We were created just after the Second World War under the name of the Society of Thornbury Folk. Eighty years and three changes of name later we’re still here. We will be celebrating the anniversary with Meg Wise’s talk about our history at the December meeting.
Meetings are at St Mary’s Church Hall, Eastbury Road, Thornbury. They begin at 7.30pm and last about 90 minutes, usually with a break for free refreshments (tea/coffee and biscuits).
8 December 2026
A history of this Society
Meg Wise
12 January 2027
Die Hard in Spain: Hector Maclaine
Ben Mallett
9 February 2027
Woodchester Mansion – an unfinished masterpiece
Liz Davenport
9 March 2027
Update on the Alveston Archaeological dig and other local discoveries
Aaron Girdlestone
13 April 2027
The Cotswold Canal Trust
Louise Nicholson
11 May 2027
A Blue Plaque tour of Gloucestershire
Andy Mellor
Please note this programme may be subject to change.
The subscription for the 2026-27 season is £12.00.
You can join by contacting us through our online contact form 
; our treasurer will respond with bank transfer details. Or you can pay at the first meeting you attend.
Non-members can come as a visitor for a single meeting by paying £3.50 at the door.
The members are Chair: Liz Roberts; Secretary: Ann Moore; Treasurer: John Brimacombe; Members: Viv Burney, Stan Morrissey.
The Americans in Bristol in World War Two
Oliver Davey became interested in the American presence in Bristol and its neighbourhood during World War Two when he learned that his aunt had married an American soldier at that time. This led him to research the extent of the American military presence and its environmental and social impact.
Stan Morrissey’s report is here:
We have for decades prepared summaries of our talks, which have appeared in the Thornbury Magazine and elsewhere, and which collectively make up an informative and often witty record.
Those for the 2020 to 2026 seasons are now online. See the index here: More than 80 reports of older meetings may be found on our page on myThornbury:
If you have any questions regarding the Society or want to become more involved, then please do not hesitate to send us a message through our online contact form:
We would like more committee members to ensure that the monthly talks run smoothly. If you would like to help, please tell us via the contact form or speak to one of us at the next meeting.
Follow us on Facebook
See our page on MyThornbury
Some other sites you may find interesting:
Thornbury and District Museum
Thornbury Roots
Avon Local History and Archaeology
Gloucestershire Local History Association
British Association of Local History