On Tuesday 22nd October, 2019, forty people were entertained by Alan Harvey with his talk on 'The long bow and the men that used it'. He came with a manikin dressed in full attire of the period and many different types of arrows. He informed us you 'shoot' an arrow you do not 'fire' it.
The best long bows were and still are made of continental Yew. It was thought the Welsh invented the long bow in the 1300s but that has been proved not true as the famous 'iceman' found frozen on the Alps was carrying a long bow made of Ash. Alan was very knowledgeable and answered many questions from the audience. Long after refreshments had been consumed Alan was still surrounded by those looking at all the artefacts he had brought along and answering yet more questions.
The next meeting of the History Society will be Tuesday 26th November 2019 in the Romsley Church Hall at 7.30 p.m., when the title of the talk will be "An Amble Around Gloucestershire", given by our old friend John Billingham. His talks are always well illustrated with lots of photographs and maps. If you fancy coming all are welcome, you do not have to be a member.
There is then a break until Tuesday 25th February 2020 in the Romsley Church Hall at 7.30 p.m., when the title of the talk will be "Repairing the roof at Tyntesfield – National Trust" given by Derek Clarke.
Other dates for your diary:
Court Rolls, 4th December 2019, 5th February and 11th March 2020, all meetings commence at 2.30 p.m. in the Church Hall.
The History Society does not meet in December, too near Christmas or January due to inclement weather, so let us wish you all a happy Christmas and healthy New Year.
Jean Cockin