13 May, St Mary’s Church Hall, 7.30pm.
Foxwhelps to Firkins: Cider Making in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire has a strong tradition of cider making and Andy Meller will talk about the history of cidermaking in the county, from its initial use as payment for agricultural labourers to its current fashionable artisan drink. He also considers the traditional processes involved in turning an apple into a glass of cider and examines local customs such as wassailing.
Andy Meller has worked as a head teacher, actor and storyteller and has recently retired as a bookseller with Waterstones. He has always had a passion for history and hopes his talks will inspire others to delve deeper into the subjects he speaks about.
Meetings are held 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).
Forthcoming meetings in the season:
13 May 2025
Cider Making in Gloucestershire
Andy Meller
19 June 2025
Acton Court visit
Summer excursion
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 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 2025 seasons are now online. See the index here:
More than 80 reports of older meetings may be found on our page on myThornbury:
We were created just after the Seond World War under the name of the Society of Thornbury Folk. Nearly 80 years and three changes of name later we’re still here. Read about our history:
Steve Grudgings gave a fascinating talk on the history of coal mining around Bristol, which once again attracted a full house. Stan Morrissey has compiled an illustrated report.
Tony Conder’s talk on the history of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal attracted a full house. Stan Morrissey has compiled an illustrated report, which we hope you will find as enjoyable.
Because of recent retirements from the committee, we need more members to ensure that the monthly talks run smoothly.
If you would like to help, please tell the committee via our contact form or speak to one of us at the next meeting so we can tell you more about what we do.
We’re a friendly bunch, and more hands make light work!
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
These are the current committee members:
| Chair: | Gill Cox | |
| Ann Moore | ||
| Treasurer: | John Brimacombe | |
| Members: | Viv Burney, Stan Morrissey. |