THE story of the Duddon Valley starts the autumn programme of talks for an Ulverston-based local history group.

North Lonsdale History Society meets at Ulverston Methodist Church, Neville Street, on the second Tuesday of each month.

The society has been promoting the study and celebration of the diverse life of South Cumbria for 50 years.

On September 13 local historian Walter Johnson starts the programme with an illustrated talk called The Duddon Valley, Its Landscape and Buildings.

Andy Lowe is the speaker on October 11 with the topic of Woodland Crafts and Industries. On November 8 Isabel Sneesby takes the topic of The Harringtons, Lords of Gleaston Castle. Author Ruth Sutton is the speaker on December 13.

Her talk is called From the Mountains to the Sea and tells the story behind her trilogy of local tales. Ulverston-based archaeologist Dan Elsworth is the speaker on January 10 and will be looking at Medieval Ulverston.

On February 14 Rod White has the topic Graveyard Tales and will look at some of the fascinating stories behind the stones.

March 14 sees the visit of Rick Sanderson with Backbarrow Blue Mills..the movie!

The history and sad end of Grizedale Hall, near Newby Bridge, is the topic for Susan Tiplady on April 11 in a talk called A Mansion Fit for Demolition.

On May 9 there will be a short annual meeting followed by a talk about the Coniston steam yacht Gondola.

North Lonsdale History Society meetings start at 7.30pm and finish around 9pm.

Membership is £7 for the year or £2 per meeting, which includes refershments.

A spokesman for the group said: “We aim to be informative and enjoyable and visitors are most welcome.”

The society has a series of outdoor events and visits in the summer.

On June 13 there will be a cruise on the steam yacht Gondola from the Coniston boat launch to Brantwood, former home of art critic John Ruskin.

July 11 sees the third in a series of Kendal town walks starting at the Parish Church, Kirkland, Kendal.

On August 8 there will be a visit to Ulverston’s Stan Laurel Museum followed by a meal at the Stan Laurel pub Further information is available from, Mr & Mrs D. Miller, on 01229 869229, Mr J. Rice, on 01229 585854, or Mr D. Fellows, on 01229 583565.