Heritage Open Day 'Dorothy Una Ratcliffe - In Her Own Words'
See and hear Dorothy Una Ratcliffe's poetry in the Kitchen at Acorn Bank. Supported by a vintage book sale.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Prolific writer, socialite and traveller Dorothy Una Ratcliffe lived at Acorn Bank from 1930 to 1950.
Read her poetry and listen to 'T'Croodle Beck' recited in Yorkshire dialect. Dorothy's writing holds a deep connection to nature and folklore and is written in Yorkshire dialect with directness and truth. The language Dorothy uses reminds us how our connection to nature has changed over the last few decades, as her every sentence uses nature to comment on the human experience. From 12-3pm, a display of Dorothy's books and a recitation of a poem she wrote, 'T'Croodle Beck', about the river running through the beautiful woodlands at Acorn Bank will take place in the kitchen within the manor house, a room not usually open to visitors.
The second-hand bookshop volunteers will also be offering a vintage book sale from 10.30am-5pm. It's an opportunity to find limited editions and old manuscripts.
Acorn Bank Watermill will be giving a deep dive into their progress on restoring the second water wheel, and milling a special 'Blacksmiths Flour' which gives your baking a purple hue - available to buy on the day.
Times
The basics
- Meeting point
The display of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe's poetry will be in the Kitchen, accessed from the Entrance Hall. The Vintage Book Sale will be in the Entrance Hall and bookshop.
- Accessibility
The Entrance Hall and Bookshop are fully accessible. The Kitchen is entered through a short narrow corridor which will not be accessible to some wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Some of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe's poetry will be available in large print, but not all. An induction loop is available to help listen to the poetry .
Upcoming events
Industrial Heritage Tours
Discover the echoes of Acorn Bank's hidden industrial past in the woods.
Orchard Tours
Hear the stories of some of the trees in Acorn Bank’s significant apple collection.