Programme 2026/27

Our meetings take place at The Pavilion in Ashbourne Park, 7 Cokayne Avenue, Ashbourne, DE6 1EJ.

The meetings start at 1.00 pm and the speaker will begin at 1.30 pm. The meetings will end at 3.00 pm.

Entry is free to members and £5.00 for non-members payable at the door. Refreshments are also available. Free parking is also available on site or along Cokayne Avenue.

25th September 2026

Alan Cockayne – Ashbourne Hall: A family Home for over 500 years

Alan has been collecting and collating his family history for over 60 years, a major part of which has been uncovering the hidden story of Ashbourne Hall. From the people who lived there to the events that took place within its walls and the many famous names from history who visited over the years – to what still lies beneath the building we see today.

23rd October 2026

Brindley’s Mill, Leek by Mike Tingle

This 18th Century watermill is owned by a Preservation Trust and run by volunteers, who demonstrate its machinery to the public.  The talk will cover a brief history of the mill, its restoration by the Preservation Trust, the mill machinery and its operation, Brindley’s surveying ‘level’ (forerunner of the theodolite) and notebook, which are on display in the mill and a very brief summary of Brindley’s later life & death.

Mike Tingle

Mike Tingle is a volunteer Guide at the historic Brindley’s Mill in Leek. He gives this presentation about the mill and a brief history of Brindley’s life, to raise funds for the Mill Trust. Mike was originally a science teacher and then an Examiner and Educational Consultant, focussing on Applied Science. His current educational activities involve giving a series of presentations on a range of local history and scientific topics to public audiences, and organisations such as History Societies and Probus groups.

27th November 2026

Dave Harris – History of Railway Manufacturing in Derby

18th December 2026

Christmas Event

22nd January 2027

Mick Parker – Undiscovered Country: the Henges and Barrows of the Peak District.

26th February 2027

Dr. Elizabeth Woledge – Hands on History of Royal Crown Derby.

26th March 2027

Penny Jackson – Derbyshire Roman Roads.

23rd April 2027

Dr Mark Knight -The Trent Valley Past & Present: A Project Update.

28th May 2027

Trevor Fisher – Mary Queen of Scots and Staffordshire.

25th June 2027

AGM

You can also visit us at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashbourneheritagesociety

Twitter/X:          @ashheritagesoc