April 2024 Newsletter

PDF/printable copy of this newsletter is also available here.

The Last Naval Hero 

We warmly welcome Roy Smart as our speaker this evening on the former First Sea Lord, David, 1st Earl Beatty – The Last Naval Hero!

All Saints Church, Lubenham

May’s Meeting will be on Tuesday 14th May 2024 at 7.30pm The History of All Saints Church – the Story so Far presented by Pip Clements. There has been a Christian presence in Lubenham prior to the construction of the stone-built building during the 12th century and the church continues to be a living presence in our 21st century community. We shall consider its many architectural and artistic features, plus Royal Connections with the church and village that cover the centuries plus a peek into the future.

The Graveyard Survey is finished! 

After numerous setbacks, not least the delay caused by the Covid pandemic and other commitments, we have finally got there and the long awaited Survey of the graveyard at All Saints Church, Lubenham is finished! Come and join us for a short celebration, including wine and nibbles, which will follow our normal meeting on Tuesday 14th May. We will then present the Survey and thank everyone involved, from the original planning group to those who sat in the churchyard in all weathers, recording details from every gravestone. 

It all began in 2015 when, following an approach from All Saints Parochial Church Council (PCC) to LHG, it was decided to update the survey carried out by the Women’s Institute in 1981. A small but dedicated group of volunteers began recording all the graves and their hard work has finally come to fruition with the publication of the Survey. It will be on display and available to view in All Saints Church where it will be used not only by those keen to trace relatives and friends but by people researching the history of our village. It is very fitting that the presentation will follow the talk by Pip Clements on ‘The History of All Saints Church’. Please note, we shall not be charging the normal entry fee for this evening and the whole event is free.

Members Only Visits

Visit to Thorney, near Peterborough, Thursday 9th May, 2024

Please arrange to arrive ready to start at 10.30. Travel time from Lubenham is just over an hour by car. If you are interested in the trip but do not have transport, please let us know and we will try to help. There is ample parking at Bedford Hall, built in 1855, where there are toilets.

We will start our visit there with tea/coffee, followed by a brief talk and visit to the Museum. A buffet lunch, included in the price, will be served there, before we move on to Thorney Abbey in the afternoon. Those who do not want to take the short walk will be able to drive and park there. The visit is expected to end at 4pm.

Thorney Abbey
Thorney Abbey

This should be an interesting and varied day and we are being shown great hospitality by the organisers. The cost to members will be £10, payable on the day, which includes coffee and lunch. Places are limited to 30 so please contact Margaret Lewis if you would like to go. Please advise us if you have any allergies or dietary requirements. 

If there are any spare places non-members are welcome to join us at the full price of £15. 

For the latest details of this event, visit our Heritage Group Web site.

Visit to Burbage, Thursday 4th July

Mat Fascione / Burbage War Memorial

Our next visit for Members will be on Thursday 4th July at 1.30 and will be a guided walking tour of Burbage hosted by Burbage Heritage Group so please save the date. Burbage has a long history that we hope you find interesting. It is 20 miles away, just South of Hinckley, and should take about 30 minutes by car. The walk will follow their published heritage trail and is only ¾ of a mile of easy walking and will take about an hour and a quarter.

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