During 2024 the Spalding and South Lincolnshire Branch of the Western Front Association once again continued to deliver a first-class programme of talks and other events.
Over the year these have ranged from talks on whether territorial units were viewed as second class soldiers, to narrow gauge railways in France, via tank banks in the USA, the Machine Gun Training Centre, Britain’s industry gearing up for war, ruin to restoration in Ypres, cavalry charges, all arms battles, and the activities of Roger
Casement and his failed attempt to raise a German-Irish Brigade to fight against British rule in Ireland.
A pretty mixed bag with something for everybody, whatever their interest in the Great War.
In addition, we continued to undertake our traditional “August Saturday Day-Out” event, this time with a walking tour of the historic Georgian town of Stamford which was well supported by both our branch members, and several of our friends from the
Cambridgeshire branch.
The tour, led by chairman Paul Berry, visited the numerous memorials dotted around the town dedicated to old boys of local schools, townspeople in general and the Lincolnshire Regiment along with visits to local churches and chapels all of which contain a wealth of interesting architecture and family memorials.
Following a well-earned break and lunch at a café located in a rambling, historic building in the town’s market place, we headed out of town to visit the nearby historic villages of Easton-on-the-Hill and Collyweston where we discussed the events of WWI that impacted these villages, and those of WWII before looking at the site of the nearby WWI landing ground that was eventually incorporated into an expanded RAF Wittering.
We intend to build on the success of our “days-out” in 2025, taking advantage of the longer summer evenings by undertaking one in June, as well as a full August Saturday day tour.
In the meantime, our speaker secretary, Peter Garland, has put together another varied programme of interesting talks to entertain and educate our supporters over the winter and spring months of
2025.
Our meetings are still held in the comfortable surroundings of an ante-room – warm in winter, cool in summer – of Spalding Baptist Church (we take this opportunity to thank the church pastor and elders for allowing us to use this splendid venue) on the fourth Thursday of each month, except June and August. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, but note that, because we cannot monitor the main door from the ante-room, you may need to ring the doorbell for access as it is locked in the evenings for security purposes (don’t let this put you off visiting, Spalding is a safe town which is well-worth exploring).
Finally, if you have an interest in the Great War, we encourage you to get out of your armchair, drag yourself away from the boring old goggle-box, and enjoy the convivial company of like-minded people at our small, but friendly branch.
After-all, socialising is proven to be good for both mental and physical health; you will be made very welcome, and will not regret visiting us.
If you would like further information, please contact me on 07786 381145 or email [email protected].
Paul Berry
Chairman
Spalding and South Lincs Branch of the Western Front Assocation
