Songs & Tales from the Countryside

Songs & Tales take the place of the Origins of Surnames at the Annual Bernard Colbron Lecture on 13th November next week.  This is because, due to circumstances outside his control, Charlie Haylock is unable to deliver the lecture himself.  Charlie has instead arranged for his friend Neil Catchpole to visit us in his place.

Many Talents

Neil Catchpole last visited the History Group about 15 years ago, he is a man of many talents. He is involved with the Stour Valley Trust, the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty and Clare Country Park and grew up in the area.

Neil comes from a long line of East Anglian countrymen who have worked the fields, woods, game coverts and brick-yards of the Essex/Suffolk border for many generations.  He still spends most of his days out in the countryside; perhaps building an Otter holt, ringing a clutch of young Barn-owls, or advising landowners on conservation matters.

He has an overwhelming passion for all aspects of country life, past and present, with an ever-growing collection of old artefacts and curiosities, gleaned from the local area.  You can read more about him here.

Neil said he is very pleased to have this opportunity to talk about “Songs and Tales from the Countryside”. The History Group  are grateful for him stepping in and are sure it will be an enjoyable evening.

Doors open at 7 pm and the meeting will start promptly at 7.30 pm.  Entrance is £2 for paid-up members of WBLHG; visitors are very welcome to attend at £4 each. This includes Refreshments.

Membership & Future Meetings

If you wish to join the group at this meeting you can join for £5 and pay only £2 for this meeting and each of the next two meetings:

• January 8th – The Charlie Haylock lecture on origin of surnames now rescheduled, and
• February 12th – The Fordham Archaeological dig.

Our AGM and membership renewal meeting will be held on March 11th 2020.