Talks, Tours & Field Trips
Did you know that the staff of Leicestershire Heritage Services can visit your local venues and meeting places to deliver talks and lectures on a variety of fascinating subjects?
Whether you want to explore Leicestershire’s history, the natural environment, archaeology, the history of fashion or just want to find out more about what the Service can offer, you are sure to find something that interests you here. Talks can take place in your community venue, school or local centre, or at a relevant museum. In addition to illustrated talks, there are also opportunities to look at and handle real museum objects, or take part in field trips.
Booking - Practical Details & Costs
If you are interested in any of the talks listed, just contact the appropriate member of staff and discuss details directly. Please bear in mind that our staff often work in different museum buildings and you may be asked to leave a telephone message. If you are unsure about the type of talk your group wants, you are welcome to contact our main information point at
County Hall In any event, please contact us at least one month in advance of when your group requires a talk. Whilst staff will try their best to accommodate your request, we may occasionally not be able to do so, for operational reasons. A financial contribution, donated to cover expenses will be agreed at the outset, between you and our staff.
General Talks about Leicestershire Heritage Services
- Together we shall Explore and Enjoy - Leicestershire's Heritage and Culture through its Heritage Services.
- What can your Museum do for you? - The Role of Friends and, Volunteers in Leicestershire's Museums.
- The Open Museum - A new approach to community access
- Contact: Nikki Clayton, Assistant Keeper, Open Museum, telephone: (0116) 267 0011
- The Work of the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Illustrated lectures:
- Wildlife on your Doorstep
Contact: Carolyn Holmes, Assistant Keeper of Natural Life, telephone: (0116) 267 0002
- Natural History of Islands
- Historical Ecology
The following can be delivered as illustrated talks or field trips:
- Identification of Wildflowers, Lichens, Mosses and Fungi
- Plant Ecology and Natural History
- Leicestershire Wildlife Explored
Contact: Anthony Fletcher, Assistant Keeper of Natural Life, telephone: (01509) 815514
Illustrated lectures:
- Pottery in Leicestershire Archaeology (Roman & later)
- The roles of the professional and voluntary sectors in Leicestershire Archaeology
Contact: Richard Pollard, Assistant Keeper of Archaeology, telephone: (0116) 305 8324
- Anglo-Saxons in Leicestershire
- Re-enactment (recreating the past through period costume and events)
- General talks on artefacts (please phone for details) Talks with real museum artefacts
- Prehistoric Flint - find out about prehistoric tools and technology.
Contact: Richard Knox, Assistant Keeper of Archaeology, telephone: (0116) 305 8327
- Archaeology of Leicestershire
- Romans in Leicestershire
- Anglo-Saxons in Leicestershire
- A History of Donington-le-Heath Manor House
- Medieval Manors in Leicestershire
- Abbeys and Priories in Leicestershire
- Recent Fieldwork in Leicestershire and Rutland
- Fieldwalking: Take part in some real archaeology
- Finding archaeological sites in Leicestershire and Rutland
Contact: Peter Liddle, Keeper of Archaeology, telephone: (0116) 305 8326
- The Portable Antiquities Scheme
- Archaeological objects found by the public in Leicestershire.
Contact: Wendy Scott, Portable Antiquities Scheme, telephone: (0116) 305 8325
- An Introduction to Family History
Contact: Pat Grundy, Archives Researcher, telephone: (0116) 257 1080
Illustrated lectures:
- Revolution in Fashion - Fashion in the Eighteenth Century
- The Victorian Lady
- Glamorous Fashion 1900-1940
- Forties Fashion - World War II and Christian Dior's New Look
- Symington of Market Harborough - The very foundation of fashion
Contact: Philip Warren, Keeper of Cultural Life, telephone: (01509 815514)
- Coaltracks - the Snibston Mineral Line and its Locomotives
Contact: Fred Hartley, Keeper of Working Life, telephone: (01509) 814583
- A taste of Melton - The History of Stilton Cheese
Contact: Jenny Dancey, Keeper of Melton Museum, telephone: (01664) 569946
- Church Monuments of Leicestershire
- Sir Thomas Shirley and the Great Shirley Pedigree
Contact: Robin Jenkins, Keeper of Archives, telephone: (0116) 257 1080
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