August 2003

August 2003 THE MAGAZINE THAT KEEPS YOU IN TOUCH EST. 1893 PRICE 25p

BILL SKINNER HISTORY SOCIETY:

In response to the request for news of ADVANCED WARNING!
anyone who knew Bill Skinner, I was
fortunate to have met him on several We have three meetings arranged for the Autumn:
occasions in the period 1945 – 1947. At
this time I was 16/18 years of age and Sunday 12th October: St Mary's Church, HBO
playing football for Bishop’s Stortford at Diana Richards on the Rivers Nursery.
Rhodes Avenue. Bill Skinner worked for
Halls Coaches at the Stag Inn Hatfield Sunday 9th November: URC Hall, Hatfield Heath
Heath. Derek Cater the TRANSCO Archaeologist will talk on the
Halls Coaches were contracted to
convey The Bishops Stortford Football Club to “away” findings from the work done last year,
matches (players and officials). I remember Bill as a very [this is the talk postponed form last year.]
cheeky and lively character, always a twinkle in his eye and
a very good storyteller. He always had a cryptic comment to Monday 8th December HH
make about “just everybody” “onboard” but was never Social Evening and members contributions.
offensive.
He often had a meal with the team and officials after a All meetings will begin at 8.00p.m.
match, a good “trencherman”, loved his food and known as
the man who loved kippers, bones and all! A real character PLAY READING FOR PLEASURE
and it was a pleasure to have known him
Mostly people get together to read a play with a performance
Bert Search in mind, not realising the potential for pleasure – often fun –
of reading aloud a scripted play. Playwrights throughout the
WEA THE AUTUMN COURSE WILL BE centuries have explored aspects of humanity, birth, marriage,
death, joy, sorrow, love, poverty, riches, rogues, vagabonds
THE SILK INDUSTRY IN the list is endless.
19™ CENTURY ESSEX AND SUFFOLK Imagine the delight in reading “A Midsummer Nights
Tutor David Possee The course looks at the development of Dream” in a garden on a fine(?) Summer evening.“ A Day
the Silk industry in the area; the places where it was By The Sea” in July or August. “ The Holly and the Ivy” or
established and its effect on the region. “A Christmas Carol” maybe “Seasons Greetings” in
Meeting at the URC Hall on Tuesday evenings at 7.45 p.m. December.
starting on the 23rd September. No barriers of age or sex.
No experience necessary.
Further details from Liz Wright 730530. A desire to rekindle the interest in reading aloud could be an
advantage.
Please telephone Kathy on 10279 730 825 leaving a message
if not available, or Jean on 01279 730 517 if you are
interested in exploring this venture.