Past History Group Events
A summary of 2024's History Group Meetings is below:
March 2024
Sarah prompted many memories talking about managing the village pub with Gary since 2005: interpub competitions, charity fundraising events (e.g. harvest auctions and men’s cooking competitions), fancy dress parties, etc. She also spoke about improvements, home cooking, complying with food standard legislation and the challenges of Covid. Further discussion about memories under former licensees concluded the evening.
April 2024
As a follow-up to our September meeting when a speaker came to talk about the Newport Medieval Ship, members enjoyed a private visit to the Ship Centre.
May 2024
Members Chris and Angela presented the results of research into James Long, owner of ‘Jesmond’ and lands in Redwick in the mid-19th century; the transcription of an 1861 deed whereby John Christopher sold Summerleaze Cottage; and an update on the Christopher family as owners and occupiers in Redwick in the 19th and 20th centuries. The evening concluded with those present discussing their memories of various members of the Christopher family.
June 2024
John Evans, a member and a civil engineer, gave a fascinating talk on Severn Crossings, past, present and future. John talked about crossings by boat, ferry, tunnel and both bridges which he was involved in building but in different capacities. John’s talk was complemented by a talk by Peter Jones who was involved in building the second bridge.
July 2024
Members Lyn and Barbara had researched the history of the Poor House which was later known as Church House. This was built in about 1750 for people who needed support in the village. The residents were traced using the church burial records from 1813 and a list of tenants taken from the Church Accounts book which lists the tenants from 1880 -1932. The last person to live there was Mrs Redmond who was a dressmaker and used to do mending for the residents of the village.
After Mrs Redmond's death, in 1936, the house fell into disrepair and was further damaged by the bombs that fell in the village in August 1942. It was demolished and the stone used as hardcore to prepare the ground to build the first village hall.
August 2024 - The man that built Redwick's landmarks
The exhibition covered the life of Hubert Jones and his contribution to Redwick.
September 2024 - The Chartists.
Ray Stroud talked about the Chartist movement and particularly about the lives of five Chartists from South Wales who were sentenced to death at Monmouth in 1840, along with Frost, Williams and Jones.
October 2024 - Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
Chris Leighton talked about the establishment and work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
November 2024 - Eric Charrett
Barbara talked about the life of Eric Charrett and his contribution to the village. Eric started the annual horticultural and produce show in 1974 and he was the church organist.
December 2024 - Potpourri meeting
It was a social evening for the group, looking at information and photographs pertaining to earlier meetings.