23 July 2013

New book: East Coast Main Line Disasters

Nottinghamshire-based author, Adrian Gray, has recently published a fascinating book examining fatal disasters on one of Britain's premier rail routes, from Newham Bog (Northumberland) in 1847 to Great Heck near Selby in 2001. 

The East Coast Line has run through the east of Nottinghamshire since the mid-19th century and Adrian discusses several accidents along this stretch, including disasters in Retford in 1873 and 1923 and one south of Newark in 1870 that left 18 dead.

The official launch of the book will be held at The Well on Hospital Road, Retford on 16th Spetember at 7.30pm. Adrian will give an illustrated talk about the various key accidents on the route.

Heritage Open Days in Nottinghamshire, September 2013

Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. This September over 70 events and places can be seen, including:
  • Bromley House Library in Nottingham
  • Classic cars and buses at Bartons in Chilwell
  • Tour of Lilac Grove Sewage Treatment Works in Beeston (!)
  • The thatched dovecote at Thoroton, near Bingham
  • Guided walks around the timber-framed buildings of Newark and Civil War sites
  • Tour of the D10 factory at Boots and a chance to browse through the Boots archives
  • North Leverton windmill
  • Trinity Hospital, Retford (established in 1671)
  • Worksop Priory gatehouse
Full details are available on the Heritage Open Days website.

2 July 2013

Nottinghamshire Open Churches Weekends, July 2013

For the fourth year, churches across Nottinghamshire will be unlocked and welcoming visitors on the 13th - 14th July (northern half of the county) and the 20th - 21st July (southern half of the county).

This year over half of all churches across the county are taking part; either by simply opening their doors
and welcoming visitors, or by offering refreshments and staging additional activities and events.