The Chiltern Heraldry Group is an association who meet for occasional excursions and social gatherings and to receive and present talks and displays of armorial and antiquarian interest.

 

Customarily six lectures are arranged each year.  Typically a talk of about an hour and illustrated by slides is given by a visiting speaker.  It is followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion with the speaker.  Then, over tea provided by the members, there is opportunity for interchange of information, assistance and opinion about personal research projects among the membership before dispersal by about 5 pm.

 

Meetings are held on Saturday afternoons in the autumn and spring at small village halls in the Chilterns and Thames Valley region.  Historically they have been arranged so that a site of heraldic interest can be visited in the morning and an attractive pub is adjacent for those who enjoy such a setting for lunch. The lectures start at 2.30 pm.

 

For the first 31 years of its existence the group enjoyed the patronage of John Brooke-Little (Clarenceux King of Arms). Other distinguished speakers at its functions have included Sir Colin Cole (Garter King of Arms) and Mr Hubert Chesshyre (Secretary of the Order of the Garter).  Herald Painters Anthony Wood and Timothy Noad  have demonstrated their art and skill, and among the renowned scholars and heraldic writers who have addressed meetings are Cecil Humphery-Smith, Adrian Ailes, Stephen Slater, Peter Summers and Peter Begent.

 

Less prominent members are often actively engaged sharing their long experience and giving expert advice to NADFAS Church Recording Groups, to town and district councils in the area seeking heraldic guidance and antique dealers encountering problems with the provenance of their wares.  Members frequently give presentations to the Group focused on such areas of heraldry as inn-signs, hatchments and armorial bookplates, as well as the arms of sporting bodies, livery companies, corporate bodies and particular families.

 

With a wider perspective the Group has received presentations on Australian, Finnish, Vatican, Bermudan and philatelic heraldry. 

 

The current membership fee is £10 per annum and further information may be obtained, by e-mail, letter or telephone, from the Hon Secretary :
John Allen, Applecroft, Binfield Heath, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 4LT.
Tel + Fax: 0118 947 8712
Email: allen_applecroft@hotmail.com