Events

Regrettably this event has been postponed - those members who have booked have been advised. We hope that we may be able to reschedule.

Our visit to Dark Star Plants Nursery combines both a plant nursery and a historical garden site. The nursery has been created in the walled garden of what was Rounton Grange. This large house, sadly demolished in 1953/4, was built by the Arts and Crafts architect Philip Webb for Sir Isaac Lowthian Bell, an ironmaster, who had bought the estate at East Rounton on 1866. As well as an impressive house, the family also created a garden which his granddaughter Gertrude Bell, the explorer, redesigned - inspired by her travels in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The nursery, which specialises in plants which have dark flowers or leaves, is run by Shaun Passman and Jenny Gaunt. After an introductory talk, we will be able to explore the nursery, perhaps buy plants or a bunch of flowers from the cutting garden. Refreshments are available from nearby Roots Farmshop and café.

Tickets cost £10.00 Organiser Vicky Price

In 1086 the Doomsday Survey mentions Chenardesburg (Knaresborough) and it is thought that Knaresborough Forest dates from then. The Castle is first mentioned in 1130, and was built in a commanding position above the River Nidd Gorge, but partially dismantled in 1648, the result of an order from Parliament to dismantle all Royalist castles. Join David Rhodes in Knaresborough for a talk about both the Forest - placed in the centre of Yorkshire’s White Rose Forest, and the Government’s coast to coast Northern Forest - and the Castle and its surroundings, and the importance of both in the future. We will meet in ‘The Church’ at COGS, the Methodist Church, for coffee and biscuits at 10.30am followed by David’s talk. Please bring a packed lunch or there are many cafes in the centre of the town, and afterwards David will lead a tour of the Castle area and there will be an opportunity to visit the Kings Tower at the Castle. (Entrance fee £3.80, seniors and disabled £2.80)

Please wear sensible walking shoes.

Organisers: Vicky Price and David Rhodes

Tickets cost £12.00 (Non-members £14.00)

The lands of Howsham belonged to Kirkham Abbey until the Dissolution and the present house (1610 Listed Grade I) was possibly built with Abbey stone.  Thomas Bamburgh bought the manor of Howsham in 1573 and William Bamburgh who succeeded in 1593 gave Howsham Hall its present form. The designed landscape developed in two distinct phases. Firstly in the early 18^th century and secondly in mid to late 18^th century. 

Sir John Wentworth, Lord of Howsham between 1689 and 1720, after remodelling the hall’s east façade, laid out a series of enclosed formal gardens. Nathaniel Cholmley (inherited Howsham 1758), in c.1770 with advice from John Carr and Thomas Atkinson, improved the interior of the Hall and consulted Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.  The late 18^th century improvements, completed by 1776 included the partial demolition of Howsham village to create a park to the south of the Hall, remodelling of the water mill (Listed Grade II) and the Holms to the west, an ornamental boat house, icehouse, stable block, kitchen garden etc.

Howsham Mill has been restored by the Renewable Heritage Trust, generating hydroelectricity from the waterwheel and the first Archimedes Screw turbine installed in the UK.  There are now two Archimedes Screws!

Please meet at the Mill at 11.00am for coffee and biscuits followed by a presentation and guided tours of the Mill. After your picnic lunch, Val will lead to look at the evolution of the historic designed landscape, walking from the Mill to Howsham village, please wear suitable shoes.

Organiser: Val Hepworth

Tickets cost £15.00 (Non-members £18.00)