The next talk at the Upper Wharfedale Field Society at 7.30pm on Monday 27th March 2017 in the Octagon Theatre, Grassington will be the Richard Harland Lecture to be given by Kevin Illingworth of the Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group.

‘Vernacular Buildings in and around Craven and the Forest of Bowland’ is a well-illustrated presentation showing traditional buildings of these areas from circa 1500 to the late 18th Century, focussing on architectural features of 17th Century farmhouses.

Some features are found mostly on the Yorkshire side of the county boundary, whereas others are on the Lancashire side. Sometimes these features are found equally in both counties and rarely elsewhere. The talk will also look at local building materials, some plans, barns, and groups and societies that visit and study vernacular buildings.

When Richard Harland died in November 2013 at the age of 93 his family and mourners donated £500 to the Upper Wharfedale Field Society for a biennial series of lectures on Vernacular Architecture in his memory, which alternates with the Arthur Raistrick series on Archaeology.

Although Richard never held office in the Field Society he was a stalwart member from 1959 and many aspects of his life intersected with issues of interest to the Society. He was an activist and campaigner as much as a researcher and historian. He became great friends with Arthur Raistrick and they founded Friends of the Craven Museum. Richard also initiated the Craven Branch of the Ramblers Association and from 1969 he registered common land and village greens in Yorkshire for the RA and a number of parish councils.

After retirement in 1985, Richard served on the national executives of the Open Spaces Society and the Ramblers' Association, and wrote the first draft of the "freedom to roam" that became the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. In 1995, he won a case at a public inquiry to maintain Mastiles Lane as a non-vehicular byway.

Richard’s youngest daughter, Kate, said: ‘We are delighted that the series continues and especially that the lectures will focus on vernacular architecture which was a particular passion of his. We thank the Field Society for progressing this venture in his name.’ The event, which is the second lecture in the series, is free to members, with a charge of £5 for non-members, including light refreshments.