News - Community welcomes new Robin Hood attraction (Edwinstowe)

COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed plans to develop a new £13m visitor centre in Sherwood Forest.


Chad revealed last week that the £13m tourist attraction, based on the legend of Robin Hood, will be completed by 2015 subject to planning permission.

The planned 40-acre ‘Discover Robin Hood’ visitor attraction will include a medieval fortress, dungeons and a maze with talking trees.

John Peck, who is Newark & Sherwood district councillor for Edwinstowe, also welcomed the plan.

“It’s very exciting news for Edwinstowe. As the gateway village to Sherwood Forest, tourism is very important to the local economy and the prosperity of our High Street,” he said.

“I want to make sure Edwinstowe gains some real benefits from this development.

“I understand there will be up to 100 jobs created and I will be seeking assurances that the majority will go to local people and that local tradespeople will be used where possible.

“There will also be important issues to address to reassure Edwinstowe residents and I will be asking for early discussions about how to manage the increased traffic and minimise disruption to residents living next to the new attraction.”

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said the forest will benefit from the new attraction being developed away from sensitive areas of the iconic landscape.

Wildlife Trust chief executive John Everitt said: “We’re delighted that the council and Discovery Attractions will be bringing investment to provide a 21st century attraction.

“It’s crucial that facilities are developed sensitively alongside the National Nature Reserve to help preserve the fragile wildlife of Sherwood Forest.”

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/community-welcomes-new-robin-hood-attraction-1-5102652

Event - Project aims to throw new light on Dark Ages ‘Thing’ (Birklands)

CASH from the Heritage Lottery Fund will allow a two-year research project to be carried out to uncover the history of a Viking assembly site in Sherwood Forest.

The “Friends of Thynghowe” group has been awarded £49,900 to launch a study entitled “Thynghowe and the forgotten heritage of Sherwood” in the Birklands, near Worksop.

In January, a Lidar survey will be carried out, using optical remote sensing technology.

Volunteers will then be recruited to look at the results of the survey and also use archives and other sources to discover the area’s history.

The project will have a public launch and display at the beginning of March at Mansfield Museum.

Lynda Mallett, one of the project managers, said: “We aim to include people who would not normally participate in these sort of activities for all sorts of reasons.

“We have funding to pay for transport where required, and even carer support for those who have elderly parents or children.”

The Friends of Thynghowe group was formed seven years ago from members of the three local history groups, after Stuart Reddish and Lynda Mallett rediscovered a Viking Assembly site called a “Thyng” or “Thing” deep in Sherwood Forest.

During the last seven years the group have worked hard to research the area and to bring it to national and international attention.

Emma Sayer, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the East Midlands, said: “This is a fascinating site, this project has the potential to open up our understanding of the history of Sherwood Forest.”

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/project_aims_to_throw_new_light_on_dark_ages_thing_1_4059982

 

News - New Sherwood Forest visitor centre must have the ‘wow’ factor (Edwinstowe)

A COUNCILLOR says the new visitor centre at Sherwood Forest needs to be a ‘top drawer’ attraction which will last for the next 40 years.

Nottinghamshire County Council wants to develop a 21st Century replacement for the outdated building and, on Wednesday, cabinet members approved plans to look for a business partner so a replacement can be in place by 2014.

The authority will continue to run and manage the forest but will seek a public or private sector partner to develop a ‘visitor experience for the 21st century’ on land adjacent to the forest.

Speaking at a meeting of Edwinstowe Parish Council, Coun John Peck said that he is not against private sector investment but the centre needs to have a ‘wow factor’ to draw in tourists worldwide.

“The current visitor centre is tired and past its sell by date, but it will be a huge mistake if we penny pinch and the new centre does not last for 40 years,” he said.

“I am pleased at last that something is happening and we all understand the current financial restraints of the local authority - but it has to be something special as tourism helps boost our economy.”

Coun Peck, who is Newark & Sherwood district councillor for Edwinstowe, also addressed the issue in a letter to Chad this week.

“At the moment, many tourists must leave slightly disappointed and if the county council wants to show real vision, it should see the visitor centre as the centrepiece of a Sherwood Forest Regional Park,” he wrote.

“I wish them luck in the present economic climate, I am not against private sector involvement, but the county council must know any private company will want to make a profit. Wherever the money comes from, the county council needs to show vision and ambition.

“This is one chance to create something which will still be a top drawer attraction for the next 40 years.

“They’ve already cut the estimated budget for the project to £5m. It sounds a lot, but sadly it will only be enough to build another fairly insignificant, low key attraction.”

Dr Patrick Candler, Nottinghamshire County Council’s service director for Cultural Services, attended last Tuesday’s council meeting.

“We need to secure partner agencies and the parish council is very important,” he said.

“We see the site as a honey pot, not just for local people, but for people from all across the world.”

“We accept that tourism is a key economic factor which we need to support - it has always been a commitment of the authority to do something, it is just a case of when.”

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/business/new_sherwood_forest_visitor_centre_must_have_the_wow_factor_1_3782375

Event - Countdown to Robin Hood Festival (Edwinstowe)

Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre took more than £130,000 in catering, retail sales and car parking alone last year during Nottinghamshire County Council’s annual Robin Hood Festival.

But with more than half of its 70,000 visitors coming from outside of the area and overseas, the Festival’s impact on the local economy has much wider-reaching benefits with overnight visitors spending in excess of £200 per stay, according to the local authority.

The 27th Robin Hood Festival will take place from Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 August this year rather than the traditional first week of August.

The Festival’s Visitor Survey Report for 2009 (2010’s is currently being collated) shows that around one third (32%) of all visitors who travelled to the UK’s biggest celebration of Robin Hood that year, came from beyond the host county, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire or South Yorkshire.

Cabinet member for culture and community Coun John Cottee said: “ Sherwood Forest is a top three visitor attraction in the East Midlands and was just pipped to a place in the top 10 of most-visited country parks in England1, so the area with its strong associations with the legendary outlaw has great pulling power for tourism anyway.

“But the fact that a third of visitors to the Festival were tourists staying overnight in the area means that their spending on accommodation, food and drink, recreation, shopping and travel plays a strong part in helping support the county’s £1.4 billion tourism industry with its 20,000 plus jobs.

“As well as changing the dates of the Festival this year, visitors should also be aware that for 2011, it will run for five days rather than a full week as part of the budget savings we’ve had to make across all service areas of the Council. And as a result, this is likely to have some effect on the income it generates this year and visitor numbers.”

In 2009:

46% of those coming to the Festival were first-time visitors

77% of visited with children

85% came by car

68% made the trip just for the Festival alone.

“Nearly 70% of visitors came to the area just for the Festival. We’ve got whole families who come back year after year – some who first visited as youngsters and now bring along their own children and those who love it so much that they now perform at the Festival,” added Counc Cottee.

“For us as the organisers, it’s about providing an event at a time of year when local people and visitors are looking for low cost, fun entertainment that appeals to all age groups, but especially families with young children. In a recession, people need good value days out and this one certainly delivers great fun for minimal cost.”

Experience Nottinghamshire marketing officer Dale Twigger said: “Word has spread as far as Eastern Europe too - this year we’ve got a group of 40 Russian Robin Hood fans, based just outside of Moscow, making a 10 day trip to celebrate their hero. This is testament to the international appeal of the Festival.

“It’s estimated that in general, an overnight visitor spends over £200 in the county during their trip, whilst a day visitor spends just under £30, and with the large visitor figures that the Festival draws, it has a significant impact into the local economy.”

Admission to the Festival is free, with car parking at £5 a day. A small charge is made for some events such as outdoor theatre performances (50p per child, £1 per adult) and ‘have-a-go’ archery (£3).

If you’re travelling by car, head to Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, just north of Edwinstowe. Visitors are advised to check the Festival website for directions because of a nearby road closure: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhood.

Edwinstowe is well-served by buses and you can find details of how to plan your journey by visiting www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/timetable-f.htm

The full programme of activities has yet to be confirmed, but to find out the latest information and watch a short film, visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/robinhood

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/lifestyle/countdown_to_robin_hood_festival_1_3598234

Event - It's nearly time to make merry again at Robin Hood Festival (Edwinstowe)

NOTTS County Council is hoping this year's Robin Hood Festival will be as successful as ever.

Last year, Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre took more than £130,000 in catering, retail sales and car parking during the festival.

This year's event will take place from Wednesday, August 10 to Sunday, August 14 at the centre near Edwinstowe.

Councillor John Cottee said he was looking forward to this year's festival.

"We've got whole families who come back to the festival year after year – some who first visited as youngsters and now bring along their own children."

He added: "It's about providing an event, at a time of year when local people and visitors are looking for low-cost, fun entertainment, that appeals to all age groups, especially families with young children."

Admission to the festival is free, with car parking at £5 a day.

A small charge is made for some events such as outdoor theatre shows, which are 50p per child and £1 per adult. Archery costs £3.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/s-nearly-time-make-merry-Robin-Hood-Festival/story-12988731-detail/story.html

News - Robin Hood and merry men gear up for festival (Edwinstowe)

ROBIN Hood will once again ride into Sherwood Forest for the biggest celebration in the world of the legendary outlaw.

The 27th annual Robin Hood Festival is held at Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve and attracts fans and visitors from every corner of the globe.

The event features costumed characters at every turn, from jugglers and jesters to medieval doctors and rat catchers, whilst medieval combat displays and markets stalls recreate the atmosphere of Robin's Sherwood Forest.

The festival will take place over five days from Wednesday August 10 through to Sunday August 14 at Sherwood Forest Visitors Centre on Swinecote Road at Edwinstowe. Admission to the festival is free, with car parking costing £5 a day.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for culture and community said: "We're excited about the plans for this year's Robin Hood Festival, not only is it great fun and a brilliant way to celebrate our local legend but gives a much needed boost to the local economy during these difficult financial times."

"Local shops, restaurants and hotels benefit from the increase of visitors to the county who come in search of the legend of Robin Hood.

"The event is popular with all age groups who enjoy the spectacle and activities in the beautiful setting of Sherwood Forest."

The event will be packed full of medieval festivities ideal for Robin Hood enthusiasts and for the whole family.

Cheer on Robin and his band of merry men during jousting contests with the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham which will take place on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

On the same afternoons watch falconry displays with majestic birds of prey sweeping through the ancient forest. As usual there will also be medieval market stalls close to the Major Oak, music and merriment at the visitor centre and costumed characters wandering the forest glades.

The full programme has yet to be confirmed, to find out the latest information visit www.nottinghamshire. gov.uk/robinhoodfestival

from:

News - Viking site under threat (Birklands)

AN HISTORIAN who helped find a Viking meeting post in Sherwood Forest has voiced her disapproval at the privatisation of the nation’s woodlands.

For centuries a certain mound in the Birklands, north of Edwinstowe, had archeologists stumped. That was until five years ago, when a group of enthusiasts discovered its true heritage.

Lynda Mallett was part of that team and is now concerned the ancient monument – one of only a handful in Britain – could be lost following the Government’s decision to sell off the land.

She said: “Whatever private owner takes it on will not be interested in finds like this, they will just look at it as something that will get in the way.”

“They will not want people walking around their land, they are not bothered about special trees or archaeology.”

“It is our land, our heritage, and they are stopping us from accessing it – it all belongs to us and there are things still to be discovered.”

Known as Thynghowe, the mound was used during the Viking age as a place where people would come together to resolve disputes.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann labelled the sale as “environmental vandalism”.

But Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said: “We will bring forward amendments to the Public Bodies Bill to create a strengthened framework to safeguard the natural and social capital our forests provide now and for future generations.”

“This would apply to the powers of sale, lease and management of the public forest estate.”

To have your say on the future of Thynghowe, Birklands, Sherwood Pines and the rest of the country’s woodland visit www.defra.gov.uk or email Mr Mann on mannj@parliament.uk

From: http://www.worksopguardian.co.uk/news/local-news/viking_site_under_threat_1_3061632