On Saturday 2 May 2007, the Friends were delighted to host the BAFM North East Area Conference, organised by Co-ordinator for the North East Lesley Taylor. (The British Association of Friends of Museums, of which Historic Dilston is a member). Amongst the 39 delegates attending were Friends of the Bowes Museum, Friends of Bedes World, Friends of Darlington Railway Museum, Friends of St Mary's Lighthouse, Friends of Segedunum Fort and Museum, Friends of Sunderland Museum and Friends of South Shields Museum.

The sun was shining and the temperature pleasantly warm as delegates assembled for coffee around 10.30 in the morning. Lesley Taylor began the proceedings with an update on BAFM business before introducing Vice-Chair of the North Pennines Heritage Trust Peter Jackson, who gave a short presentation on the work of the Trust, emphasising its partnership with the Friends of Historic Dilston and Dilston College (MENCAP). Lesley then handed over to Frances Dickinson for an illustrated talk on The Radcliffes of Dilston. In the afternoon, following a buffet lunch, delegates were given a guided tour of Dilston Castle and Chapel and told more about the history of the site, some choosing to end the day with a walk down to the Devil's Water.

On Saturday 11 August, the Friends hosted another very successful all-day visit, initiated by Lesley - this time by some 44 members of The Durham and Cleveland branch of The Art Fund - the UK's leading independent art charity. The following week, an afternoon visit was made by 54 Friends of the Laing, arranged after a talk on The Radcliffes of Dilston, given by Frances at the Laing Art Gallery, earlier in the year. We are grateful to Friends of the Laing Vice-President Marion Green and Secretary Elizabeth McCaffrey for their support in promoting Historic Dilston through their organisation.

Also visiting Historic Dilston, in 2007, were Members of Ponteland Local History Society, Members of the Conservative Womens' Group from Newcastle and a large group of retired electrical engineers and their wives. A group of artists from Stocksfield spent the day painting at Dilston, in August. Unfortunately, two bookings for visits in June by Whitley Chapel W.I. and Ponteland U3A had to be cancelled due to the dreadful wet weather.

These hosting days are a valuable way of promoting Historic Dilston and generating a greater awareness of the site. We are indebted to Friends who help on these occasions either by assisting in the café or acting as stewards. We already have several bookings for further visits in 2008. Please contact Mary Rose Ridley if you would like to be involved.

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