Area: Northumberland

'Based in the beautiful Whittingham Vale, the Society acts as a focus for those interested in the local history of North Northumberland, and in particular the Aln & Breamish Valleys. The A&BLHS meets once a month during the autumn and early summer ; 7 lectures in all. Topics range from local speakers giving a fascinating look at the past, and researchers and archaeologists bringing us up to date with the latest projects and discoveries.'

'The principal objective of the Aln Valley Railway Trust is the restoration and operation of the railway between Alnmouth and Alnwick, providing an additional tourist attraction for the area and to enlarge the district's tourism offering. This project also aims to develop the railway corridor as a sustainable transport link as well as a recreational and educational resource for the local community and visitors to the area.'

'Alnwick Wildlife Group is all about enjoying and exploring the wildlife in our bit of Northumbria. In the comfort of a friendly meeting place you can join with other like-minded folk to hear excellent speakers, swap news and share experiences ... Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of the month from September – May each year.'

Normally, 'meetings are held in Ayton Community Hall each month September to March (except December) and start at 7.30pm. A guest speaker is invited to talk on a topic of interest'.

One of the perks I value most about having a bookshop is that our talks series, such as it is (roughly a speaker a month between September – June) enables me to meet professionals in every field (the arts, sciences, even sports) who I would otherwise never have had the opportunity to meet. Some few are well-known to the public - hey! It’s a long way up here, the fee is risible, and the Old Waiting Room wherein the talks take place only holds 50 people tops (60 if they’re skinny). Still, some serious names (serious names with big hearts) have been willing to make the perilous journey above Watford. Anyway, all the talks begin at 7.30 and cost £5 (and that includes a glass of plonk no less.)'

'The Society was first formed in November 1947, but declining numbers led to the society folding in the 1950’s. It was re-formed in May 1972 and thrived during the seventies and eighties, with a boost in membership coming in 1982 when the society produced a special cover to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Berwick-upon-Tweed as an English Town ... Please note - the meetings of the Berwick and District Philatelic Society are AFTERNOON meetings. Please come along to support ... members in the northernmost society in NEPA - guests are always welcome and very well looked after.'

'In 2003, some local ecologists and naturalists set up Berwick Wildlife Group to record wildlife in the area around North Northumberland and parts of the Scottish Borders ... Every year, there are five talks over the winter months on a variety of subjects ... Meetings involve a talk / presentation by an expert in a particular area.'

'The Craster Local History Group was formed in 2006 with the objective of promoting interest in the history of the North East with particular reference to the Craster area.'

Member of the Hardy Plant Society Grouping

'Our friendly membership comprises a range of abilities from beginners, to accredited and professional photographers, they cover a broad spectrum of photographic interests, including (but not limited to): landscape, portraiture, sport, wildlife, street, documentary and abstract photography. The majority of our members have made the move to digital photography, however there are still some keen film users among us.'

'Hexham Beekeepers Association is an outstanding group of enthusiasts from wildly different walks of life. Our range of characters and experience means we bring many skills to the association and there is never a dull moment ... Our members range from children (many of whom have been introduced to bees at school) through all the age groups to some octogenarians who have been keeping bees for over 60 years ... At our monthly meetings we address all aspects of beekeeping from general good husbandry to honey production and disease control to help us all have healthy, productive colonies. Guest speakers cover a range of topics from the latest research on the behaviour of bees, to building a hive. The calibre of our speakers is always high and the content of their talks is informative and entertaining. No boring "droning on" is allowed!'

Member of the Embroidery Groups Grouping

'The Society was founded in 1966 and is now the largest local history society in Northumberland. The Society has over 250 current members, from North Northumberland (Rothbury) to the far south (Penzance), with quite a number from the centre of the world (Hexham) ... The HLHS runs a monthly series of 8 evening talks each year on a variety of topics. Invited speakers give a talk in Hexham on a topic of historical interest.'

'The Society was founded in 1966 and is one of the smaller NEPA societies, and holds regular meetings in the AFTERNOON from September through May. They are a small but friendly and enthusiastic group, even if they are not the cultural dynamic centre of the Philatelic world!!! Our society warmly welcomes new members.'

Member of the National Trust Support Grouping

'The North Northumberland Bird Club was set up in 1984, by a group of local enthusiasts who recognised and responded to the need for a local bird club in this, the richest (bird-wise) part of Northumberland ... The popularity and membership of the club have grown steadily, and there are over 180 members. They range in expertise from beginners to very knowledgeable ornithologists ... Our members come from a wide area – from St.Abb’s and Duns in the north, and south to Newcastle, Durham and even Surrey and Kent!'

Member of the Badger Trust Grouping

Member of The Wildlife Trusts Grouping

'The Society was founded in October 2000 to promote interest in the Northumbrian Jacobites.' Normally, a full programme of events, talks and visits are held each year.

Member of the Scottish Rock Garden Club Grouping

Member of the Calligraphy & Lettering Arts Society Grouping

'The Society was formed in 1994 to bring together local people with an interest in history. Meetings are held from October to May.'

Member of the Western Front Association Grouping