Shepshed History Society

Article by Marjorie Schulz

On the 13th of December the Shepshed History Society played host to the society’s Christmas Social meeting. The evening started with a regular and well liked speaker by the name of Jo Golby who gave a highly entertaining and amusing talk on her adventures as a Tour Guide mainly at Warwick Castle and later Calke Abbey, she went onto tell many amusing tales of the many predicaments she got herself into and related how quite a few famous personalities also visited the Warwick Castle over the years and tried to belittle her but she always came out on top. Meanwhile while listening to the many hilarious tales, members of the society enjoyed a welcome glass of Christmas punch. And finally the society provided a luxurious Christmas supper for its members and the evening was a great success.

On the 10th of January Shepshed History Society enjoyed an excellent talk given by Mrs Sandy Leong. It was a follow up talk given earlier on the origin of our tea that we all take for granted these days. In the 1840’s a plant hunter and adventurer one Robert Fortune was employed by the East India Trading company to go in disguise dressed as a native to China. His task was to investigate the many sorts of teas there were as well as learn their art of refining it into the tea we know today. 6ft 1” tall Robert had many hilarious and dangerous adventures as he went under cover. However he was able pass the vital information onto India and they were able to grow the tea themselves. He survived to tell the tale and finished working up as a plant specialist in Kew Gardens.

The February speaker on the 14th is Mr Keith Blood who will be telling tales of the supernatural. Newcomers always welcome and for more info please contact 07563164315