Event - Local Finds and Their Preservation (Worksop)

The next Priories Historical society talk takes place on Thursday March 7th.  Sam Glasswell from the Bassetlaw Museum in Retford comes to talk about artefacts found in our local area and the techniques used to keep them in good condition.

The talk starts at 7.30pm at the BCVS Old Abbey School building next to the Worksop Priory (S80 2BU). Entrance is still only £3 (or £2 for members) Free tea/coffee and biscuits are provided at each meeting. Membership remains the same at only £5 per year.

PHS website is at  http://priorieshistoricalsociety.btck.co.uk/

Events - Priories Historical Society Talks 2013 (Worksop)

All 2013 talks will be held at 7.30pm at the BCVS Old Abbey School building next to the Priory Church, Priorswell Road, Worksop, S80 2BU. Entrance is still only £3 (or £2 for members) Free tea/coffee and biscuits are provided at each meeting. Membership remains the same at only £5 per year. The meetings are on the first Thursday of each month.

February 7th – TBA

March 7th – Local Finds and Their Preservation
Sam Glasswell from the Bassetlaw Museum in Retford comes to talk about what has been found in our local area and the techniques used to keep them in good condition.

April 4th – Lady Arbella Stewart – The Queen That Never Was
A fascinating talk by David Templeman from the Manor House in Sheffield on Lady Arbella Stewart, Englands ‘lost queen’. Follow her life, the plot to overthrow James I and her final days in the Tower of London.

May 2nd - Raymoth Lane Excavation
Pam Cook talks to the society about the last large scale excavation to take place in Worksop. Discover the Romano-British history of the area around Gateford and what discoveries were made during the dig in 2003 and 2004. (Due to the expected attendance levels this will be a ticket only event).

June 6th – Great Houses and Halls
An illustrated talk by Pat McLaughlin, one of the areas greatest experts on churches and mansions. Come and discover the facts on our local areas surviving and long gone large houses, who owned them and some interesting facts.

July 4th - TBA talk by Ian Morgan

August 1st /September 5th/October 3rd /November 7th /December 5th TBA

Event - Finds Day at Bassetlaw Museum

Saturday 28th July 11am –3pm

Drop-in event for finders of archaeological objects, especially metal detector users.  Please bring in any items you have found, which you believe may be older than 300 years old, for identification and possible recording by the Finds Liaison Officer who will be visiting the Museum for the day.

The FLO will also be bringing along a handling collection of some typical finds so even if you haven't found anything but want to find out more about the work of the Portable Antiquities Scheme do come along.

Events - Local History Events at Worksop Library

“Royal Memories Exhibition”

Throughout June 2012 in Worksop Library’s Gallery

Gallery - Free
In celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, we look back at past royal visits to Worksop in this exhibition of old photographs from the library’s collection, and royal memorabilia from Bassetlaw Museum

“Queen Elizabeth II – A Selection from 60 Years” by Bassetlaw Museum
Thursday 7th June 2012 at 2pm in Worksop Library’s Meeting Room - Free
This talk by Bassetlaw Museum accompanies their display of selected royal memorabilia in Worksop’s Gallery area, as part of our Royal Memories exhibition

“Tracing your ancestors with Family Search”
Thursday 14th June 2012 3 – 4pm in Worksop Library’s Meeting Room - Free
Hear from experts from Family Search - the world’s largest genealogical organisation - about the family history records and resources available for free on the Family Search website

“A July Tragedy – The Murder of Violet Kirk”
Thursday 12th July 2012 3pm in Worksop Library’s Meeting Room  TBC
In July 1922, the murder of Worksop school teacher Violet Kirk was to shock Worksop and lead to one of the town’s biggest ever manhunts – this talk tells the tragic story

“Family History Scrapbooking”
Thurs 16th August 2012  2 – 4pm in Worksop Library’s Local Studies area  Free
Craft and learning activity suitable for all the family, using local studies resources such as maps, newspapers, and photographs, to make a personal scrapbook “All About Me”

“Worksop Library Heritage Open Day - Hidden treasures of Worksop’s Local Studies Library”
Thursday 6th September 2012
• Explore the Cecil Brown collection of old Worksop photographs and picture postcards in this free exhibition
All day in the library
• Photographic Tour - Join us for a guided short tour of the local area, where we'll visit the sites of Cecil Brown’s photographs, discover more about their history, and take new photos to record how things have changed (please bring a camera if you wish to take photographs)
Time TBC - Free (Under 10s must be accompanied by an adult)

• Film Showing of “Worksop in the 1950s” DVD
In the Meeting Room, Time TBC Free
 
Please note: Booking is advised for these events - please ring the library to book your place (Worksop – 01909 535353; Retford – 01777 708724)

News - Medieval gold ring declared treasure (Thurcroft)

A METAL detecting enthusiast unearthed a 14th century gold ring studded with a ruby and an emerald, an inquest heard.

Metal finishing plant worker Paul McEvoy, 44, found the medieval finger ring just six inches beneath the soil surface in a field in Thurcroft, Rotherham.

Mr McEvoy, from Dinnington, told the Rotherham hearing: “I thought I had dug up a squash bottle top but it turned out to be a ring.”

He said he had been metal detecting for an hour and until then had only found modern spoons, nails and a buckle.

The find, made in July, 2009, was verified by Beverley Nenk from the British Museum.

Landowners Judith and Hedley Leaning were at the inquest and said the land which had been left fallow after growing wheat was farmed by Richard Crowe from Tickhill.

It is not yet known how valuable the ring is or where it will end up.

Assistant deputy coroner Jonathan Godfrey declared the ring treasure trove under the Treasure Act.

He said: “I am satisfied that the item that was found by Mr McEvoy was a gold finger ring with two stones, one green and one red. Having regard to its age and that it is gold it is treasure.”

The ring is being held by Retford Museum.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/at-a-glance/main-section/medieval_gold_ring_declared_treasure_1_3940821

Event - Insight into Victorian life (Retford)

An Art exhibition capturing the life and death of a Victorian child is to be displayed at Bassetlaw Museum.

Nellie was the daughter of T.J. and H. Barker of Sheffield and runs until 5th November.

A fascinating insight into mourning in Victorian times is provided by a poignant collection of the belongings of young Nellie Barker who died from TB at age 12 on December 27th 1890.

Opening times Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm.

For more information contact (01777) 713749.

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/insight_into_victorian_life_1_3888430

Event - New exhibitions held at museum (Retford)

BASSETLAW Museum is set to unveil two new ‘fascinating’ and ‘vibrant’ exhibitions this autumn.

The first will display the work of a Ranby artist. A selection of vibrant acrylics and stunning oils, sketches and wool artworks by Ranby-born artist Tops is on display at the Percy Law Gallery at Bassetlaw Museum until 15th October.

Entitled Behind the Lines: Abridged autobiography by Tops the exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the mysterious artist’s self-image.

Paintings flooded with colour are the core of the display and engage the audience to explore them further and to search for hidden images and meanings.

The beautiful pieces created can be enjoyed on many levels.

Tops were born in Ranby, just outside of Retford. He studied art at Mansfield, Nottingham, Portsmouth and Southampton where he gained his BA Honours degree in art. After living most of his life on the south coast, he now resides in Ordsall.

The second is a fascinating insight into mourning in Victorian times provided by a poignant collection of the belongings of Nellie Barker, who died from TB at age 12 on December 27th 1890.

Nellie was the daughter of T.J. and H. Barker of Sheffield.

Museum curator, Sam Glasswell said: “The legacy of Nellie, including the dress she is wearing in her portrait, her memorial dome, and the letter from Dr Barnardo to her mother is the basis of the current exhibition at Bassetlaw Museum.”

“After Nellie’s death, the Barker family came to Retford and set up Fairy Grove Flower Nurseries on London Road.”

“Based on Nellie’s obituary, written by her mother, we’ve illustrated what Nellie’s life might have been like.”

“You will find on display items that belonged to Nellie and other rich Victorian children, but not even money could not protect children from illness. Nellie’s obituary went on to inspire us to explore mourning in the Victorian era.”

Bassetlaw District Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Leisure, Julie Leigh, said: “Bassetlaw Museum would like to thank the Barker family, John Hurton and the Friends of Burngreave Cemetery for their contribution towards the exhibition.”

“Through displays like this one the museum tries to show visitors how people lived in times gone by; what they valued and how differently they managed events that were sometimes far more commonplace than they might be today.”

“When this important educational role cannot be properly supported by its own substantial collection, the Museum is most grateful to accept the inputs of people like those who have helped make this exhibition possible.”

The exhibition runs until 5th November.

Bassetlaw Museum, Amcott House, 40 Grove Street, Retford, DN22 6LD. Opening times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 4.30 pm.

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/new_exhibitions_held_at_museum_1_3822303

Event - New exhibits at Bassetlaw Museum (retford)

HISTORY enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the brand-new Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition at Bassetlaw Museum.

The exhibition recreates the style of a Victorian cabinet of curiosities, which was a room filled with a variety of unusual objects collected from natural and social history, archaeology and geological sources.

The museum’s cabinet displays a wide range of artefacts such as Chinese shoes for bound feet, devil’s toenails, charms from Bassetlaw against witches, a cricket ball presented to Harold Larwood, a bank note issued by The Bank of Retford and many others.

Included in the display is a puzzling collection of souvenirs brought from the South Seas by ‘’the late Captain G. Williams the last time he came over before his murder’’.

They belonged to Mr Robert Leonard Towne, grocer of 48 Bridge Street, Worksop who died in 1907 and were donated by his son.

The museum staff would welcome any information about the mysterious Captain Williams and his possible adventures.

Katarzyna Wosiak of Bassetlaw Museum said they would love to know more about Captain Williams and the stories behind his South Seas adventures.

“Part of the collection was in the museum in the 1930s when it was based in Worksop,” she said.

“We are appealing to any local historians or history buffs who may know about Captain Williams’ connection to the town to let us know more about him.”

The exhibition runs Monday to Saturday 10am-4.45pm until Saturday 10th September.

For more information Call Bassetlaw Museum on 01777 713749.

Festival of British Archaeology - In search of the Carlton Knight (Carlton-in-Lindrick)

Saturday 23rd July 10.00am - 3.30pmA beautiful miniature knight discovered in Carlton. What does it mean? What was it like to live in medieval times?

Experience life in 12th century Bassetlaw. Meet a knight and his lady with members of their household. Take part in Roman and Medieval object handling sessions. Archaeological Detective Agency with games and activities for children. Calligraphy demonstrations. A talk for adults about the Carlton knight at 2 pm.

Event run by Bassetlaw Museum and Carlton-in-Lindrick Community Centre with members of Time Tarts Historical Solutions, re-enactors known from many BBC productions.Event held at the Community Centre in Carlton. Free entry

 

From: http://www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk/events.asp?page=events&id=>0

News - Historic phonebox returns to town (Bassetlaw Museum)

An iconic red British telephone box has been donated to the Bassetlaw Museum.

The box was originally owned by Retford resident Julien Edson, who saved it from a telephone graveyard near Rotherham in the late 80s.

He said: “There’s a certain charm to the old telephone boxes, and I was always sad to see the kiosks being carted off to a breaker’s yard.”

After striking a deal, Mr Edison bought the box for £125 and got it delivered for free to his garden, where it has lived for the past 22 years.

But now this piece of history has been donated to the Bassetlaw Museum on Grove Street, where it has been restored by the council almost to its former glory.

It now stands proudly in the grounds of the Retford museum.

The red K6 kiosks were designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also drew the plans for Liverpool’s Anglian Cathedral and Battersea Power Station.

They are said to said to be particularly popular in America - their traditional vintage charm appealing to the likes of Rod Stewart and Tom Jones, who both own one.

In 1985 British Telecom withdrew the much-loved red boxes from the market and every one of the booths in Retford disappeared.

Museum curator Samantha Glasswell said they are thrilled to have such a nostalgic piece of British history back in the town.

“They used to be something that were on every street corner, and now they’re so rare,” she said.

“They were so much more than a phonebox - somewhere to meet the person of your heart’s desire, or shelter from the rain; they were a lot of fun,” she added.

Bassetlaw Council’s portfolio holder for environment and leisure Julie Leigh is hoping that the box can soon be completely restored.

“It’s always exciting when the Museum’s collection is enhanced, especially with objects representing part of our rich local heritage,” she said.

“It would be fantastic if we could complete the conservation of the phone box by fitting an original receiver and coin box, and perhaps there is a conservation-minded reader who could help us locate one.”

From: http://www.retfordtoday.co.uk/news/local-news/historic_phonebox_returns_to_town_1_3590842

Event - Roman Nottinghamshire by author Mark Patterson (Bassetlaw Museum)

FREE talk at Bassetlaw Museum

Roman Nottinghamshire by author Mark Patterson

Meet the author and book signing this Saturday 2nd July 2011 2-3pm

Places are limited so ring the museum on 01777 713 749 to book yours!

Event - Farm and Country Festival (Retford)

Come and see the vintage tractors and vehicles, traction engine, Gypsy caravan, wrought iron demonstration, woodcraft and cane chairs and watercolour artist.


There will be stalls from the Notts Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation Trust and local shops as well as stalls of country crafts, cards and books and local produce. You can listen to the Retford Oaks School Band and observe a line dancing display.This is along with children's activities, refreshments and ice cream.

Bassetlaw Museum, Saturday 25th June - Sunday 26th June, 10 am - 4 pmAdmission: FREE

From: http://www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk/events.asp?page=events&id=>0

Event - A Year in the Life of Rattlejag Morris (Newark)

Exhibition at Stage 2 Gallery, Millgate Museum, Newark – from 30^th April to 19^th June 2011

Rattlejag Morris is a local English morris dance team, founded in 2002 and based in Retford, but with members from across the region. 

The side itself is unique, as its dances and music recreate the spirit of the plough jags (or farm workers) of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire.  The dances are based on historical information researched through these counties by members of the team.  The repertoire includes rattle, stick, sword, broom, bacca pipe and clog dances, accompanied by live music, mostly from Lincolnshire collections, played on fiddle, melodeon, concertina, mandolin, whistle, Lincolnshire bagpipes and sometimes a hurdy gurdy. 

There is not another morris side like Rattlejag – and they dance for enjoyment too!

The exhibition can be viewed on several levels:

·         The story of Rattlejag’s activities and background:
Browse the photographs, texts and artefacts– enjoy a narrative that is closely identified with this region.

·         Historical and social background :
Brief historical quotes from the side’s own research are scattered about the gallery.  There are also more detailed texts on the team’s and other research for more serious students

·         Morris dance as a dynamic dance genre:
Find out how Rattlejag created its unique morris dances. 
And this story is not just about the side itself, but about its place in the wider local and national English traditional dance culture in the 21^st century.  You might be surprised about how varied, inventive and alive that is!

·         Music and instruments-  that accompany Rattlejag dances – the music is always live, not recorded - included is historical information on why this music and these instruments.

This exhibition is the result of a “living history” project, where the side recorded all their activities through photos, video and material sources over the year September 2009 to September 2010, representing a typical organisational year for a 21st century morris dance side.  This material is being organised into a “community box” to be archived in Bassetlaw Museum as a resource for the future.  This is the only project known of its kind.  A grant from Nottinghamshire CC Arts helped the side with this work.

Come and glance around or spend a little more time.  Or come and meet Rattlejag Morris and guest teams at Millgate Museum, Newark, with a live performance on Saturday 4^th June at c. 1.00pm – and you may get a chance to join in too.

For further information, please visit our website www.rattlejagmorris.org.uk

Events – CBA Festival of British Archaeology 2011

It will soon be time for the annual festical of British archaeology.  Here is a list of events for south Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire currently showing on their website (this list is no means definitive so please keep up to date via the CBA’s website at http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/whatson

I'll try to update it as regularly as possible:

 

CADEBY, South Yorks - Whiz Bangs and Waders (Sat 30–Sun 31 July 13.00–16.00)

A weekend of talks by leading authors and demonstrations focused on the Great War. Celebrating the life of George Harry Wyatt VC who is buried at St. Johns. …

A weekend of talks by leading authors and demonstrations focussed on the Great War. Celebrating the life of George Harry Wyatt VC who is buried at St. Johns. Free donations welcome.

Location: St John the Evangelist's church, Cadeby, Doncaster DN5 7SW. OS Ref no: SE 515 005
Directions: 5 miles south west of Doncaster, off A6023

Org: The Churches Conservation Trust
Name: Dave Adgar
Tel: 07733 108553
Email: dadgar@tcct.org.uk
Web: www.visitchurches.org.uk

 

CALVERTON , Notts - Iron Age Roundhouse Open Day (Sat 23–Sun 24 July 13.00–16.00)

Learn about life in the Iron Age in a full size reconstructed roundhouse. See a Romano-British building under construction. …

Learn about life in the Iron Age in a full size reconstructed roundhouse. New for this year, see a Romano-british building under construction.
Adults £2, children free.

Location: Woodview Farm, Mansfield Lane, Calverton, Nottingham NG14 6HP.

Org: ATARC
Name: Grahame Watson
Tel: 0115 9654285
Email: gwatsonroundhouse@googlemail.com

 

 

CARLTON-IN-LINDRICK, Notts - In Search of the Carlton Knight (Sat 23 July 10.00–15.30)

A beautiful miniature knight discovered in Carlton. What does it mean? What was it like to live in Medieval times? How can we find out? …

Learn the skills to decode objects and discover the mysteries of the past.

Using the famous Carlton-in-Lindrick knight, people can handle real objects, learn ancient skills and discover what it was like to live in Medieval times. Earn the right to a warrant card as a member of the Archaeological Detective Agency.

There will be a talk for adults about the knight in the afternoon.

Free.

Location: Carlton-in-Lindrick Centre, Off Long Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick S81 9AP.

Org: Bassetlaw Museum
Name: Sam Glasswell
Tel: 01777 713749
Web: www.carltonrc.org.uk

 

CRESWELL CRAGS, Derbys TBA

KINGS CLIPSTONE, Notts - Pageant at the Palace (Sun 24 July 14.30–18.00)

Discover Sherwood’s real history – find out why all the Plantagenet Kings came to the forest’s most important archaeological site. Pageant theme is Edward I and the 1290 Parliament. …

Entry charge £1 each. Discover more of Sherwood Forest’s real history– find out why all the Plantagent Kings came to the Forest’s most important archaeological site.

Major new finds since 2010 event.

With a real village community feel this is one of the best local events available this year. This year’s pageant theme is Edward I, the Parliament of 1290 (which dealt with the Scottish succession) and the death Eleanor of Castile.

Refreshments available. Bring something to sit on. Other attractions & entertainments. An event not to miss, over 600 attended last year.

Location: King John’s Palace, Mansfield Road, Kings Clipstone, Mansfield NG21 9BT. Off B6030 at the western end of the village.

Org: Celebration of Kings Clipstone Group
Name: Steve Parkhouse
Email: KingsClipstoneVillage@live.co.uk
Web: www.heartofancientsherwood.co.uk

 

 

Mansfield Notts – Medieval Skegby Pottery (16-30 July 10.00-17.00)

 

A chance find of 12th-century pottery found last year in the village of Skegby, Nottiinghamshire, will be on display for the very first time. Free.

Location: Mansfield Museum, Leeming Street, Mansfield NG18 1NG. Org: Sherwood Archaeological Society
Name: Jodie Henshaw and Liz Weston
Tel: 01623 463088
Email: mansfieldmuseum@mansfield.gov.uk
Web: www.mansfield.gov.uk/museum

 

 

NEWARK, Notts - Time Travel Trent Vale (Sat 30 July 10.00–16.00)

Join the Community Archaeologists and Trent Vale project; explore secret corners of Newark Castle and travel through time with living history and activities for all the family. …

Join the Community Archaeologists and Trent Vale project; explore secret corners of Newark Castle and travel through time with living history and activities for all the family. Free!

Location: Newark Castle and Riverside Park, Newark.

Org: Nottinghamshire County Council
Name: Emily Gillott
Tel: 0115 9772160
Email: community.archaeology@nottscc.gov.uk
Web: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/environment/heritage/archaeology/communityarchaeology.htm

 

NEWARK, Notts - Guided Walks to the Queens Sconce (Sun 31 July 11.00–16.00)

Guided walks to the Queens Sconce, one of the best surviving examples of 17th-century military engineering in the country. …

Guided walks to the Queens Sconce, which was the Royalists' southern stronghold for the town of Newark in the defence oagainst the Parliamnetarians during the first English Civil War (1642-1646).

The sconce itself is one of the best surviving examples of 17th-century military engineering in the country.

Location: Sconce and Devon Park, Boundary Road, Newark NG24 4AU.

Org: Newark and Sherwood District Council
Name: Peter Dixon
Tel: 01636 655718
Email: peter.dixon@nsdc.info
Web: sconceanddevonpark.org

 

 

NOTTINGHAM, Notts - Archaeological Adventure in the Sheriff's Dungeon (Various days throughout the Festival 10.30–16.00)

Children's archaeological adventure. Dig to your hearts content and search for artefacts of crime and punishment. Explore unseen dungeons with archaeology enthusiasts. Available as part of the villianous sheriff tour.

Free as part of tour. £8.95 for adults, £6.95 for children.

Location: Galleries of Justice Museum, Shire Hall, High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN.

Org: Galleries of Justice Museum
Name: Gary Holmes
Tel: 0115 9520555
Email: info@galleriesofjustice.org.uk
Web: www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk

 

NOTTINGHAM, Notts – Coins, Medals and Tokens Identification (Fri 22 July 14.00–16.00)

An opportunity to get your prize medals, coins and tokens identified by the Numismatic Society of Nottinghamshire and handle items from the museums’ handling collection. …

Our annual opportunity to get your unusual, or not so unusual, coins, medals, tokens and other numismatic items looked at by specialists from the Numismatic Society of Nottinghamshire.

A chance to learn about collecting and how to get started in this subject area and to handle duplicate items from the collections of Nottingham City Museums & Galleries, including many locally issues. So if you have numismatic family heirlooms knocking about in a drawer at home, this is your change to discover what they might be and to learn how to look after them.

Normal joint ticket with the Castle applies, adult £5.50, concessions £4, City Card holders £1. Free entry for YAC members and those with numismatic items for identification

Location: The Museum of Nottingham Life, Brewhouse Yard, Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 1FB.

Org: Nottingham City Museums & Galleries
Name: Ann Inscker
Tel: 0115 9153640
Email: ann.inscker@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Web: www.mynottingham.gov.uk/whatson

 

NOTTINGHAM, Notts - 'Campion and the Antiquarians’ Behind the Scenes Tour (Fri 22 & Fri 29 10.30–11.45 & 14.00–15.15)

A chance to see some of the important archaeological contributions made by amateur antiquarians through their finds and contributions to the archaeological mapping database. …

A chance to see some of the important archaeological contributions made by amateur antiquarians through their finds and contributions to the archaeological mapping database.

The collections at Nottingham City Museums & Galleries and our understanding of the local archaeological landscape has been greatly enhanced over the years by the work of individual antiquarian collectors, together with amateur archaeological excavation teams and local history societies. William Stretton and George Campion were two such individuals who made their mark on Nottingham in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly when it came to cave excavations around the city. These behind the scenes tours will give the public the opportunity to see some of the work and collections contributed by amateurs, to handle a few objects from the collection and to see our Urban Archaeological GIS database. Visitors will also be able to see some of the results from the 3D scanning work currently taking place in a number of Nottingham’s 500 plus caves, by the Trent and Peak Archaeological Field Unit, as part of a partnership project.

Please note this tour will involve stairs, as there are no lifts in the building.

£2.50, booking required.

Location: Meet outside The Museum of Nottingham Life, Brewhouse Yard, Castle Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 1FB (or inside the shop area if the weather is poor).

Org: Nottingham City Museums & Galleries
Name: Ann Inscker
Tel: 0115 9153640
Email: ann.inscker@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Web: www.mynottingham.gov.uk/whatson

 

OLD EDLINGTON, South Yorks - Brass on the Grass (Sun 10 July 13.00–16.00)

Family fun at this historic church. …

Join Old Edlington Residents Association for their annual Summer Gala. All the stalls of a traditional summer fair together with Dinnington Colliery Band, stars of the recent television series A Band for Britain. Free- donations welcome.

Location: St. Peter’s Church, Old Edlington, Doncaster DN12 1PZ.

Org: The Churches Conservation Trust
Name: Dave Adgar
Tel: 07733 108553
Email: dadgar@tcct.org.uk
Web: www.visitchurches.org.uk

 

 

PAPPLEWICK, Notts - Moor Pond Wood Project (Sat 16–Sun 17 July 10.00–16.00)

Excavation and exploration of an 18th-century sluice. …

Excavation and exploration of an 18th-century sluice.

As part of our ongoing project we will be exploring further areas within our project site, in order to learn more about the water system created by Robinson to feed his watermills along the River Leen.

Location: Grange Cottage Wood, off Papplewick Lane, Papplewick, Nottingham NG15. Approach via B6011 & B683. Site just south of village crossroads on corner of road to Hucknall.

Org: Friends of Moor Pond Wood
Name: Mrs M Barker
Tel: 0115 9632057
Email: mpw.papplewick@talktalk.net
Web: moorpond.papplewick.org/

 

SHEFFIELD, South Yorks - Life at No.57 – The Sheffield Terraced Street Dig (Sat 16–Sun 31 July 10.00–16.00)

Excavate a Victorian terraced house! Finds washing, talks, hands-on activities. A chance for everyone to get involved in this innovative community dig. Please book. Free. …

Excavate a Victorian Terraced House! Finds washing, talks, hands-on activities.
An opportunity for everyone to get involved in this innovative community dig. FREE.

This year is Heeley City Farms 30th Anniversary and this years excavation will be a celebration Heeley Communities then and now

The Back garden of a Victorian terraced house may seem like an unusual target for an archaeological dig, but this project which is in its third year, makes archaeology accessible to everyone enabling participants to learn about archaeological excavation techniques, and to experience the excitement of archaeological discovery at first hand.

For this year’s National Festival of British Archaeology, Heeley City Farm have teamed up with the Archaeologists from the University of Sheffield to further investigate Alexandra Road. Once a bustling street in the Sheffield district of Heeley. These gardens are now buried beneath the calm environment Heeley City Farms cows field. This year will be developing the project based on the success of last year’s excavation and extending the excavation into local back gardens and green spaces. We will be investigating the lives and trades long gone of people in Heeley. There will be a number of opportunities for everyone to join in with activities and reviewing our findings so far. We will also be inviting people to come and share their memories of the houses which were demolished in the late 1970s.We will be continuing to excavate the site aiming to answer some of the many questions raised by last year’s excavation. Everyone is welcome to participate (under 8s must be supervised by an adult) no previous experience needed and full training will be given but due to limited spaces please contact Sally Rodgers for a booking form and any other information.

Location: Heeley City Farm, Richards Road, Sheffield S2 4UR.

Org: Heeley City Farm & Sheffield University
Name: Sally Rodgers
Tel: 0114 2580482
Email: youngroots@heeleyfarm.org.uk
Web: www.heeleyfarm.org.uk

 

 

THROAPHAM, South Yorks - Throapham Archaeology Weekend (Sat 30–Sun 31 July)

Guided tour of Anglo-Saxon/Norse and Medieval Church with Celtic origins and Roman evidence. Displays of local and national finds and information on the church and the area. …

Guided tour of Anglo-Saxon/Norse & Medieval Church with Celtic origins from B.C. date. Many Roman indications and evidence. Displays of local and national finds and information on the church and the area.

The Church of St. John the Baptist dates from early Anglo-Saxon times with many medieval items and architecture. The site is an early Celtic site dating from B.C. with a well within the grounds.The church is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

A Midsummer Fair (actually on St. John the Baptist’s day) took place until recent times in the adjacent field with a walk from Laughton All Saints. Inside the church is the first memorial written in English from 1424 and a medieval coffin lid, also a medieval font with three heads representing the three known continents (America not having been found then). There are many ancient tombs in the graveyard including Chest and Table tombs. Some with iron railings round to stop grave robbers. Copies of the Baptism, Marriage and Burial records exist from the 1500s and will be on view in the church. Many of the miners who died from local collieries including Dinnington and Thurcroft were buried here and people who lived in Throapham Manor House (now gone).

Guided tours are available throughout the day. Exhibits will include local finds many of them Roman. Refreshments and toilet on site. Collectors and Antique sale table to assist in our fund raising, Guided tours: Saturday 11am; 2pm; 3pm Sunday 2pm; 4pm Free. Donations towards the Friends work gratefully accepted.

Location: St. John the Baptist Church, St. John’s Road, Throapham with Laughton-en-le-Morthen, Near Rotherham S25 1YL. At Throapham crossroads turn towards Laughton and the church is on the left hand side, not in the hamlet of Throapham.

Org: Friends of Throapham Church
Name: Mrs. Pam Cook, Hon. Secretary
Tel: 01909 732485
Email: pammd15@tiscali.co.uk

 

WENTWORTH, South Yorks - Knights in Battle (Sat 2–Sun 3 July 10.00–16.00)

Medieval re-enactment at this historic church. …

Explore the world of the Wars of the Roses period, with the various possessions, equipment, weapons and armour of the soldiers of the recruiting party and their families on display and to handle. Throughout the day various demonstrations are given of combat with different weapons, plus inspections, a demonstration by the surgeon and the cooking of authentic meal for the soldiers. Free- donations welcome.

Location: Old Holy Trinity Church, Main Street, Wentworth, Rotherham S62 7TX.

Org: The Churches Conservation Trust
Name: Dave Adgar
Tel: 07733 108553
Email: dadgar@tcct.org.uk
Web: www.visitchurches.org.uk

 

WORKSOP, Notts - Nottinghamshire & South Yorkshire History (Sun 16 July 09.00–16.00/17 July 12.00-16.00)

Come and visit one of the local history and archaeology societies at Worksop Library.  Priories Historical Society will be exhibiting items from their recent archaeological work as well as having a display on the local history for this pleasant part of the North Midlands.  The society covers both Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire due to the proximity of the two counties.   The exhibit will also include photographs of local sites of interest.

The event is free and runs from 09.00am until 16.00 on Saturday and 12.00 to 16.00 on Sunday.  Pop round to learn more about your local history.

Location: Worksop Library, Memorial Avenue, Worksop. Nottinghamshire S80 2BP

Org: Priories Historical Society
Name: Pam Cook
Tel: 01909 732485
Email: priorieshistoricalsociety@rocketmail.com
Web: http://priorieshistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/

News - Notes issued by short-lived Bank of Retford could fetch up to £220 at auction

THE chequered history of a short-lived Retford private bank will be recalled as two of its old £1 bills go under the hammer.

In what could be one of the shortest-lived banks ever, the Bank of Retford, established by aristocrats Roger Pocklington and William Dickinson in 1799, closed after just ten years of trading.

Next month, two £1 notes issued by the bank in 1808 will go for auction separately by London Coins in Bracknell, with a combined sale estimate of £140 to £220.

While not legal tender, they are often highly sought after by collectors, said London Coins general manager, Semra Cetin.

She said: "During this era many provincial banks sprung up across the British Isles all printing their own notes.

"Although these notes have long since lost their redeemable value, they have a much more substantial value to collectors."

The notes are similar to those donated to Bassetlaw Museum by Retford Historical and Archaeological Society for its opening.

Society chairman Malcolm Dolby said it was not uncommon at the time for wealthy aristocrats to set up local banks – regardless of experience.

He said: "These were members of the aristocracy who set up their own private banks or became involved with banking as a way of investment.

"It was always a matter of trying to interest your bosses while trying to interest your partners.

"You always had the pressure and only needed bad trading, bad deposits or a bad stroke of luck to run out of business and leave people queuing out of the doors to withdraw their money.

"It's had some modern echoes actually."

After a mere 10 years of trading, a combination of taking on an inexperienced colleague and an employee swindling the bank of its assets are thought to have led to its bankruptcy.

Mr Dolby said: "You were dealing with some partners who had no experience.

"The rules and regulations weren't as strong as they were later."

Although the Bank of Retford went bankrupt in 1809, it continued to pay dividends to its creditors for a staggering 60 years afterwards.

Despite research on the subject, there is still no firm idea of where in the town the Bank Of Retford was located.

A building adjacent to the town hall labelled "The Old Bank" is thought to have been a bank belonging to Cook & Co.

From: http://www.thisisretford.co.uk/news/Cashing-history-troubled-bank/article-3205705-detail/article.html