Activities and field trips
The Society organises several activities in addition to the annual Programme of Talks. These include field trips, usually linked to a talk and often guided by the speaker, and organising displays at exhibitions, for example those co-ordinated by Berwick Record Office (Bygone Borderlands). The Society has also hosted meetings for other local history societies in Northumberland. Society members have also helped others with their local history research
For all field trips please read the Risk Assessment beforehand - detailed at the base of this page. And, just as important, please read the "GLHS Covid–19: Etiquette for Outdoor Meetings", also at the base of this page.
For all field trips please read the Risk Assessment beforehand - detailed at the base of this page. And, just as important, please read the "GLHS Covid–19: Etiquette for Outdoor Meetings", also at the base of this page.
AUGUST GLHS Outdoor Meeting
The Battle of Homildon 14th September 1402
Date: Wednesday 12/08/2020 There are 2 options to choose from. See below for timings.
Leader Eileen Lyons, Co-Leader Patsy Healey.
This will be our first local outdoor meeting of the season and it is intended to be suitable for all our members. The aim is to explore our knowledge of The Battle of Homildon 1402, while walking around the Eastern flank of Humbleton Hill (298m) and enjoying the views. This route gives us a good overview of the battle site and environs. Eileen will point out significant locations & give a short talk as we go along.
To book a place: Contact Eileen Lyons by email eileenchiverton@tiscali.co.uk or tel: 07806501288.
If this outdoor meeting has to be cancelled because of poor weather, the meeting will instead be held at the same time on Wednesday 19/08/2020.
The Battle of Homildon 14th September 1402
Date: Wednesday 12/08/2020 There are 2 options to choose from. See below for timings.
Leader Eileen Lyons, Co-Leader Patsy Healey.
This will be our first local outdoor meeting of the season and it is intended to be suitable for all our members. The aim is to explore our knowledge of The Battle of Homildon 1402, while walking around the Eastern flank of Humbleton Hill (298m) and enjoying the views. This route gives us a good overview of the battle site and environs. Eileen will point out significant locations & give a short talk as we go along.
To book a place: Contact Eileen Lyons by email eileenchiverton@tiscali.co.uk or tel: 07806501288.
If this outdoor meeting has to be cancelled because of poor weather, the meeting will instead be held at the same time on Wednesday 19/08/2020.
Option 1 Start Time: 09.30 outside The Cheviot Centre. X10 places
(Divided into 2 groups to allow adequate social distancing.)
We start at the Cheviot Centre. We will walk across the fields and uphill to High Humbleton, continue through the NNP gateway to access Humbleton Hill and walk around its eastern side to view the battle site.
Return to Wooler by the same route (allow approx. 2 hours in total). OR you may choose to go on up and over the Hill before going back to Wooler OR go on up the Lonnen and return to Wooler via Wooler Common.
Distance: Wooler to High Humbleton approx. 1.25km, ascent approx. 60m.
High Humbleton to Humbleton Hill and return approx. 2.5km, minimal ascent/descent.
Option 2. Start Time: 11.15 at High Humbleton by Doreen Wilkinson's bench at The Green X5 places (one group with adequate social distancing.) There is limited parking on the roadside by The Green in High Humbleton.
The route around the side of the hill is the same. Return by the same route to High Humbleton (allow approx. 1.5hrs in total).
Distance: High Humbleton to Humbleton Hill and return approx. 2km, minimal ascent/descent.
Both options involve walking along rough tracks and well trodden field tracks. If starting in Wooler there is a gentle climb to reach High Humbleton. After that the route is mainly flat with occasional gentle undulations.
Equipment: bring weatherproof clothing, wear walking shoes with a non-slip sole, bring your own refreshments. If you like to use sticks bring them along.
(Divided into 2 groups to allow adequate social distancing.)
We start at the Cheviot Centre. We will walk across the fields and uphill to High Humbleton, continue through the NNP gateway to access Humbleton Hill and walk around its eastern side to view the battle site.
Return to Wooler by the same route (allow approx. 2 hours in total). OR you may choose to go on up and over the Hill before going back to Wooler OR go on up the Lonnen and return to Wooler via Wooler Common.
Distance: Wooler to High Humbleton approx. 1.25km, ascent approx. 60m.
High Humbleton to Humbleton Hill and return approx. 2.5km, minimal ascent/descent.
Option 2. Start Time: 11.15 at High Humbleton by Doreen Wilkinson's bench at The Green X5 places (one group with adequate social distancing.) There is limited parking on the roadside by The Green in High Humbleton.
The route around the side of the hill is the same. Return by the same route to High Humbleton (allow approx. 1.5hrs in total).
Distance: High Humbleton to Humbleton Hill and return approx. 2km, minimal ascent/descent.
Both options involve walking along rough tracks and well trodden field tracks. If starting in Wooler there is a gentle climb to reach High Humbleton. After that the route is mainly flat with occasional gentle undulations.
Equipment: bring weatherproof clothing, wear walking shoes with a non-slip sole, bring your own refreshments. If you like to use sticks bring them along.
Outdoor meetings are different and we hope they will be a way to keep our members in touch until a more usual format is possible.
Please support us.
Any queries to Eileen Lyons.
Please support us.
Any queries to Eileen Lyons.
We’ll review members’ interest & feedback on the outdoor meeting focused on the Battle of Homildon, and we may run further outdoor meetings as outlined below.
This is for information only at this stage. Please do not try to book a place until you’ve received the late August/early September newsletter.
This is for information only at this stage. Please do not try to book a place until you’ve received the late August/early September newsletter.
SEPTEMBER GLHS Outdoor Meeting: The College Valley
Start time & place for both options: 1000 at Hethpool car park in the College Valley Date: Wednesday 9/09/2020 (X10 places)
Leader Eileen Lyons, Co-Leader Patsy Healey
Aim: we will walk along the valley, exploring its Iron Age history & the management of the valley from the 19th century to the present.
The route is mainly flat with occasional gentle undulations.
Equipment: bring weatherproof clothing, wear walking shoes with a non-slip sole, bring your own refreshments. If you like to use sticks, bring them along.
If this outdoor meeting has to be cancelled because of poor weather, the meeting will instead be held at the same time on Wednesday 16/09/2020.
Start time & place for both options: 1000 at Hethpool car park in the College Valley Date: Wednesday 9/09/2020 (X10 places)
Leader Eileen Lyons, Co-Leader Patsy Healey
Aim: we will walk along the valley, exploring its Iron Age history & the management of the valley from the 19th century to the present.
The route is mainly flat with occasional gentle undulations.
Equipment: bring weatherproof clothing, wear walking shoes with a non-slip sole, bring your own refreshments. If you like to use sticks, bring them along.
If this outdoor meeting has to be cancelled because of poor weather, the meeting will instead be held at the same time on Wednesday 16/09/2020.
OCTOBER GLHS Outdoor Meeting: The Pin Well & the Kettles
Start time & place: 1000 at Padgepool Place car park, or 1020 at the footpath turning to Waud House on Common Road
Date: Wednesday 7/10/2020 (X10 places) Leader Patsy Healey, Co-Leader Jim Bird
The aim of this outdoor meeting is to explore evidence of Iron Age and early Norman history o the outskirts of Wooler. Two pillboxes from World War II can also be seen.
Patsy & Jim will point out significant locations & give a short talk as we go along.
Equipment: bring weatherproof clothing, wear walking shoes with a non-slip sole, bring your own refreshments. If you like to use sticks, bring them along.
If this outdoor meeting has to be cancelled because of poor weather, the meeting will instead be held at the same time on Wednesday 14/10/2020.
Start time & place: 1000 at Padgepool Place car park, or 1020 at the footpath turning to Waud House on Common Road
Date: Wednesday 7/10/2020 (X10 places) Leader Patsy Healey, Co-Leader Jim Bird
The aim of this outdoor meeting is to explore evidence of Iron Age and early Norman history o the outskirts of Wooler. Two pillboxes from World War II can also be seen.
Patsy & Jim will point out significant locations & give a short talk as we go along.
Equipment: bring weatherproof clothing, wear walking shoes with a non-slip sole, bring your own refreshments. If you like to use sticks, bring them along.
If this outdoor meeting has to be cancelled because of poor weather, the meeting will instead be held at the same time on Wednesday 14/10/2020.
Outings Risk Assessment
In line with other organisations, GLHS must ensure that all who attend its outings are aware of any potential risks and hazards involved.
The most likely hazards/risks, and the recommended counter measures you should note and act on, are:
In line with other organisations, GLHS must ensure that all who attend its outings are aware of any potential risks and hazards involved.
The most likely hazards/risks, and the recommended counter measures you should note and act on, are:
Hazards/risks |
Counter measures |
Rough, uneven, steep, icy, wet or slippery ground. |
Wear appropriate stout footwear, and look where you walk. |
Bad weather— cold, windy, wet – or hot and sunny. |
Wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Cover up, wear a hat, apply sun cream. |
Getting cold or tired, or overheated. |
Tell the GLHS organiser. |
Getting lost. |
Keep with the group at all times. Do not on ahead or off on your own. Never leave the group without telling the GLHS outing organiser. |
No GLHS outing will be exceptionally strenuous or the localities visited particularly hazardous. Typically, walking will be at a leisurely pace with frequent pauses to look at the surroundings and to be given information.
If a proposed outing poses a higher than normal risk or demands more physical effort than usual, you will be informed beforehand.
Take care at all times, and enjoy the outings!
If a proposed outing poses a higher than normal risk or demands more physical effort than usual, you will be informed beforehand.
Take care at all times, and enjoy the outings!
GLHS Covid–19: Etiquette for Outdoor Meetings Group Member notes
- First, do not attend if you have any Covid-19 symptoms. (Please let the Leader know you if you’re unable to attend for any reason.)
- We will always do our utmost to ensure that the arrangements are safe, and comply with Government and Public Health England guidelines.
- A participant who later tests positive will need to give the Leader’s name and address to the Contact Tracing Service. We will keep a record of the names & addresses of participants at each meeting, and provide it on request to the Contact Tracing Service.
- Group size will be 6 people maximum (5 members plus Leader). You will need to book a place for yourself with the Meeting Leader. We may run a meeting twice or a Co-Leader may take a second group if more people wish to join in.
- Each of us is responsible for our own wellbeing, health and safety.
- Please keep 2m Social Distance! We want everyone to be, and feel, safe. You may wish to wear a mask &/or visor, & bring hand sanitiser.
- Please travel independently to and from the meeting place.
- Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for exposed sites & Northumberland’s changeable weather.
- No dogs please, to reduce the risk of passing on infection.
- As we’re unable to provide refreshments, you may want to bring your own – though please don’t share them!
- The toilets at The Cheviot Centre are closed, and it’s unlikely there’ll be any outdoors.
- A donation for GLHS funds of £3.00 per person is welcome. Cash only please, and no change will be given. You can make your donation later if you don’t have the right money.
- A briefing will be given at the start of the meeting. Please feel free to raise any queries with the Leader.
- If the meeting has to be postponed, participants will be notified by the Leader by 0830 (by email/phone) that morning.
Your Leader will keep an eye on/regulate social distancing as necessary
Overall, please be mindful of other people
Thank You!
Overall, please be mindful of other people
Thank You!