Garway Heritage Group, are a very active in many areas in and around Garway.
http://garwayheritagegroup.co.uk/
Their latest activity, organised by G H G chairperson Liz Lloyd, was a very pleasant walk enjoyed by thirteen people and several dogs. This event followed on from the recent lecture at Goodrich village hall on by Dave Scaysbrook about the crash on Coppet hill on 7th June 1942, of the Halifax bomber whilst carrying out top secret war research work. Recently a memorial stone has been erected in memory of the eleven crew and scientists who all who lost their lives when the aircraft got into difficulties and crashed into the side of the hill whilst, it is presumed, trying to make an emergency landing.
We at Whitchurch and Ganarew Local History Society were asked to go along. Three of us did so.
The walk commenced in Lydbrook near the football field, went over the old railway bridge newly opened to pedestrians only,
behind the old Edison Swan, Stowfield cable works, and then west for approximately two kilometers to where the new memorial stone is situated beside the riverside footpath below Coppet Hill.
Everybody rested at this point to listen to a resume of what led up to the tragic crash and how the scientific work undertaken by the scientists lead to discoveries and development of airborne radar systems that significantly affected the outcome of WW2 and which were used much longer.
On the return journey most people walked on a bit further to see St Margret’s church, Welsh Bicknor and the old rectory, in their very pleasant surroundings.
It was a perfect day for walking, not too hot and with a light breeze.
Our thanks to Garway Heritage group for inviting us along.
Whitchurch and Ganarew Local History Society 