The 10th anniversary Farmery gathering held at Bracebridge Heath on September 25th 2010 was once again a truly international event when we welcomed, for the 3rd year running, Graham and Alison Farmer from Rome, Italy, and, for the first time, Henry and Kay Farmery from Toronto, Canada, and sisters Pam Woodward and Jenny Thompson from New Zealand!
Veronica Farmery from Leeds provided a surprise cake which was enjoyed at the afternoon tea break.
Lynda Hotkiss' talk in the morning on food from the past was supplemented with so many tasty samples that for many delegates there was no need to adjourn to the pub for lunch.
In the afternoon Peter Edwards handed out copies of many interesting cuttings to illustrate the importance of using newspapers in research; one example from June 1911 was entitled "Funeral Scenes at Welshpool" and included:
"
... The coffin was a study in decoration, and reminded one forcibly of the coster's cluster of buttons. It was composed of unstained oak, but the brass fittings showed that no expense had been spared to make the deceased's last journey a memorable one. The lid of the coffin was covered all round with brass studs of about an inch square, a large plate almost the entire width of the coffin itself and about 15 inches in length, which contained the plain inscription ... "
One of my favourite newspaper cuttings is from the Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury of January 29th 1790:
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A curious boxing match took place a few days ago at Waddington near Lincoln between two females of that village, Susanna Locker and Mary Farmery. They both laid claim to the affections of a young man; this produced a challenge from the latter to fight for the prize, which was accepted. Proper sidesmen were chosen and every matter conducted in form. After several count-down blows on each side, the battle ended in favour of Mary Farmery."
Once again a large number of those present at the gathering met up for dinner at the Wig and Mitre at the top of Steep Hill in Lincoln.
Next years gathering is scheduled for Saturday September 24th 2011 at Bracebridge Heath.
