Towton Battlefield Society
The Chairman’s Blog
CHAIRMANS REPORT AUGUST 2009
Last meeting
The meeting held on 7th September was not only one of our best attended but probably one of our most interesting to date. Neil Wilson delivered his first ever presentation on the subject of medieval medicine and seventy one members and friends enjoyed a wonderful evening. Neil was ably assisted by Mick Weaver as they took us on a tour of the development of medicine up until the medieval period and then focused on some of instruments and cures. Neil displayed a wonderful array of instruments, potions and remedies and talked with a passion about this intriguing subject. Many eyes gaped, jaws dropped and eyes watered as we learned of some of the medieval medical cures. The evening was very well received and made more enjoyable as we have seen Neil join as a member and become increasingly active and hungry for knowledge and it was a delight to see such a magnificent culmination of all his efforts.
Appeal Hearing
The appeal hearing regarding the proposed development in Towton will be at 10.00am at Selby Civic Hall on October 21st.
Lotherton Hall
For many years the Society has enjoyed a close relationship with Lotherton Hall and thanks to the involvement of Martin Tarpey this relationship continues to grow in strength. Lotherton Hall are currently celebrating 40 years since it was purchased by Leeds Council and they put together a great package of events for the winter months which I know will interest our members. Activities include tours of the Hall, workshops, craft days and lots of talks and presentations. For further information please go to www.leeds.gov.uk/lothertonhall.
PALM SUNDAY EVENT 2010
The Towton Event of 2010 will be held on the weekend of 27th /28th March. Our event has proved very successful each year and we intend to keep this tried and tested format with an endeavour to add more interest into the Barn. The committee have already met and have begun the detailed planning process to ensure a great weekend for all. The key to the success of this event is not the weather, nor the number of re-enactors, nor the numbers attending but the number of volunteers. This event needs the support of as many members and friends as possible. Roles will include helping to set up the site on Friday and Saturday, guiding and supporting walks, car park marshals, manning stalls and stands, clearing the barn, stewards, help with the Saturday night Bar-b-que and much more. The support in past years has been wonderful but each year the need increases. I know that the event is six months away but I would urge you to get involved, keep that weekend clear on your calendars and pledge your support now by contacting myself or Graham Darbyshire. We will keep you informed of our progress with the event planning and would welcome any feedback or comments.
Towton Arrow 2009
This year’s Towton Arrow will be awarded to the member who designs the best T-Shirt. It is proposed that the winner will not only hold the Towton Arrow but will also see their design as the T-Shirt of 2010. It is important to remember that the design needs to be practical, limited use of colours etc to help keep production costs down. The design can be a slogan, emblem, front, back or both etc. The judging of this contest will take place at our Christmas Meeting.
Calendar 2010
We have now finalised the 2010 Calendar. You will be receiving a copy shortly either by email or post and we will post the details on to our website as soon as possible. I know that we say it every year but this looks like the best calendar ever. We have a well crafted mix of demonstrations and interaction with a focus on archery, an academic element with presentations by Jonathan Tummons, Dave Cooke of the Battlefields Trust to name just a couple, our own member speakers including Helen Doggett and David Skillen, some trips and tours and an evening with the broadcaster and writer, Julian Humprhys. The committee deserve our thanks for putting together such an interesting programme.
Mark Taylor
On Monday 2nd August we held our Open Evening which has become a regular feature of our Calendar in recent years. Over fifty members and friends attended the occasion which featured exhibits from members, the Frei Compagnie and the Battlefields Trust. Many thanks to all those for set up the stands, delivered flyers and contributed to the success of the event. Next year we are proposing to re-invigorate the format and host the occasion on Yorkshire Day ( 1st August) and create a Medieval Yorkshire Day Gala event. More details will follow later in the year.
Battlefield Society on Tour
We have added many dates to item at the bottom of the page .These events feature the Frei Compagnie and the Society taking our Battlefield on tour. Please go along and support. Some of these events are big occasions and would make a great family day out. If anyone can volunteer to help at any of these events please let me know.
Battlefield Protection Scheme
The recently announced scheme has been very well received in all quarters and there has been a noticeable decline in reports of unwanted detecting on the site and a reduction in trespass and we know of successful challenges. We are now in the process of creating the accreditation scheme and are hoping to forward the criteria in the near future. We have been approached by many responsible detectors who wish to support the scheme and help improve our knowledge of Towton, It is a very exciting time and other battlefield organisations are looking at our actions with some interest.
We are also working on a Heritage Crime awareness package and are looking forward to working closely with North Yorkshire Police in the near future.
Lincoln Trip 2010
On Saturday September 11th we will be visiting Lincoln .The tour will again be fully guided by Brian Taylor and will take in some of Lincoln’s best sites but the focus will on its hidden gems with a tour of the Bishops Palace, a focus on the medieval Jewish History and a visit to Lincoln’s relatively new museum “The Collection”. The day will further be enhanced by the fact that the city is hosting its heritage weekend so there will be lots of additional attractions.
I would appreciate an early indication of numbers as we will have to book entries and refreshments a lot earlier this year due to the Heritage weekend.
We will meet outside the Strugglers Pub at 83 Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3BG at 10.00am. There are public toilets in the immediate vicinity as well as ample pay car parking.
We have agreed a provisional cost of £10.00 per head to cover all entry fees and morning and afternoon refreshments. Please wear stout shoes and be prepared for the English autumn.
Please contact me via email or on 01302 882488 if you wish to attend. We already have 19 confirmations.
Gift Aid
If you are a UK resident and a UK taxpayer, you can really benefit the Battlefield by signing up for Gift Aid. Many of you already follow this process and it makes a significant difference to our finances and allows us to do much more in the community. If you wish to learn more, please contact Jill Thorley. The Gift Aid form can be found here.
Palm Sunday 2011
I know that it is only August and that Palm Sunday isn’t until 17th April 2011but to ensure that we have a great weekend and commemorate our 550th Anniversary in style we are due to hold our first planning meeting on 13th September. We really will need as much support as possible on this weekend and would encourage you all to play an active role on this important commemoration.
Richard III Foundation Conference 2010
In 2010 it is to be held in Market Bosworth on Saturday October 9th with an optional activity at Bosworth Battlefield Centre on Friday 8th October. Tickets are selling well and several members are attending and we will be manning a stand Our Patron , Robert Hardy C.B.E is a special guest on the day.
