Morpeth Antiquarian Society will celebrate the start of its 80th season with a lecture by Richard Heard on ‘Aspects of Northumbrian Piping relating to Morpeth’.

Richard is himself an accomplished piper. Amongst other matters, he will refer to William Green (1775-1860) who was piper to the Duchess of Northumberland.

He was born at Thropton and was appointed as piper to the Duchess in 1806. This led to him performing at celebratory events all over the county.

William settled in Morpeth in about 1840, when he became landlord of the Seven Stars at Bullers Green.

The meeting will be held in St James Community Centre, Wellway, on Friday, September 25. Tea and coffee available from 7pm. Ample parking behind the centre – new members and visitors welcome.

It will follow on from Morpeth Antiquarian Society’s annual local history exhibition of pictures and items in the Town Hall on September 18 and 19.