THE resolute members of the NWSADHS met at the Deane Gate Inn on the evening of Thursday, July 21.

Richard Tanner was our enlightening guide, explaining the history of Deane, interspersed with amusing anecdotes and informative snippets, including the fact that the name, the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane, was chosen from the largest town and the smallest village in the borough.

There is no evidence of a gate on the 1750s toll road passing the Deane Gate Inn, where Jane Austen would have waited for the stage coach with her sister Cassandra, to travel to dances in Basingstoke or to Bath.

Down the lane towards the village is a wall on the glebe, church-owned land, which is the only remaining evidence of the rectory where George Austen, Jane’s father, once resided on becoming the rector of Steventon in 1760.

In particular seasons of torrential rain, the source of the River Test fluctuates and the village of Deane becomes susceptible to flooding.

The row of cottages in the village, including the three-bay Tudor farmhouse, was built at a slightly higher elevation above any flood waters, but Manor Farm, a Georgian house with an early Victorian extension, has a ditch to protect the property.

Our intrepid company visited Deane church, built of the revolutionary Coade Stone, a form of early concrete.

Finally, we assembled in the conservatory of Deane House by kind permission of Kara Gnodde, where we enjoyed a glass of wine and nibbles (thanks to Lynda Tanner), completing our evening with the AGM.

All the committee were re-elected amid thanks to all the members and non-members who work and support the running of the group.

A particular thank-you was extended to Richard Tanner, our most informative guide, who, moreover, is the driving force behind our successful society.

We all look forward to the exciting programme planned for next year, starting with a visit to the King James Bible exhibition at Winchester College on September 15.

Please call Richard Tanner on 397610 to book your place on this free visit.

The first meeting in North Waltham School is on September 22 at 8pm.