SOUTHUMBRIA

Article - Why Byron's first speech in House is now the only one for which he is remembered

2012-02-25T10:03:00.001Z

IN 1798, Byron succeeded to the Barony of Byron on the death of hisgreat-uncle, the fifth Lord Byron. He also inherited the Newstead estate.

At the time, Byron was only ten, but once he reached 21 in January 1809, hewas entitled to take his seat in the House of Lords as the 6th Baron Byron.

Byron formally took his seat in March 1809, but he played no directpolitical role until he returned from his grand European tour, which lastedfrom 1809-11.

On his return to England, Byron had to sort out his estate at Newstead, andto deal with other matters, but he spent three weeks over Christmas and NewYear 1811-12 at Newstead.

Part of his time was devoted to reading history and political memoirs toprepare him for a career in the House of Lords.

We have to remember that at this time he was a young peer with a smalllanded estate, and not all that many alternative prospects, so a politicalcareer must have looked enticing.

In January 1812, he returned to London, and began preparing a speech on oneof the great political issues of the day, Roman Catholic Emancipation.

He was intending to vote with the radical Whigs, in opposition to the rulingTories.

But on February 4, he learnt that the government was going to introduce abill which would make the breaking of a stocking frame punishable by hanging.

As he had been in Nottinghamshire during some of the worst Luddite troublesthat winter, Byron considered himself an ideal person to oppose the bill.

Newstead was quite close to some of the worst of the frame-breaking troublesat Basford, Bulwell and Hucknall.

Byron worked with his political mentor, Lord Holland (who held the largelyhonorary position of Recorder of Nottingham) to make sure that on the crucialsecond reading of the bill on February 27, he would be the lead oppositionspeaker.

Byron probably knew very little more about Luddite activities than anyoneelse who was able to read the local papers, and he had to rely on Holland toprovide him with some background information.

This took the form of a letter to Holland from George Coldham, the townclerk of Nottingham.

Byron then had the temerity to tell Holland he did not really agree withColdham's thoughts about the disturbances.

On February 27, Byron arrived at the House of Lords ready to speak. He wasclearly nervous, and had written and re-written his speech several times, aswell as trying it out on his friend Robert Dallas.

The arrangement was that the bill would be introduced by the Tory leader ofthe House, Lord Liverpool.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Eldon, then called on Byron to address the House,which he proceeded to do.

Byron told his fellow peers that he felt justified in opposing theframe-breaking bill on the grounds that he was a person "in some degreeconnected with that suffering county", and had heard a great deal aboutthe disturbances during his recent visit to Newstead.

His view was that the government needed to listen to the legitimate claimsof the framework knitters rather than trying to overawe them with threats ofcapital punishment.

Byron went on to complain about the military presence in Nottinghamshire,and to ask questions about how the legislation would be put into practice if itpassed through Parliament.

Then he sat down, but no one from the government front bench answered him,which suggested to other politicians that although they had listenedattentively, they had not found the speech convincing.

After he had finished, Byron left the Chamber and met Dallas, who found himin a state of great agitation, an adrenaline rush as we would see it.

For several days, he received all sorts of messages saying what a wonderfulspeech it had been and he enjoyed every one of them.

The debate itself continued after Byron had sat down.

In due course, a vote was called and the Tories won, as everyone expected.The bill then had a third reading and became law on March 1, 1812.

In fact, no one was executed for Luddite activities in Nottinghamshire, andso the Whigs had enjoyed a moral victory even if they had been unable toprevent the legislation from passing.

Byron continued to attend the Lords through 1812 and 1813 and spoke on anumber of issues, but eventually he lost interest in politics as his fame as apoet spread.

From 1816 until his death in 1824, he lived abroad and could take no directrole in politics.

His first speech is now the only one for which he is remembered.

It can be read on the internet, and there is even a YouTube video clipshowing a young man of about Byron's age delivering the words.

On the anniversary of the speech, members of various Byron Societies,including the Newstead Abbey Byron Society, the London Byron Society and theIrish Byron Society, are to celebrate the occasion in the Cholmondeley Room,House of Lords, with a buffet.

The Earl of Lytton, who is a descendant of Lord Byron, will repeat thespeech.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Byron-s-speech-House-remembered/story-15306866-detail/story.html?dwrMeth=addComment&persist=true&afterReg=Y

News - Positive talks over memorial (Ollerton)

2012-02-23T18:23:00.001Z

Agreementbetween Tesco and Ollerton Town Council over the erection of a miners’memorial at the former site of Ollerton Colliery is edging nearer after the twogroups held positive talks.

The council is supporting a campaign to have a memorial erectedat the roundabout off Forest Road, the former pit entrance. The land is nowowned by Tesco.

Two officials from Tesco’s corporate affairs department went on a sitevisit with council representatives and are due to make a decision on March 6.

Town clerk Mrs Karen Wakefield told a council meeting that Tesco recognised theimportance of the issue to the community and that the delay had been because ofa proposed extension to the Ollerton store, which could mean the memoriallocation would cause highways problems.

Mr Stan Crawford said: “They accepted that it needs to go somewhere whereit is visible from the high street.

“What they did not want to do was agree to it only to then have to dig itup. They have their own agenda with the development of the store, but wepointed out that there should still be room for the memorial and they acceptedthat.”

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Positive-talks-over-memorial

News - Medieval remains revealed (Southwell)

2012-02-23T18:20:00.000Z

Evidenceof extensive Medieval burials has been found on a site earmarked for homes inSouthwell, it can be revealed.

The graves could prove a continuation of burials in the ChurchStreet area from at least the late Saxon period to modern times.

The results of an interim evaluation of what has been found at Platts Orchard,which has planning permission for three homes, is expected to be made publicnext week by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The private company, Pre-Construct Archaeological Services Ltd, with oversightfrom the county council archaeological team, was commissioned to conduct aninvestigation by site owner, Gascoines Group Ltd, eight months ago.

Six trenches were dug. According to the company’s report, Trench Fiverevealed the presence of an extensive area of human burials, which the districtcouncil’s planning services manager, Mr Pete Wilkinson, believes areMedieval.

Samples taken from the trench have been sent away to be carbon-dated.

Since the burial area is proposed to be gardens under the development plans, itis recommended to leave it undisturbed and the remains preserved in situ.

Mr Wilkinson said Trench Six did not reveal human remains, leading thearchaeologists to believe the burial ground ended before reaching it.

Four more trenches were dug in locations where the three homes can be built.

These revealed archaeological remains within 50cm of the surface, but nofurther evidence of burials.

It is proposed the topsoil be removed from this area when earth-movers returnto site, and what is found examined, excavated and recorded.

The district council told the Advertiser it intends to publish the interimarchaeological report in full when the carbon data results are returned.

It is an interim report because the topsoil removal has not yet taken place.

The district council insisted on a full archaeological study in 2007 when aplanning inspector granted planning permission on appeal for three dwellings ithad refused.

There was no requirement to carry out archaeological investigations untilconstruction work started.

Mr Wilkinson said if important discoveries were made as a result of thecarbon-dating or topsoil removal and the site had potential to becomenationally significant, then English Heritage could step in.

Any planning consent could be overridden by such a discovery, he said.

English Heritage were called in when a Roman wall on the former Minster Schoolsite on Church Street was unearthed during a similar study.

The site, close to the minster, contains the remains of what is believed to bea Roman villa, which, linked to Platts Orchard, could provide evidence ofcontinual burials through the ages to modern times.

Nottinghamshire County Council was accused of not keeping the people ofSouthwell informed of what was happening with regard to the archaeologicalinvestigations at Platts Orchard.

A Southwell district councillor, Mr Julian Hamilton, described thenon-publication of the evaluation report as an inordinate delay and said thecounty council should give timely reports on this, and other similarevaluations in Nottinghamshire.

Sally Gill, the county council’s planning manager, said: “The ownerof the piece of land formerly known as Platts Orchard in Southwell commissionedPre-Construct Archaeology to carry out an archaeological investigation of thesite last June.

“The vast majority of archaeological work that takes place in the UK iscarried out by commercial archaeological companies commissioned by developers.

“The role of the county council’s archaeological team has been tomonitor the investigation at Platts Orchard on behalf of Newark and SherwoodDistrict Council and ensure that it has been carried out to the best possiblestandard.

“We look forward to seeing the final report which is expected shortly.”

A spokesman for Gascoines Group said: “Gascoines Group took the bestpossible archaeological advice which it followed to the letter to the completesatisfaction of the district and county councils.

“We then commenced development and as it progresses we shall continuewith the advice of our archaeologists.”

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Medieval-remains-revealed

Event - Biographical Research Worksop (Sheffield)

2012-02-20T18:21:00.000Z

As part of the Hunter Archaeological Society Centenary, they are organising workshops at Sheffield Local Studies Library and Sheffield Archives. Both workshops will introduce the collections, show how they can be used for historical biographical research and introduce the material about the Hunter Archaeological Society.

The session at Sheffield Local Studies Library is 6pm on Wednesday 22nd February.

The session at Sheffield Archives is 4pm on Friday 23rd March.

Both are free.

There are 6 spare places for the 22nd February (Local Studies) and 13 places for the 23rd March (Archives). If anyone would like to come along please email Ruth Morgan on secretary@hunterarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk. Places will be allocated on a first come basis.

Further details of the Centenary can be found on the Society's website - www.hunterarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk

News - A fine plan in General (Sheffield)

2012-02-20T18:15:00.001Z

IT is one of Sheffield’s mostmagnificent architectural gems, a stunning grade II* listed 19th Century chapelwhich, when opened in 1836, was considered one of the grandest buildings in thecity.

“We can’t go inside,”says Alex Quant today, peering through a small entrance in the bricked-up door.“There’s so much bird poo in there the ammonia makes the airpoisonous.”

Ah.

You join us, reader, outside SheffieldGeneral Cemetery’s stunning Non-Conformist Chapel.

For some 60 years this incrediblebuilding – opulently modelled on a mix of ancient Greek and Egyptianarchitecture – has stood empty and unused; left to the birds and to thevandals.

But things, it seems, are changing.

An ambitious £400,000 restoration planis set to once more transform this hidden jewel into a visitor attraction andcentral feature of the Sharrow cemetery, itself a grade II listed landscape andno longer a working graveyard.

The massive two-stage revamp – tobe funded through heritage grants – will see the chapel made safe,cleaned up and eventually reopened as a combined education complex, communitycentre and function suite for private parties such as wedding blessings.

“When you think the chapel hasbeen left untouched since the Fifties, it’s such a shame,” saysCatie Evans, of the South Yorkshire Building Preservation Trust, which has beencommissioned by the Sheffield General Cemetery Trust to work on the plans.“The potential for it is huge.”

Indeed, it was that potential whichinspired the SGCT, the charity which manages the cemetery on behalf ofSheffield City Council, to bring the chapel back into use. “This is keyto our plans,” says Alex, office manager of the trust. “We are notdoing this just to restore an old building, although that in itself isworthwhile. Rather, we believe there is a genuine and much-needed end use.

“We are getting increasing numbersof school groups coming to the cemetery for the day to study, and they havenowhere to go. What this restoration would do is give them an on-site classroomand meeting point and shelter if the weather turns.

“It would also be available to thecommunity to use for neighbourhood meetings; and it would allow the cemetery tohost income-generating events so we could hire it out for corporate parties orwedding blessings. It’s an unusual building in a magnificent setting, andwe’re sure that would attract people.”

Those alterations, then, will take placeover two phases.

The first £200,000 stage will see thebuilding secured, reopened and access improved while it remains internally asjust a single large room.

A second phase, pencilled in to takeplace 18 months later, would potentially see sympathetic alterations madeinside, including the installation of a kitchen and mezzanine floor with officespace.

“The plans are ready to go,”says Catie. “We’ve applied for funding from two grant bodies and ifand when that comes through we can start working more or less straightaway.”

In an ideal world, she adds, that processwill have started by the end of 2012.

And if it sounds ambitious, don’tworry, the SGCT have got form.

Eight years ago the group of two staffand more than 50 volunteers oversaw the restoration of the site’sEgyptian gate and office into a snug administration space, which itself hashelped improve the running of the cemetery.

“We’re confident we candeliver this too,” says Alex. “And we’re confident it wouldbe another step in improving the cemetery.”

The General Cemetary -a few generalfacts

Sheffield General Cemetery was opened in1836 and at the time was one of the largest commercial cemeteries in the UK.

It was designed by Sheffield architectSamuel Worth in the style of a botanical garden.

Some 87,000 bodies were interred therebefore the last, Margaret Norah Wells, was buried on December 21, 1978.

Rumours of body snatching dominated itsearly history. Some believed an underground tunnel ran from the heart of thecemetery to a local surgeon’s house.

Confectioner George Bassett, steelmanufacturer Mark Firth and revolutionary Samuel Holberry are among thoseburied there.

It is listed in the English HeritageRegister of Historical Parks and Gardens and is home to 10 historic monumentsincluding the Nonconformist Chapel.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/the-diary/a_fine_plan_in_general_1_4264871

50 years of fighting to preserve city's heritage (Nottingham)

2012-02-17T19:42:00.000Z

JUST over 50 years ago, a group of men – and they were all men – came together to form the Nottingham Civic Society.

They set up an acting committee and then called an inaugural meeting on January 11 1962 at the Co-operative Education Centre, in Broad Street.

Half a century on, the society is still flourishing, and one of the original committee, Robert Cullen, is still active as a vice-president.

The society was formed because of a shared concern about the buildings and heritage of Nottingham.

In 1956 the Collins almshouses, on the south side of Friar Lane, were demolished, and in 1961 it was possible to save the 14th-century Severns Building, originally in Middle Pavement, only by re-erecting it to a site at the top of Castle Road, where it still is. At the inaugural meeting in 1962 the Civic Society declared its aim to be "to encourage the improvement, development and preservation of the features which go to make a pleasing environment for the citizens of Nottingham".

This "pleasing environment" was partly about saving buildings of historic importance, and partly about taking an interest in what was being planned for the future.

They wanted to co-operate with, rather than to be seen as opposing, the city's planning authority.

This was not as easy as it sounds. An early speaker was the city engineer, Fred Little, who set out plans for encircling inner-Nottingham with a motorway.

The Civic Society decided it could not co-operate but must put up a fight. As a result, a public inquiry was ordered and the plans were terminated, although it was too late to stop Maid Marian Way.

At least the rest of this scheme, which would have seen an inner ring road cutting straight through the Park, and the demolition of part of the Lace Market, was halted.

Since then, most of the Civic Society's work has been concerned with conservation and new design.

Some battles it has won and some it has lost. A "victory" was persuading the government to think again about the original plans for the Inland Revenue building on Castle Boulevard. The society lobbied for an architectural competition, which was won by the Michael Hopkins partnership.

Subsequently the Hopkins partnership went on to design the University of Nottingham's Jubilee Campus.

A recent defeat was the failure to stop the plans proposed for redeveloping the Odeon site, in Angel Row. There have been other setbacks as well. The society is still fighting to save 41 Pilcher Gate, believed to be Nottingham's oldest house, and County House in High Pavement.

The Civic Society rightly respects and rewards good design. Its long-running Mark of the Month award, now known as its Commendation scheme, aims both to support and draw attention to good quality new architecture, environmental improvements, restoration and conservation.

Recent awards have gone to Maggie's Cancer Care Centre at the City Hospital, a new building by Piers Gough, an architect of national standing; and a converted Wetherspoons pub, the William Peverel in Bulwell.

Fifty years ago Nottingham was primarily a lace-making city, and it had four coal mines inside its boundaries.

There are no collieries today. Raleigh has gone. Players has moved to a single factory in Lenton, and Boots is primarily focused on its Beeston site.

The Civic Society has had to think about the buildings left behind by these changes, and to suggest new use of the vacated sites.

In the early days the society also had to worry about the building of the Victoria and Broadmarsh centres, and the demolition of one of the city's iconic buildings, the Black Boy Hotel in Long Row.

Hilary Silvester, the current chairman, recently said the aim of the society was to maintain "the character and vitality of Nottingham".

Ken Brand, a long-serving vice-president, talks of how the society seeks to "create an interest in the local built environment and its architects past and present". Among those "past" were the great Victorian architects T C Hine and Watson Fothergill, on whose work Ken is the acknowledged expert.

Above all it must continue to support the good, and oppose the not so good, to keep the city council on its toes, and preserve the heritage of the city.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/50-years-fighting-preserve-city-s-heritage/story-15254884-detail/story.html

Book - Chad’s new tourist book promoting Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire set to go on sale

2012-02-17T19:26:00.003Z

A BRAND new local tourism book which accompanies the popular Chad Audio Guide series is to go on sale.

The 80-page book has been penned by Chad journalist and first-time author Stephen Thirkill and features tours around seven prominent tourist hotspots and beauty locations across Mansfield and Ashfield.

The venues included are Hardwick Hall, Teversal Trails, Chatsworth House, Southwell Workhouse, Newstead Abbey, King’s Mill Reservoir and Clumber Park - the same attractions featured in the Chad Audio Guide series.

The book, which is priced at £9.99, includes a wide range of colour images, opening times, facilities and interesting facts and timelines from each venue as well as an in-depth tour.

Said Stephen: “The current audio guide CD has been a success so far and hopefully the book will enjoy a similar response.

“Mansfield and Ashfield has a lot of beauty spots and attractions to be very proud of.

“It also has many passionate people who give up their time as volunteers to make these attractions the success story they are today and to help preserve the area’s history and heritage.

“This book will give the volunteers the credit they deserve, the attractions the attention they require and hopefully help to inspire more people to play their part in the region’s thriving tourism industry.”

In the book Stephen takes a step back in time to learn about the success of a national social experiment at Southwell Workhouse and what made the world-famous Lord Byron tick during a special behind-the-scenes visit to Newstead Abbey.

Stephen also explores the magnificent Chatsworth House to discover why the attraction is proving so popular with film-makers.

He also learns about the fascinating life of Bess of Hardwick, who became the second richest lady in the realm behind the Queen with Hardwick Hall a lasting legacy to her fame and fortune.

And nature lovers are also in for a treat as Stephen tours the picturesque King’s Mill Reservoir to discover its Royal connections, the beautiful Teversal Trails, which is playing a key role in the district’s regeneration, and Clumber Park, where he learns all about the battle to conserve, preserve and thrive.

If you would like to pre-order your copy of Tourist Trails call Stephen Thirkill on 01623 450292 or visit Chad receptions.

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/lifestyle/chad_s_new_tourist_book_promoting_nottinghamshire_and_derbyshire_set_to_go_on_sale_1_4260289

Event - WWII bombing threat is subject of talk (Mexborough)

2012-02-17T18:51:00.003Z

A TALK will be given on the defence ofSheffield during WWII at the next Mexborough and District Heritage Societymeeting.

Historian Cory Garner will give thepresentation at the George and Dragon pub in Mexborough on Tuesday, February28, at 7.15pm.

He will explain how General Sir FredrickPile, Commander-in-Chief of Anti-Aircraft Command, organised defences from thenorth of Doncaster to the south of Chesterfield in order to protectSheffield’s industrial factories.

Mr Garner will also show a short filmdepicting the defence of the city.

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/wwii_bombing_threat_is_subject_of_talk_1_4250052

Event – Memorial for B17 ‘Mi Amigo’ crew (Sheffield)

2012-02-17T18:47:00.005Z

Therewill be a wreath laying service in Endcliffe Park on Sunday 19^thFebruary at 1.15 followed by a memorial Service at St. Augustines Church,Brocco Bank at 2pm in memory of the USAAF B17G-10-BO crewof 42-31322 “Mi Amigo” from 305th Bomb Groupwhich crashed during the evening of 22^nd February 1944 in EndcliffePark, Sheffield after returning from a mission over Aalborg,Denmark.

Lt Kriegshauser, 2nd Lt Curtis, 2nd Lt Humphrey, 2nd LtHernandez, S/Sgt Estabrooks, Sgt Tuttle, S/Sgt Mayfield, Sgt Ambrosio, M/Sgt Williams and Sgt Robbins were killed after the bomber caught fireafter attempting to land the stricken aircraft in the park but hit the hillsideafter maneuvering to miss some children playing football there. The bomberseems to have been lost returning some 100 miles north of its base at USAAF Chelveston.

News - War museum passes first planning step (Newark)

2012-02-15T18:56:00.000Z

District planners have given the green light to plans to create a national Civil War museum in Newark.

The application — put forward by Newark and Sherwood District Council — features a glass extension between the Palace Theatre and the Georgian Old Magnus Buildings, as well as internal and external alterations.

Its planning committee expressed reservations about how a modern glass extension would look, but approved the proposal.

However, because the council cannot determine its own applications, it will go to the Government for a final decision.

The committee was told the buildings had been empty since 2005 and, including the Tudor Hall that dates from 1532, were grade two listed for protection, putting them in the top 6% of heritage assets in the country.

A bid seeking £3.5m has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to pay for the project.

The committee was told the Civil War museum would have national and international significance and could attract 60,000 visitors a year.

It would also feature exhibitions relating to other parts of Newark’s history and the history of the wider area, as well as offering educational and meeting space, a café and a shop.

The vice-chairman, Mr Ben Wells, was the only committee member to vote against the proposal.

He described the glass block as a “carbuncle, a monstrosity to be placed in the centre of Newark” as well as dull, boring and uninspiring.

Mrs Sue Saddington felt the design was too clinical and could be home to flats, a hospital or similar instead of a building of culture.

Mr Dennis Jones suggested the glass frontage be etched with images of Roundheads and Cavaliers.

Mr Julian Hamilton said the buildings’ progression through the ages appeared disjointed.

He said: “It doesn’t look like a museum to me. It doesn’t look appealing. There is a lack of originality.

“However, what is behind the facade will be an iconic museum making Newark a destination rather than a visit.”

The cabinet member for leisure, Mr Roger Jackson, told the committee that the glass and the visible steel girders behind it were necessary to house a complicated lift system opening at different levels and in different directions, a requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act.

The committee felt they would have a chance to tweak the scheme as the process went on.

Committee chairman Mr David Payne said: “It is an important project, an exciting project. It is the council’s own project.”

Describing the glass section of frontage, he said: “It’s novel for Newark but not for the rest of the country.”

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/view.asp?id=9d046d1a-a93c-102f-b2bc-83945e1963a8&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

News - Protection for war memorials from metal thieves (Hucknall)

2012-02-15T18:31:00.001Z

ACTION has been taken to protect plaqueson Hucknall’s precious war memorial from being targeted by metal thieveslooking to cash in.

The value of scrap metal has shot up inrecent years and this has sparked a huge rise in the number of theft offences.

Metal roadside grates have been taken,lead from churches stolen and even drainpipes from Newstead Abbey pilfered.

Nothing is safe.

That’s why Ashfield DistrictCouncil, the War Memorials Trust and Ashfield Memorials Group have joinedforces to ensure that all metal plaques on war memorials within the districtare marked with SmartWater and registered on a database.

The SmartWater is invisible to the eyebut appears when scanned using an ultraviolet light. It is also almostimpossible to remove once marked and can even withstand being burnt.

Plaques on the cenotaph to rememberHucknall’s war dead in the town’s Titchfield Park have beentreated.

If a plaque now gets stolen and taken toa scrapyard anywhere in the country, police can locate exactly which one it isand where it has been stolen from.

Also, a thief who tries to removeSmartwater risks inadvertently spreading forensic evidence on to their clothesand any tools. This can be used by police to link a suspect directly to thecrime scene.

Local groups, parish and town councilsacross Nottinghamshire are being reminded of the scheme to use this forensictechnology to help reduce the risk of thieves and vandals stealing or damagingmetal from war memorials.

Notts County Council has worked with localgroups since 2006 to fund projects and create 23 war memorials in the countythrough its Local Improvement Scheme at a cost of £364,500.

It is estimated that on average one warmemorial a week across the UK is being targeted by thieves intent on stealingbronze, copper or other metals to sell on for scrap despite the metal havingrelatively little monetary value.

Ashfield councillor Warren Nuttall (Lab)said: “We are very pleased to be involved in this scheme and are doingall we can to help try to reduce this sort of crime.

“The SmartWater technology is veryimpressive and we hope it will help to protect our war memorial plaques.”

Coun Richard Butler (Con), the countycouncil’s cabinet member for environment, said: “War memorials arean important focal point in our communities and are a crucial reminder of thesacrifice of those who lost their lives for their country. It is shameful ifany are stolen.”

From: http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/news/local-news/protection_for_war_memorials_from_metal_thieves_1_4246373

Community archaeology - Geophsics at Willoughby Deserted Village near Norwell

2012-02-14T18:36:00.001Z

Nottinghamshire Community Archaeology are running a geophysical survey training week at Willoughby Deserted Medieval Village (DMV) by Norwell, from the 27^th of February to the 2^nd March- there is a possibility of Saturday the 3^rd of March, but that will be confirmed one way or the other shortly.

Please get in touch with them if you wish to attend any of the days mentioned. Places are fairly limited due to the amount equipment- so booking is essential.

The training is the first session in fieldwork being offered as part of the Community Archaeology handbook, so people attending would be encouraged to share their experiences with us in some way so that we can begin work on that chapter.

The survey is being undertaken by Peter Masters of Cranfield University. As well as leading the survey he will be contributing the professional’s element of the chapter.

This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into using the equipment, the logistics of fieldwork and the standards and guidance of the profession- as well as being immense fun!!!

The geophysics follows on from the topographic survey undertaken by the Community Archaeologists a few years ago:

http://www3.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/learning/history/archaeology/communityarchaeology/projects/?entryid68=131138

and it will hopefully provide us with some answers – and further questions regarding this fascinating site.

The site is located a few miles north of the village of Norwell on the side of the road to Carlton on Trent.

More information when you book a place.

Many other opportunities to get involved will also be coming soon with survey training, test-pitting, field walking and excavation all planned for the next few months.

Please let them know if you wish to attend the geophysics in February.

www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/communityarchaeology

News - Museums in talks to win vital £1.5m arts funding (Sheffield)

2012-02-14T18:27:00.003Z

MUSEUMS Sheffield could be in line toreceive £1.5 million in funding - which would allow it to continue hostingmajor touring exhibitions and preserve more of its current work.

The Star understands talks were ongoingyesterday about the funding, which would be paid in three £500,000 instalmentsover three years from September.

The idea is believed to be looked on‘favourably’ by the Arts Council - which only weeks ago promptedpublic outcry in Sheffield by rejecting a bid for £1.4m a year over the nextthree years.

Artist Pete McKee, Chocolat authorJoanne Harris, Jon McClure from band Reverend and the Makers and politicians ofall parties all spoke out against the decision to give Sheffield the lowest fundingof any large city - and a fifth of the sum Leeds will get.

Pete McKee held a‘Shefftopia’ picnic in the Millennium Gallery to highlight the needfor continued funding and to protest over the Art Council decision.

Museums Sheffield chief executive NickDodd said today a new grant would be ‘great’ - but added he was‘cautious’ about any proposed offer.

“It would improve the things wecan do for the people of Sheffield,” he said.

“It’s good to know the ArtsCouncil is taking all the protests seriously and prepared to come to the table.

“But because we don’t knowthe rules, we don’t know whether things like exhibitions, events andprogrammes will be included.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, wholast week attended a meeting between the Arts Council and Museums Sheffield tohelp lobby for funding, added: “I know how important Sheffield’smuseums and galleries are, that’s why I made sure we got the Arts Councilback round the table with Museums Sheffield last week.

“I wanted to ensure Sheffield istreated fairly in comparison with other cities. We got a very positivereception from the Arts Council and I hope we will see real progresssoon.”

Museums Sheffield’s current£800,000 a year Arts Council funding runs out in March, leaving a grant fromSheffield Council as its main income - enough to cover only heating andlighting, and wages of front of house staff, at the Millennium and Gravesgalleries and Weston Park Museum.

From: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/museums_in_talks_to_win_vital_1_5m_arts_funding_1_4244660

Event - Exhibition marks custodian's death at Newark Castle

2012-02-14T18:26:00.001Z

The death of a Newark Castle custodian who swallowed weedkillerafter his collection of artefacts was removed is being marked by an exhibition.

John Mountney who died in 1912, was the second custodian of theNottinghamshire castle and spent years collecting items to illustrate thehistory of Newark.

In a dispute with the council, the castle's owners, Mr Mountneylost the collection and was left "heartbroken".

The exhibition of photographs is open from 13 to 17 February.

Mr Mountney became the castle's second custodian in 1901 andworked enthusiastically to promote the castle as a tourist attraction.

He turned a room in the south-west tower into a museum,displaying artefacts and curiosities which had been given to him by variouspeople in the town.

The tragic story of Mr Mountney's death unfolded after KingEdward VII paid an impromptu visit to Newark Castle in September 1909.

In the absence of civic dignitaries to welcome the King, it wasleft to Mr Mountney to show him around the castle. On leaving, the King signedthe visitors' book.

Mr Mountney then set about producing a commemorative postcard tomark the visit but the borough council deemed it distasteful and ordered MrMountney to surrender the page with the signature so it could be displayed atNewark Town Hall.

Relations between Mr Mountney and the council deteriorated andon 12 February 1912, as the council was planning a new museum for the town,council workmen arrived at the castle and removed the exhibits.

The following day, Mr Mountney went to work as usual but when hedid not return home for lunch, his wife Elizabeth went to look for him.

She found her husband lying dead in the south-west tower havingtaken some arsenic-based weedkiller.

'Tragicconsequences'

At his inquest, it was revealed Mr Mountney had been offered £2for his entire collection and left a note which read: "Might is not alwaysright. Broken hearted."

Allan Towler, chairman of the Friends of Newark Castle andGardens, said: "We couldn't just let the centenary of such a story passby, a story of unforeseen tragic consequences.

"John held the visitors' book while the King signed it. Hewas happy and glorious afterwards, quite understandably.

"Perhaps after the council took ownership of the book, thematter should have ended there but it didn't and the rest is history."

Due to present-day conditions in the castle, the actual exhibitscannot be displayed but photos of them all have been taken.

Images include paintings, photographs, models, sculptures aswell as fossils, clothes, weaponry and ancient maps.

Mr Mountney is buried in Newark Cemetery.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-17011301

News - Nottingham's City of Caves attraction reopens

2012-02-13T23:39:00.003Z

A tourist attraction featuring a series of caves in Nottinghamis reopening after being shut for nine months.

The City of Caves, the entrance to which is in the BroadmarshShopping Centre, closed in May when Westfield announced plans to revamp thecentre.

In December, the site was sold and the renovation of theshopping centre put on hold.

The City of Caves is part of a complex of up to 400 sandstonecaves in the city dating back to the Dark Ages.

The attraction has been refurbished and a series of children'sactivities added, a City of Caves spokesman said.

In March 2011, Westfield submitted plans to Nottingham CityCouncil for a £500m expansion of the shopping centre.

More than 6,000 jobs were expected to be created as part of theredevelopment, but those plans have been shelved.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16984845,

Event - Villagers mark death of Victoria Cross pilot (Thurgoland)

2012-02-11T12:26:00.001Z

THE bravery of a Second World War pilot who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his role in an attack on German battleships will be marked in a South Yorkshire village this weekend.

A service is to be held on Sunday to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the death of Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Lieutenant Commander Eugene Esmonde, who perished in an aerial battle over the English Channel.

The memorial service will be held in Thurgoland Parish Church by the vicar, the Rev Canon Keith Hale.

Lt Cmdr Esmonde, who was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order, was killed as his Royal Navy Swordfish torpedo bomber was shot down in an offensive against the German fleet including the battleships Scharnhorst and Prinz Eugen.

The Channel Dash offensive happened on February 12, 1942 when the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and Coastal Artillery attempted to stop a German fleet of 66 ships making their way home from Brest, in Brittany, northern France.

The British attacked as the German ships passed from the Straits of Dover into the North Sea – but bombardment failed to stop convoy.

Britain had one ship heavily damaged and lost 42 aircraft. There were 40 British dead and missing, and 21 wounded.

Germany sustained damage to two ships and 13 sailors were killed. The German Luftwaffe, which provided air support for its navy, lost 22 aircraft and 23 airmen in the battle.

Lt Cmdr Esmonde was the second man in his family to be awarded the VC, after his great uncle Thomas received the honour while serving in the Army during the Crimean War the previous century.

Another memorial service will be held on Sunday at the former RAF Station at Manston in Kent from which the aerial attack – called Channel Dash – was launched.

Lt Cmdr Esmonde was born in Thurgoland on March 1, 1909, where his father was the village GP. He joined the RAF in 1928, later transferring to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in 1939. The family later returned to their native Ireland but the war hero’s name is on the village war memorial in Thurgoland.

The Yorkshire Fleet Air Arm Association is arranging the memorial event at Thurgoland, which will include representatives of the association and Thurgoland Parish Council laying wreaths at the village war memorial after the church service.

The event will be followed by refreshments at The Green Dragon pub across from the memorial.

A spokesman for the parish council said: “This is a memorable occasion for Thurgoland because Lt Cmdr Esmonde was born in the village and his name is included on the war memorial.”

Lt Cdr Esmonde had earlier been awarded the DSO for bravery in an operation against the German battleship Bismarck, in May 1941. His squadron was part of a series of attacks which slowed the ship down before the Royal Navy sunk it.

His great uncle, Thomas Esmonde, from County Waterford in Ireland, received the VC during the Crimean War when he was a captain in the 18th Regiment of Foot. Thomas Esmonde’s award was for repeated bravery at Sebastopol, Crimea, in 1855, when he repeatedly helped rescue wounded men from exposed situations.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/remembering_a_hero_villagers_mark_death_of_victoria_cross_pilot_1_4236822

Event - Great War exhibition coming to Nottingham Castle in 2014

2012-02-11T12:12:00.002Z

Nottingham Castle will host a major exhibition, From The Trent to the Trenches, in 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of WWI.

Nottingham City Council's Museums and Galleries Service was approached by the Imperial War Museum, London, to join a network of other key museums around the UK who will be programming large-scale events to commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of WWI, in 2014.

The exhibition has now grown into a collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council, and - we hope - with other museums around the county.

Volunteer Major John Cotterill has helped to recruit an enthusiastic team of volunteers from across the city and county to help research and deliver this ambitious project over the coming years, which will leave an enduring legacy.

The exhibition will look at the contribution made by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire people across all the core military services, as well as life on the home front. The exhibition will also explore the changes wrought by WWI on all aspects of society - changes which reverberate through the decades to the present day.

Paintings, drawings, photographs, maps, Trench Art and other objects will act as touchstones for the descendents of those involved, as well as being a catalyst for investigations in to their own family history. The galleries will include map tables, and research stations, so that visitors can carry out research on the spot, with the assistance of a team of volunteers; there will also be a 'feedback wall' so that people can leave their own memories and stories. Much of the research into Nottingham institutions (schools, factories, businesses, families etc) will be carried out specifically for the exhibition by a team of volunteers and will therefore leave an enduring legacy.

The exhibition is likely to run from July to November 2014, with a special event on 4 August to coincide with the actual centenary of the start of the Great War

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said, "The Great War was dubbed 'the war to end all wars'. As we commemorate the centenary of the outbreak of conflict, this exhibition will also provide a moment of thought and reflection for all of us. It will also allow us to explore the impact of the Great War on Nottinghamshire today and to capture the stories of the Great War from sons and daughters of those who fought in the field or made their contribution at home, perhaps for the last time."
Nottinghamshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability Richard Butler said the events planned for the city and the county would be a fitting tribute to the thousands of Nottinghamshire people who lost their lives in the Great War.

"This exhibition will be an amazing history lesson for all who view it," said Councillor Butler. "The county council is also compiling a database of all who died in the 1914 - 18 War from a wide collection of sources including industry, business, church, public and military records - it will be a definite record for future generations."

A Great War Antiques Roadshow will be held at County Hall during the summer of 2013.

From: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=17478

News - Future of Last Flying Vulcan to be Decided on February 29th (Finningley)

2012-02-10T23:08:00.000Z

As plans are being finalised for her spectacular Diamond Jubileeseason, the charity may be forced to cancel vital repairs and put staff onnotice

Thecharity that operates the last airworthy Avro Vulcan, one of the most popularexamples of British post-war heritage, will be forced to put all staff onnotice if at least £100,000 cannot be raised by the end of February. The finalweeks would be spent putting the iconic aircraft into a state of protectivehibernation from which it may be prohibitively expensive to recover.

Ina statement to supporters, the Board of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust said:

“Assumingthat the Trust continues the Winter Service work on Vulcan XH558 to theschedule that returns her to flight in time for the first of the year’splanned flights, it is now clear that without additional income, we will runout of funds at the end of February.”

Thenews comes as plans are being finalised for the Vulcan’s spectacularDiamond Jubilee year, in which she will fly throughout the United Kingdom tocelebrate the accession to the throne of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II onFebruary 6th 1952. The summer season also includes the 30th anniversary of theFalklands Conflict, in which Vulcan 607 piloted by Martin Withers, now chiefpilot of XH558, captained the first famous Black Buck mission that disabled therunway at Port Stanley. 2012 is also the Diamond Jubilee of both the Vulcanaircraft type and its sister V-Force aircraft, the Handley Page Victor.

Thelast airworthy Vulcan is one of Britain’s most popular heritageattractions. More than three million people are expected to watch her dramaticdisplays during 2012, many of whom attend airshows and other eventsspecifically to see the delta-winged bomber. She costs around £2million a yearto maintain and operate to the UK’s world-leading aviation safetystandards, but receives no funding from the Government or from the RAF.

“Thismakes us entirely dependent on a combination of commercial income and thegenerous donations of companies, families and individuals who love to see herfly,” explains Vulcan to the Sky Trust chief executive Dr. RobertPleming. “With many savings being made internally and the growingcapability of our in-house engineering team, combined with steeply risingrevenue from trading activities, our dependence on public donations reducesevery year – this year we need only one third of our 2009 fund-raisingtarget – but without this money, she may never fly again for the peopleof Great Britain.”

Dr.Pleming is a firm believer that Britain’s technical heritage should bealive, living, breathing and inspirational. “She is a powerful reminderof one of the most dramatic periods of recent British history. Visiting astatic museum cannot compare to the spectacular sight and sound of her dramaticdelta profile appearing low over the trees,” he said passionately.“We must not let our young people forget the knife-edge tension of theCold War and the resolution of the people who stood guard over our Islandduring this often-forgotten conflict, or the incredible achievements of Britishengineers who continue to inspire the next generation.”

Aswell as raising £100,000 before the next meeting of the Board at the end ofFebruary, the Trust must raise a further £200,000 by the end of March.“This will allow the service to remain on-schedule and give us sufficientfunding to reach the display season, when our commercial income will increasedramatically,” explains Dr. Pleming. “We have a vast range offantastic plans to fly this remarkable aircraft – appropriately named TheSpirit of Great Britain – at so many outstanding events that will neverhappen again. We have to do everything we can to reach the 2012celebrations.”

OfficialJubilee Flypast

“Wewould like XH558 to take part in the official Diamond Jubilee celebrations andare currently in discussions to make this possible,” revealed Dr.Pleming. “Success in these negotiations would also allow us to fly forthe dedication of the new Bomber Command Memorial in London’s Green Park,should we be invited.” XH558 is one of only two Bomber Command aircraftstill flying, the other being the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’sLancaster, operated by the RAF.

Throughoutthe Jubilee season, XH558 The Spirit of Great Britain will carry a Book of GoodWishes, recording the names and message of individuals, families and companiesthat would like to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. At the end ofthe year, the handcrafted leather volume will be presented at Buckingham Palaceand a duplicate copy will be placed on permanent display at the Vulcan’svisitor centre in Doncaster. To find out how to take part, visit www.vulcansalute.org.

Howto help the Vulcan fly

Itis now four display seasons since XH558 returned to the air as the last flyingrepresentative of Britain’s famous V-Force. Many of the systems that wererenewed during the restoration have reached the end of their service life, sohave to be stripped, inspected and refurbished. Complex items like the ejectionseats must be sent back to their suppliers for specialist attention and someextremely costly items like the brake parachutes must be replaced. “Theaircraft is in outstanding condition, but the necessary maintenance schedulemakes the 2012 Winter Service one of the most expensive we will beundertaking,” says Robert Pleming.

Supporterscan sponsor maintenance of the brake parachutes, the oxygen system, the firesuppression system and the pneumatic system; the braking system and theejection seat service have already been funded by generous public donations.Supporters can also sponsor the fascinating process of non-destructive testing,which uses x-rays and other techniques to look deep inside the aircraft’sstructure, and an engine-swap (replacing two of her engines with two that arein storage) that will help to keep her flying for longer by managing enginehours. Everyone sponsoring one of these systems will receive a signedcertificate and will have their names flown on a special commemorative plaqueon the bomb-bay doors for the rest of the aircraft’s public life. Visitwww.vulcantothesky.org and click on ‘XH558’s Winter Service’to find out more about this and about other ways to help the last flying Vulcanreturn to the skies, or call 0845 5046 558 during office hours.

Followthe Winter Service

Progressof the service will be covered in the Trust’s newsletter – sign-upfrom www.vulcantothesky.org - whichwill also explain the service strategy and the progress of urgent fundraising.Pictures and videos of the service will be posted on the Trust’s Facebookpage www.facebook.com/pages/Vulcan-xh558 and videos will be posted on the newYouTube channelwww.youtube.com/user/VulcanXH558Video .

Tofind out how to help keep her flying, visit www.vulcantothesky.org where thereis also a history of the aircraft and a wide range of Vulcan merchandiseincluding beautifully-illustrated books, a fascinating interactive flight DVDand a limited number of the highly-regarded account of the Falklands mission,Vulcan 607, signed by Black Buck 1, Squadron Leader Martin Withers DFC.

From:http://3d-car-shows.com/2012/future-of-last-flying-vulcan-to-be-decided-on-february-29th/

Event - Open Cockpit Week (Newark)

2012-02-09T18:28:00.000Z

Newark Air Museum will be hosting an open cockpit weekend on February 11th to the 19th for halfterm.

Open cockpits include their Canberra B(I)8, Shackleton and Vulcan and at only 50p to enter each cockpit it's well worth a visit. The air museum has a vast array of preserved aircraft including Russian MiG's, Gnat, Meteor and an ex RAF Worksop Vampire.

Opening Hours are between 10.00 and 16.00 including weekends. Last admission is at 15.00. Museum admission rates are: Adults £7.00, Over 60s £6.00, Children £4.00 and Family ticket [2 adults & 3 children] £20.00.

See http://www.newarkairmuseum.org/newsItem.php?id=429 for further details.

News - Man wants to help house city artefacts (Nottingham)

2012-02-09T18:02:00.000Z

THE head of a bus firm has revealed his hope to devote part of his site tohousing treasures from the county's past.

Simon Barton, managing director of Bartons plc, said the city should beproud of its past – and that if the local authorities could not afford tokeep museums open, he would be happy to take the artefacts for display as partof a cultural exhibition.

He points to closures and cuts at museums like Brewhouse Yard, theIndustrial Museum at Wollaton Hall and the Lace Centre in the city centre.

Mr Barton said: "I can understand why councils may find it hard to keepcertain attractions open in the face of budget cuts, but we find ourselves in aposition where we can intervene and help.

"There must be hundreds if not thousands of items that are either stuckin archives or in museums that have been closed down. And what I'm saying isthat we have a ten-acre site and great access to the area, and I would bedelighted to house them to put them on display until such a time as they havethe space and funding to house them again."

The site of Bartons plc, on the High Road, Chilwell, lies on the route ofthe new tram line which will run between the city centre, Beeston and Chilwell.Currently, it is used as a space for art exhibitions and other events.

Mr Barton added that he thought it was a "real shame" that morewasn't done to promote the county's heritage.

He added: "It's just a case of getting round the table and talkingabout the ideas we have.

"This isn't just an idea we've had on a whim – it's somethingwe're seriously considering and looking at how it could work."

Councillor Dave Trimble, city council portfolio holder for leisure, tourismand communities, said: "The city council agrees absolutely about theimportance of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's local history and heritage andwe welcome offers of support by all other enthusiasts and supporters. However,accreditation by the national bodies that govern museum standards is also paramountif we are to continue to attract additional funding and support to improve ourcollections.

"The help of enthusiast and volunteers has enabled us to increase theopening hours of the Industrial Museum. Our intention is to seek similarcommunity support for the Museum of Nottingham Life [at Brewhouse Yard] –the museum is not closing. Our proposal is for the museum to continue to beavailable for pre-booked school parties and for other groups of ten or more,when booked in advance, and will still be open to the public for specialevents."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Man-wants-help-house-city-artefacts/story-15175838-detail/story.html

News - Martin Jennings to create Sheffield Women of Steel memorial (Sheffield)

2012-02-09T17:59:00.001Z

An artist has been chosen to create a sculpture to commemoratethe women employed in Sheffield's steel works during both world wars.

Sculptor Martin Jennings created the bronze sculpture of formerPoet Laureate John Betjeman at St Pancras station in central London.

Jennings said it was important to pay tribute to the women'swork.

He said: "It's been 67 years since the end of the war soit's high time that their contribution was remembered."

"It's not only a part of local history but I see this as anational monument.

"It was a war of national salvation and we depended on whatthese women did and it's extremely important to express our national thanks forthe pivotal people in a crucial time in our history."

It is hoped the sculpture will be located near a bronze plaquewhich Sheffield City Council unveiled last year at Barker's Pool in the citycentre.

"Until the site has been specified, I cannot work out thescale of it," Jennings said.

"Once I've worked out the scale I will narrow in on what wewill do."

The city council has awarded the project £28,000, although afurther £120,000 needs to be raised.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-16960768

News - Calls to protect brewing heritage (Southwell)

2012-02-08T18:57:00.000Z

Calls are being made to have a building connected to Southwell’s brewing past listed for protection.

The town council’s planning committee has asked for The Maltings, Lower Kirklington Road, to be considered to be added to the list of protected buildings.

The Maltings, now a family home, is the last remaining example of a maltings building, complete with its kiln, that remains in the town.

Mr Roger Dobson, the town council chairman, said it was a historic building.

He said: “I am very surprised it isn’t listed. Southwell had five maltings in the Victorian period and this is the last one remaining with the original kiln behind it.

“The kiln is where, after the germination of the malt in the maltings, the firing would take place.

“This is a historic building. Why isn’t it listed? I think it should be.”

The council was considering a planning application to install three lights on the rear of the building.

Mr Dobson said he could not see a problem with the plans and the building’s owners were within their rights to submit the application, but he thought it was important the building was considered for further protection.

He said: “If the building is not listed, an owner who isn’t sensitive — and I think the present owners are — could get away with making big changes to it.”

Deputy clerk Mrs Carole Williams said the application had come before the planning committee because the building was in Southwell’s conservation area so any exterior changes had to have consent.

Committee chairman Mr Andy Gregory said there were no planning reasons to object to the application.

The committee did not object to the application, but will ask for Newark and Sherwood District Council to consider submitting it to be added to the list of protected buildings.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/view.asp?id=f8cc93eb-a3b5-102f-b2bc-83945e1963a8&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

TV - Workshops in Sheffield heritage show (Sheffield)

2012-02-07T18:19:00.000Z

HISTORIC workshops in Sheffield have been hailed as a ‘one-off’ by TV presenter Jules Hudson , who was speaking after visiting the 135-year-old Portland Works on Randall Street, near Bramall Lane.

And the presenter of Britain’s Heritage Heroes – a new show championing the work of people dedicated to saving historic places, products or skills – backed a campaign to save the mesters’ workshops from being transformed into flats.

The Grade II*-listed building, the birthplace of stainless steel cutlery, is currently up for sale. Campaigners have successfully blocked a bid to turn the building into apartments and have been given an extra four months to raise the remaining £250,000 needed to buy the complex.

Jules, who presents the show with veteran Countryfile presenter John Craven, said: “The country is awash with new flats that are proving difficult to sell and it’s not difficult to build flats quite frankly.

“There are lots of other brownfield sites in the city that can be used. I think it’s absolutely right to have the Portland Works campaign – it goes to the heart of what heritage heroes is all about.”

The presenters tried their hands at steelworking when they visited Portland Works as part of an episode on the Pennines.

And they were blown away by the building and the workers trying to keep their trades alive. Jules said: “It is interesting, it’s one of those places where many people may go past without realising what it is.

“Once you get inside, the whole place transforms. The idea of these people in there beavering away to continue these fantastic crafts and to try to keep the building alive is really exciting.

“Portland represents one of the key bits of Sheffield’s history. It is a one off.”

Portland Works was the first place in the world where stainless steel was produced and remains home to highly-skilled and creative tenants – small manufacturers, independent artists and crafts people.

The campaign to save it aims to raise £400,000 from offering shares, plus donations and loans, but only £150,000 has been raised so far. For details, visit www.portlandworks.co.uk

* Britain’s Heritage Heroes is on BBC2 on Thursday, at 6.30pm.

Portland Works were built in 1877.

The building was awarded Grade II-listed status by English Heritage in 1995 and upgraded to Grade II*-listed status in 2003.

Tenant RF Mosley & Co, a manufacturer of cutlery and silverware, was the first firm in the world to produce stainless steel cutlery and continued to operate on the site until the late 1950s.

The building is one of the city’s last remaining examples of a purpose-built light metal trades works. Many similar buildings and associated working class housing were demolished within the city centre throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Campaigners need £400,000 to buy the building and keep it open as little mesters’ workshops.

From: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/listings/talks-courses-and-workshops/workshops_in_sheffield_heritage_show_1_4218762

News - NUM banner to former Yorkshire Main Colliery is unearthed (Yorkshire Main)

2012-02-07T18:16:00.001Z

A PERMANENT memorial to a Doncaster town’s mining heritage has gone on display.

The Edlington National Union of Mineworkers banner has been unveiled in the Martinwells Centre.

The union banner from when Yorkshire Main Colliery employed thousands in Edlington was recovered from the dusty archive of Doncaster Council’s museum service by Frank Arrowsmith and Jimmy Kelly.

Mr Arrowsmith, chairman of the Yorkshire Main Commemorative Trust: “It was a brilliant event. It was great to meet some old friends from as far afield as Blyth in the North East and Nottingham.

“It was quite an emotional occasion. The banner followed the life of the branch at galas, demonstrations and funerals. It is part of Edlington’s industrial heritage and now it has a new home in the heart of the village.”

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint joined councillors and NUM officials for the official unveiling.

She added: “People in Edlington know what this banner represents – and the journeys it has made.

“I met men and women today who found the ceremony very moving and want the history of the NUM Edlington Branch and the Yorkshire Main colliery to be remember.

“This historic banner’s new home at the Martinwells Centre will remain a living reminder of the history of this community.”

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/num_banner_to_former_yorkshire_main_colliery_is_unearthed_1_4218613

Event - North Nottinghamshire Priory Churches (Oldcotes)

2012-02-06T18:29:00.000Z

The first talk of 2012 for the Priories Historical Society takes place on 13th February when Pat McLaughlan returns to give a fascinating talk on North Nottinghamshire's Priory Churches.

The talk starts at 7.30pm at Oldcotes Village Hall on Maltby Road (A634). Entrance is £3 for non-members or £2 for members and includes free tea/coffee and biscuits. Membership for the society is only £5 per year.

News - War hero’s plaque set to be replaced (Worksop)

2012-02-06T18:19:00.002Z

A PLAQUE honouring the bravery of aWorksop war hero will be replaced after it was stolen last week.

The brass plaque, which honours VictoriaCross medal-winner William Henry Johnson, was fixed to a stone in WorksopMemorial Park.

Police believe the plaque, worth £10 inscrap value, was taken between 4pm on 19th January and 9am on Friday 20thJanuary.

County councillor for Worksop East GlynnGilfoyle said he was more than happy to stump up the cash to replace theplaque.

“Anyone who would stoop to thedepths of stealing something like that for me, I think, its as bad as graverobbing,” he said.

“I would hope that they are caughtand get a strong sentence for it. It’s disgusting.”

“I cannot understand the mentalityof some people.”

Sgt Johnson was born in Worksop on 15thOctober 1890.

A married man with three children, heenlisted in the Sherwood Foresters and served mainly in France.

On 3rd October 1918 at Ramicourt inFrance, he single-handedly charged a machine gun emplacement, capturing twomachine guns.

Despite being severely wounded duringthe attack, he went on another solo run, silencing more enemy machine guns.

Worksop’s Royal British Legionsecretary Brian Madden said the theft was ‘despicable’.

“I do not know how they have thecheek,” he said. “But it’s an unfortunate trend throughoutthe whole country. The people who’ve done this are lower than thelow.”

“He was Worksop born and bred, wholater was awarded with a Victoria Cross. That in itself has got to beremembered.”

Mr Madden added: “He is part ofWorksop’s heritage and it’s important not to forget that.”

Sgt Johnson is one of ten SherwoodForesters to be honoured in the Great War. He was presented with the VictoriaCross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on the 29th March 1919.

A year later he was awarded the FrenchMedaille Militaire and founded the Worksop branch of the RBL in 1922.

He died in Arnold in April 1945 and isburied at Redhill cemetery.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at theSherwood Foresters Museum at Nottingham Castle. A duplicate is held atBassetlaw Council offices on Potter Street.

There is also a picture of him in thenew Worksop Library, on Memorial Avenue.

The cost of replacing the plaque isexpected to cost up to £70. Coun Gilfoyle said he would use some of the moneyleft in his EDI fund.

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/war_hero_s_plaque_set_to_be_replaced_1_4211921

News - Fieldwork reveals civil war potential (Farndon)

2012-02-06T18:18:00.002Z

Investigationsinto whether a field in Farndon was a key location during the English Civil Warhave revealed a possible earthwork defence.

Archaeologists using GPS equipment found a raised area down oneside of the field, from the Fosse Way up to Wyke Lane.

Farndon Archaeological Research and Investigations (FARI) and NottinghamshireCounty Council’s archaeology team investigated what lay beneath thefield.

The work was paid for by the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Trent ValeLandscape Partnership.

Emily Gillott, a community archaeologist with the council, said the raisedearthbank was a good place to look for a civil war defence.

A map of civil war defences showed that Farndon had an earthen defence.

Emily Gillott said if the defence was not the raised earthbank, then it couldbe lost under houses at St Peter’s Close and School Lane.

Other earthworks were discovered during the investigation, including theremains of medieval ploughing tracks and a holloway, again medieval, whichwould have provided a back lane for properties on Wyke Lane.

FARI will now decide what further investigation it wishes to carry out.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Fieldwork-reveals-civil-war-potential

News - Rotherham's restored Boston Castle has rooftop ceremony

2012-02-06T18:16:00.002Z

A South Yorkshire castle has been given a topping-out ceremonyto mark a £1.2m restoration project.

Mayor of Rotherham Shaun Wright conducted the ceremony on theroof of Boston Castle in Rotherham on Monday.

A time capsule containing artefacts from the grade II listedbuilding was also placed into the re-instated battlements.

The restoration is due to be completed by the summer.

After completion, a new entrance foyer will allow public accessto the different floors of the building.

The courtyard area will be turned into an amphitheatre used forevents.

Funding for the project came from the Heritage Lottery Fund andRotherham Borough Council.

Topping-out ceremonies are usually held to unveil the highestpart of a building as a commemorative event.

Boston Castle was built by Thomas, 3rd Earl of Effingham in1775.

The 23 acre site, known as Boston Park has spectacular viewsover looking Rotherham.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-16908845

News - Final salute as Sheffield Woman of Steel Vera Shaw dies, aged 102

2012-02-06T18:14:00.000Z

ONE of Sheffield’s oldest Women ofSteel – who kept the city’s steelworks alive during wartime –has died, aged 102.

Vera Shaw worked in Stanley Works,Woodside Lane, Neepsend, during World War Two, inspecting bullet casings.

She died in Sheffield’s NorthernGeneral Hospital on Monday, after falling ill at Christmas.

Until then, she had lived in her ownhome on Granby Road, Norton, leading a fairly independent life for her age.

Son Derek, 77, said she still enjoyedseeing friends.

Mr Shaw said: “Everybody has saidthat they will miss her because she was the life and soul of the party.

“She was 102, so it’s justone of those things.

“She was in her own home untilBoxing Day and more or less looked after herself. She was with it right untilthe end.

“I think she may have been theoldest woman left who helped keep the home fires burning during the war.”

Vera, who featured in The Star’sWoman of Steel campaign for official recognition for their work, originallymade shirts.

Her family – Vera, her husbandFred and a young Derek – had only recently moved to Sheffield when war brokeout and Fred was sent away with the Royal Navy.

And Vera’s wartime job meant thatshe had to send Derek, then aged just four, to live with her mother inMacclesfield, Cheshire, for his safety.

During an interview as part of the Womenof Steel campaign, Vera said everyone had been kind and welcoming when shearrived at Stanley Works and she had gone on to build strong friendships withher colleagues.

She said: “We used to have to lookin the bullets and make sure the rings were perfect.

“It was all women. I had a bigfamily and all my sisters worked hard like that.”

The campaign succeeded with a permanentplaque at Balm Green, off Barker’s Pool, Sheffield city centre, unveiledlast year.

A fundraising drive to pay for a statuehonouring the women is also planned.

Derek, of St Aidan’s Road,Arbourthorne, said: “Mum thought the Women of Steel campaign was theright thing to do to recognise the women who stepped up.

“I think everybody does and I certainlydo, because I know how hard they worked.

“I remember women still doing alot of the jobs when I was a steelworker before becoming a HGV driver.

“When I was going through all herthings I found the articles about her neatly put away.”

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/lifestyle/the-star-says/final_salute_as_sheffield_woman_of_steel_vera_shaw_dies_aged_102_1_4218688

NEWS – RAF Worksop Website wants memories of base

2012-02-03T18:44:00.000Z

70 years ago this summer the Air Ministry began theconstruction of a new bomber base in north Nottinghamshire, called RAFWorksop. A new website has been set up to commemorate the life and timesof this base and to remember the personnel and aircraft that served there.

The airfield opened in March 1943 as an outstation to RAFFinningley to look after the 18 (Polish) Operational Training Unit until they left in1945. After this the base was used by various small units before the basewas used by the 6^th Royal Tank Regiment in 1948. The Koreanwar and the need to train aircrews on fighters saved the airbase and 211Advanced Flying School moved in during 1952 with Gloster Meteors. Thebase was also home to 616 RAuxAF squadron until 1957. 211 AFS was absorbedinto 4 Flight Training School in 1956 gaining De Havilland Vampires.

David Cook who created the website said “There seems to havebeen very little written about the airbase and people are constantly askingquestions on what happened there, I thought I’d try to compile itshistory in memorial for all those that served in the RAF.” He also addedthat “It’s a shame there’s no memorial to the airbase –if you walk past it now you wouldn’t even realise one existed, a lot offoreign aircrews trained at the base including those from Poland, New Zealand,Canada, and South Africa”.

He also wants peoples written accounts of their time at Worksop “I'm trying to get hold of ex-pupils, trainers and staff whowere on the base in order to compile a complete history and to help peopleshare their reminisces”.

The base eventually closed in 1960 and saw several uses until itreverted to arable land during the early 21^st century.

If you have any information please e-mail them at rafworksop@ymail.com follow them on Twitter at@RAFWorksop. The website is at http://www.rafworksop.btck.co.uk/

Book - New reminder of an old abbey (Beauchief)

2012-02-03T18:40:00.000Z

THE history of Beauchief Abbey has beenenshrined in a new publication.

From about 1400 the canons of the abbeymade copies of all their charters and bound them together in a volume that isnow kept at Sheffield Archives.

Now the 225 charters have been transcribed,translated and annotated by Professors David Hey and David Luscombe of theUniversity of Sheffield and Lisa Liddy of the University of York and publishedas A Monastic Community in Local Society: The Beauchief Abbey Cartulary by theRoyal Historical Society.

The publication was presented to LordMayor Coun Sylvia Dunkley, a former colleague at Sheffield University, at thetown hall on Monday.

The abbey has had a lasting influence onthe city. Beauchief was ‘the beautiful headland’ above the River Sheaf,the valley gave its name to Abbeydale and the abbey’s corn mill iscommemorated by Millhouses. Ladies Spring Wood belonged to the abbey,stretching as far as Twentywell Lane.

The charters show that the canons had adeer park, fish ponds and a tannery close to the building. On the River Sheafthey built the Bradway corn mill, the Ecclesall Walk Mill and the corn mill atMillhouses. They also had a smithy which has given its name to Smithy Wood andthey made charcoal in Hutcliffe Wood.

The tower of Beauchief Abbey is one ofSheffield’s most striking historic landmarks, viewed by motorists fromAbbey Lane, by ramblers on the Round Walk and golfers on the Beauchief andAbbeydale courses.

It has recently been restored by EnglishHeritage and its lower part is still used as a church that was created from theruins in the 1660s. The abbey was dissolved in 1537.

From: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/new_reminder_of_an_old_abbey_1_4205821

TV - Pressure building up over threat to old cutlery works (Britain’s Heritage Heroes)

2012-02-03T18:34:00.000Z

CAMPAIGNERS trying to save a historicSheffield cutlery works are stepping up their campaign in the face of newconcerns over its future.

Pressure is mounting as they aim toraise £250,000 in five months to stave of the threat to Portland Works, thefirst building in the world where stainless steel cutlery was made.

After plans to turn the Victoriancomplex into housing were blocked, a campaign, including a community shareissue, was launched by the local community and with support from all politicalparties to try to ensure it remained a home for small manufacturing businesses,independent artists and craftspeople.

It will be highlighted next week as partof a BBC2 TV series, Britain’s Heritage Heroes, as the share campaigntries to reach a national audience.

While the immediate threat to PortlandWorks was lifted, supporters said this week it remains in commercial ownershipand under threat and the future for tenants is still bleak. Moreover, thebuilding, built in 1877 off Randall Street, near Bramall Lane, needssubstantial repairs.

The largest community share offer in theUK aims to buy the building. Planning to raise £400,000 through a mixture ofshare purchase, donations and loans by June, campaigners still need £250,000.

They say investors will see sufficientinterest on their shareholdings to protect them from inflation but theprincipal return will be the knowledge that they are contributing towardspreserving jobs, skills and a historic industrial building.

Derek Morton, who chairs the committee,said: “Portland Works represents much to be proud of in Sheffield –traditional skills, innovation, creativity and an iconic building with a uniquehistory.

“Add to this a community projectthat will restore the building, retain the workshops as commercial enterprisesand add educational and visitor facilities, and the result will be a fineresource for the city and a tribute to the cutlery industry. Our volunteershave raised £150,000 locally and we are now appealing nationally to achieve ourtarget.

“Buying shares in Portland Workswill give people a say in the project and a social return on their investment.We want to support and sustain small local businesses in this splendidbuilding”

Stuart Mitchell, a tenant, whose familybusiness has been making knives at the works since 1980, said “This is aone-off chance to save something special from Britain’s industrialhistory while still keeping working space for local businesses and artists.

“We need to restore the buildingto share not only with the people of Sheffield but with the people of theUK.”

Portland Works will be featured in a15-part series, Britain’s Heritage Heroes, next Thursday at 6.30pm. Theprogramme is presented by Jules Hudson and John Craven.

From:

News - Stay of execution for museum staff (Museums Sheffield)

2012-02-03T18:30:00.001Z

SOME of the 45 Museums Sheffield stafffacing redundancy will be granted a reprieve of up to six months after thetrust was granted a small amount of funding from the Arts Council.

The undisclosed figure will cover thecost and staffing of planned events to coincide with the Olympics and help paytowards redundancy costs after losing a bid for £4.2 million.

Museums Sheffield is also bidding for‘transition’ funding from the Arts Council to allow it to keep itsadvertised programme of events at the Graves and Millennium Galleries, andWeston Park Museum, over spring and summer.

Nick Dodd, Museums Sheffield chiefexecutive, said the trust is also preparing a new bid for longer-term ArtsCouncil funding - from grants totalling £15 million each year which are beinghanded out in September.

Mr Dodd said: “We are receiving asmall sum which will allow us to continue some of our plans for the Olympicsand also to cover redundancy costs. It will allow a stay of execution for up tosix jobs.

“We also hope the Arts Councilwill confirm a request for a larger sum which will enable us to put on ouradvertised programme of events.

“It will mean we can keep morestaff for those months.”

Mr Dodd said the trust is preparing anew application for the next round of long-term Arts Council funding which isbeing allocated in September.

The trust is looking for a amountsimilar to the £800,000 existing annual grant, ending in March.

Mr Dodd said the trust was ‘reallygrateful’ for Sheffield Council’s decision not to cut its annualgrant, as well as the amount of support from the public, celebrities andbusinesses after losing on its larger bid to the Arts Council.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/stay_of_execution_for_museum_staff_1_4208613

Event - Time capsule on castle roof (Rotherham)

2012-02-03T18:24:00.001Z

THE roof will be raised at one ofRotherham’s most historic buildings next week.

At 12.45pm on Monday, a formaltopping-out ceremony is being held at Boston Castle – an 18th centuryformer hunting lodge that is being restored to its former glory at a cost of£1.2 million.

Mayor of Rotherham, Coun Shaun Wright,will conduct the ceremony on the roof of the eight metre high castle thatstands within Boston Park.

While there the Mayor will place asealed time capsule into the re-instated battlements.

The capsule will contain artifacts andinformation about the Grade II listed building.

Renovations began there last August.

Work has already seen the removal of theVictorian extension and the building of a new entrance, a platform lift,stairs, toilets, storage and plant rooms.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/time_capsule_on_castle_roof_1_4205969

News - Were you part of V-Force crews? (RAF Misson/Bawtry/Finningley)

2012-02-03T18:19:00.001Z

Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire (AHL) isasking for help from ex V Force service personnel living in the Doncaster areawho served in Lincolnshire in the early 1960s and then again in the early1980s.

The recording of oral histories is asignificant part of AHL’s remit for their aviation heritage programme,which is funded by an award of £436,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Several interviews from the World War IIera have already been recorded as part of the “Shouting The Odds”project, with some being available via links from their websitewww.aviationheritagelincolnshire.com

The AHL team are moving their attentionto the post World War II era of the Cold War which features the Valiant, Victorand Vulcan crews of the V-Bomber squadrons of the V-Force.

2012 is the 60th Anniversary of theformation of the RAF’s V-Force and in October it will be 50 years afterthe Cuban Missile Crisis. 2012 will also mark 30 years since the FalklandsCampaign where a massive force of Victor tankers supported Vulcan bombers fromLincolnshire with their Black Buck missions which actually involved planningwhich took place at Bawtry Hall.

AHL officers are currently planning torun some Cuban Missile Crisis themed events in October 2012 and are trying toidentify V-Force (Thor and Bloodhound) personnel who served in Lincolnshire atthe time, who would be willing to assist with these activities. AHL officersare also trying to identify V-Force, Thor and Bloodhound personnel from thistime to see if they are willing to record their ‘Cold War’ oralhistories. There was a Bloodhound missile base at the appropriately namedRocket Site at Misson just east of Bawtry as well as Finningley’s wellknown connection with the mighty Vulcan bomber.

Lincolnshire RAF bases involved in theseoperations include: Coningsby, Scampton, Waddington, Hemswell, Coleby Grange,Bardney, Caistor, Ludford Magna, Dunholme Lodge, North Coates, Woodhall Spa,Barkston Heath.In addition they are also hoping to collect oral histories ofV-Force Falklands Campaign, mainly connected with operations from RAFWaddington in 1982.

Anyone who is able to assist in these mattersis requested to make contact with Phil Bonner:Phil@aviationheritagelincolnshire.com (for the Cuban Missile Crisis themedevents) David Harrigan: David@aviationheritagelincolnshire.com (for the ColdWar & V-Force Falklands Campaign oral histories) Or via post at: AviationHeritage Lincolnshire PO BOX 3 Kesteven Street Sleaford Lincs NG34 7EF.

From: http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/community/were_you_part_of_v_force_crews_1_4206254

Book - Author pens book on old unsolved murders (South Yorkshire)

2012-02-03T18:16:00.001Z

A BOOK is being penned about unsolvedmurders in South Yorkshire dating back to the 1800s.

Scott Lomax, from Chesterfield, isresearching old cases South Yorkshire Police have failed to crack over theyears.

One of the chapters will be about thedeath of a 61-year-old Barnsley woman, killed 50 years ago.

Lily Stephenson was found dead near herhome in Barnsley on January 31, 1962, after a shopping trip.

The book also looks at the death of JohnWortley, a car park attendant who was killed in a car park off Arundel Gate,Sheffield city centre, in 1975.

The money John had collected that nighthad been stolen.

The author, 29, who has had a bookpublished about unsolved murders in Derbyshire, said: “The police neverclose cases where they believe there is a credible chance the person or peopleresponsible might still be alive.

“It is my hope that my book willhelp renew interest in cold cases.”

Scott’s book, which he is tryingto get published, also looks at the deaths of Ann Dunwell, from Rotherham, whowas 13 years old when she was killed and Barbara Young, who was killed inDoncaster in 1977 while working as a prostitute.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/author_pens_book_on_old_unsolved_murders_1_4208647

News - Museum bid progresses (Newark)

2012-02-02T18:02:00.000Z

Thecreation of a £5m museum at Newark’s Old Magnus Buildings is progressingafter councillors agreed to submit a bid for about £3m to the Heritage LotteryFund.

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s cabinet agreed tothe latest application, after previously receiving £200,000 from the fund tocreate a design for the project.

The project would see the Old Magnus Buildings, Appletongate, which include thehistoric Tudor Hall, transformed into a national Civil War museum.

District councillor Mr Roger Jackson, at a meeting last week, said the projectwas an exciting prospect.

“Hopefully our application for funding will go through and we will beable to create a better museum service in the district and bring a lot morepeople to Newark and Sherwood and the surrounding area,” he said.

Mr Tony Roberts said the museum would highlight Newark’s role in thenation’s history.

Mr Roger Blaney thought the project would encourage more tourists.

“It will give tourists the justification to come to Newark not just forthe day, but to stay,” he said.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Museum-bid-progresses

News - We can’t afford to ignore the past (Sheffield)

2012-02-02T17:59:00.001Z

THERE are two ways in toSheffield’s medieval past.

One is via a metal ladder through adisused trapdoor under a disabled access ramp in Castle Market ladies toilet.

The other is through a door by thespiral ramp delivery road at the back of the market.

A small metal plaque and a faded signare all that tells the world that here once stood Sheffield Castle, one of themost important fortifications in medieval England. Tourist attraction itain’t.

Yet amid the concrete and decay of the1970s market that betrays the timeless spirit of its traders and shoppers, islimited access to a past that could help shape the city’s future.

The Castle Market building for all itsnostalgic kitsch is as dated as loon pants, clackers and the Ford Capri andwill soon be going the way of those 70s relics.

If the city is not very careful theremains of Sheffield Castle could go with them when the markets move to TheMoor and Castle Market is demolished next year.

Although there are plans to excavate thesite to find out what remains lie undiscovered the project will rely on Lotteryfunding and help from English Heritage. But there appears to be a growingpublic awareness of what’s at stake.

Sheffield is stirring. Finally.

“There can’t be many citiesin the world that would allow this to happen to its history,” saysactivist, historian and professional Sheffielder Ron Clayton as he unlocks thedoor to the only accesible bit of Sheffield Castle remains.

In a room roughly 18ft square is acorner of a stone wall with some chunks of masonry from other areas of the sitedropped on top.

That’s it. The only publiclyaccessible piece of Sheffield Castle. The roots and reason for the city’sexistence in a single chamber next to pallets of toilet rolls and Nik-Naks.

“We should be able to do a bitbetter than this and awareness is growing,” adds 59-year-old Ron.

“People are interested and Idon’t think you can make much sense of Sheffield’s history untilyou open up this area and let people see where it all started.

“It’s hard to visualise thecastle now. All that has been left since the 18th century are the street namesand a bit of stone work, cellars and vaults but the castle dominated Sheffieldfor about 400 years. The arguments over how big and important it was is neitherhere nor there. It’s where Sheffield grew up.”

“I would open up the whole areaand have it as a feature for the city. We have to get the planning applicationand the funding right and we need the political ambition of a Bob Kerslake or aJan Wilson to get the job done.

“The project to get this areaproperly excavated and displayed is a bigger project than the Heart Of The Citythat linked the railway station to the city centre. If we do it right it willmake a huge difference to the reputation and perception of Sheffield around theworld.

“I just want to help keep theflame burning because if we don’t it will be gone for ever. I want tohave my ashes scattered here so that if the buggers don’t do anythingabout it I can come back and haunt them.”

The good news is that the buggersactually do want to do something and are widely in agreement with Ron.

Simon Ogden is the City Council’scity centre manager.

“We want to find out how much remainsunder the Castle Market and can’t do that until the building comesdown,” said Simon.

“We have excavated the bits thatare accessible and it seems evident that there are reasonable remains. We haveto find out how extensive they are, how significant and what we can make ofthem.

“We also want to de-culvert theSheaf where it meets the Don so the confluence of the rivers can be seen at thecorner of Blonk Street. There would be a benefit for wildlife, water visible onboth sides of the road, with green space and the castle ruins in a park.

“We have removed some of thetraffic from Exchange Street and Exchange Square, eight lanes of traffic thatis now on the ring road. That was all part of the plan for that area.

“We could create a square and newbuildings to link the city to Victoria Quays.

“Work starts in June on the newmarket on The Moor which should be completed by October 2013 at a cost ofaround £18 million, the work is out to tender now. The markets will move afterChristmas 2013.

“We are going to have to bid forfunding from the Lottery and English Heritage for demolition, excavation andarchaeological work on the Castle Market site.

“It depends what’s there asto how much it will cost, what land will be built on and what will be kept forother purposes.

“It will have to be done verycarefully, it’s not a simple demolition job. It’s going to becomplicated and expensive.”

That last sentence will set alarm bellsringing in these financially straitened times.

But what price a city’s past?

Fail this time to secure the remains ofthe castle and it’s gone for ever. Sheffield can’t afford for thatto happen.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/lifestyle/features/we_can_t_afford_to_ignore_the_past_1_4202829

News - Museums Sheffield will keep council funding

2012-02-02T17:57:00.002Z

Museums Sheffield is set to keep itscurrent level of Sheffield Council funding for the next financial year to helpthe trust cope after losing out on a bid for £4.2 million of Arts Council cash.

Opposition Lib Dem councillors proposeda motion at this afternoon’s full council meeting that the current annualgrant of £2.044 million should stay the same for next year - which was acceptedby the authority’s ruling Labour group.

Freezing the council grant for the nextthree years had been a condition of receiving the Arts Council money but afterthe bid for funding was lost, the council could have made a cut. Money forother trusts, including Sheffield Theatres, is being reduced.

The boost comes as a redundancy noticewas issued for 45 of Museum Sheffield’s 107 staff on account of the ArtsCouncil’s rejection.

Museums Sheffield is bidding for a shareof further Arts Council funding to be announced in September.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/breaking_museums_sheffield_will_keep_council_funding_1_4201577

News - Museums Sheffield to lose 45 jobs throughout city

2012-02-02T17:54:00.001Z

Up to 45 jobs are to go at Sheffield's museums over the comingmonths, Museums Sheffield has said.

Chief executive Daniel Dodd said the cuts would mean the latestexhibition, which opens on Thursday, would be the last of its kind.

The organisation currently employs 107 staff. Mr Dodd said allsavings must be made by 31 March.

It is thought that the redundancies will affect every part ofthe organisation.

"Everybody is at risk, including me," said Mr Dodd."We all work together and it is absolutely appropriate that everybodystands side by side in this."

He said staff, who had already taken pay cuts and had theirhours changed, were "deeply, deeply shocked and upset" by the news.

The redundancies would also have a "very seriouseffect" on the city's cultural offering, he said.

"The next exhibition, The Family in British Art, is of thehighest quality - exceptional, fantastic, but it will be the last show of itstype that we will ever be able to do because we won't have the people to do itany more."

An appeal has been launched by staff and the public, and the Museums Sheffield websiteexplains why the Arts Council funding was turned down.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-16840918

Event - Great War Centenary 2014 Preperations (Worksop)

2012-02-01T23:13:00.002Z

Worksop has a long and proud history and is currently preparing to take its place in the centenary exhibition on the Great War of 1914-1918.

The main event will take place at Nottingham Castle during 2014 and will be known as "The Trent to the Trenches": the Nottinghamshire Great War

There will be an planning meeting this Sunday at 2pm at Worksop Library for anyone wishing to take on a volunteer role. Various tasks need to be undertaken including research roles, assisting with genealogy enquiries and much more.

The meeting is is free to attend and open to everyone,

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help ensure the centenary of the war that changed the face of the county is marked in a comprehensive and comprehensible way. Only this way will its importance continue to be remembered and appreciated in the 21st century.

For further details please contact Major John Cotterill , the Centenary Exhibition Organiser on 07733 458971 or at john.cotterill@btinternet.com or just turn up at the library.