A FASCINATION to discover how national events impacted on the lives of ‘everyday people’ led Mary Sullivan, of Lydbrook, to become interested in Forest of Dean history.

Mrs Sullivan joined the local history society and, over the years, has taken on the roles of secretary, treasurer and vice-chairman.

At this Saturday’s annual general meeting she is nominated to become chairman.

Taking over from Simon Moore, chairman for the past three years, Mrs Sullivan will take charge for the society’s 70th anniversary year, an occasion to be marked with a dinner at The Speech House.

She says the anniversary programme will include a series of interesting indoor and outdoor meetings covering many aspects of local history and she is particularly keen to encourage more young people to become involved. There are now over 300 members.

A former school teacher and civil servant, Mrs Sullivan enjoys golf and gardening and is closely involved with the work of the Gloucestershire Local History Association — a role that enables her to get to know more about other county history groups, their members and their towns and villages.

Mr Roger Deeks, of Oldcroft, is expected to be elected vice-chairman at the meeting to be held at the West Dean Centre, Bream (2.30pm).

It will be followed with a talk by historian Geoff North on the vital role played by Voluntary Aid Detachment hospitals in Gloucestershire during the First World War.

The hospitals treated wounded soldiers returning from the Front — some in great houses, others in schools, church and town halls.

It is, says Mr North, a stirring story of the women who volunteered to be VAD nurses and their vital contribution to the Great War.

The talk follows the AGM and visitors are welcome.