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.

Around 30 people were present for this year’s Midsummer Walk at Offenham.  After all the bad weather that we had had, it was a beautiful evening as we set off from the Village Hall on a walk led by Ian Gibson.

One of the highlights was a visit to “Langdale”, a garden which opens under the National Garden Scheme.  The owners bought the property ten years ago and have done an amazing job in creating a luxuriant garden on a piece of land which used to be used as a dog-training ground.

On a beautiful day in early September, 20 members of The Badsey Society went on an outing to Sulgrave Manor, Northamptonshire.  The original house (much altered over the years) was first built in the 16th century by Lawrence Washington, a direct ancestor (5xgreat-grandfather) of George Washington, First President of the United States of America.

Another successful Members’ Evening was held at The Pub in a Club.  Val Harman began the evening by bringing along a case full of memorabilia relating to her ancestors in Badsey and Wickhamford.  Amongst the items was a Flower Show certificate and art-work done by her uncle.  We hope that, at future meetings, members will bring along items for a “Show and Tell” session.

The evening began with three short talks about various aspects of photography – how to keep and preserve your photographs, how a family photograph album led to a fascinating detective story, and what we do with any photographs shared and donated to the Society.  Earlier this year, some fascinating photos and sketches came to light, donated by Paul Brazier following the death of his mother.