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Programme of Events May 2023 to March 2024
July 6, 2023 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday 14th May 2023
Guided visit to Wood Hall Dean
Led by Lesley Fairweather, following on from her Woodland Dean talk.
Fully subscribed – took place satisfactorily.
Saturday 27th May 2023
Annual General Meeting
Spott Village Hall with talk by Dr D J Johnston-Smith of Scotland’s Churches Trust. He will cover the recording of the buildings and contents of churches earmarked for closure. There will also be an opportunity to visit Spott Parish church.
Has now taken place.
Thursday 15th June 2023
Private visit to Oxenfoord Castle, gardens and grounds
Led by Harriet Dalrymple. To include a history of the Castle, tour of principal rooms and servants’ basement, refreshments and thereafter explorations of the gardens and grounds. Jacquie Bell lead. Deemed a successful event.
Saturday 15th July 2023
Visit to Jacobite Museum, Prestonpans.
Private visit hosted by Dr Arran Johnston, author, historian and Consultant Curator of the Battle of Prestonpans Heritage Trust. To include historical overview, guided tour of museum and refreshments. Elaine Whewell lead.
Rescheduled for Saturday 14 October 2023
Visit to Eaglescairnie Mains Farm, near Gifford
Private visit hosted by Michael Williams. The farm was launched as the Lothians’ Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Demonstration Farm. It sets out to unite wildlife and landscape conservation with profitable agriculture.
“Poster” agreed with Michael Williams, publication pending. Lead: Ian Hardie
Saturday 9th September 2023
Visit to Preston Hall, Midlothian
Private visit to the house and garden led by Henrietta Callander, to include refreshments. IH to finalise with owner in August. Lead: J Bell if IH cannot attend.
Saturday 28th October 2023
Talk by Professor Alan Werritty of the James Hutton Institute
To cover the non geological achievements of James Hutton, particularly on ground-breaking agricultural achievements documented in his “Elements of Agriculture” tome. Lead: Ian Hardie.
Saturday November 18th 2023
Talk by Tim Flinn introducing Neolithic Metrics: “The rule of thumb”
A story of exploration and discovery culminating in a compelling theory that the Neolithics created critical elements of the Imperial Measurement System. Lead: Ian Hardie.
Saturday December 9th 2023
Talk by author Jenn Scott entitled “The Men of Warre”. It will describe the clothes, weapons and accoutrements of the Scots at War between 1460 and 1600.
Lead: George Robertson.
Saturday January 20th 2024
Martin Cotter on the Newhailes travel log of Sir Charles Dalrymple Fergusson. Ian Hardie Lead.
Saturday February 17th 2024
National Records of Scotland talk on “The Balfour Legacy”, Ian Hardie lead.
Saturday 16th March 2024
Graeme Cruikshank on the history of Scottish pottery to include Portobello and Prestonpans. Further liaison with speaker pending. Ian Hardie Lead.
NOTE: The January, February and March 2024 dates are not yet finalised with the Maitlandfield as they will not commit at this time – too far away a wedding would get preference.
Ian Hardie
5th July 2023