Society's Programme

Society’s Programme 2023/24

•   15 March 2023 - The Blacketts : Rise, Crisis and Redemption .

  Speaker: Dr Greg Finch, historian and author.

  
  

   

•   19 April 2023 - The Buildings of William Newton.

  Architect of over 40 buildings including Howick Hall and Lemmington Hall.

  Speaker: Richard Pears, Librarian, Durham University.

  
  
  Lemmington Hall - Copyright Stephen Richards

   

•   17 May 2023 - The Roman Presence in the Vale of Whittingham.

  Speaker: Dr Anthony Henfrey, President ABLHS.

  
  
  Section of Roman Road at Sharperton Edge. Excavated 2022

   

•   21 June 2023 - The Church of St Michael & All Angels, Alnham.

  Our final event before the summer break is a visit to Alnham Church on the evening of the summer solstice. This is a rare opportunity to explore the church’s interior with knowledgeable guide Rev Ann Peters. Discover historical features unveiled after centuries during a recent major restoration project. Hear how this small, dingy and damp church was transformed into a bright, airy space designed for modern day use yet still brimming with historical detail.

  
  
  Alnham Church - photo courtesy of Paul Bartlett

  Meet at the church, Alnham NE66 4TL for 7.30pm
  Please park on the verge outside the church and be prepared for a short walk on rough ground around the churchyard.

   

• 20 September 2023: Dere Street - Its Life and Times.

  Speaker: David Jones

  David chairs Coquetdale Community Archaeology and manages the group’s fieldwork projects including research into the ancient roads through the Cheviots

  
  

   

• 18 October 2023: Searches for Churches on Lindisfarne

  Exploring the origins of the early Medieval Monastery on the island based on recent archaeological evidence

  Speaker: John Woodhurst
  Local historian and Natural England volunteer

  An artist’s impression of the 10thC Heugh with the two recently discovered chapels.
  Drawing by Keith Cooper who worked on the digs

  
  

   

• 15 November 2023: Hidden Gems of Northumberland

  The story of Northumberland’s early history through images of historic sites that can still be found in its landscape

  Speaker: Richard Booth

  Moving to Northumberland allowed Richard to combine his interests in hill walking, photography, history and archaeology. He is particularly interested in Northumberland’s early history, its Neolithic rock art sites, its Iron age hill forts and the Roman military activity North of Hadrian’s Wall

  
  
  Ketley Crag rock shelter near Chatton - Photo courtesy of Richard Booth

   

• Winter Break

   

• 20 March 2024: Talk to be confirmed

   

• 17 April 2024: Northumberland Archives

  An introduction to who we are and what we do

  Speaker: Jo March

  Jo has worked in the archives sector for 20 years and still gets excited about looking at old documents. Much of her time is spent sharing her enthusiasm with school children of Northumberland

  
  
  Northumberland Archives are based at Woodhorn Museum, QE II Country Park, Ashington

   

• 15 May 2024: Archeology of Ad Gefrin

  Speaker: Dr Chris Ferguson

  Director of Visitor Experience, Ad Gefrin Museum, Wooler

   

• 19 June 2024: Visit to St John the Baptist Church, Edlingham

  Guide: Rev Rich Townend

  
  
  Edlingham Church - photo courtesy of Paul Bartlett

   

All meetings (except June) are held in Whittingham Memorial Institute at 7.30.

Visitors are always welcome at £3 per meeting