Our Programme of Events Over Previous Years (we were founded in October 2011)
Click on the links to see our events in each year, then click on the link on each event to read the report and access further information.
Many of our speakers have kindly given us their presentations and talk scripts. To see them click HERE
Click on the links to see our events in each year, then click on the link on each event to read the report and access further information.
Many of our speakers have kindly given us their presentations and talk scripts. To see them click HERE
Our programme of events since our foundation in 2011
2025 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
18 January - Louise Wheatley on Life in a Medieval Manor: Gate Fulford, Water Fulford, Heslington and nearby villages
15 February - Barbara King on the People and Houses on the West Side of Main Street, Fulford
22 March - Our Annual General Meeting + Glennis Whyte on Stitches in Time; Sewn, Woven and Embroidered Textiles in Historic Houses
12 April - Anna Cook on the Windmills of York (Anna is the Holgate Windmill Society Archivist)
17 May - Graham Wilford on the history of York's water supply (Graham is the former chief Engineer of York Waterworks Co.) You can read about the York Waterworks Company's reservoir on Siward's How on our Heslington page HERE
14 June - Discover the Viking ship carving on Pikeing Well on New Walk (our Festival of Ideas Event)
Read about the Well and its Viking Ship HERE
12 July - Members visit to York Cemetery, David Poole will take us on a 'history medley tour'
(David is the leading genealogist for the Friends of York Cemetery)
13 August - Graham Wilford will tell us how Millennium Bridge came to be built and explain its extremely clever structural design and innovative construction. (Graham is a civil engineer and served on the Millennium Bridge Trust) You can read about the design and construction of the bridge HERE
Meet at 6pm on the East side of the bridge
20 September - Patrick Ottaway on 'Julia Velva, a Roman lady from York: her city and its people'
(Patrick is York's foremost Roman York specialist)
18 October - Anne Chatten and Dick Ockelton on the creation of the Stamford Bridge Tapestry
15 November - Paul Bennett on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission + Barbara King on the lives of some of the men named on our local WW2 memorials
7 December - Our Sociable Social from 2pm to 4pm
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
18 January - Louise Wheatley on Life in a Medieval Manor: Gate Fulford, Water Fulford, Heslington and nearby villages
15 February - Barbara King on the People and Houses on the West Side of Main Street, Fulford
22 March - Our Annual General Meeting + Glennis Whyte on Stitches in Time; Sewn, Woven and Embroidered Textiles in Historic Houses
12 April - Anna Cook on the Windmills of York (Anna is the Holgate Windmill Society Archivist)
17 May - Graham Wilford on the history of York's water supply (Graham is the former chief Engineer of York Waterworks Co.) You can read about the York Waterworks Company's reservoir on Siward's How on our Heslington page HERE
14 June - Discover the Viking ship carving on Pikeing Well on New Walk (our Festival of Ideas Event)
Read about the Well and its Viking Ship HERE
12 July - Members visit to York Cemetery, David Poole will take us on a 'history medley tour'
(David is the leading genealogist for the Friends of York Cemetery)
13 August - Graham Wilford will tell us how Millennium Bridge came to be built and explain its extremely clever structural design and innovative construction. (Graham is a civil engineer and served on the Millennium Bridge Trust) You can read about the design and construction of the bridge HERE
Meet at 6pm on the East side of the bridge
20 September - Patrick Ottaway on 'Julia Velva, a Roman lady from York: her city and its people'
(Patrick is York's foremost Roman York specialist)
18 October - Anne Chatten and Dick Ockelton on the creation of the Stamford Bridge Tapestry
15 November - Paul Bennett on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission + Barbara King on the lives of some of the men named on our local WW2 memorials
7 December - Our Sociable Social from 2pm to 4pm
2024 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
20 January - WHY ARE THE ROWNTREES STILL RELEVANT?
An illustrated talk by Sarah and Bill Sheils
17 February – A HISTORY OF BOOTHAM PARK HOSPITAL – and the story behind its sudden closure A talk by Ann Weerakoon.
16 March - OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING + THE ROLE OF A CONSERVATION ARCHITECT
Our AGM reviewed the past year and looked to the future of the Society.
After a short break, Ian Hayton spoke on the role of a Conservation Architect.
30 April (evening meeting) – THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF KOHIMA
An illustrated talk by Bob Cook, curator of the Kohima Museum at the Barracks
We also visited the Kohima Museum on 4 May
May - A YORKSHIRE FOLK PARK AT FULFORD INGS: A DREAM WHICH NEARLY CAME TRUE
An illustrated talk by Dr Sally-Anne Shearn, Collections Information Archivist, Borthwick Institute for Archives
6 June - A WILDLIFE WALK AROUND CAMPUS EAST
A guided evening walk exploring the flora and fauna in the grounds of the University of York led by Gordon Eastham, University Grounds and Ecology Manager
8 June – OUR FESTIVAL OF IDEAS EVENT: 40 YEARS OF EXPLORING FISHERGATE'S AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGY
A review of the 2023 Rialto excavations in the context of Fewster Way, Blue Bridge Lane and Fishergate House and the city
Illustrated talks by Ian Milstead and Lucy Johnson of York Archaeology
To discover more visit our Fishergate Archaeology page HERE
6 August– RE-IMAGINING YORK MINSTER PRECINCT
An evening walking tour led by Alex McCowan, Minster Director of Works and Precinct
Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August – OUR STALL AT THE FULFORD SHOW
4 September - SITE VISIT TO MILLENNIUM BRIDGE, NEW WALK
Led by Graham Wilford, former chief engineer of York Waterworks Company and member of the Millennium Bridge Trust
21 September – THE LOST MANOR OF WATER FULFORD
An Illustrated talk by FFH member Allan Francis
Where is Water Fulford? Who Lived there? Why did it disappear?
Allan set out to answer these questions and tell us about his research into the families of Water Fulford
19 October – A HISTORY OF THE YORK STEINER SCHOOL IN FULFORD AND THE IDEAS BEHIND IT
An Illustrated talk by Michael Rose, a founder and former teacher at the school
16 November – THE STORY OF THE SCORIA BRICKS IN YORK'S BACK ALLEYS: A VICTORIAN RECYCLING SUCCESS
An Illustrated talk by Susan Major of Clements Hall History Group
8 December – OUR CHRISTMAS SOCIAL - Quiz, Raffle, Food, Drinks and Good Friends Old and New
2pm to 4pm St Oswald's Church Hall, Fulford
**************************************************************************************************************************
2023 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
21 January - The Development of Lady Well Close - A Windmill, a wharf, a spring, a pub, speculative property development, and much more...!
An illustrated talk by Dr Louise Wheatley
18 February - The Merchant Adventurers Hall, the story of who built it
An illustrated talk by Bob Hale
You can learn more about the Merchant Adventurers HERE
18 March - Our Annual General Meeting + Life in York 100 Years Ago
An Illustrated talk on photographs from the Hanstock Collection by Ian Drake, YAYAS (York Architectural and York Archaeological Society)
You can read more about the Hanstock Collection on the YAYAS website HERE
15 April - FFH Members to visit York Explore to see the 1759 Fulford Enclosure Map and the accompanying Schedule Book allocating the enclosed plots to their new owners.
You can download a copy of the Fulford Enclosure map HERE and a transcription of the Schedule HERE
23 May at 6.00pm - A University Walk to see some of the Sculpture on the University Campus
Led by Helena Cox, Curator of the University of York Art Collection.
You can read more about art and sculpture on the campus HERE
You can read about the University buildings HERE
10 June - Our Festival of Ideas Event - Food and Farming in Early Heslington.
How the archaeology discovered at Heslington East Campus has informed our understanding of the early inhabitants of our area.
Lead by Steve Roskams of the University of York and Louise Wheatley, current Chair of FFH.
Chaired by John Oxley, this inter-disciplinary event used archaeological, documentary and pictorial evidence to explore the production, processing and consumption of food in the prehistoric, Roman and early medieval periods at Heslington. It considered both continuities and variations in agricultural practices over time and drawing out the wider social implications.
You can download a copy of the event programme and poster HERE
You can read more about the archaeology at Heslington East HERE
15 July - Henry VIII's Journey to Aldi - Why and how did Henry VIII come to York in 1541.
An Illustrated talk by Keely Hayes-Davies of the University of York
Read more on our History Topics webpage HERE
28 August - Visit our stall at Fulford Show
23 September - The Enclosure of our Medieval Open Fields
Understanding Parliamentary enclosures, land tax and tithes from 1700. An illustrated talk by Lauren Grindley.
28 October - Wildlife and wildlife management at York University during the last 30 years
An illustrated talk by Gordon Eastham, Grounds and Ecology Manager, University of York.
11 November - Remembering the men named on the WW2 memorial in Heslington church
Rev. Peter Mott gave an illustrated talk exploring and celebrating the lives of the men named on the memorial and in the graveyard of Heslington Church
Sunday 10 December - Our Christmas Social - Quiz, Raffle, Food, Drinks and Good Friends Old and New
**************************************************************************************************************************************************
2022 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
19 February – The Birth and Death of a Squadron - 77 Squadron at Elvington Airfield and other Air Bases - John Wright Archivist of Elvington Air Museum (October 2022 marks 80th anniversary of 77 Squadron at Elvington) - 10 am at Heslington Church, where there are memorials to some airmen.
26 March – Annual General Meeting + a fun look back at 10 years of FFH activities
30 April – 250 years of education in Fulford (John Key’s school in Main Street founded in 1771) – Claire Sinclair, Chair of the school governors
10 May – Rights of Way: Your Right to Roam - A walking tour on footpaths in our area led by Lauren Grindley (meet at 6pm in Fenwicks Lane, Fulford)
18 June – Our Festival of Ideas Event - History of the Fulford Grange Estate in Fishergate - then an evening walk – Led by Christopher Rainger
You can download a copy of Chris Rainger's article on the Fulford Grange Estate HERE
16 July – A botanical Tree Walk around the grounds of Heslington Hall and the University led by Peter Mott
29 August Bank Holiday – Our stall at Fulford Show
24 September – Local Flax Production and the Bleach Fields of Heslington - where it was grown in our area and how it was manufactured into cloth - an illustrated talk by Louise Wheatley
15 October – An illustrated talk on on the Armstrong family schools at Fulford Field House (now Danesgate School) and Melbourne House (now 13 New Walk Terrace) - by Judy Nicholson and Barbara King
19 November - The Determined Women of Minster Yard (three single women forging their independent path in science, literature and the arts)- an illustrated talk by Glennis Whyte.
11 December – End of year social 2pm - 4pm St Oswald's Church Hall. Bring and share food, cakes, drinks and good conversation with friends old and new + raffle and quiz.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
2021 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
15 June - an evening visit to the archaeological investigations at Heslington East Campus, led by Steve Roskums and Al Oswald. Click HERE to watch a video of archaeologists at work on the site
19 June - a morning visit to the historic churchyard of St Lawrence led by Martin Marsh.
17 July at 4pm - Unveiling of a small information plaque at the Ordnance Railway on New Walk by Andrew Scott, CBE, former director of the Railway Museum. Read about the Ordnance Depot HERE
20 July - An evening walk over Walmgate Stray led by Al Oswald.
Click HERE and HERE to watch Al's two videos on Walmgate Stray's historic landscape
30 August, afternoon – The Fulford Show – Visit our local history stall in the show-field
18 September - Judith Nicholson and Barbara King - Where the Designer Outlet now stands.
16 October at 10am at Heslington Church
Our delayed Annual General Meeting, including our new constitution, read it HERE
You can read our Chairman's Report HERE
After the AGM and a short break for refreshments you can hear Rob Shorland-Ball give an illustrated talk on
Henry Leetham’s Anglo-Hungarian Roller Flour Mills, Hungate (c1859-1930)
20 November at 10am at Heslington Church - Dr. Mark McFetridge: Everyone must remember they are not dealing with cases but with people; The Retreat York 1947-2018
12 December at 3pm to 5pm at St Oswald's Church Hall, Fulford CANCELLED
Celebration of our 10th birthday - Join us for our very sociable social and a look-back at our exciting journey together. Regretfully, we do not think it safe to hold a social event while cases of covid-19 remain high
**********************************************************************************************************************************
2020 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
January 18 - The search for Alcuin’s York, Mary Garrison Alcuin specialist, Dr Mary Garrison paints a picture of York at the time of Alcuin.
Hear Mary Garrison with Melvin Bragg on 'In Our Time' on radio 4 HERE
You can also hear Mary talking about Alcuin on this BBC programme HERE
February 22 - Treasurer’s House and the rise of the Green family of Treasurer's House, Glennis Whyte
The rest of our 2020 programme was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
*********************************************************************************************************************************
2019 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
January 19 - Jane Austen, and the Fulford Lefroy Family - An Illustrated Talk by Allan Francis, concerning the life and times of Captain Anthony Lefroy, Barrack master and resident of Fulford (1777-1857).
For a little more about the Lefroys, click HERE
February 16 - ‘The House Built on Love and Chocolate’ - Goddards and the Terry family - An illustrated talk by Glennis Whyte (National Trust)
March 16 - Annual General Meeting + The Minster in close-up – Amazing photographs of angels, sinners, saints and beasts by Catherine Sotheran ending with a buffet lunch
April 13 - York's current Sheriff, Verna Campbell on the 'My year as Sheriff - Role and Regalia'
May 21 - The ecology and history of Fulford Ings – a guided walk led by Andrew Vevers
To read Chris Rainger's paper on re-routing Germany Beck and the wharves served by Landing Lane, click HERE
June 15 - 'The First Greens of Fishergate’ – Botanists, Nurserymen and Gardeners - Our Festival of Ideas illustrated talk by Judy Nicholson about the pioneering Telford, Riggs and Backhouse family nurseries in Fishergate and York.
July 16 - An evening Guided Walk at York Cemetery, led by Jenny Hawkins
August 26 - Fulford Show – Our exhibitions in the Scout Hut from 1pm to 4pm
September 21 - St Oswald's Church - A Victorian Gem ! - An illuminating morning exploring the glorious architecture, superb stone carvings, georgeous glass, jewel-like Venetian mosaic and surprising art.
With guided tours and illustrated talks from Conservation Architect, Ian Hayton,
Historian Louise Wheatley and Photographer John Foreman
October 2 - Members' visit to Yorkshire Museum to see the Heslington Hoard and hear Curator Andrew Woods talk about its significance.
October 19 - Churches and Chapels in Heslington – an illustrated talk by Peter Mott - a survey of the Parish Church from the 12th Century, three 19th century Methodist Chapels and the chapel for the Carmelite Community and Catholic University Chaplaincy at Moore House
November 9 - Guy Fawkes, the Gunpowder Plot and York – an illustrated talk by Tony Morgan
Read Linda Haywood's fascinating article about Fawkes connections to Bishopthorpe - HERE
December 8 - End of Year Social at St Oswald's Church Hall - Sunday, 2pm - 4pm
********************************************************************************************************************************
2018 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
20 January - Archaeology at the Germany Beck Development Site in Fulford. Archaeologist, Paula Ware will bring some of the finds and explain the significance of the site.
13 February - Dr. Louise Wheatley on 'Who's Who in Fulford - 1066 to 1300'
Was Fulford named after German de Bretgate? Who owned land on our patch and what did they do with it?
17 March - Our 6th Annual General Meeting, followed by Margaret Scott on the Revival of the York Mystery Plays in 1951.
Were you, or your family in the 1951 Mystery Plays? Check the cast list HERE
14 April - John Oxley, York's Principal Archaeologist, on 'A Life in Ruins'...looking back over the long career of York's favourite Archaeologist.
12 May - Peter Main on the interesting life of Fredrick Peel, Heslington's 19th century Vicar, Composer & Hymn Writer. Peter will tell Peel's interesting life story and play some of hiss fine compositions!
16 June - 1795 AND ALL THAT! - The coming of the cavalry to Fulford by Judy Nicholson
This is our Festival of Ideas event
24 July - 'Beyond Germany Beck' - Louise Wheatley will lead a walk into the farmland reclaimed from the fen and forest, looking for traces of the medieval enclosures and drainage works!
27 August - Our exhibition at Fulford Show with the display of maps, photographs, information and an amazing archive of newspaper cuttings about the Barracks and the army in Fulford. In the Scout Hut from 1pm to 4pm
15 September - Fulford's Lost Shops - An Illustrated Talk by Barbara King
30 October (evening meeting) How Feisty Local Women Won The Vote!
A talk by Michael Waters and Catherine Djimramadji (Annie Coultate's Great Great granddaughter) on the campaign for the vote in York, including the 1911 Census boycott by local suffragettes.
10 November - '100 Years Since the Armistice'
Presenting our new research on the 86 former pupils of Fishergate School who are named on the Great War Memorial in the school porch. [buy our new book about the school and the 86 men, just £10]
With readings from our new biographies and about the school by parents, former pupils, local councillors, the Lord Mayor and Sheriff, and other prominent local figures. Fishergate School, 2pm to 4pm
More information on this and our other WW1 research and publications click HERE
9 December - Our Very Sociable Members and Friends Pre-Christmas Get-Together - with a River Ouse Quiz, Raffle, and some Magic! + bring & share food and drink
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
20 January - WHY ARE THE ROWNTREES STILL RELEVANT?
An illustrated talk by Sarah and Bill Sheils
17 February – A HISTORY OF BOOTHAM PARK HOSPITAL – and the story behind its sudden closure A talk by Ann Weerakoon.
16 March - OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING + THE ROLE OF A CONSERVATION ARCHITECT
Our AGM reviewed the past year and looked to the future of the Society.
After a short break, Ian Hayton spoke on the role of a Conservation Architect.
30 April (evening meeting) – THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF KOHIMA
An illustrated talk by Bob Cook, curator of the Kohima Museum at the Barracks
We also visited the Kohima Museum on 4 May
May - A YORKSHIRE FOLK PARK AT FULFORD INGS: A DREAM WHICH NEARLY CAME TRUE
An illustrated talk by Dr Sally-Anne Shearn, Collections Information Archivist, Borthwick Institute for Archives
6 June - A WILDLIFE WALK AROUND CAMPUS EAST
A guided evening walk exploring the flora and fauna in the grounds of the University of York led by Gordon Eastham, University Grounds and Ecology Manager
8 June – OUR FESTIVAL OF IDEAS EVENT: 40 YEARS OF EXPLORING FISHERGATE'S AMAZING ARCHAEOLOGY
A review of the 2023 Rialto excavations in the context of Fewster Way, Blue Bridge Lane and Fishergate House and the city
Illustrated talks by Ian Milstead and Lucy Johnson of York Archaeology
To discover more visit our Fishergate Archaeology page HERE
6 August– RE-IMAGINING YORK MINSTER PRECINCT
An evening walking tour led by Alex McCowan, Minster Director of Works and Precinct
Bank Holiday Monday, 26 August – OUR STALL AT THE FULFORD SHOW
4 September - SITE VISIT TO MILLENNIUM BRIDGE, NEW WALK
Led by Graham Wilford, former chief engineer of York Waterworks Company and member of the Millennium Bridge Trust
21 September – THE LOST MANOR OF WATER FULFORD
An Illustrated talk by FFH member Allan Francis
Where is Water Fulford? Who Lived there? Why did it disappear?
Allan set out to answer these questions and tell us about his research into the families of Water Fulford
19 October – A HISTORY OF THE YORK STEINER SCHOOL IN FULFORD AND THE IDEAS BEHIND IT
An Illustrated talk by Michael Rose, a founder and former teacher at the school
16 November – THE STORY OF THE SCORIA BRICKS IN YORK'S BACK ALLEYS: A VICTORIAN RECYCLING SUCCESS
An Illustrated talk by Susan Major of Clements Hall History Group
8 December – OUR CHRISTMAS SOCIAL - Quiz, Raffle, Food, Drinks and Good Friends Old and New
2pm to 4pm St Oswald's Church Hall, Fulford
**************************************************************************************************************************
2023 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
21 January - The Development of Lady Well Close - A Windmill, a wharf, a spring, a pub, speculative property development, and much more...!
An illustrated talk by Dr Louise Wheatley
18 February - The Merchant Adventurers Hall, the story of who built it
An illustrated talk by Bob Hale
You can learn more about the Merchant Adventurers HERE
18 March - Our Annual General Meeting + Life in York 100 Years Ago
An Illustrated talk on photographs from the Hanstock Collection by Ian Drake, YAYAS (York Architectural and York Archaeological Society)
You can read more about the Hanstock Collection on the YAYAS website HERE
15 April - FFH Members to visit York Explore to see the 1759 Fulford Enclosure Map and the accompanying Schedule Book allocating the enclosed plots to their new owners.
You can download a copy of the Fulford Enclosure map HERE and a transcription of the Schedule HERE
23 May at 6.00pm - A University Walk to see some of the Sculpture on the University Campus
Led by Helena Cox, Curator of the University of York Art Collection.
You can read more about art and sculpture on the campus HERE
You can read about the University buildings HERE
10 June - Our Festival of Ideas Event - Food and Farming in Early Heslington.
How the archaeology discovered at Heslington East Campus has informed our understanding of the early inhabitants of our area.
Lead by Steve Roskams of the University of York and Louise Wheatley, current Chair of FFH.
Chaired by John Oxley, this inter-disciplinary event used archaeological, documentary and pictorial evidence to explore the production, processing and consumption of food in the prehistoric, Roman and early medieval periods at Heslington. It considered both continuities and variations in agricultural practices over time and drawing out the wider social implications.
You can download a copy of the event programme and poster HERE
You can read more about the archaeology at Heslington East HERE
15 July - Henry VIII's Journey to Aldi - Why and how did Henry VIII come to York in 1541.
An Illustrated talk by Keely Hayes-Davies of the University of York
Read more on our History Topics webpage HERE
28 August - Visit our stall at Fulford Show
23 September - The Enclosure of our Medieval Open Fields
Understanding Parliamentary enclosures, land tax and tithes from 1700. An illustrated talk by Lauren Grindley.
28 October - Wildlife and wildlife management at York University during the last 30 years
An illustrated talk by Gordon Eastham, Grounds and Ecology Manager, University of York.
11 November - Remembering the men named on the WW2 memorial in Heslington church
Rev. Peter Mott gave an illustrated talk exploring and celebrating the lives of the men named on the memorial and in the graveyard of Heslington Church
Sunday 10 December - Our Christmas Social - Quiz, Raffle, Food, Drinks and Good Friends Old and New
**************************************************************************************************************************************************
2022 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
19 February – The Birth and Death of a Squadron - 77 Squadron at Elvington Airfield and other Air Bases - John Wright Archivist of Elvington Air Museum (October 2022 marks 80th anniversary of 77 Squadron at Elvington) - 10 am at Heslington Church, where there are memorials to some airmen.
26 March – Annual General Meeting + a fun look back at 10 years of FFH activities
30 April – 250 years of education in Fulford (John Key’s school in Main Street founded in 1771) – Claire Sinclair, Chair of the school governors
10 May – Rights of Way: Your Right to Roam - A walking tour on footpaths in our area led by Lauren Grindley (meet at 6pm in Fenwicks Lane, Fulford)
18 June – Our Festival of Ideas Event - History of the Fulford Grange Estate in Fishergate - then an evening walk – Led by Christopher Rainger
You can download a copy of Chris Rainger's article on the Fulford Grange Estate HERE
16 July – A botanical Tree Walk around the grounds of Heslington Hall and the University led by Peter Mott
29 August Bank Holiday – Our stall at Fulford Show
24 September – Local Flax Production and the Bleach Fields of Heslington - where it was grown in our area and how it was manufactured into cloth - an illustrated talk by Louise Wheatley
15 October – An illustrated talk on on the Armstrong family schools at Fulford Field House (now Danesgate School) and Melbourne House (now 13 New Walk Terrace) - by Judy Nicholson and Barbara King
19 November - The Determined Women of Minster Yard (three single women forging their independent path in science, literature and the arts)- an illustrated talk by Glennis Whyte.
11 December – End of year social 2pm - 4pm St Oswald's Church Hall. Bring and share food, cakes, drinks and good conversation with friends old and new + raffle and quiz.
**************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
2021 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
15 June - an evening visit to the archaeological investigations at Heslington East Campus, led by Steve Roskums and Al Oswald. Click HERE to watch a video of archaeologists at work on the site
19 June - a morning visit to the historic churchyard of St Lawrence led by Martin Marsh.
17 July at 4pm - Unveiling of a small information plaque at the Ordnance Railway on New Walk by Andrew Scott, CBE, former director of the Railway Museum. Read about the Ordnance Depot HERE
20 July - An evening walk over Walmgate Stray led by Al Oswald.
Click HERE and HERE to watch Al's two videos on Walmgate Stray's historic landscape
30 August, afternoon – The Fulford Show – Visit our local history stall in the show-field
18 September - Judith Nicholson and Barbara King - Where the Designer Outlet now stands.
16 October at 10am at Heslington Church
Our delayed Annual General Meeting, including our new constitution, read it HERE
You can read our Chairman's Report HERE
After the AGM and a short break for refreshments you can hear Rob Shorland-Ball give an illustrated talk on
Henry Leetham’s Anglo-Hungarian Roller Flour Mills, Hungate (c1859-1930)
20 November at 10am at Heslington Church - Dr. Mark McFetridge: Everyone must remember they are not dealing with cases but with people; The Retreat York 1947-2018
12 December at 3pm to 5pm at St Oswald's Church Hall, Fulford CANCELLED
Celebration of our 10th birthday - Join us for our very sociable social and a look-back at our exciting journey together. Regretfully, we do not think it safe to hold a social event while cases of covid-19 remain high
**********************************************************************************************************************************
2020 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
January 18 - The search for Alcuin’s York, Mary Garrison Alcuin specialist, Dr Mary Garrison paints a picture of York at the time of Alcuin.
Hear Mary Garrison with Melvin Bragg on 'In Our Time' on radio 4 HERE
You can also hear Mary talking about Alcuin on this BBC programme HERE
February 22 - Treasurer’s House and the rise of the Green family of Treasurer's House, Glennis Whyte
The rest of our 2020 programme was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
*********************************************************************************************************************************
2019 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
January 19 - Jane Austen, and the Fulford Lefroy Family - An Illustrated Talk by Allan Francis, concerning the life and times of Captain Anthony Lefroy, Barrack master and resident of Fulford (1777-1857).
For a little more about the Lefroys, click HERE
February 16 - ‘The House Built on Love and Chocolate’ - Goddards and the Terry family - An illustrated talk by Glennis Whyte (National Trust)
March 16 - Annual General Meeting + The Minster in close-up – Amazing photographs of angels, sinners, saints and beasts by Catherine Sotheran ending with a buffet lunch
April 13 - York's current Sheriff, Verna Campbell on the 'My year as Sheriff - Role and Regalia'
May 21 - The ecology and history of Fulford Ings – a guided walk led by Andrew Vevers
To read Chris Rainger's paper on re-routing Germany Beck and the wharves served by Landing Lane, click HERE
June 15 - 'The First Greens of Fishergate’ – Botanists, Nurserymen and Gardeners - Our Festival of Ideas illustrated talk by Judy Nicholson about the pioneering Telford, Riggs and Backhouse family nurseries in Fishergate and York.
July 16 - An evening Guided Walk at York Cemetery, led by Jenny Hawkins
August 26 - Fulford Show – Our exhibitions in the Scout Hut from 1pm to 4pm
September 21 - St Oswald's Church - A Victorian Gem ! - An illuminating morning exploring the glorious architecture, superb stone carvings, georgeous glass, jewel-like Venetian mosaic and surprising art.
With guided tours and illustrated talks from Conservation Architect, Ian Hayton,
Historian Louise Wheatley and Photographer John Foreman
October 2 - Members' visit to Yorkshire Museum to see the Heslington Hoard and hear Curator Andrew Woods talk about its significance.
October 19 - Churches and Chapels in Heslington – an illustrated talk by Peter Mott - a survey of the Parish Church from the 12th Century, three 19th century Methodist Chapels and the chapel for the Carmelite Community and Catholic University Chaplaincy at Moore House
November 9 - Guy Fawkes, the Gunpowder Plot and York – an illustrated talk by Tony Morgan
Read Linda Haywood's fascinating article about Fawkes connections to Bishopthorpe - HERE
December 8 - End of Year Social at St Oswald's Church Hall - Sunday, 2pm - 4pm
********************************************************************************************************************************
2018 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
20 January - Archaeology at the Germany Beck Development Site in Fulford. Archaeologist, Paula Ware will bring some of the finds and explain the significance of the site.
13 February - Dr. Louise Wheatley on 'Who's Who in Fulford - 1066 to 1300'
Was Fulford named after German de Bretgate? Who owned land on our patch and what did they do with it?
17 March - Our 6th Annual General Meeting, followed by Margaret Scott on the Revival of the York Mystery Plays in 1951.
Were you, or your family in the 1951 Mystery Plays? Check the cast list HERE
14 April - John Oxley, York's Principal Archaeologist, on 'A Life in Ruins'...looking back over the long career of York's favourite Archaeologist.
12 May - Peter Main on the interesting life of Fredrick Peel, Heslington's 19th century Vicar, Composer & Hymn Writer. Peter will tell Peel's interesting life story and play some of hiss fine compositions!
16 June - 1795 AND ALL THAT! - The coming of the cavalry to Fulford by Judy Nicholson
This is our Festival of Ideas event
24 July - 'Beyond Germany Beck' - Louise Wheatley will lead a walk into the farmland reclaimed from the fen and forest, looking for traces of the medieval enclosures and drainage works!
27 August - Our exhibition at Fulford Show with the display of maps, photographs, information and an amazing archive of newspaper cuttings about the Barracks and the army in Fulford. In the Scout Hut from 1pm to 4pm
15 September - Fulford's Lost Shops - An Illustrated Talk by Barbara King
30 October (evening meeting) How Feisty Local Women Won The Vote!
A talk by Michael Waters and Catherine Djimramadji (Annie Coultate's Great Great granddaughter) on the campaign for the vote in York, including the 1911 Census boycott by local suffragettes.
10 November - '100 Years Since the Armistice'
Presenting our new research on the 86 former pupils of Fishergate School who are named on the Great War Memorial in the school porch. [buy our new book about the school and the 86 men, just £10]
With readings from our new biographies and about the school by parents, former pupils, local councillors, the Lord Mayor and Sheriff, and other prominent local figures. Fishergate School, 2pm to 4pm
More information on this and our other WW1 research and publications click HERE
9 December - Our Very Sociable Members and Friends Pre-Christmas Get-Together - with a River Ouse Quiz, Raffle, and some Magic! + bring & share food and drink
2017 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
21 January - Using Tree Ring Dating Techniques to understand the history of buildings in York and our FFH area. Jane Rimmer of YAT
18 February - Peter Mott on The History of Heslington Church and Village by Peter Mott
21 February - Sculptor Dick Reid on the Artist Life of a Carver in Fishergate.
11 March - Church History Display with Talks at various times through the day (joint Church & FFH event)
18 March - The Gardens and Landscapes of our City. Peter Goodchild, former Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, University of York, where he set up the Centre for the Conservation of Historic Parks and Gardens in 1982.
22 April - Our 5th Annual General Meeting, followed by the Launch of our new guided walk leaflet on the buildings along Main Street Fulford. The talk will be followed by a light buffet lunch.
20 May - 'My Gallant Hussar' Anne Batchlor explores family history and military life in York and across the Atlantic
10 June 'The Historic Mystery of Old St Oswald's' Our Festival of Ideas Conference for 2014. Click HERE to find out more.
15 July - History of the Pavilion Hotel - A talk by FFH members Judy Nicholson & Barbara King.
Bank Holiday Monday - 28th August Fulford Show and our exhibitions in Fulford Scout Hut all afternoon
16 September - Family History Day - Expert Talks at 10.30 & 12.30. Resources and Help with your research - a must for anyone thinking of researching their family! Organised in association with York Family History Society.
At 10.30, April Marjoram will speak on 'Writing up Family History: A Sense of Place'. April has written a book on her family and their lives in the industries of Hull and craft on the Humber and across the North Sea. Review HERE
At 12.30, Janice Wood, of the York Family History Society, will speak on 'Starting out in Family History'.
14 October - The Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington Area after the Romans Left, a talk by Dr Cecily Spall.
18 November - Presenting our Biographies of the Seven Men of Heslington who are named on the beautiful Memorial Window in the church. Seven people will each read one of the biographies, interspersed by prominent Heslington people describing the village these men would have known.
10 December - Our Very Sociable Christmas Get-Together Also 'Find that Date'. Can you locate the buildings with date-plates or stones across our area?
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
21 January - Using Tree Ring Dating Techniques to understand the history of buildings in York and our FFH area. Jane Rimmer of YAT
18 February - Peter Mott on The History of Heslington Church and Village by Peter Mott
21 February - Sculptor Dick Reid on the Artist Life of a Carver in Fishergate.
11 March - Church History Display with Talks at various times through the day (joint Church & FFH event)
18 March - The Gardens and Landscapes of our City. Peter Goodchild, former Research Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies, University of York, where he set up the Centre for the Conservation of Historic Parks and Gardens in 1982.
22 April - Our 5th Annual General Meeting, followed by the Launch of our new guided walk leaflet on the buildings along Main Street Fulford. The talk will be followed by a light buffet lunch.
20 May - 'My Gallant Hussar' Anne Batchlor explores family history and military life in York and across the Atlantic
10 June 'The Historic Mystery of Old St Oswald's' Our Festival of Ideas Conference for 2014. Click HERE to find out more.
15 July - History of the Pavilion Hotel - A talk by FFH members Judy Nicholson & Barbara King.
Bank Holiday Monday - 28th August Fulford Show and our exhibitions in Fulford Scout Hut all afternoon
16 September - Family History Day - Expert Talks at 10.30 & 12.30. Resources and Help with your research - a must for anyone thinking of researching their family! Organised in association with York Family History Society.
At 10.30, April Marjoram will speak on 'Writing up Family History: A Sense of Place'. April has written a book on her family and their lives in the industries of Hull and craft on the Humber and across the North Sea. Review HERE
At 12.30, Janice Wood, of the York Family History Society, will speak on 'Starting out in Family History'.
14 October - The Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington Area after the Romans Left, a talk by Dr Cecily Spall.
18 November - Presenting our Biographies of the Seven Men of Heslington who are named on the beautiful Memorial Window in the church. Seven people will each read one of the biographies, interspersed by prominent Heslington people describing the village these men would have known.
10 December - Our Very Sociable Christmas Get-Together Also 'Find that Date'. Can you locate the buildings with date-plates or stones across our area?
2016 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
16 January - THE BROOKE FAMILY 1560-1705, a talk by Dr Louise Wheatley
20 February - THE RIVER OUSE THROUGH TIME by Chris Rainger & Judy Nicholson
19 March - Our 4th AGM - including a TALK by Ian DRAKE about the fabulous Evelyn Photographic collection
16 April - A walk over the north part of Walmgate Stray with archaeologist Al Oswald.
21 May - A talk on The Heslington Hoard of of Roman Coins, by Andrew Woods.
2 June - A walking tour of Heslington Village with Nick Allen (till about 8pm)
18 June - The newly publisher York Historical Atlas A talk by Dr Peter Addyman, President of York Civic Trust, on the newly published York Historical Atlas. This event is part of York's Festival of Ideas
23 July - A talk on York Windmills - Heslington Mill and Holgate Restoration, by Richard Green. Followed by a tour of Holgate Windmill
9 August. - A Walk Along New Walk An early evening walk exploring the history of New Walk, led by Margaret Scott.
Monday 29th - Our Local History Exhibitions at Fulford Show - in Fulford Scout Hall from noon.
17 September - The Battle of Stamford Bridge. A talk by Chris Rock
15 October - One hundred years of the cubs, Scouts and Guides in Fulford, by by Chris King
19 November - The Life and Times of St Oswald. A talk by Louise Wheatley
11 December - Our Pre-Christmas Social, with raffle, drinks and canapes + An exhibition of photographs of Trams between York and Fulford
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
16 January - THE BROOKE FAMILY 1560-1705, a talk by Dr Louise Wheatley
20 February - THE RIVER OUSE THROUGH TIME by Chris Rainger & Judy Nicholson
19 March - Our 4th AGM - including a TALK by Ian DRAKE about the fabulous Evelyn Photographic collection
16 April - A walk over the north part of Walmgate Stray with archaeologist Al Oswald.
21 May - A talk on The Heslington Hoard of of Roman Coins, by Andrew Woods.
2 June - A walking tour of Heslington Village with Nick Allen (till about 8pm)
18 June - The newly publisher York Historical Atlas A talk by Dr Peter Addyman, President of York Civic Trust, on the newly published York Historical Atlas. This event is part of York's Festival of Ideas
23 July - A talk on York Windmills - Heslington Mill and Holgate Restoration, by Richard Green. Followed by a tour of Holgate Windmill
9 August. - A Walk Along New Walk An early evening walk exploring the history of New Walk, led by Margaret Scott.
Monday 29th - Our Local History Exhibitions at Fulford Show - in Fulford Scout Hall from noon.
17 September - The Battle of Stamford Bridge. A talk by Chris Rock
15 October - One hundred years of the cubs, Scouts and Guides in Fulford, by by Chris King
19 November - The Life and Times of St Oswald. A talk by Louise Wheatley
11 December - Our Pre-Christmas Social, with raffle, drinks and canapes + An exhibition of photographs of Trams between York and Fulford
2015 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
17 January - FISHERGATE POSTERN TOWER, a talk by Chris Rainger
21 February - CATTLE MARKET MEMORIES A - Bring and Share your Memories Session led by Geoff Shearsmith & Judy Nicholson
21 March - Our Third AGM, followed by a a talk on the Fishergate Ring by Chris Rainger
18th April - THE HESLINGTON MORAINE and its HISTORY A Walking Tour led by Jon Kenny, Community Archaeologist
16 May - INTRODUCING ALCUIN of YORK (who died 18 May 814) – Dr. Mary Garrison
27 June - THE OUTGANG, ITS HABITAT and WILDLIFE A walking Tour led by Professor Sir John Lawton (former chair of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust)
11 - 26 July - Our Geophysical Investigation of the grassed areas surrounding the Sir John Hunt Memorial Cottage Homes
18 July - Walking Tour of THE BACK LANES of FULFORD led by Barbara King & Judy Nicholson
24 August - OUR STALL AT THE FULFORD SHOW
19 September - ARCHAEOLOGY UPDATE – recent discoveries in our patch – Louise Wheatley
17 October - THE HISTORY OF FULFORD GOLF CLUB a talk by Jennifer Hawkes
21 November - UPDATE on OUR COMMEMORATIONS 1914-18 A Bring and Share Session with Displays
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
17 January - FISHERGATE POSTERN TOWER, a talk by Chris Rainger
21 February - CATTLE MARKET MEMORIES A - Bring and Share your Memories Session led by Geoff Shearsmith & Judy Nicholson
21 March - Our Third AGM, followed by a a talk on the Fishergate Ring by Chris Rainger
18th April - THE HESLINGTON MORAINE and its HISTORY A Walking Tour led by Jon Kenny, Community Archaeologist
16 May - INTRODUCING ALCUIN of YORK (who died 18 May 814) – Dr. Mary Garrison
27 June - THE OUTGANG, ITS HABITAT and WILDLIFE A walking Tour led by Professor Sir John Lawton (former chair of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust)
11 - 26 July - Our Geophysical Investigation of the grassed areas surrounding the Sir John Hunt Memorial Cottage Homes
18 July - Walking Tour of THE BACK LANES of FULFORD led by Barbara King & Judy Nicholson
24 August - OUR STALL AT THE FULFORD SHOW
19 September - ARCHAEOLOGY UPDATE – recent discoveries in our patch – Louise Wheatley
17 October - THE HISTORY OF FULFORD GOLF CLUB a talk by Jennifer Hawkes
21 November - UPDATE on OUR COMMEMORATIONS 1914-18 A Bring and Share Session with Displays
2014 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
18th January - FINDING THE FULFORD BISCUIT by Mary Malden Owen
15 February - BEFORE WE WERE … AROUND: Images of the Past, from Geoff Shearsmith’s Collection
15 March - OUR SECOND AGM, Followed by RECENT DISCOVERIES IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF YORK AND BEYOND - by John Oxley.
12 April - ENCLOSURE: THE LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMED by David Yates
17 May - OLD AND NEW ST OSWALD'S CHURCHES (HAVE YOU LOOKED CLOSELY ENOUGH?) by Alan Francis and Roger Walton
7 June - Anglian Fishergate and Pre-Viking York - Our Festival of Ideas event
Chaired by Peter Addyman. Speakers: Katy Cubit, Ailsa Mainman, Nicloa Rogers, Terry O'Connor, Cecily Spall
15 June - The Retreat, Heslington Road - A tour and talk by Rob Griffiths titled THE RETREAT YORK:
Saturday 19th July - MAIN STREET FULFORD, PART 2, A Walking Tour led by Barbara King & Judy Nicholson
25 August - OUR STALL AT THE FULFORD SHOW
20 September - THE NEW WALK AREA of FISHERGATE, A Walking Tour led by Margaret Scott
18 October - OUR COMMEMMORATIONS OF 1914-18 – a session led by Roger Thompson BUT also a Bring and Share Session of your biographies, memorabilia and information.
15 November - FULFORD FIELD HOUSE and GARDENS. by Tom Robinson.
14 December - OUR SOCIAL AND GET-TOGETHER, Please drop in for a drink and nibbles
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
18th January - FINDING THE FULFORD BISCUIT by Mary Malden Owen
15 February - BEFORE WE WERE … AROUND: Images of the Past, from Geoff Shearsmith’s Collection
15 March - OUR SECOND AGM, Followed by RECENT DISCOVERIES IN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF YORK AND BEYOND - by John Oxley.
12 April - ENCLOSURE: THE LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMED by David Yates
17 May - OLD AND NEW ST OSWALD'S CHURCHES (HAVE YOU LOOKED CLOSELY ENOUGH?) by Alan Francis and Roger Walton
7 June - Anglian Fishergate and Pre-Viking York - Our Festival of Ideas event
Chaired by Peter Addyman. Speakers: Katy Cubit, Ailsa Mainman, Nicloa Rogers, Terry O'Connor, Cecily Spall
15 June - The Retreat, Heslington Road - A tour and talk by Rob Griffiths titled THE RETREAT YORK:
Saturday 19th July - MAIN STREET FULFORD, PART 2, A Walking Tour led by Barbara King & Judy Nicholson
25 August - OUR STALL AT THE FULFORD SHOW
20 September - THE NEW WALK AREA of FISHERGATE, A Walking Tour led by Margaret Scott
18 October - OUR COMMEMMORATIONS OF 1914-18 – a session led by Roger Thompson BUT also a Bring and Share Session of your biographies, memorabilia and information.
15 November - FULFORD FIELD HOUSE and GARDENS. by Tom Robinson.
14 December - OUR SOCIAL AND GET-TOGETHER, Please drop in for a drink and nibbles
2013 Events
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
23 February - Vernacular Architecture of No. 5 Main Street, Heslington. John Hurd and Tony Tolhurst
16 March - Our 1st AGM with Buffet Lunch - A Bring and share meal with a display of our projects
13th April - Walking Tour of Fishergate following our new Guided Walk leaflet. Led by Chris Rainger.
18 May - War memorial biographies. Louise Wheatley & Barbara King
15 June - Beneath Walmgate Stray. A Walking Tour - Led by Dr. Peter Addyman.
13 July - Finding Fulford - A Walking Tour - Led by Barbara King and Judy Nicholson
26 August - Our stall at the Fulford Show
17 September - Heslington East - The past beneath our feet - By Dr. Cath Neal, Archaeologist.
19 October - Fulford Community Orchard - By Prof. Colin Campbell.
9 November - The North Duffield Round House - Brian Elsey
15th December - Social and get together Please drop in for a drink and nibbles
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
23 February - Vernacular Architecture of No. 5 Main Street, Heslington. John Hurd and Tony Tolhurst
16 March - Our 1st AGM with Buffet Lunch - A Bring and share meal with a display of our projects
13th April - Walking Tour of Fishergate following our new Guided Walk leaflet. Led by Chris Rainger.
18 May - War memorial biographies. Louise Wheatley & Barbara King
15 June - Beneath Walmgate Stray. A Walking Tour - Led by Dr. Peter Addyman.
13 July - Finding Fulford - A Walking Tour - Led by Barbara King and Judy Nicholson
26 August - Our stall at the Fulford Show
17 September - Heslington East - The past beneath our feet - By Dr. Cath Neal, Archaeologist.
19 October - Fulford Community Orchard - By Prof. Colin Campbell.
9 November - The North Duffield Round House - Brian Elsey
15th December - Social and get together Please drop in for a drink and nibbles
Spring and Summer 2012
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
21 January- Possible Local History Group Projects - Jon Kenny, Community Archaeologist
11 February - Kohima Museum and Imphal barracks tour. Led by Bob Cook and Brian Ward
17th March - Hands-on-documents and geneaology workshop. Led by Louise Wheatley and Gavin Thomas
14 April - Learning about history from buildings. Dr. Kate Giles, University of York.
12 May - Bring, show and share. An opportunity for members to bring along items of memorabilia relating to York and the FFH area. Also, John Hoyland from the Castle museum will do a short presentation of their 1914 project
16 June - Back lanes and tofts - a Heslington walking tour. Led by Louise Wheatley.
21 July - The development of York Cemetery. By Hugh Murray.
27 August - Our Stall at Fulford Show
15 September - Anniversary of the Battle of Fulford. A Talk by Chas Jones
20 October - Walking the Farm Boundaries. Led by Geoff Rounthwaith
11 February - Kohima Museum and Imphal barracks tour. Led by Bob Cook and Brian Ward
17th March - Hands-on-documents and geneaology workshop. Led by Louise Wheatley and Gavin Thomas
14 April - Learning about history from buildings. Dr. Kate Giles, University of York.
12 May - Bring, show and share. An opportunity for members to bring along items of memorabilia relating to York and the FFH area. Also, John Hoyland from the Castle museum will do a short presentation of their 1914 project
16 June - Back lanes and tofts - a Heslington walking tour. Led by Louise Wheatley.
21 July - The development of York Cemetery. By Hugh Murray.
27 August - Our Stall at Fulford Show
15 September - Anniversary of the Battle of Fulford. A Talk by Chas Jones
20 October - Walking the Farm Boundaries. Led by Geoff Rounthwaith
2011
(click HERE to read reports of these events)
15 December - Social Evening and Quiz at the Fulford Arms Landlord and local history buff Steve Bradley
12 November - Walking Tour of Heslington. Led by Louise Wheatley
1 October - OUR INAUGURAL MEETING - About 30 interested people came. Louise Wheatley made a cake with an FFH theme and Gavin Thomas did a short presentation to highlight some of the activities we could do as a local history group.
15 December - Social Evening and Quiz at the Fulford Arms Landlord and local history buff Steve Bradley
12 November - Walking Tour of Heslington. Led by Louise Wheatley
1 October - OUR INAUGURAL MEETING - About 30 interested people came. Louise Wheatley made a cake with an FFH theme and Gavin Thomas did a short presentation to highlight some of the activities we could do as a local history group.