Ridware History Society

The mission of the RHS

The Ridware History Society was formed in 1990 by a group of enthusiasts who wished to explore the history on their doorstep.
We are now a thriving group whose aim is to raise awareness of our particular history and to engage the interest of the general public in preserving their local heritage.

Members pursue their interests through a year-round programme of events, which is split into two parts.  During late autumn and winter, a series of talks are delivered, generally by visiting speakers, on diverse subjects.  During late spring and summer, the programme consists of six visits to places of historical interest, within easy travelling distance of the Ridwares.

Members who have an interest in research have formed the Ridware Study Group.  Individually and collectively, the members pursue a range of subjects, which explore many aspects of the rich history of the Ridwares.  This involves a wide range of topics from genealogy, education, land enclosure and just about anything into which any individual wishes to inquire.

Ridware History Society is a member of the Staffordshire Heritage Group.

We are delighted that the Society has been awarded an Awards for All lottery grant of £1500.  The grant was specifically to acquire presentation boards and a powerpoint projector.  These will enable us to far more effectively present the results of our research. 

Latest news

3rd July 2010:  Members marked the 20th Anniversary of the Society with a celebration at the Gatehouse, Mavesyn Ridware, by permission of Sunny and Mark Eades.  A champagne buffet was held on a lovely sunny day and many old members travelled some distance to be present. Entertainment was provided by the Early Music Man, Terry Carter.

Meetings
2011

7th February:  Professor Timothy Peters gave an interesting talk about the Nature of the Madness of King George III.
7th March:  David Budden spoke eloquently about the history of St Matthew's Hospital, Burntwood, where he was a Pharmacist.
7th May:  Ian Wykes conducted a tour of the First World War Military Camps on Cannock Chase, as a follow up to his talk on this subject.
28th May:  Members visited Ecton Hill Copper Mine where they had a guided tour
18th June: Members had a guided tour of Cheddleton Flint Mill, after which some had a ride on the Churnet Valley Railway
2nd July: Members enjoyed a guided tour of the parkland monuments on the Shugborough Estate, followed by a cream tea
15th September: Members enjoyed a coach trip to Knutsford and Plymouth Grove.  Elizabeth Gaskell based 'Cranford' on Knutsford and she lived at Plymouth Grove for many years

3rd October:  Jim Sutton gave members a talk on the Association for the Prosecution of Felons.
7th November:  Anne Andrews talked about Icehouses, with particular reference to the Icehouse at Tixall.
5th December:  Danny Wells spoke to the Society about the Salvation Army and Catherine Booth

2012
9th January:  Following the A.G.M., Caroline Haycock spoke to the society about her research into Lucy Porter and Catherine Chamers - two Johnsonian ladies.
6th February:  Richard Stone gave a very interesting talk about the River Trent
5th March:  Members welcomed Pat Scaife, who gave a fascinating talk on Lichfield Cathedral Library. 

Click on the Programme link for details of these and other meetings.