The Pearly Kings and Queens – The other London Royal Family A presentation by Terry Ereira I had planned to write up Ian Budniak’s talk on the Spanish succession, but a last-minute health issue prevented Ian from attending. As always (and being a Londoner) Terry rose to the occasion and presented an interesting history of the Pearly Kings and Queens of London, and he didn’t need a microphone. Henry Croft, an orphan born and raised in St Pancras workhouse in 1861, left at 13

UPDATE: What a great start to our summer season with a fantastic turnout for our May café and record-breaking proceeds of £635 being donated to Wilton Riding for the Disabled. Thank you so much to everyone who came along to support us. Photos taken at the May Café are here: https://www.stratfordsubcastle.org.uk/cafe-photos-2026 Did you read that the May café inspired an 'Ode to Mary King'? It's in this newspost: https://www.stratfordsubcastle.org.uk/newspost/ode-to-mary

2026 Reported sighting in or near Stratford sub Castle 8 May Two swifts Seen but not photographed. Identified by their calls by using the Merlin app (see bottom of this page). 2 May Swallows https://www.stratfordsubcastle.org.uk/newspost/stratford-wildlife-sightings-in-may 26 April Flower crab spider https://www.stratfordsubcastle.org.uk/newspost/wildlife-in-stratford-on-a-sunny-april-day 19 April Cuckoo https://www.stratfordsubcastle.org.uk/newspost/first-cuckoo-2026 27 Marc

Salisbury Reds has advised that the drop off and pick up points serving several bus routes INCLUDING THE R12, will change on Saturday as the city centre will be closed for the Mayor Making Ceremony. See details below:

The April Newsletter is now available, isee screenshot images below. Note that the Newsletter includes a comment that the pedestrian/cyclists' bridge over the Avon near Five RIvers will need to be closed for short periods, with a marked diversion in operation. : Or you can download the document as a PDF here:

Reading Room at Stratford-sub-Castle If Mary King could pause from tatting lace, As in her photograph, and through the glass Her gaze extend, we’d see across her face Benevolence and joy and pride to pass, For glancing through that pond’s mutating skin Called time, she’d see and hear her Reading Room Replete with hum of chat and wagging chin, The warp and weft of conversation’s loom, A modern version of the Sunday Teas, Victoria Sponge and jam and scones and all, A scene of a

Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Salisbury is part of a national organisation run by the Ramblers. Walks are circular and organised and led by trained volunteers. Footsteps to Fitness are 30 minute walks suitable for new walkers, those recovering from illness or surgery, or anyone who lives alone and wants to get out and meet new people. Local walks start from the coffee kiosk at Victoria Park at 10 am on the following Friday dates: 1 & 15 May 5 & 19 June 3 & 17 July 7 & 21 August D

Jim Platt reports having seen four swallows near Parsonage Farm early evening on 2 May. One of them may be this one .... Image KMOC There are currently three pairs of swallows, one pair in each stable. Last autumn 12 of them assembled on a wire for their migration so there must have been six successful fledglings. Kerry O'Connor comments "We had at least TWO broods last year, some years it’s three. (I mean sequential broods per nest/ pair). All depends on how many flying ins

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 28 May at 7.30 pm in the Reading Room, Stratford Road, Stratford sub Castle SP1 3LL. The speaker will be Sally Morgan and her talk is entitled “Climate friendly gardening”. This promises to be both popular and topical. We have one more meeting in this season on Thursday 25 June which will be our AGM – please plan to attend this meeting. We are in need of Committee members to avoid the closure of the club. We look forward to seeing you

UPDATE - Unfortunately Ian Budniak could not attend the meeting. At short notice Terry Ereira gave a talk - The Pearly Kings & Queens - the other Royal Family. See a later Guild newspost to read the review. The next Guild meeting will be on Wednesday 13 May. It will begin with a short AGM which will be followed by a talk from the Chairman, Ian Budniak, about Britain’s involvement in the Spanish War of Succession during the 18th Century. The meeting will start at 7.30 pm in