When we head into June, we’re getting reasonably close to my birthday in the middle of July. That prompted me to think of some other anniversaries.

This year, my old school The Crypt celebrates the 475th anniversary of its founding. I was at school during the 450th year and I hope to be around when it reaches the 500-year milestone. In December this year, it will be 300 years since the Gloucester-born Anglican preacher George Whitefield (himself an Old Cryptian) was born. Whitefield is one of the lesser-known figures in Gloucester’s history, but is a huge influence in America.

The restoration of St Mary de Crypt and the Old Schoolroom, which have been granted a first stage pass by the Heritage Lottery Fund, would be a fitting way to mark both of these anniversaries. With the USA playing at Kingsholm in next year’s Rugby World Cup, we’re keen to extend the Whitefield celebrations until then, including perhaps a re-enactment of one of his famous sermons from the pulpit of St Mary De Crypt.

In 2016 is the 800th anniversary of the coronation of Henry III at Gloucester Cathedral. I don’t know as yet what is planned for then, but we must not miss the opportunity to mark such a significant national event.

2018 marks the 375th anniversary of the Siege of Gloucester in the English Civil War. This is probably Gloucester’s finest hour, when its Parliamentary forces held out against the might of the Royalists and helped to change the course of the war – and with it our nation’s history. In 2019, we can extend the Civil War theme with the 400th anniversary of the birth of Colonel Edward Massey, who commanded the City’s forces at the time. 2018 is also the 1100th anniversary of the death of Aethelflaed, eldest daughter of King Alfred the Great, who founded and is buried at St Oswald’s Priory.

Anniversaries are worth celebrating and the history buffs amongst you have lots to look forward to in the coming years. If you know of any important ones coming up that we should mark, please let me know.