Welcome to Our Past

An illustrated talk by John Lander
For the whole of the Second World War, and for five years afterwards until 1950, ‘land girls’ of the Women’s Land Army were especially valuable in the New Forest area of Hampshire working in local market gardens, and as ‘Lumber Jills’ in the production of a wide variety of timber products.

St. Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Church Lane, Old Milton BH25 6QN
All talks start at 7.00pm – Doors open at 6.40pm – Free admission for members – £5.00 for non-members

An illustrated talk by Vikki Bramshaw

Welcome to a Forest of Medieval imagination. Here, much of Norman Forest Law endures even today, and creates a unique environment which nurtures the continuation of superstition and folklore. Let’s explore a landscape shaped by ancient bylaws and perambulations, and the primordial boglands known for their effervescent ‘foolish-fires’, the bog dwelling apparitions.Let’s traverse archaic routes used by the Commoner, old tracks which themselves would become the seed for superstition, haunted by spectral black dogs and guiding smugglers to the black markets hidden amongst the trees. Along these ‘old ways’ we travel, to seek forgotten sacred springs, woodlands and haunted glades with strange archaic folk names, and old cob cottages and roadside taverns whose hearthfires hold ancient rights for those who light them, and whose mantlepieces are adorned with protective marks.

St. Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Church Lane, Old Milton BH25 6QN
All talks start at 7.00pm – Doors open at 6.40pm – Free admission for members – £5.00 for non-members

An illustrated talk by Rebecca Clark
This talk covers the little known story during WW1 of the internment of the men from the stricken armed cruiser, HMS India, in particular, Arnold Clarke who wrote weekly to his sister, Queenie Clarke, teacher at Branksome College, which later became Fernhill Manor in New Milton.

St. Mary Magdalene Church Hall, Church Lane, Old Milton BH25 6QN
All talks start at 7.00pm – Doors open at 6.40pm – Free admission for members – £5.00 for non-members