Conwy Borough
Historical Association Branch
Est. 2025
The Only One in North Wales!
Explore the rich history and heritage of North Wales and the wider area with Conwy Borough Historical Association Branch.
Join us for one of our lectures that will take place throughout the year. Free for members of the Historical Association, with a small fee for non-members.
There will be a variety of talks and walks provided throughout the year.
Our dedicated team is committed to preserving and sharing history.
Meet the team!
If you would like to be involved in the new branch, please email rhosgem@gmail.com or morgan@conwyhistory.com with an expression of interest.
Morgan Ditchburn
Branch Secretary
Morgan Ditchburn, originally from the Manchester area, settled in North Wales 20 years ago and hasn't looked back since! She is a History Lecturer at Grwp Llandrillo Menai and also runs a tour guiding business, Conwy History, where she shares her expertise and love for the rich historical landscape of Conwy and at other sites across North Wales.Morgan is an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Association and serves as the treasurer for the Deganwy History Group. She is also a trustee for the British Association for Local History (BALH). Her academic interests (basically, obsessions) focus on medieval history, castles, and the history of witches and witch trials.
Gemma Campbell
Branch Treasurer
Gemma Campbell is a passionate teacher, devoted mother, and amateur historian with a deep love for uncovering the stories behind old houses. Originally from Salford, Gemma has called North Wales home for over 20 years, where she balances her career in education with her love of history and the outdoors. A self-identified white witch, she dabbles in paganism and finds joy in the unknown and the ancient.​A self-proclaimed bibliophile, Gemma is never without a book, often losing herself in tales of the past or mysteries waiting to be solved. Her enthusiasm for history has earned her the affectionate title of "history detective" among her friends and family. Despite a fear of water, Gemma is inexplicably drawn to it, frequently spending holidays on canal boats, exploring the Norfolk Broads, or enjoying the serenity of the Lake District. When not diving into a good book or unearthing the past, she loves walking along the beach, finding peace in the rhythmic sound of the waves.
2025 Programme
Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at Sheldons, 8 Penrhyn Rd, Colwyn Bay LL29 8LG unless otherwise stated.
Refreshments will be available to purchase (payment not included with the talk).
Doors open at 6.30 for refreshments and networking, talks begin at 7pm.
HA members free, visitors £3
Thursday 13 February
Venue: Orme View Conference Room, Coleg Llandrillo, Llandudno Road, LL28 4HZ
The Witches of North Wales
Morgan Ditchburn ,‘Lover of Old Things’, Tour Guide, History Lecturer
Monday 17 March
Ethel May Hovey Digital Exhibition
Gemma Campbell, Branch Treasurer
Monday 28 April
The Home Front Museum - Llandudno at War
Adrian Hughes, Historian
Monday 19 May
Snippets Evening - 3 short talks on historical topics
Various Speakers
Wednesday 4 June
Guided Walk: Conwy Castle
Led by Morgan Ditchburn, Tour Guide
Wednesday 2 July
Guided Walk: Colwyn Bay Conservation Town with the Imagine App
Arthur Creber, Tour Guide & Chair of Then & Now Colwyn Bay Heritage Group
Monday 15 September
Venue: Conwy TBC
The Archbishop John Williams
Vicky Macdonald, Historian
Monday 20 October
Venue: Conwy TBC
The Edwardian Castles of North Wales
Morgan Ditchburn, ‘Lover of Old Things’, Tour Guide, History Lecturer, Branch Secretary
Monday 17 November
Bangor University Institute of Welsh Estates (ISWE)
Dr Shaun Evans (Bangor University)
