REPTON VILLAGE HISTORY GROUP – April 16th

“The Dark Before the Dawn:   Repton School in the early 19 th  Century”

A Talk by Paul Stevens
URC Church, Pinfold Lane, Repton
Tuesday 16 th April 7-8pm
Admission £3 including refreshments.
Free to History Group members.

 

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The many seasons of archaeological digs in Repton in the 1970s and 80s by Prof. Martin Biddle and Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle resulted in considerable interest locally and a survey of the interests  of villagers in the early 1980’s resulted in a small group of folk getting together over tea and biscuits in each other’s front rooms to talk about local history. This group gradually expanded and eventually took on formal form with a constitution, committee and a bank account and all the rest. There was much to discover in the early days and many resources to draw on even in those pre- internet times. A substantial collection of photographs was built up and several of large scale exhibitions mounted in the church and the village hall. A documentary archive was started and eventually pulled together into the balcony of the United Reformed Church.

Regular talks on a historical theme were launched and became a mainstay of the group. Membership fluctuated and at one time dropped to just a handful of members. Neither organisation found linking with the Village Society very satisfactory. The History group continued with the monthly talks, but little else until a decision was taken a few years ago to drop the talks and concentrate on research activities, with regular meetings for feedback and discussion.

This has gone well so far, with several projects, bi-monthly meetings and someone speaking briefly on a very local topic at most meetings followed by discussion and planning. Our current membership is over 40.

We welcome all comments and information. Please get in touch with us on 01283 702448 (Andy Austen) or rvhg@reptonvillage.org.uk.