An excellent talk on the role of the Royal Mail Guard was a treat for Chilcompton Golden Hour members last week.

Martin Horler, dressed in livery with a post horn to demonstrate various calls (tunes) and their meanings, outlined the history of the Royal Mail.

While there were mail messengers for Royalty from 16th century and later post boys on horseback, it was in the late 18th and early 19th centuries that horse drawn stage coaches and the guard started. He protected the mail from highwaymen and thieves every night from London to Bristol with a pair of pistols, blunderbuss and cutlass.

The Old Down Inn was a designated Post House on the London to Exeter route.

Martin was thanked for an informative and interesting evening.

Just Vince will entertain with popular songs on Tuesday, 14th March 7.30pm. at the village hall. All welcome.

Marlene Pickford