All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street (Opposite The Green) at 7.30 unless otherwise stated. We are keen to welcome visitors and potential new members. Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each talk.
16th January AGM AND SOCIAL ****** at Markfield Library ****
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY.
This is our Annual general meeting, social and buffet and is a good opportunity for new members to get to know the group. Annual membership is currently £8 for individuals and £14 for couples/ families. This includes all the talks during the year, so no extra to pay. Please call 07976 752007 if you would like to arrange to become a member before the AGM so we know catering numbers!
19th March PEPPERMINT BILLY Speaker: GARETH KING
Gareth came to talk to us in March 2023 and was most entertaining, so we are very glad to welcome him back. He will guide us through the gruesome double murder case of the last man publicly hanged in Leicester – a man known as Peppermint Billy. Why was he known by that name? What were his crimes? Where was he hanged? Come along and find out and be very entertained too!
21st May LEICESTER CATHEDRAL REVEALED Speaker: MATHEW MORRIS
Leicester Cathedral was the parish church of St Martin's until it became the Cathedral in 1927. The recent deep excavations for the construction of the new heritage learning centre in the Cathedral Gardens have revealed a fascinating snapshot of life in Leicester over the past 2,000 years - from a possible Roman shrine to a burial ground in use from the late Saxon period to the 19th century. Mathew Morris from University of Leicester Archaeological Services will reveal the archaeology found, what it tells us about the lives of the people of St Martin's parish, and its significance for the story of Leicester.
16th July VILLAGE WALK
Leaders from the Markfield Local History Group will take you on a tour of the old village, including the central streets around The Green and parts of Main Street. Providing a glimpse into village life in times past, we will pick out notable older buildings together with newer changes and developments, whilst recounting interesting stories and anecdotes. There may be some slippery steps along the route, so you are advised to wear suitable footwear.
The guided walk is FREE, but donations welcome.
Meet at 7.15pm on the lower part of The Green LE67 9WD, which is opposite the Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield.
17th September MADE IN LEICESTER Speaker: BRIAN JOHNSON
The three principal industries in Leicester were Boot and Shoe, Hosiery and Engineering. Many thousands were employed in these industries, particularly during and after the industrial revolution. By the 1950s Leicester was considered the second richest city in Europe, with its hosiery industry alone earning the equivalent of over £100 million per year and accounting for a third of the country’s exports.
Many Leicester companies became household names and so even people who didn’t grow up in Leicester will still be familiar with them. Sadly, many of those companies are no longer with us, but what of the other companies though, the ones that are still with us? Many have weathered the storms of recent years and are still performing well. Some are big names we regularly see advertised on the television, but not many people realise they have their origins here in Leicester.
19th November THE LILLINGSTONS OF ULVERSCROFT
Speakers: Margaret Bowler and Laurence Lock
The Lillingstons lived in nearby Ulverscroft, but made a significant contribution to Markfield village. Who were they? What is their connection to Markfield? What is the connection with Ulverscroft Manor? Why was Lillingston Close in Markfield named after them?
Membership and Visitors
Annual membership is currently £8 for individuals and £14 for couples/ families. This includes all the talks during the year, so no extra to pay.
Non-members are asked to pay £3 on the door at each talk.
Please note these fees are subject to change at the AGM in January.
All meetings are at Markfield Methodist Church, Main Street (Opposite The Green) at 7.30 unless otherwise stated.