full-sized fire appliances would now be retained in Sudbury, as opposed to
one appliance being replaced by a smaller response vehicle.
Fire hydrants
Lavenham’s 57 fire hydrants will now receive a higher standard of maintenance and
attention following representations to Suffolk County Council (SCC) by the Lavenham
Society. Using a series of Freedom of Information requests during 2016, the Society
discovered that SCC was inspecting the hydrants only visually and that record keeping
was inadequate. The Society pointed out to SCC that both the national guidance issued
to Water Authorities and manufacturers’ instructions required hydrants to be wettested regularly. Wet-testing requires opening of the valve to let water flow to ensure
the hydrant actually works. Like any water valve not used for a long time, hydrants
have a tendency to seize up if not used.
SCC has now wet-tested Lavenham’s 57 hydrants and agreed to continue to do so every 3 years. Improved record
keeping of inspections, tests and faults has also been instituted. As an unexpected bonus, this new hydrant testing
regime has also been rolled out throughout Suffolk, resulting in the Society receiving some unexpected acclaim from
the East Anglian Daily Times and on Radio Suffolk.
Neighbourhood Development Plan
In September 2016 local residents were given the opportunity to vote on adoption of Lavenham’s Neighbourhood
Development Plan. Of the 537 residents who voted (36% of the population), 91.25% voted in favour of the plan. The
plan will now be a legal reference document for planning decisions within the Parish of Lavenham up to 2031. The
committee considers the plan is thorough and constructive and agrees with its main proposals, including
safeguarding open spaces and the long-term preservation aims for the village.
Lavenham Society Events 2017
Tuesday 21 February, 7pm – Annual General Meeting followed by
Hugh Belsey (former director of Gainsborough House) speaking on Thomas Gainsborough: the early Suffolk years
Join us at the AGM for the usual formal business (Agenda over-page) and election of the Society’s Executive Committee.
Afterwards, Hugh Belsey will talk about Gainsborough’s early Suffolk years. The youngest child of an established family in
Sudbury, the young artist moved to London in his early teens to learn his craft and returned to Sudbury with his young bride in
1749 where his two daughters were born. Sudbury provided few patrons but the busy port of Ipswich offered greater potential.
After a shaky beginning he honed his skill and eight years later he was to make great changes in his work and reputation after he
moved to Bath in 1759. Free event - open to all (no ticket required). Venue – Lavenham Guildhall.
Wednesday 29 March, 7.30pm – The Round Tower Churches of East Anglia - A Talk by Stuart Bowell
Round Tower churches are one of the most distinctive features of the East Anglian landscape. Of the almost 200 in the country,
more than 160 are to be found in Norfolk and Suffolk. Many appear Anglo-Saxon in origin, and various theories have been put
forward as to why and when they were built. This talk will explore the evidence and research behind round towers - as well as
some of their more colourful folklore.
Stuart Bowell is Chairman of the Round Tower Churches Society, a charity founded in 1973 which aims to research and preserve
these unique structures and explore their origins and history.
Tickets £5 members, £7.50 guests. Tickets from the Guildhall from 4 March (winter opening Wed-Sun 1100-1600).
Tuesday 25 April, 7.30pm – Carpentry Repairs to Ancient Buildings - A Talk by Rick Lewis
Rick will provide an illustrated talk looking at repair methods appropriate to heavy carpentry, and the tools that a modern
carpenter might use. There will be recent case studies of timber frames that some may consider to have been beyond
reasonable repair. Rick will also discuss design and engineering along with the need for clear drawings and method statements
to achieve quality repairs to ancient carpentry.
Rick Lewis is a practicing carpenter specialising in the repair of ancient timber frames. He has worked on buildings both large and
small, and believes that most timber frames can be repaired rather than demolished.
Tickets from the Guildhall from 30 March, £5 members, £7.50 guests
Tuesday 16 May, 4pm - Guided tour of Bulmer Brick and Tile Company, Bulmer CO10 7EF
See how bricks are still handmade by local craftsmen. Recently the company has made bricks for Layer Marney Tower, Oxburgh
Hall and St. Pancras Station. Most of the visit will be outdoors, following the process from digging the clay, hand making the
bricks and onto the kilns where the bricks are fired. Suitable outdoor footwear required.
Tickets from the Guildhall from 26 April, £6 members, £8 guests. Numbers limited to 25.
Tuesday 13 June, 2pm – Guided tour of Thaxted windmill, church, village and Guildhall
Visit the historic town of Thaxted for a guided tour around the more interesting parts of the town by Bruce Munro, author of
local history and architectural books. There will also be the opportunity to look around the Windmill and learn about its history.
Ticket holders to meet at Margaret Street Car Park, Thaxted CM6 2ND.
Tickets from the Guildhall from 17 May, £6 members, £8 guests. Numbers limited to 25.
Tuesday 11 July, 6pm – A guided tour of Bradfield Woods Nature Reserve (post code IP30 0AQ). This guided tour of the ancient
woodland by a Suffolk Wildlife Trust ranger, will give us the chance to see and hear about the local flora and fauna, and learn
about woodland management and conservation work. The tour will take approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
Tickets from the Guildhall from 14 June, £6 members, £8 guests. Numbers limited to 25.
Wednesday 13 September, 2.15pm – A walk around Ickworth Park (by NT archaeologist)
A gentle walk around Ickworth park in the company of the National Trust's Archaeologist, looking at the history of the site which
encompasses some of the most extensive medieval earthworks in Suffolk, some of the county's most ancient trees, and one of
it's most unusual walled gardens. Lasts around 2 hours.
Tickets from the Guildhall from 13 August, £6 members, £8 guests. Numbers limited to 25.
Friday 27 October, 7pm – Edith Cavell: Duty, Devotion and Dignity – A talk by Rachel Duffield (back by popular demand!)
followed by Cheese & Wine
Edith Cavell was born in Norfolk in 1865 and executed by German soldiers on 12 October 1915. A century after this remarkable
woman’s death, Rachel’s poignant new talk uses diary excerpts, letters, memoirs and music to explore how an ordinary girl from
Norfolk could come to lead such an extraordinary life. Members will remember Rachel’s previous performances as Elizabeth I
and Marie Lloyd. Book early as this will be a popular event!
Tickets from the Guildhall from 14 September, £10 members, £12.50 guests
Tuesday 5 December, 7pm – Christmas Party at the Guildhall
Entertainment to be announced later in the year. Plus, of course, the usual delicious nibbles and drinks.
Tickets £10 members, £12 guests. Tickets from the Guildhall from 28 October (winter opening Thurs-Sun, 11am-4pm).
AGM – Tuesday 21 February 2017, 7pm at The Guildhall
Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Welcome
Apologies
Minutes of the last AGM held on 17 February 2016
Committee report
Constitution amendments*
Treasurer’s report and examined accounts
Elections of members to the Executive
Future events
Date of 2018 AGM
* copies of existing Constitution and proposed amended version available now from Richard Morgan (see below)
Executive committee (at January 2017)
Jane Gosling (chair)
Richard Morgan (vice-chair/administration)
Robin French (treasurer)
Tony Sheppard
Philip Snelling
Philip Gibson
Malcolm Linscott
Fran Bradshaw
John Page
telephone 249447
247421
248358
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Updating member contact details
Newsletters and contact addresses
Annual Newsletters are now distributed to all members in hard copy, so it is important that we have an up-to-date
postal address. Please notify any change of name or address to: [email protected] or phone 01787
247421 (Richard Morgan). If you move away from Lavenham, please let us know if you wish to cancel membership
or remain a member.
Member email addresses
Do we have your current email address (if you have one)? If you do not currently receive occasional emails from the
Society, then we probably do not have your email address. Providing your email address allows us to notify you of
forthcoming events and any changes in event dates. To notify a new or changed email address, please send a note
including your name to: [email protected]
Joining the Lavenham Society
If you would like to join the Society, please complete the membership application form on the blue Lavenham
Society leaflet. The leaflet can be found in the leaflet rack in the foyer of the Village Hall, at Lavenham Guildhall
reception (where you can join the Society at the same time as picking up discounted tickets) and Lavenham Tourist
Information. Alternatively, you can receive a leaflet by post by emailing your name and address to:
[email protected] or phone 01787 247421 (Richard Morgan). Current subscription charges are:
Life membership
£40
Joint Life membership £60
Life members benefit from lifetime reduced price tickets for Lavenham Society events. Members also receive an
Annual Newsletter with highlights of the Society’s previous year’s activities and details of events for the year ahead.
The Lavenham Society - for Lavenham people now and in the future