Here Michael Dalton gives his personal account of the Dalton Genealogical Society’s Annual Gathering for 2012 held in Yorkshire, UK from Friday 27th to Monday 30th July 2012. The weekend was based at the Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, Willerby, Hull.
Thursday 26th July, 2012
I had arrived in Yorkshire late on Wednesday evening in order to have a full day available on the Thursday to complete the preparations for the weekend. My day started with a meeting with the hotel staff to run through our programme. Lisa, our main contact during the past 18 months, introduced me to Jason, who was to be our event manager over the weekend. Any problems, just ask Jason and he will fix it! Jason and I struck up a good rapport and we were soon discussing the finer details on timings, the position of tables and chairs in the Garden Suite, refreshments for our entertainers on Saturday evening, place names for the dinner and a myriad of other points. Experience in the past has taught me how important the relationship is between us and the hotel and Jason turned out to be a star. Nothing was too much trouble.
So, happy that everything taking place at the hotel would be taken care of, I drove over to Beverley and visited the tourist office to check out the things taking place in the town, which delegates might wish to do on Saturday afternoon. A very helpful lady gave me all sorts of information and a supply of maps and leaflets to hand out to everybody. I then called in at Beverley Minster to confirm the numbers for the roof tour, and take a closer look myself at the interior of this magnificent building. I was also particularly keen to see a stained glass window designed and made recently by a fellow liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers, Helen Whittaker. After some shopping for items for Saturday evening, I returned to the hotel for a belated sandwich and then assembled the delegate packs and prepared the badges. By the time this was finished others had started to arrive and there was a party of eight of us to have dinner and spend the evening together catching up on each other’s news, committee matters and so on. I retired to bed feeling that everything was more or less ready for the next three days – mission accomplished and I was pleased to have had the whole of the day to deal with everything.
Friday 27th July, 2012
The day started with an early breakfast and then the task of setting up the Dalton family history displays of books and charts in the Garden Suite. This had to be completed well before 11.00 am when we started our committee meeting, the first time we had sat round the table together for a meeting since Worcester in 2007. Over the years we have developed very good procedures for conducting all our business by email and telephone, but we all felt it would be useful to discuss a number of key issues face to face. The meeting proved to be a very useful opportunity to share our thoughts on topics ranging from membership and subscriptions to the development of the DGS websites, and from the content of the Journal and "Daltons in History" to the next steps in the Dalton DNA Project. Altogether very worthwhile and we made a number of decisions which I was able to communicate to our members at the AGM on the Saturday. The meeting finished at 1.15 pm, only 15 minutes later than planned (!), and that gave us time to meet the many delegates that had arrived, and also have something to eat before departing for Hull History Centre. I am most grateful to John’s wife, Sheila for welcoming people who arrived while our meeting was in progress, making sure that the DGS registration desk was manned and handing out delegates packs and badges.
Thanks to Mike Dalton’s transport management, all those without cars found seats in the cars of those with, and everyone found their way to Hull History Centre for the scheduled 3.00 pm start. We were met by the City Archivist, Martin Taylor, who gave us a brief introduction to the Hull History Centre. We then assembled inside the lecture room for the official welcome to the City of Hull by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Danny Brown, who was wearing his chain of office and was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, his wife Lynda. The Mayor explained the history of the chain, which includes the original gold chain presented to the City in 1554, and first worn that year by Thomas Dalton in the first of his three mayoralties. Martin then introduced Helen Good, a well known local historian and lecturer at the University of Hull, who had prepared an excellent presentation for us entitled "Dalton Mayors of Hull". Helen gave us a wonderful, and at times very witty, insight into life in Hull in the 16th century, and how the Dalton family would have lived their lives as prominent citizens holding the office of Mayor. This was illustrated with original documents from the City archives held in the Centre. She had also prepared transcriptions of a number of documents, referred to in her talk, including Star Chamber papers, Bench Books and Interrogatories, and collected together in a 16 page handout for everybody. We were all spellbound and I recommend that those who were unable to attend take the opportunity to look at the video of Helen’s talk. Helen has also agreed to write an article for the DGS Journal, which we will look forward to reading. Many thanks to Helen, and to Martin and the Mayor, for getting our weekend off to such a good start.
 |
 |
Martin Taylor, City Archivist, introduces delegates
to |
The Lord Mayor of Hull welcomes |
In the evening there was an informal reception in the Garden Suite followed by a buffet supper, which gave everyone the opportunity to meet members of the committee and other delegates, and also view the displays of Dalton family history charts, books, journals and other items of interest. An enjoyable time was had by all, including a group of us, who later on in the evening, took the opportunity to watch the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games in the hotel bar!
 |
Howard and Jen Dalton meet Ann Clarke, a descendant of the Dalton Mayors of Hull |
Saturday 28th July, 2012
The programme for the morning conference was scheduled to start at 10.00 am and, with a very full morning planned I opened the proceedings at 10.00 am precisely with our own "Opening Ceremony". Although not on quite the same scale as what we had witnessed from the Olympic Stadium the previous evening, it was nevertheless a great pleasure to welcome all our delegates from far and wide, and the local ones too. It was particularly pleasing to see representatives from the United States (Jack Rudisail from Texas, a new DGS member), and from Australia, Maureen of course, together with Wendy Fleming and John Prytherch. We were also joined by a number of local Yorkshire Daltons, including Jim Dalton, with his wife Julia, and their first cousins John Dalton and Ann Clarke, all descended from the Dalton Mayors of Hull; David Dalton, with his wife Barbara, from nearby Hessle and with Hull Dalton descent; Adrian Dalton, with his wife Eve, from Poole, Dorset, but descended from Daltons from the nearby village of Kilnwick; also sisters Doreen Skiven and Beryl Skiven-Baker with Kilnwick Dalton connections. All of these were attending their first DGS Gathering. Add to them, Howard our Gathering Organiser, and his wife Jen and that completes the formidable group of delegates with Yorkshire Dalton connections!
We then moved into the AGM and this will be reported on fully next month with the minutes of the meeting. I will just mention one thing here, the announcement of the DGS "Above and Beyond" Annual Award. The committee have instituted this award, open to DGS members who are not officers or committee members, to recognise exceptional contributions to the work of the Society. The committee will nominate the recipient each year and the award will normally be announced at the DGS Gathering or AGM. I informed the meeting that the first recipient for 2012 would be announced at the Annual Dinner.
With the AGM concluded soon after 11.00 am and following a short break, we resumed for the two talks – the first being by Howard on the Daltons of Garton-on-the-Wolds. Howard introduced his subject with some geography and then took us through the history of Garton from Roman times and speculated about the DNA that would have been introduced into Garton families over successive centuries with the Romans, Saxons, Vikings and then the French Normans being extant in the Yorkshire Wolds at different times over the period. Woven into this was the more recent documented history of his own Dalton descent from 18th century Dalton blacksmiths who lived and worked in the village. The talk was much enjoyed by us all and proved to be an excellent introduction to the visit to Garton planned for Sunday afternoon.
Our final talk was given by Charlie Cradock, Education Officer of the East Yorkshire Family History Society. I had invited Charlie to introduce us to the sources for family history research in the East Riding and in Hull. His talk, illustrated with online visits to many websites and searching specifically for Dalton records, was something of a "tour de force", and gave us all an insight into the many different sources and archives available, much of it at our finger tips sitting at our computer screens at home. The keen researchers amongst us all found something new to explore in more detail later, and the video of Charlie’s talk will be well worth a view by those who did not attend the Gathering.
1.00 pm came around all too quickly and I had to draw the conference to a close. There was no doubt that much ground had been covered during the morning. But we had to move on with a buffet lunch to fortify us and then off to Beverley for the afternoon.
 |
Delegates at our AGM and Conference |
Beverley Minster was the central attraction for the Saturday afternoon and about 25 of us opted for the roof tour with its climb up a very narrow and long spiral staircase to reach the roof space above the minster. We were guided by the experienced and knowledgeable verger, who ensured that we all reached the top safely. Exploring the roof space was fascinating and the photographs you will find in the gallery give a good impression of what we saw. The most amazing part of our tour was when the circular boss above the nave altar was lifted so that we could gaze down to the nave below. As we looked down, the distant Howard J looked up!
 |
 |
The North Door entrance to the Minster |
The West Door and Great West Window |
 |
 |
Looking down onto the Nave from the roof |
Howard J Dalton looks up as we look down! |
Following the roof tour delegates went their own ways to explore the narrow streets of the town and visit some of the delightful shops. Others visited the Old Treasure House. Howard and Jen and Kate and I elected to find one of the many old tea rooms and enjoy a quiet cup of tea in delightful surroundings before returning to the hotel.
On Saturday evening, we held the main social event of the weekend, our Annual DGS Dinner. This was preceded by a reception and we were joined by Chris Pomery, our DNA consultant, who gave us a very brief update on the Dalton International DNA Project. It was good that Chris, just returned from a rather soggy camping holiday in Scotland, was able to join us as a guest and many took the opportunity to discuss DNA matters with him during the course of the evening. Dinner was served and thanks go to Maureen and Pam for sorting out the menu choices and seating plan. Everyone had a seat to sit at, and was served the correct food; with the exception of the two David Daltons present, whose menu choices had been reversed, but this was quickly sorted out!
Following the starter and the main course, I introduced our entertainers "The Spare Hands", led by Steve Gardham, who regaled us with a wonderful selection of sea shanties and songs about the local sea-faring community, many going back to the days when Hull was such an important sea port and trading centre. Steve explained the work that his organisation, the Yorkshire Garland Group, is doing making recordings for incorporation into new exhibits at the Hull Maritime Museum. The DGS showed its appreciation to Steve and his two colleagues with a collection of over £100 as a contribution to their work.
After a break, the evening proceedings resumed with our awards and presentations, followed by the raffle. The two main awards were firstly to John, our Editor – I presented him with the framed certificate from the Federation of Family History Societies for taking second place in the One Name section of the Elizabeth Simpson Award for best journals in 2011, together with a celebratory bottle. As has already been reported this was a richly deserved award, originally presented to the Society back in March, when John and I attended the Federation AGM in London – many congratulations again, John! The second award was for our newly instituted DGS "Above & Beyond" Award and this went to Howard for all his work as Gathering Organiser, and as a former Treasurer of the Society and gathering organiser in 1992 and 2002. Again, a very well deserved award and it was a pleasure to present Howard with a celebratory bottle and promise him a certificate to mark the award, just as soon as it has been designed and printed. We then had some fun with fridge magnets – I had found some excellent ones with phrases relevant to family history and family historians for distribution to committee members and their long-suffering spouses, and these caused considerable amusement.
The final part of the evening was the raffle, as usual efficiently organised by Kate, which raised £116 for Breast Cancer Care, the charity chosen by the committee to be the recipient of the proceeds. I am grateful to committee members for supplying the considerable number of prizes on offer, which added to the fun of the draw. With the conclusion of the raffle the formal part of the evening came to a close, and many enjoyed the opportunity for further informal conversations and another drink or two.
Sunday 29th July, 2012
Sunday began at a more leisurely pace with plenty of time for breakfast and a final look at the displays, before the scheduled 10.30 am departure to the centre of Hull. A number of us attended the morning service at Holy Trinity Church, while others looked around the city. At noon we all gathered in the church for coffee and biscuits, followed by a fascinating tour, led by Jean Fenwick with her encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the church and its artefacts. Central to our visit was of course the tombstone of Thomas Dalton, Mayor of Hull, who died in 1590, but everyone was very struck with the beauty of the church with its painted ceilings, wonderful stained glass and many other features. We are indebted to Jean for such an interesting and full tour.
 |
 |
Holy Trinity Church, Hull - the Nave with its |
Jean Fenwick, our guide points out a feature |
 |
 |
Tombstone in the south aisle of Henry Dalton of
Hull |
The DGS gathered around the tombstone of |
Following the tour of Holy Trinity we had time to find some lunch and then departed for Garton. I gave Jack Rudisail a lift and enjoyed his company for a little longer than planned – we were so engrossed in conversation that I missed a turning and we ended up taking a delightful tour of the byways rather than the highways in the Yorkshire Wolds. Fortunately Jack enjoyed the experience – rather different from his home territory in Texas! On arrival at Garton, others had already visited the Forge and were gathered at the church, where the church warden had persuaded his contractors to restore temporary lighting in the church so that we could admire the wall paintings without having to resort to the torches we had all been asked to bring. New flood lighting is currently being installed inside to improve the illumination of the paintings. It was a most interesting visit and all enjoyed seeing the inside of this wonderful church.
 |
 |
Garton Heritage Forge where today's Garton |
St Michael and All Angels Church, |
 |
 |
A detail from the wall paintings by Clayton and Bell |
The painted walls and ceilings compete for your attention |
 |
Looking through the richly carved wooden chancel screen to the stained glass East window |
 |
 |
The DGS group assembled outside Garton Church |
R Dalton 1809 and the imprint of hand |
Our final port of call in Garton was to see the relocated hinges made by Robert Dalton in 1833 and now in West End Farm. The owners had kindly invited delegates to visit their home and view these hinges supporting two doors on opposite sides of the converted barn, now a splendid dining room.
After Garton it was back to the hotel for a short break and time to change before setting off again to go to South Dalton and the Pipe & Glass Inn. Here we were welcomed by the owner of the inn, James McKenzie. He and his wife took the Pipe & Glass over about six years ago and have turned it into an award winning Michelin starred pub. The conservatory had been reserved for our buffet supper, the final event of the weekend and what an enjoyable and relaxed occasion it was. James gave us a short account of the history of the inn and, after yet another group photograph, we settled down for a most sumptuous supper and a further opportunity to socialise and exchange information about our respective Dalton family histories.
 |
 |
The DGS group with our host, James McKenzie |
Maureen Collins and Pam Lynam meet up with |
 |
 |
Adrian Dalton, Beryl Skiven-Baker and Doreen
Skiven, |
Michael Dalton, Robin Prytherch, Geoffrey &
Jane |
All too soon the evening came to an end, and it was time to bid farewell to those not staying at the hotel. On returning to Willerby, there was the opportunity for a final drink before retiring and reflecting on a busy and action-packed weekend.
Monday 30th July, 2012
The day of departure and saying goodbye. Inevitably all good things have to come to an end and I think all who attended agreed that it had been a most successful weekend. I eventually departed from Hull around lunchtime and, somewhat wearily, drove the 250 miles home to Reigate. I went through torrential rain at several points as I travelled south and reflected on how kind the English weather had been to us – hardly a drop of rain for the Gathering and mainly quite warm with sunshine. Weren’t we lucky?!
This has been something of a whirlwind "tour" through the weekend – well the Gathering was something of a whirlwind too, with so much to do and so many people to meet. Whilst I have been writing, I have been interrupted by grandchildren staying with us, and of course the Olympics and all the excitement that they have generated. I therefore trust I am forgiven if I have left out anything of importance. Inevitably this is a snapshot from my personal reminiscences. For further photos please follow this link. I look forward to all of you who attended filling the gaps with the reminiscences that you have been asked to send in to Dairne in good time for next month’s "Daltons in History". Please don’t forget to do this. Do it now!!
