Frenchay Tuckett Society and Museum Talks

How time flies as December & Christmas becomes yet another memory! My old granny (who knew a thing or two) always said that an English ‘winter’ really gets going in January and thus it is perhaps fitting that we have three evening talks now confirmed for ‘Winter 2023’:

Crossing the Severn: An illustrated presentation of the many and varied ways of crossing the River Severn by Ray Bulmer – Thursday 12th January

Part one will be a quick look at many of the 120 ways of getting ‘ower the watta’ - a phrase borrowed from Ray’s northern roots! Part two will explain in more detail the history & construction of all the crossings south of Gloucester - the railway bridge, railway tunnel, the ferries, two road bridges and the road tunnel (not many people know about that one!).

Frenchay Subscription Bridge – Thursday 9th February

The ‘bridge theme’ continues as Roger Angerson reveals & interprets the information contained in a recent acquisition of the historic record book of who paid what and who actually built it – and why? Do you know where Urfords Lane was? How does this connect with Frenchay and the wider world?

A chance to re-live memories of playing ‘pooh-sticks’ in a swollen river Frome but don’t scratch the winner’s name on the stone parapet because the penalty could include transportation for life! (c.1790…). The origins & reason for a brewery further down-stream in Bristol will also be revealed.

Redrow Homes at Frenchay Park: What was there before? – Thurs 9th March

Who better to tell us than Alan Freke - the prime mover behind the Museum & many related talks. An illustrated journey through some of the highlights of Frenchay Park, including the origins of a Country Estate, a Grand National Winner, the home of a Hollywood actor, almost an aero engine factory, an American military hospital, a world-beating neurological unit in the former much-loved post-war hospital… Just some of the steps on the road to the Redrow Homes of today.

Venue for the first two talks will be the Friends Meeting House (opposite the Village Hall) starting at 7.30pm. Hopefully tea or coffee & biscuits during a short interval. Venue for March to be confirmed.

Please note that the Museum remains closed during January but will reopen on 1st February 2023, with a ‘new’ temporary exhibition (theme to be announced).

Hugh Whatley (Chair - FTS)