More than just a conference

The elegant backdrop of Staffordshire and the facilities at Keele allow us to provide a partners' programme, giving you the opportunity to combine the symposium with a relaxing break in the heart of England.

Partners can choose from any or all of the following; all transport is included and the tour will be hosted by a guide. However, admission fees, where applicable will need to be paid individually.

Delegates have the opportunity to register their partners for these activity programmes during the online delegate registration booking process.

(If you have already registered as a delegate but have yet to register your partner, please email info@norm-uk.org)

Day One - Thursday 4th September

Historic City of Chester

Departs: 9.30am Returns 5.00pm

Chester is arguably the richest city in Britain for archaeological and architectural treasures preserved to this day from the time of the Roman occupation. Originally the fortress site of the 20th legion (Valeria Victrix) it was charged with suppressed the uprising of the army led by the warrior queen, Boadicea, the town being known then (c. AD70) as Deva, and soon became a major trading port.

Its massive harbour and border position made it one of the finest strategic outposts of the Roman Empire. Long after the Romans had gone, during the Dark Ages, Viking raiders arrived in their long boats along the same route.

After the Romans withdrew circa AD400, the prosperous city fell prey to marauding Danes and Saxons and was virtually derelict by 900.

The Normans reached Chester circa 1070 and a revival began, Chester Castle was built, housing Hugh the Wolf, First Earl of Chester, nephew of William the Conqueror. By the Middle Ages, Chester had become an affluent and prosperous port. It was during this time that the famous Rows were built. so that by the 13th century, it had again become a centre of shipping trade, a port serving Scotland, Ireland, France and Spain. In the 14th century began the Mystery Plays and pageants for which the city became famous. Henry VIII granted a charter in 1541 and made Chester a bishopric.

By the 15th century, the Dee began to silt up and gradually, the seaborne trade died. Impoverished by this natural action the 1640s brought devastation during the English Civil War, with the city under siege for two years until starvation forced surrender.

But throughout this chequered history, the Roman walls remained virtually intact. The walls extend in a 2 mile circuit and give a vivid reminder of what a medieval fortified town was like. In the Middle Ages, several towers and gates to the walls were made: the most important of these was at Eastgate, now astride a main throughfare and crowned with an anachronistic clock commemorating Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee (1897).

By the 1700s, the River Dee had changed course and the port had silted up. The walls were no longer needed for defence and were restyled into the pleasant walkways that we enjoy today. The Industrial Revolution brought canals, railways and roads. It was during this time that many important buildings were restored.

The most distinctive medieval feature of the city is The Rows. These are double-level walkways with a continuous line of balconies and with shops at street and first-floor levels. The Rows are unique and were certainly in existence in the 14th century.

Day Two - Friday 5th September

Chatsworth House

Departs: 9.30am Returns 5.00pm
You can't help but discover something new on a day out at Chatsworth. As well as being one of England's most famous and welcoming historic houses Chatsworth has a wide range of attractions for all the family. The fantastic farmyard where you can meet our animals, a breathtaking garden and park (including the newly uncovered Quebec garden) and some of the most remarkable water features you're ever likely to see.

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire have thrown open their spectacular home in the heart of the Derbyshire Peak District so you can spend a wonderful day experiencing famous works of art, browsing in our beautiful farm and gift shop, and enjoying our fine home made refreshments in our restaurants and cafés.

So whether you want to wander through the fabulous maze, take a fascinating tour of our historic grounds or make a monkey of yourself on our adventure playground, Chatsworth is an unforgettable day of discovery.

Day Three - Saturday 6th September

Wedgwood Museum and Visitor Centre, plus Trentham Gardens

Departs: 9.30am Returns 5.00pm
Josiah Wedgwood, ‘The Father of English Potters’, was born into a family already noted in the industry. Any one of his many talents could have brought him fame – he was an outstanding scientist, artist and engineer. – but his shrewd commercial instinct led him to found his own pottery company in 1759.

A great social and environmental reformer, he built for his potters a complete village. Etruria. With good housing and a modern factory. He also actively supported the building of the Trent and Mersey Canal to transport his fragile and valuable cargoes faster, more smoothly and at less expense. He created fresh, original designs, many still produced today, and revolutionised the way in which they were made.

The Wedgwood Visitor Centre has taken much time and great care to make this tour like no other. The company’s rich heritage is beautifully illustrated with film, rare exhibits and interactive displays. The tour follows the entire production process from raw clay to throwing, forming and casting, glazing, firing and decorating. It reveals a continuing tradition of superb craftsmanship and shows how the vision and brilliance of one man in the 18th century lives on, hand in hand with the finest technology of today.

The Wedgwood Museum is due to re-open to the public in time for the conference and will contain one of the largest worldwide display of 250 years of Wedgwood history. The contents will include items from the ceramics collection, more than 75,000 manuscripts and items of correspondence plus a fine art collection including works by Stubbs, Reynolds Romney and Singer Sargent.

Trentham Gardens
Explore one of the largest Garden regenerations in Britain.
Set within the finest of English landscapes are the grand Italianate Parterres and the more intimate and relaxed pleasure gardens which have been brought back to life with stunning new displays of modern planting by leading designers Tom Stuart-Smith and Piet Oudolf.
Hundreds of thousands of choice perennials and bulbs provide breathtaking displays throughout the year, in a garden that only closes on Christmas day!

There is something for everyone – Formal Gardens and Fountains, Wild and Colourful Prairies, 12 Show Gardens, Woodland Walks, Tree Trails, Bird Hides, a very engaging children’s play area and Britain’s first Barefoot Walk.

The Floral Prairies and Natural Meadow
Designed by Piet Oudolf whom the Financial Times (August 2007) describe as “one of the hottest international garden designers” and "godfather of the new perennial style". This area demonstrates a signature look that melds European roots with classic British style. Here a vast contrived perennial meadow takes a natural appearance and contrasts intentionally with the bold colourful planting in Piets distinctive floral prairie. Planting was completed by spring 2007 and has already established very well.

The Western Pleasure Ground
The western side of the Garden provides a broad range of family orientated experiences from Britain’s first Barefoot Walk (Barfuss), 12 show Gardens, Woodland Walks, and a grass Amphitheatre to host a range of events with a capacity for 5,000 visitors. The Adventure play area for Children has also been extended with a woodland style adventure play and JCB Young Drivers area.

Upper Flower Garden
The formal parterre originally designed by Sir Charles Barry (Architect of the House of Commons) has been restored, and is replanted with colourful displays of plants for seasonal effect. The Garden is punctuated by topiary, 4 large vases and a large fountain.
Our Garden Tea Room is situated next to the Italian Garden and offers a variety of delicious hot and cold food.