Weekly Meeting

18 January 2018The lost houses of Nottingham – Graham Hayes

Before the presentation began Bill informed us about his & Mary’s meeting and discussions with the UK MD of Blue Diamond, the Guernsey company that has taken over the East Bridgford Garden Centre. Possible sponsorship and future hosting of our Art and Craft Fair were on the agenda.

Graham, who is a member of Wollaton RC, began his presentation with an introduction reminding us of our vanishing heritage, many fine buildings having been lost or destroyed over the last 2 centuries. He showed us a dozen magnificent buildings from Sherwood Lodge, Calverton Hall, Bramcote Hall, Broxtowe Hall through to Nuthall Temple. He also provided details of many of the owners, with some noteworthy local dignitaries such as Colonel Sir Frank Seeley, John Thackeray (lace), Henry Holden (Chief Constable), Sir Henry Willoughby, Thomas Hardy (Kimberly Brewery), Sir Albert Hall JP, father of Albert Ball (war time pilot). Much of the detailed material had been gathered from an excellent book by Philip E. Jones.

An interesting and informative presentation which prompted some searching questions. Graham was presented with a check for Prostate Cancer.                                                             AR