May 2010

Two items of news this month, followed by reports of two outings.

Our collection of films continues to increase, and Richard Whitmore, our Film Archivist, has received three cans of 35mm film dating from the 1930s which survived the closure of the Hermitage Cinema in 1964. They consist of old Pathé newsreels and film of the local celebrations for the 1911 coronation. Richard is investigating organisations which may help fund their transfer to DVD format.

Membership stands at 362 already this year.

The Paper Trail

Our first coach excursion of the year, on Tuesday 13th April, was to the 'The Paper Trail' in Hemel Hempstead, more precisely known as Frogmore Mill in Apsley. It straddles the River Gade and the Grand Union Canal, where paper has been made for more than 200 years.

We were greeted by John Watson who has been involved with the project from the start. He gave us a brief history of paper-making, from the Fourdrinier brothers who financed early production to the Apsley sites formerly occupied by John Dickinson, and including the 'The Paper Trail' project which started around 1999.

We then explored the site. Our first stop was a demonstation on how to make a sheet of paper by hand - some of our members took part and brought home the results.

Next we saw the continuous paper-making machine, now over 100 years old, in operation. These days high quality paper made to unusual specifications includes 'Ellie Poo' paper, which contains fibre from elephant dung. Lastly we saw the mill race before returning to the café for a cup of tea and a piece of home-made cake. After making some purchases from the shop, and paper and greetings cards, we returned home safely on the coach.

Fig Tree Cottage, Hitchin

On the evening of Tuesday 20th April our hosts, Gerry and Ann Sugars, welcomed us to their lovely home, built around 1840, which they share with their two placid Scottie dogs.

Fig Tree Cottage is one of four similar cottages tucked away close to Hitchin cemetery which were all extended and adapted for modern living some time in the past. Gerry and Ann have taken a lot of trouble to retain period features and have chosen colour schemes, soft greens and blues, and furnishings appropriate to the Victorian period. The original sitting room has been extended and a modern kitchen added, allowing the old one to become the dining room. However, they use the attractive conservatory with its views of the pretty garden more frequently for dining. A cellar room provides a useful study.

As we enjoyed a glass of wine and some nibbles, our hosts' enthusiasm for their home began to rub off on us: we all agreed they had created a beautiful and comfortable family home. An interesting and memorable visit.

Stephen Bradford-Best, Programme Secretary

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Next Society meeting

Our next meeting is on Thursday 22nd April when Dr Michael Clarke's talk is on Lunacy in North Herts, about mental health care. The talk starts, as usual, at 8pm at Church House and is followed by refreshments.

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This page updated 16th May 2010