THE history of a former country hall that served as a boarding house that was commandeered during the Second World War will be discussed at a meeting next week.

The history of Oakhurst Hall, in Oakhurst Road, is the subject of the next meeting of Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group (OBHAG) on Friday, May 12 in the Methodist Church Hall, Castle Street, at 7.30pm.

A spokesman for the history and archaeology group said it is looking forward to the talk, which will come from within the group.

They said: “We are very pleased that John Pryce-Jones, OBHAG president and well-known Oswestry historian, is now able to give a talk that was originally scheduled for March but cancelled at the last minute due to snow.

“John will explore the rich and varied history of the country house 'Oakhurst Hall’, and the Venables family who built it in 1853.

OTHER NEWS:

“The talk will also describe how the house was used by Coventry Climax Engines during the Second World War, and then became boarding accommodation for Oswestry Girls High School.

“Full details of Oswestry & Border History & Archaeology Group’s activities are available on the group’s website at http://obhag.org.uk

“New members and visitors are always very welcome.”

For all enquiries and for information about how to join please contact OBHAG via the secretary, Gill Barrow at gillbarrow246@gmail.com or the membership secretary Margaret Harrison harrisonm-r@tiscali.co.uk

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