Fairford History Society

Despite the inclement weather a huge number of people attended the Oxford Archaeology (collaboration with Hanson) Open Day at the Horcott Quarry site. There were with guided tours, a marquee with a display of artefacts and literature. Our group was lucky enough to be taken round by Granville Laws, the Project Leader. He considered it to be one of the most important sites in the area with evidence of habitation from 800 BC – 800AD, Iron Age through Roman to Saxon. For a more detailed article see Historical Topics.

Religious non-conformity in Gloucestershire was the topic for this year’s meeting. About 20 local history societies from all over the county, including the FHS, brought their displays relating to non-conformity in their own particular area. Interestingly, Charlton Kings only had one chapel, whereas Fairford had at least five in the mid to late 19th Century.

There were two informative talks: the first from the Rev Ernest Clark about John Wesley and George Whitefield, who were almost contemporaries at Oxford University and both members of the Society of Methodists movement but who developed their ideas in different ways. Both Wesley and Whitefield went to Georgia, USA as missionaries. Wesley came back after year but Whitefield maintained his strong links with the United States and returned many times and when he died there in 1770 he left the wish that if a memorial service be held in England that John Wesley should take the service, which was fulfilled. Both Whitefield and Wesley preached all over the Gloucestershire area.

This is the play everyone has been waiting to see!

A clever mix of education and music history and comedy

Funded by the Local Heritage Initiative and Written by Steven Deproost

It is exciting, electrifying and edifying!

Performances: 17, 18, 19 and 20 October
in St Mary’s Church, Fairford

Tickets cost: £5 (£4 for under 18’s) for centre seats
£3 (£2 for under 18’s) for side aisles

On sale at Fairford Post Office from 17 September

Enquiries to: Alison Hobson on 01285 711768

Fairford Festival took place on the wonderful sunny weekend of June 2nd and 3rd. On the Saturday, in order to advertise ‘Fairford Now and Then’ Geoff Bishop as a former teacher and Patrick Hooper as a present teacher from Farmor’s School took part in the parade.

FHS had a display in the marquee and there was an opportunity to buy the Society’s publications alongside Edwin Cuss’ nostalgic display and Colin Mouldon’s interesting collection of railway memorabilia.

On Saturday 26th May the FHS Vice-President David Perry kindly offered to host a Garden Party for FHS members in the lovely garden of his house ‘Colnside’ in Horcott Road, Fairford. The weather forecast was not promising for the Bank Holiday weekend but although it was not brilliant sunshine and it wasn’t that warm, the rain held off until packing-up time. Everyone was able to enjoy their preferred drink and a lovely selection of cakes donated by members in a wonderful setting by the River Coln.

David displayed some interesting mementos of Fairford’s past in his summer house - including an old iron gate from Perry’s butchers shop (above). A raffle was held thanks again to generous donations from members who also bought a lot of tickets with the result that about £88 was raised. David and Jane were presented with a bunch of flowers and a triptych of images of ‘Colnside’ taken at different times of year taken by the FHS photographer as a ‘thank you’ for giving members an opportunity to view the property in its idyllic setting and being so helpful in hosting the event.(left)

Maurice Jones, the Town Crier at the Book Launch

On Saturday 21st April a most successful event was held to launch the new book published by the Fairford History Society. The event was attended by about 30 invited guests and quite appropriately took place under the ancient wooden rafters of the Council Chamber in London Street. Mr Keith Cottam, the Chairman of the Fairford History Society introduced Mr David Perry, the Society’s Vice President, whose family has lived in the town for six generations, and who officially launched the book in fine style. Mr Perry praised the Society, which has only been in existence for 3 years, and thanked the Chairman for the book, which will stir many old memories of the town and some of its inhabitants. The Chairman thanked the Town Council for the support it has given to the Society since it inception; the Mayor, Mrs Chris Roberts, responded and added her encouragement and appreciation for the work of the Society. See the Publications Page.

The book has been produced as part of the Fairford Community Play project to record education in the town and is funded by the Local Heritage Initiative. The play is to be staged in October and is called “Lizzie Farmor’s Edifying Circus”. The play is being directed by Barry Kilgariff who hopes to involve as many people in the town as possible, on stage and behind the scenes. Anyone interested in taking part in the play is invited to a read-through at 7.30 pm on May 14th at Farmor’s School Hall. Casting will take place the following week.

David Perry and Chairman Keith Cottam

April 10th 2007 was a momentous day for this stately old building, for on that day it was closed to the public and handed over to contractors Snapes Construction Ltd of Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, for the start of the restoration and rebuilding work it so richly deserves.