The final meeting of the North Notts Association of National Trust Members in 2024 took place on Wednesday 11th December at The Crossing in Worksop. The event featured an enlightening talk by Maggie Watkins titled ‘The Scandalous Duchess – Katherine Swinford’.
Most of the audience knew little about this medieval figure but soon learned about her fascinating journey. Born into humble beginnings, Katherine Swinford became wealthy and influential through her long-term relationship with John of Gaunt and eventual marriage to him. John of Gaunt, the third son of Edward III, linked her family to significant historical events, including involvement in the War of the Roses.
The January meeting featured Ian Morgan presenting his talk ‘Footpads, Kings and Highwaymen’.
Monthly meetings with guest speakers run from October to April, with visits starting in May. Meetings are held at The Crossing on Newcastle Avenue on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Membership application forms can be downloaded from the website, and details of talks are shared via the mailing list.
Membership costs £30.00 for individuals or £55.00 for joint membership, covering seven talks and five outings (outings are paid for separately). A basic subscription is available at £5.00 for individuals or £7.00 for couples, with a £6.00 charge per talk attended. Visitors, including non-National Trust members, are welcome to attend talks at £6.00 per talk.
Forthcoming talks:
- Monday 19th February – The Canals: How and Why They Were Built – Graham Woodward
- Monday 19th March – Plots and Petticoats: Women, Masters of the Sky – David Skillen
- Wednesday 17th April – AGM followed by The Rise of the Dukeries – Benedict Jephcote
For further details, email nthnottsntassoc@gmail.com or visit www.nthnottsntassoc.org.