News - Naval officer plaque unveiled (Stapleford)

A DISTINGUISHED Stapleford naval officer has been immortalised in the town with the unveiling of a plaque.

Forgotten naval hero Admiral Sir John Borlase Warren, born in Stapleford Hall in 1753, was revered for the time he spent fighting the French aboard Admiral Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, his period as MP for Nottingham and as a leading freemason.

His plaque was unveiled by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Col Tim Richmond in the Walter Parker VC Memorial Square last Wednesday.

Three historical societies, including Stapleford’s and two from Beeston, have clubbed together to form a working group to bring more commemorative plaques like this one to the south of Broxtowe.

Barbara Brooke from the group said: “The whole aim of having the plaque put in was to ensure he is not forgotten.

“Hopefully schools will be given information about him so his memory will live on.”

The group unveiled a plaque in March to Arthur Mee at the college building in the town, which bears his name.

From: http://www.ilkestonadvertiser.co.uk/news/naval_officer_plaque_unveiled_1_3420862

Grand-daughter of former Newstead Abbey owner appeals against closure

THE man who gave Newstead Abbey to the people of Nottingham in 1931 would be distraught at plans to close it six days a week, said his granddaughter.

 

Miranda Rijks, whose grandfather Sir Julien Cahn owned the abbey, is calling on Nottingham City Council to change its proposals.

Mrs Rijks has written to the authority urging it to consider other options – including giving the abbey, once home to Lord Byron, to another organisation to run.

She said: "My grandfather gave it to the Corporation of Nottingham for them to be custodians so it could be open to the public.

"This year it's the 80th anniversary of him giving it to the public – essentially they're taking it away from the public on its 80th anniversary."

Her appeal has been backed by the current Lord Byron, who has described the proposals as alarming.

Other supporters include Professor Michael O'Neill, chairman of the International Byron Society Advisory Board, and Dr Christine Kenyoun Jones, who is on the executive committee of the Byron Society.

At the moment the abbey is open four days a week in the summer, with the grounds opening every day all year.

Under the council's proposals, the grounds will remain open but people will only be able to visit the abbey and the Byron museum on summer Sundays as part of a tour.

Council leisure spokesman Councillor Dave Trimble said: "Our priority in relation to Newstead Abbey is to protect the legacy of Lord Byron and Newstead Abbey.

"The grounds remain open and we are not closing the park or the abbey. Our aim is to guarantee a sustainable future for this internationally important heritage site."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Grand-daughter-man-gave-Newstead-Abbey-public-launches-appeal-closure/article-3150532-detail/article.html