NEXT OFFICIAL EVENT: Saturday 19th April 2008, 2.15pm
"Roguery Carried to a Height in the Woodlands" ~ Crime & Disorder post-1715 in the Derwentwater Estates
Talk by Liz Sobell.
Based on her research among the Greenwich Hospital Archives, Liz Sobell has discovered accounts of crimes carried out just as Greenwich Hospital took over the forfeited estates of James Radcliffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, in 1735. The documents show the extent of the illegal logging in the estate woodlands, and reveal the role of Abraham Bunting as a serial whistleblower in this and other even more serious events. Afternoon tea will be served in Dilston College Café after the talk.

Saturday 10th May 2008
BAFM North East Conference at Bowes Museum
Our membership of BAFM entitles all Friends of Historic Dilston to attend this all-day event, but individuals must make their own booking direct with BAFM North East.  We are still awaiting further details, but understand that the day will include two morning talks, lunch and a guided tour of the Bowes Museum in the afternoon. Further information from www.bafm.org.uk or from Mary Rose Ridley, 01661 844157, when details come through.

Saturday 24th May 2008, 2.15pm
"Traditional Northumbrian Houses"
Talk by Richard Young
Building historian Richard Young describes his talk as a sort of beginner’s guide to looking at the types of vernacular architecture we have here in Northumberland. The talk covers building materials traditionally used in the region and details the main house types from tower houses up to terraces. A former teacher and lecturer in interior design and architectural history, Richard now runs Period Profile, a business to help owners of older properties learn more about the history of their houses; also advising on sympathetic renovations and interior decoration.

Friday 20th June 2008
Outing to Keswick and Derwentwater
Depart by coach from Wentworth Carpark, Hexham, 10am - Return from Keswick at 7pm
Places on this event must be booked by the end of February
This outing to Keswick and Lake Derwentwater takes us to where the Radcliffes of Dilston have their roots. After a short stop en-route for coffee, we will first visit Crosthwaite Church, dedicated to St Kentigern, where evidence of early family members can be seen. Here, inside the church, are stone effigies of Nicholas de Ratclliffe (spelt with a ‘t’) and his wife Elizabeth de Derwentwater (founding members of the Dilston branch of the family), and some brasses on an altar tomb, dedicated to Sir John Ratcliffe and Dame Alice his wife. Also of interest is a stained glass window featuring the Radcliffe/Ratcliffe Coat of Arms. At Keswick, Friends can then either take lunch at one of the many eating places there or (if preferred) bring a picnic to eat at the lakeside, looking out towards Lord’s Island, upon which a manor house belonging to the Radcliffes once stood.  After lunch there will be a Guided Tour around Keswick (on foot), to places associated with the Radcliffes, followed by a visit to the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery, where a number of family portraits are kept.  An optional boat trip on Lake Derwentwater will round off the afternoon.

*The cost of the trip is £10 per head, which must be paid in advance. Please note that this price only covers the cost of the coach and not any other expenses for the day, such as lunch or a trip on Lake Derwentwater. Bookings must be made by the end of February.  If you wish to bring a guest (non-Friend of HD) the cost to that person will be £12.

Saturday 19th July 2008, 1.30pm onwards
"The Battle of Hexham"
Battlefield Walk led by John Sadler
The Battle of Hexham took place on 15 May 1464. Although not the bloodiest or best known of engagements, it was nonetheless a decisive event in the series of complex medieval conflicts known as the Wars of the Roses.  Military historian John Sadler, who is co-author of a newly published book on the subject, will lead a walk to the site of the Battle of Hexham, which took place not far from Dilston and ended with the defeated Lancastrian forces fleeing across a ford on the Devil’s Water. A full account of the battle, seen in the wider historical context of the Wars of the Roses, is given in Battle of Hexham – In Its Place, by John Sadler and Alex Spiers,published by Ergo Press.

Starting and finishing at Dilston, the total distance is 5–6 miles. Dilston café will be open for light refreshments from 12.30 – 1.30 or, if preferred, bring a picnic to have in the grounds. At Dilston, prior to the walk, John Sadler will give a general background to the events of 1464. The party will then proceed southwards along the B6307 to Swallowship Hill stopping en-route at strategic points to hear accounts of the Battle of Hedgeley Moor and the opening moves in the Tynedale campaign. Moving on to the Linnels Bridge, John Sadler will detail the course of the fighting and give his reasons for rejecting the popular belief that the site of the Battle of Hexham was at Hexham Levels. The party will then return to Dilston via the west bank of the Devil’s Water.   Further details from Frances Dickinson, upon request: 0191 2811448.

Friday 1st August 2008, 2.15pm
Dilston Past, Present and Future
This is an opportunity to view the restoration, conservation and archaeological work being carried out in Phase 2 and hear about future plans. The afternoon’s visit will take the form of a guided tour of the whole of the Historic Dilston site, led by one of the North Pennines Archaeology team. Please note that building work will be in progress and sensible footwear is advised for going onto the excavation site and for walking down the steep track to the Devil’s Water.

Friday 22nd August 2008
Paranormal Phenomena Investigation at Historic Dilston
(*Please note that there will be a charge for this event which must also be booked in advance)
Starting at 8.30pm through to midnight and beyond, join the Otherworld North East paranormal investigation team as they look into the alleged ghostly phenomena surrounding Historic Dilston. The evening will begin with a short introduction to investigation by Tony Liddell, Founder of Otherworld North East, followed by a series of vigils in various areas of Historic Dilston. Please note that Otherworld North East are a scientifically led group, and no seances or use of talking boards (Ouija) will be taking place during the investigation.

For further details or to reserve a place please contact the Membership Secretary Mary Rose Ridley, and for further details of the investigation, please contact Tony Liddell at tony@otherworldnortheast.org.uk.

Saturday 30th August 2008, 2.15pm
"The DNA of the Radcliffes"
Talk by Colin Ratcliffe-Springall
Colin Ratcliffe-Springall’s talk explains the origins of the Radcliffes/Ratcliffes/Radclyffes (and all variations of the name), the vast majority of whom can trace their descent from Ivo de Tailbois, who played a significant part in the history of Britain. Colin will discuss the temperament and characteristics that are common to members of the family, illustrating how there is hardly an event in history at which a representative of the family did not play a major part. At the end of the talk, the audience will be told how they can take part in a DNA testing programme, if they wish to trace from which particular branch of the Radclife family they may descend.

Saturday 4th October 2008, 2.15pm
"Northumberland from the Air"
Talk by Stan Beckensall
Well-known local historian and author Stan Beckensall’s illustrated talk follows the theme of his new book, published by Tempus, in which he looks at settlements, geology, historic sites and the use of landscape over a great swathe of Northumberland, from hills, scarps and coasts to industrial sites. Many of the slides, to be shown in the talk (including some of Dilston), are taken from the air by Stan himself. Of his many accomplishments, Stan is probably best known as an international expert on prehistoric rock art.

Saturday 15th November 2008, 2.15pm
"Fragrant Memories"
Talk by Christine Clennell
Christine Clennell describes herself as someone with an absolute passion for the past, especially relating to perfume and its place in women’s social history. Accompanied by lovely examples of classic and evocative presentations of perfume, some dating back over 100 years, her talk covers a brief history of perfume and then relates specifically to the history of fragrance in the north east.

November/December 2008
End of Year Dinner
Date and details to be announced