News - New military museum is hit (Thoresby)

Thousands of visitors have flocked to a new military museum, following its recent opening by Princess Alexandra, Deputy Colonel in Chief of the Queen’s Royal Lancers.

The Queen’s Royal Lancers and Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Museum at the Thoresby Courtyard, has proved to be a runaway success during its first few weeks of being open to the public.

Already attracting more than a thousand visitors a week, curator Captain Mick Holby is delighted that the unique collection of exhibits, ranging from arms, medals and silver to uniforms and paintings, is proving popular.

Says Mick, who served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Germany and the Oman during a 25-year career with the 17th/21st Lancers: “As it’s free to enter, the museum is enabling the public to see more of their local history through the eyes of the collection.”

The exhibits at the new museum illustrate the role the local regiments have played in the great battles of the last three centuries.

Created by The Queen’s Royal Lancers, a cavalry regiment, and The Nottinghamshire Yeomanry, made up of The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and the South Nottinghamshire Hussars, in partnership with the Stonebridge Trust, the museum tells the human, social and military history of the regiments, as well as the ongoing story of the British Army today.

From:  http://www.chad.co.uk/news/new_military_museum_is_hit_1_3708657

News - Pictures come in for project (Newark)

Photographs of ten fallen heroes have so far been found for a pictorial project to honour Newark’s war dead.

Mr Brian Clark-Dench, 74, of Balderton, whose uncle features on the Newark Memorial To The Fallen.The project, which aims to put faces to the 603 names on Newark’s Memorial To The Fallen at Newark Cemetery, is being coordinated by Mr Pete Stevens, a Commonwealth War Graves Commission stonemason.

He hopes to find all of the pictures in time for the 100th anniversary of the start of the first world war in 2014.

The Newark memorial names 456 Servicemen who died in the first world war and 144 casualties from the second world war.

Also named are one Serviceman who died in West Africa in 1961, one who died in Malaya in 1952, and one in Afghanistan in 2007.

Mr Stevens is seeking pictures to a further 45 names from the first world war on the memorial in St Giles’ Church, Balderton, and 13 from the second world war.

Mr Stevens has set up a website to add each picture collected to the details of the casualty on one of the war memorials.

The website can be viewed at www.memorialphotoproject.tumblr.com

So far those who have come forward to help with the project include Mr Brian Clark-Dench, of Gibson Crescent, Balderton, whose uncle, Mr Alfred Charles Dench, is one of the names on the Newark memorial

 

Mr Dench, who was born in Winthorpe and lived on Middlegate, Newark, for most of his life, served in 1st Battalion King’s Company of the Grenadier Guards.

He was killed in 1915 at the village of Loos, France, at the age of 23, and was later buried to the north-west of the village.

Over the years Mr Clark-Dench has compiled and collected military items related to his uncle, including his original dog tags, campaign medals, postcards sent from France, photographs and even his death notice, signed by Field Marshall Herbert Kitchener, British Secretary of State for War from 1914-16.

Mr Clark-Dench, who served in the same battalion as his uncle during the 1950s, said: “When I saw the article in the Advertiser I was amazed and wanted to come forward and help.

“I never knew my uncle but I do feel the need to keep his memory alive because his story is an interesting tale.

“He was held in high regard as being a real hard man, strong as an ox.

“During battle he saved his company commander from No Man’s Land, despite being under heavy enemy fire — this was the type of man he was.

“Coming forward to help with the project is very important because the men on the memorials should be remembered — what they did for this country should never be forgotten.

“I am immensely proud of what my uncle did and the rest of my family — that is something I wanted to honour.”

Any relative of one of the fallen featured on either memorial and who has a photograph of them or who can help in any way can contact Mr Stevens via Petejstevens@hotmail.co.uk or contact the Advertiser newsdesk on 01636 681234.

The Newark project mirrors a much bigger scheme to find photographs of as many as possible of the 72,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the Battle of The Somme, whose names are commemorated on the French Thiepval Memorial To The Missing.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Pictures-come-in-for-project

News - History is unearthed in suburban back garden (Chilwell Hall)

A RETIRED architect says he is thrilled to have taken part in an excavation of historical artefacts – in his own back yard.

Peter Robinson lives in a house built on the site of the old Chilwell Hall, in High Road, a stately home dating back more than 600 years which was demolished in the 1930s.

Mr Robinson, 68, said he was delighted and extremely excited to have been part of the seven-day archaeological dig.

He said: "I'm thrilled to have discovered that there is a little bit of local history literally right under our feet."

In 2005 the Trent and Peak Archaeology unit carried out a survey on the site which sparked Mr Robinson's interest in excavating the remains of the hall.

He then looked at Ordnance Survey maps and decided, after a chance encounter with a representative from the Grantham Archaeological Society last year, to allow them to spend a week of intense excavation, digging trenches to find out more.

Mr Robinson said: "Our garden has been full of diggers and mental detectors this week and the archaeologists have found lots of interesting artefacts, such as pieces of clay piping from the house and foundations.

"It is really like a Chinese puzzle fitting into place."

Chilwell Hall was once owned by the Martels, from whom it descended to the Babingtons. Both were families of estate and position.

The home then passed by marriage to the Delves, of Doddington in Cheshire, and from them to the Sheffields, Marquises of Normandy and Dukes of Buckingham.

Its name is remembered in nearby Hall Drive, off the High Road.

One of the most exciting discoveries of the excavation was a 50-metre-long cellar which Mr Robinson described as looking like a giant backbone of a fish spanning the garden.

He said: "You can imagine in days gone by children running up and down the cellar passageways scaring themselves silly.

"It really is fantastic to have made so many discoveries in a suburban lawn that is hiding years of secrets."

Mr Robinson and the archaeological team have carefully recorded everything they have discovered about the house and plan to publish their findings.

He added: "My wife said our garden has looked like a First World War battlefield for the past week because of all the digging and measuring, but we are both delighted to be part of such an astounding piece of history."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/History-unearthed-suburban-garden/story-13253169-detail/story.html

Article - The magnificent mansion built to impress a queen (Wollaton)

EVERYONE who has grown up in Nottingham knows about Wollaton Hall, one of the great Elizabethan houses of England.

However the present house is not the first Wollaton Hall. There were for many years actually two halls on the Wollaton estate. How did this come about?

Francis Willoughby, who employed master builder Robert Smythson to build the present hall, had suffered a very difficult childhood.

Francis was the youngest of three siblings; he had an elder brother Thomas and sister Margaret. They were orphaned while very young.

Thomas, being the eldest, inherited the whole of the substantial Willoughby wealth and sister Margaret could also be seen as a great asset as it was likely that her marriage would include a substantial dowry.

Guardianship of these two young people could be seen to be a worthwhile investment.

Francis however was of no value; worse he could be a financial encumbrance because as the youngest he would inherit nothing and therefore, to help make his way in the world, it would be expected that his guardian provide an education at his own expense.

Whilst Francis's sister and brother took their place in Elizabethan Society, Francis was somewhat sidelined and ignored.

But everything was to change. Thomas dismounted his horse after a day's hunting and died of "exhaustion of heat". Inheritance then passed over Margaret to the younger male heir Francis.

So, after losing his parents, being separated from his brother and sister, Francis now became the controller of the Willoughby wealth, with which he intended to make his mark.

It was a time when all English nobility vied to impress Queen Elizabeth. She was like no other monarch before or after.

She exuded not only power but also manners, culture, and intellect.

Francis knew his status could be substantially improved by inviting Queen Elizabeth to Wollaton, or if not inviting her, at least to have a house capable of holding Elizabeth's court should she travel to this part of her realm.

The original Wollaton Hall was at that time in the village; though nothing really remains of the old house. It is thought that its location was next to the village church, somewhere behind the Admiral Rodney pub.

Francis realised that his present house would not be suitable for the court of Queen Elizabeth, something on a grander scale was required.

Not only did Francis wish to impress the Queen but he also intended to show everyone that he was now a man of considerable education, wealth and substance.

If he were to build a great house there would be little point in tucking it away in the village, it needed to be appreciated by all who visited this part of England.

Near Wollaton Village a gentle slope led to the top of a hill, providing a vantage point over the whole area.

Also from this point, the town of Nottingham could clearly be seen. Upon this hill the house would be built.

Francis, with the builder Smythson, set to work in 1580. The magnificent house took eight years to build, being completed in 1588.

Francis and Smythson created a symmetrical house which could be viewed to advantage from all directions. Many styles of architecture were festooned onto the exterior of the house.

The Ancaster Stone from Lincolnshire with which the house is faced proved a perfect medium for the fine detailing required.

While the house was grand and imposing it was not particularly comfortable for daily life. Also the practicalities of running a great estate required a more pragmatic basic house and buildings.

So it was that for many years the two halls remained, the noble and grand house on the hill, largely empty and unoccupied, and the group of buildings that formed the hall in the village which dealt with the running of the Wollaton Estate. While the old hall has long disappeared, the Dovecote still remains and is now a museum in the village.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/magnificent-mansion-built-impress-queen/story-13253118-detail/story.html

Event - Coal mining exhibition (Wortley)

AN EXHIBITION about the area’s coal mining history goes on show at two local venues.

The Ashes and Diamonds display opens at Hurst House adult education centre, Abercrombie Street, Chesterfield, in the week beginning Monday, September 19.

It moves to Wortley Hall, between Sheffield and Barnsley, on the week commencing November 6.

The venues have been chosen because of their links to the National Union of Mineworkers.

Organiser John Dunn said: “Our day release course with Sheffield University used to be held in Hurst House, and Wortley Hall was the venue for our weekend schools and longer courses.

“Hurst House will be open for the exhibition from 10am to 4pm and some evenings.

“Comrades are invited to bring along memorabilia or just come along and share some memories.”

Email johndunn322@btinternet.com for more information.

From: http://www.southyorkshiretimes.co.uk/community/coal_mining_exhibition_1_3731390

News - Battle to save show from spending cuts (Sheffield Fayre)

ORGANISERS of the Sheffield Fayre were reflecting this week on another successful event and big turnout – and keeping their fingers crossed over the future.

While one of the main attractions in Norfolk Heritage Park is always the re-enactment of battles through the ages, the impact of the financial struggles at the town hall is increasingly taking centre stage.

The council gives £25,000 towards the show, which is the biggest free event of its kind in the north of England, and was staged for the tenth time last Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

“Over the weekend, six different people came up to us asking about funding cuts,” said Erica Fidment, secretary of the Friends of Norfolk Heritage Park and the fayre committee.

“There are cuts everywhere and we get a lot of support from the council with the infrastructure and the budget.

“With it being the Jubilee (the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee) next year, we are hoping that funding will be available. But we just don’t know.

“Hopefully it will take place, and everybody is very positive, but there is no commitment at this stage. It’s on a side of town that needs a lot of support.”

Paul Billington, the council’s director of environment and culture, said : “The council recognises the value of Sheffield Fayre and other similar events in parks.

“As everyone knows, the council faces continuing budget challenges but no budget decisions have been made at this stage.

“The council will work closely with partner organisations, including event organisers, to look at all options for the future delivery of services and activities.”

The fayre has become a key date in Sheffield’s calendar, anchored by the historical re-enactments that see ‘soldiers’ from Roman times to World War Two camping in the park, a horticultural show, fairground and community stalls.

One of the most popular attractions this year was the sideshows of the University of Sheffield’s National Fairground Archive.

Last year’s event attracted around 25,000 visitors and it is thought more people came this year, despite uncertain weather.

Erica said: “It was absolutely fabulous. The first day is usually quiet but it was very busy. There were a lot of families. The re-enactments were as good as ever and the horticultural event was well attended. I was really happy about how it went.”

Worries about the weather and a loss of parking space because of the creation of football pitches turned out to be misplaced.

Christian Sprakes, a telesales worker from Doncaster who was with the American Civil War Society, said: “We do about six or seven major festivals every year and Sheffield is very good, because you get lots of different period groups here. Our members come from all across the country, from every walk of life.”

From: http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/battle_to_save_show_from_spending_cuts_1_3733680

Article - A potted history of the Malt Cross (Nottingham)

Most of you are probably familiar with The Malt Cross, one of Nottingham's most treasured venues - and the first place LeftLion ever put on live events.

But did you know that an ice rink was considered in the original blueprints? Or that the comedic group, Karno's Army, (famous for helping to launch the career of Charlie Chaplin) appeared on stage? Or that it was closed in 1914 when its license was revoked? Magistrates noted that it had become a haunt for “felons and whores” to practise “widespread villainy and lechery.”

Having established itself in both the community and the hearts of Nottingham folk, the Malt Cross decided to share the history of this amazing building, with a public exhibition throughout August.

St James's Street, where the Malt Cross stands, has existed since Norman times. In 1877, the building was purchased by a Mr Charles Weldon. He completely rebuilt and enlarged the premises in just six months and opened the doors on the 2 October, to coincide with the annual Goose Fair.

The architect of this unique building was Edwin Hill. An elusive character and local chap, the Malt Cross is the only building with which he is most definitely associated. One of the many wonders that has proved to be a talking point for historians and architects alike, is the vast arched roof, which is held together entirely by glue! There are no signs of nails or bolts having been used to secure the separate pieces of wood. It remains something of an enigma how Edwin Hill, a relatively unknown architect, came to construct a roof of such innovative design.

In the original plans for the building, no stage was featured. It was only with the surge in Music Hall entertainment that a high stage was added during construction. Charles Weldon had originally intended for the Malt Cross to be a public house and skating rink.

As well as being the builder, Weldon was also the initial proprietor. He also owned the Royal Alhambra Music Hall and the Alhambra band were booked to be one of the headlining acts of the opening night at The Malt Cross. A number of different managers took over the running of the business over the years, one of them being Sam Torr. As well as being manager, he was also a performer and perhaps most famous for exhibiting The Elephant Man. It's highly possible that John Merrick could well have been showcased at the Malt Cross, considering Sam Torr's involvement with the venue, but we will never know for certain.

The Malt Cross made its name by being Nottingham's official 'day house.' Trial matinee performances were held on Wednesday afternoons. Local proprietors of more established venues would come along to talent spot for their own venues. Acting as a 'stamping ground' for fresh talent, many famous acts were likely to have trod the boards at The Malt Cross at some stage during their careers.

Little Tich, standing at just 4ft 6in tall, was one of the most famous music hall performers of the day. Inspiring and influencing those during his lifetime and beyond, John Cleese of Monty Python fame, can be seen inpersonating Little Tich in the famous sketch, 'The Ministry of Silly Walks.'

Fred Karno was a well known theatre impresario of the British Music Hall. Credited for inventing (or at least 'trade marking') the custard pie in the face gag, Karno launched his internationally renowned comedy troupe in 1882 in Nottingham. Karno can take credit for helping to launch the careers of both Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy fame.)

From: http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/a-potted-history-of-the-malt-cross/id/3879