The next big event
Due to heavy snow the March 8th meeting had to be cancelled and moved to Wednesday 15th.
Come and hear Steve Egginton talk to Blagdon Local History Group about his experiences editing the Mendip Times and the changes he has seen in our area. As well as having edited the Mendip Times for the last 17 years, Steve was formerly a local newspaper editor. Should be fascinating! Members free, visitors welcome £2.50. Available via Zoom with a link available from m.adams.blagdonhistory@gmail.com . This meeting is now Wednesday 15th March, 7.30pm in Court Lodge (next to the village shop)
The programme for 2023-24
Proposed programme 22/23
March 15th Mendip Times with Steve Egginton
Steve Egginton, who lives near Chew Magna, launched Mendip Times, now Somerset’s most popular local magazine, 17 years ago. This followed a career that included editor roles with TV and local newspapers, including the Western Daily Press. His magazine has illustrated many of the changes and past history of Mendip.
April 12th Cave systems of Mendip with Peter Glanville
Peter is a caver and underground photographer with a wealth of experience of the Mendip (and world) cave systems. He will talk in particular about the underground water which emerges as the springs at Cheddar, illustrated with his superb photographs.
May 10th Weston Aviation with Simon Begent
This talk charts the aviation history of our area. It includes the early days of flying in the 20s and 30s, the aircraft 'shadow' factories at Oldmixon and Banwell, RAF Locking, helicopter production by Bristol Helicopters / Westlands, and today's Helicopter Museum.
June 14th Mendip Hills Through The Time Tunnel with Les Davies
Les Davies is a well known 'Mendip man' who has lived and worked in the area all his life. Always an entertaining speaker he will present his observations of the changing landscape, farming life and practical uses of the hills over time.
July date(s) tbc BLHS Exhibition.
Before and after photographs, recent archive additions, researching your house. Contribution by primary school from their history projects. Also an afternoon of films.
October 11th Pete May – Blagdon Water gardens
The word Blagdon was almost synonymous with good quality water garden products - all of which could be purchased at Blagdon Water Gardens. The business was initially founded by Mike Chivers in the family’s garden at the site now called The Old Water Gardens. Pete brings the story to life.
November 8th 2.30pm A Blagdon Childhood.
Members who spent their childhoods in Blagdon will recall those days. Anecdotes about the people they knew, where they played, schooling and the local businesses their families used or ran. Illustrated with photographs.
2024
January 10th 2.30pm Members afternoon
An opportunity for members to share their local knowledge about their family or areas of interest in an informal social setting. Refreshments on hand.
February 14th 2.30pm AGM + 1921 census
After a short business session bringing members up to date with the Societies activities, there will be a presentation of some of the new local information gained from the 1921 census.