Whitchurch & Goring Heath History Society

THE main topic at the Whitchurch & Goring Heath History Society’s meeting in January was rubbish and the history of its disposal.

While public health acts were passed at the end of the 19th century, most were permissible, not compulsory, so people continued to burn or bury their rubbish.

This meant that there is a lot of interest to be found in the soil of our gardens. Members brought along their finds, such as beer bottles, pottery, a pipe, coins and a billhook.

At February’s meeting, which included our annual meeting we enjoyed Alan Copeland’s presentation on the curiosities he has found in the Cotswolds.

For the meeting on Thursday, March 20 there will be the talk by Mike Cooper on “The defence of Reading from Vikings to nuclear war”, which was postponed from last year.

It will be held at Whitchurch village hall at 2.30pm. All are welcome, non-members pay £3, which includes tea and biscuits.