A series of collaborative events between the Arkwright Society and Belper North Mill, looking to reveal interesting aspects of local heritage. Six evening talks, from March through to October, will alternate between venues in Cromford and Belper.

Doors open at 7pm with refreshments available, (talks start at 7.30pm).

Tickets are £5 per person  – Book your tickets online, see links below.

Arkwright Society Members: 2 free tickets are available across the programme of events. To register a free place at one of the talks please contact our membership team. membership@arkwrightsociety.org.uk

2024 – Evening Talk Series

March 27th:    Solidarity: Working Class Organisation in the Derwent Valley 1800- 1850 – Book Your Ticket
Roger Tanner will tell us about his latest research into the lives of the working people of Belper and Cromford.
Location: Gothic Warehouse, Mill Lane, Cromford

April 25th:       History and Restoration of Wingfield Station – Book Your Ticket
Peter Milner, Project Manager for the restoration of this historic building will talk about why it is so important and how it was restored.
Location:  Number 28 Market Place, Belper

May 30th:        Margaret Outram – Book Your Ticket
Dr Peter Collinge from Keele University will tell us the sad tale of debt and bankrupcy involving Margaret Outram, wife of Benjamin Outram, canal engineer and founder of the Butterley Company.
Location: Gothic Warehouse, Mill Lane, Cromford

June 27th:       The John Smedley Archive and Museum and latest finds – Book Your Ticket
Jane Middleton-Smith, Archivist at John Smedley’s historic mill, will talk about her work at the Archives and plans for a museum.
Location:  Number 28 Market Place, Belper

Sept. 26th:      Grandad and Auntie Nelly – useful historical sources? – Book Your Ticket
Colin Hyde, Research Assistant and Outreach Officer will give us an insight into the work of the East Midlands Oral History Archive with local examples.
Location: Gothic Warehouse, Mill Lane, Cromford

Nov. 7th:           Waterpower: Driving Industry in the Derwent Valley – Book Your Ticket
Ian Jackson will tell us about the importance of waterpower to the Derwent Valley and lessons we can learn from its historic use.
Location:  Number 28 Market Place, Belper

These events are supported by the Heritage Fund made possible thanks to National Lottery players.