Jen to uncover secrets of dales' lost settlements

THE last in the current series of Barningham Village Hall’s Winter’s Tales will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 15.
Jen Deadman will talk on lost settlements in the landscape. 
On many valley sides, tucked away in upland areas, is the evidence of communities that one thrived and prospered in what are now bleak and empty landscapes.
Ms Deadman will explore the fate of two former settlements in the inhospitable moorland reaches of Teesdale and Nidderdale, focussing in Teesdale on Holgate, a group of farmhouses and barns largely hidden in a fold in the hills south of Barningham. She will show how examining the landscape, the standing remains and documentary and oral history gives an insight into the daily life of the hill farmer in days gone by and the once thriving settlements that have often left little trace. 
She believes strongly that these lost communities should be celebrated even after the homesteads and the people who lived there are long gone.
Robin Brooks, a member of Barningham Village Hall committee, said: “Jen Deadman’s talk will bring a fascinating end to our current season of Winter’s Tales which has ranged over subjects as diverse as the history of Binchester Roman Fort and the case for organic farming.
“Jen is an archaeologist who has studied the history of old farmsteads and settlements in great detail and led a team of volunteers under the Heart Of Teesdale Landscape Partnership which surveyed and recorded a wide range of local farm buildings from humble field corner cow houses to a big Victorian model farm.”
He added: “I can guarantee that anyone who hears her speak will never look at the landscape in the same way again”.  
Ticket are £5 in advance (£6 on the door) and are available from Ann Orton, 01833 621024;  email ann.orton @hotmail.co.uk. The price includes light refreshments.