St Benet's Exhibition & Free Lecture Series

Stories from St Benet's Exhibition...

St Benet’s Abbey, often referred to as an ‘icon of the Broads’, has been the subject of a recent HLF funded Conservation, Access and Community Project.  This exhibition examines the history and development of the Abbey, through the stories and records of its inhabitants and visitors, including those involved in the project.

The exhibition features items from the Norfolk Record Office, as well as artwork and archaeological finds from the Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery and books and photographs from Norfolk Millennium Library (click on image, below, for details).

Stories from St Benet's Lecture Series...

In addition to the exhibition, there is also, an accompanying free lecture series, May – June 2014 (click on image, below, for details)

Announcement re Meeting Place

Thanks to everyone who attended today's talk about Kett's Rebellion. 

FYI for the next couple of weeks Cafe Bar Marzanos is doing building work where we normally gather. Therefore, over that period (29th April and 6th May) we will be using the cafe in the nearby St Stephen's church in Chapelfield, which is open from 10am onwards. 

Thanks!
Colin

Museum of Norwich Filming

All images © Aimee Judkins 2014

All of the evidence shows that a really important part of our wellbeing comes from giving. Therefore, we in the Norwich Community History Club are committed to contributing to the wider community. As part of our commitment to this, we are currently working in partnership with BBC Voices and the Norfolk Museums Service to make films about one of the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. Here are some photographs of club members working on their films. 

Learning From Auschwitz

April 1st 2014: Sometimes there are moments of synchronicity when things come together with great outcomes. So it was that, fresh from attending a workshop at Norwich Cathedral focused on Norwich's historic association with the first known accusation of ritual child murder in European history (the case of William of Norwich), I was contacted by a sixteen year old sixth form student from Hewett School, asking if she could talk to the History Club members about her experience of visiting Auschwitz. 

I met up with Chloe prior to the talk and was immediately impressed by her maturity, eloquence, insight and sense of social justice, fueled by her recent visit as part of the Learning From Auschwitz (LFA) programme to the camp site. My first impression was entirely justified by the quality of the presentation she shared with our members the following day. 

Having been actively involved with projects such as the Anne Frank exhibition myself in the past, I knew the main facts about the camp. But listening to Chloe's first hand account of her visit, the poignancy of the tragedy really hit me. I found myself moved by her account of meeting Susan, an elderly camp survivor, who, as a thirteen year old, had entered the camp and had around fifty family members murdered by the Nazi criminals. Listening, I was struck by the thought that Chloe, so impressive at sixteen years of age, was actually three years older than Susan. It is so important that we all engage with this tragedy and learn from it, so that we treat each other with tolerance and respect. 

At the end of the talk, Chloe answered questions from members and also asked us some challenging questions. For instance, we were challenged by her to reflect on how we, as imaginary citizens of interwar Germany, would have acted in response to the rise of Nazism. Of course, we all like to think that we would have opposed the regime and made a stand - but, in the actuality, would we? Hand on heart, no-one can answer this with any certainty of course. However, what we can do is to take the time to learn about these tragic events and to connect empathically and challenge the prejudice and stereotypes that continue to portray whole groups of people as 'outsiders'/'aliens'/'other'. 

I really admire Chloe and the excellent work of the LFA programme. The Norwich Community History Club are committed to, "be(ing) actively inclusive - open, accessible and welcoming to all", and having Chloe share her experiences with us entirely satisfies this commitment to diversity and tolerance. 

~ Colin Howey ~ 

Keeping Fit in the Middle Ages

11th March 2014: We were delighted to welcome back Professor Carole Rawcliffe to the History Club. Carole chose a typically intriguing title to her talk, 'Keeping Fit in the Middle Ages'. In a fascinating exploration of the health culture of the medieval period one point that came across loud and clear was that, even if their thinking wasn't based on a scientific methodology, there was a very sophisticated culture concerning the maintenance of physical health and fitness. 

Professor Rawcliffe has an amazing combination of rigorous scholarship and engaging communication skills, and it is always an absolute pleasure and privilege to hear her speak. As ever, our members were enthusiastic and appreciative of her expertise and asked lots of pertinent questions at the end of the presentation. 

We really are grateful to Carole and to the UEA for engaging with members of the local community in this way. 

Thanks!

An Amazing Insight into the History of the Royal Norfolk Regiment

One of the many benefits of being a Norwich Community History Club member comes from our excellent relationship with the Norfolk Museum Service. This was in evidence once again during a recent visit to Norwich Castle Museum when we were given expert insight into the history of the Royal Norfolk Regiment by curator, Kate Thaxton and WW1 Centenary Trainee, Rachel Willis. 

Curator, Kate Thaxton, talking to some of the club members 

Dividing the group in half, Kate led a fascinating tour of the newly displayed galleries located in the Castle Museum rotunda gallery. Members felt a real sense of privilege to listen to her talking about the regiment's history with such eloquence and authority. Kate also explained the thinking behind the re-display, explaining that it was focused on the stories of people associated with the regiment. 

Rachel Willis sharing regimental archival material with club
members

In the meantime, Rachel took people to the Shirehall Study room - an adventure in itself, for those who had never been behind the scenes and walked through the modern tunnel linking museum to Shirehall. Once settled into the room, members were fascinated to look at archival material connected with the Royal Norfolk Regiment. One of the many things that caught my eye and imagination was the list of ailments from the Norfolk Regiment's Casualty Book (excerpt pictured below).

The Dohbi Itch is just one of an amazing list of potential conditions a soldier might experience.

On behalf of all of the History Club members I would like to thank Kate and Rachel for their warm welcome and fascinating insight into the life of the regiment. This is especially appreciated as they responded at very late notice to a request from us to do this visit. Thanks!