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
FEBRUARY 2010
Selby District Council has applied for £2m Government aid to assist with the building of new traveller sites in the area. The news item I read mentioned that this was a direct consequence of the decision at Towton. Let’s all hope that the council are granted the funding. This will ensure that Green Belt land will be better protected in the area, our battlefield will be that little bit safer and that the travelling community will have sufficient amenities.
This news and application really emphasises that our stance, position and conduct was correct. The action of the Council also demonstrates that collective collaboration is the way forward and that the leaders of the Council have listened and taken action.
Last Meeting
On Monday 1st February sixty nine members and friends gathered at Saxton Village Hall to hear a presentation by Julian Humphrys. Again, ( and it is becoming the norm) we were in the media spotlight as film cameras and crews were in the room and some of us were hooked up to microphones as Roger Keech put the finishing touches to his forthcoming documentary.
Julian, is not only a member of our Society but also the National Battlefields Development Officer, a writer, a regular contributor to the BBC History magazine and a presenter. We all had a wonderful night as we were taken through a lively presentation on the development of castles and siege warfare during the medieval era. The whole evening was brought to life with new facts, provoking insights and humour. Julian had a very long journey to talk to us and it was certainly worthwhile. We learnt more about Julian’s role with the Battlefields Trust and received welcome assurance that our Society was held in high esteem and a role model for other battlefields.
It was a wonderful evening and it was comforting to see such a great attendance following the bad weather.
BT Event
The Society have been honoured and asked to play a key role with the forthcoming Battlefields Trust Conference. This year it is to be held in York and it will attract delegates from around the nation. The two day event will feature our Battlefield on the Saturday. Helen Doggett a guest speaker, we have been asked to set up a stand for the weekend and, importantly, the delegates will be visiting our Battlefield for a tour in the afternoon. It is due to take place on Sat April 17th and we will supply more details as we get them. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to show case our work. We are hoping to take our guests to key parts of the Battlefield, show them our visitor centre, let them experience the longbow and discuss the latest developments.
Lead church
The Church of St Marys at Lead has a strong connection with most of us, so we are really looking forward to working with the Church Conservation Trust on Sunday 9th May. They are hosting an Open Day to raise funds and awareness and we will be assisting with Battlefield Walks, Living History, Archery and the Battlefields Trust will be manning a stand. This is a wonderful opportunity to work in partnership and support a beautiful and important battlefield church. Please come along and support the day. We will communicate the finer details nearer the time.
