Theme

Dressing up in Victorian costume, taking part in a typical Victorian lesson and even being sent to the corner of the room and wearing a dunce’s cap were all part of the experience of the young children from Barrow when they visited “The Museum of Childhood” at Sudbury Hall near Barrow upon Trent. As one young child commented: “I know this is only make-believe – but that teacher is awfully scary!”

“All the training that we’ve had has opened our eyes to what’s available and what we can do. For instance I’ve learned that it’s actually comparatively easy to apply for quite large grants and what’s more the bodies offering the grants do help you in your presentations with them. So what I’ve learned has increased my interest widely in a great number of things…….. I’ve become a lot more ambitious in what I can do ”

Before the war Thomas Lomas: Footman at Thoresby Hall I became a footman at Thoresby Hall in 1938 aged 18 years. I do not think there was a butler at that time. The Dowager Countess Manvers (Helen) was old and did not entertain much so I had a life of luxury! The Hall more or less ran itself. The Dowager spent a lot of time in her room and everything went through her lady’s maid.  Occasionally she had afternoon tea i

The golden jubilee of the reigning monarch, the defeat of a tyrant and the bringing of gas lighting to the town of Southwell – very different occasions but all causes for feasting and celebration on Burgage Green.

In the course of tracking down some William de Morgan tiles, members of Leicester Secular Society came across a transcript of a radio interview with members of the Society from around 20 years ago. The interview contained a reference to the tiles in the ballroom having been boarded up. Apparently, the secretary at that time had claimed they made the place look like a butcher’s shop! Thanks to the determination

As always, a highlight of the day was the re-enactment of 1066. This was the year that England changed forever. From ploughshares to seaxes (Saxon knives), farmers to warriors, the youngsters experienced the peaceful farming life in the Meon Valley before taking up arms to defend king and country.

Corporation Oaks was officially opened by a tree planting on 11 February 1850. This was attended by members of the Town Council, the Town Clerk and the Clerk to the Justices. After the ceremony, the group walked down to St Anne’s Well Road and, because it was a rainy day, then took cabs to the George IV where they had an evening of ‘unalloyed enjoyment’.