Group plans to tell story of Demesnes, Teesdale Mercury

A community group is seeking the help of people in the dale as it researches the history of the Demesnes in Barnard Castle for a book about the popular beauty spot. 

The Green Explorers are asking people to share their memories at a workshop in the town this month.

The material collected will form a book about the history, plant and animal life of the land that the group will produce with young people from local schools and youth organisations.

Last year, the Green Explorers, 

an offshoot of the Craft Works 

group for people with special needs, published a book about dry stone walling in Teesdale following a lengthy and hands-on research project.

For the latest project, a special Demesnes memories workshop will take place at the Witham Hall on Wednesday, July 28, between 10am and noon.

Local people are being asked to provide their memories of times they have spent on the Demesnes during their lifetime together with any photographs or memorabilia, which will be copied and returned immediately to participants.

The recent efforts of town councillor Roger Peat and others to re-create a traditional hay meadow on the upper Demesnes will also feature in the project. 

To help out, drop in at the Witham Hall on the day, where free tea, coffee and biscuits will be available, or contact Anne or Tony Noble on 01833 627100 or email, northernpeople@btinternet.com.