Ian Gibson took us on an informative tour of the wildlife in the local area – we had no idea there was so much wildlife teeming in our gardens!  Ian is beginning to share his photographic collection in a new section on the website called “Nature Notes”.

During the business part of the meeting, the same Committee and Officers were re-elected.  The annual Tony Jerram Award was given to Patrick Sparrow, in recognition of his long record of service to the community of Badsey & Aldington.  Until his retirement in 2016, he served as Honorary Treasurer of the Badsey Flower Show Committee for 40 years.    He was prominent in the formation of the Aldington Residents’ Association and served as its Chairman for ten years.

The third Richard Phillips Memorial was delivered by Dr Alan Wadsworth of the Worcestershire Farmsteads Project.  Alan, who grew up on the family farm in Yorkshire, moved to Badsey 15 months ago from Wiltshire.  Having taken early retirement from a job in industry, he returned to his farming roots whilst in Wiltshire and became Project Leader of the Wiltshire Farmsteads Project.  On moving to Badsey, it seemed only natural that he should start on a similar project in south-east Worcestershire.

Alan began his talk by explaining that the River Avon rises close to the Village of Naseby and flows through the west midlands to Tewkesbury where it meets the River Severn.  Along the way it passes through some of this country's finest countryside and the place where we all live.

Ian Gibson led us on an excellent trip across the fields to Wickhamford, which afforded a rare opportunity to visit Wickhamford Mill, courtesy of John Poulter.  A past Chairman, Mike Lovatt, who is a keen molinologist and presides over the mill at Stanway, was also present to assist John in showing people the works.  We also stopped outside Badsey Mill and the Church of St John the Baptist where Ian explained some of the history to us.  On returning to Badsey, we adjourned to the home of Alan and Shirley Tutton who had kindly provided refreshments.

St James' Church was full for the launch of our latest publication:  Peace, War & Remembrance, The Great War in Badsey, Aldington & Wickhamford by Maureen Spinks.  In addition to Heritage Lottery funds, we are grateful to Badsey Parish Council who awarded us money from Section 106 funds.  At the end of the evening, guests had the opportunity to try some “Trench Cake”; many thanks to all those who made a cake.

Despite the wet and windy weather, 54 people attended the AGM.  This year, the Tony Jerram Award was presented to Anne Poulter who has run the Badsey Beavers (part of the Scout Association) for over 30 years.

After the break, Nina O’Hare from Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service spoke about a potential archaeology project which the Society may become involved in, and Alan Wadsworth of the Worcestershire Farmsteads Project spoke about a survey which is taking place to record all the surviving hovels in the area.

We were delighted that Lizzie Noyes, Richard’s partner, offered to present this year’s lecture on the subject of Badsey Manor House, "Putting the Manor in Context".

Following on from the success of the first Members’ Night, a further informal evening was held when Wendy Beasley set the ball rolling by talking about her memories of working at Seward House.  Further reminiscences followed of hospital stays and visits to the cinema.

After the bad weather of last year, it was a relief to have relatively good weather for this year’s Flower Show.  The Society stand was well attended and many thanks to the volunteers who helped out on the day.  Val Harman (below) is pictured here holding the swagger stick which belonged to her great-uncle, Private Harry Walters.