Museum - Seeking pieces of the past (Boughton)

Hundreds more tourists could be attracted to the area under plans to open a museum at Boughton Pumping Station.


It is envisaged that the 107-year-old landmark building, which already has office and catering facilities, could become one of the area’s main draws.

Bosses are appealing for former employees and people with memories, photographs or other records of the pumping station to get in touch.

Events manager Mr Stephen Plant said: “We are calling for anyone who worked there or lived nearby who has memories, photographs, documents, or would like to tell their story to help us get it off the ground.

“It was the main station for most of Nottinghamshire and we will use the information to build a thorough picture of how it worked and what people did.”

The museum would be in the basement of the building where there is still an original well that pumped water to homes in Nottingham.

The exhibition would also include a working model of the pumping station in its heyday alongside the first-person records and photographs.

It would be an addition to the wedding and conference facilities already on offer.

Mr Plant said: “It all ties in as one major project. With Sherwood Forest on the doorstep it could bring more people into the area and it is something we are looking forward to doing.”

The pumphouse, which opened in 1905 and includes a huge brick chimney, was capable of pumping 20m imperial gallons of water per day through 15 miles of pipe from the underground sandstone Aquifer.

It was commissioned by the NottinghaCorporation Water Department before passing into the hands of Severn Trent, but by 1980 it had become obsolete.

Boughton Pumping Station Trust secured funding to restore the building in 2002 but it closed in 2006 after money for essential repairs ran out.

Horizon Investments purchased the building in 2010 and re-launched it as Blackburn House after the original Blackburn Engines which pumped the water.

Mr Plant said the museum would be set up as soon as enough material had been collected.

Anybody who would like to contribute can contact Blackburn House on 01623 867540.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Seeking-pieces-of-the-past

Event - Doncaster Museum open this Sunday

Museum to open on Sunday 3rd June

In order to help celebrate the opening of the Sir Nigel Gresley Square in the new Civic and Cultural Quarter, the Museum & Art Gallery will be open on Sunday 3rd June from 10.30am to 4.15pm. It is also planned that the Museum's Ford Popular, built in Doncaster in 1958, will be in the Square toplay its part in the celebrations that are taking place from 1-5pm.



So take the opportunity to come and look round the Museum, gaze atour case of royal memorabilia (some of which dates back to Queen Victoria's Gold and Diamond Jubilees) and try our trail to spot the other ten royalty-related objects around the Museum.



Over the Bank Holiday weekend the Museum will be open Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June 10.30am-4.15pm, closed Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th June.



For further details contact Doncaster Museum & Art Gallery on 01302 734293

News - Museum to sell off large furniture (Cannon Hall Museum)

A SOUTH Yorkshire museum is disposing of 22 items from its stored furniture collection.

The items will be offloaded by Cannon Hall Museum, Barnsley, after approval by the council’s ruling cabinet.

Councillors received a report which informed them the storage areas at Cannon Hall are inadequate and very cramped - meaning quite large pieces of furniture are poorly stored and unlikely to be displayed again.

The collections have been assessed by museum staff and it was proposed pieces of furniture will first be offered to other museums for display.

If other museums do not wish to house the items, they will be auctioned.

Money raised will be earmarked to improve storage conditions at Cannon Hall Museum.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/hall_to_sell_off_large_furniture_1_3835222

Event - Museum plans on display (Newark)

PLANS to create a new English Civil War museum at the old Magnus buildings in Newark will be on display at a public event this month.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has applied for a £2.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help pay for the £4.43 million project.

It already has some development funding.

As well as galleries devoted to the Civil War, the museum will also have education spaces and permanent and temporary exhibition space.

The plans will be presented at Newark Millgate Museum on July 27 at 6.30pm.

People can also speak to the project managers, museum service managers and a representative from the newly-formed Old Magnus Buildings friends group.

Tickets are not needed for the event.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Museum-plans-display/story-12921947-detail/story.html

News - Museums open for free as part of the BBC's Big Day Out (Notts)

Many museums across Nottinghamshire are offering free entry to their exhibits on Sunday, 20 March 2011.


They are taking part in BBC Radio Nottingham's Big Day Out, a celebration of the county's history and heritage.


BBC Radio Nottingham's breakfast presenter Andy Whittaker is behind the idea.


He said: "I think we're all very good at visiting museums and attractions when we go to other cities in the UK, but not on your doorstep."


The presenter added: "It's time to discover more about where you live!


"This is the third time we've done this and the attractions involved all show off what they have in their collections."


Thousands of people took part in last year's Big Day Out, held in March 2010, with several museums announcing record numbers.


Free entry


There are over 30 museums in Nottinghamshire and many of them are involved in the third Big Day Out.


Some are waiving their fees on the day whilst others are opening especially.


All the venues taking part in the Big Day Out are offering free admission in some form.


Please check the details below for the attractions you are interested in as in some cases you will need a print out of this page, or to book in advance.


Calverton Folk Museum, Main Street, Calverton, NG14 6FG, is dedicated to Victorian Calverton, with four rooms exhibiting period furniture and dress. There is also an actual framework knitting machine on display. The museum will be open from 2.00pm until 5.00pm on Sunday, 20 March 2011.


Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ *** VOUCHER NEEDED *** Three thousand eight hundred acres of idyllic scenery and wildlife, all nestled amongst the remnants of Clumber's grand past. The voucher is not yet available to download on the National Trust website. A direct link to the voucher will appear on this page shortly.


D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, 8a Victoria Street, Eastwood, NG16 3AW *** PRINT OUT NEEDED *** This house is where David Herbert Richards Lawrence was born in 1885 and is the first of the Lawrence family's four Eastwood homes. Through a guided tour you will be able to learn about his family life and the type of working class home and mining family that shaped his formative years. The venue is open from 10.00am until 4.00pm on Sunday, 20 March 2011. For more information call 01773 717353.


D.H. Lawrence Heritage Centre, Mansfield Road, Eastwood, NG16 3DZ, offers an exhibition on D. H. Lawrence and the local area's proud mining history. As a boy Lawrence would pick up his father's wages from this impressive building, which was the offices of the local coal owners, Barber, Walker & Co. As it's National Science and Engineering week, there are sessions on mining heritage including children's trails and quizes at Durban House. The centre is open 10.00am until 4.00pm on Sunday, 20 March 2011.


Dukes Wood Oil Museum, Eakring, Dukes Wood, NG22 0DR, combines an area of ancient woodland with what was the site of the UK's first oilfield. Some of the 'nodding donkey' pumps have been restored and can be seen on the trail. The museum is situated on the nature trail and contains many artefacts and pictures dealing with the story of UK Oil fields both offshore and onshore. The museum will be open from 10.00am until 5.00pm. For more information call 01623 882446.


Flintham Museum, Inholms Road, Flintham, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5LF, looks at rural life through the eyes of a village shopkeeper. Behind the museum there is a community shop so visitors will be able to see and talk about the differences in shopping over the last 100 years. They will be serving cakes made from wartime recipes and will have the recipes available for visitors to take away. Behind the community shop there is a modern weather installation and visitors will be invited to record the days weather and perhaps make comments about global warming or their experiences during this year's extreme cold. The museum will be open from 11.00am to 4.00pm.


Galleries of Justice Museum, The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1HN, preserve the site of Nottinghamshire's old courthouse and county gaol and maintain a vast collection of spine chilling artefacts relating to crime and punishment. The senior curator is offering free unique architectural tours for Big Day Out. Learn about the fascinating building and its secrets and see areas of the building not normally open to the general public. This tour is very different to the museum's family actor led tours. Tours last around 45 minutes to one hour and start at 11.00am and 1.00pm. Booking essential (there are 25 spaces on each tour - first come first served).


Green's Windmill and Science Centre, Windmill Lane, Sneinton, NG2 4QB, was built by the father of notable scientist and mathematician George Green in 1807. Many of our technologies today, such as mobile phones, are based on Green's amazing ground-breaking theorem. Today the still-working mill is a popular museum and science centre, which teaches new generations of children about the valuable work of George Green. The centre is open 10.00am - 4.00pm and as part of National Science Week go along and see for free some hands-on science experiments! For more information call 0115 9156878.


Iron Age Roundhouse, Woodview Farm, Mansfield Lane, Calverton, Nottingham NG14 6HP. The Roundhouse was built in 2006 as a research project looking at construction methods using the same tools, timber and building materials that were originally used over 2,500 years ago. Once completed it became apparent that the house had a second function as an educational resource complementing traditional classroom teaching methods. The inside is set out to illustrate how an extended family of between 12 to 20 people would have lived and worked together. The Roundhouse will be open between 1.00pm and 4.00pm on the Big Day Out. There is no need to book.


Laxton Heritage Museum and Village Tour, Main Street, Laxton, NG22 0NX. Join Stuart Rose on a guided tour of Laxton village and its agricultural heritage. The tour will include a visit to the site of Laxton Castle and the open medieval farming fields ending with a look at traditional Victorian farming tools. Tours will last about three hours so bring outdoor clothing and comfortable walking footwear. Unfortunately there is not access for wheelchair users. The tour commences at 10.00am departing from the Laxton Visitor Centre in the car park of The Dovecote Inn. Please ring Stuart Rose to book your place on 07939228353 or 01777871702.


Mansfield Fire Museum, Fire Station, Rosemary Street, Mansfield, NG19 6AB. There's a new look to the Fire Museum as this is the first event after a major refurbishment. There are new display cabinets and up to date computer and heating systems along side the history of firefighting through the ages. There will be outside demonstrations, plus vintage vehicles and a tombola plus refreshments available. The Fire Museum is normally only open by appointment but will be open for free on Sunday, 20 March 2011, from 10.00am to 4.00pm.


Newark Millgate Museum, 48 Millgate, Newark, NG24 4TS, is housed in a former oil seed mill built in 1870 in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Trent. The museum is open from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Free entry. For more information call 01636 655730.


Museum of Nottingham Life at Brewhouse Yard, Castle Boulevard, NG7 1FB *** PRINT OUT NEEDED *** is housed within five 17th century cottages. Here you can learn about the people of Nottingham through the objects made, used or owned and the stories they tell us. Brewhouse Yard is at the base of Castle Rock, a location that itself reveals much about Nottingham's social history. The museum is open 10.00am - 5.00pm. For more information call 0115 915 3600. Admission is free for BBC Radio Nottingham's Big Day Out but you must take a print out of this page.


Newark Air Museum, The Showground, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY *** PRINT OUT NEEDED *** Located on part of the former World War Two airfield at Winthorpe in eastern Nottinghamshire. There's a diverse collection of aircraft and cockpit sections covering the history of aviation. The aircraft on display include ten national benchmark aircraft, 29 significant aircraft and 18 noteworthy aircraft as listed in the National Aviation Heritage Register. Open 10.00am - 5.00pm. Admission is free for BBC Radio Nottingham's Big Day Out but you must take a print out of this page in order to get in.


Nottingham Castle Museum, Off Friar Lane, Off Maid Marian Way, Nottingham, NG1 6EL *** PRINT OUT NEEDED *** A magnificent 17th century ducal mansion built on the site of the original medieval castle has a vibrant museum and art gallery housing collections of silver, glass, decorative items, visual arts, paintings and Nottinghamshire archaeology and history. Open 10.00am - 5.00pm. Last admission 4.30pm. For more information call 0115 915 3700. Admission is free for BBC Radio Nottingham's Big Day Out but you must take a print out of this page.


Nottingham Transport Heritage Museum, on Mere Way just off the A60 south of Ruddington, NG11 6NX houses a collection of steam and diesel locomotives, and is currently the northern terminus of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) heritage line. The NTHC also houses a classic road transport collection, and is home to the Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers. The centre will be running free diesel hauled trains on a short trip during the day and all the attractions will be open for free too.


Papplewick Pumping Station, Rigg Lane, Ravenshead, NG15 9AJ *** PRINT OUT NEEDED *** is Britain's finest Victorian Water Works and the only one in the Midlands to be preserved as a complete working water pumping station. Papplewick Pumping Station was built between 1882 and 1884 to supplement the water supply for the growing city of Nottingham. Admission is free on the Big Day Out only to those with a print out of this webpage.


Stonebridge City Farm, Stonebridge Road, St Ann's, NG3 2FR *** PRINT OUT NEEDED *** will have all the usual attractions available, including animal feeding, small animal holding, kiddies play area, picnic area and farm shop. Admission is always free. The farm will be open from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Get a free bag of animal feed (one per group) with your webpage print off.


Vina Cooke Museum of Dolls, The Old Rectory, Great North Road, Cromwell, Newark, NG23 6JE, is now in its 28th year and houses a large collection of dolls and other collectables dating from the 18th century to the present day. The museum is situated next to the mediaeval church in the tiny village of Cromwell just off the A1, five miles North of Newark. The museum is open from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Free admission for BBC Radio Nottingham's Big Day Out.


Wollaton Hall Natural History Museum, Nottingham, NG8 2AE. is set in an Elizabethan mansion located in a 500 acre deer rark. Daily tours of the hall give you a chance to see behind the scenes, such as the Tudor kitchens or the beautiful Prospect Room with views over the natural landscape. Stylish courtyard café on-site. Car Parking charges apply. For more information call 0115 915 3900.


The Workhouse, Upton Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire NG25 0PT *** VOUCHER NEEDED *** lets you discover how society dealt with poverty through the centuries. Explore the segregated work yards, day rooms, dormitories, master's quarters and cellars, then see the recreated working 19th-century garden and find out what food the paupers would have eaten at the Southwell Workhouse, the most complete workhouse in existence. The voucher is not yet available to download on the National Trust website. A direct link to the voucher will appear on this page shortly.


From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/tv_and_radio/newsid_9413000/9413601.stm

News - Attempt to hammer out a new future for Forge Dam (Sheffield)

AT one time there was so much water that visitors could take to rowing boats. These days much of Forge Dam, one of the most popular spots in Sheffield’s Porter Valley, is silted up and overgrown with trees.

Now the future of the dam – and the area around it – is under the microscope, with local people, and the many others who use the valley, being asked for their views.

“This is a park for whole of Sheffield, not just for S10,” said Ann Le Sage, who chairs the Friends of the Porter Valley, which chipped in £1,000 towards the cost of a consultants’ report.

Most of the money – £20,000 – has come from the council’s South West Community Assembly and the result is a raft of ideas that are now the basis for public consultation.

Some visitors may want to keep the dam as it is, complete with a naturally growing island which attracts wildlife, but for most the initial reaction is to dredge it “to get rid of the filthy sludge so that people can look at clean water sitting on a decent row of benches facing south”, said Ann.

The question is being asked whether some of the trees surrounding the dam, near Fulwood, should be cut down so that the green spaces could be opened up “and people could see a beautiful lake in a green valley, as it used to be, not surrounded by inappropriate trees”.

Consideration is also being given to opening up the area in front of Forge Dam café, using water features to link the playground with the river and creating better disabled access to the dam.

“The proposals are very much based on the ideas visitors put forward before Christmas. Now is the moment to look at some landscape projections and specific texts about possible solutions to the dreadful condition of the dam, the use of the green space for visitors, the long-term design of the playground and some new water features linking visually to the river.

“We know from past participation in the Friends’ organised events that at least 30% of park visitors come from well outside the immediate area so we want this to be a Sheffield-wide consultation. The Forge Dam area is hugely popular and thousands of visitors signed up to the petition in the café last year demanding that there should at last be investment in improvements to this rather run-down Sheffield park.”

The Friends have been working with council parks and countryside officers and the South West Assembly and an options appraisal has been drawn up by Breeze Landscape Architects and Jeremy Benn Associates.

They are being displayed in the café from today (Thursday) until Tuesday. Breeze representatives will be in the café tomorrow (Friday) from noon to 3pm and on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

The café reopened at the end of last year after an £80,000 repair and refurbishment programme to offer a long-term future to one of the attractions on the Round Walk. Ann added: “The Friends and council have already made some minor improvements, such as sprucing up the playground, doing litter picks and repairing benches, but more radical revitalisation is clearly needed.”

Once a way forward is determined, the emphasis will switch to the cost at a time when the council is cutting back in many areas, including parks and countryside.

But the volunteers are undeterred, prepared to do what they can themselves, and they will be in the café area to repair benches on Sunday morning.

The Friends of the Porter Valley are spearheading the restoration of the Shepherd Wheel at the bottom of Bingham Park as a working museum. They hope the wheel and machinery will be restored and open to the public by the autumn.

From: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/local/attempt_to_hammer_out_a_new_future_for_forge_dam_1_3126022

 

News - Wesley museum becomes a charity (Epworth)

EPWORTH’S Old Rectory Museum has been awarded charitable status.

Volunteers at the site in North Lincolnshire say the move will boost fundraising efforts as they seek to open the entire house to the public and restore it to how it would have looked in 1716.

Keith Rothery, treasurer and trustee at the Old Rectory, said: “When we approach organisations for donations towards the work one of the first things they ask is for is our charity number, which is why we applied for charitable status.

“It also means that when British taxpayers make a donation we can claim money back from the Government and it amounts to an extra 20p for every pound given.”

The grade I listed building was the childhood home of John and Charles Wesley, founders of the Methodist movement.

Fundraising initiatives have included inviting visitors to sponsor a page in a 350-year-old book to pay for its restoration.

Contemplations Upon The History Of The New Testament – one of many old books and artefacts held at the museum – was published in 1661 and contains the signatures of several of the Wesley family.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/wesley_museum_becomes_a_charity_1_3117789

News - Museum offers public chance to handle prehistoric axes (Nottingham)

The Nottinghamshire public are being offered a rare opportunity to handle a 50,000-year-old axe and other ancient artefacts at a local museum.

The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology is putting on a 'Prehistory Day'on 23 February 2011, in conjunction with the BBC's Hands On History . 

Curator Clare Pickersgill said: "It's so important. When you hold an object you begin to ask different questions." 

The attraction is the only specialised archaeological museum in the region. 

"What I love about this museum are the everyday objects," said Ms Pickersgill. "These tell us so much about the everyday people like you and I. 

"Somebody said to me that this collection is a snapshot of Nottinghamshire over time. You can see how people lived over 250,000 years." 

The museum opened in 1933 with artefacts donated by Felix Oswald, including his collection from excavations at Margidunum, a Roman site found under a roundabout at Bingham in the early 1930s.

Its collection has swelled through donations from individuals, as well as finds by the Department of Archaeology at the university. 

"We have a medieval site on campus. It's the medieval village of Keighton, first found in the Second World War during the 'digging for victory'," said Ms Pickersgill. 

"It produced cooking pots and tiles for Lenton Priory in the 14th and 15th century." 

In 2010 the museum won the Nottinghamshire Heritage Museum of the Year award. 

Ms Pickersgill said the award was in recognition for their outreach work and their progress on making the collections more accessible. 

"A lot of people might think that we're just here for the students but we're here for everyone. 

"Previously there were objects in cases but no labels and the museum was not always open. Now we're open Monday to Friday, 10.00am until 4.00pm, we're free and anyone can come and look." 

The Hands on Prehistory day at The University of Nottingham Museum of Archaeology, will take place on 23 February, 11.00am to 4.00pm. This event is part of the BBC's Hands On History.

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9398000/9398611.stm

News - Bid to create punk hall of fame at former Retford nightclub

A CAMPAIGN has been launched by music lovers to turn defunct Retford nightclub The Porterhouse into a Punk Rock Hall of Fame.

A bid to get those with fond memories of the once legendary Retford music venue to come together and buy it has already attracted hundreds of supporters.

Retford man Dean Bell, otherwise known as Xpyda, has launched a move to buy and run the former nightclub in Carolgate as a co-operative, DIY initiative.

His Facebook group has attracted hundreds of supporters who hope to collect enough to bid at an auction next month. The guide price is £60,000 to £90,000.

The Porterhouse, started by former market trader Sammy Jackson, was renowned in the 1970s and 1980s as a Mecca for live music, playing host to some of the top acts of the day, like U2, AC/DC and Madness.

Mr Bell said: "I had an idea to create 'The Punk Rock Hall of Fame' as a co-operative organisation and started a Facebook group when I first saw that the building was up for sale.

"The idea is very simple. The building has a history, but at the moment is doing nothing. If enough people cared, with a small contribution each, we could buy it.

"Punk rock invaded the heart of the country at the Porterhouse

"People from London and Edinburgh used to get on a train to come down for the night – people came from Hull, Lincoln, Manchester, Doncaster, Sheffield too.

"What better place to build the punk rock hall of fame on a sustainable, co-operative, fair trade, DIY principle than here in Retford?"

The fact the Porterhouse is up for sale has sparked fond memories of nights out for some readers.

Ex-Porterhouse DJ Andy Cooke saw some of the club's more memorable nights from the best seat in the house.

He said: "I was the DJ there from about 1978 to 1984 and there were some brilliant nights.

"We had blues band the Honey Drippers, fronted by Robert Plant, who were amazing and Duran Duran stopped off at the Porterhouse about the time they released Planet Earth."

The Porterhouse will go under the hammer on Tuesday, March 8. For more details, call Klair Hill on 01427 616118.

Find the campaign to buy the Porterhouse on Facebook or at www.xpyda.co.uk/porterhouse/index.html

If I could afford it I’d be in – this museum would be a brilliant alternative to the rubbish and doomed from the start Sheffield ‘kettles’, it’ll probably be better than the also saved this week 100 Club in London!. (For those wondering how this got on a history/archaeology website you need to remember that ‘proper punk’ was in the mid 1970’s – over 30 years ago -  it was an important change to the music industry in this country where local kids could start a band and get their songs released on local/independent labels rather than ‘selling out’ to the big corporations) Oh yes and my favourite band of all time is Slaughter & the Dogs :)

News - Boost for Queens Royal Lancers museum (Thoresby)

Plans for a new museum showcasing the collections of three historic army regiments have been awarded a £50,000 grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). 

A newly-renovated wing at Thoresby Courtyard, Nottinghamshire, will house the attraction, which will feature an education and research room. 

Collections of the Queens Royal Lancers; the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry; and the South Nottinghamshire Hussars will be put on show in the museum's gallery. 

Talks and guided tour events will also take place throughout the year, as well as education programmes linked to the National Curriculum. 

HLF East Midlands head Emma Sayer said: "This project is the culmination of an impressive vision to bring together the fascinating collections of the Queens Royal Lancers, the South Nottinghamshire Hussars and the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry." 

From: http://www.attractionsmanagement.com/detail1.cfm?pagetype=detail&subject=news&codeID=240963&site=AM&dom=N

 

Event - Nottingham city centre will shine at night with Light Night on Friday 18th February!

Visitors can see fantastic entertainment and artist commissions and take advantage of many special offers in bars and restaurants across the city. Come out and enjoy surreal light installations, music and street performers will transform the city and bring it to life after dark. Experience secret gardens, spooky terror tours, live jam sessions, treasure trails with a twist, and things in the city that visitors never knew existed!

'Lite' Night, on Saturday 19^th February, provides a chance to see many of the attractions of Light Night for those unable to make it on the Friday night.

Councillor David Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Customers at Nottingham City Council, said: "Light Night is about celebrating all that's good about Nottingham, its people, art, cultural, the build environment, bars, restaurants and other retail outlets.

"We are now in our fourth year of Nottingham Light Night and our programme this year is filled with many free events, activities and offers for all ages to enjoy.

"Whether listening to live poetry, taking part in a dual at Nottingham Castle, making a ukelule or going out for special meal, there is something to suit all. Light Night is a very special event and visitors will be amazed at how difference things look after dark!

"As well as enjoying the evening's spectacles, visitors can also take advantage of late night offers, including discounted travel, retail, bar and restaurant offers."

"Many activities are unique to Light Night so don't miss your chance to explore, experience and see the city in a new perspective."

Nottingham City Council is once again joining up with sponsors We Are Nottingham, who together with the Greater Nottingham Partnership have provided the funding for the 'Lite' Night event as well as special offers for visitors to enjoy on both nights around the city. We Are Nottingham is a Business Improvement District representing the city's leisure businesses.

Sylvia Manser, Chief Executive of We Are Nottingham, said: "Light Night is a great opportunity for visitors to come and enjoy Nottingham after dark.

"Nottingham has recently been awarded a Purple Flag for the diversity of entertainment and welcoming atmosphere it offers at night, so if you've not visited in the evening for a while, Light Night gives you the perfect reason to come."

The Light Night programme begins on Friday 18^th February from 6pm with events across the city centre from the Old Market Square, to Hockley, to the Lace Market, St. Mary Church; to Nottingham Castle, and Trinity Square.

The Castle Quarter, including the Castle; Robin Hood Statue; Castle Road; Brewhouse Yard and the Waterworks Building and Courtyard plays host to many indoor and outdoor entertainment, activities for children, illuminations and other attractions. The galleries and inside areas will be open until 9pm and the grounds close at 10pm.

Renaissance East Midlands will also be showcasing many exciting and diverse projects in the Castle Quarter and Nottinghamshire Archives on Wilford Street.

This will be a unique opportunity to see the community engagement work being done in museums and heritage sites across the region, with examples ranging from site excavations, wicker sculpting, and the creation of replica Stone Age tools to film workshops and exhibition design.

The Old Market Square will see the return of the Wheel of Nottingham which is a popular attraction for families who will get the chance to experience the vast array of light illuminations across the city from above. Families can also enjoy many events including; Brazilian Samba; Solar Powered Disco Dance Floors; the Moving Maze; Bongo Bongo Twinkly Tales; Terror Tours at the Galleries of Justice; songs by the Nottingham Music Groups and KaleidoscopiaLive where they can make their own kaleidoscope patterns.

As well as Light Night, the 18th February sees a celebration of Spirit Nottingham - a partnership between 11 of the city's key cultural organisations including cinema, theatre, art, museums and dance together with restaurants and bars.  A new Spirit website has been created to attract more visits to the city and to encourage cross over visits between the different venues.  It will provide a valuable aid to planning a day or night out in Nottingham.

Stephanie Sirr, Chief Executive of Nottingham Playhouse, one of the founding partners, said: "Spirit Nottingham is a great way of accessing the city's fantastic cultural offer in one place - arts, culture, heritage as well as food and drink. Nottingham has a fantastic reputation as a cultural city and we wanted to highlight this in the website. The cultural offer of the city is worth over £100 million per annum to the local economy and is a major local employer.  It's really something to celebrate and to experience.

"Events at Broadway Cinema, Lakeside Arts Centre, Dance4 and Nottingham Playhouse, to name but a few, are all featured on the Spirit Nottingham site. It is easy for visitors to find out what is happening across Nottingham in one place - we hope the site will encourage them to try new things." 

There are also many films, performances and exhibitions to enjoy across the city including; Wine and Rhyme at Edins on Broad Street; Word of Mouth at Antenna, Piano Tag Team at the Royal Concert Hall and Fable - A Film Opera at the Broadway Cinema.

'Lite' Night on Saturday 19^th February sees many events and commissions continuing. The grounds of the Castle will be open both on Friday 18th February and Saturday 19th February for illuminations from 6pm until 10pm. Light Commissions HIG at St. Nic's church, KaleidoscopiaLive at the Castle and Light Flower on Angel Row will also still be illuminating the city. Visitors will also still be able to enjoy many of the activities including; Festival of Light at The Alley Cafe; Towers of Light on Goose Gate; Victoria Installation on Angel Row; Poems and Light Painting at the Nottingham Photographers' Hub and Music at the The Maltcross.

Both evenings offer the chance to save money in bars and restaurants across the city including: The Cumin Indian Restaurant, Aubrey's Traditional Creperie, Cape, Fothergill's Bar and Restaurant, Pitcher & Piano, Strada, Fat Cat Cafe Bar and Yates.

For more information, event listings and offers during Light Night call Nottingham Tourism Centre on 08444 77 5678 or visit Nottingham Light Night 2011

From: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13416

Medieval crosses found in nearby villages to on show at Bassetlaw Museum

A COUPLE of found in Tuxford and South Leverton are set to be shown at Bassetlaw Museum.

The Grove Street building has recently acquired several gold and silver objects through the Treasure Act.

Two of the star pieces are symbols of Christian devotion from over 400 years ago.

One item, found in the Tuxford area, is a gold crucifix, showing Jesus crucified on the cross and is described as small but spectacular.

Christ is shown with a crown of thorns, a halo and even the nails in his hands and feet are visible.

Originally the body was coloured with white enamel. Above Christ's head is a tiny enamel plaque with the letters INRI, standing for the Latin title, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." There is a second inscription in black enamel on the reverse of the cross. This translates as "By your cross, save us, Christ."

The second artefact, a small silver cross dating from medieval times, was discovered in South Leverton.

It is also inscribed with a Latin phrase meaning "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews". It was made to be suspended, perhaps as a necklace, or with prayer beads on a rosary.

Both objects were purchased for more than £4,000 funded entirely from donations made to the museum.

Museum Curator, Sam Glasswell said: "These are fantastic additions to the museum's collection. I am so grateful to everyone who has put something in the museum's donation box.

"Even the pennies add up and make it possible for us to acquire important and valuable items like these when they are offered for sale through the Portable Antiquities Scheme."

Deputy leader of the Council and Portfolio holder for Community Prosperity, Keith Isard, said, "The crosses from South Leverton and Tuxford are the latest additions to the invaluable collection used by the staff to do their work throughout Bassetlaw.

"This includes giving talks to any group that asks, help with the Young Potential project at the Regal in Worksop and lending items for display at Worksop's new library.

" The Museum is keen to do more. It's patch extends from Tuxford to Carlton-in-Lindrick to Misterton and we are looking for ways to extend its services across the district."

The museum, owned and operated by Bassetlaw District Council, is on Grove Street in Retford and is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.

Admission is free.

From: http://www.thisisretford.co.uk/news/Star-pieces-museum/article-3152205-detail/article.html

New Year Honours List 2011

Local historian Joyce Williams will be receiving an Order of the British Empire, Civil MBE for services to Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham in the 2011 New Year's Honours presented by Queen Elizabeth II.

For the full list see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/honours-list/8231975/New-Year-Honours-List-2011-in-full.html

Exhibition draws on town's historical past (Barnsley)

A WEALTH of culture went on display as Barnsley's history was brought to life at an exhibition involving more than 50 organisations and 1,150 visitors.

Subjects ranged from the area's mining heritage to military traditions and included a man dressed in historical soldier's uniform standing on guard outside Barnsley Civic in Hanson Street, where Barnsley History Day was held. There was cake making, and youngsters could get creative drawing and colouring history-themed pictures.

Highlights of the free event included a performance by Barnsley folk singer Dave Cherry in aid of Barnsley Hospice, an exhibition of photographs of Barnsley Markets past and present and a special internet session, with experts helping anyone wanting to probe their family history for the first time.

There was also a 1940s-themed café, fun games and activities for all the family, a variety of plays and performances, a TV studio to record visitors' stories, previews of the Experience Barnsley Museum opening next year and a giant screen of photographs and film footage of Barnsley past and present.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/barnsley/Exhibition-draws-on-town39s-historical.6685865.jp

Museum plan (Worksop)

the future of one of Worksop’s most iconic buildings could be in danger if no one comes forward to give it a new lease of life.  The old library on Memorial Avenue currently houses the tourist information office and the council’s CCTV suite.  But much of it stands empty since the library services moved next door to the new community hub.

Last summer, Bassetlaw Council invited anyone wanting to lease the 72-year-old building to express an interest. But the response was limited.“Many people think it should revert to its original purpose as a museum,” said Trevor Dolby, chairman of Shireoaks Local History Group.  On behalf of history groups across Bassetlaw, he submitted an application to the council to transform the building into the Centre for Worksop and West Bassetlaw History. 

“We’d like to take over part of the building and bring back some of the exhibits that are at Retford museum,” said Mr Dolby.  “Worksop’s heritage is in mining and Retford’s is agricultural. Our exhibits should be here for local people to see,” he said.

He said if successful, some displays and cabinets could be moved from Retford. But the big problem is funding. The library building is too big and expensive for the history groups to lease alone.“It needs someone to take on a large part of it on a commercial footing,” he said.  “This is not going to happen unless there is a commitment from a commercial sponsor.”  “The building is very close to the public’s heart, we wouldn’t want to see it demolished.”

A spokesman for Bassetlaw Council said the building’s future is due to be discussed by Cabinet members in March. No announcements will be made before then.  Carl Andrews, an architect with Gateford based Soul Architects, surveyed the building for Bassetlaw Council.  He said: “The building is in quite a poor condition and becoming more and more vulnerable.”  He estimated repairs – including re-roofing – could cost around £300,000.  “The council was keen for it to be a restaurant or function room, but a museum would also be viable,” he said. “But it all comes down to money. What Worksop doesn’t want is a building of that size standing vacant.” 

“It’s a fantastic property, of significant historical interest and it deserves to have a use that Worksop people can enjoy.”

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/museum_plan_1_2923670

Vacuum cleaner museum curator hails first year success

James Brown said: "I've had a lot of interest. More than I initially predicted. I'm quite happy."

Since opening in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, 12 months ago the independent museum has received international media coverage and visitors from across the country. 

Mr Brown said he had been kept busy doing interviews with over 20 radio stations, from BBC Radio Nottingham to CBS in America. 

His collection has featured in the Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Mail and Chat Magazine among other magazines. 

The curator has welcomed BBC Children's TV cameras into his museum, which houses his private collection of over 100 classic and vintage models dating back to 1919. And one of Mr Brown's 1960s vacuum cleaners is to star in BBC period comedy drama Rock and Chips.

James said the extensive press had led to many kindred spirits visiting Eastwood, with families "making a day trip of it", parents having been persuaded by enthusiastic children. "Mainly it's been boys," he said. "Younger children have an attraction to machines, anything that moves.

"I've had a family from Hull, a family from Birmingham, a family from Sheffield, a family from Chesterfield..." 

Mr Brown, 31, first became interested in vacuum cleaners himself at the age of four. He started his collection at the age of eight. But unlike many children James' passion has not waned and his private collection has continued to grow. He said having the museum has helped, with his favourite new addition being a Hoover 160."A woman was cleaning out her mum's loft and found it. She'd heard about my museum and wanted it to go somewhere where they wouldn't be got rid of. Her husband came all the way from down south to drop it in."I've had quite a few stories like that," he said. 

James is still looking for several models to complete his collection. The avid collector said: "I want to complete a line-up of the main Electrolux models. The Z100 is one of the main Electroluxes I don't have."The Spinney 800 cylinder I used to have as a child."Then there's one or two other 80s machines like an Electrolux Elite," he added.  The businessman, who originally received a grant from The Prince's Trust to set up his shop and museum, said he hopes to build on his early success in 2011. 

Mr Vacuum Cleaner museum, 58 Nottingham Road, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, is open from Monday to Saturday. Entry is free.

 

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/nottingham/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_9349000/9349666.stm

York Model Railway Museum Moving to Lincolnshire

YORK Model Railway is quitting its traditional home at the city’s railway station for larger premises in Lincolnshire. 

Station operator East Coast says it is looking for a new tenant to take over the former tea room building in Tea Room Square, and hopes it can be restored to its former glory. 

Tim Hedley-Jones, property and projects director, said he hoped the character and charm of the building would generate interest from potential businesses. “The premises are particularly suitable for a restaurant, bar or other food and drink outlet,” he said. 

He revealed East Coast had been in discussion with the Railway Heritage Trust, which had made a principal funding contribution towards the restoration and redevelopment of the building.

Trust director Andy Savage said the model railway exhibition had hidden but not damaged the building’s “superb interior”.

An East Coast spokesman said, after many years at the station, the model railway was moving to Hemswell Cliff near Gainsborough, to where it would transfer its working miniature sized railway models, including Rail Riders World and the extended Museum of Model Transport.

He said the model railway shop would remain open until February 28, although the exhibition space closed for business on New Year’s Eve.

From http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8777183.York_Model_Railway_relocating_to_Lincolnshire/

Portable Antiquities Scheme Day at Clifton Park Museum

On Wednesday 16^th February there will be a chance to take your finds along to Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham to be identified and catalogued by the local  PAS officer.   The  event runs between 14.00-16.00 

Edited from: https://www.rotherham.gov.uk/events/locations?class=eventsSelect&id=placestogo&location=Clifton%20Park%20Museum