A summary of past History Group Meetings is below:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.