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Last Year’s Programme

SATURDAY 29 JANUARY 2022

MEMBERS’ EVENING

‘THE WAY WE WERE!’ – A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.  

Jean will bring slides of some of our visits and holidays from the past.  These should raise a smile and remind us of the many interesting and beautiful places we have visited during our 45 years as a Branch.  For those of you who like a challenge there will be a quiz sheet available and also a ‘Guess the Medieval Artefact’ competition.  There will be ‘superb’ prizes for the winners.

This is your evening, with time for a chat over tea, coffee and cake!   Browse the book stall or join in the competitions.  The choice is yours.  Make this a fun and informal evening.

Long Bennington Village Hall – 7.30 pm

SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2022

 ‘MEDIEVAL MEDICINE – SUPERSTITION AND SCIENCE’

An illustrated talk by Gareth Howell.

The medieval medics have a bad reputation but do they really deserve it?  Gareth will examine the facts.

Long Bennington Village Hall – 7.30 pm.

FRIDAY 04 MARCH 2022

A MYSTERY TOUR

Following the success of previous mystery trips, many members have asked that a mystery tour be included in this year’s programme.  However, there must be enough people to cover expenses before Jean can book the coach and organise an itinerary.  A good way to blow away the winter cobwebs and explore somewhere unexpected!  Friends and family are most welcome

PLEASE BOOK WITH JEAN BY END DECEMBER.

Price – to be advised and will depend upon numbers.  The more passengers the cheaper the trip!

Coach pick-up times to be advised.

SATURDAY 26 MARCH 2022

‘HOW MEDIEVAL BATTLES WERE FOUGHT’

An illustrated talk by Phillip Steele.

Phillip will examine how battles were actually fought during The Wars of the Roses using artistic evidence and other contemporary sources.

Long Bennington Village Hall – 7.30 pm.

SUNDAY 10 APRIL 2022

SUNDAY LUNCH AT BESTWOOD LODGE*, NEAR NOTTINGHAM

Hopefully we can make our annual visit to Bestwood Lodge this year.  The hotel is built on the site of a medieval hunting lodge where  Richard III was staying when he heard that Henry Tudor had landed at Milford Haven.   Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the edge of Sherwood Forest in a place that Richard III knew well.  Raise your glass to the last Plantagenet King of England.  This is an opportunity to view the superb commemorative plaque presented to the hotel in August 2019 by the Richard III Society.

Lunch at 1.00 pm.  Sunday lunch is a carvery with vegetarian options.  Choose your lunch on the day but please book with JEAN by the end of FEBRUARY and include £5.00 deposit per person.

Price to be advised.

This is an ‘own cars’ excursion.  Anyone requiring a lift should please see Jean. 

*Bestwood Lodge Hotel, Bestwood Country Park, ARNOLD, Nottingham, NG5 8NE.

SATURDAY 23 APRIL 2022

ST GEORGE’S DAY

We traditionally celebrate St George’s Day.  This year Jean will organise a pub lunch for those interested in getting together.  Add prestige to the occasion by wearing something patriotic - red and white, St George’s colours.  A ribbon will do!

The venue will be The Royal Oak in Long Bennington.  The price will be whatever you choose from the menu.

Time 12.30 for 1.00.

Please let Jean know if you are interested by the end of MARCH.

SATURDAY 30 APRIL 2022

‘PRAISEWORTHY FOR THIS BUILDING – THE ARCHITECTURE OF RICHARD III’

An illustrated talk by James Wright.

James is an architectural archaeologist.

This talk offers an overlooked perspective of Richard’s life – his achievements as an architectural patron.  By considering his building projects at sites including Middleham, Warwick and Sudeley, the talk looks at the context of his sacred and secular architecture.     

Long Bennington Village Hall – 7.30 pm.

MONDAY 02 May 2022 BANK HOLIDAY

DENTON STREET MARKET

Tombola stall in aid of Branch funds. It is hoped that this event will run this year. This is a very important fundraising venue.  All money raised is used for our charitable bequests including the School History Prize. We desperately need support from members either in the form of prizes for the tombola, monetary donations or offers of help manning the stall on the day. If anyone has cuddly toys that are in good condition, we will be pleased to have them; please wash them before donating!  Other suitable prizes will also be gratefully accepted; anything new and useable will be most welcome for the tombola stall.  Would each member please supply a prize for the tombola stall.

We will also have a book stall.  Offers of books to STEVE FOOTTIT and tombola prizes and toys to either MAUREEN WHEELDON or JEAN TOWNSEND.  Offers of help to Richard and Maureen Wheeldon or Jean Townsend.  Just one hour of your time on the day is a huge help.  Your Branch Needs You!

Time to be advised.

WEDNESDAY 11 MAY – SATURDAY 14 MAY 2022  

COACH HOLIDAY TO KELSO AND THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

Based at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, a Scottish country house hotel which was originally built as a private home for Lady Griselle Baillie.  The hotel is set in a private 10-acre estate on the banks of the River Tweed.  The hotel has a lift, an indoor swimming pool and a sauna.  The hotel is ideally located to enable us to visit Kelso; Floors Castle and Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house.  Traquair dates back to 1107 and has been visited by 23 Scottish kings and queens.  It has been lived in by the Stuart family since 1491.  There are also many beautiful ruined abbeys in the area, including Jedburgh, Melrose, Dryburgh and Kelso.  The Borders boasts pretty scenery, interesting towns and a reputation for good food!

Price - £435.00 per person for a double/twin room.  Price includes all coach pick-ups, 3 nights bed and breakfast, evening meals and all visits.  Single supplement (in a double room) is £112.50; *only 6 of these are available*.  Personal insurance can be arranged at £22.00 per person at time of booking.

There must be at least 20 people to run at this price.

PLEASE BOOK WITH JEAN NOW WITH A £50.00 NON-RETURNABLE DEPOSIT PER PERSON WITH YOUR BOOKING FORM AS ROOMS HAVE TO BE SECURED ASAP.  Cheques payable to JEAN TOWNSEND, marked ‘Kelso’ on the back.  The full amount must be paid BY THE END OF MARCH.

Coach pick-up: Wrights’ Depot, Balderton, Westborough Lodge – times to be advised.  There is plenty of secure parking at Westborough Lodge – please see Jean.

TUESDAY 14 JUNE 2022

COACH TRIP TO BROUGHTON CASTLE, OXFORDSHIRE

This is the family home of the 21st Lord and Lady Saye and Sele.  The ownership of the castle has remained in the same family since 1447.  Broughton Castle is a moated, fortified manor house.  The core of the house was built in 1306 and the gatehouse in the early 15th Century.  It has appeared in many films and television programmes including ‘Wolf Hall’, ‘Jane Eyre’ and the ‘Madness of King George’.  ‘Time Team’ is currently excavating the recently discovered Roman Villa in the grounds of Broughton Castle.  A guided tour of the castle will be followed by free time to explore and visit the church and the gardens.  The beautiful roses should be flowering in June.  There will be a lunch stop enroute.

 Price - £40.00 includes coach pick-ups, guided tour and entry fee to the castle.  Pick-up times to be advised.

 

FRIDAY 08 JULY 2022

THE MUGASETH MEMORIAL LECTURE

‘THE RESTLESS KINGS’

A talk by Dr Nick Barratt

This is the title of Nick’s latest book; a vivid and humane study of the Plantagenets’ diabolical and devious first family. Nick is an author, broadcaster and historian and Director of Senate House Library at the University of London.  Genealogical Consultant for the TV programme ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’, he also presented ‘Live the Dream’ on TV, together with Melissa Porter and ‘So You Think You are Royal?’.  Nick is a superb speaker and returns to the Branch by popular request.

Venue: The Eden Hotel, North Parade, Grantham, NG31 8UA.

Time 7.30pm                PRICE £8.00 per ticket.   

Tickets will be on sale in April – please see MAUREEN WHEELDON.  Please book by the end of MAY.  Cheques to Richard III Society Lincolnshire Branch.        

FRIDAY 05 AUGUST 2022.

BRANCH PICNIC

This year we will visit Boston.  In the 45 years of the existence of the Branch we have never visited Boston; we will rectify this and enjoy a trip closer to home.

We will have a coffee break enroute.  Our first visit will be to the iconic St Botoph’s Church, known since its construction as the ‘Boston Stump’.  The beauty of the building is breath-taking and we will have a guided tour of this spectacular church.  Following the tour, our Branch picnic will be held in the lovely gardens of Fydell House in the centre of Boston.  If the weather is inclement, we can use their garden room instead.  You will be able to buy tea/coffee to accompany your picnic should you wish to do so.  Following the picnic, we will be given a tour of Fydell House by ‘The Friends’.  The house has a fascinating history and is a hidden gem.  We will also visit the medieval Guildhall next door. The day will end with one of Fydell House’s splendid afternoon teas.  PLEASE NOTE – it will not be necessary to take a chair for the picnic as these will be provided.  

Price - £.40.00 per person - includes coach, coffee/tea and biscuits, all visits and afternoon tea.  

Cheques to be payable to JEAN TOWNSEND, marked ‘Picnic’ on the back, before the end of APRIL. PLEASE NOTE - We must have 25 people to run at this price.  The outing is subject to cancellation dependent upon a review of the number of bookings received by the end of May.

Coach pick-ups and times to be advised.

SATURDAY 13 AUGUST 2022

BRANCH FUND RAISING EVENING

‘HIDDEN TREASURES’

An illustrated talk by Jean Townsend.

We are all aware of the famous treasures to be found in this country, including great houses, works of art and the priceless and beautiful artefacts that can be found in our museums.  This talk explores the not so famous and, in some cases, the virtually unknown.  The obscure treasures that are sometimes tucked away or in plain sight but not appreciated for what they are.  Their historical importance is often undervalued.  Jean will reveal some of her favourite Hidden Treasures.  Each has a story to tell and they are an eclectic mix of items, ranging from buildings to exquisite domestic pieces.

We will have a raffle and a book stall.  Please donate raffle items to MAUREEN WHEELDON and books to STEVE FOOTTIT.

Tickets £6.00 – includes tea/coffee and cake.  

Offers of help and home made cakes please!

Long Bennington Village Hall – 7.30 pm

Tickets will be on sale in April – please see MAUREEN WHEELDON.  Please book by the end of MAY.  Cheques payable to Richard III Society Lincolnshire Branch.

FRIDAY 19 – MONDAY 22 AUGUST 2022

COACH TRIP TO COUNTY DURHAM TO SEE ‘KYNREN … A JOURNEY THROUGH 2000 YEARS OF ENGLISH HISTORY’

 The Kynren Pageant is going ahead in 2022 but the organisers have decided that it will only be performed on Saturdays.  Kynren is an Anglo Saxon word meaning kin or family.  Jean urges anyone who hasn’t seen the Kynren performance to take this opportunity to do so.  It is spectacular, amazing and riveting.  A cast of thousands bring the history of England to life in a unique way.  The hotels in the Durham area have formed a cartel and are offering 3 night packages as a minimum booking..  This is excessively annoying but understandable in the present economic climate.  After negotiation, the Redworth Hall Hotel at Newton Aycliffe has offered us a 3 night stay.  The hotel is approximately 11 miles out of Durham and has offered us either lunch or an early dinner on the Saturday night prior to our Kynren visit.  I have stayed at the hotel; it is comfortable in a lovely setting with excellent food, a spa and swimming pool.  

Price - £444.00 per person includes all coach pick-ups, all visits and EXECUTIVE seats at Kynren; ensuite rooms, bed, breakfast and evening meals.  Single supplement (in a double room) is £81.00; *only 5 of these available*.   Personal insurance can be arranged at the time of booking at £22.00 per person

There must be at least 20 people to run at this price for Jean to organise an itinerary.  If you have friends or family who are interested, they are very welcome to join us.  Jean can obtain more Kynren tickets if required.

Please book with Jean NOW to enable her to ascertain the viability of this trip.  Please do not send a deposit.

Coach pick-ups:  Wrights’ Depot, Balderton, Westborough Lodge.  Pick-up times to be advised.  There is plenty of secure parking at Westborough Lodge – please see Jean.

MONDAY 22 AUGUST 2022

REQUIEM MASS FOR KING RICHARD III – SPITAL CHAPEL, LINCOLNSHIRE

This is a moving occasion followed by delicious refreshments by courtesy of the Lincolnshire Branch.  The Chapel is a unique and lovely building in which to remember King Richard and all who fell on Bosworth Field.  If you have never visited Spital Chapel you will be amazed, as it is a lovely little building.  Seats are limited at this event.   

Attendance by ticket only.  Book with JEAN.  There is no charge for this event, which is held in the afternoon; time to be advised.

FRIDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – MONDAY 19 SEPTEMBER 2022

COACH HOLIDAY TO NORTHERN FRANCE’

Due to the uncertainty over Covid19, coach companies are not taking bookings for France until Spring 2022.  However, Jean is still in contact with the Hotel Novotel Saclay and she is hoping to retain our original booking.  

If the trip goes ahead, we will visit the Palace of Fontainebleau, the medieval walled town of Moret Sur Loing and the world-famous water gardens of Chateau de Courances.  Close by is the medieval village of Milly-la-Forêt and the lovely artists’ village of Barbizon.  Fontainebleau was a royal hunting lodge in the Middle Ages and a haunt of the French kings.  Parts of the palace date from the 11th  Century and its interior is sumptuously furnished.  The splendid grounds even include an English garden.  Fontainebleau Palace and Moret Sur Long are on the edge of the mysterious and ancient Fontainebleau Forest.

The Hotel Novotel Saclay is a renovated farmhouse with inside and outdoor pools.  All rooms are ensuite and have tea/coffee making facilities.  There is a disabled access and free porterage.  

Please book with Jean NOW to enable her to ascertain the viability of this trip.  Please do not send a deposit.

Jean will advise the price once she is able to book the coach, Eurotunnel and secure the hotel.  There may also be a change of date for this holiday and this will be advised as soon as it is known.

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2022

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Long Bennington Village Hall – 7.30 pm.