Monthly Archives: July 2025

Geoff and Jean’s Jane Austen themed walk explored people buried in the cemetery with a personal connection to the author, some who were in Southampton when she was here and others who later ran businesses established when, or before, she came to live in Southampton. Geoff also included men buried here who were involved with events in her lifetime, that would have been known to her, such as the Battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo.  One of those living in Southampton, quite close to the Austen family home, was a surveyor, John Doswell Doswell. He was involved with works being carried out to improve port facilities, that Jane would have seen in progress on her walks near the Town Quay area.  The cemetery walk concluded with those attending gathering close to the grave of Jane’s goddaughter. Jean spoke of her, and … Continue reading →

On Friday 11th July FoSOC held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Non-Conformist Chapel. It had been a very HOT day but the Chapel was reasonably cooler than outside. There was over 23 members at the meeting. Billy Ferguson (Chairman) presented the meeting. Apologies were given by Professor Curl & his wife plus many FoSOC members who could not make the meeting. The proceed went through rather quickly, the Chairman was trying to beat his record of 30 minutes. However, all those that said they would continue on the Committee (except Geoff Watts who was Project/Publicity Officer & has step down from this post) were voted in plus two new General Committee Members. Later Billy Ferguson (still Chairman), spoke to the members on how much FoSOC appreciated Geoff Watts on the Committee & would be sadly missed. Applause was … Continue reading →