News

Colours of Heraldry

AGM followed by a talk on the symbolism of heraldry

Following the history group's AGM on Wednesday 15th May when existing members of the committee were re-elected for another year, Tony Bostock gave a well received talk on the meaning of the different colours, symbols and patterns on coats of arms, and how they tell a story about the bearer's heritage, accomplishments and values.  With many examples, especially from historic Cheshire families, he illustrated how they formed a visual language that could become more and more complex over the generations.

Preserving Heritage

PPLHG inspires young minds with school competition

In an attempt to encourage interest in all aspects of local history, the Pulford & Poulton Local History Group sponsored a competition for primary schools in the local area.

This year, the children of Eccleston Primary School participated enthusiastically, providing 17 entries in the different categories of essay, poetry and artwork. The winner in each category was presented with £50 vouchers at a school assembly on 10th May.

The quality of submissions so impressed the judges - e.g. the creative use of cardboard, moss, ice cream sticks, glass fragments, mosaic tiles, photographs and a musket ball, as well as free verse poetry - that they decided to add four highly commended prizes of £20 each.

In addition, every entrant was presented with an attractive certificate of participation in the event.

As Katie Prescott, Headteacher of Eccleston Primary School, is retiring this year, she was given a thank you token for all her support to the history society in getting the competition off the ground.

Given the interest shown in this first event, the local history group is hoping to make this an annual event and perhaps involve more primary schools in this and neighbouring districts.

Iron Mad Jack

A talk on John Wilkinson a pioneering English Industrialist

Brian Gresty, a member of our History Group, gave a fascinating talk on Wednesday 17th April on the working life of John Wilkinson (1728 - 1808) a British industrialist better known as “Iron Mad Jack” the great Staffordshire ironmaster who found new applications for iron and who devised a boring machine essential to the success of James Watt’s steam engine.

At the age of 20 Wilkinson moved to Staffordshire and built Bilston’s first iron furnace. It was at his father’s factory at Bersham, that he constructed his new machine that could bore engine cylinders and cannon barrels with unparalleled accuracy. Its precision enabled Watt to perfect his steam engine. Wilkinson, in turn, used the first steam engine built by Watt and James Moulton to drive a large air pump in his large-scale manufacture of wrought iron. Wilkinson was also involved with the construction of “Iron Bridge”. There can be little doubt that Wilkinson made a significant contribution to the Industrial Revolution.