Metcalfes Muster at their Wensleydale Roots
Celebrating 25 Years of The Metcalfe Society
Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September 2005

Founded in 1980, The Metcalfe Society today stands in the forefront of the world of Genealogy as one of the largest and most respected one-name study groups, with over 1,500 members past and present, home and overseas.

It is dedicated to supporting anyone interested in their Metcalfe (and all spelling variants) family history and acts as the principal link between branches in the home country and those settled worldwide.

To celebrate the Society’s 25th birthday, this year’s Muster and AGM will be a 2-day event held simultaneously at the Dales Countryside Museum, Hawes and the West Burton Village Hall, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire where we will also be welcoming attendees from Australia, Canada, France and the US.

The last largest gathering of the Metcalfe clan was in 1415 when, as legend says, the Metcalfe clan rode their white horses into battle at Agincourt to support King Henry V. In today’s more peaceful times, the society will be hosting as many Metcalfes as they can muster for a clan photograph at 10.30 on Sunday 25 September at West Burton village green. All those who were born or married a Metcalfe are invited to participate at this historic gathering, whether a member of The Metcalfe Society or not.

Whether you are interested in the Metcalfe name itself, general family history in the Dales, or just want to see more of Wensleydale, there is something for everyone.

Other events & facilities include:

· Opening of the celebratory activities by Lord Bolton

· Half-day tour in a classic 1950's coach along Wensleydale with commentary and stops at Metcalfe places of interest

· Guided Walk from Askrigg to Nappa Hall (& return!) viewing the historic building from the public footpath in front of the hall

· Evening social gathering with dinner & enjoying 'The Dalesfolk', a local folk group with a rich & varied selection of songs

· Blowing of the ceremonial horn at Bainbridge at 9pm on Saturday evening – a traditional still upheld by a Metcalfe today.

· Presentations about 'The Metcalfes of Pateley Bridge' and a recital of 'Dialect Poetry'

· Cutting ....and eating... of the 25th birthday cake

· Annual General Meeting. Opportunity to hear and join in with what is happening in the society

· Displays including family trees, 25 years of the society, history of the name, where in the world to see the name etc

· Representatives & information from Northallerton County Record Office, other Family History societies and Friends of Gayle Mill

· Opportunity to meet Metcalfe 'relatives'

· Society sales table :

o Metcalfe merchandise, including 'Metcalfe-History of the Clan' book, Christmas cards, society journal, stationery to record and store family tree information

o Yorkshire Dales & related merchandise available

o Bookstall - including Federation 'how to' guides

· Access society records held on computer databases (assistance available) or search through paper records at leisure

· Lending library available on books about Metcalfe, Yorkshire and other related subjects.

· Mini-bus service between West Burton and Hawes for those without their own transport or who just don't want to drive!

Full details of events, prices and booking information can be found on The Society’s website at www.metcalfe.org.uk  or by email muster@metcalfe.org.uk