News

February 2010

The Topsham Society talk on Thursday 14 January clashed with a number of other events, including a performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in the Great Hall at Exeter University and the St Margaret’s church bell ringers’ annual dinner. Nevertheless John Allan drew an audience of over 100 for his excellent talk in Matthews Hall on The Anglo-Saxon Charter of Topsham. He used evidence from the charter to take us on a tour of Topsham’s Anglo-Saxon boundaries. This was illustrated by maps and by photographs, including some taken in the previous weekend’s snowy conditions. John Allan highlighted for us how many of the boundary lines set out in the Anglo-Saxon charter are still clearly visible in our landscape today. He also warned that, with the continuing expansion of Exeter, some of these features will be lost unless action is taken to prevent this

The Society’s next talk is on Friday 26 February in Matthews Hall, starting at 7.30 p.m. Carol McFadzean, who is a President of the International Bobbin and Needle Lace Organisation, will talk on Mrs Charlotte Treadwin- Exeter Lace Maker. Carol is the author of a book about Mrs Treadwin, a leading figure in the history of Devon lace, whose workshop was located at 5, Cathedral Close in Exeter. Doors open at 7 p.m. when wine, tea and coffee will be available. The talk is free to members of The Topsham Society and £2 for non-members.

GEOFF WILKINSON (879107)

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