Website © Richard the Third Society, Lincolnshire Branch 2011

Programme for 2023 - 2024 MEETINGS VENUE:  Unless otherwise stated  Long Bennington Village Hall

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BRANCH PROGRAMME 2023 - 2024


SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 2023

‘A NOTTINGHAM MEDIEVAL MYSTERY: WHAT IS THE FISHPOOL TREASURE AND WHY IS IT BURIED AT RAVENSHEAD?’

An illustrated talk by Gareth Howell.

The Fishpool Treasure is among the ten most important treasures to be discovered in the UK.

Gareth examines two theories about its burial during the Wars of The Roses, a bloody period in our history. Hear the full story of this fascinating find.

Long Bennington Village Hall 7.30pm.


THURSDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2023

CHRISTMAS VISIT: CHRISTMAS EVE 1849 AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE

This Christmas experience recreates lavish Victorian preparations, to include candlelit Christmas trees, roaring fires and beautiful period costumes. It has received rave reviews.

The housekeeper, butler, governess and footman will share fascinating insights as they guide us through the castle.

Take your own lunch or enjoy a festive treat in Walkers House Tea Room or the heated marquee. Your ticket includes access to the beautiful castle gardens.

Price - £52 per person. There are only 20 tickets available and we must sell all of them to run at this price.

Please book with Jean before the end of OCTOBER.

Departure time - To be advised

The Royal Oak Long Bennington. Newark and Balderton pick-ups available if required.


FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 2023

BRANCH CHRISTMAS DINNER

The Royal Oak Long Bennington

Time - 7.30pm

Price - To be advised

Menu choice available from Jean. Book with Jean before the end of OCTOBER.

DEPOSIT OF £10 PER PERSON REQUIRED WITH BOOKING.

Please make cheques payable to Richard III Society Lincolnshire Branch, marked Christmas Dinner on the back and send to the Branch Treasurer - see inside back cover.


SATURDAY 27 JANUARY 2024

WINTER WARMER: A NEW YEAR GET TOGETHER

Pub lunch at The Reindeer Long Bennington.

12 noon.

Menu choice available in the New Year.


THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2024

OWN CARS VISIT TO THE CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, BOTTESFORD

A guided tour of the church will be given by John Daybell followed by a pub lunch.

Bottesford church is the Mausoleum of the Dukes of Rutland. This is a magnificent building, packed with amazing memorials.

Meet inside the church at 10.45am for a tour at 11.00am

Lunch at 12.30pm. Venue to be advised. Menu will be available in the New Year.

Price £5.00 per person for the tour.

Price for lunch will depend upon menu choice.

Book with Jean before the end of DECEMBER enclosing cheque for £5.00 made out to J Townsend and marked Bottesford on the back.


FRIDAY 15 MARCH 2024

A MYSTERY TRIP

Come along and explore somewhere unexpected.

Jean will issue clues about the venue, awarding a prize for the correct answer.

However, there must be enough people to cover expenses before Jean can book the coach and organise the itinerary.

Friends and family are most welcome.

Please book with Jean by the end of DECEMBER.

Price will depend upon numbers. The more passengers the cheaper the trip.

Coach pick-up times to be advised.


SATURDAY 30 MARCH 2024

'BARBERS & BLOODLETTING: MEDICINE & SURGERY IN THE LATER MIDDLE AGES'

An illustrated talk by Stuart Orme, a historian who is an accomplished speaker. He returns by popular request. Stuart taught at the University of Exeter and at a secondary school in Staffordshire. He became an events organiser, curator at Peterborough Museum, director of operations at Peterborough Cathedral and finally, curator of the Cromwell Museum Huntingdon.

Barbarous and unsophisticated practices, consisting of amputations and leeches form a widely accepted image. The reality was much more complex.

Stuart looks at some of those cures, the medical professionals of the period and surgical techniques, including replica instruments.

Long Bennington Village Hall 7.30pm


SUNDAY 21 APRIL 2024

ST GEORGES DAY

Our St Georges day celebration will consist of a traditional Sunday Lunch at The Royal Oak Long Bennington. Wear something patriotic if you can. St George's colours are red & white.. A ribbon will do.

The roast beef of old England will be on the menu along with lots of other choices, including

vegetarian and other dietary requirements. The menu will be available from Jean.

Time 12.30.

Please book with Jean before the end of MARCH enclosing £10 deposit per person.


SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2024

'CLOTHING THE LOST KING:RECONSTRUCTING THE WARDROBE OF RICHARD III '

A talk by Ninya Mikhaila

Ninya has run a business since 1988, making reproduction historical costumes.

She featured in the BBC television series 'A Stitch in Time'.

Ninya will share the research and production of the clothing made for the film 'The Lost King' and will also look at how Richard's tailor dealt with the king's scoliosis.

Long Bennington Village Hall. 7.30pm.


SATURDAY 11 MAY 2024

BRANCH FUNDRAISING COFFEE MORNING

KEEP THIS DATE FREE.

Following the success of the coffee morning last year we have decided to repeat this event.

The Branch needs your help and ideas to make this a profitable and successful morning.

We intend to follow the same format as last year and we will definitely have a book stall and a plant stall. We would love to hear from you with offers to help on the stalls and serve the refreshments. Donations of plants, books and home-made cakes would be appreciated.

We are still unsure of the venue. This will be announced as soon as a decision has been made.

Please support this event to boost our funds. All proceeds help us to cover the rising cost of speakers and venue hire and to continue our charitable donations.

Please phone or email Jean with your ideas and offers of help.


THURSDAY 16 - MONDAY 20 MAY 2024

COACH HOLIDAY TO MERSEYSIDE AND CHESHIRE

Based at the 4* Park Royal Hotel and Spa, Stretton, Warrington, WA4 4NS.

This highly recommended hotel has a reputation for good food. Please advise Jean of any dietary requirements or mobility issues at the time of booking. The hotel can cater for most requests.

All rooms are ensuite, with TV, telephone, hairdryer and hospitality tray.

There is a lift and the hotel has a swimming pool and gym.

We must have at least 20 passengers for the trip to run, so Jean will put together an itinerary once she has sufficient interest to make the holiday viable.

Visits to the little-known Norton Priory Museum and Gardens and a guided tour of Ordsall Hall are under consideration. Liverpool city has so much of interest to explore.

Jean would welcome any requests for visits.

Price to be advised, will include coach, bed, breakfast, three-course evening meals and all visits.

BOOK WITH JEAN NOW with a non-refundable deposit of £50 per person.

Cheques made out to J Townsend marked Liverpool on the back.

Please note that the full amount must be paid by the end of FEBRUARY.

Departure times and pick-ups to be advised.

There is plenty of secure parking at Westborough Lodge; see Jean.


THURSDAY 27 JUNE 2024

'GARDEROBES AND GONFERMERS:GOING TO THE PRIVY IN THE MEDIEVAL ERA’

An illustrated talk by James Wright.

James is a buildings archaeologist and this fascinating talk will explore the latrinal habits of people in the medieval period.

A little explored subject! Be prepared to be amused!

Long Bennington Village Hall 7.30pm.


SATURDAY 13 JULY 2024

THE MUGASETH MEMORIAL LECTURE

'THE BODY OF ANNE MOWBRAY AND ROYAL BURIAL RITUALS IN FIFTEENTH CENTURY ENGLAND’

An illustrated talk by Dr Allan Barton FSA.

Allan is an art and architectural historian and he is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.

Anne Mowbray was the child bride of Richard Duke of York, the younger of the two ‘princes in the tower’. Her coffin was discovered in 1964 on the site of the church of The Minoresses of St Clare in Stepney, East London.

Anne was only 8 years old when she died in 1481 and her body and the coffin were intact.

This is a fascinating story. Not to be missed!

Venue to be advised

Time - 7.30pm

Price £10.00 per ticket

Tickets will be on sale in April from MAUREEN WHEELDON Eastfield House, Mays Lane, Saxilby, LINCOLN, LN1 2QE with SAE please. 01522 703200 or email wheeldon88@yahoo.co.uk

Cheques payable to Richard III Society Lincolnshire Branch.


FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 2024

BRANCH PICNIC: SUTTON CHENEY CHURCH AND THE BATTLE OF BOSWORTH FIELD HERITAGE CENTRE

We will visit the beautiful, tranquil and atmospheric little church at Sutton Cheney, where Richard III is said to have taken his last mass prior to the battle.

Then to the Battlefield Centre picnic area, taking our lunch at the tables provided, or you can cheat and buy lunch in the cafe on site.

After lunch we will have an indoor introductory talk, followed by a short stroll to the Sundial Memorial with our guide. You will have time to explore the superb exhibition and the excellent shop. It is many years since we had a group visit to Bosworth and the Centre has become much more accessible and interesting.

We will have a group afternoon tea in the 1485 Tithe Barn Cafe.

Price depends on numbers and will include coach, introductory talk, entry to the exhibition and afternoon tea. The more support we get the cheaper the price!

Departure point The Royal Oak Long Bennington.

Book by the end of APRIL Cheques made payable to J Townsend marked Picnic on the back please.


SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2024

BRANCH FUNDRAISING EVENING

'HENRY VIII, VICTIM OR VILLAIN?’

An illustrated talk by Jean Townsend.

It is often forgotten that Henry VIII was half Plantagenet. His mother Elizabeth of York was the daughter of Edward IV and the niece of Richard III.

Henry is best remembered for his plethora of wives, his enormous girth and his propensity for chopping off the heads of his adversaries. Like Richard III, Henry has suffered a certain amount of bad press.

Jean will explore the life of this complex character, leaving you to judge.

We will have a bookstall and a raffle. Please donate items to Veronica and Steve Foottit

Offers of help and home-made cakes please.

Long Bennington Village Hall 7.30pm.

Tickets £6.00 includes tea / coffee and cake.

Tickets will be on sale in APRIL from MAUREEN WHEELDON Eastfield House, Mays Lane, Saxilby, LINCOLN, LN1 2QE with SAE please. 01522 703200 or email wheeldon88@yahoo.co.uk Cheques payable to Richard III Society Lincolnshire Branch.


MONDAY 16 – FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2024

AUTUMN COACH HOLIDAY TO FONTAINEBLEU FRANCE

Based at the 4* Novotel Fontainebleau Ury, situated at the edge of Fontainebleau Forest in 5 hectares of parkland.

Naturally, we will visit Fontainebleau itself and it is hoped to see the spectacular water gardens and the chateau of Domaine de Courances, the medieval town of Moret Sur Loing and the artists’ village of Barbizon. There is a great deal to do and see in this very pretty part of France.

Price - £870 per person. Single room supplement £185. All rooms are double rooms.

Includes; coach, channel tunnel, all visits, bed breakfast and a 3-course evening meal which includes tea/ coffee and a glass of wine.

This is an excellent price BUT we must have 20 people for the trip to be viable.

Please book with Jean NOW with a non-returnable deposit of £150 per person. Cheques made payable to J Townsend marked France on the back. The hotel will deal with any dietary requirements and mobility issues as required. Just mention to Jean when booking.

It is now usual for hotels to require a deposit when booking, nor will they hold the rooms for any length of time, so Jean must confirm asap.

Departure time to be advised

Pick up Westborough Lodge Farm.

There is plenty of parking at Westborough Lodge; see Jean.


SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Long Bennington Village Hall 7.30pm.

BRANCH PROGRAMME 2023 – 2024


We are very much indebted to our Branch Secretary for the hard work she has put in when arranging this varied programme.


Please show your appreciation by helping arrangements to run smoothly.  Members are asked to book early, using the slips provided and to pay by the dates specified.  Please write the event being booked on to the back of your cheque. Further payment information can be found on the back cover of the programme.


The Branch is not able to take bookings without a properly completed booking slip.


Richard Wheeldon

Branch Chairman




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2023 - 24 Programme

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