Professor Jackie Eales, HA President, will deliver the annual Presidential lecture in the National Waterfont Museum at 11.00 on Saturday 21st September. Entry is free. Her subject is The Campden Wonder of 1662: The Murder and Miraculous Deliverance of William Harrison.

On Thursday 16th August 1660 William Harrison, an elderly gentleman, disappeared without trace from the prosperous market town of Chipping Campden. All that remained were his slashed hat and bloodied neckbands lying in the highway.

His servant and two accomplices were later hanged for the murder. The case raised accusations of kidnap and witchcraft, and provides a fascinating insight into the early modern English justice system.

Jackie will be at the museum early to give her an opportunity to meet and talk with members and the audience generally, one of the principal reasons for her visits to branches. We will take her for lunch afterwards, to Gallini’s in the marina (£9.99 for two excellent courses). Members are welcome to join us for the meal or a pre-lunch drink.

Forces War Records has placed war diaries and other writings by military personnel on line free for an unspecified period. Try an early Plain English guide by Major William George Mills. On the next page is his poetic response to his Colonel’s instruction on letters containing raspberries sent over his name, and on the previous page his illustrated poem about a snooker loving pipe smoker.