THE October exhibition of Redlynch Local History Society ‘Into a New World – a Village moving forward, Redlynch 1918-2018’ (pictured) was a success. Subjects covered were: the end of the First World War, Women in Redlynch, the NHS, transport, agriculture, photography and local sketches.

At the November meeting, members enjoyed an interesting talk by Jamie Wright on ‘The Fisherton and Bemerton Brickyards’, which operated in Salisbury for over 200 years.

The small yards were owned by different people, and were situated in the areas surrounding Devizes Road and Wilton Road. A local source of alluvial chalk clay, made it possible to produce creamy white or grey bricks. The bricks were handmade, and called Fisherton Grey bricks. Many buildings in Salisbury were built from local bricks, including houses in the Greencroft and The Friary, The White Hart Hotel and the Guildhall.

By 1791 Joseph Sandall was operating the Fisherton Red and White Brick Kilns and from 1830 to 1907, the Harding family ran yards in Bemerton and Fisherton. Street names, such as Brick Lane, Ashfield Road and The Hardings also provide evidence of the brickyards, as do bricks bearing the owners’ names. Futcher and R G Harding 1907 are two such examples.

Next meeting: Tuesday, December 4, 7.30pm at Morgan’s Vale and Woodfalls village hall. ‘Old Fordingbridge’, a talk by Ian Newman.