Talks 2021
Because of COVID-19 (coronavirus), our normal evening talks cannot take place, but we are arranging on line talks for our members and visitors - scroll down for details. Please note that we are making each talk available a week or so before the meeting date, then holding a one hour Zoom meeting, usually with the presenter, to answer questions and enjoy a discussion at the normal time of 7.30pm on the scheduled date.
Our normal charge is £1 for a member, £3 for a non-member. For details and to make payment, please email ken-hawkins@tiscali.co.uk. You may want to consider joining us - only £12 single or £20 two at the same address.
Updated 12 February 2021
Our normal charge is £1 for a member, £3 for a non-member. For details and to make payment, please email ken-hawkins@tiscali.co.uk. You may want to consider joining us - only £12 single or £20 two at the same address.
Updated 12 February 2021
Dereham Heritage Trust

Trinity Methodist Church, Dereham
When we can again hold physical talks, they will be held at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Theatre Street, Dereham, NR19 2EP at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated. See below for details of an interesting variety of talks.
Admission for each evening talk is £1 for members and £3 for non-members. Visitors are always welcome, with the fee payable on the door.
Please see our programme below.
Admission for each evening talk is £1 for members and £3 for non-members. Visitors are always welcome, with the fee payable on the door.
Please see our programme below.
Programme of Events 2021
Until at least April 2021, we are presenting talks on line. Members will receive details of how to access these (see the note at the top of this page). Visitors will also receive these details on payment of £3 per talk. See the talk at a time of your own choosing, then join in with a live discussion on the scheduled evening.
When normal meetings can recommence, all talks are at 7.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Theatre Street, Dereham NR19 2EP, unless otherwise stated.
Wednesday 10 March
Digging Sedgeford: 25 years of archaeological research in a typical Norfolk parish
The Sedgeford Historical & Archaeological Research Project (SHARP) was formed in 1996 and is now one of the country’s longest-running archaeological projects. Over the past 25 years, SHARP has been excavating and researching all aspects of human settlement activity within the parish; from a Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age burial through to a First World War aerodrome. The main focus of the project has been an Anglo-Saxon settlement and associated cemetery, to which we can now add the exciting discovery of a complex of Anglo-Saxon malting houses.
Speaker: Gary Rossin
Wednesday 31 March
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday 14 April
Members' presentation
Speakers: Sue Walker and Robena Brown
Wednesday 12 May
Making tracks through Mid-Norfolk
Paddy's fully illustrated talk will trace the history of a railway that once brought prosperity to Dereham and Mid-Norfolk, and now does so again. What brought the railway in the first place? How did it develop? What led to its eventual demise after almost a century and a half? And how come part of that same railway now attracts many thousands of visitors each year, from across the UK and beyond? It's an interesting story...
Speaker: Dr Patrick Anstey
Wednesday 9 June
John Abel, Horse-dealer of Norwich
Judith Havens talks about the fascinating life of this Victorian horse-dealer who built up his trade from humble beginnings to become a figure well known throughout the eastern region for his horse-breeding and racing activities.
Speaker: Judith Havens
Wednesday 14 July
An Introduction to Norfolk’s Mills
Norfolk is known as a county of windmills. This fully illustrated talk is a guide to the great variety found in the county, the technological development of the mils and the millers and millwrights associated with them.
Speaker: Alison Yardy
Wednesday 11 August
Narborough Bone Mill
The talk comprises a brief history of navigation on the river Nar and a pictorial talk on the preservation of the Narborough Bone Mill following a Heritage Lottery grant awarded in 2015. The project has created many mysteries - were human bones really processed at the Bone Mill??
Speaker: Graeme Brown
Wednesday 8 September
Five o’clock tea with Betsy
Come and Join Mrs Fry in 1845 and hear her tell of her life as a Quaker and her work as a prison reformer, philanthropist, anti-slavery campaigner, and more besides.
Speaker: Elizabeth Fry (Georgette Vale)
Wednesday 13 October
The Norwich Castle: Gateway to Medieval England Project
The Norwich Castle: Gateway to Medieval Project is a major capital development that will transform the visitor offer at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, showcasing one of Europe’s finest medieval buildings. The project will deliver full accessibility to all levels of the Keep including the battlements. It will create dynamic new interpretation of this iconic Norfolk building, the centrepiece of which will be a new permanent British Museum Partnership Gallery. The project will have museum-wide impact, creating new visitor entrances, café and retail spaces and improving the facilities for schools and other specialist groups. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this exciting capital redevelopment is complemented by a four year programme of activities and events that will engage with both existing and new audiences across Norfolk and beyond.
Speaker: Dr Robin Hanley Assistant Head of Museums, Norfolk Museums Service
Wednesday 10 November
Hobbies
Details to follow
Speaker: Martin Flegg
Wednesday 8 December
A Tudor Christmas with Hexachordia
The three members of Hexachordia present a unique blend of historical narrative, contemporary accounts, visual images and live music, played on an array of instruments. They celebrate the festive season as it was under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, combining music, mirth and merriment. Listen to some of your favourite carols as you may not have heard them before; they have their origins in the Medieval and Tudor eras. And many any of the traditions associated with Christmas are equally ancient. Discover how the world was turned upside down for a day and how they celebrated Twelfth Night.
NB: Venue is the Wellspring Centre
Admission is £1 for members of Dereham Heritage Trust and £3 for non-members. Refreshments are included. Visitors are always welcome, with the fee payable on the door.