Coronavirus problems are going to get worse before they get better and, as a Society, we must plan for the next few months. Most importantly, our policy is to follow Government guidelines so please don’t come to the Research Centre at Abinger if you or the people around you are feeling unwell or have just come back from affected areas.

Our meetings have been cancelled and we are now using email and telephone.

Unfortunately we have had to cancel both the forthcoming Local History Poverty and the Roman Studies Shining a Light conferences. We will refund everyone who has paid as soon as we can. We have also cancelled the Local Secretaries event scheduled for 28 March and the Council Strategy Day scheduled for 17 April. Our planned excavations and other field work will be kept under review.

It appears that many of us will be confined to our homes and may not be in a position to offer practical help. We will keep our premises at Abinger under review but it is likely that we will restrict visits and our staff will work from home. For up to date information please check this website.

This is a difficult time for us and our families. It will pass but, in the meantime, we need to take care.

With my best wishes

Nikki Cowlard

President