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.

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.

As part of the Newport Heritage week, the Guildhall is throwing open its doors for visitors during the festival.  The self-guided tour will give an opportunity to take a look around one of the oldest Guildhalls in England.  NDHS members will be helping by providing room talks to give an in-depth look into the original and unique historical features of the building.  These tours occur on both 8th and 17th September.