On Wednesday 20 April (the third Wednesday of the month), our Group was invited to give a talk to the Junction Club, held at Caf’ Active at St Michael and All Angels. We began by giving an overview of who we are and what we do. This was followed by the main part of our talk, given by Lesley Rolph, who revisited, ‘A Walk by Cecil Prior’, which originally featured in our first book, ‘Our Village of Spencers Wood’. The members of the Junction Club were relieved to know that they were not required to leave their seats for the walk, but instead just listen to details about the 25 interesting features that Cecil Prior referred to on his walk through the village starting at Lambs Lane Primary School and finishing at Ryeish Green School. The talk was accompanied by a large board illustrating the route and a number of photographs both past and present. The final section of our talk was given by Margaret Bampton, one of the original members of the Group, who shared some of her researching techniques and experiences. Jackie Blow, also from the Spencers Wood Local History Group, displayed a variety of photographs and documents for everyone to examine after a refreshing cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake.
A Street Party in The Square
On the day a commoner, Catherine Middleton, married into the Royal Family, the commoners in “The Square” partied in celebration!
- The Royal Couple
Louize Bovey and a group of helpers had applied for the road to be closed, and tables and chairs began to appear early on. The bunting came out the night before and before you knew it, the street was decorated! Flags were up on houses, cakes were baked, and champagne chilled.
- Royal cupcakes!
The organisation was military!
We all sat down to watch the service in our own houses and privately shed a tear. Then slowly, residents past and present, spilled onto the street to eat and be merry – a real sense of community!
The Local Spencers Wood History Group has two current residents Jackie Blow and Jeannie Brice, who are researching the history for their new book.
- The Party In Full Swing!
The Square is one of the oldest roads in Spencers Wood. The part from Hyde End Road was originally called “Headley Road” and the other end, from Basingstoke Road, “New Road”. Originally The Square had only 15 houses with only names, although there has been a lot more development since then.
The Group had also produced a display with more interesting facts and pictures of the history and houses, which drew comments, interest, and more material for the book.
- The History of The Square
Anyone for the Diamond Jubilee – 2nd-5th June 2012?