Historical Society Launched

A packed audience at the Keene Hall attended the Inaugural Meeting of the Galleywood Historical Society, on Thursday 26 November.The evening was opened by Council Chairman, Ted Hawkins, who acknowledged that the decision to form the Society was largely inspired by the work of Ron White who had created an extensive photographic archive of Galleywood Village. Ron was later elected as president of the Society. Following a short formal meeting to elect officers, a committee and approve a Constitution, Christine Whybro gave a fascinating illustrated talk on the history of Galleywood at the time of the threatened Napoleonic invasion. This was highlighted by the appearance of John Wanmer, dressed in the authentic uniform of a rifleman of the period and later as an officer of the 44th East Essex Regiment of 1815.

The success of this first meeting indicates a promising future for this newly formed organisation.