A video of the FoBC Visit to Virginia last November will be shown at the Berkeley Arms on Tuesday 5 May at 7.30pm.        

Donations on the door appreciated to defray costs.

The Spring 2020 edition of the Berkeley Buttress

has been despatched to members.

This edition includes an update on events in 2019 and a schedule of events planed for 2020.

Membership cards and complimentary tickets are included for those who paid by standing on 14th February 2020.

Further copies of the Events application form are available for download from the Friends homepage.

FoBC Christmas Party - Sunday 15th December 2019

A good number of Friends assembled for mulled wine and numerous nibbles in The Great Hall.  

We were greatly entertained, both by the Harmonix singers and by their persuasive leader who encouraged our participation.  

It was a great start to the Festive Season.

FoBC Thanksgiving Supper in The Great Hall  - Thursday 28th November 2019

An excellent evening with a classic American menu was enjoyed by almost 100 guests,
some of whom had joined the trip to Virginia earlier in the month (see the post below).

Appreciation for the organiser of the FoBC trip to Virginia.

Diners joined some members of the Berkeley Nightingales for a rendition of  "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square".

Virginia Thanksgiving Festival:  400th Anniversary of America's first official English Thanksgiving, at Berkeley Hundred on the James River, in 1619

A selection of photographs from FoBC members' trip to the Berkeley Plantation in November 2019:

 

 

The week long trip, based in Williamsburg, included visits to Yorktown, Jamestown and Richmond.

Full report in the Spring 2020 Buttress.

Thanksgiving Supper - Thursday 28 November 2019

The Great Hall, Berkeley Castle

29 Friends are shortly heading for Virginia to participate in the 400th Anniversary celebrations and visit the Berkeley Plantation Mansion.  

The fascinating and sad story of the Berkeley Settlement and the first official English Thanksgiving on American soil will be explored.   

Stories will be shared at the Castle on 28th November.   

For details of the traditional two course meal see the Autumn edition of The Berkeley Buttress. 

Tickets £30 for members (non-members £34).  Pre-booking essential.

The Berkeley Company's ship The Margaret and settlers from Gloucestershire giving thanks after arriving in Virginia in November 1619.

The stones of Berkeley Castle.  Talk by Arthur Price, building stone archaeology specialist on Thursday 17th October

A group of almost 50 enjoyed a fascinating tour to hear about the hugely varied ages and sources of the stones that the Castle has been built from.

Full report in the Spring edition of The Berkeley Buttress.

One of the Eighth Earl's additions from France.

An incredibly interesting insight.