Talk: The History of the Coracle and the Work of the Coracle Trust by Marion Blockley, Project Manager of the Ironbridge Coracle Trust. Ironbridge coracles have been made in the gorge long before the Iron Bridge was built.  The first description of a coracle in use on the Severn dates from 1586 in Camden's Britannia.  Coracles may have been one of the earliest forms of water transport and have been made all over the world.  Please come along and listen to this key element of the history of water transport in this region.

Talk:  Bah! Humbug! Charles Dickens and our Christmas Traditions by Dean Nixon and Norma Shaw. Dean and Norma get us into the Christmas spirit and involved in their humorous look at Christmas.

Please note this is a new date (Monday) to avoid a clash with World Cup Semi-finals! Members and friends of the Society are welcome to have a festive drink and nibble while trying to solve the World's most difficult history questions about Newport and its surrounds. It is the traditional way to celebrate our year whilst John Ravenscroft devises questions to mess with your mind and test your knowledge of local and world history. This year we are meeting in the Railway Tavern from 7pm but feel free to start early!  Please bring small items of food/nibbles for a small buffet. We look forward to seeing you to celebrate with us

Talk:  Ashes under Uricon: A cultural and literary history of Wroxeter.  Presented by Dr Roger White, Archaeologist and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries

Talk:  Discovery and recording the archaeology of Shropshire: old methods and modern.  Presented by Giles Carey, Archaeologist

Talk:  Doug Keddie and St Nicholas Boys Club.  Presented by Linda Fletcher, Chairperson of Newport and District History Society

This is the first planning meeting of the year and will be in the final build-up to our 40th Anniversary celebrations in the Guildhall on 20th May.  This means it will be a a very busy meeting and will need maximum attendance to ensure Linda can rope everyone into helping.  

Talk:  Shropshire Oddities.  Presented by Dorothy Nicolle, Blue Badge Tourist Guide

This year is the 40th anniversary of the Newport and District History Society.  Come along to the Guild Hall in the High Street on Saturday 20 May to celebrate with us and see memorabilia of the work that has been carried out to safeguard our history and fond memories.  The display will be sign-posted from the High Street and members of the Society will be there to welcome you and immerse you in the display.  We look forward to seeing you to share our big day!  

Talk:  The History of English Folk Music:  with live music.  Presented by Bill Durose, musician

This planning meeting is the run-up to the Carnival preparations and looking into the program for next year.  Due to the good weather, this meeting will be held in the garden at St Mary's Longford Road.