One of my first projects as a freelancer was to research the audiences and key themes for what was then the Nenthead Chapel Restoration Project. Today I met with Kim who has spent the last nine years working on the project, and after a damp dog walk up nearby Dowgang Hush, she showed off her … Continue reading Nenthead Chapel is go!
A pair of palimpsests
Epiacum and Blanchland both sit right on on the southern border of Northumberland, one with Cumbria and the other with County Durham. Both are multilayered scheduled monuments, with impressive remains still visible at the surface, intriguing their visitors.The ramparts of Epiacum Roman Fort still hold the footings of the military buildings, now over lain by … Continue reading A pair of palimpsests
Silver and Curlews from the Allen Dales
I've been invited along by Curlew Class to the launch of their book this Friday. Last year I developed education resources for the North Pennines AONB Allen Valleys Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. But instead of spending my time creating something Curlew Class were already working on, I supported the … Continue reading Silver and Curlews from the Allen Dales
Living Legacy of Wild at Kielder
It's not often you get a nice surprise in the post, but today I did, with the end of project report for the Living Wild at Kielder wildlife project. It says "over 110,000 people have developed a greater awareness of Kielder's wildlife through digital and physical interpretation or face-to-face engagement" The last few years have … Continue reading Living Legacy of Wild at Kielder
Trending in the Guardian
Every now and then a project of mine makes an appearance in the Guardian newspaper's Country Diary. This is coincidence as their writer Susie White @CottageGardener lives just across the valley from me. However, it is great to see the heritage I work for through other people's eyes; the comments are always worth a scroll … Continue reading Trending in the Guardian
Prehistoric CPD
CPD is important for self employed folks - and we can be really creative about the opportunities we choose. I have just come back from an amazing prehistoric themed trip to Norfolk. First we had a real treat - a day in and above the neolithic flint mines at Grimes Graves with Will Lord who has … Continue reading Prehistoric CPD
Pan-European identity for the Union Jack?
A week in Cyprus with the hosts, students and tutors of three Grampus Heritage projects, was a heartening way to spend the second anniversary of the Brexit vote. Most of the students were British, and those few that weren't seemed to have studied at UK universities. The other tutors were Greek, Cypriot, Maltese, Polish, and … Continue reading Pan-European identity for the Union Jack?
Inspired Surprise!
So lovely to see the Dukesfield project used as an exemplar for community engagement and activity planning in the #InspiredFutures training today. I was there with St Augustine's Alston, who I'm helping to develop a project plan. Exciting discussions around rekindlung churches' social role as part of their living Christian heritage and mission. Keen to see how … Continue reading Inspired Surprise!
Project successes at Northumberland Tourism Awards
Great to see two of the winners in the Northumberland Tourism Awards last night are projects I am working on! Congratulations to South Tynedale Railway and Kielder Water & Forest Park. Good to see Woodside Lodge who promote Dukesfield Arches getting an award too. http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/northumberland-tourism-awards-winners-revealed-1-8611536
Wilder Walk in Kielder Woodlands
Just in time for the Wild at Kielder Festival this weekend, I've been working with the Forestry Commission to reinstate some secret paths through the old woodlands around Kielder Castle. The route is specially designed to make it easy to walk to Bakethin Nature Reserve from the castle, by taking visitors through a wide variety … Continue reading Wilder Walk in Kielder Woodlands
Yvonne Conchie 