Annual Report
Abergavenny Local History Society January 1st to December 31st 2023
The objects of Abergavenny Local History Society (charity registration number 1098582) are:
1. To promote the local community’s knowledge of and interest in history
2. To provide local historical and general interest information for visitors
3. To support Abergavenny Museum and Castle
Achievements to meet these objects
1. To promote the local community’s knowledge of and interest in history
The Society enjoyed another excellent season of lectures. The return to the Borough Theatre was met with enthusiasm from the membership as demonstrated by the number attending lectures. The hybrid meetings held at the Melville Theatre were also very well attended both in person at the venue and via Zoom. A new laptop and large screen were purchased to ensure high quality presentations.
The visits programme for 2023 was fully subscribed and was once again a great success. This year’s visits included a weekend in Devon, Nantgarw China works, Wightwick Manor and Gardens and Chedworth Roman Villa and Cirencester.
The monthly email newsletters to members have continued, keeping members informed of the lecture programme and other activities. Events at historical sites and museums have also been publicized.
The Society continues to contribute to the Abergavenny Focus Magazine, delivered to all households in the area. The articles are linked to each month’s talk that month.
The Schools History Bursary awarded to local students going on to study history at university was reinstated after a break due to covid. Four excellent submissions were received and four bursaries, totalling £800, awarded.
2. To provide local historical and general interest information for visitors
A new sub-committee has been set up with a view to restarting the Society’s project to add to the ceramic information plaques installed in strategic locations around the town.
The Society’s website has been regularly updated and the Abergavenny Street Survey is still reliably accessible on-line.
The Society’s very active Research Group continues to operate successfully. This year’s on-going projects included transcribing the Abergavenny Improvement Commissioners minutes, the Llantilio Pertholey parish records and the St. Mary’s Marriages Book. The group also continues to support the investigation of the history of Plas Gunter Mansion in partnership with the Georgian Society.
Members of the Society continue to contribute articles in the Gwent Local History Journal and the Monmouthshire Antiquarian.
A review of current holdings of the Society’s publications was undertaken. The Society holds excessive stocks of all its publications. Substantial discounts were agreed by committee in order to boost sales and a new local retail outlet was secured. The search for new storage facilities is ongoing. The committee is currently considering donating free copies of suitable books to Henry VIII School’s Year 7 intake next year.
The Society continues to provide information to the wider public via its website and Facebook page. The public can access information about guided walks, leaflets and books, Society activities, and annual and financial reports. Queries and enquiries can also be posted and are dealt with promptly.
The Society’s support for the Gwent Local History Council and the Hanes Forum continues.
The Society also continues to respond to queries from the public regarding different aspects of local or family history.
Contimued on the Annual Accounts page