diary 2002-2003

11 September
The National Trust
Barbara Hewitt gives an insight into the National Trust Gardens.

© The National Trust - Westbury Court Gardens.

9 October
The Symington Dynasty (or five generations of the Symington Family in the Harborough Area)
Peter Symington was born in Brampton Ash, and lived within ten miles of Harborough for 40 years. He worked at 'The Soup Factory' or Coffee Mills, until it was sold in 1969, when he moved to Oxfordshire where he now farms. He takes an active interest in the family history and its connections with Market Harborough.

Nithsdale House c.1860 "the house of my great great grandfather"

13 November
Victoria Park and London Road Leicester
Dr Helen Boynton is a Geologist turned local historian, she has written five books on Leicester, mainly about the Stoneygate and Oadby areas of the City. Her sixth book, on New Walk is due for publication this Autumn.

The Pavilion and Grandstand Victoria Park 1866.

Saturday 16 November
History in and around Harborough
This is our annual one-day conference on local history and archaeology, highlighting current research.
Venue: The Council Suite, Harborough District Council Offices, Adam and Eve Street, Market Harborough (entrance on corner of building facing Church Square.)

11 December
Christmas Social
A relaxed social event when members of the Family History Society join us for an enjoyable and entertaining evening

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diaries from previous years

8 January 2003
An Introduction to Oral History
Cynthia Brown is the Project Manager for the East Midlands Oral History Archive.
A graduate of Leicester University’s Dept of Economic and Social History, she has been involved in oral history work since helping to establish the Leicester Living History Unit in 1992. Cynthia has had many publications including 'Cherished Possessions', a history of Leicester’s museums.

12 February
One Careful Lady Driver - women's motoring fashion 1895-1940
Philip Warren, Keeper of Cultural Life for Leicestershire Museums Service has devised this new topic, which should prove a fascinating insight into an area of the history of fashion which we have not previously explored.

The 'Kennard' Mackintosh was designed by a leading lady driver in 1910. It buttoned at the side under the left arm leaving no seams exposed to the force of the rain. The additional yoke gave double protection on the chest. The coat was made from waterproof twill, silk or mackintosh silk.

12 March
Annual General Meeting
Please try to attend this meeting which will help us to shape the continuing future of your Society, and provide programme topics which are of interest to the majority of members.
Also short topics from members about their own particular area of interest, with an insight into the latest exhibits of Harborough Museum.

9 April
Agnes Bowker's Cat Re-visited: Dark Doings and Popular Superstition in Tudor Market Harborough
Steph Mastoris, former keeper of Harborough Museum will need no introduction to many members as he follows on from his previous successful talks on Market Harborough and its history. This talk will look at new evidence of the social life and beliefs of Harborians five hundred years ago.

14 May
Housework and Home Remedies
Fiona Ure Assistant keeper for Home and Family Life at Leicestershire Museums Service, focuses on the domestic chores in the 19th and 20th century which prompted the saying ‘A women’s work is never done’, and includes some of the age old remedies which either 'kill or cure' a variety of ailments.

Summer Excursions (members only)
11 June 7.30pm
The County Museum Service, Collection Resources Centre, Barrow on Soar.

23 July 7.00pm
Lyveden New Bield, near Oundle.