The Society meets at the Ipswich Citadel, Salvation Army, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH at 7.30 p.m. (doors open from 7.00). Free car parking & refreshments available. Non-members always welcome.
The Committee reserve the right to amend the programme due to non-availability of the presenter/s. Please always check our website or facebook page for up-to-date details of events.
Time: 19:30 hours (doors open at 19:00 hours)
Admission: Members: £2-50 Non-members: £4
(includes refreshments)
Further Information: Chairman: Sylvia Kerridge Tel: 01473 424904
e-mail: chairman at IDHTS
Secretary: David Kerridge Tel: 01473 424904
e-mail: secretary at IDHTS
Monthly Meetings - other societies
Past Meetings
IDHTS Meetings 2024/25
The IDHTS May 28th Presentation is on *The History and Operation of the East Anglian Air Ambulance by Julian Fincham-Jacques.
The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is coming up to its 25th anniversary since its foundation in the year 2000. Julian will be taking us through the how the EAAA came about and tell the story of how its operation has grown over the last 25 years including details of how it helps save lives every day. This should be a very interesting talk giving examples of the difference it’s made to so many people over the years. * Note this a change to the previously advertised Presentation.
The April IDHTS Meeting will be taking place on the 30-04-25 the subject is ‘Early Car Production and Motoring in Suffolk”- Presented by Chris Turland. Chris will take us through motoring in the early days, you could be amazed at the variety of manufacturers there were in Suffolk. For example, there were six manufacturers in Woodbridge alone! So come and find out more about motoring in Suffolk and enjoy the ride!
26-03-24 ‘Platforms, Pirates & Pop’ -The History of Rough and Maunsell Towers Presented by Andy Beharrell. What connects Screaming Lord Sutch, Gianni Versace, the actor Ralf Little (Death in Paradise) and Doctor Who? While this sounds like a question from Only Connect, the answer lies in local east coast waters - the Maunsell Forts. These are a series of army and navy forts which were built in the second world war offshore in the North Sea to protect us from enemy Airforce and naval incursions. These forts played a crucial role in early warning for air and sea raids. Abandoned after the war their history was then varied and, as you can see from the characters mentioned, at times unexpected. Some were occupied by Pirate Radio stations while others were used as film locations. One even became a micronation. This presentation looks at this unique history, the transport involved, and the mixed cast of characters involved with these platforms. The presentation examines what is left of them and the unique legacy which they have left behind.
26-02-25- Please note that there is a CHANGE to The Ipswich & District Historical Transport Society’s next meeting on the 26th February- ‘A Magical Maritime Tour-Ipswich to Chelsea Bridge’ Unfortunately, the speaker that was to present on ‘The History of Felixstowe Port’ is now unable to attend the February meeting. So, we now invite you to join Mike Farthing on a past trip he took, sailing on the Sailing barge (Victor) from Ipswich Docks, then from the bridge of a modern Ro-Ro Vessel (Baltic Eider) to Tilbury Dock. On then to Tower Bridge on the restored M.V. Balmoral and finally on to Chelsea bridge on the river cruiser Pocahontas. Using extensive video footage taken at the time in June 2005, Mike will take us on this unusual journey to relive this adventure!
Photo Acknowledgement: Courtesy of the Maritime Trust Archive
27-11-24 “Brand New Steam for the 21st Century”, Building of the ‘Prince of Wales’, following in Tornado’s tracks presented by Liz Gibson. Following the successful project to build A1 Tornado, in 2013 The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust launched its second project to build a Gresley Class P2, based on the original 1934 design. With the need to resolve key design issues made possible with 21st century technology the forecast is for a fifteen-year build and a cost of around £6.5m.
30-10-24- Debach Airfield Group, “Flying Cats plus one Flying Dog” 493BG 8TH Army Air Force in WWII-presented by Richard Taylor Richard will cover the history of Debach airfield (his farther helped build it!) and the history of 493rd USAAF Bomber Group whilst at this airfield. Pictures courtesy of 493rd USAAF website: Bombers photo taken 9th April 1945 during a raid on Schleissmen, Germany along with the Debach Village Sign commemorating the 493rd Group.
25-09-24 (AGM)- Light Refreshments will be served at the end of the AGM. Followed by: “Red Sails on the Orwell”, R & W Pauls including Sailing Barges presented by Chris Turland. The remarkable story of the maritime activities of R&W Paul, a local trader in grain and animal feed products who have a history stretching back to the 1700's and had a significant effect on the shipping in the Orwell and the growth of Ipswich as a port.
Sailing Barge VICTOR
