December – Another Year Gone

Thank you to everyone who came to any of our meetings and events in the last year as we gradually found our way back to something approaching post-pandemic normality. We hope you enjoyed the.

As you know, we’ll be taking December off, but we’re back in January with more guest speakers and events. We start the new year on January 14th at 2.00pm with a talk by Chris Kolonko – The Archaeology of the Home Forces and their Anti-Invasion defences 1940-1943. Chris is an archaeologist specialising in the Home Front in the First and Second World Wars, in particular anti-invasion defences. We’ll be meeting at Needham Village Hall, High Road, Needham, IP20 9LB. Admission is £3.00 and there’s no need to book. All welcome.

In most people’s minds, the period following the Dunkirk evacuation saw old men and young boys rushing to join the Local Defence Volunteers (later the Home Guard), where they were quickly made responsible for defending the country against the onslaught of the Wehrmacht that could come at any moment. However, the role of the Regular and Territorial Army which took on the main role of defending the UK against invasion in the period following the fall of France is largely forgotten today.

On February 18th we welcome Angus Wainwright, National Trust archaeologist for the East of England whose parish includes among many other sites Sutton Hoo, Orford Ness and Ickworth. We’ll be at Needham Village Hall again, more to follow.

In March, back by popular demand, Going for a Walk Pt lll with Dr Sarah Spooner from UEA. This will be either 18th or 25th March and we’re looking at a route along a part of the Waveney itself. Again, more later.

Thank you for your support over the last year and have a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.