Themed to celebrate some of the city’s unsung heroes, History Day opens at the Town Hall on Saturday, September 21.
After a civic procession through High Town with Mayor Kevin Tillett, the BBC’s Nick Barratt will open the Town Hall’s History ‘Supermarket’ bringing together nearly twenty local history groups. With walks, talks, tours, and performances throughout the day, events include advice on digital family history research from Nick Barratt; the story of the SAS from Major David Seeney; and a screening of butcher Nick Ogelby’s ‘dash cam’ film Hereford in 1984.
The winners of this year’s Young Historian Award will be revealed as the Guild of Guides focus on Hereford’s famous buildings (the Town Hall itself celebrates its 120th birthday this year) and famous city women.
Among the local heroes are Hereford Art School’s Charles Gertner, the artist behind the Christ statue that once stood on the roof of St Xavier’s; and ‘jailbird’ Elsie Abel, imprisoned after a city demo in 1918, triggering protests from MPs and trade unions. Elsie is celebrated by young performers at this year’s History SLAM!
Organised by Herefordshire Lore, publishers of the quarterly In Our Age journal, for the second year running, and funded by the City Council and local supporters, Hereford History Day promises to be a day to remember. Co-ordinator Becca Savage, sponsored by the Barrels to help run the event, says visitors will enjoy a great day out: “There’ll be lots to see and do for all ages along with plenty of tea, cake and good company!”
See www.herefordshirelore.org.uk for more information.
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