September 2016 Number 178

An Association of

National Trust Members

and Supporters

York AssociationNewsletter

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Contents Page

EGM notice 3 Chairman’s Letter 3 Membership 4 Mystery Tour 5 Christmas Visit 5 Social Events 6 Talks 7 Holidays 8 Holiday Review: Orkney 9 Country Walks 10 Day Trip reviews 13 Dates for your Diary Back cover

Enclosed with this Newsletter are the EGM proxy form, the 2017 Holidays Programme and booking forms for the following:

Yorkshire Film Archive presentation and Musical Evening Mystery Tour and Castle Howard Christmas visit York College Christmas lunch

Please contact the Membership Secretary if any of these are missing.

Chairman: Roger King chair@yant.org.uk 01904 761274

Vice-Chairman: Peter Denton vicechair@yant.org.uk 01904 647406

Secretary: Jean Haywood secretary@yant.org.uk 01904 702402

Treasurer: Roger Mortimer treasurer@yant.org.uk 01757 268118

Membership: Elinor Bailey membership@yant.org.uk 01347 821262

Day Trips: Colin Sherwood trips@yant.org.uk 01904 640915

Walks: Alison Rutter walks@yant.org.uk 01904 703430

Holidays: Peter Drew holidays@yant.org.uk 01904 702285

Events: Christine Truman social@yant.org.uk 01937 541163

Newsletter: Della Brotherston newsletter@yant.org.uk 01904 629242

Cover: YANT walkers crossing the River Esk at Lealholm (Alison Rutter)

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Chairman's Letter Above is a notice for the holding of an Extraordinary General Meeting, whose purpose is to consider the proposal to increase the annual membership subscription from £5 (single) and £9 (joint/family). These rates have been unchanged since 2006, and in the meantime many costs have increased – for example, printing, postage and room hire. Our treasurer, Roger Mortimer, has calculated that, provided that inflation is no greater than currently forecast, the proposed rates should cover our costs for the next five years.

In recommending acceptance of the proposal, your Committee and I believe that the rates will continue to represent extremely good value for what YANT offers – the quarterly Newsletter and the wide range of talks, day trips, holidays and special events.

With regard to day trips, you will find later in the Newsletter four reviews demonstrating the diversity of the locations and places of interest visited during the year; and I am sure that the Mystery tour and the Christmas visit and lunch – this year to Castle Howard – will be as popular as ever.

Roger King

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

Saturday 15 October 2016 at 2.15 pm

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the York Association of the National Trust will be held at the Friends’ Meeting House, Friargate at 2.15 pm on Saturday 15 October prior to the monthly talk to conduct the following business:

To approve the proposal that the annual subscription be increased to £8 (single) and £14 (joint) with effect from 1 January 2017.

If you are unable to attend the meeting on 15 October, you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. A proxy form is enclosed and should be returned to the Secretary, by post or email, so that it is received at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Jean Haywood, Hon. Secretary, YANT 12 Rutland Close, Copmanthorpe, York, YO23 3SS

secretary@yant.org.uk

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Membership We are very pleased to have welcomed the following new members to our Association in the last three months, bringing the total membership to 822. We look forward to meeting them at some of the many events organised over the coming months.

Paula Caywood Christine Waite Donna Waterhouse Frances Owen Maureen Smith Ann & Stephen Martin Mary & Edward Clarke Irene Lee Margaret Willcock

Elinor Bailey (Membership Secretary)

York College Christmas Lunch

This popular event will take place on Wednesday 7th December at 12 noon. The three-course meal costs £22 per person and includes a welcome drink on arrival, tea or coffee and mints after the meal and tip. The full menu is shown on the enclosed booking form, which should be returned by post after 1st October.

Parking at the College is difficult and expensive, but Tesco has free parking for up to three hours, and Coastliner buses and Connexions bus 13 stop close to the College.

If you have to cancel your booking, even up to the day of the lunch, please ring me on 07739 659275. The cost will be refunded if a replacement can be found.

Erica Barnes

Members’ Discount Evening at the National Trust Shop

Goodramgate, York

Tuesday 15th November 6 – 8 pm

The shop has again kindly agreed to open late exclusively for YANT members and is offering a 30% discount on all items bought on the night. We hope you will take advantage of this excellent opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping and benefit the National Trust.

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Mystery Tour, Thursday 15th September

This will once again be a scenic drive along roads which we hope will be new to you, with lunch in an attractive town.

Leaving Memorial Gardens at 9.30 am, we stop for coffee mid-morning and will enjoy a two-course lunch at about 1 o’clock. Lunch will be a choice of roast beef or roast pork with vegetables followed by sticky toffee pudding or vanilla ice cream and tea or coffee. Please indicate your preferences on the enclosed booking form. A vegetarian option is also available. Please contact me on 01347 821490 if you have any dietary requirements. We return to York at about 4.30 pm.

The cost of £32 includes coach, mid-morning coffee, two-course lunch with tea or coffee and all gratuities.

Elizabeth Hjort

Christmas Trip to Castle Howard, Thursday 15th December

Castle Howard, one of Britain’s finest historic houses, lies not far from York in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh 300 years ago for Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, this magnificent Baroque mansion remains in the ownership of the Howard family. The family can trace its origins back to Lord William Howard, whose father Thomas, 4th Duke of Norfolk, was beheaded in 1572 by order of Elizabeth I for his attempted plot to marry Mary Queen of Scots.

For a festive start to the Yuletide season you will have an opportunity to explore the sumptuous interiors of this beautiful house decked out for the Christmas celebrations. Bringing the outside in, the rooms will be decked with an abundance of foliage, berries, trees and twigs, and will twinkle with the light of candles and crackling log fires. On arrival at Castle Howard you will have plenty of time to visit the house on an individual basis and to browse the shops and covered Christmas market for special last-minute gifts.

There is a land train that can transport visitors from the Stable Courtyard to the House entrance, and pathways and doors are ramped for easy access. There is a flight of stairs up to the main floor of the House from the visitors’ entrance, but there is also a lift for wheelchair users, who can view all the rooms except the Chapel and High South.

Lunch will be served in the privacy of the Grecian Room, situated on the ground floor of the House between the shop and the restaurant. The two-course traditional Christmas menu will be roast turkey with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding, with mince pies and tea or coffee to finish.

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Alcoholic and soft drinks will be available to purchase. For those who would prefer a vegetarian main course, there will be an open puff pastry tart with roasted Mediterranean vegetables and Yorkshire Brie. Please indicate your menu preference on the booking form as well as any other dietary requirements.

Ingleby’s coach will pick up at Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road at 10 am and at Middlethorpe Drive, Dringhouses at 10.15 am. The journey time to Castle Howard is around 45 minutes. The coach will leave Castle Howard at 4 pm and be back in York for 5 pm.

The cost of the trip is £43, which includes coach, admission, Christmas lunch and gratuities.

The day trip leader will carry mobile phone No. 07960 710975. Please call this number on the day if you are delayed or cannot attend.

Social Events The Summer Fair at St Crux in June was a huge financial success, raising over £1,000 for National Trust properties. This year more members volunteered their help, which helped to make the day such a success. Many thanks to everyone who manned the stalls and helped in the kitchen.

On Monday 10th October the Yorkshire Film Archive will show us more of their old films of York, including recent additions to their collection. YFA keep a record of the films they have shown us to make sure we do not see the same films twice, and their choice always provides us with a fascinating afternoon. This year the venue will be the Community Hall of St Edward’s Church in Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses, and the presentation will start at 2.30 pm. Tickets cost £7.50, which includes tea and scones. A booking form is enclosed.

The annual coffee morning for all members will be held on Saturday 5th November in Treasurer’s House (note the change of venue) from 10 am. We look forward to seeing you in different and delightful surroundings.

On Wednesday 30th November the Wetherby Light Singers will present their third Musical Evening for YANT. Their two previous concerts have delighted members, who we hope will enjoy the new venue of St Edward’s Church in Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses. The concert will take place from 7 to 9 pm. Tickets cost £10, which includes a glass of wine or juice. A booking form is enclosed.

Christine Truman (Chairman, Projects Committee)

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Talks

Our autumn season begins on Saturday 15th October, when Chris Cade will become Olaf the Storyteller describing the last Viking invasion of England in 1066. Chris needs no introduction to YANT members, who will remember how, after the 2014 AGM, he brought George Hudson, the Railway King, to life. Chris is a co-founder of the Platform 4 Theatre at the National Railway Museum, and we look forward to welcoming him back.

On Saturday 19th November Colin Wells will give a talk on recent discoveries at Nunnington Hall. Colin is a retired technical manager who, with others, has been researching the history of the buildings at Nunnington Hall and their occupants. They have uncovered a lot of new information, which they want to share with a wider audience in the hope that others will be encouraged to continue the research.

The talks, which last about 45 minutes, are held at the Friends’ Meeting House in Friargate, starting at 2.30 pm, with time for questions afterwards. A charge of £4 is made at the door. Members and friends are very welcome.

Drop-in Lunches

Drop-in lunches for members will continue on the last Wednesday in the month at the Walmgate Ale House in Walmgate, and this year will include September. The price remains at £7.50 for one course and £10.50 for two; both options include tea or coffee. There is no need to book in advance, so do come along and make new friends. The dates are on the back cover.

Password reminder for members’ pages on the YANT website

The members’ pages are password protected to prevent casual viewing by the general public. There is a link from the menu on the main YANT website www.yant.org.uk (top right). The passwords you will need are:

username – member; password – yant

Once you have accessed a members’ page, you can bookmark it on your computer so that you don’t need to put in the password again. Alternatively, as a member, you can go direct to the members’ pages, using the following link: www. yantmemb.moonfruit. com.

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Holidays Archaeology in Albania, 29th September to 7th October, £1,085 per person

Places are still available on our last full-length holiday of 2016. After 50 years of political isolation, Albania is only just emerging as a holiday destination. It has a refreshing lack of modern development and a unique, timeless quality. In archaeological terms, it offers some of the best sites in Europe, with a host of classical cities that were once on a par with those in Greece and Italy.

A dramatic landscape of high mountains and rugged coastline adds to the experience as we tour the country and visit the best sites. These include Durres on the Adriatic coast, one of the largest amphitheatres in the Balkans; Apollonia, the second largest Greek colony in Albania; the UNESCO World Heritage site at Butrint, which dates from the 7th century BC; and the remote mountain city of Byllis. We will be led throughout this nine-day tour by archaeologist Clive Warsop, together with local English-speaking guides. Clive’s charm, knowledge and enthusiasm have made him a firm favourite with YANT travellers over the past few years.

Late News: On the retirement of Graeme and Kay Mitchell, founders and directors, Brightwater Holidays has become part of the Specialist Journeys group, whose portfolio includes Andante, the archaeology specialists, Arblaster & Clarke, well known for their wine tours, and a historical tours company. Graeme assures us that the same care and attention to detail that have defined Brightwater for many years will continue.

Peter Drew (Tours Organiser)

2017 Holidays

Wednesday 26th October, 10 am

Walmgate Ale House, 25 Walmgate, York

Representatives from Brightwater Holidays and Peter Drew, YANT tours organiser, will discuss and show slides of the holidays planned for 2017. Whether you have already booked or are thinking about booking, do come along and find out more about the holidays.

Space is limited to 40 members, so please let me know if you are coming.

Phone: 01904 7022875 / 07510 673599 Email: holidays@yant.org.uk

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Holiday Review Undiscovered Orkney, 1st – 6th July

The late Queen Mother's home in Caithness, the Castle of Mey was the highlight of our first full day in Scotland. This homely castle with its well-stocked walled garden was an excellent beginning to our holiday.

Our tour began in earnest the moment we disembarked on South Ronaldsay and headed, via the Churchill Barriers, to Lamb Holm and the Italian Chapel. Built from two converted Nissen huts by Italian prisoners of war during World War II, the ornately decorated chapel is dedicated to peace, as evidenced by the Virgin Mary and the Christ-child holding a sprig of olive tree.

Next stop – our hotel in Kirkwall, Orkney's capital. Kirkwall has plenty to offer including the 12th century St Magnus Cathedral, for which our excellent guide Alison from Brightwater provided an informative talk and tour.

Sunday found us on the Queen o' the Isles, Westray. A walk across muddy and at times quite challenging terrain brought us to the Scaun Natural Arch, a stunning formation in the tall sea cliffs along this part of the coastline. Very rewarding, but not for the "faint-footed". Next on the agenda was the ruined Kirk of St Mary, its preserved stone tablet recording local families dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. We then headed to the island's main town of Pierowall and its compact heritage centre that houses the “Westray Wife”, the oldest representation of human form ever found in Scotland. A visit to one of the RSPB's sites, Castle O' Burrian, didn't disappoint – puffins a-plenty! – and finally, to the 16th century Noltland Castle with its untypically broad spiral staircase.

Monday’s highlights were all on the island of Hoy. Orkney has many Neolithic sites, and Hoy boasts the Dwarfie Stane, a burial tomb dating back to between 3500 and 2500 BC carved into two chambers from a single huge boulder. We made a brief stop at the Lyness Naval Cemetery before moving on to the visitor centre overlooking Scapa Flow. This relatively recent history evokes second-hand memories of World War II. Here, British and Russian flags fly side by side and flank the memorial to the Arctic convoys. Back to an earlier conflict, our tour took in a guided visit to a Martello tower built during the Napoleonic wars in about 1812.

No trip to Orkney could be complete without a visit to Skara Brae, the village dating from about 3100 to 2500 BC that had lain hidden beneath the sand dunes till its rediscovery after a huge storm in 1850. To complement this visit, our tour then went on to Maeshowe, where an official archaeologist/guide gave a fascinating talk on the history and construction of

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this chambered cairn. Finally, we stopped off at the standing stones of Stenness. Lunch at delightful Stromness and then back to Kirkwall in time for a drink – a drop of single malt whisky at Highland Park Distillery, to be exact. Visitor guides gave an excellent promenade presentation of the various stages of whisky production, including a tasting; not surprisingly we had an opportunity to buy some of Highland Park's products, ranging in price from a few pounds to over three thousand! Home via the Timespan Museum in Helmsdale, the village at the mouth of the Helmsdale River in Sutherland.

We were fortunate to have as our guide Alison, whose encyclopaedic knowledge and man-management skills proved an asset. So thumbs up to Alison, and to Stewart too for driving so safely and skilfully over 500 miles. Thanks to Brightwater and to our own Peter Drew.

Neil Butterworth

Country Walks Review: Full-day walk in Upper Swaledale, Saturday 18th June

One advantage of going on a YANT full-day walk is that somebody else does the driving, which in this case involved a long drive along some very narrow lanes. Fortunately, Mr. Dawson was up to the task. Another was that we could enjoy the beautiful Dales scenery from our high vantage point.

Muker, at the start of our walk, is one of the best places to see the upland hay meadows from the stone trods that run across seven fields. The hay meadows are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and contain a wide range of flowers and grasses that are not given any artificial fertiliser or cut until July when they have set seed. June is the best time to see them in full bloom, and we were not disappointed.

Crossing the Swale, we followed the path up the valley, with the ornithologists in the group pointing out some interesting birds, including oystercatchers with their young. We stopped for a quick snack at Swinner Gill before climbing the hill towards Crackpot Hall, now a ruin but with a history dating from the 16th century.

Our path took us past the crossing point of the Pennine Way and the Coast to Coast path, down the hill past Kisdon Force, one of several waterfalls in the area, and then up to Keld. In the late 18th century Keld’s population exceeded 6,000, most of whom worked in the lead mining industry. Now it is just a tiny hamlet, but it retains some interesting old buildings and chapels. We ate our lunch in the chapel cemetery and Well-Being Garden, with lovely views across the fields and down the valley. Some of the group took advantage of the little café in a farmhouse selling delicious ice cream.

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Eventually we made our way back down the opposite side of the valley, enjoying the primroses, bluebells and wild garlic, which were still blooming in the shade under the trees, and spectacular views down Swaledale.

The bus then took us to Gunnerside, where the Thursday Ladies Club provided an excellent tea. It was very quiet in the bus on the way home – all that fresh air and cake!

Alison Rutter

Full-day walk with coach and afternoon tea

There is just time to book for our last full-day walk of the year:

Saturday 10th September, Hovingham to Helmsley, 7½–8 miles.

The route follows part of the Ebor Way, going through Cawton and past a large fish farm fed by the River Rye. Undulating terrain throughout, with one significant climb up to the Oswaldkirk road junction. There are no stiles, but the going can be rough underfoot on the margins of cultivated fields. Some undergrowth in places, particularly during the last mile, so long trousers are strongly recommended. There is about a third of a mile of road walking, on a broad verge along the B1257, where special care will be needed. Standard moderate. Leader Philip Mander.

Tea at Helmsley Methodist Church includes a ham salad. Please state when booking if you would prefer the vegetarian option.

Dawson’s coach leaves the Memorial Gardens, Leeman Road at 9.15 am and Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride at 9.30 am. The cost is £17.50, which includes travel, tea and all gratuities. If you would like to join the walk, please contact Jenny Fanthorpe on 01904 769606 as soon as possible.

Walkers participate at their own risk and must be able to complete the walk in any weather. Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn and a packed lunch and drinks carried.

Circular half-day walks using own transport

Tuesday 13th September, Bishop Wilton, just over 3 miles. (NB: Not Thursday as stated in the June Newsletter.)

A steady climb to the top of the Wolds, with lovely views. There will be time afterwards to explore the interesting historic church and lovely village. The nearest toilets and food are in Stamford Bridge. (Unfortunately, the Fleece Inn in Bishop Wilton does not serve food on Tuesdays.) Standard moderate.

Park in Main Street, Bishop Wilton. Meet at the bus stop (map ref. SE 797 553) for a 10 am start. Leader May Townsend (01759 373534).

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Thursday 13th October, Old Malton and Norton, 4½ miles.

An easy walk exploring some of Malton’s history. Some street walking.

Park and meet on the field opposite the Royal Oak pub at 47 Town Street, Old Malton, YO17 7HB for a 10 am start. Leader Joyce Costello (01904 629312).

Travelling from York on the A64 either 1) Go through Malton and straight ahead into Old Malton until you see the pub on your left or 2) Continue on the A64 until you reach the Whitby/Pickering/Malton exit. Follow this for a short distance to a roundabout and take the 3rd exit – B1257. Follow this road (Town Street, Malton) until you see the pub on your right.

Thursday 17th November, Sinnington and Appleton-le-Moors, 5 miles.

A walk along the River Seven through woodland and including a gradual climb to Appleton-le-Moors. Lovely views; may be muddy in places. Lunch will be available afterwards at the Fox and Hounds in Sinnington.

Meet at the Fox and Hounds for a 10 am start. Leader Sally Mayo (01904 490374/07530 218731)

Thursday 29th December, the Bridges of York

Dorothy Pope will lead a walk that will show us a different view of York. Details will be in the December Newsletter.

Walkers participate at their own risk and must be able to complete the distance in open countryside in a variety of weather conditions. Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn and light refreshments carried.

If you would like a lift for any of these walks or can offer one to others, please contact Colin Sherwood on 01904 640915 (colinsherwood49@gmail.com). A 50p administration charge will be collected on each walk.

2017 Social Evening

The New Earswick Bowls Club on Huntingdon Road has been booked for Friday 10th March 2017. Full details and a booking form will be in the December Newsletter.

2017 Walks

Full-day walks have already been planned for May (Grassington area) and July (Middleham). Any suggestions for walks or offers to lead walks – either full or half day – will be most welcome.

Eileen Wishart (Secretary, Walks Group)

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Day Trip Reviews Stockport Hat Works and Air Raid Shelters, Thursday 14th April

Twenty-nine YANT members crossed the Pennines to Stockport looking forward to an unusual day out.

Our first stop was Wellington Mill, a former cotton spinning mill and now the home of the Hat Works. After a welcome coffee and biscuits we divided into two groups for our tour of the museum. The knowledgeable guides gave us a fascinating insight into the importance of Stockport as the leading centre of hat-making from the 16th century onwards, as well explaining the changing methods of felting and hat-making. Working machines gave an idea of the level of noise experienced daily in Victorian times, and we discovered many dangers, one of which was the effect of exposure to mercury: the Mad Hatter in “Alice in Wonderland” did not come solely from Lewis Carroll’s imagination. We also learnt some of the vocabulary used in hat-making and saw some amazing headgear in the extensive hat gallery.

After a tasty buffet lunch at the museum, we walked the short distance to the Air Raid Shelters where we were again treated to an entertaining and informative tour by our excellent guides, who showed us how this network of underground tunnels was dug in 1939 and how people would have spent their nights there during the Blitz. The flushing lavatories proved to be something of a highlight, but we were glad we didn’t have to experience those crowded, hot and damp conditions where each night some 6,000 people would sleep, with six people expected to fit into one yard of space.

Before the return journey we just had time to look round the shopping centre and see a little more of the town, and then it was back to York after a thoroughly interesting, enjoyable and well organised visit.

Sandra and Neil Rowley

Renishaw Hall, Wednesday 18th May

After several days of summery weather Wednesday 18th May dawned grey and drizzly. Roger exhorted us to “make the most of it”, but, as it turned out, we hardly got wet at all.

Renishaw Hall lies only a few miles from the M1 between Sheffield and Chesterfield, and our driver, Dave, made good time. We arrived early and had time to visit the interesting and well-laid-out exhibition, which gave a wealth of information about the Sitwells and included a video about the house. We then had an interesting tour of the Hall, which is used as a family home and still lived in by Alexandra Renishaw.

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The family love dachshunds, evidence of which can be seen in the shape of embroidery completed by the Dowager and in a game of Dachshundopoly, something I had never encountered before. As with all grand houses, the Hall has been much altered and extended over its 400 years. At one point the owners fell on hard times, and some of the contents had to be sold; happily, some were later discovered and repurchased.

The rain held off for much of the afternoon, so we were able to enjoy the Italianate gardens. Although the bluebells were almost past their best, the magnificent colours of the magnolia, rhododendron and azalea made up for them. Later in the year the laburnum arch will be worth seeing. Those with enough energy went down a steepish slope to the lakes and the Gothic arch.

The food was amazing - coffee, biscuits, hot buffet, sandwiches, scones, jam and cream. Compliments to the chef.

Linda Mitchell

Woodhorn Museum and Northumberlandia, Wednesday 8th June

In its 1930s heyday Woodhorn Colliery in Northumberland was busy, noisy and dirty; now it is clean, quiet and a haven for red squirrels. Our tour began with the miners’ banner collection and then went on to the Pitmen painters exhibition. What to them was a representation of the minutiae of daily life is, to us, a wonderful insight into social history. A fascinating display took us through every part of a miner’s life and the 1980s strike.

After lunch we explored the site. The winding engine was the most important part of the pit and the worker the most highly paid. He wound the cage transporting men, coal and machinery to and from the surface; safety and productivity were in his hands. A system of bells connected the top with the bottom and, as the rope stretched over time, his was a skilful job. Horses lived in stables below ground and, contrary to popular myth, were not blind.

The site gives a fascinating insight into every aspect of mining and, apart from parking, it’s free!

Northumberlandia, the Lady of the North or Slag Alice, is a landform constructed from waste from the adjacent open cast mine. Her head and chest are easy to identify, but we needed some help with the rest, as her legs are twisted to one side. Standing on her right breast, we could see the unfortunate landslip that has made the top of her head inaccessible for now.

Tea and scones completed a most enjoyable and informative trip.

Linda Mitchell

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The World of Wedgwood, Thursday 14th July

Twenty-five YANT members met on a lovely sunny day to travel to Wedgwood in the Potteries. After tea and biscuits on arrival we were introduced to our guide Ray, who divided us into two groups, one to have a guided tour of the museum and the other a self-guided tour of the factory. The groups then reunited for a talk on the life and times of Josiah Wedgwood before swapping round.

Rebuilt in 2008, the museum contains 3,000 exhibits, including ceramics collected since the pottery was founded in 1759. We were shown the iconic Jasperware and the less famous Fairyland lustre vases. A very special exhibit is the large painting by Stubbs of Josiah Wedgwood and his family in the grounds of Etruria Hall. Josiah’s daughter Susannah, who is featured on horseback in the picture, was the mother of Charles Darwin.

Wedgwood’s most famous customers were Queen Charlotte, Catherine the Great and President Roosevelt. The Green Frog Service made for Catherine the Great in 1773 contained over 952 pieces bearing the frog emblem, and is now in the Hermitage in St Petersburg. The cream pottery made for Queen Charlotte – the Queen’s Ware – is still produced today and is very popular.

Gaye Blake-Roberts’ very informative talk was accompanied by slides of the potteries through the ages and a brief history of Josiah Wedgwood, who was born in 1730 and founded the pottery in Burslem in 1754. As the business grew and needed more space, Josiah bought the Etruria estate, where he lived and worked until his death in 1795. In 1940 production was moved to a purpose-built factory at Barlaston, its present home. The talk was interrupted by the fire alarm, and we were escorted out of the building, but were able to return after a few minutes for the rest of the talk, with no further interruptions.

To round off our visit we had an opportunity to visit the factory outlet, where many beautiful items were on sale, some of which were bought by members of the group. At 4.30 pm we boarded our coach and made our way back to York after a very interesting and enjoyable day out.

Janet Harper

Data Protection Act Members’ names and addresses are stored electronically to enable the Association to maintain records, to print labels for mailing Newsletters and to email notifications. Members’ details are never passed to third parties.

Under the Act a member may object to their details being so kept. If you wish to do so, please notify the Membership Secretary in writing or by email.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Printed by Print Solutions, Audax Close, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4RA. (01904 690090)

SEPTEMBER1 Daytrip:WhattonHouseGardensandTaylor’sBellFoundry10 Full-daywalk:HovinghamtoHelmsley13 Shortwalk:BishopWilton15 MysteryTour28 Drop-inlunch,WalmgateAleHouse,12noon29–7October Holiday:Albania

OCTOBER10 FilmArchiveShow,StEdward’sChurchCommunityHall, Dringhouses,2.30pm13 Shortwalk:OldMaltonandNorton15 ExtraordinaryGeneralMeeting:Friends’MeetingHouse,Friargate,2.15pm15 Talk:ChrisCade,“OlaftheStoryteller”, FriendsMeetingHouse,Friargate,2.30pm26 Previewof2017Holidays:WalmgateAleHouse,10am26 Drop-inlunch,WalmgateAleHouse,12noon

NOVEMBER5 Coffeemorning,Treasurer’sHouse,York,from10am15 Discountevening,NationalTrustShop,York,6–8pm17 Shortwalk:SinningtonandAppleton-le-Moors19 Talk:ColinWells,“RecentDiscoveriesatNunningtonHall”, FriendsMeetingHouse,Friargate,2.30pm30 Drop-inlunch,WalmgateAleHouse,12noon30 MusicalEvening,StEdward’sChurch,Dringhouses,7pm

DECEMBER7 Christmaslunch,YorkCollege,12noon11-12 Shortbreak:BirminghamandNationalMemorialArboretum15 VisitandChristmasLunch,CastleHoward29 Shortwalk:BridgesofYork PleasesendcontributionsandphotosfortheDecemberNewslettertoDellaBrotherstonatnewsletter@yant.org.ukbyWednesday9thNovember.