From the Society’s Executive Committee

To the members:
As some of you will be aware, John Ashdown-Hill’s health has deteriorated in recent months. We have now been given permission by John to advise members of the present situation. We do so in order that you may understand why John is now unable to accept bookings for talks. However, John is still working on books and articles. Also, following his recent talk at Middleham, in which he added much more text to his Powerpoint slides, John is hoping to post updated versions of some of his talks on his website, so that, if they wish, Branches and Groups could access that material for a presentation which would not require John himself to come and speak.
John has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). In his case this makes speaking and eating difficult, and John is losing weight. The Society will offer John what support it can, at the same time sending him its best wishes and positive thoughts. Clearly, we cannot ask for a recovery, but we can hope that the remainder of John’s time will be comfortable and free of pain.
If you do send John messages of support, please do so in the understanding that you may, or may not, receive a response. We can be sure though that John will appreciate knowing that the Society wishes him well.

September Visit to Wingfield

Wingfield is our destination this month. We meet at the De La Pole Arms (Church Road, Wingfield IP21 5RA) on Saturday 23rd September at 12:30 for lunch.

St Andrew’s Church, Wingfield

We will then cross the road to visit St Andrew’s Church. Here we will see the beautiful alabaster tomb of Richard’s sister, Elizabeth Plantagenet and her husband John De La Pole, duke of Suffolk. There is parking at the pub and the church is literally opposite.

Forthcoming Event…. Visit to Clare

We will be visiting the beautiful medieval town of Clare on Saturday 29th July, meeting at 12.30pm for lunch in The Swan in the High Street. MAG member, Zigurds Kronberg will then lead us in a walk around the town, hopefully visiting the Priory and the parish church of St Peter and St Paul. Please note parking is available at Clare Castle Country Park, Malting Lane, Clare CO10 8NW.

Clare Priory