THE outings secretaries have been planning a visit to the Swan Theatre to see Merrie England. Another possible trip may be to the Chateau Impney.

The speaker for March was Brian Draper, talking and showing slides of Ironbridge and Colebrook Dale.

This is an important part of English history. Iron ore has been worked in the area for many hundreds of years. The furnace there was originally owned by Lord Brook, who then sold it to Lord Darby, who made pots and pans.

By 1712 steam was harnessed and used as power, it was then able make larger items such as boilers. Lord Darby died at the age of 38 and, as his son was not old enough to look after the business, a man called Richard Reynolds took control.

In 1765 Thomas Pritchard, who started life as a carpenter and joiner, now an architect, was employed. Having already built several bridges, he was given the task of creating Ironbridge. Local people subscribed to the cost to be about £3,150. It actually cost a lot more, nearly making Lord Darby bankrupt. Over the years, no one was able to fathom how the bridge had been constructed. Around 12 years ago, a painting surfaced, showing that it was made by using basic scaffolding. The fascinating thing is that, although made of iron, all the joints are ones a carpenter uses, such as tongue and groove and mitre.

The Darby family made a lot of money from iron.

Ironbridge was restored between 1972-1975. The area has become a wonderful place to visit.

The next meeting will be Thursday, April 26. Olwen Woolcock, curate, being the speaker.