On Tuesday 24th September 2019, a day when a month's rain fell, 50 people attended the history meeting to hear Derek Parkes and Vicky Grinham give a talk entitled "One Man's War and Afterwards, 1942–1947".
The one man was Edmund Lay. Edmund was married to Barbara and they both served on the History Society Committee (Barbara Treasurer). Once very valued members and greatly missed.
Edmund wrote in a note book long after the war his memories of his service in the armed forces. This book he hid in the loft of their house in Pedmore just in case Barbara threw it out. After his death and the house sold, the new occupants found this book and gave it to the family.
Derek, Edmund's son-in-law and Vicky his granddaughter read from his notes and slides were used to illustrate the talk.
Edmund had been trained in the Royal Core of Signals and signed the Official Secrets Act but was able to relate all the many countries where he was stationed while working and the theatres and historical sites he visited. He even hitched a ride on a plane – as one does! The whole church hall was riveted and his story was quite incredible. This notebook might never have been found but fortunately for us and his family it was. A long salutation in the usual way of applause followed.
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.
I am sending this report to the magazine but if there is anyone out there that would relish doing this please let me know.
Jean Cockin