The Meeting Minutes will be add to this page with the most recent first The AGM minutes are included in date order.

Minutes of the 22nd meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 26th September ‘11

Present:
Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Anne Nadin, Don Robinson and Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Janet Andrews and Alan Weeks

Minutes of the 21st meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

The church records

Bob will send files to Fred, Alan and Irene for transcribing.

Payment for the stand headings

The payment has been made.

Wills of local benefactors

Christine and Joyce will take a photograph each and try to decipher the writing and language used.

Future research
It was agreed that we should continue with the work on wills and their link to the bread charity throughout the year.

Finance
Subscriptions were paid. These amounted to £8.

Correspondence
Irene read out an email which she has received concerning Highfield Hall and a visit by King George V in 1913.

Dates for next year’s meetings

21st November 2011	18th May 2012 (not 25th)
30th January 2012	30th July 2012
26th March 2012	24th Sept 2012 – also AGM

AOB

Fred suggested that the keyword “Meerbrook” should be added to the website.
Don brought in information about Leekfrith, some of which came from “Place names in Staffordshire” by D. Horovitz.

Date of next meeting
Monday 21st November 2011 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the AGM of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 26th September ‘11

Present:
Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Anne Nadin, Don Robinson and Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Janet Andrews and Alan Weeks

Minutes of the 2nd AGM – 27th September 10:
Minutes of the last AGM were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising
None

Reports

The Chairman reported that the link with Swythamley Historical Society, through Alan Weeks has helped us with our research and exhibitions. He thanked Bob Foster for his continued work on the website and reminded the group of the work started on some wills in the parish. The full report is attached.
The treasurer reported that the payments for the signage and the website were the only expenditure and income was from subscriptions and the council grant. The report is attached.

Election of officers
The Chair, treasurer and secretary, being willing to continue, were re-elected unanimously.

AOB
There was no further business.

Date of next AGM
Monday 24th September 2012 at 8.00 pm, in the Lazy Trout, Meerbrook.

Minutes of the 21st meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 1st August ‘11

Present:
Bob Foster, Irene Kirkpatrick, Anthony Robinson, Don Robinson, and Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Janet Andrews, Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Joyce Matthews and Alan Weeks.

Minutes of the 20th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

The church records

It was decided that the transcriptions of the church records will begin at the end of September, following the next meeting.

Payment for the stand headings

We had no information at this meeting.

Lichfield Record Office
Four members made the journey to Lichfield to view original wills which are relevant to Leekfrith parish. The record office is easy to find in the library and is well worth a visit. The will for Thomas Wood (1760) was not available but notes were made on the other four where possible and a photographic record was also made. Irene has found it easier to read the wills and inventories on the computer screen when they are enlarged, so members will try to transcribe them over time and make them available on the website. It will be interesting to research the history of will making generally as it had major implications for people in the past having to travel to Lichfield with the methods of transport available to them at the time.

Exhibitions
There was considerable interest in the photographs we had on view at the church fete and during the flower festival. Some people were just interested in looking at old photographs but several local people and past residents were able to give us names of people we were unable to identify before. Links between local families were also noted as well as the movement around the parish to larger farms or following marriages.

Finance
Subscriptions were paid. These amounted to £5.

AOB

Date of next meeting

Monday 26th September 2011 following the AGM at 8.00 pm, in the Trout

Minutes of the 20th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 23rd May 2011

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Ivy Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Anne Nadin, Don Robinson, Christine Woodward and Joan Wooliscroft.

Apologies:
Alan Weeks.

Minutes of the 19th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Recordings.

None were made this month.

The church records

Bob will contact the volunteers when ready.

Payment for the stand headings

Anne is organising the payment to Fred.

Wills of local benefactors

Irene took names of people who wished to go to Lichfield Record Office to look at the relevant wills and will notify each of the date selected.
The bread charity. See below

Research completed

Spread sheet. Joan gave Irene a name for 1901.
Fred and Irene went to Alan’s and he helped them to select several images which will be relevant to our parish for the exhibition
Ivy and Joyce brought in old photographs which will be used in the exhibition.

Exhibition at the church fete

Helpers will arrive at 10 o’clock on Saturday 4th June to erect the stand and display the photographs. This will be repeated for the Flower Festival when the stand will be erected on the Friday and removed on the following Wednesday

Talk by Mrs. Wooliscroft
Joan Wooliscroft told us about the bread charity and the meetings which are held to decide who should benefit from it. Money was left by Thomas Wood (1760) and property was left by James Mobberley (1832) so that bread could be distributed each week. She answered our questions about the work of the committee in the past and their important role in re-acquiring the 3 Church Cottages after the compulsory purchase by Staffordshire Potteries Water board. Previously they were occupied by her Grandma, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison and Mrs. Foster. When they were no longer required for the building of the reservoir Joan and Hilda Allen ensured that they were not sold on the open market but were purchased again by the charity, from Severn Trent for £6000. Our Chair thanked her for coming to the meeting and for her help.

Finance
Anne informed us that we have £58 after the cheque has been paid
Subscriptions were paid. These amounted to £10.

AOB
Jill Goldstraw asked for the use of pictures while the embroideries are on show in the church.

Date of next meeting
Monday 25th July 2011 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the19th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 28th March ‘11

Present:
Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Anne Nadin, Don Robinson and Alan Weeks.

Apologies:
Heather Ashworth, Bob Foster, and Christine Woodward.

Minutes of the 18th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Recordings.

Anne will phone May Keeling.
Fred will make arrangements to speak to Gill Heath.

The church registers

Fred will pass the memory stick to Bob. Alan, Fred and Irene agreed to help to transcribe the records on to the spreadsheet.

Local Grant

The cheque for £50 has been paid into the building society and it was agreed at the meeting that the full amount of £84-15 should be paid to Fred to cover his expenditure for the
signs.

Wills of local benefactors

Irene will go ahead and organise a visit to Lichfield Record Office to view the documents available. Readers cards will be required but can be obtained on the day. An interesting discussion took place on the “Bread Charity” of the parish. It was suggested that Anne should ask Joan to talk to us about it in the future.

Research completed

Fred has read the Indenture of 1871 for North Hillswood Farm. He was asked if he would be willing to compile a short glossary of some of the legal terms used in such documents.

Meerbrook Chronicle

Fred is prepared to continue contributing items from the old parish magazines for the Chronicle. A short discussion took place about the difficulty some people have in finding a copy.

Swythamley History Society

Alan and Judy Weeks have just given a talk about Courtney Brocklehurst. Members who went remarked on the interesting facts and the high standards of the presentation.

Finance
Anne informed us that we have £135-29 in the account but this includes the money from the grant. Subscriptions were paid. These amounted to £7.

Further Research
Irene asked for contributions to a spreadsheet which she is creating on the residents of the parish. It is based on the local electoral role but columns will be created for each decade, naming the residents of each property in the parish.

AOB
Irene reminded members about the exhibitions in the summer. The church fete is on 4th June and the flower festival starts with the service on Thursday 14th July. Many visitors seem to be more interested in the pictures or old photographs than long pieces of text so we agreed to place the emphasis on these this year.
Fred and Irene will go to Alan’s to look at some of Courtney’s negatives taken within the parish.
Fred suggested that he e-mails Noreen requesting a mention in the Chronicle in case parishioners are willing to loan any old photographs for photocopying.

Date of next meeting

Minutes of the18th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 31st January ‘11

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Bob Foster, Norman Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick, Don Robinson and Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Joyce Matthews, Anne Nadin and Alan Weeks

Minutes of the 17th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Recordings.

The recordings of May Keeling and the niece of Enoch Sheldon need to be arranged.

The church registers

The photographic records of the church registers need to be transcribed so that they can be searched more easily. We shall be looking for volunteers once again. This is not an arduous job if it is shared by several members.

Local Grant

Cllr. Heath informed us that £50 is now available. Irene has submitted the paperwork, requesting help for our community project.

Finance
Subscriptions were paid. These amounted to £6.

Research

Fred is working on the draft conveyance of George Davenport for Christine.
Members were reminded that Fred has asked for ideas/help for the articles for the Meerbrook Chronicle.
Irene raised the subject of researching the wills of local benefactors of the parish. [Joan Armett (1668), John Stoddard (1675), Edmund Brough (1680), Thomas Wood (1760) and James Mobberley (1832)]. She will look into the practicalities of visiting Lichfield for this purpose if a small group would like to go.
Bob will need the names of members who wish to help with transcribing the photographic records over the next few months.

AOB

Alan has requested that members are reminded of the meeting at Swythamley about Courtney Brocklehurst, on 22nd March. The availability of new photographs will make this particularly interesting. Irene has some spare seats if you need a lift.

Date of next meeting
Monday 28th March 2011 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the17th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 22nd November ‘10

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Ivy & Norman Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews and Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Bob Foster and Alan Weeks

Minutes of the 16th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Recordings.

The recordings of May Keeling and the niece of Enoch Sheldon need to be arranged.

The church registers

We have made a photographic record of the church registers which are to be sent to the Staffordshire Record Office. Our request to place them on our website was referred to the County Archivist who has requested that we “hold off mounting any images of our registers online” while the Archive Service and the Diocese discuss the issue. They “are supportive of providing wider access to registers but (we) want to do this in a way which safeguards the images and provides proper context and background for the information contained within them”. We shall liaise with our webmaster over this issue.

Local Grant

Irene has approached Cllr. Heath, who will find out about the paperwork needed. The receipt for the four board headings has been passed to Irene in the meanwhile.

Finance
Subscriptions were paid. These amounted to £8 and brought our total funds to £78.23.

Research

Fred has transcribed the document on North Hillswood Farm (1778). It was written on parchment and, as we all witnessed, extremely difficult to read. Each member present was given a copy and more will be circulated by e-mail, so that we can discuss it in the January meeting.
He has also written another article for the Meerbrook Chronicle based on information from the parish magazine 0f 1902. He is happy to continue with this work but would welcome suggestions for future articles as well as input from members with the research.
Irene has started some research on the history of written wills and drew our attention to the wills of Joan Armett (1668), John Stoddard (1675), Edmund Brough (1680), Thomas Wood (1760) and James Mobberley (1832). All were local benefactors of the parish. It was suggested that this should be added to the next agenda.

AOB

Christine showed us a conveyance of George Davenport, which Fred has taken away to study.
Fred reminded us of the document relating to Frith Bottom. When we passed through on the village walk David Hine explained that the 12 acres related to” Ditchfield” and “The Common land”, (meaning poor soil).
Members were reminded of the meeting at Swythamley about the Staffordshire Hoard and told of the request from Alan for more information about Courtney Brocklehurst. Norman told us an amusing story of his Uncle Tom and Enza Barks and an encounter with one of Courtney’s dogs.

Date of next meeting
Monday 31st January 2011 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the16th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 27th September ‘10

Present:
Heather Ashworth, David Bradbury, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Irene Kirkpatrick, Anne Nadin and Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Joyce Matthews

Minutes of the 15th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Recordings.

David has made his own recording of his childhood recollections.
The recordings of May Keeling and the niece of Enoch Sheldon need to be arranged.

Website

Fred will speak to Brian about the church’s decision on the records.

Meerbrook Chronicle

Fred has now written 2 articles for the Chronicle and the next ones will include local surnames, which will be of interest to the whole village.

Future plans

A wide ranging discussion took place about possible future research.

The name of Bess Bowyer was added to the list of famous sons and daughters of Leekfrith.
Christine showed us several documents relating to her home. Great interest was shown in these and Fred volunteered to translate one of them into modern English. It was then decided that subsequent research would follow up any queries which arose from the document e.g. writing of wills, as these could be pertinent to other local properties.

Finance

Subscriptions were taken in. These amounted to £8 and brought our total funds to £70.23.
We were reminded that we have a debt of £70 still owing for the headings on the exhibition boards which are used at the time of the church fete and the flower festival. These help our group to share with a wider audience the facts discovered about the parish. A member queried whether or not this would be a valid use of the grant available. Irene agreed to follow this up and report back.

Research

Fred has put the second draft conveyancing document (1861), concerning Samuel Beresford and The Leigh into everyday English. He noted that it referred to a will of M Edge from 1773.
Irene has finished her work on Lud church and passed it to Bob for inclusion on the website.

AOB
It was suggested that a flip chart would prove useful for sharing information with larger groups.

Date of next meeting
Monday 22ndth November 2010 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the15th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 26th July ‘10

Present:
Heather Ashworth, David Bradbury, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Donald Goodwin and Irene Kirkpatrick

Apologies:
John Ashworth, Margaret Moss, Anne Nadin and Christine Woodward

Minutes of the 14th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Recordings. Bob will make arrangements to speak to the niece of Enoch Sheldon.

David will make his own recording of his childhood recollections.
Anne will speak to May Keeling

The exhibitions

Both exhibitions were well visited with people showing interest, particularly in the pictures. It was suggested by members that the print used should be bigger with possibly less text. We also need to advertise the exhibition e.g. “What’s on?” & Sentinel website.

Website –

Bob will ring Brian about the church’s decision on the records.

Wider communications

Fred has written his first contribution for the “Meerbrook Chronicle”. This made known to a wider audience the information gleaned from the draft conveyancing document about The Fountain Inn. He will continue to add something on alternate months, possibly using the information from the old parish magazines as well as announcing the dates of future meetings.

Finance
We have £55-23 in the building society. £7 in subscriptions was added.

Research

Fred showed us his work on the second draft conveyancing document (1861), concerning Samuel Beresford and The Leigh. It was obvious that he had spent many hours on it but he will continue to do more work and put it into language which is easier for us to understand. Irene will send a scanned version of the 1900 map to Bob.
Irene has been looking at the reservoir while the waters are lower and trying to find the position of some of the flooded properties.

AOB
Possible projects for the future - Famous sons and daughters of Leekfrith e.g.

Roger Morrice, http://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/academic_staff/projects/roger-morrice.html
Richard Hassall – sculptor
Edward Ash – sculptor, nephew of Richard Hassall
Rev William Beresford. http://www.beresfordfamilysociety.org.uk/beresfordofberesford.html

(It was also suggested at an earlier meeting that we investigate the routes of roads and tracks across the parish.)

Date of next meeting
Monday 27th September 2010 AGM at 8.00 pm, in the Trout, regular meeting to follow.

Minutes of the14th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 24th May ‘10

Present:
David Bradbury, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Irene Kirkpatrick, Anne Nadin, Brian Wainwright, and Mr. & Mrs. Griffiths.

Apologies:
There were no apologies.

Introductions
As we had 2 visitors we all introduced ourselves, stating our interests in the history of the parish.

Minutes of the 13th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Irene has made contact with all the people who left their names at the exhibitions last year. One recording has now been made. Bob has agreed to speak to the niece of Enoch Sheldon, who used to live at Fountain Inn. David will make his own recording of his childhood recollections and Anne will speak to May Keeling who has a family connection with Church cottage. It was proposed that we ask Brenda Wood to speak to a meeting about her time at the cottage beside Fountain but Bob emphasized that we must not neglect to make a good recording as well.
It was agreed that the exhibition should be under 4 headings

Burial records
Lud church
The chapel
The church tower

On the morning of 5th June Fred will be available at 10.00 a.m. and will bring the stands. Chris, Bob and Irene will also be there. Irene will contact group leaders to make them aware of the plans. Texts will be accompanied by photographs where possible. Irene will seek permission of owners to take photographs of farms used for non-conformist worship.

Website –

Bob informed us that the conveyancing document which Fred has deciphered has been added to the site and it was noted that another request has been made to look at a document concerning Samuel Beresford and The Lea. Fred has agreed to look at it.
The text on non-conformity in Leekfrith from 17th century has been added.
The burial records contributed by Mr. Griffiths have been added but Brian will ask Rev Carl if we can take more photographs of the records and add those to the website as well. There was a short discussion about them being public documents but it was also agreed that we would be helping by maintaining a copy for the parish.

Finance
We have £82-34 in the building society. Subscriptions were added but it was noted that the website fee of approximately £36 is due soon. We still owe Fred for the work for the exhibition stand heading.

Recent contacts
On Thursday 20th May, Brian, Anne and Irene met Mr. & Mrs. Bennett, visitors from Australia, who were in the area tracking down connections with Samuel Beresford the head teacher of Meerbrook school. They were keen to find the grave of Mr. Bennett’s great, great grandfather after having found the record of his burial when they were here 2 years ago.

Research groups
There was no additional work to report but Brian had brought in copies of photographs of children at school around 1940 and at the time of their confirmation in 1947.

AOB
Irene reminded members of the list of local books which is being collated.

Date of next meeting
Monday 26th July 2010 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the 13th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 1st March 2010

Present:
David Bradbury, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Heather Ashworth, Wayne Stephens, Margaret Moss.
Part time Gwen Stephens and Christine Woodward
Apologies:
John Ashworth, Irene Kirkpatrick, Alan & Judy Weeks. Anne Nadin

Minutes of the 12th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Information which was gathered at the Flower festival. - We now have names of people with connections with the school, Fountain Inn, Church cottages, Waterhouse Mill and Upperhulme. We have telephone numbers for everyone concerned and need to agree times for the sharing of their memories. Irene has the information and we will arrange how to share out contacting these people. Action Irene
Swythamley history society’s meeting on February 22nd 2010 on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was attended by many at the meeting and was deemed to be excellent and very worthwhile.
Fred has transcribed the conveyancing document which was bought by Karen Turner at a car boot sale at Heaton House. The handwriting and also the language used was very difficult to decipher and Fred is to be congratulated on his tenacity. Fred gave a summary of the document. Fred agreed to write down the summary and send the summary and transcript to Bob who will transfer them to the website. Action Fred and Bob

Finance

£7 was collected at the meeting.

Flower Festival and Village Fete

The fete is on 5th June and the festival on 16-20th July. We decided to put on an exhibition as last year. Details will be discussed at the next meeting.

Research groups

St Matthew’s church – Nothing further to report.
Lud Church – nothing further to report.
The Chapel – Christine Woodward has uncovered from A History of Staffordshire an interesting passage about Nonconformity in the Leekfrith area from the 17th century on. Bob offered to convert the passage into electronic form. Action Bob

AOB
Bob showed the meeting a spreadsheet of the transcription of Burial records of St Matthews church which Irene, Alan Weeks and Bob had completed during January. These records were on a CD given to Fred. Though every page is not included there are pages from 1815 to 1958. Bob has sent these out by email and will put them on the website. Action Bob

Date of next meeting – Monday 24th May 2010 at 8.00 pm, in the Lazy Trout.

Minutes of the 12th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 4th Jan 10

Present:
David Bradbury, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Anne Nadin and Irene Kirkpatrick.
Apologies:
Heather & John Ashworth, Alan & Judy Weeks, and Christine Woodward,

Minutes of the 11th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Fred gave us the information which was gathered at the Flower festival. We now have names of people with connections with the school, Fountain Inn, Church cottages, Waterhouse Mill and Upperhulme. We have telephone numbers for everyone concerned and need to agree times for the sharing of their memories.
Swythamley’s next meeting is on February 22nd. It links strongly with our research on places of worship, being about Lud Church and the historical connections with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Names to Irene if you wish her to collect tickets.

Finance
We have £67-28 in the building society, not including the evening’s subscriptions.

Correspondence
Irene has received a telephone call from Australia regarding the message board on the website. It’s good to know that one of our contacts will be visiting in May, searching for more information on the Beresford family (memorial window in St Mattthew’s.)

Research groups

Fred has further researched the architect of the present building of St Matthew’s church as there was some doubt about this. He has discovered that the Andrew Capper mentioned in the Lichfield records also designed the church at Acton Trussell. A photograph of St James’s church shows several similarities with St Matthew’s.
Irene read her updated work on Lud’s church. Another section will be added after the meeting at Swythamley.

AOB
Anne showed the group a draft of a conveyancing document regarding the Fountain Inn. Fred agreed to take it away and try to transcribe it.

Date of next meeting – Monday 1st March 2010 at 8.00 pm, in the Lazy Trout.

Minutes of the 11th meeting of the Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 26th October 09

Present:
Heather Ashworth, David Bradbury, Bob Foster, Don Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Gwen Stephens.
Apologies:
John Ashworth, Christine & Fred Bradshaw, Anne Nadin, Wayne Stephens, Alan & Judy Weeks, and Christine Woodward,

Minutes of the 10th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Exhibition during the flower festival. It is believed that Fred may have the list of contacts. Irene will verify. It was suggested that Freda Sweatmore be contacted.
A list is being compiled of historical books owned by members. It was agreed that many books are too precious for the owners to loan them out but we need to be aware of their existence.
Website – Bob informed us that it has not been necessary to purchase the software yet but he will do so if more items become available which require it.
Different members have attended the meetings at Hollinsclough, Swythamley, Leek Arts club and Leek & District Historical Society.
Members with internet access offered help to members without.

Finance
We have £52-81 in the building society, after paying for the running costs of the website.

Correspondence

Swythamley Historical Society has made arrangements for the meeting on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Date to be arranged.
Members were informed about the current threads on the message board and asked to respond to them if possible.

Research groups

Two groups were unable to report back on this occasion because of unavoidable absence. A request was passed on from Christine about her missing papers concerning the chapel. Members were asked to check their paperwork from earlier meetings.
Irene showed the group her work so far on Lud’s church.

AOB
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

Date of next meeting – As our regular date for meeting falls near Christmas, the date has been changed to Monday 4th January 2010 at 8.00 pm, in the Trout.

Minutes of the 10th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 7th Sept 09

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine Bradshaw, Irene Kirkpatrick, Margaret Moss, Anne Nadin, Brian Wainwright, and Christine Woodward,
Apologies:
Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Gwen & Wayne Stephens, Noreen Wainwright, Alan and Judy Weeks.

Minutes of the 9th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Exhibition during the flower festival. It was noted that there had been a lot of interest in the display over several days.
It was agreed that we should contact the people who had left their names. Gwen will be asked if she has the list.
A list is being compiled of historical books owned by members, who may be willing to loan them to other members. Irene requested that details be given to her so that this can be completed as soon as possible.

Finance

Anne reported that we have £77-81 in the building society.
Bob has invoiced Anne for the annual costs for the running of the website.
Bob has asked us if we would like to buy a professional version of some software which will enable us to display scanned items on our Archives page of the website. The present file is free but leaves a banner across the image. Irene proposed that we pay the $20 as it will improve access as more items become available. This was seconded by Margaret.

Correspondence

Swythamley Historical Society has a meeting on Friday 23rd October at 7.30 pm in the Swythamley Centre. Irene can give a lift to anyone interested.
Geoff Browne wrote to tell us about the Leek Arts Club meeting on Tuesday 22nd September at 7.30 in the Dove Room in Moorlands House. It is about an important benefactor of our church, Roger Morrice.
We have received several e-mails from around the world from people researching their family history. Bob has added a message board to the website which should facilitate an exchange of knowledge once more people have registered. Members were asked to spread the news and to register themselves.

Research groups

The church. Christine B. told us how interesting her trip to the William Salt museum with Fred had been. She felt that we would all enjoy it. Brian told us about his photographs of the inside of the bell tower. Members expressed an interest in seeing them and/or the possibility of publishing them on the website
Christine W. reiterated, for members who had missed the last meeting, what she had discovered about the chapel and worship held in private homes.
Irene showed photographs and copies of old postcards (from Alan and Judy) of Lud’s church. She talked of the possibility of a link with Celtic gods, the probability of the link with a monk from Dieulacres Abbey and the story told about the Lollards’ use of the site for hidden services in a time of persecution.

AOB
A concern was expressed about members with no access to the internet. Views would be appreciated on methods of including all members more fully.

Date of next meeting - Monday 26th October 2009 at 8.00 pm in the Trout.

Minutes of the 9th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 22 Jun 09

Present:
Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Joyce Matthews, Gwen Stephens, Wayne Stephens and Christine Woodward,
Apologies:
Graham Robinson, Heather Ashworth, Ivy Goodwin, Margaret Goldstraw, Irene Kirkpatrick and Anne Nadin.

Minutes of the 8th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising
1.Exhibition – the Fete exhibition went well. There was much interest. The display board worked very well in spite of being knocked over on the Friday night prior to the fete.

2.Exhibition for the Flower festival – We will set up the stand on Thursday 2nd July at 4pm as before but will have to take it down on Friday at 6pm and store at the rear of the stage as there is a dance on the Friday evening. The stand will then be re-erected on Saturday morning. Fred will coordinate this.
Bob will arrange to put the advertising board out in the church yard.
The display will not be manned this time. Gwen will arrange forms for anyone interested in providing information to fill in.

3.No one had done a list of the historical books they own. So this action is carried over.

Finance
Fred has audited the accounts. £7 was collected from the attendees and Gwen will deliver this to Anne.
Bob has a receipt for £25.53 for the next years subscription for the hosting of the website.

Updates to the website
There have been no recent additions. Bob will include the pages necessary for the new projects shortly.

Projects
Christine W has started researching the chapel and found very interesting information in the History of Staffordshire and in one of Sheila Hine’s books. A number of houses as places of worship appeared in the texts too.

Joyce and Irene have visited Lud Church to take photographs. Joyce has spoken to Doug Pickford and he has agreed to supply Joyce with any references he has to Lud Church.

Fred and Christine are continuing to research the church.

Collaboration with other groups
We thought it would be useful to know the dates when Swythamley Historical groups meets.

AOB - Future plans
We discussed the BBC4 program ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’ and its association with the area and Lud Church. Alan Weeks of Swythamley has suggested we collaborate and bring in a speaker on this poem. Alan has an expert in mind. This was accepted to be progressed by Bob.
Should we contact Simon Armitage, the presenter of the BBC program?

The meeting sends our best wishes to Irene for a speedy recovery

Date of next meeting - Monday 7th Sept 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the 1st Annual General Meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 22 Jun 09 8pm

Election of Officers

The secretary, treasurer and chairman were all willing to continue. Irene, Anne and Bob were all re-elected unanimously.

Matters Arising
None

Reports

The Chairman reported that the year had gone well with consistent interest throughout. We have 6 projects running with valuable information collected for all. The website is attracting visitors from around the world and proving to be a good repository for our work.
We have purchased a digital recorder and have recorded contributions from a number of people some of which is already on the website.
The exhibition we provided at the fete attracted a satisfying level of interest.
Joan Bennett as a speaker attracted considerable interest to her very interesting talk.
Two quiz nights at the Lazy Trout contributed to the society funds as well as being good fun.

The Treasurer reported (in her absence) –
Total money coming in                                  £150.00
Total money out                                     £ 79.19
Balance in the building soc                   £ 70.81

The accounts were audited by Fred Bradshaw

AOB

None

The meeting closed at 8-15pm

Minutes of the 8th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 27th April 09

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Margaret Goldstraw, Ivy Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Anne Nadin, Gwen Stephens and Christine Woodward,
Apologies:
John Ashworth, Graham Robinson, Wayne Stephens Brian Wainwright, Alan and Judy Weeks.

Minutes of the 7th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were read and signed as being accurate.

Matters Arising

Exhibition – It has been agreed that we may put our display on the stage in the village hall during the day of the church fete and the weekend of the flower festival.

Fred has organized the stands and we can mount our work on the morning of Saturday June 6th. Velcro type pads will be used to fasten papers to the boards.
Fred will supply the permanent title for the board.
Bob will make the subtitles for this year’s exhibition.
Gwen, Fred and Irene will take responsibility for the content of each group’s work.
Bob and Gwen will arrange publicity for the exhibition at the entrance to the village field.
Tables will be used in front of the boards for any handouts or laminated copies of maps or other items of interest which need to be examined more closely.
Requests for information and recordings will be displayed as well as publicity for the website.
Joyce and Anne will man the stand between 2 and 3 o’clock

Heather and Bob between 3 and 4 o’clock
Fred and Irene after 4 o’clock.

Members agreed to phone Irene (01260 227282) if they are available for the flower festival, especially Saturday and Sunday.

Visiting speaker – Joyce and Gwen will photocopy their copies of the information given by Joan.

Finance
Anne reported that we have £69-81 in the building society, after making payments to Bob and Irene for their expenditure. An attendance sheet will be used for the future when subscriptions are collected and Fred has agreed to check the finances in time for the AGM.

Updates to the website
More information has been placed on the well page and Bob’s recording of Edna Barlow is on the reminiscences page.
New research groups
We shall be researching information on The church, the chapel and Lud church with Fred and Christine doing the first, Christine Heather and Gwen doing the second and Joyce, Bob and Irene doing the last.
AGM
This will take place on 22nd June at 8.00 pm, before our normal meeting. Reports will be needed from the Chair and the Treasurer. Will the present officers please indicate whether or not they are prepared to stand for a second year?
Collaboration with other groups
Sue Gaukroger from Hollinsclough has suggested that we link with History Live in the future. It was agreed that we should support their meetings and Swythamley’s when we can and specifically where there is overlap with our own research.
AOB - Future plans
A discussion took place regarding possible speakers and the usefulness of a collection of books of local history. Heather offered to contact Geoff Browne and we all agreed to make a list of our own books which could then be circulated around the group.

Date of next meeting - Monday 22nd June 2009 at 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the 7th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 30th March 09

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Norman Goodwin, Gill Heath , Irene Kirkpatrick, Joyce Matthews, Margaret Moss, Anne Nadin, Graham Robinson, Gwen and Wayne Stephens, Brian Wainwright, Alan and Judy Weeks.

Apologies:
John Ashworth, Bob Foster and Noreen Wainwright.

Minutes of the 4th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting having been circulated were accepted as read.

Matters Arising

Quiz Night – Fred and Christine were thanked for organizing everything once again. It was agreed that it was most enjoyable and we raised £38 for the group finances.
Exhibition – Fred has organized the stands. Now we have to prepare the items for show.

Finance
Anne reported that we have £120 in the building society.
Subscriptions were collected.

Visiting speaker – Joan Bennett

Joan told us a little of her background and her connections with Meerbrook, through her own family history. She also talked of “Eureka moments” when everything seems to move forward with a piece of research. She then gave us examples of useful places to look when researching. E.g.

By studying several maps of an area the progression over time can be noted. On Speed’s map of 1610 mills were represented by small circles.

Yates map of 1775 shows several farms, including Alder Lee, Marsh house and New Grange.
Tithe maps are available for about 1840 for Meerbrook and we need to ask at Lichfield for these.

Clippings can be kept from local papers. Joan showed us some from the Post and Times and Spark as well as reminding us to look at old copies of the Leek Post.
Trade directories are available at the library. Joan gave examples of the information available by quoting from Whites directory of 1851. Firstly there is a description of the parish. It referred to a dye house at White Bridge, William Brocklehurst as an owner of land, and the fact that Caldwell the physician lived here in 1515. This was followed by a list of some of the occupants of the parish.
There is free access to the census returns of 1901
The County Poll Book for 1747 is held at the Record Office. People who were entitled to vote had their names recorded. (From 1694 – 1716 general elections were held each year but if MPs were elected unopposed there was no record.

Joan then continued by demonstrating how information can be recorded in a simple “table format” to produce a story of a particular dwelling, which she illustrated with information about New Grange. Using the headings of

Date	Information	Source

She showed how she had obtained information from

“Tomb inscriptions” by Elizabeth Bass (1981-82)
“Gateway to the Past” website for the Record office www.archives.staffordshire.gov.uk
“Leek Easter Book 1799 to 1806” A W Bednall
Wills, which are held at the Lichfield office.
Probate inventories. From 1383 wills were approved at Canterbury but from 1858 the principal probate house was at Somerset House. Neighbours of the deceased would be entrusted to make the list e.g. William Edge and Richard Wood appraised the goods of William Allen, a tenant of New Grange, Meerbrook.

Joan gave members copies of several documents which need to be copied and shared with other members.

AOB - Future plans
Fred has made an excellent start on researching the history of St Matthew’s church. Members need to be prepared to say which group they would like to join by the next meeting.

Date of next meeting - Monday 27th April 2009 at 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the 6th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 12th January 09

Present:
Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Irene Kirkpatrick, Anne Nadin,

Apologies:
Gwen and Wayne Stephens.

Minutes of the 4th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted and signed as correct.

Matters Arising

Eye witness accounts – Glenys Barlow’s memories are now stored on the website. It was agreed that we should go ahead with more recordings between now and March

January	Bernard Machin	By Irene
February	Hilda Allen & Joan Wooliscroft	By Gwen and Anne
February	Edna Goldstraw	By Bob
March	Gill Heath	By Christine

Quiz Night – Fred and Christine have organized everything for the evening of Thursday January 15th. Members have been asked to supply raffle prizes. Irene will phone Brian about the raffle tickets.
Visit by Joan Bennett. Joan has agreed to come to a future meeting to discuss our methods of research with us. She is available on 23rd February but, as several members will be away, Irene will try to re-arrange this for 30th March.
Exhibition – June 6th and a weekend in July to be arranged with the Flower festival. We shall need to organize a rota of members prepared to man the exhibition and, if possible, make recordings of people’s memories. We wondered if this may be a way of finding out more about Bob’s mystery object or the standing stone on Gun.

Finance
Anne reported that we have collected £86, including tonight’s subscriptions. Bob will supply the headed paper which is needed to set up the building society account and the 3 officers will call in to Leek United with proof of identity.

Updates on the website
Fred’s very comprehensive work about Dain’s mill is available to read now. The new information on the flooded properties needs to be added next.

Reports of the research groups
Each group is finding it difficult to move forward at the moment. Heather’s photographs have been laminated and are ready for the exhibition.

Future plans
It was decided that we should move ahead with research on “Places of worship”. The groups may wish to re-organise to study the importance of the Abbey, St Matthew’s, the chapel, Lud church and homes used for worship. This does not mean that last year’s research will stop however.

AOB
Since last meeting there had been a possibility of buying a secondhand overhead projector. Unfortunately we have been outbid but we shall look into it again in the future when we have built up our reserves or obtained funding through a grant.

Date of next meeting - Monday 30th March 2009 at 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the 5th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 27th October 08

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Norman Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick , Anne Nadin, Gwen and Wayne Stephens and Brian Wainwright.

Apologies:
John Ashworth, Linda Ferneyhough, Noreen Wainwright and Christine Woodward.

Minutes of the 4th meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted and signed as correct.

Matters Arising

Eye witness accounts – Glenys Barlow’s memories were recorded and this will now be edited and stored on the website.
Quiz Night – Fred and Christine were thanked for organising the questions and raffle. £47 was raised but £10 was given out as prize money. Everyone agreed that it had been a very pleasant evening and Fred has agreed to organise more questions for another evening on Thursday January 15th.
Dain’s Mill – The tour of Dain’s Mill was very well attended. Brian Ball was very generous with his time and gave us an interesting talk about the different parts of the mill. Some of this has been recorded and Bob has put photographs and the first piece of audio onto the website. The rest will now be edited and added.
Exhibition – It was suggested that we should try to mount a display for the day of the Church fete as well as the week of the flower festival. Fred has kindly offered to loan the group his display panels for use in the village hall.
Speakers – Irene has not been able to speak to Ray Poole or Joan Bennett yet but will endeavour to do so in November.

Finance
Anne reported that we have collected £81, including tonight’s subscriptions.

Reports of the research groups

Lost properties. Gwen has found additional photographs on the internet for the extension of the reservoir.
Water Mills. Fred has found additional information (in British History online) relating to Dain’s Mill, Waterhouse Mill and Mills at Turner’s Pool and Dieulacres.
Wells. A study of old maps has revealed that there were wells in Leekfrith opposite Church Cottages, at The Marsh and at Middle Hulme, as well as several outlying farms. Pumps were also recorded at 7 additional farms.

Future plans
It was agreed that the research groups need to meet to organise the information found and to start to prepare it in a manner which will be good enough to use in the exhibition.

Local Maps
A selection of old maps of the parish were brought to the meeting, as well as documents from Dain’s Mill, papers from Mary Breeze and local history books. It was interesting to see what we could learn from them and we felt they were worthy of much more time being spent on them where possible.

AOB
None

Date of next meeting - Monday 12th January 2009 at 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the 4th meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 18th August 08

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Christine and Fred Bradshaw, Bob Foster, Norman Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick , Anne Nadin, Noreen and Brian Wainwright, Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Gwen and Wayne Stephens, John Ashworth

Minutes of the 3rd meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as correct.

Matters Arising

Interviews – Irene will start by talking to Glenys Barlow.
Quiz Night – We shall hold a fund raising quiz night on Thursday October 16th at the Lazy Trout, beginning at 8.00 p.m. Entry will cost £1 per person with a maximum number of 4 people in each team. There will be a prize of £10 for the best team. Fred agreed to supply the questions, Noreen will inform locals through the newsletter and Irene will make and distribute the posters. Raffle prizes will be supplied by members and Brian will bring the raffle tickets.
Dain’s Mill – We agreed that it would be beneficial if the whole group could be invited to the tour of Dain’s Mill. Christine has contacted Brian Ball and Bob will phone him again to see if 26th August is convenient for him. Members should meet there at 7.30 p.m. Car sharing will probably help, where possible.
Exhibition – It was agreed that we should ask the organizers of the flower festival for permission to hold an exhibition of our work in the village hall next year. This would include photographs and some findings from our research.
A discussion took place about the relevance of Alan Williamson’s material and it was suggested that Ray Poole be approached about his photographs of the area. Irene will ask him.

Finance
Anne reported that we now have £23 in our funds. She will set up an account with Leek United Building Society on behalf of the group, with two signatures out of four being required for withdrawals. A £1 subscription was paid by all present. Irene will contact CVS about other funding.

Reports of the research groups

Lost properties. The photos of the area before the latest extension to the reservoir have been added to the website.
Water Mills. Two appointments were made to visit Dain’s Mill but the weather conditions made it inappropriate. Bernard Allen will be invited to the visit on 26th August as he was the last person to take corn for milling. No further information about Waterhouse Mill has been obtained as yet.
Wells. Heather has ascertained that every property on the lane to Hillswood has a spring. Further reading of the directories in Leek library has provided much interesting information, but nothing of relevance to Meerbrook well. A study of old local maps will now be undertaken.

Future plans

It was agreed that members should bring to the next meeting any copies of old maps which they hold.
It was agreed that Irene should confirm a date with Joan Bennett for advising us on our methods of research.

AOB
None

Date of next meeting

Monday 27th October 2008 at 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the 3rd meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 30.July.08

Present:
Heather Ashworth, Bob Foster, Gwen Stephens, Wayne Stephen, Noreen Wainwright, Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Irene Kirkpatrick , Nell Boulton, Fred and Christine Bradshaw, Brian Wainwright, June Sherratt, John Ashworth

Minutes of the 2nd meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as correct.

Matters Arising

The website has been set up – www.leekfrithhistory.org.uk. The cost is approx £40 and has been paid by Bob Foster. This will be reclaimed when the society has sufficient funds.
A £1 subscription was paid by all present . This will be given to Anne Nadin by Gwen.
A digital recording machine has been purchased by Irene at a cost of about £35. This will be reclaimed when the society has sufficient funds. Noreen commented that she had a tape recording of Charlie Fernyough which she will hopefully bring to the next meeting.
No interviews have been conducted as yet.
Funding issues will be addressed on Irene’s return.

Adopting a formal constitution
The draft constitution was accepted without any changes.

Reports of the research groups

Lost properties. Gwen has obtained, from Severn Trent, photographs of the valley prior to the flooding and documents on the compulsory purchase of land. Also a photocopy of the Inauguration Booklet for the formal opening of the reservoir by Princess Margaret. Unfortunately 2 pages are missing. It is hoped someone in the area may have an original copy. The photos will be added to the website.
Water Mills. No further progress since the last meeting. Christine had some notes about Waterhouse Mill from Ron Allen and may interview Hilda Allen to expand on them.
Wells. No progress since last meeting.

Future plans

It was suggested by Noreen that we have a quiz night at the Trout to raise funds. This will be discussed at the next meeting to set something up in Oct/Nov.
A tour of Dains Mill sometime before the end of September was proposed. Bob to discuss with Irene.
The idea of an exhibition of our findings in the Village Hall for the Fete or Flower festival was put forward.
As a fund raiser could we run a slide show like Alan Williamson did for the Centenary celebrations for the village hall?.
Does Alan Williamson have any material which would be useful to us?

AOB
None

Date of next meeting

Monday 18th August 2008 at 8.00 pm as the last Monday of that month is the Bank holiday.

Minutes of the 2nd meeting of Leekfrith Bygone Days. Monday 28.04.08

Present:
Heather and John Ashworth, Bob Foster, Ivy Goodwin, Irene Kirkpatrick, Margaret Moss, June Sherratt, Gwen Stephens, Brian Wainwright, Christine Woodward.

Apologies:
Glenys Barlow, Nell Boulton, Fred and Christine Bradshaw, Linda Ferneyhough, Norman Goodwin, Gill Heath, Anne Nadin, Wayne Stephens, Noreen Wainwright.

Minutes of the inaugural meeting:
Minutes of the last meeting, having been circulated were accepted as correct but held for signing until the Chair was appointed.

Election of Chair
Bob Foster was proposed as Chair by Irene Kirkpatrick and seconded by Gwen Stephens.

Election of Secretary
Irene Kirkpatrick was proposed as secretary by Bob Foster and seconded by Heather Ashworth.

Election of Treasurer
Anne Nadin was proposed as Treasurer (in her absence) by Irene Kirkpatrick and seconded by Bob Foster. (Anne had agreed to this when giving her apologies.)

Adopting a formal constitution
Prior to the meeting, Colleen Savage from CVS (Leek) had collected information from Irene Kirkpatrick and Gwen Stephens regarding the inaugural meeting, membership and contact details of the group and had agreed to help to draft the constitution, by liaising with the secretary. This draft is to be proposed at the meeting in June and if satisfactory to be adopted by the membership.

Reports of the research groups

Lost properties. Local history books and old maps have been used to gain more information about the properties lost to the extended reservoir. June has verified names of two residents of Fountain Cottages and will talk to Mrs. Findlow from the Fountain Inn.
Water Mills. Brian Ball of Daines Mill has a lot of information regarding the mill but the group has not been able to visit it just yet. Bernard Allen was the last person to take corn to be milled there. Eye witnesses recalled seeing Waterhouse Mill, but never in use.
Wells. The group met at the village well to record it as it is at present, taking measurements and photographs. They have also met at the local history section of Leek library to look at maps and trade directories. Eye witness accounts are needed next.

Future plans

Bob will start to set up the website so that records can be stored in a manner which is accessible to a wider audience.
It was agreed that each member should give £1 per meeting to help to fund this.
Irene agreed to find out the costs of digital dictation machines so that interviews can be taped, either ready for transcription or to record straight on to the website.
It was agreed that interviews will need to be informal with questions leading to reminiscences and written records will be in a conversational style.
It was agreed that the history walk would probably need to be delayed a little while we establish the group and the research.
It was suggested that the work of the WI (under the guidance of E W Bass) on recording the details of the parish gravestones be added to the website as a future project with the permission of the WI.

AOB
John suggested that we ask CVS for ideas for organizations to approach for funding as we shall need help for our future plans.

Date of next meeting

Monday 30th June at the later time of 8.00 pm.

Minutes of the Inaugural Meeting of the group to be called - "LEEKFRITH - BYGONE DAYS"

A notice appeared on the notice board of The Lazy Trout pub in Meerbrook, posted by Irene Kirkpatrick and inviting those interested in the history of Meerbrook and surrounds, to attend a meeting at the pub on Monday, 25th Feb 2008 at 7.30pm. A number of people turned up and those present were:-

          Irene Kirkpatrick
          Heather Ashworth
          June Sherratt
          Fred and Christine Bradshaw
          Wayne and Gwen Stephens
          Bob Foster
          Glenys Barlow
          Margaret Moss
          Norman Goodwin
          Ann Naden

A number of people sent their apologies saying they wanted to be involved but were unavoidably absent on the evening and these were:-

          Gill Heath
          Nell Boulton
          Ivy Goodwin
          Christine Woodward
          Noreen Wainwright.

It was clear from the attendance and interest that there was more than enough to start a group, but at that stage, there were no elected officers and as a temporary arrangement, Irene Kirkpatrick would take the chair and Fred Bradshaw would be acting secretary for the evening. For the group to be properly constituted as " LEEKFRITH - BYGONE DAYS", as it will be seen in the minutes below that was the name decided upon, there would have to be a proper election of officers with proposer and seconder for each position, and in the event of more than one person being proposed for the same office, a vote to appoint, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

1. The meeting got underway with the apologies listed above.

2. In discussion prior to the meeting, it was clear that the history of this area was of great interest to all present and the name which was suggested by Bob Foster was "LEEKFRITH -BYGONE DAYS" which seemed to please everybody. It was agreed we should split up into 3 groups in the 1st year to study the general heading of WATER. The sub-heading of the 3 is:-

(1) Wells

(2) Mills

(3) Properties Lost To The Reservoir.

3. A 2nd theme for the future, Religion and the buildings relevant to that subject.

4. Bob Foster suggested that we start a web site where we could collect and display all the information of interest that we uncovered, and this was well received.

5. It was agreed that we would have the meetings every 2 months on a Monday evening and the venue would be The Lazy Trout.

6. It was agreed that, although Leekfrith was the area involved, we would blur the boundaries to include the whole of Upper Hulme and other places adjacent to Leekfrith Parish boundary.

7. Bob Foster gave an up-date on work being done on the well next to the Methodist Chapel in Meerbrook, including work hoped to be carried out and funded by grants that would be available if we can unearth a knowledge of the history of the Well.

8. Irene Kirkpatrick listed a number of people whom she felt would have information and could be of assistance in our research and details were taken down by the individuals who thought this may be relevant to them.

9. Those present were split into the 3 groups listed above and are as follows:-

Wells - group leader Irene assisted by Heather, Ann and Bob.

Lost Properties - group leaders Wayne & Gwen assisted by June and Norman

Mills - group leader Margaret assisted by Fred & Christine, although Bob said he would also like to be involved in this project.

Glenys said she would like to be able to float over each of the groups and assist as necessary.

10. It was agreed that during summer months, meetings could start and finish at the pub with outside visits to places of interest in between.

11. It was suggested by Bob Foster that we should apply for grants to finance the expenses we were bound to incur from time to time, and this was to be a subject for discussion at the next meeting.

12. The meeting was asked that, if they knew of anybody who had experience of running a similar group to ours, could we ask them if they can assist us in our early days with suggestions on the best way forward and of doing things in the most effective way.

13. All were asked to give details of e-mail addresses, postal addresses and tel. nos. to Irene who would prepare a list for distributing to all members.

14. Christine proposed and all accepted, that Fred would write up the minutes of this meeting!!

15. The date of the next meeting was set for Monday 28th April at 7.30pm at The Lazy Trout.

After the meeting, the 3 groups split for informal discussion on their chosen subject and to discuss their first moves.