ABOUT THE SOCIETY

Hemel Hempstead Local History & Museum Society was founded in December 1955, with Mr. W. G S. Crook as Chairman. 

In 1969, Mr. Crook became President with V. J. Wrigley MA in the Chair.  About this time some of the members including Gwennah Robinson BA., and Arthur L. Wood compiled the book, "History of Hemel Heinpstead". edited by Susan Yaxley and published in 1973. (See PUBLICATIONS)

Clifford Owen became Chairman in 1973 and then President in 1981.  However, the guiding light of the Society has been Michael Stanyon who was Chairman for nearly 15 years.  Mrs. Eve Davis became Honorary Secretary in 1983, with Mrs. Vera Dormer acting as Honorary Treasurer the following year.

When Michael Stanyon retired in 1996, the Society invited Elizabeth Buteux MA, who had been a guest speaker since 1986, to take the Chair.  The author of many articles and the book, "Times Highway", Elizabeth is a Director of the Dacorum Heritage Trust and lectures on History at venues all over the county.

Mrs. Margaret Stanyon was Honorary Secretary from 1998 to 2001, when John Buteux took over the office, until his death in January 2007.  Roy Wood has now taken up the reigns as Hon. Secretary.

David Stevens FRICS was elected Vice Chairman in 1996, whilst Mrs. Vera Dormer continues to serve as Honorary Treasurer.

Elizabeth has been anxious to attract new members, particularly younger people, and to this end has reduced subscription rates for students.  There are ten meetings a year, and Elizabeth has tried to include a mixed programme of talks and films to cover all interests.  There are visits to museums, stately homes and other places of historical interest.  There are also projects, such as the current one on "Street Names" organised by Roy Wood, and an extensive library service run by Richard Ford the Society's Honorary Librarian.

As the Society continues to flourish, Elizabeth is grateful for the support she receives from the President, Peter Ward, together with the Vice Presidents, Peter Clayton FLA, FSA.  FRNS, and Michael Stanyon, and the late Honorary Freeman, Mrs. Mamie King, who is still sadly missed.

The Society meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 8.00pm. at the Carey Baptist Church Hall, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead.  New members and visitors always welcome.  For further information call 01442  398285 or contact Roy at  12 Winifred Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead.  HP3 9DX  or via roy.wood3@ntlworld.com