Perfect Weather for Garden Party

The Shaftesbury & District Historical Society chose one of the hottest days of the year for their Annual Garden Party on Tuesday 23 July. At the preceding AGM, Chairperson Elaine Barratt paid tribute to the indispensable contributions of numerous Society members and volunteers, including retiring Trustee Claire Ryley who would continue to volunteer for both Museums in the town. Unfortunately the Society had lost a former Chairman in Terry Atkins, a former President in Geoffrey Tapper, and a regular steward and cataloguer in Jill Wilkins. Elected as Trustees were Elaine herself, Ian Kellett and Paulette McManus. The meeting decided not to increase annual or life membership subscriptions, which remain attractively priced at £15 and £75 respectively for an individual; and £25 annually for a family or partners at the same address. It was agreed that the Trustees would look at the possibility of more flexibility in the starting times of some lectures in the 2020-21 season. The 2019-20 programme is already arranged and visible on the Gold Hill Museum website. With the business of the AGM concluded in little over half an hour, members were delighted to socialise alfresco while admiring the handiwork of the team of garden volunteers.