RECEPTION HELD IN ST LEONARD’S CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2023 FOR ANNE PETRIE ON THE OCCASION OF HER STEPPING DOWN AS CHAIR OF THE HYTHE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP, TO TAKE EFFECT FROM  1st JANUARY 2024
On Wednesday 8th November, 2023 Anne chaired her last meeting for the Hythe Local History Group. Anne took over the Chair from John Osborne in 2015 and the Group is very sorry to be losing her.
After the HLHG meeting, the Group left the choir vestry and moved into the servery area of St Leonard’s church, to the rousing accompaniment of the church organ, which was being tuned on Wednesday!!!
A previously laid out table of nibbles and drinks was enjoyed until Brin arranged a gap in the music - in order for David and Mike to give their eloquent, heartfelt tributes to Anne. They spoke of Anne’s leadership and wisdom and of her many literary contributions to Hythe and the group. During the last nine years, Anne has written five books: The Story of Kent; Hythe & Saltwood Remember 1914-1918; The Hythe Hospitals: A History; The Hortons of Coldharbour House: and Not Just Milk Stout: The Mackeson Family and Their Hythe Brewery. She edited Christopher McGonigal’s book The Deedes Family in Hythe Kent, 1580-1800 and has produced information
Leaflets, for St Leonard’s church on the churchyard and the medieval graffiti. Her records of all the grave markers in the churchyard is now available online. She has also written 162 blog posts on Hythe history and collaborated with Origins Untold in celebrating Black History month. She organised an exhibition to commemorate the end of World War 1 and is currently working on events to celebrate the 750th anniversary of St John’s & St Bartholomew’s hospitals.
Iris, who will be taking over the HLHG Chair on 1st January, 2024 then presented Anne with a picture of Hythe and a gift voucher and card.
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Anne gave her thanks and said how much she had enjoyed her time as Chair of HLHG. Anne also expressed how much had been achieved by members of the Group, which would be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024. She thanked Alethea for her work and efforts in recording and disseminating the minutes and reports of our meetings and activities.
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Everyone then mingled, chatted and reminisced in the atmospheric surroundings of St Leonard’s Church. It was a very special time to spend with Anne and to show appreciation for all she has achieved during her time with the Hythe Local History Group.
Farewell speech by Mike de la Mare:
Farewell speech by David Paton
Alethea Lester,                                                            Â
Secretary
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