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Not quite Time Team but Barrow on Trent did welcome an archaeological team from the University of Nottingham over the weekend of 5 to 7 July 2013. There was a great deal of walking, and the members of the project team who assisted the archaeologists now have a much clearer understanding of the amount of work required for an archaeological geophysical survey.

“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 ”

Dowsing for buried archaeological features. “Before I started I was a complete sceptic. I still am to a certain extent but despite everything it seemed to work. When I was walking down the rods certainly crossed and I wasn’t doing anything. So I’m less of a sceptic. I still don’t understand it but it seemed to work for me.” Peter Kent Southwell Community Archaeology Group

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.

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.

‘My child is still talking about Saxon day’ The Friends of Corhampton Church fourth annual Saxon school day (held on May 9th 2013) again brought smiles and hoots of enjoyment from the children of our villages. The pupils at Meinstoke infant school were joined by nine older Huscarls (royal guards) from Droxford junior school to learn and celebrate our Saxon heritage. Fifty parents and guests enjoyed the learning, f

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’.

On 9 April 1857 the Enclosure Committee reported to the Council that it believed ‘… that some of the large Guns and trophies taken from Russia in the late War might be obtained on application to Her Majesty’s Government recommend that such application be made and that the Guns and trophies if obtained be placed in the Arboretum and be under the care of this Council.’ (NA CA 3616)

The development of Nottingham Arboretum and the other green spaces only became possible with the passing of the Nottingham Enclosure Act in 1845, which allowed for the enclosure of 1069 acres. The Enclosure Commissioners were given responsibility for building and widening roads, constructing drains, sewers and bridges, but they also became responsible for the establishment and future maintenance of public walks, ga