News for Spring 2002

Local History Week 4-12 May 2002

The Historical Association has designated 4-12 May as Local History Week, and has asked each county to contribute a programme of events. A superb programme has been put together for Local History week, and we would like to encourage all members to participate as fully as they can. There are walks, talks, and exhibitions taking place, many of them organised and some given by members of the Thoroton Society. Do give your support wherever possible, and make this a week  to remember in local history circles.

Planning Green Paper December 2001: Planning: delivering a fundamental change

The overall objective of this document is to deliver a fundamental change in the planning system, which at present is too complex. The government proposes to abolish structure plans, local plans and unitary development plans and replace them with a new single level of plan, to be known as a Local Development Framework. A statement of core policies would form the heart of the new LDF. ‘It would be a succinct statement’ of five key points, sufficient here to quote the last: ‘(A statement of) criteria based policies to shape development and deliver the strategy. These would form the basis of development control. The policies would need to cover key issues, such as housing, business development, planning obligations, transport, waste disposal and recycling, and the historic environment.’

At present there are 25 National Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs), in total 852 pages. This guidance is too prescriptive and often does not allow for local circumstances. Thus it is proposed to review all PPGs, commencing with nos 1,4,6,7 (Countryside), and of particular interest 15 and 16 (Historic Environment and Archaeology – ‘following the review of policy on the historic environment’).  Copies of the Green Paper are freely available. Access the DTLR by tel 0870 1226236 or email dtlr@twoten.press.net. (Ken Brand)

Almoner – not a word you hear often today, but Neville Hoskins insists it is the right one for the job! The officers are concerned that we have no obvious way of keeping in touch with members who are ill, or for some reason unable to attend lectures and excursions. Would anyone like to be the Society's ‘almoner’, someone who will keep in touch with the older and perhaps more infirm members, and make sure the officers, Council, and, where appropriate, members, know how they are? Contact the Chairman (0115 951 5936) if you think this might be a task you could undertake.

Call for gardening enthusiasts!

Chris Salisbury is investigating the mid 17th century garden of Colonel Hutchinson of Owthorpe, who was Governor of Nottingham during the Civil War and the subject of the famous memoirs by his wife, Lucy. Work is currently being undertaken in the Wilderness (Fishpond Wood SK 67703340), which consists of 6½ acres of earthworks, mostly fishponds. Eventually it is hoped to investigate the garden and the site of the Manor House, all under permanent pasture. Anyone seriously interested in helping with excavation, augering, archives, drawing and woodmanship, contact Chris on (0115) 9375496.

Southwell DAC Church History Project

Are you fascinated by local history?   Interested in churches or church sites?

Want to do some research on a church/church site in the county?

The Southwell DAC Church History Project aims to compile a historical record of every parish church/ church site in the county. Are you interested in researching your local parish church, or another in the county? More volunteers (individuals or groups) are needed to prepare entries for our website, guided by a comprehensive briefing paper. No previous experience is necessary, and you don’t even need a computer – word processing is preferred, but typed or legibly written submissions are acceptable. Internet access would be useful but not essential. Full acknowledgement of authorship will be made on the website.

For more information contact Janice Avery, tel (0115) 9515929; or email janice.avery@nottingham.ac.uk

Pub History Society

The Pub History Society has been formed to co-ordinate research into the history of public houses, inns and taverns, to encourage research, and to celebrate this unique heritage. The public house has an importance to society far wider than just industrial archaeology or the variants of drip mats. Pubs were community centres long before the term was invented, a place to conduct business, and a place to relax with friends. Architecturally they are of great interest, both outside and inside. There have already been a number of histories of the public house, notably Peter Haydeon’s The English Pub (1994). There are also a number of local studies undertaken by enthusiasts or local societies. Many family historians find they have publicans in their family trees and would like to know more. To find out more about the Society please contact Simon Fowler, 13 Grovewood, Sanydcombe Road, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3NF, or visit www.uk-history.co.uk/phs.htm. (Philip Jones)