We’ve put together a packed programme of talks and excursions for the next year, kicking off with our centenary celebration of East Lothian Antiquarians and Field Naturalists at St Mary’s in Haddington and followed shortly after by our AGM, an opportunity for all members to get more involved.
One of the tangible benefits of becoming a member is to be able to participate in the excursions, which sometimes by their nature are limited in numbers. If you’re not yet a member, you can join here: Join ELAFNS
Programme of Events from May 2024 to March 2025
SUMMARIES – DETAILED INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
Note: All talks 2.30 PM on Saturday afternoons location to be advised.
Saturday 11th May 2024
Centenary Celebration Conference
See separate notice
Saturday 25th May 2024
AGM West Barns village hall. Speaker to be advised.
2.30 PM start
Saturday 15th June 2024
Historical tour of Berwick upon Tweed led by Canon Alan Hughes. Approximately a 1.5 hr. exploratory, narrated walk followed by “tea” at the “Lookout Cafe”. Visit details to be advised.
Thursday 18th July 2024
Private visit to General Register House, Edinburgh. General introduction, tour of the buildings and practical introduction to using the historical research room. Led by Jocelyn Grant and Tessa Spencer. 4 PM start to enable “after hours” explorations.
Tuesday 20th August 2024
Guided visit to Dunbar’s Ridge Project: Black Bull Close, Backlands Garden. Aims and objectives briefing by Managing Director Kate Darrah.
2.30 PM start.
Saturday 21st September 2024
Guided exploration of Musselburgh Lagoons led by John Hunt. Thereafter refreshments at the Prestongrange Museum Visitor Centre’s Pithead Canteen Cafe.
2.30 PM start.
Saturday October 19th 2024
Talk by Katty Baird on Moths, to include Alice Blanche Balfour’s butterflies collection held at National Museums Scotland.
Saturday 9th November 2024
Talk by Dr Hanita Ritchie on Catherine Blair’s life story: founder of “the rural” and most active suffragette.
Saturday 14th December 2024
Richard Blake on “The Grants of Kilgraston”, a talk based on his book “Sugar Slaves and High Society”.
Saturday 25th January 2025
Talk by Ian Suddaby, Field Officer, CFA Archaeology Ltd., titled “Brickworks in East Lothian” In times past East Lothian had large numbers of brick and tile manufacturing facilities – large and small. In all a very important contribution to supporting other industries of the time.
Saturday 22nd February 2025
Talk by Jenn Scott about the clothes and accoutrements worn by Scots women in times past. “I suld put on my russet gowne, My reid kirtill, my hois of broun’the clothes and accoutrements of Scots women from 1470 to 1560”. The talk will feature research from her upcoming book about Scots clothing covering the same period.
Saturday 22nd March 2025
Material Landscapes of Scotland’s jewellery craft: 1780-1914.
A talk by Dr Sarah Laurenson, National Museums Scotland. This will be based on her recent book “Material Landscapes of Scotland’s jewellery craft: 1780-1914.”
Ian D Hardie 7th April 2025
