Family Gathering 2010

The Wooster Family Group gathering will take place on Saturday 24th July 2010 to coincide with the Bucks FHS open day http://www.bucksfhs.org.uk/ 

We have attended the Bucks FHS open day for a number of years. It seemed time to use our day together in a way that could enhance knowledge of our own "family".

To that end we have put together a programme for the day with help from June Biggs, who is our foremost researcher of the Wooster family.

For those who purchased June's booklet "The Woosters of Buckinghamshire" they can read about Moses Wooster and his wife (Grace Fryer) who were the first family members to move into farming in West Wycombe (pages 40-55); their wedding was recorded in April 1721. As is typical of June's writings, she really brings the family to life! She identifies the farmland that was their home and much more of their story.

This will provide the basis of our visit, where, because West Wycombe can still be described as a village we can see a property owned by the family but, unfortunately, we believe the farmland is now under a housing estate.

In 1929 West Wycombe was put up for sale by the Dashwood family due to the Wall Street crash. The village was purchesed in its entirety by the Royal Scoiety for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce, as part of their campaign for the preservation of ancient cottages. In 1934 the village was handed over to the National Trust, under the name of West Wycombe village and hill. This has saved the village which still has many properties from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Through the good offices of some of the present day villagers we will have the opportunity to see inside the Churchloft which is in the village and where our ancestor would join parish meetings. We will also be able to see inside the parish church (mentioned in an article in this quarters Bucks FHS booklet) of St Lawrence which is on the hill, but fortunately has a car park nearby!

Our programme for the day is as follows:

Meet at the George & Dragon in West Wycombe for lunch at ca. midday. http://www.british-towns.net/hotels/hotel_selected.asp?GetHID=17782

1.30 Visit churchloft and also see the workings of the town clock

2.00 Walk to Church Lane; see Eleanor Bailey's cottages purchased in 1759

3.15 Visit the Church of St Lawrence

4.00 Tea at the Caves or garden centre; leaving members time to visit caves or see more of the village. 

All are welcome.

It would be helpful if people could let me know in advance if they are intending to join us so that we can put together a package of material for everyone.

Contact: nick.wooster9926@ntlworld.com