tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81941294222738837792024-03-05T16:54:25.946+00:00A Beeston Historian's JournalAspects of the history of Beeston in Nottinghamshire and it's people - a discussion centred around current research by David Hallam about Beeston much of it response to requests for help and assistance from those with Beeston connections. David welcomes your comments and input on any of the topics...David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-43429413586673594442020-05-08T17:17:00.000+01:002020-05-09T16:29:43.267+01:00A Day to RememberIn Beeston, as well as throughout the country, the end of World War 2 came as a tremendous relief. It was a time to put our continuing troubles behind us and to celebrate and rejoice - and it goes without saying that the citizens of Beeston were determined to be part of it.<br />
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Flags and bunting appeared throughout the streets, preparations for street parties were made - not an easy task with rationing restrictions - and people dared to look to a better future.<br />
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I was only six years old when the war ended on May 8 1945 but I still have memories that have set that day apart. On Wallett Avenue, where we lived at the time, a massive bonfire was built around the lamp post that stood in the middle of the small island in the road at the junction with Central Avenue. Clearly, the impressive fire that became the centrepiece of the celebrations on our street could not have done the lamp post much good but nobody worried too much about that - and everyone was saying that it looked like the authorities had "turned a blind eye" so that seemed alright. As I had never seen a street lamp lit it made little difference to me! The war was over - that was the main thing !<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdEVacGvEtuM_R5YizGgPzsPBFN1DX7Uu4yHNRuCbjLvvzxrB-BwgCZcEFi6xBJzXUSgrQh-NjVJcC_MQJvrccHCTW3tRbkAZKyD3z3Mo4C5MWDvZ62BQt3d6gxNWlSVnXGxNDdPRmoU/s1600/regent+st+ve-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="800" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdEVacGvEtuM_R5YizGgPzsPBFN1DX7Uu4yHNRuCbjLvvzxrB-BwgCZcEFi6xBJzXUSgrQh-NjVJcC_MQJvrccHCTW3tRbkAZKyD3z3Mo4C5MWDvZ62BQt3d6gxNWlSVnXGxNDdPRmoU/s320/regent+st+ve-day.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the day and over the next several days, many children enjoyed the parties which were held in many of the streets throughout the town. I don't remember a street party in Wallett Avenure - I am sure I would if there was one! But the one on the next street, Clifford Avenue was an event to remember, the parties on Windsor Street and Mona Street were particularly impressive and those on Regent Street <i>(shown here)</i>, Chilwell Road, Derby Street, Park Street and elsewhere were thoroughly enjoyed.<br />
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Just two days days later the celebrations in Beeston became larger in scale when an open-air dance was held on Dovecote Lane recreation ground. Ericssons had installed coloured floodlighting and music was provided by Charles Trapp on his Hammond organ - and 7,000 people were there, enthusiastically taking part in the programme of dancing and community singing. A great occasion for everyone - young or old.<br />
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And on the Sunday that followed, an open-air Thanksgiving Service was held - again on Dovecote Lane recreation ground - led by the Vicar, Rev. J P Halet and Rev Iram G Wall for the Methodist Churches.<br />
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For those families that had lost loved ones, it must have been a difficult time, one to reflect on what might have been. Those, in particular, we must never forget.<br />
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In many Beeston families - as everywhere - the husband, father, son or other loved one had been away for several years - some in circumstances where there was little or even no knowledge of their fate. One group - prisoners of war - began to arrive home immediately. Among these were two men who were well known in the Beeston community - Roland Jones was the son of the Beeston Evangelist, Tom Jones, known as 'The Singing Pastor", who had been the Minister at Wollaton Road Methodist and was soon to become the founder of the Evangelical Free Church on Broadgate. Roland had volunteered with the Royal Army Service Corps in 1939 and was serving in North Africa as a Sergeant when he was taken prisoner. And for Murial Shaw it was <i>"A real VE-Day for me"</i> as her husband, Flying Officer Richard S Shaw was flown home after release from a prison camp in Germany. He had been captured following a raid on Milan in 1942 - just a few months after their marriage. Richard had worked for the local council before the war and was to return to that role after his return. Many Beeston people will remember Dick Shaw as Housing Manager for many of the post-war years.<br />
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And there was a steady stream of returning soldiers, sailors and airmen - something I well remember. My dad would improvise a flag pole and fly a flag whenever someone returned to a family in the street And, in my Infants class, the door would open and a message delivered to the teacher. Then - <i>"Jimmy, you may go home. Your daddy has returned"</i>. Many happy boys and girls received similar glad tidings and I was pleased for them - but it didn't happen to me. My dad had served in World War 1 and I never experienced him being away so I never got the chance to go home early!<br />
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But there was a long way to go before things would settle down again to the 'normal' we hoped for. But yes, it was a time to pause and rejoice - and we did - with gratitude and confidence. It was indeed, a day to remember.<br />
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<br />David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-67838720169614662852019-04-19T20:43:00.000+01:002019-04-23T10:15:55.782+01:00<h2>
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<b>We Should All Get To Know 'The Jester'</b></h2>
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Beeston has a street named 'Wallett Avenue' but not many in the town know why - and that's despite a Blue Plaque that is fixed to the house on Grove Street, Beeston, where William Frederick Wallett lived, up to his death in 1892.<br />
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He had settled in Beeston in 1862 having already earned a much deserved reputation as a circus entertainer in countries around the world - and adopting the name 'The Queen's Jester' after entertaining Her Majesty at Windsor in 1844. And, even in these later years of his career, he only had to display a poster "Wallett is Here" to quickly attract an audience.<br />
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But, it is in the United States that he had his greatest successes and where his name is still revered, particularly in the circus community. It was there that strong family bonds connect him with those whose ancestors performed with the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus and amongst whom he is still recognised as the central figure in a family dynasty.<br />
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Over a decade ago, when researching The Jester, I corresponded with an American woman, Claudia Sam Balcziunas who told me about her great-grandfather's marriage to Ada Wallett (known as 'The Great Zazell' in the circus world and the first to be shot from a cannon in the USA) whose father. the circus equestrian, Clifford Wallett, was a nephew of The Jester. Clifford had married Fanny Jefferies who, as 'Madame Jefferies', was part of the family equestrian act. Ada was married to David Loughlin - who had taken the name 'Castello' after he was adopted by Dan Castello, one of the founders of the Barnum & Bailey circus. As a family equestrian act, they had many years in the circus world in America, Europe and wherever Barnum & Bailey took them in the world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc0udoGJRZrhJXZtYtE0cMjEEzVOQhgmVPEHAslDN4LojMqajGaeoK51fhLTrl68Ez-GM_XaqTjWcxCviiwU2CUvJk-lTmBiq6JxTy_mm6wQApfAPaVO3lQH3Uj_tTgUF9QLQ41d1ltg/s1600/claudia_sam_balcziunas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIc0udoGJRZrhJXZtYtE0cMjEEzVOQhgmVPEHAslDN4LojMqajGaeoK51fhLTrl68Ez-GM_XaqTjWcxCviiwU2CUvJk-lTmBiq6JxTy_mm6wQApfAPaVO3lQH3Uj_tTgUF9QLQ41d1ltg/s320/claudia_sam_balcziunas1.jpg" width="209" /></a>Claudia was in no doubt about the part that The Jester had played in this family success story and hoped, at some point she would visit England to see where he had lived. After offering what encouragement I could, I heard nothing more until early this year when she emailed to say that she was visiting London for a week and would like to see The Jester's home in Beeston.<br />
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And so it was that on a fine but cold morning early this month, I met her off the train at Beeston. With just four hours to see the sights before her planned departure time, we set off to show her as much as I could. After a call at The Jester's home - with its Blue Plaque - and a quick tour of the town, we called at Wallett Avenue where she was thrilled to be photographed against the street sign - and was disappointed that I had to tell her that the adjacent Clifford Avenue was not named for Clifford Wallett!<br />
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Then it was off to the General Cemetery in Nottingham to find The Jester's grave. It had been many years since I had last seen it and I was only vaguely aware of its location but, despite her mobility problems, Claudia was determined to find it. And, despite the difficult terrain and prickly brambles in the last few yards, we did eventually find it - happily completely legible and in good condition.<br />
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For Claudia, it was clearly an emotional experience as she spent a few quite minutes with 'Billy'. Seeing where he lived and where he was buried had been a lifetime's ambition and it was pleasing to make it possible.<br />
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Then it was back to Beeston for lunch and then down to the station for her return to London. It had been a busy few hours but we had achieved everything we set out to do - and Claudia was a happy lady.<br />
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Clearly, there is a lesson here for us locally - these not so high profile celebrities from the past did remarkable things and are somebody's heroes. Recognising this, learning about them and promoting them is something we should all be doing.<br />
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Certainly, for Claudia's friends and family, there was no question - the first thing they asked when she returned home was not did you see the usual tourist sights but, 'did you find Billy' !<br />
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<u>You</u> can learn more about William Frederick Wallett <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/wallett.shtml" target="_blank">here</a><br />
And, about the wider family circus connections <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/ada.htm" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/loughlins.htm" target="_blank">here</a>David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-35688561719745352792019-03-03T13:43:00.000+00:002019-03-03T13:43:02.909+00:00C P Walker & Sons - 120 Years Plus and Still Going Strong<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGQWUcErBuUeIWhYOhUr6Om0lwFuqMMpVSX0zmbgItBeR8c0ICwYxO63RXXOMtM8vYyrey4r24kFPjNI73z5YlnIlUUyST0gUDaaRhY-W4Th45RFV5nziBPk51uieieuzFXT8-pCxyvg/s1600/cpw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="500" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGQWUcErBuUeIWhYOhUr6Om0lwFuqMMpVSX0zmbgItBeR8c0ICwYxO63RXXOMtM8vYyrey4r24kFPjNI73z5YlnIlUUyST0gUDaaRhY-W4Th45RFV5nziBPk51uieieuzFXT8-pCxyvg/s200/cpw.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years, Beeston has had - and still has - more than its share of long-established family businesses that have served the local community well over the years. But, the estate agency, C P Walker & Sons, which is still going strong after over 120 years is surely a remarkably example.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The business started in 1896, the year after 23-year-old Charles Potter Walker had married Edna Wilkinson, the daughter of George, the brother of Frank Wilkinson, the owner of Anglo-Scotian Mills on Wollaton Road. George was then building housing for Frank's workforce, in the streets around the centre of Beeston and needed someone to manage them. Charles grasped the opportunity and soon gave up the greengrocery he had previously operated on the High Road to concentrate full-time on developing the property business - which soon included insurance, with Charles collecting premiums from shopkeepers up and down the High Road.<br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To this day, it has remained a family business and has grown steadily at its location at 107 High Road (shown above). Today, the business includes fourth generation family members in its management team.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To celebrate this remarkable milestone of 120 years in business in Beeston, the company decided to commission a history of Beeston during those years, exploring and celebrating its rich history. I was pleased and honoured to be asked to write the. "The Story of Beeston" It's 73 pages are richly illustrated - including the image above right - and chart the history of the town, decade by decade, from 1896 up to the present day - during which the once dominant lace trade vanished completely, large employers - such as Humbers, Beeston Boiler and Ericssons - came, succeeded but eventually closed, new housing filled the open fields that surrounded the old village centre,</span> two world wars brought tragedy and austerity and <span style="font-family: inherit;">supermarkets and national names replaced smaller local shopkeepers. But it also is a story of Beeston's resilience and positive response to inevitable change which continues today and will always be with us. </span></span><br />
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The book was published towards the end of 2018 and has been received with acclaim and interest. It is available free to anyone interested - just call at the C P Walker & Son office and ask for a copy.<br />
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Now the thought is "How will the town develop in the 2020s?" - and, who better to write the next chapter than local people like us who love their town? And. to try to answer that question, C P Walker & Son has launched a competition to write that next chapter. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The competition is open to anyone, within three age categories - Primary School, Secondary school and 16 plus. There is no word limit but entrants are asked to keep to a 1000 words maximum if possible and to look to the future with a positive outlook, to stir the imagination and to get people thinking about what comes next and how it can happen. </span></span></div>
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The closing date for entries is April 23rd 2019. If you are interested, there are more details on the company's website, to be found <a href="https://www.cpwalker.co.uk/pages/nextchapter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> .
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David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-38191296360944099822014-10-12T11:54:00.000+01:002015-02-19T19:34:52.034+00:0034 Reminders of People & PlaceWhen the South Broxtowe Blue Plaques Committee was formed, it was unsure how many of these commemorations of people and place it would erect - perhaps about a dozen it was thought. Now, after five years, it has completed its work with 34 plaques now in place - a remarkable and commendable achievement which has provided welcome historical awareness throughout the district.<br />
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Formed as a joint initiative between the Beeston & District Civic Society, Beeston & District Local History Society, the Stapleford and District Local History Society, and the Bramcote Conservation Society, under the able and energetic chairmanship of Peter Robinson, the committee has done an excellent job by any measure. And, remarkably, the whole project has been self-financing with the cost of the plaques borne by the property owners or other interested parties.<br />
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The final plaque was unveiled a few days ago, to mark the 175th anniversary of Beeston Station. Alan Dance reminded those who assembled to mark the occasion that the station was opened on 4th June 1839 by Midland Counties Railway as a stop on its newly opened line from Nottingham to Derby. In 1844, that company became part of the Midland Railway and the station at Beeston was rebuilt, essentially in its present form, in 1847. It is probably the oldest station building, still in use in Nottinghamshire.<br />
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The station became an important part of the Beeston community, opening it up to the world beyond - and increasing the awareness of Beeston by the outside world. Throughout its life in the 19th Century and well into the 20th, it played a major part in the development of Beeston's industry, the increasing popularity of commuting attracted new residents from Nottingham and leisure travel became attractive for many. <br />
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By the 1980s, however, things were changing, parcels and mail went by other means and passenger traffic was falling with only a few trains stopping at Beeston, British Rail proposed to demolish the buildings, leaving Beeson as an unmanned stop. Happily however, there were local people who had other ideas and, after an energetic campaign, British Rail was persuaded to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the station. Now it is once more providing a rejuvenated service for local passengers, providing speedy access to many parts - including now, ready access to the Continent.<br />
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The plaque was unveiled by Sir Neil Cossons, past Chairman of English Heritage who was born and raised in Beeston and by David Horne, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains at the invitation of the Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Stan Heptinstall. During the introductions, the Mayor thanked the committee for its excellent work which had hightened awareness of the the contributions made locally by people in <span style="text-align: center;">the past and of places of importance. Both David Horne and Sir Neil spoke of the momentous day on 4th June 1839 when the first train passed through Beeston to the amazement of local people, most of whom had never seen anything like it. It was to change everything - many travellers, assisted by a growing number of travellers' guides, would see Beeston for the first time and Beeston would have access to the rest of the country.</span><br />
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Click <a href="http://beeston.smugmug.com/History/Beeston-Station/n-DcMpc/" target="_blank">here</a> for more photographs taken on the day</center>
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Now travellers leaving or arriving at the station have a permanent reminder of that day in 1839 and the 175 years that have passed since. A worthy plaque recipient indeed !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-77567054798455376082014-05-30T12:14:00.001+01:002014-06-02T10:45:19.168+01:00Commemorating 100 Years of Excellence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zg6OjSA3zuMP7FsCZeqUFpTVxElSaKCO-QhoDEABaw72O3MmnU6z9GkVKxmEqOtq-8rRNa0pytJ_x9ySA_tBVZ3hyQGIXJfuYA_lt4nORGHV_R4cOWyUccrHvx8d3mfBM8d7dlRz0kk/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zg6OjSA3zuMP7FsCZeqUFpTVxElSaKCO-QhoDEABaw72O3MmnU6z9GkVKxmEqOtq-8rRNa0pytJ_x9ySA_tBVZ3hyQGIXJfuYA_lt4nORGHV_R4cOWyUccrHvx8d3mfBM8d7dlRz0kk/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" height="175" width="162" /></a></div>
There will be many in Beeston who remember Swiss Mills only for the spectacular fire that destroyed it in 1984. It is those kind of events that stick in the collective memory - but that's a pity because its often the real story that is then forgotten. <br />
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On Tuesday afternoon this week, the Southern Broxtowe Blue Plaques Group set out to put that right when their latest commemorative plaque was unveiled on the site. And, it is hoped, that it will remind us all of the true story of the site of Swiss Mills, on Wollaton Road, Beeston, Cross Street and Villa Street, where for upwards of 100 years, four generations of the Pollard family and their employees made fine lace. The firm was a large part of what was a major industry in Beeston. While now we look in vain for signs of that industry, we should remember that, in its heyday, a quarter of the working population of Beeston made its living in the lace trade.<br />
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The unveiling of the plaque, which can now be seen on 46 Wollaton Road, one of the modern office units which replaced the mill, was conducted by The Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Stan Heptinstall and Ernest Pollard representing three present-day generations of the Pollard family, many of whom were present.<br />
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The first of the four generations of lace makers was Thomas Pollard (1803-1880), who made a start in the trade, working wooden hand-operated machines in stables in Villa Street. He had established the basis of the business, but it was his son, John Pollard (1839-1903), who took the business to a new level, acquiring existing mill buildings and building more to form the complex that became Swiss Mills. The most prominent of the buildings was built in 1886, with John's initials carved high on the Wollaton Road frontage. After John's death the business continued to prosper under his son Arthur Pollard (1864-1952), widely recognised as one of the most gifted lace men of his time. In 1909, he purchased the nearby Anglo Scotian Mills which, like Swiss Mills, he used to house a mixture of his own machines and 'standings' rented to others. Arthur's son, John Pollard (1899-1997), also an expert and dedicated lace maker, joined his father in the business in a difficult era that saw two world wars and a declining demand for lace as fashions changed. It fell to him to oversee the final closure of the factory and the disposal of the machines and the site. He is remembered by many in Beeston for his friendly good humour and his in-depth knowledge of the lace trade.<br />
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This was a family enterprise that provided employment for many in Beeston's past and produced fine lace that was valued for its excellence. Surely an achievement worthy of recognition !<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhtuRCw27hLdwlcP3nPYB5uNWjbMJs5vK0DKu1AEV_SKAbTl4VZSJyQ6EzN9o-PDXRQt0_P32LT5Bhxv-dMytz0k7Pu4OmEOWhLPB8vPEDUz0YmnEfOwO3zDixixnlFnndF25SKR4IX0/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhtuRCw27hLdwlcP3nPYB5uNWjbMJs5vK0DKu1AEV_SKAbTl4VZSJyQ6EzN9o-PDXRQt0_P32LT5Bhxv-dMytz0k7Pu4OmEOWhLPB8vPEDUz0YmnEfOwO3zDixixnlFnndF25SKR4IX0/s1600/IMG_4802.JPG" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mayor and Ernest Pollard (centre), with members of the Pollard family at the unveiling. Click <a href="http://beeston.smugmug.com/History/Pollard/n-B62rb/" target="_blank">here</a> for more pictures taken on the day.</td></tr>
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You can read more about the family's century of lace making in 'Pollards of Beeston' by Ernest Pollard, reproduced <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/pollard.shtml" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-74831533325923078182013-02-14T15:35:00.000+00:002013-02-22T12:11:57.593+00:00Remembering The JesterThe Blue Plaque Scheme for the Beeston area took another step forward when, despite the cold weather, there was a good attendance to see the unveiling of the 18th plaque - this time it was to commemorate the life of William Frederick Wallett, the Victorian entertainer.<br />
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The event was introduced by Alan Clayton on behalf of the Plaques Group, was hosted by Philip and Jane Darby. the present occupants of Wallett's home in Beeston and was attended by Broxtowe Mayor, Margaret Handley and by several of Wallett's descendants who unveiled the plaque and who can be seen in the photograph on the right.<br />
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<i>Speaking, on the right is Geoffrey Wallis, a great-grandson of William Frederick Wallett. To his right is another great-grandson, John Astle-Fletcher, his wife Jane and their daughter, Sally Ryall-Fletcher.</i></div>
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A number of Wallett artifacts, including a portrait of William Frederick Wallett and a picture showing his appearance before Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, were on display.<br />
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I gave a resume of Wallett's life -<br />
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William Frederick Wallett was born in Hull in 1813. During a career that spanned over 60 years, he established himself
as a master of the theatrical stage and, in particular, the circus ring. He travelled widely
throughout the world – across two hemispheres - but most often to the United
States where his reputation became particularly well established - and delighted
crowded audiences by the originality of his wit and humour.<br />
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His performances were more in the tradition of a ‘jester’ than a modern-day ‘clown’. He
was a man of striking ability and versatility, of fine physical proportions
and graceful deportment and he sported a fine black mustache He usually
dressed in Court Jester's costume with bauble in hand and would declaim witty
selections from the poets and quote Shakespeare with telling effect. He also gave representations of classical statuary and sang witty songs. While perhaps not something that would appeal to audiences today, this was a winning formula in his day.<br />
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His undoubted talents as a performer were accompanied by a well-tuned talent for self-publicity. No opportunity was missed - so when, on the 19th July 1844, he found himself appearing at Windsor Castle in front of Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort with the great Duke of
Wellington in attendance, he was received kindly by them and afterwards styled
himself "The Queen's Jester" - of course, with no official royal
authority. This was the masterstroke that made him a household name throughout
the Midlands and the North in particular, fascinated audiences throughout the
world and ensured his place in the history of popular entertainment.<br />
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<o:p>When, in March 1862, Wallett married Sarah Tutin Farmer - the daughter of </o:p> John Farmer, then the head of a Nottingham family with diverse business interests in the town - the couple chose to set up their home in Beeston, at first at Spring Villa one of a pair of houses, which stood on the corner of Queens Road and Station Road – where the Co-op convenience store is now. In 1879, the family - which by then included their two children - moved to a new house that he had built on adjacent land. It was here that Wallett, known as the best raconteur in Nottingham, lived out his life and where many local people sought his company in his old age to enjoy his wit
and charm. He died in March 1892. and is buried in Nottingham General Cemetery, where his memorial survives.<br />
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The house is now 220 Station Road, on the corner of Grove Street from where the plaque may now be seen. It is hoped that this plaque will go a long way to re-awakening a local awareness of a remarkable man who chose to live, for much of his life, in Beeston.<br />
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More information about William Frederick Wallett and other members of the Wallett family who were active in theatre and circus is available <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/wallett.shtml">here</a>. It is expected that this will be updated over the next few days.<br />
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David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-772366838102088872012-11-14T11:45:00.000+00:002013-03-10T09:19:32.736+00:00After Over 100 Years, Still Serving BeestonThe Blue Plaque Scheme has now been running in Beeston and other parts of the southern Browtowe District for over two years. Since the scheme got under way in August 2010 - when the first plaque to Thomas Barton, the bus pioneer, was unveiled - the group has already delivered sixteen plaques, with two more expected to be in place before this year is up.<br />
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This scheme - which marks places in the District which are associated with prominent people or events from the past with a blue plaque - is very worthwhile, as it reminds us all of these individuals and events and how they have helped shape the community.<br />
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Last Wednesday, 7th November, we gathered to inaugurate a plaque that has been fixed to the 'wavy-wall' that surrounds the Tesco car park on Station Road, Beeston. It is erected there to mark the position of Beeston Lads' Club which stood there from 1913 until it was displaced by redevelopment in 2007. It also marks the outstanding contribution made by Stephen Hetley Pearson who re-founded the Boy's Brigade in Beeston in 1909 and, through his untiring efforts, made the building available for the training and development of generations of Beeston boys - and, later, Beeston girls.<br />
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After an introduction by Peter Robinson, Chairman of the Blue Plaques Scheme, the story of The Lad's Club and its founder was ably described in turn by John Green, for the Old Boys' Association and by Neville Bostock, a former Boys' Brigade officer and now a Beeston & District Local History Society Committee member.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZXWOIT_WTyR49lj3dvSad1lR6Ab4QePVYULBwNnM6ghQJiJoD3xfF0H2lY3d_i13i3UCYTpiuQLq0-vwWrCdIk5pzymDVRw_yu5xYXqVky4KsZxIB9rTeWSpWxljiJFyewHsd8585Zc/s1600/station+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZXWOIT_WTyR49lj3dvSad1lR6Ab4QePVYULBwNnM6ghQJiJoD3xfF0H2lY3d_i13i3UCYTpiuQLq0-vwWrCdIk5pzymDVRw_yu5xYXqVky4KsZxIB9rTeWSpWxljiJFyewHsd8585Zc/s1600/station+road.jpg" /></a></div>
Although a Boys' Brigade had been formed in Beeston before 1900, by 1909 it had largely faded out - such that Arthur Stephen Rogers, a hosiery manufacturer and its first Captain, encouraged his nephew, Stephen Hetley Pearson to take on the task of reforming the Brigade. This he did with his characteristic enthusiasm and efficiency and, after securing the use of a room in the Anglo Scotian Mills, it was an immediate success when over 120 boys enrolled on the first night - a number that had more than doubled by 1913, when it was realised that larger, more suitable premises were needed. An appeal was made to the people of Beeston to each contribute one shilling and, when a factory on Station Road became available. it was acquired, with substantial financial help from the Pearson family. This major achievement was celebrated by the company marching, led by its band, through all the streets of Beeston, from its old to its new headquarters <i>(shown above, right)</i>.<br />
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Only a year after this move, in August 1914, Britain went to war with Germany. By then, membership of the Beeston Company had reached 300 and there was a very high level of comradeship and patriotism amongst the membership and its Old Boys' Association. These Old Boys responded to the Country's call immediately - encouraged very actively by Stephen Hetley Pearson. In late August 1914, he led an initial contingent of 27 which marched from the club to a Recruitment Centre in Nottingham. More were to follow over the following four years of war. Sadly, 42 of these fine young men were among those who were never to return. By the end of 1917, this had included Stephen Hetley Pearson himself, killed while leading his men, as a Second Lieutenant with the Grenadier Guards, at the Battle of Cambrai.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZXBD3ULRj-xvexmrSJiBhEQNEeJsMvpvjr34TCf8GfySlhyfPl5LdamLkiYl483Un3Qy2d_o-JGVIW7R18WAaFjTjcZosmNcmRhNV6-SxMYaWXxN3PFMzB3uMbpkXgXlc3dNiqH5kBg/s1600/IMG_4085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZXBD3ULRj-xvexmrSJiBhEQNEeJsMvpvjr34TCf8GfySlhyfPl5LdamLkiYl483Un3Qy2d_o-JGVIW7R18WAaFjTjcZosmNcmRhNV6-SxMYaWXxN3PFMzB3uMbpkXgXlc3dNiqH5kBg/s320/IMG_4085.JPG" width="232" /></a>His legacy was to live on in Beeston, where generations of lads - and eventually girls - were to regard the building on Station Road as a key element of their lives. There was something happening there seven evenings a week and, as well as the excellent programme of training, there are many who have happy memories of the Saturday social evening and the annual pantomime in particular.<br />
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The original premises, known as The Lads' Club, were later enlarged and were to remain the headquarters of the Company until they were cleared as part of the Tesco development in 2007. This made possible, a move to excellent, purpose-built premises on Nuart Road, where the Centre's excellent work with the young people of Beeston continues.<br />
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The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Iris White paid tribute to the contribution made by the Lads' Club, the Boys' Brigade and the Girls' Brigade to the development of many generations of young people locally, a sentiment which was echoed by Linda Lally, on behalf of Tesco, who then invited the gathering to a small reception where memories and experiences of the Lads' Club were exchanged.<br />
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<i>Shown left to right in the photograph are, Neville Bostock, John Green, Linda Lally, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Iris White and Peter Robinson.</i></div>
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<br />David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-66887184111725411232012-09-24T19:45:00.000+01:002013-03-10T09:19:54.139+00:0040 Years Old and Counting ...Last Wednesday evening we celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the formation of Beeston & District Local History Society and it was a very happy and enjoyable occasion.<br />
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Yes, it really was 40 years since a small group of us met at the Manor House in Beeston to form a committee and discuss how we could get things off the ground. As it turned out, we had little need to worry as, within a year, membership had come close to a hundred and carried on climbing. Today, it remains a thriving and active society, one of the largest in the County, with regular meetings every month and a programme of outings to interesting places. Under the leadership of the present Chairman, Alan Clayton - who, has carried out that role for some 14 years - the Society has co-operated with other local history societies in the area and with the Beeston Civic Society, to erect blue plaques to mark local locations connected with prominent people from the past, as well in other joint ventures. The society has a growing collection of photographs and local artifacts which it uses for research and displays at local heritage and community events.<br />
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The guest speaker for the evening was Sir Neil Cossons who was born and raised in Beeston - and went to school at Church Street, where his father, Arthur Cossons, was Headteacher. His outstanding career included 13 years at Ironbridge Gorge Trust as its first Director, 14 years as Director of The Science Museum and for the six years up to his retirement in 2007, as Chairman of English Heritage. In retirement, the many calls on his experience and expertise keeps him busy but he maintains a keen interest in local initiatives around the country, has always kept in touch with his roots in Beeston and, three years ago, he agreed to become the Society's President.
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The subject of his talk - memories of his early life in Beeston - was perfect for the occasion and it was delivered with an insight and in a witty style that perhaps surprised some but captivated and entertained everyone who heard it. So much has changed in the last 60 years - and the rate of change has recently accelerated at, for some, an alarming rate and looking for the landmarks from the past can be a challenge. The site of the family home on Union Street is now part of Tesco's carpark, his father's school is now the site of a modern apartment development and the fields where he worked in first first summer job, as a 'tier-in' - following the 'budder' up the seemingly never-ending rows of rose plants on Lowes nursery, all for £3 18s a week - are now given up to residential use. But the railway station survives - although it way it now operates is but a shadow of what it was in the 1950's when the young Neil worked there in holidays while in the 6th Form and to supplement his university grant. Nowadays it is just a passenger stop with a booking office, then at the station - and the surrounding rail workings - there was a payroll of 50 and - this was the big difference - a large traffic in parcels, in and out of the town. Parcels, large and small, arrived from all the local businesses on their way to their customers and others arrived daily for distribution throughout the Beeston area and the railways own distinctive delivery trucks. For Neil, with an inside view of all this, it was an insight in what made business in Beeston tick. But, working at the station had its more bizarre side - with the rituals of painting the platform edge, lighting the gas-lighting, sweeping the platforms and keeping the fires stoked in the porters' room. It was a world away from the way his career was to develop - but there was much to learn about life at Beeston Station in that era! A most enjoyable talk!<br />
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The evening ended with the cutting of a cake, which members and guests sampled with a cup of tea or coffee, mingling, greeting old friends and recalling their memories of the forty years. It was an excellent evening, a worthy celebration by a society which has served the Beeston area well and will, no doubt, continue to do so.<br />
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If you wish to learn more about the Society and possibly become a member, you can find out more on its website <a href="http://www.beestonhistory.org.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>.David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-8791915252499147232011-10-19T15:56:00.000+01:002011-10-19T15:56:49.464+01:00Bendigo - a Boxing Legend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Tuesday, 11th October 2011 - we were to learn - was a memorable day for one of Beeston's worthies from the past. As near as could be seen, it was the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Victorian bare-knuckle boxing legend, William Thompson, better known as 'Bendigo'.<br />
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Once again there was a good crowd of local people to witness the unveiling of the latest local blue plaques to mark the time, during his later life, when Bendigo lived in Beeston.<br />
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We all gathered at the Pearson Centre where, fittingly, we were joined for the occasion by a modern-day local boxing champion, Jason Booth, currently the holder of the British and the Commonwealth super-bantamweight titles. We also welcome the Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Jacky Williams as well as a representative of Nottingham Castle Rock Brewery which had recently launched a 'Bendigo' beer.<br />
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Alan Dance outlined the story of Bendigo's life and career as a boxer. Like modern-day celebrities, the story of his life has become confused by much repeated flowery 'facts'. Although it is generally believed that he was one of triplets born to Mary and Benjamin Thompson, only William and his brother Richard were baptised at St Marys Nottingham on 16 October 1811, and Richard died about two weeks later. And the story that he was the last of 21 born to the couple is also difficult to square with the facts - they were married, apparently, in 1805 and only a relatively small number of their children - perhaps seven - are recorded in the baptismal register.<br />
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But doubts about the details cannot take anything away from his remarkable career as a prize fighter which started after his father died when Bendigo was 15 and he and his mother spent time in the workhouse. Determined to support himself and his mother, he turned to the boxing ring - where winners could take away large purses, sometimes £300 or more - and great acclaim. So it was to be with Bendigo whose career took in many grueling contests, each lasting as many as 96 rounds and all attracting a huge following. These included three marathon fights with his local rival Ben Caunt. The second of these contests was the only fight that Bendigo lost - and then only on a disputed technicality - and in his final fight, aged 39 and fittingly against his old rival Caunt, he was able to finish with a dramatic win.<br />
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His flamboyant style and agility and athleticism in the ring earned him a huge popular following, something which was to continue for the rest of his life. At first, his retirement years were spent following his love of fishing but he soon became a heavy drinker and became involved with the Nottingham Lambs, a violent, politically motivated mob. Now a drunken mess, he was committed 28 times to the House of Correction.<br />
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To escape this life, he became interested in religion and moved to Beeston - to a cottage on what is now Wollaton Road, immediately to the north of Anglo-Scotian Mills. This cottage, now demolished, had another claim for fame - its chimney, which can still be seen in the side of the mill building, was reputed to be the tallest house chimney in the land.<br />
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Bendigo now threw all his energies into preaching - in his own indomitable style - attracting great crowds, eager to see and hear their hero.<br />
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He died at Beeston on 23 August 1880, following a fall on the stairs of his cottage. His funeral procession, reputed to be a mile in length, took him to his final resting place in what is now Bath Street Rest Gardens, where his distinctive memorial survives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6RkQNOlBONLzK1Lciq1Z0tSW9KeeWxkryfMzubbdFAmC4RXXskKg0_ROLj02xEERLS2mc0syISp-dV9fHjkxe3-XTrZYsbKYg2ZDBle9HdFba_Rrhaye4CNGBYvHCRPCb0ur-yYWoyI/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6RkQNOlBONLzK1Lciq1Z0tSW9KeeWxkryfMzubbdFAmC4RXXskKg0_ROLj02xEERLS2mc0syISp-dV9fHjkxe3-XTrZYsbKYg2ZDBle9HdFba_Rrhaye4CNGBYvHCRPCb0ur-yYWoyI/s320/group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Following Alan Dance's outline of Bendigo's life, we walked around to a spot opposite the site of his cottage where the plaque had been fixed to an adjacent pillar to watch its unveiling by Jason Booth <i>(shown second from the right in our photo, accompanied by, left the right, Alan Dance, the Mayor and the representative from Castle Brewery)</i><br />
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The purpose of the blue plaque scheme is to link people with place and to make people aware of the importance of both. And, it seemed to have an immediate effect - a young woman stopped as she passed and told the writer that she thought that she was related to Bendigo and would be certainly looking into it. It seems, the plaques are working well !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-85514224158237849352011-09-22T10:32:00.000+01:002019-03-02T10:30:01.170+00:00More Blue PlaquesUnfortunately, I was away when the plaque was unveiled to mark the factory in Beeston where Thomas Humber made bicycles and where Humber motorcycles and eventually cars were made. By all accounts it was an excellent occasion so I was sorry to miss it. All the more reason to make sure not to miss the latest unveiling.<br />
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There will be many Beeston residents who will not have a clear idea - if any - of the life and work of this latest Beeston person to be commemorated with a plaque. They may have wondered about the origin of the name of 'Clifford Avenue' in Beeston and they may also be unsure why Nether Street School was renamed The John Clifford School. They may have spotted the date stone on the building when walking through the short piece of Nether Street that is on the west side of Station Road - ' Erected in 1806, Enlarged in 1836'. Its put to good use today as a nursery but they may have wondered what it was built for and what happened there all those years ago This latest plaque will put person and place together and help to answer those questions.</div>
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We were welcomed by the nursery's owners, Roy and Hilary Ruddock who take much pride in the history of their building and the way they had been able to rescue the building and convert it for an excellent modern use. Although drizzling rain threatened the ceremony and there was a possibility that the ceremony would have had to be indoors, everyone was determined to do it properly and gathered around the site of the plaque to hear Professor John Beckett give an outline of the life of John Clifford.<br />
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Though he was not born and did not die in Beeston, his parents moved their family here from Sawley when he was very young and it was undoubtedly the influences of his early education, his time as a lad in the local lace factories and his conversion and commitment which arose from his membership of the local Baptist chapel - which was then based in the very building where we had gathered - that shaped his life. It was this chapel community that sponsored his time at theological college from where he went on to a lifetime ministry in west London. It was from that base that he developed as a national and, indeed, an international figure for social issues, in particular as a campaigner for non-denominational education. Rev Kevin Dare, the present Baptist Minister in Beeston, then read an extract from Dr Clifford's sermon which he delivered on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his ministry, which illustrated clearly the power of his oratory and his commitment to his life's beliefs<br />
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The plaque was then unveiled by the Deputy Mayor of Broxtowe, Councillor Margaret Handley <i>(accompanied by her husband on the left of our photograph, which also shows, left to right, Rev Kevin Dare, Hilary and Roy Rudduck and Professor John Beckett) </i><br />
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Now, thanks to this simple memorial, the contribution of Rev Dr John Clifford and the part paid by Beeston, and particularly this building, will surely not be forgotten. Those interested to learn more about this, might wish to read <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/clifford.shtml">our account of his life and work</a>.</div>
David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-88262401053705133042011-05-14T06:04:00.012+01:002014-10-10T10:18:11.313+01:00Blue Plaques for BeestonIt is very pleasing to see real progress with the local joint initiative by Beeston Civic Society, Beeston & District Local History Society and Stapleford & District Local History Society, to mark those who have historic links to the local area with a blue plaque.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GRIi0JSjzlTBxQdkzyz8dE2_Tgiyzy0cV4fzXjgY39KQXrrJCpbMmkUuI8-NZkBiCyYaDobF9YctbUTfQBitMG8_tnmwo77coCSi8ZcCxtF1nzxaH6f7iMBULmjWMasDwv8YhKuGV8I/s1600/plaque3_small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" src="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8194129422273883779&postID=8826240105370513304"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GRIi0JSjzlTBxQdkzyz8dE2_Tgiyzy0cV4fzXjgY39KQXrrJCpbMmkUuI8-NZkBiCyYaDobF9YctbUTfQBitMG8_tnmwo77coCSi8ZcCxtF1nzxaH6f7iMBULmjWMasDwv8YhKuGV8I/s200/plaque3_small.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606533602023685986" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 194px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a> These plaques, already familiar in London and other major centres, link the person with the place with which they were associated very effectively and its good to see the idea being taken up in smaller towns - and in the wider Beeston area in particular. The first was placed in Chilwell earlier this year to commemorate the life of Thomas H Barton, the local bus pioneer and, in Stapleford, a plaque for Arthur Mee, the writer and journalist, has been unveiled - with more, we understand, in the pipeline.<br />
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On Saturday afternoon last, there was an excellent gathering to witness the latest placing, this one on Church Street Schools, Beeston - now, of course, converted to apartments - to commemorate the life of teacher and historian, Arthur Cossons and the exceptional contribution he made in Beeston over many years.</div>
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We all gathered at the Methodist Church hall, where Alan Clayton, the Chairman of Beeston & District Local History Society welcomed three generations of the Cossons family headed by Arthur Cosson's son, Sir Neil Cossons and his daughter, Hilda Stoddard. Peter Robinson, Chairman of the local blue plaque project, spoke of its objective of linking 'person with place' - and today it was the well deserved 'person', Arthur Cossons, and the 'place', therefore, undoubtedly Church Street Junior Boys' School. For Sir Neil it was a time to remember their father in the context of his own early life in Beeston and his time at his father's school and the family home on Union Street, now lost through redevelopment.<br />
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We had also gathered to witness the unveiling of an associated plaque to mark the remains of the Village Cross which had, until about 1860, it is said, stood in the area previously known as 'The Cross, where the War Memorial now stands, until it was taken down and used as part of a nearby wall.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q9RiwidfonnS_E2ohgGPdlHGny5ZTOWPSI76m2Jqk_ZdC9u8hiyl73JTtm89g2mmpB5LvtFhylZ0pZe0PpoYdlMrheRnzfdmlcflha6NR3a2LRFqxbggV6HLpuEGh2FReNJtCPxr4fE/s1600/plaque8_small.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3q9RiwidfonnS_E2ohgGPdlHGny5ZTOWPSI76m2Jqk_ZdC9u8hiyl73JTtm89g2mmpB5LvtFhylZ0pZe0PpoYdlMrheRnzfdmlcflha6NR3a2LRFqxbggV6HLpuEGh2FReNJtCPxr4fE/s200/plaque8_small.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606534970832780818" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 120px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a> It was there, in 1929, that it was rediscovered by Arthur Cossons, who had it erected next to the school. During his lifetime, there is no doubt that he made sure that his pupils and the wider population of Beeston were aware of what it was but now, with memories fading, there was a need to add an explanation of what it was. Professor John Beckett set out the evidence to the audience. While there was no evidence that Beeston had held ancient rights to hold a market, the old name for Middle Street - Market Street - may point to its local use to mark a corn market and its proximity to the Church pointed to its use as a focus for processions at Harvest time.</div>
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We all then walked around to Church Street, with plenty of opportunity to compare our experiences of Arthur Cossons time at the school there. We readily agreed that there was no doubt that his enthusiasm and dedication to local history has had a lasting effect on local people and their continuing interest in their town's history.</div>
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The unveiling itself was performed by Sir Neil, assisted by Hilda, his sister <i>(left)</i> and the other members of the family. On his right are <i>(left to right) </i>Alan Clayton, Peter Robinson and Professor John Beckett. The plaque is fixed to the side of what was the caretaker's house at the school, as the building which housed the Boys' Junior School - of which Arthur Cossons was Headmaster - which stood to the rear of the site, adjacent to what was Church Lane - as distinct from the fully restored original Board School building on Church Street - was demolished as part of the redevelopment.</div>
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Everyone then moved around the corner where Margaret Cooper, a Beeston historian who taught in Beeston schools, was invited to unveil the plaque which now describes the 14th Century cross.</div>
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We all then returned to the Methodist hall for light refreshments, to view a small exhibition of the life of Arthur Cossons - and, of course, to continue to chat and swap memories between friends. An excellent occasion to mark one of Beeston's worthy 20th Century figures.</div>
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David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-14074899726166912402010-11-29T20:01:00.003+00:002019-03-02T10:29:23.912+00:00Is this the centre again ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48gK7NKqAyLijkzgW2-FUfBkYBbc39lEq0c0BCzUJZbhPTBhGzLcCwAG9tjCAga7OFg0z-LiBPprHscA8O5EujqeQTWnvbPnbbJtIGWNZG6KqoRG3LKL_eDakNqYnODsmky9WYP-x3Xc/s1600/middle_st_corner.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545064705570172354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48gK7NKqAyLijkzgW2-FUfBkYBbc39lEq0c0BCzUJZbhPTBhGzLcCwAG9tjCAga7OFg0z-LiBPprHscA8O5EujqeQTWnvbPnbbJtIGWNZG6KqoRG3LKL_eDakNqYnODsmky9WYP-x3Xc/s320/middle_st_corner.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 182px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Middle Street in Beeston used to mean what it said - and so did 'High' Road and 'Nether' Street. Though all of them haven't always had these names - High Road was the Turnpike and Middle Street was Market Street until well into the 19th century - the reason they became so named is because of their position relative to the village core. What is now High Road skirted its northern limits, Nether Street, its southern limits and Middle Street went through the middle - outside that there were open fields until they were encrouched on, progressively through the 19th century - so that today Beeston continues, largely seamlessly, to its boundaries, well beyond the old village centre.<br />
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Over those years, the High Road - and The Square in particular - has established itself as the natural centre of the town. It was a natural evolution - that's where the shops developed and that's where the Civic buildings were built so the centre it became. So the original meaning of 'Middle' Street easily became forgotten - it wasn't the centre of anything in particular any more.<br />
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Now, it seems to me - rightly or wrongly - the positioning of the new Tesco may well change Beeston's focus with Middle Street back to what it was - Beeston's center ! I agree, its early days and much depends on whether redevelopment continues on Station Road, below Middle Street but its possible. Personally, I would rather the development result in a revitalised High Road and the pedestian links from the new development may well help that outcome - I, for one, hope so.<br />
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We will just have to wait to see whether or not history repeats itself !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-41737733270369206532010-04-20T10:15:00.005+01:002010-04-20T12:58:53.470+01:00Election MemoriesAs I write, we are in the period of a General Election - although, as these things go, this one, so far at least, has been remarkably quite locally.<br /><br />Its time though to recall what, for some reason, is one of my strongest memories. It is from February 1950 (I was 11) when I found myself standing in the yard of the old National Schools on Station Road - then the headquarters of 2nd Beeston Sea Scouts, now the site of the recently closed Fire Station - looking over the wall to watch the excited crowd around the door of the Station Road Sunday School hall opposite. In the centre of the excitement was Martin Redmayne, the Conservative candidate who was emerging from his eve-of-poll meeting. The next day, the 23rd February, he was elected as the member for Rushcliffe Parliamentary Constituency.<br /><br />In those days - and continuing up the major boundary changes in 1983 - Beeston was part of Rushcliffe Constituency which then, as now, also included West Bridgford and a large area of rural Nottinghamshire south of the Trent. It had been that way since 1885 and, for over 30 years, up to 1918, returned a Liberal member - first John Ellis who died during the election of December 1910, followed by Leifchild (known as Leif) Jones. During the inter-war period, and continuing up the Labour landslide of 1945, Rushcliffe returned Conservative representatives - Henry Betteton up to 1934, followed by Ralph Assheton. In 1945, following the national trend, Florence Paton was elected for the Labour Party.<br /><br />When he was selected to contest the Constituency for the Conservatives, Martin Redmayne, born in 1910, was seen as an ideal candidate. He had served in the Sherwood Foresters during the war, commanding the 14th Battalion in Italy in 1943 and the 66th Infantry Brigade in 1944/5. After the war he had returned to continue to run the Redmayne & Todd sports outfitters business in Nottingham and was therefore quite well known locally. When I was taken to the shop , before Christmas, probably of 1948 or 1949, to choose a present, he was serving in the shop and I remember my father speaking to him about his selection.<br /><br />He was to serve as the local MP for 16 years until, in 1966, he was narrowly defeated by Anthony Gardner for Labour - who, in turn, was overturned by Kenneth Clarke who holds the Rushcliffe seat to this day. Redmayne was created a baronet in 1964 and made a life peer in 1966. He died in 1983.<br /><br />So - as I look back on that moment in 1950 as the candidate emerged amongst the cheering crowd of local supporters, it seems that much of the truly local atmosphere - something that was enough to capture the interest of an 11 year-old - has been lost in the last 60 years. It is certainly in sharp contrast with today's largely national campaigns, fought on TV, on Twitter and in blogs !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-6947260033316003912010-03-11T19:52:00.009+00:002010-03-12T07:46:44.160+00:00Welcome ChangesWith a hint of better weather in the air, it was time to take a look at what has been going on in Beeston in heritage terms. And, I found it encouraging.<br /><br />First of all, the churchyard has received a welcome tidy-up following the changes made to the church itself and the development on the previous Parish Hall site. The ivy that had badly encroached on the memorial stones in that corner - so bad it was difficult if not impossible to photograph some of them - has been cleared back and the gateway has been rebuilt with new ornamental ironwork - "to its former glory" as the old cliche goes.<br /><br />In that corner too, stands the Crimean War memorial and I was very pleased to see it has had a partial refurbishment. Although the last one was carried out by the Council about 30 years ago after representations by me, I can claim no credit this time - but its good to have it in better shape again. As an external memorial to the Crimean War, its almost unique and it deserves all the respect and care it gets.<br /><br />Further down Church Street, its nice to see the old Crown pub has undergone a very tasteful refurbishment which retains its position in the street scene very well indeed. Nice too, to see that it has opened as a more traditional pub - a small but welcome movement against the modern trend. Again, its probably about 30 years since the last changes there and, again, I recall being involved then in trying to retain the old archway entrance. At that time it soon became clear that it was impossible to remodel the pub as a viable unit if it was retained fully and the compromise we see today was made - a shallow remainder of the arch was left in the front showing the outline of its position. I have often wondered since whether it was worth doing.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2bJxbUV1ridk88Jvcf4Dx5B6X-dvsAB-31sy2mtmCDQYZ16tr0Mvifr6gSkuBbTl8h0OuOPnLku1AARffmUhGredhp6Id2xNHPeWBKKwFdtOWKlFtt5Mt9jHPc9VjXjE56GiW1Pi2_4/s1600-h/bandstand_dovecote.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447505742390498370" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2bJxbUV1ridk88Jvcf4Dx5B6X-dvsAB-31sy2mtmCDQYZ16tr0Mvifr6gSkuBbTl8h0OuOPnLku1AARffmUhGredhp6Id2xNHPeWBKKwFdtOWKlFtt5Mt9jHPc9VjXjE56GiW1Pi2_4/s200/bandstand_dovecote.jpg" border="0" /></a>I found welcome changes at Dovecote Lane Recreation Ground too, where the bandstand has received a welcome facelift. This is another feature that was last renovated about thirty years ago - that's when a group of us got together to form the Beeston Bandstand Project and campaigned to move it to Beeston Square where it would have had a more practical modern use. Again, a compromise was reached and the Council agreed to renovate it on its present site. Over recent years, sadly, it seems it has had little use but, nevertheless, it is a fine feature and the present splendid refurbishment is very welcome. As the only surviving bandstand it the County (as distinct from the City - where, of course, there is one in the Castle grounds) it deserves this attention and it is pleasing that it is getting it.<br /><br />This recreation ground, and the one at Broadgate, came about largely as a result of the benevolence of the Pearson family. Each originally had a bandstand, though the one at Broadgate was removed a little while after the Second World War and even the one at Broadgate seems to have been moved before my memory from a more central point in the park to its present position. <em>(see the photograph on the left - and another below showing the local population enjoying a day in the park listening to the band). </em>The Pearson benevolence also provided goes the land on the other side of Queens Road which was, until recently, the Boys Brigade Sports Ground. When part of it was sold for housing, many worried that the sports facility would be lost, but the establishment of excellent facilities in a part of the land seems to me to be an excellent compromise. And, it has been named the Hetley Pearson Recreation Ground - a very fitting tribute to a man who established the Lads' Club and a reformed Boys Brigade about 100 years ago and who paid the Supreme Sacrifice, along with so many others, in the service of his country in the Great War.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerWRFJiaF04JfKfIdt21b7im8ilioR1vGDkua6aJ14fGULm_uOYfPlfe8L_xWpoaam1PJMJqOgyZRqFfi09JW_UCiJ5dS-WCrwyAxrhNXvIa2bzECxoIKBd0SfE7P__Ssh14wZocb070/s1600-h/bandstand_broadgate.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447506079321168594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 257px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerWRFJiaF04JfKfIdt21b7im8ilioR1vGDkua6aJ14fGULm_uOYfPlfe8L_xWpoaam1PJMJqOgyZRqFfi09JW_UCiJ5dS-WCrwyAxrhNXvIa2bzECxoIKBd0SfE7P__Ssh14wZocb070/s400/bandstand_broadgate.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />At a time when much of the centre of Beeston has been laid bare and so many of what was familiar has been lost, it is very pleasing to see some welcome changes, attention to detail and a feeling for Beeston's heritage.David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-5295793313781147702009-12-14T12:52:00.006+00:002009-12-14T14:22:18.443+00:00Did everyone know this except me ?Until it's attempts to resist the developers ran out, the pet shop on Station Road was a well-known and popular landmark on Beeston's Station Road. Now, Simon Rowley has got in touch to draw my attention to a claim on the Notts Fire & Rescue Service website that it once served as Beeston's first fire station - that's before it was replaced, in 1902, by another building at the top of Stoney Street (where Sainsburys now stands).<br /><br />Its not easy to find on the Fire & Rescue site but <a href="http://tinyurl.com/beeston-firestation" target="_blank">click here</a> to open the page in a new window.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ41E99-GdvD6xxGw3TNTOXC3OKSq9DF6eFQ0aFSxMk5T6nfG5zXCBRHAtu_LEIdZuNeMjswhrFRoDkkhN95K6XJIlnGXm_pAIVCOEVEDe62FQYu-eu15ef5WSvaxUyMvGtn7sPE3qwY/s1600-h/stationrd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415086354972762130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZ41E99-GdvD6xxGw3TNTOXC3OKSq9DF6eFQ0aFSxMk5T6nfG5zXCBRHAtu_LEIdZuNeMjswhrFRoDkkhN95K6XJIlnGXm_pAIVCOEVEDe62FQYu-eu15ef5WSvaxUyMvGtn7sPE3qwY/s400/stationrd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It certainly looks likely! Take a look at my picture of Station Road (above) taken from the forecourt of the then fire station (now vacated and moved to Hassocks Lane). The pet shop building - along with almost everything else in the photograph - has now, of course, been demolished, but, then painted blue, it can be glimpsed between the Lads' Club and the Shaw & Marven building. It's probably a little further away than the 100 metres claimed but the location of the building, close to the centre and its size - it would have accommodated the then horse-drawn, hand-pumped engine (shown below later at the Stoney Street location) - makes it all very plausible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio91_px5kjUsHvzdCv3rk62srS5avIs2ChhKSaZi8pqBDQU6Q9ropJaAT660BEk1eDmWv6CF3lcy88egbrZHgT1bEFouufmN1_WUcbrTkDcbu96jyjVsVHdgd8qx9xVidFB1c9il3uUfM/s1600-h/fire_brigade.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415091177382906978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 226px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio91_px5kjUsHvzdCv3rk62srS5avIs2ChhKSaZi8pqBDQU6Q9ropJaAT660BEk1eDmWv6CF3lcy88egbrZHgT1bEFouufmN1_WUcbrTkDcbu96jyjVsVHdgd8qx9xVidFB1c9il3uUfM/s400/fire_brigade.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Although I thought I had heard most of the tales of old Beeston and thought I knew pretty well "every brick", I had never heard that it had been used for this purpose. But, of course, the reality is there is always something to learn.<br /><br />Can anyone confirm the story - perhaps, as I say, everyone can except me !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-72810032166997575942009-10-06T08:01:00.005+01:002009-10-06T13:57:14.658+01:00Waterloo ManSharing the information that I have in my Beeston database with those who get in touch about their own families often brings unexpected rewards - and surprises.<br /><br /><br /><br />When Mike Sheldon got in touch early last year, he already had the outline of his family sketched out and I was able to offer what I had, adding some detail and family connections that were new. The family lived in Beeston throughout the 19th century and, like many of that time, contributed to the way it worked then - as framework knitters, silk mill workers and lace makers.<br /><br /><br /><br />When Mike got back to me the other day, his story showed why it is important to look at all branches of the family and all the associated detail - not just the bare facts of dates and places.<br /><br /><br /><br />It was when he decided to take a look in detail at the burial details recorded for the family that one entry stood out. Alongside the entry for the burial in Arnold, Notts of Thomas Sheldon, Mike's Great, Great, Great Uncle, was the fascinating note, "Waterloo Man". Clearly, as now and following most wars, local communities were careful to honour and respect their fighting men.<br /><br /><br /><br />Thomas had clearly broken away from the life in Beeston that was continued by most of his family and become a soldier and had seen the wider world. And, significantly, it meant that there was a good chance that the Army had kept a full record of his life.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sure enough, at the National Archives at Kew, Mike discovered his discharge papers, dated 1840. They told him that Thomas had joined the Royal Horse Artillery in 1811, aged 16 years old, was a Driver and Gunner at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and had stayed in France for 3 years 6 months. Later he served in Ireland - which is probably where he met Margaret, his Irish wife - and then in England.<br /><br />Afterwards, as the census had already indicated. he worked at the Royal Hospital at Woolwich as a Coachman to the Director General of the Hospital. Later listed as a Chelsea Pensioner, he moved back to Nottinghamshire and settled in Arnold where he died in 1875, aged 80. It was the record of his burial at St Marys Church, Arnold that provided the clue to the story of his life.<br /><br />The lesson is clear - follow every detail as lives are not always as straightforward as they first appear.David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-56407751360843470432009-09-27T17:10:00.009+01:002019-03-02T10:30:31.835+00:00Connecting Beeston with ShipleyIsn't it great that the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internet</span> is linking together, not just people, but events from the past.<br />
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John Cooper is amongst my regular correspondents and we often swap snippets of information about his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Beeston</span>-related family and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Beeston</span> itself. This week he writes to point out a connection between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Beeston</span> and a fatal colliery explosion at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Shipley</span> in 1857 - and he was able to make that connection when reading a topic on my site.<br />
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The connection is based around Mary Cox - John's 3 x <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Grt</span>-Grandmother - who was born in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Beeston</span> in 1814. She married Abraham <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Starbuck</span> and moved to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cotmanhay</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Derbyshire</span> where they raised a family, with Abraham working as a miner in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Shipley</span> collieries nearby. By 1857, their eldest son - also Abraham - was only 12 but was already working in the pit alongside his father. And it was there on 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">th</span> March 1857 that father and son, together with Abraham <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">senior's</span> brother John and two others were killed by an explosion while working underground; others died later of the injuries they sustained. Mary was left to try to bring up the family alone - with at least five of her children still under 10 - but, by 1861 it had proved too much. Then, she and her four youngest were in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Shardlow</span> Union Workhouse - although, more happily, she was eventually able to establish herself as a laundress in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bramcote</span>, living there until her death in 1892.<br />
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But the tragedy would have been felt personally in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Beeston</span> too. Hannah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Starbuck</span>, the sister of Abraham and therefore Mary's sister-in-law, had married John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Oldham</span>, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Beeston</span> framework knitter. It was one of their sons, Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Oldham</span>, who became a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Beeston</span> local hero following his service in the Crimean War - see my account of his life <a href="http://www.beeston-notts.co.uk/crimean_memorial.shtml#robert">here</a>.<br />
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So - seemingly separate lives each playing their part in events long ago, then felt strongly within the family and local communities, now pieced together by the power of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Internet</span> and the interest of their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">ancestors</span>. They would probably have been both pleased and surprised !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-60049996254105835682009-07-25T11:58:00.010+01:002009-07-25T13:14:03.918+01:00Home from Iraq<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTnXlQCiWqLYNI3xcaswkSzK4H3_BTCT0LzioUnyws568gvkE5AUeOEhtCnH9eX34VNVYrd7C2UMH5Gf4s4ds1zOlfPH18UaM6QQfWux0gRI47fDfIHwWGrQJdyVQGNwnpy9dgshjSj0/s1600-h/parade1-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362369424337846210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTnXlQCiWqLYNI3xcaswkSzK4H3_BTCT0LzioUnyws568gvkE5AUeOEhtCnH9eX34VNVYrd7C2UMH5Gf4s4ds1zOlfPH18UaM6QQfWux0gRI47fDfIHwWGrQJdyVQGNwnpy9dgshjSj0/s400/parade1-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Many in Beeston and the surrounding communities turned out this morning, to welcome a local army unit - 170 (Infra SP) Engineer Group - which recently returned from Iraq. </div><div> </div><div>The unit marched through Beeston, from Broadgate, down Regent Street, along Middle Street (the photographs above and below shows the parade as it passed the Manor House, led by a military band) and then onto Chilwell Road and round to the Borough Council Building on Foster Avenue, where medals were presented.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1dvkNpUwawfqgIV0WvXUsKHhW869RGS48DLMmjQSTdICl_szWIB3R4ZhRnqRBmZtgiRKoAaLWCty8xzIrTMoxkwThaTmOCym0gzr3Ja5c9SNr54zmDLUQ_nrwSaaeKTgmMJECm-T3eA/s1600-h/parade3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362354199927015474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1dvkNpUwawfqgIV0WvXUsKHhW869RGS48DLMmjQSTdICl_szWIB3R4ZhRnqRBmZtgiRKoAaLWCty8xzIrTMoxkwThaTmOCym0gzr3Ja5c9SNr54zmDLUQ_nrwSaaeKTgmMJECm-T3eA/s400/parade3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />As they approached the War Memorial, a group of British Legion veterans stood in respect. </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUrydwftR9asRWN51Fn-w0rGPUqLLJSjycjt9p3K24z7RrflxH9t0MRht39Gg6VTEw-0jEIIPMK6YEXmzDb1Nq0EsvpYwyvowM0pH7MSY3elNlTo9srZ3kw-GfaXMpkXggHODPVI7imE/s1600-h/parade4-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362365375228728242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUrydwftR9asRWN51Fn-w0rGPUqLLJSjycjt9p3K24z7RrflxH9t0MRht39Gg6VTEw-0jEIIPMK6YEXmzDb1Nq0EsvpYwyvowM0pH7MSY3elNlTo9srZ3kw-GfaXMpkXggHODPVI7imE/s400/parade4-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div> </div><div>There was a good attendance lining the streets to greet them, particularly around the War Memorial :</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9gqlQ36iz_vk1tO_x39_qFxDnScntOliM1N-4AqFWIfyKdhNb-KlElRvCLriCschGGmsAvxtbLzw1fPbjrVi6LXmcnxAiptIELdq9MspXVyCrtdpwHClegPMm6dveUnuLKoWITq1N78/s1600-h/parade5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362356379954706418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9gqlQ36iz_vk1tO_x39_qFxDnScntOliM1N-4AqFWIfyKdhNb-KlElRvCLriCschGGmsAvxtbLzw1fPbjrVi6LXmcnxAiptIELdq9MspXVyCrtdpwHClegPMm6dveUnuLKoWITq1N78/s400/parade5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And the crowd at the bottom of Foster Avenue was too large to get close:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3FvRtxlTvNsuw_yd3Qa1bKaXIgaSYHoqUd0unAhDHCcbhvfnuY1t-aSRX7Dwtd2y8TwZbzyQtNCZ_mtDsk8oQ8wKM0B2728jltoyMdo5yOetURITjdPpAaRJ63TZSTIlu000uiZfl_0/s1600-h/parade6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362357197478843490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3FvRtxlTvNsuw_yd3Qa1bKaXIgaSYHoqUd0unAhDHCcbhvfnuY1t-aSRX7Dwtd2y8TwZbzyQtNCZ_mtDsk8oQ8wKM0B2728jltoyMdo5yOetURITjdPpAaRJ63TZSTIlu000uiZfl_0/s400/parade6.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It was an honour to join the citizens of Beeston and area to greet our returning heroes. </div>David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-86099428090431315742009-07-23T08:18:00.010+01:002009-07-27T11:54:45.904+01:00Another era ended<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tm3iaofVPQD98aLk5fJX0ec4nbrLqlBzVeuHrojS7eeImvu39iF3Xp_c9pndD8yDvDRwHfmzFe4bVb709ofpwY8e-N5v5FzzBBl9zqRL0u_TWEE-jSlp6JWSFSQT87h1MJpwbIuQMOk/s1600-h/facade2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361617518933844898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tm3iaofVPQD98aLk5fJX0ec4nbrLqlBzVeuHrojS7eeImvu39iF3Xp_c9pndD8yDvDRwHfmzFe4bVb709ofpwY8e-N5v5FzzBBl9zqRL0u_TWEE-jSlp6JWSFSQT87h1MJpwbIuQMOk/s200/facade2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On Tuesday I made a nostalgic journey - into Canning Circus and out towards Bulwell - no trolley bus this time, the gas works is no more, as is much of the industry along the route, now the tram weaves through Hyson Green and beyond and the Northern Baths, where I learned to swim, is now a church. I was visiting my old school, Henry Mellish, on its last day. After about 80 years, it was closing and merging with River Leen School to become Bulwell Academy on a new site.<br /><br />The school opened in September 1929, providing secondary education to boys, originally from both the County and City but, during much of its time, for boys from the County - including Beeston - only. It set high academic and sporting standards from the start - producing a steady stream of boys to the major universities and to government, the professions, industry and commerce. Its change from grammar school to comprehensive was regretted by many - and welcomed by others - and there was an unfortunate period in which standards dropped to unacceptable levels, but latterly it responded to the needs of a changed world with a clear ethos for today's aspirations.<br /><br /><br /><br />All I can say is, for me the grammar school experience worked and certainly changed by horizons. Present day criticisms centre on elitism but I had no awareness of social differences when I was there. I was one of three boys from a council house background, five in total (as well as the girls who, in the main, went on to Brincliffe and those who lived in Lenton Abbey, who went mainly to Mundella) who went on from Beeston Fields Junior School in 1950. In an era where even local travel was limited, I was more aware of the amazingly different - and interesting - accents that I encountered than any class divisions that might have existed but were never apparent. The school offered opportunities, admittedly for those that the 11+ had identified as academically able, but, for my part, it was an opportunity that would not have been possible in any other way<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Of course, there had been many changes since my day - many of the class rooms were now full of rows of computer screens, the metalwork and woodwork rooms now serve as a drama school and the gymnasium is now a dance studio ! Again, changes for changing times. But, there were some traces of the past - the teak benches in the laboratory where Mr McCandless taught me physics - with some success, as it turned out - and where I played chess every lunchtime, were still there and the facade and entrance of the school - offering a style which we can now appreciate - is still largely intact.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOg6Hr1mHwq12jU-iV_IEn80H-_mU5RRQk5aWCE1uJhRkeQRjpWLuFcGpdfMBB6E_qF_L6hqxqZZW9VeGokV2oI0WMUk4AEaseitc73H9tYYn5-eko5J2TTlL-sGa86OGuKC52lIdvDE/s1600-h/henry+mellish.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361575465155347250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUOg6Hr1mHwq12jU-iV_IEn80H-_mU5RRQk5aWCE1uJhRkeQRjpWLuFcGpdfMBB6E_qF_L6hqxqZZW9VeGokV2oI0WMUk4AEaseitc73H9tYYn5-eko5J2TTlL-sGa86OGuKC52lIdvDE/s200/henry+mellish.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />The name of the school came from Henry Mellish (1856-1927 - shown left) who lived at Hodsock Priory where he farmed a large acreage. He was very interested in meteorology and set up a comprehensive weather station at his home and recorded observations for over 50 years. He was very active in the North Notts Territorial Association - its Chairman in the critical years leading up to the Great War - a Justice of the Peace and a member of Notts County Council from its start. It was to honour his work on the Education Committee - for many years as its Vice-Chairman and Chairman - that, following his death two years earlier, the school was given his name.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnle-XavXy3NYimvRNec4z1FvTCYn389Ejqqc1k5lgVK0xh9uRwcp-j9YqKxEp-kF6R7quSCFQTAzYzCRt37QoEl_LTSRbdmS6x_tjEohLcHzOOYI1xOPGkLGnSSB5QjB_ABadxlfmnoE/s1600-h/closure2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361588477247928578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 152px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnle-XavXy3NYimvRNec4z1FvTCYn389Ejqqc1k5lgVK0xh9uRwcp-j9YqKxEp-kF6R7quSCFQTAzYzCRt37QoEl_LTSRbdmS6x_tjEohLcHzOOYI1xOPGkLGnSSB5QjB_ABadxlfmnoE/s200/closure2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now, almost 80 years later it was the turn of his cousin's son, Sir Andrew Buchanan, Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, to formally declare the school closed - and he brought along the original gold key that had been given to the family at the official opening in October 1929. The photograph on the right shows Sir Andrew (left), accompanied by Tony Bond, the present Head Teacher, showing the key to the many past pupils who attended. The key was then used to lock the front door, formally for the last time - and it still turned !<br /><br /><br /><br />End of era certainly - but also the start of another. We wish the new Academy every success.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://roseground.smugmug.com/gallery/9058636_pPpfz#603043268_kVbFj">Click Here</a> to see my photographic record of the day</div>David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-87981346422833763702009-02-16T08:54:00.010+00:002009-02-16T20:25:46.498+00:00Nurture, not Nature<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZfBlRzf4gf_OhESxNKAmpCdKGnKR2x_qToEFSFc59b7zWQ_FrWDgEciEQ0WTjIL5WOoHAs7121FnPElMrwtgqb_W695SGRfL9PzOp4kbVrKJt-Ji7A8MpXL-GtZpZbeQ2rBNsPtywh8/s1600-h/cossons2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303483506023033298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZfBlRzf4gf_OhESxNKAmpCdKGnKR2x_qToEFSFc59b7zWQ_FrWDgEciEQ0WTjIL5WOoHAs7121FnPElMrwtgqb_W695SGRfL9PzOp4kbVrKJt-Ji7A8MpXL-GtZpZbeQ2rBNsPtywh8/s200/cossons2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Like many of my generation, I have always been keenly aware and appreciated the contribution made by Arthur Cossons. During over 35 years of teaching in Beeston, many of those who were at Church Street school had every reason to be grateful for his dedication - and, more specifically, many were inspired by his passion for local history.<br /><br />On Saturday, it was my pleasure to attend a meeting of the Thoroton Society and to hear his son, Sir Neil Cossons, deliver the Maurice Barley Lecture entitled "A Nottinghamshire Historian: Arthur Cossons (1893-1963)" - a vivid account of the life of his father.<br /><br />And what a life! Yes, we knew of his dedication but now we learned of the intensity in which he pursued it. His interests were broad - including geology, natural history, philately, railways - where is knowledge was particularly encyclopedic - and, of course, history, particularly local history. Any aspect of these or numerous other subjects he took an interest in were always pursued thoroughly and with zest.<br /><br />As early as 1912 - before his service in the Royal Army Medical Corp during World War 1 and while working as a clothier's assistant in various locations in the south Midlands - he began to submit short articles to local papers describing walks and cycle rides. This continued after he trained as a teacher after the War and found work in Beeston. Throughout that time he wrote for local papers - at one time, even finding time to write a daily column for a Nottingham paper - and eventually contributed to series on the BBC.<br /><br />His was a prolific writer and a regular speaker to groups and societies throughout the area. This included involvement in the Workers' Educational Association and this and his original research throughout the area - including his pioneer work on Nottinghamshire turnpikes, eventually extended to six further counties - brought him into contact and in lifelong collaboration with the influential academic trio, W. E Tate, J D Chambers and Maurice Barley, particularly in campaigning for the preservation of the county's heritage. But, notwithstanding the opportunities that this reputation and network of contacts brought - with the possibilities for a mainstream academic life that inevitably arose - he remained content with his headship in Beeston and the interests he had developed. Local history, rather that academic life, was his thing and he was the very opposite of a high-brow intellectual. He was indeed, a true "gentleman scholar".<br /><br />Throughout his whole teaching career he campaigned tirelessly for the development of a school museum and loan service - he had himself gathered together an eclectic collection of historical artifacts which I vividly remember being shown by him, with characteristic patience and enthusiasm, when I was only about nine. It was somewhat ironic that the loan service became a reality, with his own collection as the basis, only months before his death in 1963.<br /><br />Neil was accompanied to the meeting by his sister Hilda who had collaborated in the story of their father's life, based on the voluminous archive that he left. Together, they demonstrate a clear example of the power of "nurture" - Hilda's career was with Leicestershire Archives while Neil's well known career saw him holding the most senior positions in the museum and heritage fields. Here, surely, are examples of early life influencing their life's work - "nurture", it seems, was the dominant factor.<br /><br />And, I venture to say, for all of us whose formative years were influenced by Arthur Cosson's life, there was an element of nurture. We have much to thank him for.David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-39686495749094801842008-12-31T19:36:00.007+00:002009-01-02T06:49:20.516+00:00End of a Year - End of a High Street IconAt the end of another year it is time for a brief pause to look back. I see, with not a little incredulity, that it is over four months since I posted to my blog. That was not was intended when I started but that seems what has happened - clearly the basis of a New Year resolution here ! But, anyone who follows by site - and I know from your mail that there are many of you - will have seen many additions that, I hope, have whet the appetite for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Beeston's</span> history.<br /><br />It has been pleasing to be able to work with several people over the year - some who provided useful material for me to explore and build a story around - and others who provided ready made articles that needed little more than converting to the site format. Several more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">important</span> and interesting pieces are already in the pipeline - as well as material from my own research. Just keep watching the News page during 2009 !<br /><br />But nationally, amongst the doom and gloom that we find around us, one old classic is about to vanish for ever - although, sadly for many, it vanished from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Beeston</span> about 40 years ago.<br /><br />Frank Woolworth opened his first "5 & 10" store in America in 1879 and brought the formula to Britain not quite 100 years ago in November 1909. In just over 10 years there were over 500 F W Woolworth stores, with their familiar frontages and island-counter interiors throughout the UK.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsEVUONTEi6-HXFxvsbAY2hTx8G_21A3JUK7lUVvw9kzm1PDx1ATUIpvqKXH3UKGW78z6IDDFzUaOVSyY5fsW7ze8kylqilhnr-EAoCMaGxDo_0mspjHEHqmu6Mghlfwgb23AXUlpujY/s1600-h/highrd_woolworth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286047982907001138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsEVUONTEi6-HXFxvsbAY2hTx8G_21A3JUK7lUVvw9kzm1PDx1ATUIpvqKXH3UKGW78z6IDDFzUaOVSyY5fsW7ze8kylqilhnr-EAoCMaGxDo_0mspjHEHqmu6Mghlfwgb23AXUlpujY/s400/highrd_woolworth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a little later - perhaps the early 1930s - when one opened in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Beeston</span> but, as the photograph shows it fitted into the street scene with ease.<br /><br />Situated on the site that is now occupied by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Superdrug</span>, between Acacia Walk and Mill Yard and opposite what was then the Conservative Club - now Boots - it occupied a prime location on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Beeston</span> High Road.<br /><br />Many from my era will remember it. It was a place where adults and children alike were welcome to browse its eclectic stock - which seemed to move about every week so that, when seeking out what you wanted, you spotted things you didn't know you wanted ! In the 1940s and 50s it was a "must" for a browse during every visit to the High Road. And for my generation and beyond it was often the place where one's first record was purchased.<br /><br />Now its just about no more - truly the end of an era !<br /><br />Happy New Year to you all !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-13625476058285951512008-08-17T10:29:00.003+01:002008-08-17T11:41:10.011+01:00Olympics SuccessHere in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nottinghamshire</span> we are basking in the magnificent achievement of "our own" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Rebecca</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Adlington</span> from Mansfield. Two golds and a world record - what an achievement !<br /><br />The Great Britain squad is seeing success in other fields too, particularly in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">water sports</span> and in cycling - which has yielded four gold, two silver and two bronze medals so far - all of which we admire and congratulate.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Beeston</span> has had a cycling tradition for many years - both in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">competition</span> and recreational cycling - and this latest triumph reminds me of past cycling successes in which cyclists from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Beeston</span> played a part. For it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Beeston's</span> own Ian <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hallam</span> who took Bronze in the 4000 Metre Team Pursuit in both Munich in 1972 and Montreal in 1976. He also took Golds in the Commonwealth Games in 1970 and 1974.<br /><br />Earlier still, we remember the local cyclist Ray <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Bootie</span> who rode for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Beeston</span> club and who, in 1956, was the first to break the 100 mile time trial barrier of 4 hours. He too saw success with a Gold Medal in the 1958 Commonwealth Games.<br /><br />This concentration of local interest and talent in cycling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">undoubtedly</span> owed much to the cycle shop on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Chilwell</span> Road on the corner of Hall Croft. Started and run originally by Arthur <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Panter</span>, it was then operated from 27 years up to 2000 by another local cycling stalwart, Sid Standard. The advice, equipment, service, focus and enthusiasm it provided to local cyclists certainly seems to have been a key ingredient in the local success that was achieved.<br /><br />With the belief that the present and future are influenced by the past, perhaps <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Beeston</span> played a tiny part in today's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">success</span>. I like to think so.David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-86719553731502429642008-06-09T08:26:00.002+01:002017-11-15T06:38:08.978+00:00100 Years Old and Still Going StrongFred Hallam's greengrocery - now Fred Hallam Ltd - is a popular shop on Beeston High Road. Founded by the original Fred in 1908, its one of the oldest businesses on the road. So - this year it celebrates 100 years of trading and we certainly send them our congratulations !<br />
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To mark the occasion, Miles and Andrew Hallam, the fourth generation of the family, have set up a gallery of photographs and pictures in the shop, showing aspects of the shop over the years. The earliest, taken in 1922, shows the original Fred with his son John - then eleven years old - who took over from his father in the 1930s. He was succeeded by his son, Fred and now his sons, Miles and Andrew are in charge. The display can be seen in the shop for the rest of the year.<br />
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I am often asked if I am related to one Hallam or another and I usually have to say no. Those who are unfamiliar with the area don't realise just how many with that name live in the Nottingham, Derbyshire, and South Yorkshire area in particular !<br />
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However - in this case I can say yes ! The original Fred was my father's half-uncle (my great-grandfather married twice). Interestingly, both my father - Albert Hallam, age 2 - and Fred, age 12, can be found on the 1901 census, living together with my grandparents, Charles & Sarah, on Queens Road, Beeston. This was a time when my grandfather appears to have operated my Great-grandfather John's greengrocery business there. There had been a long tradition of fruit, vegetable and - particularly - fish trading in the family and, for a while, Charles seems to have taken over. It didn't last long as he was to return to his job at Beeston Foundry - but, family tradition has it that Fred was then given 10 shillings to start out in the world, he hired a barrow for 6 pence, filled it with fruit and veg and the rest is history !<br />
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Whether or not the story is true, Fred's original efforts have certainly "borne fruit". Its a remarkable achievement - long may it continue !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-26170599429802499182008-03-27T18:30:00.003+00:002008-03-27T19:01:24.064+00:00A Rich Vein - and a Sad EndI am always pleased to hear from folk from around the world - none more so that those who I have been able to help wit their Beeston ancestors. This week I was pleased to hear from Trish Symonds from Australia who had extracted several pages of very interesting Beeston related stories from 19th century newspaper archives. I even discovered that my gt-gt-grandfather's brother - Thomas Hudston, then Beeston's postmaster - was killed on the railway crossing in May 1877.<br /><p>But I was particularly struck by this poignant story from the Derby Mercury in March 1830 : </p><em><blockquote><p><em>On the 26th ult., a coroner’s inquest was held at Codnor Park, in this county, on view of the body of Samuel Fletcher, late of Beeston, Nottinghamshire. The deceased had been begging in that neighbourhood for some days, and appeared unwell. On the day of his death he had applied to some miners there to let him lie down in one of their cabins, but was inhumanly refused. The poor fellow sat down near to a cabin door, and in two hours was found a corpse. Verdict – “Died by a Visitation of God”.</em></p></blockquote><p></em></p>There is much in these extracts to explore and to develop into stories for this site and I certainly hope to do that - as always, keep visiting and watching for what's new about what's old !David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8194129422273883779.post-31927862169365063742008-03-27T17:09:00.002+00:002017-11-15T06:37:03.569+00:00End of an EraThe news that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ericsson</span> presence in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Beeston</span> will come to an end later this year is sad indeed. The origins of the factory in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Beeston</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Rylands</span> were built in 1901 by the National Telephone Company Ltd but were soon - in 1903 - taken over by British L M <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ericsson</span> Manufacturing Co Ltd. At the time this was a very significant development in the town, bringing the manufacture of a new technology of the age to replace the traditional textile industries - particularly lace and silk - which, even then, were past their peak.<br />
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And what a contribution to local prosperity - and the development of local skills - it made. Always a major employer, at its height in the years after the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nd</span> World War over 5000 were employed there. Anyone who lived in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Beeston</span> will remember the stream of bicycles and buses which passed through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Beeston</span> at the end of the working day - and at at mid-day when, as was then the custom, many of the workers went home for a midday meal. Nothing (except the railway crossing gates, before the road bridge was built) stopped them as they passed through the town.<br />
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For many too, it was the employer of choice when leaving school - in an era when engineering apprenticeships were sought after, forming a first-rate basis for a career. I well remember that, in the 1950s when I was leaving school, many considered a place in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ericsson</span> Drawing Office the perfect job. Now of course, the traditional draughtsman is no more. The old skills, prized by generations of local people and respected by their peers, are no longer learned.<br />
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These valuable skills were not just a basis for a job, they also often formed the basis of a hobby - many a model steam engine or radio set was constructed in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Beeston</span> garden shed ! One group we heard of even got together and constructed the first television receiver in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Beeston</span>.<br />
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We hear that the workforce is down to about 300 - whatever the number, the loss of the jobs is particularly tragic for those involved as well as the town - and that perhaps half of these will be offered jobs in Coventry. Here, history is repeating itself when we recall that, in 1907, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Beeston's</span> economy was hit severely by the consolidation of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Humber</span> car manufacture to Coventry. Then, 3000 workers followed the jobs leaving empty properties and depressed conditions throughout <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Beeston</span>. How much worse would it have been if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Ericssons</span> had not arrived and developed to help fill the gap. Lets hope that other opportunities arise now to use and develop local skills.David Hallamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02254932740459714476noreply@blogger.com2