The Houghtons and Brafield Local History Society

The Society first met in the Red Lion pub over 20 years ago to have simple meetings where a speaker would come and cover a particular aspect of Local History for about an hour. Subjects cover a wide range of topics from Roman times, village history, farming, to policing through the ages in Northampton. A few years ago the Red Lion closed down so subsequent meetings were held at the Little Houghton Village hall where they continue to this day.

Meetings are now held on the 4th Wednesday in the month from October through to May at 8pm in the Little Houghton Village Hall (diagonally across from the Church for any newcomers) In December we have our Christmas party which is always very popular.

After the speaker has finished free tea/coffee and biscuits are served and we all have a good natter for a further while. It is a very pleasant social event and a chance to meet like-minded people from the other 2 villages.

Some of the stalwarts even continue on to the old “Red Lion” (now recently reopened and renamed the “4 Pears”) to sample the whisky and beers before saying “goodnight”. However that is not compulsory even if it is very pleasant.

There are currently nearly 60 members mostly from the Houghtons and Brafield villages although we have members from Horton, Northampton town, and even as far as Market Harborough. That said we would be pleased to see any new members and would make them very welcome.

Next year’s programme promises to be very interesting. We have strengthened links with the Cogenhoe and Whiston Heritige Society to our mutual benefit.  Until recently our society met on the second Wednesnay of each month, but this often clashed with Cogenhoe and Whiston's meetings.  Therefore we have moved our timetable to the fourth Wednesday of each month, such that each group may attend each others talks.

It is hoped that during the summer months we can make visits to sites of interest in the local area. There is so much fascinating history all around us that the difficulty is which sites to choose.

Membership is a modestly priced £2 per year and a mere £1 for each meeting you attend. This to cover any speakers costs and your tea/biscuits.

If you would like any further information please ring Rosie Heath (Chair) or David Heath (Secretary) on 01604 890215.

Future Meetings

For details of future planned meetings link here to:           Current Local Events

For a preview of planned events for 2011/2012 link here:    Programme of Events

To view the Cogenhoe & Whiston programme link here:    Cogenhoe & Whiston Programme

To view minutes from the AGM held on 11 May 2011:       AGM Minutes

Details of Past Meetings

Date last updated:    15 Jun 2011                                                                                      Valid until:   31 Dec 2012