Comments

I'm pretty sure I can remember the collection of Rose Hips probably during WW2. Can only guess they went towards making Rose Hip Syrup which had quite a pleasant taste I remember.

Fascinating snippet about digging up wild crocuses, Pat - I knew about schoolchildren collecting conkers in 1917 because they helped make cordite for shells and bullets - but not about crocus corms.  Wonder if there is anything else that was collected (apart from paper and scrap iron) that we don't know about?

We hold the following in book form in our library

Army List 1992   MIL/WD/23

Army List 1995   MIL/WD/22

Army List 2004   MIL/WD/21

If you wish to peruse contact me

Brian Airey

Thanks for this useful information Pat. I have a newspaper cutting from 1861 that tells me the SYNGE bust was once in the Town Hall (assuming WSM town hall) opposite the bust of 'Admiral Blake'? It was presented to the town by Mrs SYNGE. As the painting of SYNGE from this time ended up in the Axbrigde Town Hall, I was hoping the bust too may still survive and be in a local hall. (or church) I am looking for some local knowledge on what may have happened to it or a contact to help explore further. Thanks for any help.

According to a booklet published for an exhibition of the life of Charles SUMMERS in Sept 1978 held in what was then called the Woodspring Museum (now Weston Museum) - there are only three busts in the Museum collection.

• Joseph EDGAR, a Weston Solicitor
• Edward SMYTH-PIGOTT, Examiner of Plays
• John Hugh SMYTH-PIGOTT, Brockley & Weston.

Although the bust of Francis H SYNGE is mentioned in the booklet no location is listed. It was shown at the Royal Academy in 1849.