August 2026 Newsletter
It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of one of our founding members, Murial Smith. Murial was born and lived all her life in the village. Her knowledge was crucial in our recording of village life and any query was always answered with "Murial will know". She will be sadly missed by the history group and our condolences go out to her family.
Unfortunately, we must now highlight several issues of concern within the history group.
1. For some time now the history group has had concerns over our financial situation mainly caused by a steady decline in memberships coupled with poor visitor numbers. Membership and visitors being our main source of income.
2. For over two years we have put out requests each month in the village newsletter and members newsletter for committee members and/or help with our routine work. (Sadly, those requests have proved fruitless.)
3. Pete, our Secretary and Treasurer, will be stepping down from the committee as from the AGM in November.
4. We have put out a special request for help to all the various village organisations. To date there has been no response.
Taking everything into account, the history group have reluctantly taken the decision that as from the AGM in November, Gilmorton History Group will close and cease all activity.
This decision hasn't been taken lightly. With just four committee members, (three from November) who have worked hard to keep things going and we are proud with what we have achieved, especially since Covid. The group cannot continue with just three committee members.
If there are people in the village that are prepared to commit their time as committee members and to bring new ideas and new ways of working, then consideration may be given to continue with the group. If we do not get new committee members, then we will close. If you feel you can commit to the group, then please get in touch.
Our remaining 2026 events calendar now looks like this:
AUGUST - History of the Beer Festival display (at the Beer Festival hopefully!)
SEPTEMBER - National Heritage week with Gilmorton church.
Held in the church itself, there will be a display drawn from our archives on church history etc. Phil Frost will talk about some of the interesting aspects and features of the church. Bellringers will be there for a regular practice and to demonstrate the art (science?) of bellringing. Main event on Tuesday 15th with the display and possibly other events ongoing in the week. Free entry although contributions gratefully accepted.
NOVEMBER - Wednesday 11th only - “Polish Settlement Camps” Bozena Kunzewicz will be a guest speaker on the Wednesday morning ONLY and will give a talk on the Polish settlement in the UK and especially the displaced Poles after the war in camps such as the one at Husbands Bosworth.
NOVEMBER – Tuesday 4th will be our 11th AGM.
Our Village Information Board monthly quiz (open to all not just members) the answers to which can be found on one or both of the two Gilmorton display boards (one on the Village Hall wall and one by the Recreation Ground towards the tennis courts) continues to run.
The quiz question for July was: What sport is represented on both boards?
There were no correct answers submitted so the July quiz has been extended into August, so you now have another month to submit your answer.
Answers by e-mail to
All correct entries go into the draw for the prize which is a £20 M&S gift card.