23rd Jan
AGM & Social evening
27th Feb
Rufford Abbey by Pete Smith
This talk will explore the history of Rufford Abbey during the Victorian and Edwardian periods; from 1800 to 1938 when the house and its contents were sold by the Savile family. It will correct a number of assumptions which have been mistakenly repeated about the architects and dates of the various alterations carried out at the Abbey during this period and will be illustrated with a large number of historic photographs which show the house as it was before its partial destruction in the 1950s.
27th Mar
History of Listed Buildings and Conservation
Research by Annette Willoughby
This talk is based on Annette's research and takes us from the start of the conservation movement, through the shift of focus from individual monuments such as Stonehenge, to the whole area approach that we see with conservation areas. We look at how this change affects living buildings and why protecting heritage matters, using Southwell as a case study.
24th Apr
Nottingham's Arboretum and other Historic
Green Spaces by Judith Mills
The creation of Nottingham's Arboretum, together with other historic green spaces, was a result of the town's 1845 Enclosure Act. This talk will explain the background to the Act, explore the inspiration for the Arboretum, and discuss how the Arboretum has been used, managed and developed over the years.
17th May
Guided tour of Kelham Hall
Kelham Hall is a magnificent Victorian house, built in 1863, set within 88 acres of parkland. It has a rich history as the ancestral home of the Manners-
3rd June
Guided tour of Nottingham Arboretum
This walk looks at the history of the park, outlining why it is a Grade II star listed site. In addition to the places of interest there will be an overview of the variety of trees, including the oldest specimens.
9th July -
Tour of Nottingham with Chris Weir (not Ezekial Bone)
The tour will not now focus on Robin Hood, although he will get a mention. Chris’s version will be themed to social and cultural history of Nottingham & Sherwood Forest. We will meet at the same place and time (1.50 for a 2pm start outside The Cross Keys on Byard Lane NG1 2GJ, between Bridlesmith Gate and Fletcher Gate) and finish at the Robin Hood statue by the castle. This will take about 2 hours, plus a bit more if we stop for refreshments en route (perhaps the Malt Cross).
25th Sep
Adventures on Wheels -
Join Stephen on a virtual bike ride, exploring some of Nottinghamshire's historic places. Some are famous, like Newark Castle, but be prepared for some surprises too.
23rd Oct
The Pentrich Rising by Michael Parkin
The Rising at Pentrich in Derbyshire took place in the difficult period following the Napoleonic War. Many historians held the view that England was never closer to a full-
27th Nov
'Fools & Horses', the Victorian circus
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The history of the Victorian is one of high success and dreadful failure, of fires, falls and fabulous feats. Of horses, equilibrists, aerial acts and clowns, and the men and women who rode, tumbled, swung and gagged. Of ‘Lord’ George Sanger whose circus was pitched at Windsor Castle to perform for Queen Victoria. And Charlie Keith who invented the first iron circus. This talk provides a fascinating insight into this little known aspect of Victorian entertainment
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