Fownhope Heart of Oak Society can trace its roots back to the early 1800s. At that time, there were many Heart of Oak Societies in Britain based predominantly in the rural areas with agricultural workers forming the majority of the membership.
The Friendly Societies provided a form of insurance to their members. Members paid a regular subscription and in return, the society trustees paid the member or his family and dependants a small amount of money if they fell upon hard times. This could occur if the member became ill or was unable to work and provide income for his family. In addition, the trustees of the society could make a payment to the widow and dependants upon death of a member.
This self help arrangement was of course very important during times when there was no social security and health service. The membership was originally exclusively male. Elected members would form the trustees and they would keep strict control over the finances. They would agree how much payment would be made to members and under what circumstances.The arrangements of the Heart of Oak Societies could be described as an early form of trade unionism. It was encouraged by employers as it relieved them of some of their responsibilities to their employees.
Most societies would have a celebration day each year when there would be a Club Walk through the village, a club dinner with speeches from local dignitaries and a fun fair with sports. This was probably the only day that rural workers had as holiday. It originally took place at Whitsuntide but later moved to Oak Apple Day, the 29th May.
The background and history of the Fownhope Heart of Oak Society (FHOS) is the same as all the other Heart of Oak Societies. However, we have managed to preserve some of the traditions of the early societies and we still have the traditional Club Walk. In the mid 1980s, changes in the regulations concerning financial institutions meant that the “friendly” status (in the context of insurance) was no longer acceptable. The FHOS restructured its finances with the aim of preserving the traditions of Club Walk day, becoming more of a social group and enabling fundraising for local worthy causes.
In the 50s, 60s and 70s the Club Walk was followed by a Club Dinner for members at the local hotel at which the local MP and other dignitaries made speeches. There was a funfair on Whiterdine field behind the Green Man Hotel in Fownhope. The fair was a popular and well attended event. People travelled from Hereford and Ross to Fownhope for the fair. In the 80s, the fair was replaced by sports.
Originally only men and junior members of the society took part in the Club Walk parade. More recently all members are encouraged to take part in the parade. Members carry sticks decorated with flowers and they would be led in the procession by members carrying a decorated oak bough and the club banner. A local band provides suitable marching music. There have been various bands at the FHOS club walk but more recently the AW Parker (Drybrook) band from the Forest of Dean have provided music for the walk and during the church service. You can see some of the pictures on their website.
The art of decorating a floral stick for the FHOS Club Walk was passed from generation to generation. The stick was normally a softwood stick and in the past, the members would carve their stick with a finial of a carved acorn on the top and would burn or carve their names or initials into the wood.
Flowers used to decorate the sticks would be those available growing wild or in the gardens at the end of May. Flowers and foliage with woody stems were preferred to give strength to the decoration. Bulky flowers were also preferred so that there could be a substantial display of colour and shapes.
An oak bough is still cut from the woods on the morning of the Club Walk so it can be used to lead the procession. The bough is decorated with red, white and blue ribbons.
The old FHOS banner hangs in St Mary’s church in Fownhope. It has the motto “Unity is Strength”. The picture on the banner shows a wise old man seated under an oak tree giving advice to two young men. One has a single stick which he has broken in two. The other is trying to break a bunch of sticks across his knee but is having difficulty since together they are stronger. A similar picture is on the pub sign for the New Inn in Fownhope.
Fownhope is home to the Heart of Oak Society Annual Club Walk, which is held on the Saturday nearest to Oak Apple Day (29th May) each year. This Extraordinary General Meeting is being held to encourage people to offer their time to keep this unique tradition flourishing. For many residents, the Club Walk is the...
Our unique village event, steeped in history, the Heart of Oak Club Walk is happening on Saturday. We encourage everyone in the village to decorate their houses and gardens with bunting to add to the festive atmosphere in the village for this special day in the village calendar. If you don't have your own bunting,...
Join us for this unique village tradition; meet at 10am at The New Inn, ready for a 10:30am start. The Fownhope Heart of Oak Society traces its roots back to 1876 as a mutual society providing financial help to members if they fell on hard times. We aim to preserve the long tradition of the...
Come and join us for this year's club AGM. We’re looking for people keen to join the committee and help support the club going forward. Be a part of the discussion of ideas to make next year's walk on May 31st even more enjoyable and arrange other dates to put the Heart of Oak Society at...
Join us for this unique village tradition; meet at 10am at The New Inn, ready for a 10:30am start. The Fownhope Heart of Oak Society traces its roots back to 1876 as a mutual society providing financial help to members if they fell on hard times. We aim to preserve the long tradition of the...
