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

Recently restored historical document presented in memory of PLHS member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

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.

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

St Mary's Church, Stamfordham

Talks Programme September 2013 to April 2014

SEPT 19^TH     “CARRYING COALS TO NEWCASTLE”   a film about local waggonways.

                                By Noel Adamson, a video and film maker in retirement.

OCT 17^TH         “PITMAN PAINTERS”   by  Dr. Robert McManners, retired G.P.

NOV 21^ST             “THE REGION AND THE SEA”   

                                 By Dr. Tony Barrow , retired college lecturer

DEC 12th              CHRISTMAS SOCIAL

2014

JAN 16^TH               “NOSTALGIC VIEWS OF THE NORTH”  Series 2.   

                                 By John A. Moreels, M.B.E

FEB 20^TH               “THE NORTHUMBRIAN LANGUAGE AND ITS DIALECTS”  

                                By Kim Bibby-Wilson

MAR 20^TH             “ART OF THE STREETWALKER”  By Freda Thompson

APR 17^TH              “A HISTORY OF THE LAING ART GALLERY”   

                                By Mrs. M. Proctor, FLAG.

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 2^nd 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 11^th May

Study Day hosted by Norham & Ladykirk LHS

“Flodden 500”

Further detail & application form available this evening.

Saturday 7^th September

Round the County Day hosted by Mitford Historical Society.

Saturday 9^th November

ANLHS – AGM

Stannington Village Hall

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

From 1^st July to 30^th 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 11^th. 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 4^th June

Pont Charity Group Concert Memorial Hall

Sunday 9^TH June

“Party in the Park”

Thursday 25th July to Sunday 28^th July

St. Mary’s Church Bi-Annual Flower & Art Festival - theme “The Lindisfarne Gospels”