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Chester Civic Trust’s 65th Anniversary Dinner

Chester Civic Trust hosted a special Anniversary dinner at Chez Jules in Northgate Street for 65 members, to celebrate 65 years of the Chester Civic Trust, its activities and achievements.

Chair Christine Russell recapped some of the major milestones for the Trust over the years and thanked many people in the room and others for their considerable contributions over the years. Tony Barton of Donald Insall Associates followed with his experiences and expertise. He particularly mentioned the involvement of Chester and the Trust with European Architectural Heritage Year in 1975 and achievements since, up to its current 50th anniversary celebrations in the city.

During the celebrations we were treated to a special ‘congratulations’ from Sir Donald Insall who, with Cyril Morris, was one of the preeminent forces in the transformation of Chester and the conservation movement in the UK and Europe.

Historic photos and films of Chester from the Victorian era, 1931 and 1960s curated by David Evans entertained diners between courses and the event was expertly brought to a close by Chester’s Town Crier, David Mitchell.

Our thanks to Chez Jules for a splendid evening, an excellent menu, food and service, and for use of the facilities there.

 

 

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June Visit: World of Glass & Astley Hall

The World of Glass at St Helens is built around the 1877 Tank House where William Windle Pilkington perfected the regenerative process of continuous glass making. As well as a view of how glass was made, there is a museum of glass from its origins to contemporary glass making.

The private guided tour included glass blowing, the museum galleries, the tank house and the tunnels. Refreshments on arrival and the sandwich and quiche lunch were excellent.

Astley Hall in Chorley dates from 1570, with improvements throughout its history. It is Grade 1 Listed, with huge mullioned and transomed external bay windows and an intriguing collection of painted notables on panels in the Hall. Its real delight is its exquisite plaster-work ceilings, which are truly astounding. The private guided tour allowed time to walk in the grounds and visit Café Ambio in the stables.

Report and photos thanks to Karen McKay.

Photos LtoR: 1960 chandelier previously in Manchester airport, Exhibits including an Emile Galle vase, and the Merchant Adventurers coat of arms in stained glass.

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June Lecture: An update on Local Archaeology

Michael Emery gave an excellent talk on local archaeology so we are fully up to date.

Mike has worked at over 150 archaeological sites in the UK on a wide variety of community, research and commercial projects. He was instrumental in setting up the Poulton Research Project which he led for 21 years.

He is co-director of Chapel Archaeology CIC (Community Interest Company) and will describe the company’s research over the last nine years, which has included a study of rural and urban
ecclesiastical landscapes in Chester and south-west Cheshire. Mike will be joined by local historian Carolyn Barnwell, also a co-director of Chapel Archaeology.

Heritage Lottery funding enabled an in-depth study of the village of Shocklach and its environs, including its isolated church, and led to the publication of two books.
A recent ongoing project at St. John’s Church, Chester, has included internal surveys, external geophysical investigations and analysis of the church archives and is producing fascinating
results.

Wine and nibbles were served after the talk on June 10th at Bishop Lloyd’s Palace at 7.30pm.

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