FoBC AGM - Thursday 26th April 2018 

Another successful year for the Friends 

Despite major outgoings in the last year on items including 

the new Sundial, Painting conservation and further significant work on the Castle Tapestries, 

there is a significant balance available for planned projects, some of which 

were outlined in FoBC chairman Paul Walkden's comprehensive report.

FoBC President Charles Berkeley expressed sincere thanks for what has been achieved 

and also hoped that Friends continue to enjoy the events and other benefits of membership.

Charles Berkeley with Paul Walkden (right) and secretary Jane Handoll.

FoBC Project Update 

Return of the Dutch painting of a Church Interior 

The Friends undertook to pay for the repair, cleaning and conservation of 

the 17th century Dutch painting and frame that hangs in the Housekeeper's Room. 

(See October 2017 blog and photo showing damage.)   

This work was completed over the winter and the painting 

has now been returned to its home by the fireplace.

Detail from the painting.

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FoBC implementation of new Data Protection regulations 

Friends have been asked to complete a form indicating their willingness to 

be contacted under the General Data Protection Regulation 2018.  

If you have not yet completed a form please contact the FoBC Admin Team.

The FoBC Statement of Current Practice is available via a link at the foot of the home page.

Lovely photo

A wintry tale

All members should by now have received the February 2018 edition of 

The Berkeley Buttress, together with an FoBC Events application form 

and a form for completion so that communications with members 

complies with forthcoming data protection regulations.

The Friends-only visit to Worcester College, Oxford, is limited to 40 members 

so please do not delay applying if you wish to join us in September.

The talk by Bristol Cathedral's Keeper of the Fabric 

in December starts at 2pm

and gates open at 1.45pm, not as printed in The Buttress.

An application form for FoBC events 

in October, November and December will be included 

in the August edition of The Berkeley Buttress.

Tales from the Archives

Berkeley Castle surrenders to the Parliamentarians

The Civil Wars (1642-46) were a troubled time for the Castle.  

Its strategic position made its possession important to both sides and it changed hands five times.  

A notable occasion occurred when a Parliamentary force attacked the King’s forces 

which had held the Castle from August 1643:  the churchyard was captured 

following a cavalry charge up the slope from the High Street and once 

artillery had been brought into the churchyard, the Castle was forced to surrender.

  

As the Parliamentary troops were then urgently needed elsewhere, 

the officers commandeered the Castle chattels 

and sold them to pay each man five shillings in lieu of plunder.  

In August 1646 Parliament ordered that the Castle be slighted, 

resulting in the gap in the Keep wall, still visible today.

The Berkeley Buttress - February 2018

Latest edition due soon - The Berkeley Buttress

Committee members will be assembling the six-monthly mail-out  over the coming weekend, 

so Friends should expect the envelope through their letterbox before long.   

Included in the mailing will be membership renewal information, 

details of new data protection requirements, 

and an advance booking form for FoBC Events taking place 

over the next few months, featured in the centre pages.

Mulled Wine & Music
FoBC Drinks Party - Sunday 10th December 2017

 Those who were able to brave the snowy weather had an enjoyable evening
with an ample supply of mulled wine, mince pies, sweets and savouries, 
while Sarah Dalrymple-Smith played the piano.
The Castle Christmas Tree and a flickering log fire added to the cozy festive atmosphere.

The promised musicians, Shepherds Crook, were unable to get through the snow 
from Winchcombe so we entertained each other with charades 
and finished the evening by singing The Twelve Days of Christmas.