The Huguenots of Spitalfields, a charity set up by the boundlessly energetic Charlie de Wet, has announced its closure.
I have files and files of notes I took on Huguenots of Spitalfields outings. I reckon the first one I went on was in 2014, but 2015 was a really big year when I flitted about in Spitalfields as if my life depended on it.
I’m personally indebted to Charlie for making every event I attended such fun, and I’ve tried my best to weave what I learnt into my tiny-scale, personal story in this blog.
Far more than background information and inspiration, however, the charity gave me hours and hours of entertainment, and – before the pandemic – a chance to meet hundreds of other descendants of Huguenots from all over the world.
I’ll dedicate another blog to a proper tribute another time. For the moment, take it from me: I’m gutted.
This is so sad Jo. I agree with John. I would hope some funding might be available. I went on one of their ‘virtual’ walks during lockdown and it was truly fascinating. I had forgotten – or perhaps hadnt known that you found an ancestor was buried in Spitalfields Church. One day we must all make a visit. I would be interested to hear how you found them.
Yes, so sad, and a very good suggestion from John. On the up-side, that is a beautiful photo, Jo – and I love the image of you “flitting about in Spitalfields”! And all that you have gleaned in your note-taking will bear fruit here, and I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Oh gosh, yes Jo, that’s such sad news! 😢
Yes, such a magnificent organisation.
What a loss! Is there really no way to keep the show on the road? The Huguenot heritage is of great interest to so many of us, not only those with a Huguenot heritage of their own. Is funding the issue or just no longer enough people to keep the society functioning? Surely if it is money the City of London might help..
I’ll try to find out what the issue is – I imagine the sheer amount of work that went into all the event organising, as well as maintaining the website and everything associated with it. Just to clarify, the Huguenot Society of Great Britain and Ireland is still going strong, and will continue with its own programmes of events and publications (as far as I know!) Thanks for your suggestion, John – I’ll pass it on.