News - Cash boost for Brodsworth war research

A COUNTRY house in Doncaster has secured a grant worth nearly £100,000 which will help research for a wartime project.


The English Heritage has announced that following the £99,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it will go towards a three year project examining the role that Brodsworth Hall played in the two World Wars.

Research is now underway and examining the social history of how Brodsworth Hall, and the people living in and around its estate, were affected by the wars.

The research will provide the basis for public displays within the Hall, its owners and staff during these years of conflict.

The project will also enable stories from the period to be explored and shared within the community, through a digital display developed with the involvement of local groups and children.

The first stage of the project, which will launch at Easter 2013, will be a trail throughout the Hall and events focussing on life during World War II.

An exhibition about World War I and the community’s support for those serving in both wars will launch at the same time, with events surrounding this to follow in 2014 to coincide with the centenary of the outbreak of World War I in 1914.

English Heritage intends to hold a series of reminiscence sessions over the autumn to gather such stories and record peoples’ memories, and David Alcock of Heritage Learning will be arranging these.

Anyone with stories relating to Brodsworth during either World War should contact David on brodsworthwar@english-heritage.org.uk or 01482 318961.

Alternatively contact Caroline and staff at Brodsworth Hall at Brodsworth Hall, Donaster, DN5 7XJ, or ring 01302 722598.

The Brodsworth Hall ‘In Time of War’ project is part of a series of independent exhibitions taking place at country houses throughout the region in 2013-14, co-ordinated by the Yorkshire Country House Partnership.

From: http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/community/cash-boost-for-brodsworth-war-research-1-5017939

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 Or that it was closed in 1914 when its license was revoked?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

News - Work starts on Sutton war memorial (Sutton-in-Ashfield)

ASHFIELD will finally get a new war memorial to its fallen heroes this summer as work starts after a long campaign.

Around five years of work came to a head on Monday as the first sod was cut at the site of the new monument, on the corner of Mansfield Road and Unwin Road in Sutton.

Campaign group Friends of Ashfield War Memorials raised around £25,000 to get the memorial built.

Said group treasurer Maria Kerry: “It was a marvellous feeling to see the work finally start.

“The campaign has been going on for years but we are finally getting there.”

Recognising British service personnel killed during conflict since 1914, the completed monument will feature an obelisk and garden.

It will be officially unveiled with a special ceremony in June.

On Monday group members and local people who have donated cash to the scheme saw NMC Nomenca, part of the Huthwaite-based North Midland Construction group, start work.

The company is among firms offering their services for free to get the monument built, while local councillors have also given thousands of pounds in funding towards the scheme.

Added Mrs Kerry: “The memorial itself is done, the railings are being finished and the plaques are done, we can’t wait for it to be ready.”

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/work_starts_on_sutton_war_memorial_1_3156874