2021
Nov 2nd Bedfordshire’s Links with Henry VIII – Dorothy Jamieson
Dorothy has researched Bedfordshire history for many years – in particular the Tudor period and Willington Dovecote, where she is a volunteer for the National Trust.
Dec 7th St George
Cancelled due to Covid
2022
Mar 1st House History Research – Vicki Manners
Vicki Manners MA, Professional Genealogist, returns following her excellent talk on the Panacea Society in 2017, and her subsequent guided tour of the Panacea Museum for some of our members. Her topic for this visit will be “House History Research”, and she will introduce us to her work researching the history of houses. About 20 years ago, Vicki Manners followed her passion and undertook a complete career change, becoming a local genealogist, archivist, historian and conservator. She specialises in genealogy, family and house history research in Bedfordshire, as well as lecturing for the Open University and working part-time for the Panacea Trust and Museum as their Archivist and Conservator. Vicki has an excellent working knowledge of local historic records, as she previously worked at Bedfordshire Archives as the County Archives Conservator.
Apr 5th Colonel Frederick Burnaby, Soldier, traveller, adventurer and balloonist – Andrew Sewell
Our Vice Chairman, will enlighten us about the Colonel’s life. Frederick Burnaby was born in Bedford, and was educated at Bedford School. He was a larger-than-life character, who packed a huge amount into his 42 years and we look forward to hearing more about this interesting gentleman.
May 10th AGM at 7:30 followed by The Eric Houfe Memorial lecture:
In his new role, as the Director of the Royal Collection. He will explore the extraordinary legacy of English Royal tombs and memorials, from the earliest times to the present day, starting with the mysterious ship burials of Sutton Hoo, through the religious foundations of the medieval kings, and ending with the great Royal ‘dormitories’ of Westminster Abbey and St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Tim was appointed Director of the Royal Collection by HM The Queen in 2018. Prior to that, he was Director and Marlay Curator of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge between 2013 and 2018, where he made a number of important acquisitions and developed the Museum’s masterplan, “New Ways In”. He was Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum in London between 2005 and 2013. Here he restored Sir John Soane’s glittering architectural treasury to its appearance in 1837, just as its founder wished, and converted the neighboring houses to provide facilities for the museum.
NB Unlike most meetings, this will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of May
