Events - Priories Historical Society Talks 2014

Thursday April 3^rd

CONTRACEPTION THROUGH THE AGES by Joan Grundy

This entertaining talk dispels any notion that 20^th century invention. The Greeks, Arabs, Egyptians all used differing – if highly unreliable – methods but some of these led the way for today's modern methods. Hear how Britain lagged behind the rest of the world in discussing contraception and about the pioneering work of Marie Stopes in the 1920s.

Starts 7.30pm at The Innings, Gloucester Road Worksop, S81 0RS

 

Thursday May 1^st 

FOOTPADS, KINGS & HIGHWAYMEN by Ian Morgan, Author

The A1 renowned as being the route from London to Edinburgh has changed its path and even its name many times over the years, yet as the travellers pass on their way do they know just how fortunate they are? Our journey covers just 34 miles as we take the route of the old Great North Road through Nottinghamshire and in that short distance we shall see the scenes of horrific battles, the haunts of highwaymen, the sites of murder and much, much more … get ready for a rollercoaster ride of horror and humour as the stories of this ancient highway unfold.

Starts 7.30pm at The Innings, Gloucester Road Worksop, S81 0RS

 

Thursday June 5^th 

SHERWOOD FOREST & THE DUKERIES by Prof. Ian Rotherham, author.

Sherwood Forest is the most famous historic landmark in world, immortalized through storytelling, mythology and romantic books and ultimately by Hollywood. This is the setting for Robin Hood, Little John, and the rest of the Merry Men. Yet beyond the glamorous legends are equally fascinating places, people and histories. An important and vast medieval forest and extensive heath. Great halls, houses and parks of the aristocracy the so-called Dukery. Then industry, wartime training, and forestry. Richly illustrated with images from the past: photographs, postcards, paintings and antique prints.

Starts 7.30pm at The Innings, Gloucester Road Worksop, S81 0RS

 

AUGUST  2^nd & 3^rd

GREAT WAR DISPLAY 

Worksop Priory, Priorswell Road, Worksop

12.30 onwards 

 

September AGM

 

October 2nd 

TUDOR & STUART SHEFFIELD by David Templeman.  

Gives some idea of how Worksop would have been. The 16^th and 17^th century roots when Sheffield was a small rural town. Talk looks at how the ordinary people lived, worked and played, its surviving buildings from that period and unfortunately the last ones to be demolished, plus how the cutlery industry developed over the centuries.

Starts 7.30pm at The Innings, Gloucester Road Worksop, S81 0RS

 

November6^th
THE HISTORY OF THE LAW IN ENGLAND by Mike Langley our treasurer.
A look at how the law has changed and shaped our Country. Starts 7.30pm at The Innings, Gloucester Road Worksop, S81 0RS

 

December 4^th 

CHRISTMAS PARTY & A VISIT TO LOCAL HISTORICAL SITES by Pam Cook

short presentation including Mattersey; Worksop; Blyth Priories. Carlton & Throapham Churches etc.

Starts 7.30pm at The Innings, Gloucester Road Worksop, S81 0RS

Event - Mercian Archaeological Services Launch Event (Kings Clipstone)

Mercian Archaeological Services CIC will be having their launch event at Kings Clipstone, Nottinghamshire, on the 23rd February between 10am and 4pm.

There will be opportunities to see a test pit being dug, to look at the finds from the excavations and to discover the preliminary results of this exciting project. Free tours of King John’s Palace - the Royal Hunting lodge that formed the heart of Medieval Sherwood Forest - will be taking place throughout the day. There will also be displays of pictures, maps and other documents from previous research and excavations at the palace site. Mercian staff will be on hand to talk about the project, the company and anything else you may wish to discuss with them!
 

They are passionate about the heritage of the region and about connecting people to their heritage through archaeological fieldwork, training and talks.

Further details about the project and open day, along with more information about Mercian Archaeological Services CIC and the services they provide can be found on their website, http://www.mercian-as.co.uk

Good luck Andy, hopefully I'll be able to make it (if my car survives its MOT!)

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

News - Sherwood Forest visitor centre to get £13m 'Robin Hood' revamp (Edwinstowe)

A VISION for a world-class Robin Hood experience in the heart of Sherwood Forest has been revealed.


The £13 million Discover Robin Hood attraction will feature interactive exhibits, an open-air theatre and an adventure playground.

Construction will begin in autumn next year with the project expected to be completed by spring 2015.

The company behind the scheme – Discovery Attractions – said it wanted to give Robin Hood the home he deserves.

Chief executive John Lowther said: “Robin Hood is such a strong pull for tourists and we want to develop an attraction that will be fitting to the legend.

“Our vision is to build a flagship attraction for the county which will give a huge boost to the local economy.”

The plans come after years of uncertainty about the Sherwood Forest centre, with a number of plans shelved in the past due to lack of available funding.

John Cottee, chairman of the culture committee at Notts County Council, said the private investment was necessary to make the attraction a “jewel in the crown” of Notts.

He added: “We want to raise the profile of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest and we have found a vision for the centre that we agree will be fantastic. We are hoping this new centre will attract visitors from all over the country and the world.”

According to the developers, the plans will create around 100 jobs and benefit the local economy by more than £2 million a year.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Sherwood-Forest-visitor-centre-13m-Robin-Hood/story-17198421-detail/story.html

News - Decision due on Robin Hood visitor attraction

THE long-awaited transformation of Sherwood Forest will move a step closer on Wednesday (17th) with confirmation of the successful bidder for the project.


Nottinghamshire County Council has been considering two proposals for a new visitor attraction at the world-famous Robin Hood site and will seek approval from the policy committee on its preferred choice.

Both bidders are anonymous at this stage and no plans will be made public until the 10--day formal procurement process has been completed.

The new operator will design, fund, build and manage a new visitor centre attraction, which hopes to boost tourism by up to 150,000 visitors a year.

As previously reported in Chad, plans for a tree-themed design fell through after the project failed to win support from the Big Lottery Fund.

Last year, the county council decided to shelve the development until 2014 due to funding cuts.

The brief for the project is to create ‘a new visitor attraction which promotes and enhances the reputation of Sherwood Forest, the legend of Robin Hood and the broader history and heritage of Nottinghamshire’.

It will also create new jobs , boost local businesses and the wider local economy.

Coun John Cottee, chairman of the county council’s culture committee said: “Many months have already been spent on these proposals to reach this point which we hope will not only help us open a new attraction to captivate and enthuse visitors, but also to help preserve the natural ecology of Sherwood Forest and be a major boost for tourism and job creation locally.”

Members of the policy committee will be asked to approve the council’s recommendation at County Hall tomorrow.

Confirmation of the successful bidder means the council will then enter into legal agreements for them to manage the new development.

Coun Cottee added: “I know that there are a lot of people who are waiting to find out what will be happening at Sherwood and I’d like to reassure people that as soon as we have some information to share - we will.

“It’s worth adding that whatever the successful bidder designs, it will be subject to the usual consultation and planning processes.”

Celia Brooks, chairman of Edwinstowe Parish Council, thinks moving the centre closer to the village will benefit local businesses.

She said: “We need the right sort of attraction. We don’t want Disneyland.

“We are not worried about it being closer to the village as it may improve business.

“Improvements on the access road will need to be made.”

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/decision-due-on-robin-hood-visitor-attraction-1-5032764

Event - Sherwood Through The Ages (Edwinstowe)

The glorious setting of Sherwood Forest once again comes to life with our annual Ancient to modern era multi-period event. Visitors can stroll around the circular Major Oak path and en route enjoy displays and meet some the people and characters who lived in or helped to shape the history of this famous forest from ancient times. The event is organised in conjunction with and on behalf of the Sherwood Forest Rangers and Visitor Centre. As usual the hugely attractive woodland will prove an ideal backdrop for timed displays and ongoing living history to enjoy. Children can also enjoy have-a-go medieval archery (a small charge applies).


From ancient settlement, Sherwood became a medieval Royal forest (and, of course, one of the possible homes of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood). The Great North Road ran through the forest and during the Civil War, control of this became vital to both sides. Highwaymen lurked in the trees awaiting travellers in the C18th and later on, much of the forest became a military training ground (and part still is). Today the visitor centre offers a fascinating insight into the history of the forest, as well as an ideal base for a great day out.

Wood smoke from cooking fires and the sound of C18th music will drift on the breeze, the clash of steel on steel will ring through the trees as armoured Noman knights fight the Saxons (and occasionally, each other!), whilst volleys of musket fire will crash out as civil war Parliamentarian soldiers demonstrate their martial prowess. See Romans mingle with Britons, meet WWI “Tommies”, a secret “Auxiliary” from 1940 (ready to fight a guerilla war if the Germans invade), and some soldiers who trained prior to D-Day in 1944, watched by British land army girls as they busily chop fire wood for the war effort. Sherwood is still used for military training today, and this will be reflected by some British soldiers of the 1980s and their equipment.

At the Major Oak, arena displays form a centre piece to the event whilst opposite, there’s a bustling C15th medieval camp with archers, camp followers and craftsmen, including some selling their wares. At the same time, the famous order of military monks, the Knights Hospitallers, will offer have a go archery lessons for adults and children alike…and also showing the amazing amount of food they ate to eat to maintain their strength, equivalent to 5,000 calories per day each! But visitors must beware of the Normans, definitely not the most pleasant of conquerors, they'll certainly give anyone a hard time if they show any sympathy for the downtrodden conquered Saxons! Visiting their encampments is at visitors' peril (with wallets hidden), as the King’s henchmen are as always looking at new ways to extort taxes!

Sherwood’s circular one-mile long Major Oak Path is the ideal setting for this hugely enjoyable walk through history, with the colourful encampments and displays arranged in chronological order - and extremely photogenic too. In addition there are modern day conservation and other displays at the visitor centre.

Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire NG21 9HG


Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September 2012 11.00am to 4.30pm

Free admission (a modest visitor car parking charge applies)

From: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/thecouncil/news/features/?entryid148=199029

Event - Robin Hood Festival starts in Sherwood Forest (Clipstone)

Today marks the start of the Robin Hood Festival - an annual celebration of the UK's most famous outlaw.


The event will run for seven days and will take place in Nottingham's Sherwood Forest.

Award-winning street artists will perform 'Medieval' battles

The festival will showcase archery, falconry, jousting and medieval entertainment in the form of music, street performance, and adventure tales.

Timetable of activities:
Wednesday - Falconry 12.00 noon & 2pm, Jousting 2.30pm
Saturday - Falconry 12.00 noon & 2pm, Jousting 2.30pm
Sunday - Falconry 12.30 & 2.15pm, Jousting 3pm

The event is free and will take place at Sherwood Forest's Visitor Centre

Nottinghamshire County Council have organised the event, which is now in it's 28th year.

Things you might not know about the Legend of Robin Hood:

The earliest reference to Robin Hood was in 1377, in a poem by William Langland called "The vision of William concerning Piers Plowman". Other historical evidence places Robin anywhere between 1190 - 1307.

The longbow was Robin's weapon of choice, made from the English yew tree.

One legend says that Robin Hood was killed by his cousin, because she didn't want him to find out that she was having an affair. Another tale is that a monk murdered him, even though he'd been brought in to help.

From: http://www.itv.com/news/central/2012-08-13/robin-hood-festival-starts-in-sherwood-forest/

Museum - Seeking pieces of the past (Boughton)

Hundreds more tourists could be attracted to the area under plans to open a museum at Boughton Pumping Station.


It is envisaged that the 107-year-old landmark building, which already has office and catering facilities, could become one of the area’s main draws.

Bosses are appealing for former employees and people with memories, photographs or other records of the pumping station to get in touch.

Events manager Mr Stephen Plant said: “We are calling for anyone who worked there or lived nearby who has memories, photographs, documents, or would like to tell their story to help us get it off the ground.

“It was the main station for most of Nottinghamshire and we will use the information to build a thorough picture of how it worked and what people did.”

The museum would be in the basement of the building where there is still an original well that pumped water to homes in Nottingham.

The exhibition would also include a working model of the pumping station in its heyday alongside the first-person records and photographs.

It would be an addition to the wedding and conference facilities already on offer.

Mr Plant said: “It all ties in as one major project. With Sherwood Forest on the doorstep it could bring more people into the area and it is something we are looking forward to doing.”

The pumphouse, which opened in 1905 and includes a huge brick chimney, was capable of pumping 20m imperial gallons of water per day through 15 miles of pipe from the underground sandstone Aquifer.

It was commissioned by the NottinghaCorporation Water Department before passing into the hands of Severn Trent, but by 1980 it had become obsolete.

Boughton Pumping Station Trust secured funding to restore the building in 2002 but it closed in 2006 after money for essential repairs ran out.

Horizon Investments purchased the building in 2010 and re-launched it as Blackburn House after the original Blackburn Engines which pumped the water.

Mr Plant said the museum would be set up as soon as enough material had been collected.

Anybody who would like to contribute can contact Blackburn House on 01623 867540.

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Seeking-pieces-of-the-past

TV - Time Team at King Johns Palace (Clipstone)

Channel 4 have now updated their website to show the episode on April 8th at 16.05 as...

KING JOHNS LOST PALACE
Tony and the Team don their hunting green, pick up their bows and arrows and head for the fringes of Sherwood Forest, where residents of Clipstone village in Nottinghamshire believe some impressive ruins in a farmer's field may have played a part in the ancient tales of Robin Hood and Bad King John.


The history books describe these crumbling walls as the remains of a royal hunting lodge. But the locals believe it was actually a palace: a vast complex of chambers, chapels and halls where King John stayed when hunting in Sherwood Forest.

Royal hunting lodges were very popular with the kings of medieval England, and John was no exception, but was this one so grand as to be more important than all the others?

The extensive building records and a few tantalising high-quality carvings prove there was certainly a fine building somewhere here, but finding out what it looked like and how large it was frustrates the archaeologists for a good while.

The trenches reveal a great array of finds, but it's not until the clock is counting down the third day that all becomes clear...
From: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/time-team/episode-guide/series-19/episode-11

Phew :)

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 - Major expansion as family tree branches out from a landmark (Sherwood Forest)

IT is a tree that is known around the world as the landmark of Sherwood Forest.

But now the Major Oak is branching out.

1. ​
   Legendary: The Major Oak

Saplings grown from acorns produced by the world-famous tree are being offered to communities across Nottingham and Notts.

Two of the saplings grown by the Sherwood Pines Partnership Tree Nursery have been planted at the Victoria Embankment and the Hook Nature Reserve at Lady Bay in recent weeks.

A third is to be given a new home at Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground, in Stapleford this month, more than 20 miles away from the Major Oak.

The three plantings are the result of a charity-funded walk that Stapleford writer Dave Wood took, retracing Sherwood Forest's ancient boundary, earlier this year.
Mr Wood said: "It's a great legacy of my walk.

"I would love to see more trees grown from the Major Oak planted around the route and to mark out the ancient boundary of Sherwood Forest."

He added: "The Major Oak is not going to survive forever, so it needs some younger ones to take its place.
"It also means that people realise that Sherwood Forest is not just somewhere in the north of Notts. It stretched right across from the city."

Mr Wood's Creative Perambulations of Sherwood Forest project, paid for by the National Lottery, started at the Victoria Embankment, which was once part of the forest.

A previous major perambulation of Sherwood Forest was carried out in 1662 by a team of explorers intent on mapping the landscape.

Mr Wood's wanted to replicate their journey, noting how the landscape has changed.

He was supported by the Sherwood Forest Trust and got to hear about the tree nursery, which is operated in partnership by the trust and Notts County Council.

Ian Major, community heritage landscape officer at Sherwood Forest Trust, said: "We go out once a year and collect acorns from the Major Oak.

"It's a rare resource as the number of acorns produced varies, while sometimes it's difficult to get them to germinate and become saplings.

"The majority of saplings get planted in woodland areas in north Notts, so it's really nice Dave is able to highlight the project by taking them into the city and more urban areas.

"We're using one of our most famous trees to plant the next generation of trees. It's an amazing piece of history."

The nursery at Sherwood Pines, in Clipstone, offers adults with learning disabilities work experience.
To request a Major Oak sapling to plant in your community call 01623 821490 or e-mail Ian.Major@sherwoodforesttrust.org.uk.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Major-expansion-family-tree-branches-landmark/story-14101366-detail/story.html

Blogsite - Archaeology & History of Medieval Sherwood Forest

Just came across this on my regular jaunts across the blogsphere - well worth a read.

http://sherwoodforesthistory.blogspot.com/

News - Boost for county tourism (Notts)

SHERWOOD Forest will benefit directly from additional funding secured by VisitEngland to boost tourism, stimulate economic growth and jobs across the county.

The funding is the result of VisitEngland’s bid from the Regional Growth Fund and will be used on a three-year project entitled Growing Tourism Locally.

Experience Nottinghamshire chief executive Jennifer Spencer said: “Today’s announcement is a major win for Nottinghamshire.

“This funding reflects our significant tourism potential and our close working relationship with VisitEngland.”

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/boost_for_county_tourism_1_3968708

Event - Writer's historic journey in the footsteps of Robin Hood

A STAPLEFORD writer is nearing the end of a journey exploring the historic boundaries of Sherwood Forest.

Dave Wood set out walking the ancient woodland on July 30 and is due to complete his journey on Saturday.

"It's all been an adventure," he said.

"Sometimes you have to force yourself to stop, because you are not noticing your surroundings anymore. So you nip into the nearest pub and chat with the people there.

"We have been through some forested areas and we have woken up at 6am to see the mist. It has been absolutely stunning to see."

Mr Wood's National Lottery-funded Creative Perambulations of Sherwood Forest project started at the Victoria Embankment, which was once part of the forest.

The previous major perambulation of Sherwood Forest was carried out in 1662 by a team of explorers intent on mapping the landscape.

Mr Wood's wanted to replicate the original journey, noting how the landscape has changed.

Walks have taken place in areas including Oxton, Burton Joyce, Lowdham and Colwick.

His project has seen him write about his experiences, explore the great outdoors and chat to the locals.

"Some places have been completely different," he added. "My route from Annesley to Skegby was completely industrial, and you almost wouldn't imagine it being part of Sherwood Forest."

The project has seen people join him on his travels, ranging from large groups to smaller numbers.

"We have had groups of 25, of 15, and once it was just me and a man with his dog," he said.

"But the interesting thing is the local people you meet, who just open their arms to you.

"I have had people telling me about things like mosaic monuments to old pits, and heard all about the heritage of all sorts of places.

"And sometimes you just discover surprising people.

"One bloke I met makes sculptures out in his allotment, but you wouldn't guess it."

He said the area had changed over time, but not always for the better.

"Some good things have disappeared," he added. "There used to be an old pit hill in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, and one of the blokes I spoke to said when mist set in it looked like a volcano because of the steam coming up.

"You also get areas of social deprivation, because the mining areas have just died out. But there are some beautiful, interesting areas."

The end of the project will be marked on Saturday with tree-planting ceremonies at Victoria Embankment and the Hook Nature Reserve, in Lady Bay, West Bridgford.

Read about the journey on www.creativesherwoodforestperambulations.blogspot.com

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Writer-s-historic-journey-footsteps-Robin-Hood/story-13731330-detail/story.html

Event - Friends of Thynghowe AGM 2011

Members and supporters of the Friends of Thynghowe are welcome to come along to their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20th October at 7:30  at the Stable Barn, Warsop Parish Centre, Bishops Walk, Church Warsop, Notts NG20 0SN.

They will giving an update on the progress of their research during the last year including interpretation of the outcomes of the archaeological survey of Thynghowe. They should also have news about their bid for Heritage Lottery funding and outline their plans for the year ahead.

So anybody with an interest in Viking age assembly sites or in any other aspect of the heritage of the Forest of Birklands could find out more during the evening.

Their website is at http://www.thynghowe.org.uk/

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

News - Sherwood Forest and National Water Sports Centre private sector plea

Nottinghamshire County Council has appealed to the private sector and charities to help it run two major tourist attractions.

The authority wants help to set up a new visitor centre at Sherwood Forest and to run the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont.

A council spokesperson said it wanted investors with expertise who can help the centres to make a profit.

The proposals will be considered by the council's cabinet on 14 September.

The council wants a new visitor centre to be up and running at Sherwood Forest by 2014.

Councillor John Cottee, cabinet member for culture and community services, said: "The present site is nearly 40 years old and, although well-loved, doesn't provide the full visitor experience that people expect in 2011.

"County council funds are limited and to build a visitor centre that the forest and its famous legend deserve will need significant investment."

'Positive future'

Several designs for a new centre in the forest have been drawn up over the past five years and it failed in a bid to win Lottery funding in 2007.

The council took over the running of the water sports centre in 2009 from Sport England.

The facility costs the authority £350,000 a year to run which will increase to £800,000 when Sport England funding ends.

Councillor Cottee said a new visitor centre and the refurbishment of existing facilities needed to take place at the site over the next 10 years.

"The county council is committed to securing a long term positive future for the NWSC with high quality leisure facilities for community and elite use.

"We do not want to burden the taxpayer so a partner with expertise in this industry will be the best way to help us achieve our ambition," he said.

The contract for the Sherwood Forest visitor centre is expected to be awarded in spring 2012, with the Holme Pierrepont one being handed over in December 2012.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-14800058

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

News - Historic forest walk is retraced (Sherwood Forest)

A NOTTS writer is preparing to set off on an historic walk through Sherwood Forest.


Dave Wood, of Stapleford, will begin his perambulation – or walking inspection – of the ancient woodland on July 30.

He will set off from the Victoria Embankment, which was once part of the forest, at noon. A gathering will be held to mark the start of the walk at the nearby Hook Nature Reserve from 10am.

The last major perambulation of Sherwood Forest was carried out in 1662 by a team of explorers intent on mapping the landscape.

Mr Wood intends to replicate the original journey, noting how the landscape has changed.

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Historic-forest-walk-retraced/story-12972905-detail/story.html

Woodland Survey - Independent Panel on Forestry – Call for Views (DEFRA)

The Independent Panel on Forestry would like to hear your views on forests and woods in England, and what this part of our landscape can and should provide, now and in the future. This call for views is the start of an ongoing dialogue with everyone who is interested in forests and woods.

The Panel has been set up to advise Government on the future of England’s forests and woods by April 2012. Our terms of reference, which you can see in full on the webpages, state that we should advise “on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England”.

This includes, but is not limited to, the work of the Forestry Commission, forests and woods in public, private and charitable ownership, the economics of forestry, public benefits such as well being, access for leisure pursuits and the role of forests and woods, and related open habitat, in the wider natural environment.
This ongoing dialogue will work in a number of ways, including site visits and web activity. We will develop the best way to engage people through the Panel’s work over the coming year. The Panel will draw on existing information and previous Government consultations but will not be limited to the questions and issues asked before.

We want your help with understanding:
•what forests and woods deliver for people, communities, nature and the economy;
•what it is about forests and woods that people value so much and why; and
•what works in the practice and can be repeated in other locations.

We would welcome your views and ideas on any aspect of forests and woods. The following list of questions may help frame your response. It would be helpful for us if you could respond under these broad questions.

Question 1 – What do forests and woods mean to you?
Question 2 – What is your vision for the future of England’s forests and woods?
Question 3 – What do you feel to be the benefits of forests and woods to:
a) you personally;
b) society as a whole;
c) the natural environment; and
d) the economy?
Question 4 – We would like to hear about your suggestions of practical solutions and good practice which can be replicated more widely.
Question 5 – What do you see as the priorities and challenges for policy about England’s forests and woods?

Please capture your ideas in a maximum of four pages, to reach us by 31 July 2011.

Practicalities

Please send your response to:
E-mail: forestrypanel@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Secretariat to the Independent Panel on Forestry Defra Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR
Do you want to be kept in touch with the work of the Panel?

If you would like to be added to our mailing list and keep in touch with the work of the Panel, please reply with the details listed below:
Name:
E-mail address:
Organisation (if applicable):
Location (if applicable):

Whether you are interested in the whole subject or specific issues (please list):

We will keep these details on a database to enable us to contact individuals and organisations with news on the work of the Panel, to invite views and to send invitations to events. We may share this information with Defra and the Forestry Commission for the purpose of contacting people with news, opportunities to comment and invitations to events relating to forestry and woodlands.
What will happen to the views you send us?

We will use the responses throughout the work of the Panel and will give an overview of what you have said in our progress report in the autumn. Regular updates and information on the Panel’s work will be available on the Panel’s website.

When this call for views is completed we intend to put a copy of all the responses in the Defra Information Resource Centre at Ergon House, London. Also, members of the public may ask for a copy of responses under freedom of information legislation.

We would encourage people to share their views widely and engage others in discussion. If, however, there are particular reasons you do not want your views - including your name, contact details and any other personal information – to be publicly available, please say so clearly in writing when you send in your views.

Please explain why you need to keep details confidential. Please note that if your computer automatically includes a confidentiality disclaimer, this will not count as a confidentiality request. We will take your reasons into account if someone asks for this information under freedom of information legislation. But, because of the law, we cannot promise that we will always be able to keep those details confidential.

Thank you so much for your contribution.

You can find out more about the Panel’s work at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/rural/forestry/panel/