There was an encouragingly large turnout of members for the AGM of the Society in February. In giving a summary of the society’s year, Henry Stone mentioned that, whilst the membership of 37 remained unchanged from 2024, the numbers of people attending meetings was boosted by a total of 85 visitors during the year. New members are always welcome and at just £16 for nine talks it’s much cheaper than a streaming subscription and far more likely to involve tea and biscuits.
Whilst important, AGMs can sometimes be dry affairs, but in an heroic feat of efficiency this one was completed in just over half an hour and was followed by a fascinating evening where several members displayed some of the “old stuff” they’d found in their attics.
Members were encouraged to bring any historical artefact that had been passed down through the generations and provide a brief history of the story behind it. These ranged from an old milk kit from the 1930s bearing the family name engraved on the lid to a magnificent ‘Freedom Casket’ and accompanying scroll which was presented upon receiving the Freedom of the Borough of Chorley.
Other items included:
- An antique Waddington’s board game similar to Monopoly
- A beautiful memory quilt made from various materials collected over time
- Five very pretty antique wooden dolls, possibly originating from Asia
- Medals and memorabilia from a great uncle who died in the 1st World War
- A signed Temperance Booklet dating from the 1930s
- A well-loved and cared-for China doll won in a raffle to raise funds for injured soldiers in 1943
- Plates commemorating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887
The oldest item displayed was a jug dating from the early 19th century, but it was the fascinating stories behind the artefacts that attracted most interest. One member explained the provenance of a leather bag given to him by his uncle who had acquired it in the Middle East during the 2nd World War and in displaying various items from 1955; another described how, before she was born, her family had emigrated to Australia under the ‘Ten Pound Poms’ scheme but returned at great expense after just seven months presumably when they realised that British rain is preferable to Australian spiders.
Many thanks must go to Kathy Whyte who organised the exhibition and produced an information card accompanying each item. If any newcomers to the village would like to know more about the fascinating history of this area, please get in touch with either Henry (01254 854290) or Bernard (07505 409289) who will use their knowledge and contacts to answer any queries.
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