diary 2007-2008

12 September 2007
The Sundials of the Harborough Area
From the Mediaeval sundials found scratched on churches through elaborate mathematical 17thC sundials to the unusual innovative designs of the later 20thC the Harborough district provides many unusual and varied examples including one on a tombstone. Walter Wells has studied sundials. His incomparable and detailed knowledge and understanding of these precision instruments, especially those of Leicestershire, make this a meeting not to be missed.

10 October
A History of Dentistry with particular reference to Market Harborough
Edward Moncrief is a practising dentist in Market Harborough. Coming from a family of dentists he has an inside understanding of the history of dentistry and many anecdotes to illustrate how it was practised in the past, for which we should all be thankful.

Saturday 10 November
History in and around Harborough 75 Years
This is our annual one-day conference on local history and archaeology, highlighting current research. A buffet lunch will be provided.
Venue: The Council Suite, Harborough District Council Offices, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough. (Ticket Only Event).

14 November
Behind the Walls: General Jack of Kibworth
Ken Jack is the son of General Jack who lived at the Old House at Kibworth Harcourt. General Jack was a professional and experienced soldier who served throughout the Great War. He kept meticulous and detailed diaries throughout his life and they give insight into the conditions and ways of living on and behind the various fronts in France and Flanders. At this Remembrancetide we can learn first hand about the man, his life and experiences.

13 December
The Market Harborough Building Society, Past, Present and Future
Mike Parrott is the General Secretary of the MHBS which for over 130 years has served the town and area from the heart of the town. Why was the society founded? what social conditions has it influenced and how has it adapted to change? How has the society influenced the development of the town? Whither will it go in the future.

9 January 2008
A History of Roman Catholics in Market Harborough
How did Roman Catholicism exist in the Harborough Area before the 1829 Catholic Emancipation Actremoved the penal and other repressive restrictions on Catholics? Bernard Bowen tells the story of how and why the Church of Our Lady of Victories was built in Coventry Road in the 1870s will unfold, followed by the role of Catholics and their influence in the 20thC, to culminate with the admirable award-winning 21st C extension which opens the church to the town.

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diaries from previous years

13 February
Vivian Redlich 1942. Martyr of Little Bowden
Vivian Redlich, the son of Basil Redlich the vicar of Little Bowden who was also ordained, was serving as missionary in Papua New Guinea when he was caught up in the horrors of the Second World War in the Far East. In 1942 as a civilian and churchworker, he was killed. The Revd Elizabeth Sewell, Basil Redlich’s successor at Little Bowden, has been researching and delving into the life and death of this brave murdered martyr. His story deserves to be better known. Although Elizabeth Sewell has now left the District for Yorkshire, her research papers have been passed to Rosalind Willatts who will present an account of this little known son of Harborough.

12 March
Annual General Meeting
Please try to attend this meeting which will help us to shape the continuing future of your Society. The AGM will be followed by a talk on:
How to Revive the Derelict and Unloved Buildings of Market Harborough
For over twenty years Rosalind Willatts has nurtured the historic buildings of the town. She has advised on and influenced alterations to the buildings; she has persuaded and encouraged owners to make changes for the better to the buildings of Market Harborough and Harborough District. She will reflect on the many changes to the streetscape and heritage buildings of the town and the discoveries made about these buildings over the last two decades.

9 April
Saints and Settlements of the Upper Welland
Professor Graham Jones is an historical geographer with special interest in the influences which have shaped the cultural landscapes to produce the uniqueness of each area. His researches into the history of south Leicestershire are many. Why was the great chapel at Market Harborough dedicated to St Dionysious,? And that of Great Bowden to SS Peter and Paul? Why was St Nicholas so popular, and what influenced the development of the valley settlements?

14 May
The Story of Collyweston Slates
Collyweston slates from the village of Collyweston near Stamford are the thin slates of stone found on roofs of Stamford, and of prestigious buildings further away such as Nevill Holt, Rockingham Castle and local churches. In Market Harborough the Peacock Public House in the Square has Collywestons. David Ellis is now a national expert advisor on Collywestons, having spent over fifty years working with them, including mining and shaping the slates as well as roofing with them. He was responsible for re-roofing the Old Vicarage at Little Bowden in 1990.
This is an opportunity to find out all you ever wanted to know a bout a feature unique to the Welland valley from one of the few remaining collyweston slaters.

11 June
Summer Visit - Kelmarsh Hall
Meet at the Hall 6.15pm for 6.30pm.