Romsley & Hunnington History Society -

Meeting Report - July 2016

Sometimes we need to be reminded that we live in a wonderful part of the country, with its rolling hills and valleys and a place rich in history. As part of the 50th Anniversary of the Romsley and Hunnington History Society, on Sunday, July 3rd, in St. Kenelm's School, "The Ballard of St. Kenelm, AD 821," by Francis Brett Young, was performed by members of the Francis Brett Young Society. The words were set to music by Andrew Downes. The Hagley Community Orchestra and Central England Ensemble, conducted by Cynthia Downes, accompanied them.

Over the years, the sad story of the boy king, Kemelm, has been told in many ways. This time, the mood of the music, which blended with the words of the poem, highlighted the drama, the sadness, the retribution, and the final triumph of this fascinating tale of St. Kemelm's martyrdom, set under the shadow of the Clent Hills. Not many villages have such a legend, and on a beautiful sunny afternoon, the villagers of Romsley and Hunnington gathered to hear the story and listen to the dramatic music, while watching background slides of H.R. Wilson's illustrations, making us realise what a fund of talent we have in our local area. This was a fitting celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the Romsley and Hunnington History Society.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 27th September at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. Everyone is welcome.