Study Mission No 1 - A Day in Cheshire
(Sunday 25th June 2006)

Cost £40
We will visit Jodrell Bank, to see the Lovell Telescope, and learn about the work of the astronomists there. Also we visit Quarry Bank Mill, a restored cotton mill, with a water wheel. This building explains the rise in importance of Manchester and the surrounding area during the 19th Century. Manchester's transformation in "Cottonopolis" with global links can be traced through the displays of the centre. This visit is an interesting and gentle introduction to the history of the Manchester area.

Study Mission No 2 - Walking Tour of Salford and Manchester History
(Wednesday 28th June 2006 after last session - Free to delegates and guests)
Gordon Fletcher will lead a walking tour from our conference location back to the hotels, describing the history of Salford (one of the oldest cities in England) and Manchester as well as providing insights into the architecture.

Study Mission No 3 - A Day in the Peak District
(Thursday 29th June 2006)

Cost £50
Setting off from Manchester we quickly climb towards the Peak District. As we climb in altitude we are introduced to some of the local mythology and legend (including the Devil's Elbow, the Saxon "fort" that witnessed the battle of Empress Maud and Stephen and Robin Hood's Picking Rods).

We travel south to visit Chatsworth House - Home of the Dukes of Devonshire. Chatsworth House is also very close to the town of Bakewell - famous for its Bakewell Puddings (but sometimes described as tarts) where we have lunch.

Traveling towards Castleton we take in the rural scenery. We arrive at Castleton to visit the 11th Century Peveril Castle named after William the Conqueror's son and the source of Scott's novel "Peveril of the Peak". We also take in one of the guided tours of a local cave famous for the unusual Blue John gemstone that is claimed as being unique to the area. Finally we look around the small village - one of the world's first "planned" communities with its original defensive ditch still visible.

We return to Manchester past the Cat and Fiddle Inn (the second highest pub in Britain)