AHSS event reviews

North East Event Reviews updated 09.08.2004
Events Programme 2002
Although 2002 was one of the worst summers in recent memory in the north east, the gods must have been looking kindly upon us, because we were able to fulfil a full programme of events without having to run for shelter or to reach for our umbrellas. We began in March on a wave of controversy when our guest speaker at the 3rd Thelma Blance lecture, Richard Emerson of Historic Scotland, asked us to consider the proposition that Historic Scotland should be consigned to history! Our fear that Richard's tenure at the Historic Buildings Inspectorate was about to be curtailed prematurely, proved unfounded, when he was able to put a convincing case for the pivotal role that Historic Scotland plays in the conservation of Scotland's finest buildings. He was able to demonstrate this with illustrated case studies both past and present and in the process was able to nail, quite convincingly, some of the untruths which were masquerading as facts in various articles in the press at the time.

At the beginning of May we visited Lickleyhead Castle, Premnay, courtesy of its owner, Sebastian Arbuthnott Leslie and the then tenants, Annabel and Christopher Cruden. Members were able to enjoy the interiors of this little 16th century gem and wander around the grounds. We were particularly pleased to welcome two children into our group that afternoon - I hope we succeeded in entertaining them and securing them for the future membership.

In the middle of June we held a Musical Evening at Castle Forbes, courtesy of Ginny and Malcolm Forbes.The evening was sufficiently balmy to allow the great windows of the ante-room adjoining the drawing room to be opened and guests were able to enjoy the happy union of beautiful music (played by Roger Williams and his group of musicians) and incomparable landscape. The concert was followed by supper and I think the evening was a great success .

In July, we were warmly welcomed to Kincardine House, Kincardine O'Neil, by Andrew and Nicki Bradford. Andrew went to considerable lengths to prepare a most interesting talk about the history of the site, the architects Niven and Wigglesworth who were commissioned to build the house and the ingenuity and flexibility of the design, which, a century on, has enabled them to create a warm and welcoming family house. Members were also treated to a tour of the walled garden which has been rescued from semi-dereliction and restored by Andrew and Nicki.

September found us in the most southerly part of our region, at Fettercairn House in Fettercairn, courtesy of Kate Somervell. Members (including a visiting member from Tayside) were enchanted by the 17th century tower house at its heart, which is clearly visible from the gardens at the rear. The impressive façade by William Burn brought us face to face with the work of an architect who, after a period of neglect, suddenly seems to be very much in the news. We were privileged to see the dining room which is undergoing restoration in a manner of which Burn would surely have approved.

In late December we held our first ever Christmas Party at Drum Castle by kind permission of the National Trust for Scotland. We enjoyed wine, canapés and carols in convivial company and we hope that this will become an annual event. We extend our warmest thanks to all our hosts for their unfailing welcome and hospitality and to our members who travel many miles in their enthusiastic support of the society.

Sheila E D Rhind
Events Convener

Christmas at Drum: North-East Group Party
After something of a false start in 2001, the North-East Group managed to get its first Christmas Party off the ground on 21 December 2002. Around thirty brave souls gathered at Drum Castle for an evening of canapés, mince pies, conversation and entertainment.

The entertainment was of the traditional Christmas variety, as we gathered round the piano while Norman Marr led us (with no mercy!) in some serious carol singing. An excellent time was had by all, although I think most of us agreed that it could have been a little warmer. Certainly, we aim to repeat the event in future years.

Thanks are due to Sheila Rhind for organisation and catering, and The National Trust for Scotland for the use of Drum.

Euan McCulloch
Chairman

For details of future activities in group areas see EVENTS DIARY. For information about casework in group areas, covered by the regional cases panels, see CASEWORK.

A full list of contacts for the regional groups can be found under the CONTACT section.