09 December 2013

Guided Tour of St Mary's and Blackbird Photos

 A warm welcome to St Mary's by Rev. Peter Barham
 History of Ponteland Castle told by Pont eland History Society Chairman, John Turner
 History of Blackbird Inn
 Blackbird Inn fireplace
From the Mistral Gallery

Thirty five of us had a most enjoyable tour of both buildings followed by tea and cakes.

26 November 2013

New future for Dunston Staithes?



090413 UGC: New future for Dunston Staiths?

One of the biggest and most impressive landmarks to Tyneside’s industrial past could be saved from an uncertain future thanks to joint funding.

The enormous wooden Dunston Staiths, that once played a crucial role in the transport of millions of tons of Tyneside coal, could be brought back into public use following the announcement of crucial support from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). English Heritage has offered Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, which owns Dunston Staiths, a grant of £176, 819 to carry out investigative works and repairs to the first six bays of the structure which test out techniques that can be used in the rest of the monument. Dunston Staiths is a scheduled monument which is on English Heritage’s Heritage at Risk Register.  Work is likely to start on site early in 2014.

The Trust has also been awarded initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund which includes a development grant of £48,200. This will allow the Trust to develop project plans further that aims to bring the first 38 bays of the 1, 709ft long staiths into public use and linking them to the Keelmans Way and Saltmarsh Gardens. The Saltmarsh garden is one of the few remaining areas of Saltmarsh in the Tyne area and as a result is of significant conservation interest. The mudflats, which were naturally created when the staiths closed and dredging ceased, provide an undisturbed roosting area for a range of bird species including grey heron, lapwing and redshank.

Secretary of Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, Martin Hulse, said: “Dunston Staiths is one of the great icons of the River Tyne and is an incredible feat of engineering. We are keen to hear from people who used to work on the structure to help bring the structure back to life. Most of all I am looking forward to the day when we can open the gates and let people back on the Staiths as the view from the top is incredible.”

The 130 year old staiths is now reckoned to be the largest timber structure in Britain, a title it also held when built by the North Eastern Railway at a cost of £210,000. Constructed of pitch pine the staiths shipped over 1.5 million tons of coal in its first year alone and peaked at almost 4 million tons a year in 1939.

Downturn in coal trade meant that by 1973 coal shipments were down to 400,000 tons and in 1977 coal shipments ceased. The staiths were officially closed in 1980 and a later attempt to reopen them failed. The structure found a new role as one of the centre pieces of the Gateshead Garden Festival in 1990 but its deteriorating condition and two major fires has since left the structure closed and with an uncertain future. Opportunities for public access have been limited to a small number of organised visits.

Gateshead Council cabinet member for culture, Cllr Linda Green, said: “Dunston Staiths are probably the biggest monument to the coal industry that played such a massive part in centuries of Tyneside history. We’ve been working hard with Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust for some time now in order to secure a positive, long term future for the structure.

“These announcements of support from bodies as respected as the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage is great news. There’s a lot of hard work still to do and more funding to secure, but perhaps the day when the public can once again appreciate Dunston Staiths up close is not too distant.”
Carol Pyrah, English Heritage’s Planning & Conservation Director North East said: “We have been supporting the Council and the Trust for some years with specialist advice and our grant gives the Trust the chance to test techniques for repair on the first 6 bays.  Conservation of such a unique monument is a complicated business and English Heritage’s involvement will ensure the best conservation brains are working to find out the right way to repair it.”

Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “We at the Heritage Lottery Fund are delighted to be giving our initial support to this project that aims to bring the historic Dunston Staiths back to life and back into use for local people. It’s great to know that plans include conserving not only the wooden structure but also helping the surrounding natural environment to thrive. We are looking forward to seeing these plans progress over the coming months.”

21 October 2013

Heritage tour of Stephenson works

Heritage Tour of Stephenson Works
– Michael Taylor, The Robert Stephenson Trust.

FREE, Saturday 26th October 2013
– Meet at Sussex Street entrance to Stephenson Works at 12pm

In 1823 George Stephenson along with four other people - his son Robert, the
Quaker businessman Edward Pease, Pease’s cousin Thomas Richardson and
Michael Longridge who managed Bedlington Iron Works - opened the world’s
first purpose built locomotive factory at South Street on Forth Banks, Newcastle
upon Tyne. Locomotives built at these works were exported to developing railways
all over the world and were often the first locomotives to be seen and used in
those countries. At Robert’s death in 1859 the firm was the largest employer on
Tyneside and by the early 1890s the works had expanded to occupy all available
land on Forth Banks. The old works finally closed in 1904 and the site was taken
over by automotive manufacturers George and Jobling who remained active in the
building until the early 1970s, producing bicycles, automobiles and airplanes. After
a period of dereliction the site was restored in the last years of the 20th century.
Following this restoration, when the Robert Stephenson Trust used the building as its
office, volunteers (including Michael Taylor) presented public tours illustrating the
building’s history.

Michael Taylor is a Trustee, Exhibitions Curator, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster of the Robert
Stephenson Trust. He is a Chartered Civil Engineer, Past Chairman of the North Eastern branch and
Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and is North East Representative for
the Panel for Historical Engineering Works, Chairman North East Heritage Panel, and Chairman ICE NE
Senior’s Group. Michael was chairman of the Millennium Ponteland Pele Tower Restoration Group, Vice
Chairman, Magazine Editor and webmaster of Ponteland Local History Society. A lifelong member of
the Scout Association he was awarded a MBE for services to young people in 2006.

This event is made possible by the kind support of the Robert Stephenson Trust.

16 October 2013

ANLHS Newsletter

ASSOCIATION OF NORTHUMBERLAND
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETIES
Registered Charity no. 251179
NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2013

DO YOU KNOW YOUR ONIONS? (Or rather your French Onion Man?)
ANLHS regularly receives queries from historians around the country, but a recent one was particularly unusual:
'I live in the South of England and have come across 2 photos of 9 French Onion men plus an English gentleman named Sgt. Baker (not in uniform) photographed in Northumberland – year unknown. My question to your members is, ‘is there any known history regarding French onion men in the Northumberland area?’ My reason for writing, the 2 photos I have in my possession could be displayed in the Roscoff, French Onion Museum, France which has recently opened.'
If you knew Sergeant Baker, can recognise anyone in these pictures, or have any recollections of French Onion men working in Northumberland, please let us know,via email,localhistory@virginmedia.com
or letter to 11 Beverley Terrace, North Shields.
We will pass the information on, and who knows, your story may finish up in a museum in France!

ANLHS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2013
1.15 Saturday 9TH November
Stannington Village Hall, Northumberland
ALL WELCOME

MEDIEVAL NEWCASTLE
The development of Newcastle’s medieval port facilities will be the focus for Dr Tony Barrow, our guest speaker at this year’s Annual General Meeting. Tony is an authority on North East maritime history and will be known to many Local History Societies. Come and hear this talk and be amazed by what is now partly under the quayside’s Tesco Express!
This talk will be a fascinating introduction to the ANLH Spring Study Day (see below

SPRING STUDY DAY?
Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Study Day on things Roman has had to be postponed. We are now looking at alternative topics and at the time of writing the likely subject is to be Newcastle Quayside. It is hoped the day will include a number of speakers and visits to some of the buildings which have a crucial role in the history of the quayside.
If such an event proves possible, full details will be included in the January 2014 mailing.

DR CONSTANCE FRASER MEMORIAL LECTURE
One way in which we hope to remember Dr Fraser’s enormous contribution to local history is to establish an annual memorial lecture. And we are delighted that the inaugural lecture will given by Dr Max Adams of Newcastle University. One of Dr Adams’ main interests is Early Medieval Northumbria, which was also a key focus of Constance’s research. His talk will relate tohis recently published book about Oswals of Northumbria.
The lecture will be held on Saturday 20 September 2014 at The Mining Institute, Newcastle. Full details will be given in the next maili

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 9th Nov 2013 ​ANLHS AGM, Stannington Village Hall.
Saturday 22nd Feb 2014​ Members Group Meeting, St Nicholas Church Hall, S. Gosforth.
Saturday 5th April 2014 ​Study Day – arrangements to be confirmed.
Saturday 21st June 2014​ Round the County Day to be hosted by Glendale LHS.
Saturday 20th Sept 2014 ​Dr Constance Fraser Inaugural Memorial Lecture, Mining Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne.

09 October 2013

Exhibition at Stephenson Works - AND associated tours

CIRCA Projects
Space Release #18
DOES THE IT FIT
Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan

 





Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan, John Smith, David Dye, Fiona Jardine, Alexander Harmon, Lothar Götz,
Alex Dordoy, Nadia Hebson, Alan Michael, Chris Evans

Preview: Thursday 17 October, 6pm

17 October-14 December 2013
Thursday-Saturday, 11am-6pm

The Stephenson Works
Sussex Street Entrance
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3PD



CIRCA Projects invited Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan to work with them on the final instalment of their Space Release programme at Newcastle upon Tyne’s Stephenson Works. The exhibition responds to the Stephenson Works and the surrounding area, a site currently undergoing major redevelopment by Newcastle based property developers Silverlink Holdings. DOES THE IT FIT is an interrogative response to this situation that, amongst other things, considers the complex and nuanced relationships between re-generation and art.

The Stephenson Works is an historically significant building currently being used by a range of different organisations. A number of design companies have offices there and the space also provides a venue for cultural and food events. CIRCA Projects programme of exhibitions itself fits within a wider cultural agenda promoted by Silverlink Holdings.

DOES THE IT FIT positions a new work by Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan alongside a curated programme of works and talks. This schedule of exhibitions and events has been devised by Tatham & O’Sullivan, working with CIRCA Projects, as a response to both the context of the site and the commission.

In common with many of Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan’s works, their new commission comprises of a number of choreographed elements and uses a range of forms and approaches. Two constructed structures, sited on the factory floor and the mezzanine echo the recent and original architecture of the site and engage with the buildings current use and status. A second presentation comprises of a series of photo-works of composed subjective encounters with civic space within Newcastle. Finally, a printed text re-positions information relating to places, people and organisations connected both directly and indirectly to DOES THE IT FIT at the Stephenson Works. These seemingly disparate facts build a narrative that becomes increasingly coherent as a more complex picture emerges around the relationships between art and public space.

DOES THE IT FIT will be accompanied by a series of talks and screenings from Nadia Hebson, Fiona Jardine, Lothar Götz and Chris Evans. Each of these will follow through a theme or idea relating to the space and the commissioned work, from mural painting to corporate identity. Alongside this programme will be a cumulative exhibition of work by David Dye, Alex Dordoy, Alexander Harmon and Alan Michael. This series of presented works encourage a viewer to consider modes of art-making quite different to the demands of public engagement and the redevelopment of urban space.

Close by to the Stephenson Works and just visible through the windows of the factory floor is a high rectangular water tower. Given the vicinity of this structure, John Smith’s The Black Tower functions as a wilful curatorial device, drawing attention to the site and the choreography of the project.


DOES THE IT FIT Programme
Thursday 17 October, 6pm: Preview - DOES THE IT FIT Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan
Thursday 24 October, 6pm. Factory Floor: John Smith, The Black Tower
Thursday 07 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: David Dye,
Pod Event: Fiona Jardine
Thursday 14 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: Alexander Harmon, Pod Event: Nadia Hebson

Thursday 21 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: Alan Michael,Pod Event: Lothar Götz
Thursday 28 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: Alex DordoyPod Event: Chris Evans

Heritage Tours lasting around one hour will take place at 12 noon on:
Saturday 26 October by Michael Taylor, Robert Stephenson Trust 

Saturday 07 December by Ian Ayris, Urban Design and Conservation Team at Newcastle City Council.

27 September 2013

Newsletter 19th September 2013

Ponteland Historian

Newsletter of Ponteland Local History Society
19th September 2013


CARRYING COALS TO NEWCASTLE
This evening we are breaking with tradition and the presentation will take the form of a film about local waggonways. This will be introduced by Noel Adamson, from Sunniside, who studied video and film production upon retirement from Northern Electric.

ANLHS NEWS

Saturday 9th November
ANLHS – AGM
Stannington Village Hall
Further details will hopefully be made available at the October meeting.

OUTINGS 2013

The first outing of our calendar earlier this year took place on the afternoon of 23rd. May when 22 members visited Featherstone Castle on the banks of the South Tyne near Haltwhistle. Our host was Mr. John Clarke who guided us around this intriguing collection of buildings which make up his Grade 1 listed home and residential activity centre for children and students.

On 6th June 35 of us travelled further west to Naworth for a morning tour of the Castle, ancestral home of the Howards. Owing to a sudden deterioration in Mrs Howard’s health that morning this was substituted at the last minute for an alternative but very interesting guided tour of the adjoining gardens and grounds. We have been invited back next year to complete our tour of the Castle.
This was followed by lunch at Lanercost after which we were free to visit the Priory at our leisure.
On 11th July 45 members and guests set out for the journey south to Durham. At 11.00am we assembled at the Cathedral for a most interesting and informative guided tour before taking a buffet lunch in the Prior’s Hall. After lunch we made best use of the fine weather to enjoy the environs of Palace Green or take a stroll along the banks of the river Wear.
At 3.00pm we started our tour of the display of the Lindisfarne Gospels which formed the centre piece of a unique exhibition in the Durham University Palace Green Library.
This concluded a very successful series of outings for the year.

DIARY DATES

Saturday 26th October
Pont Charity Group Concert at 7.00pm in the Memorial Hall in support of Children North East.
“The Grainger Singers”
Tickets £8 available from Mackley & Stevens or Newcastle Building Society.

Puffing Billy Festival Events
In celebration of the first successful steam railway, which carried coal from Wylam to Lemington 200 years ago, the friends of Puffing Bully have presented a programme of events during 2013. These are ongoing throughout the region until 3rd November and more detailed information of the programme is available via puffingbilly@beamish.org.uk

Saturday 9th November
Archive Films in St. Mary’s Church Hall 3pm & 7.30pm ”Railways at War”

Please note that the Christmas Social Evening will be held on Thursday 12th December and not 13th December as printed on the programme. Tickets priced at £8 will be available at the October and November meetings.

24 September 2013

Christmas Social

Thursday 12th December 2013 7.30pm
Church Hall, Thornhill Road, Ponteland
Entertainment by
 "Down from the Wannies"
Refreshments.
Tickets £8

10 September 2013

Change to Talks Programme

APR 17TH 2014 AGM
“A History of the Great North Road, from Scotch Corner to the Scottish Border”
By George Nairn, collector of picture postcards.

22 July 2013

Talks programme updated



 2013
SEPT 19TH   “CARRYING COALS TO NEWCASTLE”  - a film about local waggonways.
                Noel Adamson.   

OCT 17TH  “THE PITMAN PAINTERS”
 Dr. Robert McManners   

NOV 21ST   “THE REGION AND THE SEA”  a maritime history from Tweed to Tyne.
Dr. Tony Barrow.    

2014
JAN 16TH 2014    John A. Moreels M.B.E – NOSTALGIC VIEWS OF THE NORTH – SERIES 2”
                        
FEB 20TH     Kim-Bibby-Wilson       “THE NORTHUMBRIAN LANGUAGE AND ITS DIALECTS” 

MAR 20TH   Mrs Freda Thompson     “Art of the Streetwalker” – a look at the many works of art when walking the streets.  

APR 17TH      ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
George Nairn.   “The Great North road – picture postcard views from Scotch Corner to the Scottish Borders at Lamberton Toll.

Free valuation of pre-1914 postcards and willing to buy.

25 June 2013

Summer Festival


Puffing Billy Festival

Meetings programme - all start at 7pm.

Wednesday 4th September 2013 "Railways before Stepenson" by Les Turnbull at Newburn Leisure Centre

Wednesday 11th September 2013 " The Northumberland Railway - Brunel in Stephenson's back Yard" by J Michael Taylor MBE at Lemington Centre

Wednesday 18th September 2013 "The Wylam Locomotives" by John Lyffen at Wylam Institute

Wednesday 25th September 2013 "Hedley, Chapman and Isaac Jackson - Who really did What?" by Jim Rees at Walbottle Campus.

Wednesday 9th October 2013 "Stephenson's Triumph - Liverpool 1830 who was there and what they did next" by Bob Gwynne at Heddon on the Wall WI.


19 May 2013

Ponteland Festival

PONTELAND will play its part in a project to build upon the interest generated by the north east visit of one of England’s most sacred manuscripts this summer.

Created by Inspired North East, Spirit in Stone – the Lindisfarne Legacy will be based around eight groups of historic churches in the region, including St Mary’s in Ponteland.
This church will be involved by making the Lindisfarne Gospels the theme of its summer festival between July 25 and 28.

It includes an art exhibition in the Church Hall on Thornhill Road, featuring pull-up display banners, and a history exhibition that will also look at the development of Christianity in the county.
The Gospels will also be the theme for the flowers displayed in the church and a facsimile of the illuminated text will be available to view.

Reverend Peter Barham, Vicar of Ponteland, said: “It will be enjoyable to see the Lindisfarne Gospels in Durham, but it’s good that we’re doing much more across the region and here in Ponteland this summer to celebrate our Christian heritage.

“We want to make sure that the Gospels don’t go back to London in October without having a tangible effect.
“Hopefully, people from across the Ponteland parish and beyond will come and enjoy the events and attractions at our summer festival.”

More than 40 churches will be involved with the project in some capacity and activities will include interactive art and performance-based events for children and for older people, lively heritage and story-telling workshops, training for ‘welcomers’ and heritage guides, development of several local heritage trails, exhibition materials, practical advice and resources and information for visitors.
Most of the £43,700 cost has been met by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Andrew Duff, Inspired North East Development Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund because Spirit in Stone will help many people – children as well as older people – to take a fresh look at this region’s remarkable Christian cultural heritage and become more actively involved in enjoying their own local pages of this big region-wide story.
“It’s a story that can be traced back to the influence of the Lindisfarne Gospels, early saints, heroes, artists and others down the centuries, and it continues to unfold today.”

For more information about the project, visit http://spiritinstone.info

10 May 2013

Recently restored historical document presented in memory of PLHS member


A recently restored historical document was presented to a regional charity by the President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) during his annual trip to the North East.

The Thomas Telford Atlas, held in the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers’ library, was discovered by the Seniors Group of the ICE as being in need of repair. Wishing to preserve this important work, ICE commissioned the rebinding of the book which was then presented back to the Mining Institute by ICE President, Professor Barry Clarke, during his visit to the region.

Thomas Telford was the first President of the Institution of Civil Engineers (1820-1834), and the atlas provides an 83-page, copper-plated illustrative account of the engineering giant’s work. Professor Clarke marked his visit by presenting the book to President of the Mining Institute, Dr Frederick Wardle Smith at its regional headquarters at Neville Hall in Newcastle.

Professor Clarke said: “It is a great honour to have been able to present such a significant document of engineering history to the Mining Institute. Thomas Telford dominated British engineering and as the first President of our Institution, was a pioneer.

What is more, the Mining Institute plays an important role in the preservation of historical engineering achievements, representing the heart of engineering within the North East.”

The restorative re-binding of the atlas was also dedicated to the memory of John W. Hall, one of the founder members of the Seniors Group of ICE North East.

The restoration was the idea of Ponteland Resident, John Gillespie, ex CEO of Port of Tyne and also an owner of a further edition of the Atlas. 

SEE HERE

20 April 2013

The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham


This book is much, much, more than the story of the Pit Sinkers of the North East indeed it covers a vast range of associated topics from across the UK and beyond.

The first chapter is the history of shaft sinking, linking the development of engineering from primitive beginnings, and then the book goes on to explore methods, equipment and contracts. There is an extensive chapter on colliery disasters and the human story is vividly told in two chapters who’s titles includes the words, amongst others: slavery, serfdom and mining engineers. I was particularly moved by the author’s description of how his father, shortly after starting work at the age of twelve in 1912, was carried to work on the back of his elder brother. Once underground in the hot pit, his limbs warmed up and he was able to work, but on his journey home above ground he was again carried.

The book has many similar human stories but also records the involvement of the major engineers, colliery owners, writers, land owners and is packed with facts.

The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham is not only a tribute to the men who worked under extreme conditions, but also tells the evocative story of mining society as a whole and gives a unique glimpse into the lives of those most affected by the industry. With further chapters on transportation and accommodation, celebrations & holidays and miner’s habits, the book must be regarded as a major guide to the region’s and nation’s historically important industry.

Peter Ford Mason is descended from three generations of North East miners: his great-grandfather was a master pit sinker who died sinking a shaft in 1885. His work is meticulously researched and nothing seems to be left out.

There are 60 black and white photographs, many previously unpublished. The Pit Sinkers of Northumberland and Durham by Peter Ford Mason is published by the History Press and is priced £12.99.


13 April 2013

Spirit in Stone - CLICK

Our very own Rev Peter Barham has contributed to this excellent guide of more than 120 North East Churches.

More than 120 North East Churches - CLICK

28 February 2013

Talks Programme September 2013 to April 2014




SEPT 19TH     “CARRYING COALS TO NEWCASTLE”   a film about local waggonways.
                                By Noel Adamson, a video and film maker in retirement.
OCT 17TH         “PITMAN PAINTERS”   by  Dr. Robert McManners, retired G.P.
NOV 21ST             “THE REGION AND THE SEA”   
                                 By Dr. Tony Barrow , retired college lecturer
DEC 12th              CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

2014
JAN 16TH               “NOSTALGIC VIEWS OF THE NORTH”  Series 2.   
                                 By John A. Moreels, M.B.E
FEB 20TH               “THE NORTHUMBRIAN LANGUAGE AND ITS DIALECTS”  
                                By Kim Bibby-Wilson
MAR 20TH             “ART OF THE STREETWALKER”  By Freda Thompson
APR 17TH              “A HISTORY OF THE LAING ART GALLERY”   
                                By Mrs. M. Proctor, FLAG.

20 February 2013

Ponteland Historian - February 2013



“BARROW BURN - A MEDIEVAL FULLING MILL”

We welcome as our speaker this evening, David Jones, Hon. Secretary to the Coquetdale Community Archaeology Group, which represents the interests of residents of Coquetdale and neighbouring communities “....involved in exploring and investigating the hidden history of their homes, villages and local landscape”

ANLHS NEWS

Saturday 2nd March
Members Meeting
St. Nicholas’ Church Hall, South Gosforth
Agenda
1.15 Coffee & Biscuits
1.40 Guest Speaker
             Dr. Liz O’Donnel
“Hens that want to Crow-Suffragists & Suffragettes of the North East of England 1865-1914” – Commemorates the centenary of Emily Davison’s action at “The Derby”.
2.30 Member’s Business

Saturday 11th May
Study Day hosted by Norham & Ladykirk LHS
“Flodden 500”
Further detail & application form available this evening.

Saturday 7th September
Round the County Day hosted by Mitford Historical Society.

Saturday 9th November
ANLHS – AGM
Stannington Village Hall

Further details of the two latter events will be made available at a later meeting.

From 1st July to 30th September the Lindisfarne Gospels and the St. Cuthbert Gospel, on loan from the British Library, will be the centre piece at a unique exhibition in the Durham University Palace Green Library.  Also on display will be artefacts from national collections including those of Durham Cathedral and Durham University.
We have secured a limited number of group tickets for the 3.00pm tour on Thursday 11th. July and these are on sale from this evening at £6.50 each.  Initially as the numbers are limited it will be necessary to restrict tickets to 2 per couple and 2 per single member.  The tickets are non-refundable and therefore available only on a pre-paid basis.  Temporary tickets will be issued, by the Treasurer, in the first instance.
The whole of the World Heritage site surrounding Palace Green will be closed off to traffic and therefore the decision has been taken to travel independently to Durham and make use of the excellent “Park & Ride” facilities which link with the Cathedral Hopper Bus.  Full detail will be provided for both in due course to those members going on the visit.
Subject to interest shown it is also proposed to combine this visit with an optional 75 minute guided tour of the Cathedral, starting at 11.00am.  This could be followed by an optional reserved lunch, hopefully served in the Prior’s Hall of the Cathedral.  The cost for the guided tour is £5 and the combined tour and lunch £12, payable only when arrangements are finalised.
Forms are available to express your interest in the options available.

OTHER OUTINGS

Thursday ? May
Visit to Featherstone Castle

Thursday ? June
Combined visit to Naworth Castle and afternoon tea at Lanercost Priory.
Forms to express your interest for the outings, travelling by car, are available this evening.

“NOSTALGIC VIEWS OF THE NORTH”
Members will recall John Moreels’ January presentation.
We have a spare signed copy of Book Two in his series for sale at £5.  Please see the Treasurer.

DIARY DATES
Tuesday 4th June
Pont Charity Group Concert Memorial Hall
Sunday 9TH June
“Party in the Park”
Thursday 25th July to Sunday 28th July
St. Mary’s Church Bi-Annual Flower & Art Festival - theme “The Lindisfarne Gospels”

29 January 2013

Round the County Day 2013






ANLHS January 2013 Newsletter



ASSOCIATION OF NORTHUMBERLAND
LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETIES
Registered Charity no. 251179
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2013


‘HENS THAT WANT TO CROW ’
Emily Wilding Davison went to the Epsom Derby in 1913 and her action there, vividly recorded by the newsreel cameras, is probably the most widely remembered event in the campaign for women’s suffrage.

To mark the centenary of Ms Davison’s death from her injuries that day,  Dr Liz O’Donnell will give a talk, ‘Hens that want to Crow – Suffragists and Suffragettes of the North East of England 1865-1914’, at our Members meeting on 2 March (details below).

Emily Wilding Davison
Liz’s doctoral thesis explored the relationship between first-wave feminism and Quaker women and she is well versed in the fight for women’s suffrage. She is currently an outreach officer for the Northumberland Collections Service and Oral History Co-ordinator for the highly successful Mapping Popular Politics Project lead by the North East Labour History Society.
 
All Individual Members and members of affiliated Local History Societies are welcome to attend the Members meeting. Full details are available on the ANLHS website ( www.anlhs.org.uk ).

ANLHS MEMBERS’ MEETING 2013
1.15 Saturday 2nd March
St Nicholas Church Hall, South Gosforth
ALL WELCOME



THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
This year marks the bicentenary of the Newcastle Antiquaries, the oldest provincial antiquarian society in the country. A plaque is to be placed on the corner of Grainger Street and the Bigg Market to mark the site of its first meeting.

From an initial 68, the Antiquaries’ membership now spread across the world and its highly regarded journal, Archaeologia Aeliana is available in libraries across Europe, America and Australia. Series 1 and 2 (1822-1904) are now available on the internet.

For two centuries the Society has encouraged a greater understanding of the history and archaeology of the north-east. Many leading figures in the history of British archaeology were members and recent Presidents have included Prof. Norman McCord, Grace McCombie and Dr Constance Fraser, current President of ANLHS.

To celebrate the Society’s amazing achievement numerous events, open to all, are planned throughout the year and details are available on the Society’s web site at www.newcastle-antiquaries.org.uk .  



FLODDEN 500
Numerous events are planned over the coming year to mark the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Flodden. On behalf of ANLHS, Norham and Ladykirk LHS are to host a Study Day on Saturday 11th May.

The day aims to provide an insight into the events leading up to and following the battle, a tour of Norham Village and Castle, and an opportunity for a guided tour of the battle field with Clive Hallam-Baker.

MITFORD - ROUND THE COUNTY DAY

Mitford Historical Society will be our hosts this year. Although a small village, Mitford has a fascinating story to tell and you will have the opportunity to visit St Mary Magdalene Church or the Castle, the Old Manor House and Mitford Hall. An optional homemade hot lunch will also be available.

The event will be held on Saturday 7th September and hopefully the weather will be kind. Those attending will be sent full details in August.

Further details and booking forms for the Flodden 500 and Mitford Round the County Day are available from your LHS, the ANLHS website or the Secretary (Tel. 0191 290 2366 or  E-mail localhistory@virginmedia.com ). Numbers are limited for both events so don’t delay.
 
 
COLLINGWOOD SOCIETY
The Collingwood Society, dedicated to all things related to the Admiral, is now up and running following a very successful inaugural Annual General Meeting in November.

A full programme has been prepared including various talks, a day of commemorative events throughout Morpeth Town Centre on Thursday 7 March and on 21st October the annual ‘Toast the Admiral’ event hosted by North Tyneside Council.

More information, pending completion of a new website, can be found on the old festival website at www.collingwood2010.co.uk .




DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Saturday 2nd March 2013        Members Group Meeting, St Nicholas Church Hall, S. Gosforth.
Saturday 11th May 2013          Flodden 500 Study Day hosted by Norham and Ladykirk LHS.
Saturday 7th Sept 2013           Round the County Day hosted by Mitford Historical Society.
Saturday 9th Nov 2013            ANLHS AGM, Stannington Village Hall
Saturday 1st March 2014         Members Group Meeting, St Nicholas Church Hall, S. Gosforth.
Saturday 5th April 2014           Study Day jointly hosted by Wallsend LHS and The Friends of Segedunum.
Sat 21st or 28th June 2014       Round the County Day hosted Glendale LHS.

Published and Printed by the Association of Northumberland Local History Societies.