u3a

Bishop`s Stortford

History

Status:Active, full but can join waiting list
Leader:
When: On Fridays
10.30a.m. Last Friday monthly
Venue: Baptist Church

The Group meets at the BAPTIST CHURCH HALL, TWYFORD ROAD from 10.00am to 12.00am on the last Friday of each month.
Exceptions being December and the summer months, when trips to places of Historical interest are organised

Annual fee of £15.00 per year, coffee/tea and biscuits are included.
This is a very popular group with over 70 members and is well attended every month.
The talks are very varied from "Arsenic" to "Sheep walking over London Bridge."!!!

Future Talks

2026
Oct Pounds, Shillings, and Poverty. David Wliiams
Nov Origins of Christmas traditions. David Willett
Dec TBA
2027
Jan 29th New Year Lunch
Feb 26th James II & the "Glorious Revolution". David Smith
Mar (Apr 2) History of Churches of 100 Parishes Ken McDonald
Apr 30th "Battlefield Essex" some bloody some quite peaceful Andrew Summers
May Bayeux Tapestry, & how the Norman Conquest changed Anglo-Saxon England. David Willett

Some Past Talks


The farmer and the fury. The great flood of 1953
I do like to be beside the seaside
The Good the Bad and the Godly
Passport Assassins, Traitors and Spies
Royston Caves & the Knights Templar
"Oh Yes It Is!" History of the British Pantomime
Customs & Culture.
Time Flies at Old Warden
Good schools guide to 19th century Bishops Stortford
Cutty Sark
The Town Crier



A Recent Talk

Mike Wabe's talk "That Rings a Bell" explores the rich history and amusing traditions of town criers. Originating from Watton, Norfolk.

With roots dating back to 1635, when low literacy meant notices were posted in busy markets and read aloud to inform the populace.

The role of the crier, with its distinctive attire—tricorn hats, waistcoats, and breeches—evolved to include civic ceremonies, shop openings, and royal proclamations, with notable traditions such as the "Oyez" call. Historically, criers helped spread news rapidly, especially during critical moments like Elizabeth I's succession.

Today, competitions judge criers on volume, clarity, diction, and accuracy, with records reaching 112 decibels. Modern criers continue a proud tradition, linked to guilds and royal companies, keeping alive a centuries-old means of communication.

Here are some of the Trips Organised

Shuttleworth Collection & Gardens

Wednesday 4Th Sept. 2024

Shuttleworth straw ceiling

Copped Hall & Gardens

Friday 19th July 2024

Copped Hall is undergoing continued restoration to its 1758 condition. the Great Hall has been completed and further areas including the spiral staircase are almost finished.

In the 20 acres of grounds the remains of the Tudor mansion can be seen, along with King Henry's Walk a yew tree avenue used by King Henry VIII

Battersea Power Station & Lift 109

Thursday 6th June 2024

Bishops Stortford Anglo European College

Thursday 1st February 2024

Brooklands Day Trip

7th July 2022

Our day at Brooklands Museum was a very interesting day with many Hangers to see and very interesting people to talk to.

One couple booked a tour on Concorde which they said was great.

Other members walked part of the racing track and were amazed at how much of a bank there was for the racing car

Pictures of Stratosphere, Buses, Planes & Bikes

This full-size McLaren 720S car is made out of Lego bricks. it had taken 280,000 bricks, 2,000 hours, and an amazing 250 working days to build

Our meeting on May 26th was a talk on" The Bells of St Michaels in Stortford"

Here are two of our members having a lesson in Bell Ringing

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