Could you please share which tour company you went with to tour Edinburgh’s vaults? Is there a particularly good one? Is there a way into them that you might know of that doesn’t involve a tour? I’m doing a fellowship thing at St Andrew’s until the end of March and have been to Edinburgh twice so far. I had learned of the underground and was snooping around to find a way into it. I think that one possibility is via the Royal Oak pub’s basement. If you know of any others that you might be willing to share, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely, Brian
Comment by Brian Wildeman | January 26, 2008 | Edit
Mercat are very much the leading people for all kinds of Edinburgh walking visits generally and are well established. Having been on more than one of their walks I would have no problem in recommending them.
Regarding the vaults, considering their history, they were only really ‘re-discovered’ in around 1985 as far as I am aware so it’s still relatively early days I guess.
I’m interested in your comment about other points of access including The Royal Oak but at this time know of no other entrance personally. I do however have a good friend in Edinburgh who is a surveyor. He worked down the vaults on an occasion or two before the days of the tours and perhaps will know of another route in. I will contact him and get back to you about that matter.
Good luck with your research. I would be very interested to read your findings as subterranean Edinburgh has quite a fascination for me.
Best regards.
Stu
Hello Stuart,
I am pleased to have found your site. It came up when I googled Abdessalam Benjelloun. I was then drawn to the articles on Arthur Duncan and The Sunday Post for reasons which I will not go in to at this time.
Benjelloun to me is a fantastic player, one of the most talented I have seen in the famour green and white. I had high hopes for him after the marvellous pre-season he had which have sadly not materialised. I hope we give him another season and that he proves his doubters wrong.
I am old enough to remember the great Arthur Duncan in his heyday and would love to have come over for his tribute night. Although I am just across the water from you on the Kintyre peninsula and I can see the Antrim Coast on a clear day, it is 6 hours from here to Stranraer, 3 to Glasgow and 4 to my beloved E.R.. However, I stil manage to have a Season Ticket at E.R. and my house is called Bal-Na-Hannan. Sadly, I am often asked by Hibs’ Ticket Staff to spell my house name. This make me think they should have to pass an exam before being employed!
If we get the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry running again next year then the N.I. Supporters Club will be my nearest Branch so I may well join up.
Keep up the good work.
GGTTH
Tommy Millar
Hello Tommy
Thanks for dropping by. Always interesting to know how people got here too.
I agree about Benjelloun’s quality. I wonder though if another season and a new opportunity will not be offered to him? I’m sure Mixu will have his own players in mind in the close season and I’d imagine there will be a fair few changes. I wonder if Benji might fall victim to that.
It’s been a few years since I was in your neck of the woods but I remember enjoying it immensely. A beautiful part of the world. Love the name of your home! For what it’s worth I’d like the proposed new East stand to be named after Father Hannan. Last time I was up in Edinburgh in November I managed a little trip to Saint Patrick’s in the Cowgate and took a good close look at his commemorative plaque. Very touching.
I am actually based in Nottingham but have some friends over in Northern Ireland who I keep in touch with. I’d certainly recommend contacting them for a friendlier bunch of people you’d go a long way to find. You can be assured you will receive a fine welcome
Thanks again for your comments, Tommy.
GGTTH
Stu
Ah, now I have made the Stu in Nottingham conection.
Have yet to visit St. Patrick’s in the Cowgate but went to the Grange Cemetery about 18 months ago to visit the Memorial to Canon Hannan after it had been restored by the Hibs Historical Trust. Strange thing was that despite never having been there before, and the Cemetery having numerous different paths, I walked straight to the Memorial. It was a truly humbling visit and one I will always remember.
Infamy at last! Yes I spend a bit of time roaming the various Hibs sites as maybe you do, Tommy?
The grange Cemetary is definitely the next visit for me. I’d love to go and pay my respects at Father Hannan’s grave. The Historical Trust do some fine work don’t they, more power to them. Irecall the service they held after the grave had been restored. The more history of the club that can be preserved and explored the better as far as I’m concerned.
Hi Stuart,
Ive just got back from visiting Mary Kings Close, and was so disappointed with it. I have read up so much on it and was absolutly fascinated with how life was all those many years ago. I was so looking forward to been on the actual street (rather than in the vaults themselve) but the tourguide basically got us to stand still for out photo opportunity then led us down to Chesneys house/office she opened the door and a few stones were thrown and a door started closing and she quickly closed the door and sped back up to the entrance. We hardly even saw the street, let alone have time to stand for a while and just absorb all the history in like you mentioned. As they had a few actors jumping out on us it took away any seriousness about the stone throwing. (Nothing was mentioned on the website about for safety reasons tourguides and the public werent allowed in Chesneys room)
I just felt that for £9.50 (and additional £6.00 for the photo should you want it) you would expect not to be rushed around the tour and be offered the opportunity to stay there and soak in the history for a good 10 minutes.
I’m assuming theres many who go on these tours for the history side of it.
I was so looking forward to this tour and was hugely disappointed. I would love to go back again one day and just stay at the back and not be rushed 🙂
Sal
Hi Sal
I’m very disappointed to hear of your experience in Mary King’s Close. It sounded quite different to my own. My visit did not include the photo op you mention, nor did it have any actors featured.
I’m not clear about Chesney’s room now, were the floors or ceilings unsafe or was it a preservation concern?
Just as a matter of interest, how long did your tour last?
Our tour was not in any way rushed and at the end we were told we could hang around awhile. Few actually did but I took this opportunity to just stand in the Close for a while and take in the atmosphere and use my imagination. I think it was actually the best bit for me in spite of an excellent and entertaining tour guide.
I wonder if you have visited at a busier time than I or if the tour has deteriorated? I would be inclined to contact them regarding your disappointment because for £9.50 I think you deserved much better.
Sorry to hear that it was a let down for you but I’m glad to hear it hasn’t deterred your interest in the subject.
Thanks for writing, Sal. Best wishes
Stu
Hiya,
it was the last tour of the night on saturday 9pm.
Dont get me wrong the guide was good and up until we got onto the street itself it was most enjoyable, we were guided down the street all told to stand still for the photo op, and then lead towards chesneys room. She just said for Health and Safety reasons, ive just actually spoken to my friend to confirm what the guide said and it was Health and safety for the room/structure etc and that no one was allowed in there, the guides were only allowed to open the front door. (although not convinced with the stone throwing because of the acting that had gone on previously)
I am intending on emailing the company as its not only me, my friends were also disappointed. I wish we had been given the chance to hang around for 10 minutes or so like you did.
You lucky man !!!
Cheers Stu
I reckon the clue is in your first sentence there, Sal. Sounds a bit like the staff were more than ready to lock up for the night and anxious to go home/to the pub or whatever! Not that it’s an excuse by any means.
Being so dank and dark down there gives a great feeling for what it would have been like in those days. I do think it’s possible sometimes to get the same impressions of the old town in the various wynds and alleys leading from the mile.
I stayed down there for some time and actually passed the next tour party entering as I was climbing the stairs out of there. It’s a pity that wasn’t available to you. Mind you it could have been worse – just imagine getting locked down there for the night!
Hi Stu, thanks for the comment on my photography blog! Looking at your own site here, I can see how you are drawn to the often mysterious and ethereal images that many people often miss, even when they’re right in front of you. I’ll be sure to visit again.
Blessings,
Lori
Hi Lori
Well you’ve pointed out something that I never really realised about this site to me, thanks!
Just looked over your main site and there is some really interesting reading and I’ll indeed be back too. I wish you well with the important and heart-rending issues surrounding your life.
Take good care.
Stu
Hi Stuart,
Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. If you remember (hopefully your memory is long) I was going to give you a call over Harold Larwood. But I’ve lost your number . . .
Very best
Duncan
Hi there,
Just came across your site. I work at Rosslyn Chapel and was very interested to see the photo of the Apprentice Pillar. It looks to me like there is a strange mist just to the left of the pillar. Is this something you have added for effect?
Hi Simon
I noticed the mist too. It’s not actually my picture, Simon but one I picked up off the net. I’m making the assumption that somebody else has done just that – added it for effect. Otherwise there may be a much more interesting explanation! Thought provoking in any case…
Best regards
Stu
Dear Stuart
I’m writing on behalf of Norwich Union who are working to help local sporting initiatives across Britain. We noticed that in the past you’ve written about Sport in Nottingham and so thought that you might be interested in helping one lucky initiative win £50,000.
It is also possible for initiatives to win at least £1,000 and for this to happen each initiative needs to receive at least 200 votes. We’d be delighted if you’d be able to encourage your readers to go to http://www.joinourteam.com/index/supportinitiative and vote for an initiative that appeals to them.
Initiatives will be able to use their winnings to further develop and encourage young people to participate in sports which will benefit Britain as whole, so I’m sure that you’ll agree it’s a really worthy cause.
Please feel free to give me a shout with any questions you may have.
Hi Stuart.
Fell over your blog looking for a good guide on sherwood, nottinham and the peak district.
I sense that you have good insight into the area. Perhaps you would be so kind as to suggest some must see sites.
I am going to the peak district in october.. 1 week… sat 4/10 ´- 11/10
I am interested in nature, natural history and the english heritage and culture of the “robin hood” times..
I’d also love to see those quaint villages one always sees on shows like ‘midsomer murders’ ‘Frost’ and similar..
Hope you’ll give a little worded tour of your favorite areas.
We will be renting a car.. (yes, my girlfriend is goind as well)
I’ve lived in England and Scotland on and off for some years, so I know the country pretty well..
Hope to hear from you.
Kindest regards,
Martin
Denmark
Hi Martin
Thanks for dropping by. I am just home after a month away and a little disorganised right now. Please bear with me and I’m sure I will be able to come up with some good suggestions for you in those areas very shortly.
I will be right back to you.
Stu
Hi Martin
A few Nottingham and Sherwood Forest suggestions for you. I’l be back with ideas for the Peak District.
Sherwood Forest
The part that is generally recognised as the original Sherwood Forest. Is around 40 minute due north of Nottingham City Centre. There’s a fairly ordinary visitor centre there and refreshments available. The ‘Major Oak’ tree lies in the grounds of the Forest. It’s perhaps unlikely that it is the ‘real’ tree but is nevertheless around 800-1000 years-old. It’s hollow and could easily be imagined as a hiding place. It’s now secured with cable and props and protected by a fence.
More obscure Robin Hood stuff can be found in Papplewick Village at the old church with gravestones of the Forest bowmen and also an ancient Yew which was supposed to have been used for making the longbows from. Alan A’ Dale is supposed to be buried there. There are no modern signs of this.
At the village of Blidworth is an old unmarked gravestone purported to be the burial place of Will Scarlet.
Nottingham Castle is in the city centre. It is not the original castle which was burnt to the ground but a palace constructed in the 19th century. Still on the original rock, it offers a pleasant visit and a good view over the city.
Linby village is an pretty little stop-off. Evidence of ancient child-labour practices in the waterways by the roadside. A ‘cross’ marking each end of the village. One of the latter was the historic marker for the edge of Sherwood Forest. It’s also said to be the place where the pancake was invented!
Nottingham
I always send visitors to the caves of Nottingham. Nottingham is riddled with a honeycomb of ancient underground caves and an entrance can be found in the Broad Marsh Shopping Centre in the centre of the city.
The Galleries of Justice is a few minutes walk from the caves in the Lace Market area. Old city courts and prison now converted into a visitor attraction which enactments for the visitors.
A must-see is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub underneath the castle rock. Carved mainly out of stone with caves for some of the bars, it dates back to 1189 and is arguably the oldest pub in the world.
The Bell Inn in the Market Square is another ancient pub (15th century) with a fascinating history. It has access at certain times to two levels of caves below which are used as beer cellars.
Newstead Abbey is 10 miles north of Nottingham. It’s the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron and a nice and interesting visit.
Hi Stu
Don’t know if you know about this one already, but I noticed a bit on the One Show the other night about the oilfield under Sherwood Forest. Yes, oilfield. It was news to me that there was British oil anywhere other than under the North Sea, but apparently they were extracting up to 100,000 tons a year from under Nottinghamshire during the war. Full story here (http://www.iwitnesstohistory.org/ResidentPages/oilpatch/sherwood.htm – terrible web page design!)
The One Show mentioned that it was oil from this field that fuelled the vessels and vehicles that took part in the D-Day landings. Amazing stuff.
HI Fraser
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Yes I know of that oil field well. It’s at a North Notts village called Eakring. I believe some of the equipment is still lying around in fields up there.
A couple of years back there was a theatre production in nearby Mansfield (the title eludes me) but it was about the American riggers who came to live in the area to extract the oil. Interesting stuff
Hi Stuart
The Multi-Faith Walk Against Violence will reach Pentiction on Oct. 12. Will you join us for a while?
The Multi Faith Walk Against Violence has now completed more than 5800 km of its cross country trek. The walkers are expected to reach Penticton by Sunday, October 12. The Walk began on April 20th at the docks of Halifax when Syed Soharwardy dipped his feet in the Atlantic Ocean and began the first stage of a cross-Canada walk to protest the effects of violence in society and to call upon members of all faith groups to make a positive statement together. Now the Walk is in its final phase and will eventually end up in Victoria, B.C. by the end of October.
The Walk aims to raise awareness about the dangers, and consequences of using violence to resolve conflicts. The concept of the dignity of life, “Save a life, save humanity”, is sacred to all faiths, and it is this concept which unites their followers. The Walk is also a graphic representation of the fact that faith and faith leaders, far from being an impediment to conflict resolution, can be a powerful and valuable resource – especially when faith groups work together!
Syed Soharwardy, the leader of the walk, and the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism, has made a commitment to walk the entire length of the route across Canada. Other faith leaders, who will be joining him along the way, have made their own resolutions as to the distances they will be walking. A rabbi in Ontario said the Walk had inspired him to make his own walk across Israel, and a Cambodian Buddhist monk, backed by members of his community, came out in Calgary on behalf of the walk to speak publicly on the dangers of violence and the need for positive action (towards oneself and the community) to overcome violence.
For further information, please call Syed Soharwardy at 403-831-6330. He would be very pleased to speak with you. You might also check out our website: http://www.walkagainstviolence.com. (We apologize for any shortcomings!)
Thank you for your attention.
Keep well and walk in peace
Just a wee note as I don’t have your email handy. You may have picked this up if you’ve looked at the hibLOG lately, but tomorrow me and Lesley are jumping on a plane and emigrating to New Zealand. Trips to Easter Road will therefore be a little fewer and further between! At least the internet means that our contact won’t change much. Hope things are well with you and Mel. Mon the Hibees!
Fraser
Hi Fraser
Great news and best wishes with that!
Thanks for getting in touch, I’ve popped an email through to you.
Bon Voyage!
Stu
Hi Stu, I’m just getting my Westminster blog about Notts MPs off the ground and was hoping to get linked in to your site somewhere. I’ve put in a link to Tears of a Clown in my Nottingham Blogs section. Either way, please drop by and let me know what you think, I’m new to this whole lark.
All the best.
Lobbydog.
Stuart,
Thanks for the reply regarding my Glenelg contribution. Our self-catering place is “The Holt”, Mo Dhachaidh Bheag, Barnhill, Glenelg, it sleeps 2 – 4. pets accepted. It can be booked via Welcome Cottages and others but also dieect with us on 01599 522381
I’ll drop your place’s details at the foot of the piece whe I get a moment, Peter. Maybe I’ll pop up ther myself one of these days – it’s been too long…!
Hi Stu,
I am currently writing a book on the subject of Leeds United in the 1970s and in the course of my research I came across your excellent site.
I loved your piece on Brian Clough which starts… When I think about football in this city…
The article sits perfectly with the tone of the book and therefore I am seeking your permission to reproduce it.
There will, of course, be accreditation in both the acknowledgements and within the text.
Kind regards,
Phil Rostron.
Hi Phil
Thanks for the kind words. I’d be happy for you to use the piece, no problem. I hope it helps with your new book, good luck with that.
Any further info you need please just contact me.
Best wishes, Stu
Hi would you be able to send me that picture of the giant fridge. I am a trainee magazine journalist and we are creating a protoype cooking mag for men and that pic would make a perfect background for one of the features.
thanks
kate
Hi kate
It certainly would in my experience!
I’ll pop it through for you but please be aware that it isn’t originally my pic.
Best wishes, Stu
Hi .. saw your blog on Alpha. nothing deep, just wanted to say i enjoy the randomnacity of it!
Thanks very much!
I just can’t seem to stay on track for too long!
Cheers, Stu
Stuart, For more reasons than the fact that I am on the photo in the Ice-Hockey (Nottm v Shefield ovation)article.Can I get a copy for someone.
Michael
HI Michael
Sorry for the delay in answering. Would you like to just do a right-click on the image in order to save it to your own pc? I should stress that the pic isn’t mine but borrowed for a well-meaning reason in lauding what happened at the rink that evening.
Stu
Stu,
I would like to add your article on Larwood/Bodyline et al on Harold’s Official website. Do you have any objections please ? Please drop me a line and let me know.
many thanks.
Hi there
Message sent to your site.
I’d be more than happy to contribute the article to your site.
Best wishes and keep up the great work of keeping Harold’s memory and greatness alive.
Stu
Hi, i’m a pupil at Walton Girls’ High School and i am wondering if i would be alowed to use your photo of Isaac Newton in a project i am doing for coursework.
Hi Sarah
Please by all means use the photo for your project. The pic isn’t originally mine but is linked from the Internet.
Best wishes
Stu
Hi Stuart – I was drawn to your site by the items on the Grantham Canal walks and will certainly use the information for the stretches closer to the Trent. You have an excellent site and I am sure I’ll enjoy working through the other content as well.
As a resident of Grantham I am saddened but unsurprised by your “brush” with the local thuggery. As with many parts of modern Britain, there are parts of the town, both in space and in time, that are best avoided. The clever title “Grantham Gingerly” did make me smile though.
As a new blogger myself I think I will have to use you as a standard to aspire to.
Cheers,
Steve
Hi Steve.
Thank you very much for the kind comments, it’s appreciated. It’s three years ago this summer since we walked the canal and it it still holds good memories for me. I think I’d love to go back and do it again, this time maybe exploring some of the different villages along the way. It’s a beautiful part of the world and much underused in my view. Perhaps that’s what adds to it’s charms though.
When I think of Grantham itself I don’t think back to the slight brush with that local lowlife there. Indeed these things are far more prevalent in the likes of Nottingham where I live. I instead think of some very pleasant visits, walks and remarkable things about the area and the town. I’m glad to say there was no way that it gave a me a jaundiced view of Grantham.
Thanks again, Steve. Good luck with your site and I shall pop over for a visit.
Cheers, Stu
Hellooo Stu,
Came across your site while searching for photo’s in google. Nice to see another hibby down in this part of the world 🙂
I moved down here about 5 years ago (here being Alfreton).
Dont really make many games, last one I actually made was the cup final….shocking I know.
Well just saying how do!
Take care.
found this great site researching some information for the nottstalgia bunch…is that the same STU who hasn’t been seen for a while ? best wishes Chrissie ( hippo girl )
Hya Gil – how nice to have another Hibby in the neighboroughhood! (Well Alfreton isn’t that far!) I hope things are good over there for you? A nice litle gateway into the Derbyshire Peak District eh?
Similarly I don’t get to as many games as i’d like to, mainly because of the expense more than anything. Do you visit any of the Hibs sites at all?
Hya Chrissie, it’s really nice to hear from you!
Thanks for the kind words, – I hope you found what you were looking for! Yes it’s Stu, formerly on Nottstalgia. I don’t visit these days but hope you are all still enjoying yourself and playing nice. 😉 How are things Hippo Girl!
hi stu, yes we are all still posting on the nottstalgia site, bip, craig, beefy and all!!!! i’m still into my music, the borlase and enjoying life, hope you are well, take care Chrissie
I, obviously, keep in touch via the official site but the others like bounce etc I dont bother with. There is one forum I go on quite often. Its shared between Yams and Hibbys but there isnt many of us left.
Can you recommend any decent sites?
Hi Stuart
I am busy creating a brand new website for the Southwell Rotary club, and there are a couple of photos of yours from your blog I would like to use on our site. Would this be ok?
Thanks
Matt
Hi Matt
That’s absolutely fine and thanks for asking. I’d be more than pleased to contribute. I’d really appreciate if you were able to credit my blog somewhere?
Best wishes with your site.
Stuart
In addition to my comment on the recent fantastic derby game, I saw your Hibs dominated recommended sites. It was my brother Colin who started Hibs monthly/ mass hibsteria and as his younger sister, I was forced to sell them in the cold outside Easter Road way back when ! I even helped type the first few copies on an old fashioned typrewriter !!
Would that be Colin Leslie? I think we may have a few mutual friends. Sean Allan, Ali Tait, Bobby Sinnet, John Campbell? I have always loved MHHM and spent a lot of time on the website in the past. It’s completely quiet these days but is still out there. I hope to see the paper version come back at some point (I have written a couple of things in there but more on the site). I know there was a problem with getting people out there selling it on the streets latterly. Well done to you for contributing to the cause! Will put you on my blogroll shortly.
Yes, it is Colin, I’m his wee sister Alison (well, we’re both in our 30s now) Colin still has all the first copies of HM – collectors items. He writes for The Scotsman now. I didn’t even realise that MHHM had gone on the web.
I would like permission to reproduce the image of Lafayette and his dog please.
You’re welcome Su. Please be aware that it isn’t my image originally and is linked from the Internet.
hello Stuart.
I just found your report from Napoli – Roma after some searcing at google.
I run the website ultras-tifo.net and would like to publish your report there to get a view from a more normal person. (Usually our articles is written by hardcore supporters/ultras).
Please contact me on thomas_a2 followed by @hotmail.com
cheers
Hi Stuart,
I am hoping you may be able to help me, I would really like to use the image that you have of the Old Malt Cross music Hall.
I am looking for music venues of the 1970’s I would really appreciate it if you got in touch!
Hi Rachel
Please use the image but please also be aware that it does not belong to me and is taken from the Internet. I visit the Old Malt Cross perhaps once a week and the next time I go along there I’ll take a couple of shots and pop them through to you if you like?
Good luck with your research!
Hi Stuart, I followed the link to your site from the ‘Quadrophenia’ review. It was interesting reading your piece about Bernard Jewry/Shane Fenton. I live about half a mile from where he used to live in Liverpool when he was married to his first wife. She was the sister of Rory Storm of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. You may of heard of their former drummer, his name is Ringo Starr !. I used to walk past Alvin’s house, and see the gold discs on the walls (if the curtains were open). He moved to London when he became famous, and married Lisa Goddard.Great site by the way, and the title of one of my favourite songs.
Hi Geoff and thanks for the kind comments. I certainly remember Alvin marrying Liza Goddard and thinking he’d done pretty well for himself there! Sounds like pleasant memories for you. Thanks for sharing them.
Hi mate,
My name is Matt and I write for a Celtic blog on theoffside.com. I was wondering if you’d be interested in answering some questions about Hibs, since you’re obviously such a big fan. I would ask about the offseason for Hibs, history, thoughts on the upcoming season, stuff like that. Here’s an example I did with an Arsenal blogger: http://celtic.theoffside.com/match-previews/interview-with-the-enemy-arsenal.html
Email me at the address I listed if you are interested. Thanks for your time.
Stuart, could you email me please via the address on my contact page ? Don’t want to print it here for auto spammers. Was wondering if you could do me a favour re the Hibs and an article ? I’ve done the stadium tour now (with Colin and his kids) and will review it shortly, loved it though. Got an exciting new project in the pipeline and thought you may be able to help. Cheers, Alison
Hello,
My name is Phil Davies from mytrafficgoals.com which is a search engine optimization company. While carrying out some searches today I came across your website stuartfrew.wordpress.com and wanted to contact you to discuss the possibility of an indirect link exchange.
A client of mine has engaged my services to improve their website’s search engine rankings by exchanging links with sites like yours. Your website’s search engine ranking can also benefit from the exchange and there is no cost at all to you as my client is paying me for my services.
If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Good Morning,
My name is Robert Harvey and I live in Rutherglen, Glasgow.
I am researching stories for a book that I am writing about Bobby Murdoch. He is the best Celtic midfield player that I have ever seen. In the 1960’s I used to save up my school dinner money and use it to go and see the Lisbon Lions play in the great European Cup games at Celtic Park. He was a fantastic player to watch. Jock Stein once said “ When the name Bobby Murdoch appears on our team sheet, I feel the opposition team get an inferiority complex. “
I have heard many supporters say that he was also a nice modest man away from football, and that he represented everything that is good about a Celtic player. Billy McNeill once said “ Bobby was such a popular lad and a superb player. A big influence, but more importantly he was just a really decent human being.”
Every Celtic supporter has a story to tell, and many supporters around the world will have good memories of the great games that he played for Celtic, or the great goals that he scored, or wonderful personal stories if they ever met him.
I would be very grateful if you could send me any favourite stories that you may have about him. All stories will be fully acknowledged.
Please feel free to pass on this note to any of your friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in contributing a story. I can be contacted at glasgowquotes@yahoo.co.uk.
Thanks for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Unfortunately I don’t have any anecdotes or stories about Bobby Murdoch, I wish I could help. He was certainly a very fine player and one I admired.
Best wishes with your project.
Hi Stuart,
I was googling for info about my Father-in-laws dad James Dunn and you mentioned his time at Hibs.
I have been trying to think of a way to bring him up to Hibs for a tour and to find out first hand about his dads time there and I was wondering if you have a contact at the club that could help me? Many thanks.
Trevor Morris
Hi Trevor. I’ve always been intrigued by the story of James Dunn – Hibs’ very own ‘Wembley Wizard’. It’s a long time ago now but I have to say I think of him as one of Hibernian’s most illustrious sons. You can read more about his exploits in the following book: ‘Wembley Wizards: The Story Of A Legend by Paul Joannou’.
I’d suggest you contact the club and book a tour for your Father-in-law:
An acquaintance of mine by the name of Billy Bryson is the tour guide at Easter Road and I’m certain he will be able to guide you towards a little info regarding James Dunn.
Additionally, you could register on http://www.hibs.net and request info on the forums on there. Billy himself is a member on there and I’m sure will respond to any queries about a proposed Easter Road tour.
Best wishes and good luck!
Stu
Salut parle tu français comme tu voulais en 1995
Te rappelle de nous.Dany et David de Québec city
Hi Stuart
Was wondering if you would be interested in contributing to our football website Scotzine.com on all things related to Hibernian.
We have one side of the Edinburgh covered and are now looking for a Hibee to contribute to both our fanzine and our website regularly.
In return we will of course promote this website and credit you with all articles written.
If your interested get back to me as soon as it is convenient for you.
Cheers
Andy
Dear Stuart,
I am making a TV programme about the ‘Bollocks Trial’ in Nottingham in 1977. I wonder if you know anything about it? I’m also keen to contact the manager of the Virgin Record store at the time, Chris Seale, I wonder if you know of him?
All the best,
James Maw.
Hi James
I don’t have much specific knowledge personally apart from being a regular user of that little Virgin store at the time. Can I point you to the following links discussing the store’s existence and a little about Chris Searle and the raid (including an image of him in the first link):
The same ‘Nottstalgia’ site has a regular member ‘Craig Strongman’ who has been a local DJ for many years under the name of ‘Craig Strong’. Craig might well be worth quizzing for your research.
Another lead might be Rob Smith of Rob’s Records, Hurts Yard, Nottingham. I’m certain that Rob’s store was a contemporary of Virgin Records when it was raided and he might have a little local knowledge. http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/id/1302
Best of luck!
Stu
Hi Stuart,
I’m writing to you in relation to a discussion thread about Justin Fashanu. I’m researching for a biography of the footballer and there were two very interesting comments on your pages from people who had some contact with him.
It would be great if you could possibly forward them this email along with my email address so they can get back in touch with me if they fancy it?
Here are the posts in question:
1. I was an English student living in Atlanta in the US playing soccer on a scholarship around 1993. Struggling with combining the soccer/football experience with being gay was very difficult. In the college bookstore one day, while passing a section devoted ot African Americans, I saw Justin Fashanu´s face on the cover of a magazine. I thought it was a football magazine but on closer inspection, it was a black gay magazine. These were days before the internet and I´d all but lost touch with footballing events in England and so I was quite shocked myself to fine out Justin was gay, and reading his story that was a couple of years old, I was so happy that a player of such high profile had come out. This revelation certainly inspired me and I wrote him a short note of support and sent it off to a Scottish club, Hearts I think, who he was playing for. A couple of weeks later, working in a learning lab of the university, my boss told me one of my English friends had been calling to talk to me. I thought it was a mate from Reading, but when he tried again, when I lifted the receiver, he said, “Hi Tony, this is Justin.” I was so wonderfully surprised, more because I was talking to a professional footballer who´d played for England! Anyway, we spoke for about twenty minutes and the overriding feeling I got from him was his humility. He told me he was doing things with the BBC, playing for Hearts and in general things were going fine. I was so humbled that he´d taken the time, and he said that the note I´d sent him was one deeply appreciated. Events after that shocked and saddened me, and I really did and still do feel for what that man had to go through. I write this as his decision to take his own life, made me stronger as a human being and to go about life without stigma. I’m a teacher in London now and while I don’t shout about who I am from the rooftops, I tolerate zero discrimination in my teaching, and despite being the wrong side of 40 I still run rings round the kids in footbal!! So, whoever reads this, let the ripple effect of fighting for what is right always win, as there are some who’ve sacrificed more than we ever can. Cheers.
Comment by Tony Dickenson | December 28, 2008
3. In 1996 I worked for Justin as a soccer coach in Atlanta. He was running a large group of youth soccer clubs at the Y. I remember being surprised when I met him because he had interviewed me over the phone and I had expected this old british white guy (as an american had only a stereotypical british image.)
I can only relate my personal experience of him which was that he was a really nice humble guy who all of the coaches I knew really liked and respected. We had a coaching clinic one weekend and the guy running it played a tape of the 100 greatest goals in premiership history and I was shocked to see Justin had one of the goals. He never mentioned he was a professional footballer nor did he mention he was gay.
I was shocked when some years later I found out he had committed suicide and to hear of all the other drama in his life.
My only impression of him back then was of a really good guy. Where ever he is now I wish him peace.
Comment by Sean | July 3, 2009
Many thanks for your help,
All the best,
Katherine
Hi Stuart.
The Old Bstwood thread seems to have gone a bit quiet. Probably down to me ‘hogging it’.
Anyway, I was wondering if you or anyone else can shed any light on this.
For at least two years in the early 1950s, there were events on the meadow at Jarve Goddard’s Southglade Farm. At least one of them featured a pig roast.
I well remember going down to the old fence which was across Southglade/Eastglade Road, roughly where the former Deerstalker pub now stands. Of course Eastglade wasn’t there then and Southglade finished where the pub now stands. (It’s a nursery now.. not a pub.)
The other side of the fence were often horses, which we used to feed with bread.
One Summer morning we saw men building a sort of basket, in which they built a fire and then put a huge pig over it. The pig was skewered from end to end by a massive spit and was tuned by a steering wheel on the end. All around people set up stalls and there were performances by little kids dancing etc.
Later, the pig was cut up and sold. There were bacon rolls, roast joints, dripping etc.
What was the reason for the events? Was it the Coronation? Was it something to do with the St Matthews Church on the hill?
Nobody I know seems able to remember it.
colin
Hey Uncle Stu! Did you recognize the name? This is so weird! I was looking for pictures on google images under the search “Okanagan Lake North Provincial Park” to see if I could come across any photos of the campground’s beach (being as me and my girlfriend are thinking about staying there for our holidays) and I stumbled across this:
I immediately called mum & Cory (dad being asleep already) recognizing the neon pink floating chair and having the immense feeling of deja vu. Then I recognized the man on the right, dad. I explained to them the situation of having accidentally found a picture of a family member, in a different setting other than at home, online. My mom, then noticed to address of the website. She told me to go to the actual source of the photo. She then exclaimed “That’s Stu!” We sat and read the entire post!
How’s things been Stuart? It seems like such a long time since I last seen you and Auntie!
Hi there Bradley – what a nice surprise! That’s quite a coincidence you finding that pic on a Google search, well spotted! Good choice of holiday spot by the way, it’s really lovely there isn’t it.
Things are ok thanks Brad. Melanie is busy studying for her doctorate at the moment, alongside her job. she’s a bit stressed with it I guess but that’s the nature of the game. last week I was awarded my Masters Degree in Psychology so that’s me done with studying for the moment thankfully!
Around the time we saw you we had three trips in fairly short succession to Canada – twice to BC and the last time a year last Christmas when we went to Saint John to stay with Melanie’s dad’s family. It felt very, very different to Western Canada where I have mostly visited over the years. Pretty cold and damp too! We’ve not had much time for travelling lately but have just come back from a few days in Wales staying with friends who were visiting there. It was nice and pretty but too much rain I’m afraid!
Next month Mel’s dad is due to visit over here for a couple of weeks and we will no doubt be doing a bit of travelling around at that time. It’s always a good chance to spend some time doing a bit of sightseeing and seeing new places here. Maybe one of these days you would like to come here to visit Brad? You will always be welcome to stay with us.
I had a smile when you mentioned calling mum and Cory (while your dad was asleep!) That must have been a bit of a surprise for them! I hope that you, Cory and mum and dad are all doing well. Both Melanie and I miss you all a lot and hope you are doing okay over there. Take care of yourselves!
Stu
Hi Stuart
I hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. I am hoping you are either running in the 2010 Robin Hood Marathon or may know people who are.
Nottinghamshire Hospice are offering free places to runners in exchange for sponsorship and will also reimburse runners who have already paid their entry fee. You can find out more at http://www.nottshospice.org. We are looking for runners to run for us and also runners who blog to help publicise this offer for us. If you are able to do either of the above we would be very grateful.
Hi Caroline. thanks for your comment. Unfortunately I won’t be taking part in the Robin Hood Marathon this year or I would have been very happy to contribute to your very worthy cause. If I come cross any others who are entering I’ll certainly encourage them to look you up. Good luck!
Many thanks Stuart.
Caroline
Hi Stuart,
Like your site. Could you ping me a quick email at ian #AT# earlybath #DOT# co.uk
Thanks v much.
Ian
Stuart,
I came across your blog when rummaging through internet searches on Runswick Bay. You are prolific and your descriptions are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, humor and insights.
All the best, Lissette
Thank you so much for your kind words Lissette, know that they are much appreciated. People like you make it worthwhile taking the time to write.
Hi Stuart, I have a question regarding one of the photos on your site.
Cheers
B
Morning Stuart,
I`ve seen your link hundreds of times whilst on Nottstalgia but didn`t ‘click on it’ until this morning. Then I read for ages. Great stuff. I shall return – as some old American said!
Ah thanks Eileen, that’s really kind. Glad you enjoy my scribblings and see you on Nottstalgia!
Hello again Stuart,
I click into ‘Tears’ most days and haven`t found any more scribbles lately. Are you having a break or are you heavily into writing the Great English Novel?
Hope that you`re well.
HI again Eileen. So sorry that I’ve not been able to write anything just lately. I’ve been so busy with work and it has temporarily had to go on the back burner. Kind of miss it and looking forward to finding the time for it again very soon!
hi stuart my name is john lee and i am interested in the articles that you have written on a company that was called rigley’s wagon works that was based on hucknall rd bulwell nottingham back in the 1960’s i have a huge interest as i belieave my father worked there at that time, his name was samual lee. he emergrated from jamaica but was of a south east origion. over the past several years i have tried to find out whether there are any archives on employees as i am desperate to trace my father. any infomation you can provide would be very much appreciateed. kind regards john lee
Hi John. The material about Rigley’s is in comments left by visitors on my piece and I do not have any personal knowledge of the works I’m afraid. There is a website about local history and the like which I visit which you might like to also. I know that Rigley’s has been mention on there several times so you too might like to visit and perhaps register and ask your question and/or use the search facility on there.
I am a 3rd year psychology student at Nottingham Trent University currently completing my third year research project looking at peoples experience of developing a blog and how this contributes to subjective wellbeing
i was wondering if you would like to take part. my research involves an interview
looking forward to hearing back from you
Kellie
Hi Kellie
I would have been happy to take part in your research in some way but I’m afraid, due to work pressures, I don’t have the time to schedule an interview at this time. If I can help in some other way please let me know.
Best wishes
Stuart
Stuart we love your blog and would love to invite you in to preview our floatation tank centre http://www.calm-water.co.uk/
Thank you for the invitation Nick. I’ll have to politely decline but best wishes with your venture.
Hi, My name is Kelly, and i’m doing a canadian site for a school project, and I’m just wondering if by chance I could use some of your hockey photos?
Hi Kelly
Please use whatever you can find. Good luck with your school project!
Stu
hi stuart. i did a google images search because i wanted 2 photos specifically. i found them both on your blog 1 is the major oak and the other is robin hood and little john fighting on the bridge. i was wondering if by chance i can use them to put on t-shirts to sell?
hi stuart. listen i did a google images search for 2 particular photos both of which i found on your blog. i was wondering if by chance i can use them to put on t-shirts to sell?
Hi, no problems with you using the images. Good luck with the t-shirts!
thank you for getting back to me, i appriciate it. and thank you for allowing me to use the photos.
hi there
can you please tell me if theres any plans for any hibbys no going to the game on sat to get together to watch it in belfast or pretty much anywhere in N I? Hope to hear from you soon mon the cabbage
cheers
jc
Hi Jim, thanks for dropping by. I wondered if you visit the Hibees Bounce website? There’s a sub-forum ‘Irish Hibs’ on there where you might like to ask that same question? (Link below).
I’ve a pal in NI who is a good Hibby and I’ll ask him that question. If I can find out anything I’ll post it up here sir.
Good luck!
Stu
My great, great grandfather was the last person to be buried in Sherwood Street Jewish Cemetery in 1863. Is there any way I can get to see his grave in the cemetery? Is the cemetery open to the public all the time?
Hi Stu,
Otis Redding was by far the best we ever had,without a doubt.
Have you listened closely to Levi Stubbs(Four Tops), this guy had such a voice,he has to be my second choice.
Loved, loved, loved The Four Tops Bryan. Levi had a terrific and memorable voice in particular. The material was so strong too. There are so many though, I loved Sam Cooke’s beautiful tones from a slightly earlier time. We have been blessed with these guys (and girls).
The one great thing Nottingham had back in the ’60s’,was the ‘Dungeon club’. I was so fortunate to see and listen to the ‘Motown and Stax’ artists.
My love for this music goes back to my 12th birthday,a ‘Dansette’ record player and two LPs, Buddy Holly and Ray Charles, what an introduction to popular music,followed by Phil Spectors ‘Wall of sound’ music, and early ‘Motown’.
The rest as they say, is history.
Although my older sister used to visit the Dungeon club I had no idea the level of artists that would appear there until reading up people’s stories on Nottstalgia. It must have been some venue Bryan – and right slap bang in the city centre too. I was introduced to Otis et al by the same sister who, at that time, worked in the record department of Griffin & Spalding. I was a bit young for that kind of thing really but it certainly had a lasting affect on me. How I used to like visiting that place as a kid with it’s ‘sound booths’ for listening to the latest releases. Like you – the rest is history.
I am sure back in the day,we would have driven your sister crazy,requesting one new release after another,to be played in the ‘sound booths’.
One Saturday we got her to play ‘Hole in my shoe’,(Steve Winwood) continually for an hour,we had been partaking in smoking some’herb’,
Mention, Ben, Click,and Radio to her. I am sure she will smile,and remember those crazy days.
I’ll do that Bryan! Hole in my Shoe does that to me as well 🙂
I know she found it a lot more fun than working in the Haberdashery department – who wouldn’t!
Hi Stuart – I have finished writing a biography on the former Forest/County footballer, Justin Fashanu, and I’d really like to include a quote if possible that was left by someone on your website. The comment was written by ‘Tony’ in response to your article, ‘Tears of a Clown’ and it is quite fitting. If that’s okay I’d also like to mention the name of your website too if possible. If you could let me know about this I’d be most grateful.
Many Thanks Stuart.
Nick B. – nick@makebelievemedia.com
Hi,
The river in front of Newark Castle is not the Trent but the Devon which is a tributory – a common misconception.
Thanks for the information, Suzanne. I didn’t know that!
HI STUART I WAS READING YOUR PIECE ON THE FERRY BOAT INN STOKE BARDOLPH,,IT WAS A GOOD ARTICLE…MY GRANDAD WAS THE LAST FERRYMAN TO FERRY PEOPLE ACROSS THE RIVER GEORGE CHAMBERS ..HE AND MY GRAN MA LIVED IN THE HOUSE NEXT TO THE PUB IN THE 30″S UP UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1980
Hi Carole, thanks. That’s a really nice piece of family history! It seems there were quite a few ferrymen in those days. I think they could use some now! 🙂
Hi
The blog’s cool – and i’d like to add it to my Nottm/Notts links is it ok to take a screenpic of your header and add it with a link to http://wollypark.wordpress.com/
Thanks
SFarmer
Hi Wollypark, thanks very much and you’re very welcome to do that. Thaks for dropping by and I’m going to check your blog!
Howdy Stu, good to see you are doing well. I’ve been perusing some of your posts and so much is coming back to me. Thanks especially for the tribute to Mum.
You have been prolific over the years! If you get a chance, check out my blog and see if you have any tips for me? http://anothermidnightwriter.com
Thanks so much for visiting, Chris, it’s great to hear from you and I think of you all often. I have my moments with the blog but it’s become dear to me over the past few years and a repository for my thoughts and muses, very cathartic too.
I’m sure you don’t need any tips but thanks for the link and I will be really interested to look through your blog!
Please tell Kara and Alan I was asking after them.
Take care.
Stu
Hello Stuart,
In the ‘Old Bestwood’ thread, I posted a comment and a link to a picture of myself and my late sister Pam as kids. I was hoping you would put this up for the benefit of Fred Sheard, who had kindly enlightened me about the Fete’s held at Jarve Goddard’s Farm. For some reason this post has not appeared.
Do you have a policy on pictures?
Regards,
Colin
Hi Colin, hope you’re well. Have no policy at all on pics and am not aware of receiving your post? Of course I would always automatically ‘ok’ posts from yourself. I’ll have a check around but see no sign of it. In the meantime if it would be easy for you to repost I’d be glad to pop it up here my friend.
Cheers, Stu
Hi Stuart,
I am trying to trace some old family members – my name is Jimmy Frew and I married to Shona Frew from Stirling. We are wondering if you are related to our cousin John Frew who moved to Southport back in the 70’s??
Could you please email me so that we can talk further?
Reply sent, Jimmy.
great review and i loved the play it was special to meet the actor who played me luke gell is not onlya talented actor but a sound person it certainly was special playing football in that era yours dave smith
Cheers Dave, thanks for dropping by with your comments. I agree about Luke.
Yes, a special time, I enjoyed many a happy hour down the Lane watching you and the lads. Glad you enjoyed the play as much as I did and hope you saw a few of your old mates. I enjoyed it so much I went for a second helping on the final night!
Best wishes, Stu
Hey Stu! You asked and I delivered, Irn-Bru as a diet drink mixer!
i’d just like to say i enjoyed reading your comments on the play ‘steak diana ross’,and i agree with all of your review of the play entirely,i thought the comments on don masson and the portrayal of ‘jackson’ wheeler were spot on.i have read the book around 15 times,just brilliant.i used to play football with dave mcvay in the early 1990s at ruddington f.c….i never got to know him that well;he doesn’t remember me now,i’ve met him a couple of times in the last two years or so.unfortunately i missed the era that macca played in,as i wasn’t born until 1974.my first visit to meadow lane was 1982,and macca had left by then.
one very good link i have to that era is that i was lucky enough to be picked to attend the notts county school of excellence when i was 11 years old,and i was lucky enough to be coached by jimmy sirrell.i just wish i knew how lucky i was being at the time.i met jimmy again briefly at the wake of bill brindley (who i kind of knew through my mum and dad-they were friends with bill from schooldays in the meadows).jimmy was sat on his own at a table in the meadow club,early evening time.i approached him and introduced myself,shook his hand,jimmy was a real gent and all smiles,he gave me the impression he was just as pleased to say hello to me,which was really lovely.it is to my eternal regret that he wouldn’t accept my offer of another wee dram,he was ‘leaving now’.obviously that was my final meeting with the great man.
i love the chance of meeting real old pros like stubbo,the don etc…i’ve met them both a couple of times,real gents.don’t mind talking football at all,although they have said to me ‘how do you know that?you’re too young’.i got the real fag end of dons’ career,and never saw stubbo play at notts (although i did play with him the once for keyworth united).
sorry for digressing a little,stuart,but the book is a real passion of mine,and being a clifton boy myself i can relate to it very easily.i went to the gala evening at the playhouse,met the old players who were there,but i couldn’t mingle that much (or as much as i would have liked)due to the amount of punters there for the same reason.it’s an era i can only taste through reading.i’m an avid reader,and maccas’ book is the best book i have ever read.it’s a shame he didn’t log further seasons he spent at notts.
kind regards
neil lowe
Hi Neil
Thanks for the interesting comments, apologies for not getting back straight away. Some great memories there and thanks for sharing. I actually went back to see the play again at the end of it’s run and thorough enjoyed it all over again. I couldn’t agree more about the book, it is a little masterpiece and like you I wished that Dave had carried his diaries on for a few more seasons as it was fascinating stuff. It almost makes one wonder at what he left out too!
Echo your thoughts about Jimmy Sirrel after having the good fortune to spend some time with him one afternoon. A most engaging but straight talking character. He was very friendly and willing to talk when I met him. Some character indeed!
AS a footnote I hear that the play is to be resurrected for another run next year. I reckon you will join me in being happy at seeing that.
Cheers, Stu
Hi Foxy, get in touch!
Hi Barbara! Sent you an email.
Hello, I’m a journalist student at Nottingham Trent. I’m currently putting together an article looking at citizen journalism, and how the mainstream media are affected or have responded. I would be very grateful if I could interview you this week, when you have some spare time. This could be in person, over the phone or via email (savanna-paris@hotmail.com) thank you!
Reply sent via email, Savanna.
Hi Stuart, you asked what the barracks were at redhill, well I can answer your question, it was called ansell terrace, nicknamed the barracks, I lived at number 2 from 1943 until I got married in 1962 they were all terraced houses numbered 1 to 12 we had a kitchen and front room with 2 bedrooms and an attic that could not be used as we had no floorboards down as my grandad burned them to keep my dad and his brothers and sisters warm as they lived in the house before us we were 10children plus mum and dad, to say we were overcrowded is an understatement we had 2 beds in each bedroom and slept top and toe to get us all in, I hope this is of help as to what and where the barracks was, it was situated directly opposite redhill road and you could walk through and up colliery pad to bestwood colliery
Regards peggy
Hi Peggy, thank you very much for this information, I appreciate it. I was aware of the ‘barracks’ but had never heard of Ansell Terrace. I can see that it would have run rougly along the southern edge of where Harberton Close stands now. There is still access to Colliers Pad to this day. I very recently came across a picture of the rear of the houses and their gardens at the back for the first time in a local history book.
It sounded like you were packed in to those little houses quite tightly in those days! How people made do was admirable and of course firewood had to come from wherever you could get it! Both my parents came from ten kids so I have a small idea of what you are talking about.
Peggy, I would be greatly interested to hear of any other memories you have of Redhill from that time. I’ve lived here in Redhill for most of my life (at three different addresses) and remember a bit of the ‘old’ Redhill such as the terraces and shop facing Redhill Road and Mr Holmes’ grocery shop, Redhill chip shop and the post office near the Waggon. I’ve been trying also to figure out if I can remember ‘New Road which was apparently somewhere near The Ram? I’ve recently joined the Arnold Local History Group and would like to write up a lot of what I know and can find out about Redhill.
Would be very pleased to hear any other information you have.
Thanks again
Stuart
Sent from my iPad
Hi Stuart I.am pleased my info was of use to you, I have a photo of the chip shop and Holmes grocery store, it was when a lorry went into the shop as was a regular occurance when I was young I will talk with my two sisters one of who still lives at redhill and see what memories we can bring up for you, one of my sisters lived across the road from the shop on Mansfield road in the terraced houses that were there, they ended about on the edge of redhill chapel that is still there
Sent from my iPad
Regards peggy
Re. Ansell terrace ( the Barracks )
Stuart I am sorry to bother you but I would love a copy of the photo you have even though it is only the back of the terrace it would be great to show my children and grandchildren thank you in anticipation
Regards peggy
Sent from my iPad
Thanks so much, Peggy. I would love to hear those memories from your sister and yourself. I have been thinking about writing up my own account some of the history of the area and I would love to include both your memories if that would be okay by you.
I have seen that picture of the chip shop and grocery store when the lorry crashed. You can find it and many others of the area on the following site: http://www.picturethepast.org.uk/frontend.php Just type in Arnold and Redhill on the link.
I’ve read quite a bit about the chapel recently. Apparently it was originally built as a schoolroom at a cost of three-hundred pounds-something. It was influenced by Daybrook Baptists down the road.
I remember those terraces very well and the little shop. I used to collect my dad’s Football Post from there every Saturday teatime! Remember Mr Holmes boxes of biscuits situated around the counter especially. Mr and Mrs Easom from the chip shop lived on Redhill Road when I lived there in the eighties. Always remember the step down into the shop and the newspaper cartoons to read on the all while you waited for your fish and chips! I used to go fishing at Leapool some evenings and they always would ask me if I had any fish for them!
Peggy, I would absolutely love to hear both your reminisces about the area and I look forward to that very much.
Not a problem, Peggy. The image is in a book that I recently returned to Arnold Library though. When I next go in there I will take a photo of it and send it to you. It would be lovely for your children grandchildren to see where you were brought up in good old Redhill.
I have sent you the picture of Ansell Terrace and three others via email, Peggy.
Kind regards, Stuart
Wonderful!!!
10oclock. horses were horse drawn carts used to collect waste. from peoples toilets. In the 19th&very early 20th century most poor or working folk only had Pan lavatories with no water. closet! Men with a cart & horses came around and emptied them.
Thanks Terence, I’m sure that is the general origin of the story.
Hello Stuart,
I am currently writing about the Bestwood Male Voice Choir to which my late father was the last founder member. After browsing the Internet I came across your postings and I would like to include the one about the pit pony being tied to a door handle in Bestwood Village. Would you be ok with me using this information?
Regards
Helen
Hello Helen
That sounds an interesting project and yes, of course that would be fine, thank you for asking.
I’d be pleased if you would add a link to your story here for people when it is written, Helen. I’m sure the many people that visit the blogs about Bestwood would be very pleased to read it.
Kind regards
Stuart
Thank you very much Stuart. Yes I could add a link. That is something I hadn’t thought of. It may be a while though as it is still in its embryonic stage!
Thank you again,
Kind regards
Helen
Hi Stuart, I’m looking for anyone who was involved in the Hollinwell Incident back in 1980, have you ever spoken to anyone directly involved? Would you be able to help? Thanks, Clare
Hi Clare, thanks for your comment.
I haven’t spoken in person to anyone present on that day but if you follow this link to a thread on a Nottinghamshire discussion forum you will see that two contributors were there. Perhaps you could join and put up a request for info or alternatively forward a private message to them.
Hi Stuart, thanks so much for your quick response, much appreciated.
Best, Clare
Hi Stuart
I am a collector of Shane Fenton music and Memorabillia,Do you know anyone who has a copy of the withdrawn Shane Fenton LP “Good Rockin Tonight” issued by Contour Records around 1970 ? Im also after the 1962 radio series “Swingalong With Shane” broadcast on the Light Programme on Thursday evenings at 5pm..Also im trying to get a 1963 handbill from ABC Theatre Blackpool with Gene Vincent & Shane Fenton..
I have lots of very rare recordings by many pop stars of the early 60s that i would gladly trade for anyone who has any of the above or any radio shows by the pop stars of that era..I have lots of old Radio Shows like Saturday Club/Easy Beat/Top Of Pops(World Radio) etc etc
Can anyone please help ?
Hi Graham,
I wouldn’t have thought that LP would be too hard to find, though I doubt it sold in large numbers.
The Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide lists it as 1974, Contour Records 2870-409. It is listed at £20 for mint. With these things, the price comes from a combination of rarity and desirability. To be blunt, I don’t think Shane was in quite the same league as many other more collectable artists on the desirability front, but on the other hand, the likely smallish sales will make it quite scarce.
I have a friend called Tony Lonergan who runs a hi-fi and second hand music website called http://www.pinkfishmedia.net It might be worth a look at his vinyl section. And of course, there’s always eBay!
Good luck in your search.
Colin
Dear Colin
Many thanks for your reply,I have searched for the LP for many years,I believe a few copies did get into shops but ive never found anyone who has it,I even asked Alvin(Shane) some years ago and he didnt have a copy !!!!..Ebay ive tried with no joy also…I have joined Pink Fish Media and put an ad on there,but im not hopefull..I have even written to former Fentones bassist Bill Bonney regarding the radio show and he hadnt got them,I even sent him some old Sat.Club radio broadcasts which he didnt have…
Anyway many thanks for your help
Best Wishes
Graham
Hi Stuart
My name is Adrian Monti and I write for Runner’s World.
We are putting together a piece on running streaks, and after coming across your site, I would really like to chat to you.
Are you able to email me at this stage on adrian@montimedia.co.uk
Thanks Stuart
All the best
Adrian Monti
Hi Adrian
Thanks for the comment. I’ve replied as requested.
Stu
great site do you have any pictures of what was on the site of sherbrooke terrace in daybrook i understand that it used to be some type of childrens home or even any info would be great
Hi Matt, thanks for the comment. Not sure of this building but I’ll have a scout around. Have you tried Picture the Past site? You might find something there. Try searching on ‘Daybrook’ and ‘Sherbrooke Terrace’ etc.
Best wishes
Stu
Hi Stuart, are you interested in stories about Nottingham? If so, could you email me?
Hi Stuart,
I am currently studying at Nottingham University and was wondering whether you would be interested in helping me. I am carrying out a dissertation investigation in to the importance of smell within Nottingham City Center, as part of my searcher I am carrying out a series of ‘smellwalks’ ( semi-structured interviews around the city evaluating what you smell and how much you like/dislike smells). These can reveal a lot about your sensual experiences and the importance of smell in the City.
If you are interested in participating I would greatly appreciate it, I am looking for a diverse range of candidates so anyone is welcome.
Hello Stuart. I’m also a Stuart. I Googled Brian Connolly and was drawn to your site. The Sweet were probably the first group that I got into as a shy 11 year old I guess. I bought the single Little Willy and the Wig Wam Bam album back in those days. A few years on I think Led Zep, Genesis et al started to take front stage in my music collection, and thus a lot of the ‘pop’ stuff was then forgotten about.
I started looking at some youtube clips the other day in a fit of nostalgia and because of my history with the group, and actually wondered how such good music seemed to have disappeared. There was also a documentary on Brian which was extremely upsetting. I think the Sweet were very underrated and were clearly all competent musicians. I might even go and visit Brian’s plaque in the cemetery – although after so long having not been into his music (I’m now 52), it’s sort of hard to explain why I might wish to do this. Perhaps a part of me owes him a large thank you for bringing tuneful music into my life?
Any comments or replies would be very welcome.
Stuart.
Hi Stuart, thanks for your own interesting comments and experiences. I also remember ‘moving on’ from the like of Sweet and T.Rex etc. I suppose it was an age thing and Sweet were very much pointed at a certain market, much to their chagrin by the sound of things as they always came across as a bit frustrated about that I always felt.
Understand what you mean about the quantity of good music around in those days. I find it interesting comparing the TOTP 1979 showings on the TV and looking at the wide range of tastes and types of music. There was always ‘bubblegum’ music but any of these (slightly later) years’ selections were interspersed with real quality such as in the case of the Roxy Musics and the like.
I haven’t seen the documentary about Brian but a friend also told me that it was quite moving and upsetting. He said to me that he preferred to keep his memories of the way Brian Connolly was and probably that’s for the best as it’s hard to witness such a decline in such detail. I can understand your urge to go the see the plaque. It’s a form of revisiting our youth in a way with some special memories. I think music and its purveyors can do that better than most things in our life.
Best wishes
Stu
Hi Stuart, Just to let you know that I’ve managed to find you, following our conversation in the Poacher on Sunday night. Cracking looking blog from what I’ve read so far. Hope to catch up soon. Mike
Hi Mike. Nice one and thanks for the kind words! Actually went in there tonight but it was mighty quiet. 🙂
Stu
Hi Stuart, In December 1965 i, along with Phil Vaughan from Inverkeithing, hitch hiked to Naples to watch Italy v Scotland’s Worlld Cup qualifier. The Sunday Post Hon Man devoted his article in the following weeks SP to his supposed story of also hitch hiking from Dundee for the game. Unfortunately Scotland lost 3 – 0 and I have lost the Hon Man report. Any ideas on how I might track down a copy?
Hi Graham. A great adventure! I’m sorry, I wish I could help you but I wouldn’t have any real idea on how to track down that story. Depending on your location though you might be able to locate it in a library on microfilm? Have you contacted the Sunday Post?
Thank you Stuart. Will contact SP and also follow up on my next visit to Scotland
Re:Digital Marketing For Your Website
Hi
We can fairly quickly promote your website to the top of the search rankings with no long term contracts!
We can place your website on top of the Natural Listings on Google, Yahoo and MSN. Our Search Engine Optimization team delivers more top rankings then anyone else and we can prove it. We do not use “link farms” or “black hat” methods that Google and the other search engines frown upon and can use to de-list or ban your site. The techniques are proprietary, involving some valuable closely held trade secrets. Our prices are less then half of what other companies charge.
We would be happy to send you a proposal using the top search phrases for your area of expertise. Please contact me at your convenience so we can start saving you some money.
In order for us to respond to your request for information, please include your company’s website address (mandatory) and /or phone number.
COMPLETE INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTION
SEO – Link Building – Copyright – Web Designing – PHP
Hi Stuart. I came across your website whilst trying to research the history of Padstow School. What a small world it is to end up finding you again. I have not had chance yet to have a good look around your pages/articles but from the little I have seen so far it looks very interesting and it seems like you have found a real niche here.
The question that bought me here is… what was the land Padstow School was built on, used for before the school was built there? Do you have any information on this?
Very nice to find you Stuart. I hope you are well.
Sue Simpson (John’s wife… from the old White Hart days and beyond!)
Hello Sue! How nice to hear from you! I hope you and John are both well. Funnily enough I was talking to Ashley last night. 🙂 I am okay thanks – too busy! I hope you are too. Ahh, the White Hart – sadly no longer…
I don’t personally have the answer to your question but I feel certain someone from the many kind people that have replied to this little piece will have. There is a lot of knowledge on here. I attend a few meetings with a local history group in Arnold and I will be seeing one chap who is very knowledgeable about that area tomorrow night and so will ask him that question. If you look back here after tomorrow night I may well have the answer for you!
My regards to John and lot of love to you both. I will try to forward my email address to you from the private part of this site so that we an keep in touch.
Stu
Hi Stuart, I came across your blogs on the Beehive Inn in Maplebeck while writing a feature for the Nottingham Post on Nottingham’s smallest buildings. Given that the articles were written a few years ago, I wondered what you could tell me about the place now, such as whether it’s still open, the owner’s name, whether you have a phone number for it (the ones I’ve found don’t work), etc. I’ve scoured the internet but there’s not too much written about it and it’s not easy for me to get to.
Hope to hear back from you soon,
Jon
Hi Jonathan,thanks for the comments. I really wish I could help you but sadly can’t. The Beehive isn’t in my locality and I haven’t visited for a little while. Nor do I have a phone number.
I believe it’s still open and have heard nothing to the contrary. My suggestion might be that you give the people at maplebeck.org a call: http://maplebeck.org.uk/index_pages/contacts_t.html and see if they can shed any light on things?
Good luck.
Stuart
Hi Stuart….I was in contact with you 3 years ago about the Old Jewish Cemetery in Nottingham…at last I have arranged for someone to open the gate for me to see the headstone of my great, great grandfather. I shall be there on Tuesday morning and will let you know what lies behind the walls. I have also posted about my visit on your Blog.
Regards,
Jo
Hello Jo, I am so pleased for you! Wonderful news after all this time. I would absolutely have loved to share that visit with you, unfortunately I am away all week on holiday so won’t be able to join you. I wish you all the best with this, Jo. I’m sure it will be very moving for you.
Stuart
Hello Stuart, Thanks for your comments – what a shame you wont be able to join me……I shall be in touch after tomorrow….Have a great holiday!
Regards,
Jo
Hi Stu,sorry it’s been so long since I was in touch.playing ‘catch up’ with my workload,
Everything is much the same here in Florida,
Would love to hear from you, Kind Regards. Bryan,
Lovely to hear from you, Bryan – email on the way!
Stu
Hello Stuart……I hope you had a good holiday. Well, I made it to Sherwood Cemetery and got to look inside. The grounds have been cleared of long grass but the surviving headstones are very hard to read. I went to where I thought my great, great grandfather was buried and found an old stone pedestal covered in ivy. I knew he was given an ornate headstone. Leaning against it on the ground was a slate and, on cleaning it, I realised it wasn’t my great, great grandfather’s name. So I’m going back to Nottingham to look at the other stones to see if I can find his name. All records of those buried have been lost but I have acquired an only available copy of the Jewish congregation in Nottingham which gives some insight into the Community at that time.
Kind regards,
Jo
Hello Jo. Pleased to hear that you got the old Sherwood Street cemetery but at the same sorry that you didn’t find your ancestor’s grave on this occasion. I hope that you are able to further your research and enable yourself to finally find the site. Thankfully, the cemetery is of modest size for you to continue your search. I wish you all the best in your quest.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart. My name is Tony Ward. We worked together at Derrymount School a long time ago. I’m pleased to hear all is well with you. Do you see Barbara at all? The poacher is my local, I live in Mapperley Park now, so maybe we will meet up sometime.
Best wishes
Tony
Hi Tony, nice to hear from you. I hope you’re well. The last time I saw Barbara was perhaps around three years ago. I noticed this week that she appear to live a long way away on Orkney now. I’ll maybe bump into you in the Poacher!
Hi there I found a picture you have previously taken of easter Road stadium and I am hoping to get this made into a wall mural for my little boys nursery however when I download the picture to my phone the resolution isn’t high enough format to enlarge to a huge scale. Do you have a high definition copy of this image or be able to help me in anyway. Kind regards. Candice
Hello Candice, I’m not sure whether I’d have a higher resolution image or not. Which image is it you’re talking about?
Hi Stuart,
Hope you are well.
Looking to invite Nottingham blogger to a Media evening in The city next Tuesday.
Is there a number I can reach you on?
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Laurie
Founder, Laurie Stone Communications
07810 55 22 02
Hi Laurie
Thank you for your kind invite but a media evening is not something I would be interested in at this time.
I wish you well with your event.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart.. I have just found a bit of paper with your info scribbled on it .. checking your name on Google i have come to your pages… a fascinating site.. I think we met at the Cranage Hi Fi Show .. and as you are from Arnold you maybe know my partner and hubby Mark Sears.. or maybe not but he is also from Arnold.
Between us we run a hi fi business called The Missing Link..up in Meden Vale…
drop us a line if you want… hope all is good with you .. best wishes… jan & mark
HI Jan. Thanks for the message and the kind words. I haven’t been to any Hi Fi show at all and I’m not sure that I know Mark. It could be that I just don’t recognise the surname, I’m not sure. I’d be interested to know if I do though.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hello Stuart
I came across your absorbing website for the first time this morning – it was a delight, as I lived next door to you when you were a boy. I was one of the Lewis family and I remember us swapping comics – your Beezer and Beano were much anticipated as they were a far better read than my own comics…
Great to see that you’re still living at Redhill.
Best wishes
Linda
Hello Linda, how nice to hear from you! I remember those days and you and your family very well and of course I’m still not very far away (The Mount). Comics were a big thing in our house in those days!
I hope you are doing well. You may remember my older sister Anita? She is still fairly local, a few miles away in Woodborough. So many things have changed here over the years but some remain just the same.
Best wishes
Stuart
Zigger Zagger was my boyhood hero as well.
Your story brought back so many memories to me, also brought a tear to my eye, thanks for sharing.
Kevin Smith
Kevzigzag on Twitter
That’s nice of you to say, Kevin, thanks very much.
he was a very special player eh?
Hi Stuart
I read with interest your description of Mordecai Sherwin and the Grove Hotel at Daybrook. My grandparents, William and Lucy Foster, were the licensees in 1911. I see that Mordecai was the licensee in 1901. Being a family history nut, I am currently researching my grandparents and would love any further info about the Grove at this time. Congratulations on your website ,,,,,great stuff !
Best wishes
Cynthia
Thanks for your comments and kind words, Cynthia. I have a little more info on The Grove but not lots. I know that it was used as a makeshift mortuary on several occasions, in particular for accidents on the railway at Daybrook (the Daybrook Station was very close by.
The pub also had a cave system underneath which was used as cellars at one time. I have some stills of them which I might be able to put up some time.
Sadly, The Grove was demolished a few months ago, I’m not sure if you knew that? It had lain empty for quite some time. There are now an almost completed block of apartments standing on the land where The Grove stood. The pub took up quite some land with not only its inn accommodation rooms to the rear but also stables and a hayloft.
Kind regards
Stuart
Many thanks for the info, Stuart. I have a good photo of my father, Robert Foster, my great grandmother, Sarah Lee nee Moore and Gladys Halfpenny who was working at the Grove in 1911. I am sure the photo is taken in the back garden of the Grove c 1912. Would be happy to share,
I’d be interested in seeing that Cynthia, thanks. I have your email address here (concealed and only viewable by me) I could supply my email address?
OK Stuart. I will forward the photo by email if you would like to send me your address.
Best wishes Cynthia
Hi Stu, I’ve followed your blog for ages and really like it. Can I pick your brains about WordPress please? Do you use the free blog or pay extra. I’ve been asked to set up an allotment blog. Best wishes. Ian
Hi Ian, thanks for the follow and kind words. I use the free version and would suggest that’s all you would need. There are plenty enough features on it unless you want to get really sophisticated. To sign up go to WordPress.com (as opposed to WordPress.org).
Kind regards
Stuart
Stuart, sorry for my delay in replying – I’ve been in the QMC for a bit. I really appreciate your advice and have only just started doodling with WordPress. If the site I’m doing ever looks a quarter as good as yours, I’ll be more than happy!
Ian
I’m sorry to hear that, Ian. I hope you’re feeling better? Soon be time to get outside now and start getting stuff done!
I wouldn’t claim to be an expert but if ever I can help just give me a shout. It’s fun practicing!
Stuart
Forgive me picking your brains. Just seen your interesting site. I’m trying to research local windmills for a talk to our local history society. Can you help with any info about Harby Mill. Photos suggest it was reduced in height during WW2 Is it now 3 or 4 storeys. What remains internally? When was it built and by whom? Many thanks in anticipation.
Hi Mark
Thanks for your comments, I’m afraid I couldn’t shed any light on Harby Mill as I’m not local to that area. It’s rather just a pleasant place that I’ve enjoyed walking through and looked up a little basic history on.
I wish you luck with your research and talk, Mark.
Hi what a amazing site this is. So full of information. I am trying to get intouch with someone whom wrote on here. Called Diane Lawlor was Lakin. She put that she lived at some stage at 54 park road. That is where my ancestors lived and wanted to chat about it. So if you are out there. Or know of her. Plz tell her to get in touch with me. Thanks
Gina van den Bos.
Thank you for your comments and kind words, Gina. I will look into this and if able, attempt to put you in touch.
Hi Stuart,
I’m from Nottinghamshire and I’ve entered my responsible travel business, Backpacker Bible into a nationwide Virgin Business competition. There are only two business from Nott’s who have entered and we need as many votes as possible to reach the next stage of the competition. I wondered if you might be able to share our story and try and get us some more local votes? We would really appreciate any support you can give 🙂 We’re on BBC Radio Nottingham tomorrow at 2.10 talking about Backpacker Bible. You can find out more about us here: http://backpackerbible.org/about-2/ and most importantly here’s the link to vote: https://www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/backpacker-bible
Many thanks,
Charlie
Hello again you! I decided that as I cannot sleep I’d have another go at blogging and come across our wee historic conversation! !
I’m not very good at it. HOW DO I REMOVE THINGS, UPDATE THINGS…..I hadn’t realised the blog I’d set up years ago would still be there,
Hello Joy, how nice to hear from you! I hope you are keeping well? I also hope that you did finally manage to get to sleep or might be in trouble by now. 🙂 Oh yes, you should definitely resume the blogging, I always looked out for your entertaining pieces in the Post. Yes, on WordPress it will just stay there for however long, unless you decide to take it down – and why would you want to do that… Keep blogging and let’s hear from you.
Stuart
Hi there – You may have seen my communications with Marlene re Stefan Cope. Would it be possible now to delete comment 274 that has my email address please? I’d appreciate it. Thanks.
Hi Dave, not a problem, that’s done. Best wishes with your communications. So good to see people coming together and making contact through the blog.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart. I am trying to work out where exactly the railway line from Bulwell Forest joined up to Bestwood Colliery. I’ve seen somewhere that it was on the line to Shirebrooke but I can’t seem to get my head around the routes. I saw your map from 1935, but couldn’t get close up.
I’ve just sent you a message but it disappeared.
The message is here, Cliff, thank you. I will respond properly when I get a moment.
Hi Stuart. I think I can have a stab at helping Cliff.
Hello Cliff! It’s complicated, to say the least, but let’s take the simple bit first. If you definitely mean Bulwell Forest, as opposed to Bulwell Common. (People get them confused). Bulwell Forest Station was on the same site as the old Rigley’s Wagon Works, opposite the Golf House on Hucknall Road, but closed to passengers long ago, some time in the 1930s I think.
That line however was operational until the mid 1960s for freight. It was part of the Leen Valley line and came from Daybrook, up under Edwards Lane and along between City Hospital and Arnold Road before turning right and following the embankment alongside Hucknall Rd, between it and Andover Rd on Bestwood Estate. The line then ran alongside Hucknall Rd as far as the Moorbridge area, where it turned right and followed the right side of Bestwood Rd, from Moorbridge towards Bestwood Colliery. A little further along a branch ran up to Bestwood colliery, while the line continued on before crossing Bestwod Road beyond Bestwood Colliery and heading towards (I think) Hucknall and Linby.
Meanwhile, another branch, this time from close to the old Moorbridge (i.e not the present one) on what is now called the Robin Hood Line, also headed into Bestwood, crossing Bestwood Road via a bridge, evidence of which still exists I think.
Lastly, a branch also ran from north of Bulwell Common station, crossing the bottom of Hucknall Road via a bridge, just before the junction with Bestwood Road. This joined the line from Daybrook at ‘Bestwood Junction’, on the embankment alongside Bestwood Road, pretty much oposite the old Moorbridge Cottages, still standing.
Hope this helps.
Also, I think I posted an aerial photo of the area, plus also maybe a map, in the ‘Old Bestwood’ thread elsewhere on this site.
If not, get Stuart to pass me your email and I’ll send you what I can.
Colin
Hi Col, hope you are well. Thanks very much for the very comprehensive reply to Cliff’s question. Your knowledge of the area is more detailed than me but that’s pretty much how I know it.
Stuart
Thanks Colin. I will need a couple of days to digest the info. Meanwhile I have seen a colour pic of Bestwood Park junction and I will try and combine this with the details you have sent me. Btw. Stuart can you pass my e-mail to Colin. Thanks
No problem, Cliff, that’s now done.
I’ve seen a pic of Bestwood Park junction signal box, whereabouts would this have stood. There appears to be tracks all over the place and going in all directions. The picture is dated mid 1970’s
Help. Now I’m totally confused. Didn’t the Bulwell viaduct cross Hucknall Road near to Moor Bridge?, and if so which direction did it take after that. Was there railway track going over Moor Bridge?
Hi Cliff,
Maybe it would help if you were to focus on the idea of three lines, but with lots of links.
1. Leen Valley Line from Daybrook via Arnold Rd area, Hucknall Road and Bestwood Road to Bestwood Colliery.
2. Former Midland line, confusingly following the Leen from Hucknall under Moorbridge and on to Bulwell and beyond.
3. Great Central Main Line. Coming North from Nottingham and through Bulwell Common. Then on over the Bulwell vaduct to Annesley and eventually to Sheffield.
So, there was no railway over Moorbridge, but there was, and still is, a line under it. This runs from down from Hucknall, under Moorbridge and into Bulwell Market and beyond. It also now carries the separate line for the Tram from Hucknall into Nottm. There was a link from this line to Bestwood Colliery, as I described above.
Then another line diverged from the Great Central just North of Bulwell Common via the ‘Dido’s’ line. This did not cross the Bulwell viaduct, but curved around towards Bestwood and past the bottom of Bulwell Golf Course then over a bridge at the bottom of Hucknall Road just before Moorbridge. It joined the embankment above Bestwood Road and merged with the line from Daybrook.
I’ve been busy, but I will try to send you some maps ASAP.
Col
.
Thanks Colin. It’s beginning to look a bit clearer now.
When the line coming down the side of Hucknall Road turned the corner onto Bestwood Road, was it at ground level? I’ve seen a pic, and it looks like a view from a track on Bestwood Road looking towards Hucknall Road, with some tracks coming round the corner at an angle. It might be somewhere else. Would there have been track along Bestwood Road at ground level?
Hi Cliff. Of course I was pretty young when most of these lines still existed and I left Nottm around 1970 and find it difficult to keep up with changes, of which there have been many. My Dad was born and raised in Bestwood Colliery but I only visited there. For example, I had no idea there had been an Ironworks there until I saw it on old maps. As I recall, the whole of the Leen Valley Line from around the old Rigley’s Wagon Works along Hucknall Rd and round to Bestwood Road was on an embankment above the right side of the road. I never got even close to the actual line as it followed Bestwood Road so I can’t say I ever saw where it veered right again into the colliery. The old track bed is still there though and can be followed on foot or by bike for most of it’s length. I’m going to try to send you a scan of a 1935 map of Bestwood Colliery (via email) which clears it up a bit. But, please note that it shows the old Moorbridge before the new (current)bridge was built. It may also show some lines that were abandoned when the ironworks closed and I don’t know when that happened. I wasn’t born until 1949!
Maybe some of those here who were actually born and raised in Bestwood Village can add more, which is why I think you’d find the Old Bestwood thread very interesting.
Another issue is exactly where was Bestwood Junction?
The junction where the line from the Great Central joined the Leen Valley line almost across Bestwood Road from the old Moorbridge was called Moorbridge Junction. That line was called the Bestwood Colliery Branch.
The branch which ran from the Hucknall-Bulwell Market line was called the Bestwood Park Branch.
The only related section of line I can think of whicxh was close to road level was on St Albans Road. Here there was an unprotected crossing over the Bestwood Colliery Branch and then under the Great Central. The line diverged from the Great Central heading North and dropped almost to road level before turning
I would very strongly recommend you to obtain a copy of ‘Railways to the North of Nottingham -In the Latter Days of Steam’ Vol.2. by Malcolm Castledine. 2004 ISBN 1 901945 33 2 This is published by Book Law Publications, 382 Carlton Hill Nottm NG4 1JA http://www.booklaw.co.uk/shop/index.php?id_product=267&controller=product
They still have this in stock at reduced price. I have both Vols 1 and 2. 2 carries many excellent shots of the lines we are discussing, mostly from the 1960s, plus some maps.
The caption states that it is where the current Moorbridge Tram Stop is. That would make sense. and the Moorbridge Tram stop is pretty much at the same level as the road. (Hucknall Lane I think) which runs from Hucknall to Bulwell.
So, that’s the Junction for the line under Moorbridge which joined the line on the other side of Bestwood Road which came round from Daybrook and which itself was joined at Moorbridge Jn by the spur from the Great Central.
Simple…. 🙂
Col
Thanks again Col. I saw on You-tube, footage of a train going along Bulwell Common, going to the side and then down through a tunnel and under the main tracks. Are you familiar with this. I can’t make out if it’s travelling north or south. Is this the Dido?
Hi Stuart. Quick question. Do you know if the railway line alongside Bestwood Road, at the point of branching to Bestwood Colliery went over Bestwood Road and over Mill Lakes?
Hi Cliff, I’m not certain about that. There is certainly a bridge over Bestwood Road adjacent the Lakes and I can’t remember whether it is a footbridge but I think it was a rail which would fit. It is slightly to the south of the Lakes. There is also in that viciniity what we would call the ‘mineral line’ running along the edge of what is now the reformed spoil heap and now a pronounced footpath
There is also a rail bridge further up on Moor Road between Bestwood Village and Papplewick. This carried the line that heads east towards the A60 Mansfield Road just slightly north of Seven Mile House. That travelled to Calverton Colliery and can still be walked. The last I hear they had taken up the railway sleepers to begin making a cycleway. Not sure of recent.
Stuart
Looking at google maps, it looks like a footbridge now, but I feel it is in the place of what would have been a rail bridge. If there was a rail bridge there, it would have had to run alongside or over the Robin Hood Line, and it may have had to come into contact with the other rail track you have mentioned, the one that ran to Calverton Colliery and passed by the Mill Lakes.
Hey Stu, could you check your HibeesBounce messages, cheers.
Hi Stuart, I was wondering if I could publish one of your photos you took in my bridal magazine, of Canada ’08: Guisachan Heritage Park. I’ll put my email address so you can contact me directly. Thanks
Love this website! Love the your.comments Stuart. Makes me wonder how any of the so called ‘comics’ you reference had any sort of career! ‘Total shit’ is a phrase that comes to mind when considering the ‘comics’ you reference.
Thanks very much, William! Some of those ‘comedians’ were of a certain vintage but for me all had one thing in common – all were/are rubbish!
Cheers for the kind words!
Stuar
Hiya
Stumbled on to the site looking for Jim Baxter.I watched him when he played for Sunderland.West Ham came to roker park and won 5-1.Baxter spent the game taunting Boobby Moore,come and take the ball of me Bob.Moore woundn’t go near him.
He was washed up then but could still turn it on now and again.
Saw Joe baker at sunderland,he was washed up too but scored around 12 goals in 15 games or so in the old division 2.Then they sold him on to Raith rovers I think,so long ago.
The Who,saw them a few times when tickets cost 10 bob.Music was great on record but I don’t know which was the worst live band ,Stones Who or Led Zeppelin.They were terrible.I stopped going to Live music and started again when I emigrated to Australia.Joe Jackson came here( Perth WA 1982,Big World was the album,recorded live in Tokyo),absolutely brilliant,restored my faith in live music.
Back then the support band always blew the main act offstage at Newcastle city hall.A band called Glencoe (morphed into Ian Dury’s backing band I think) backed Deep Purple and really blew them off stage.A wonderful band called Capability Brown (ex Harmony Grass) were also magic live.
I’ll pop back in the future ,brings back memories in my old age.
Hi Kevin, thanks for the really interesting comments about a few things close to my heart. Yes, well documented that by the time Jim got to Roker he was well advanced in his drinking career! Such a shame though and what a wonderful, graceful and creative player. It should not be forgotten that it was whilst with Sunderland he had one of his greatest days at Wembley in ’67 for Scotland against England when he ran the show. I think it was on the back of that why Forest decided to buy him (and pay over the odds). It was very much an appeasement to the fans who had seen many good players sold off.
Joe Baker left Forest for Sunderland after a very serious injury inflicted by Brian Labone of Everton. He was never the same player again after being a complete hero at the City Ground. Joe left Sunderland for Hibs – my own team – before ending his career at Raith. He returned to Easter Road and was treated as the prodigal son – how the Hibs fans loved him, and still do.
I was surprised at your recounting of The Who etc live gigs. By the time I got to see them (three times) in the seventies they were in their pomp and were magnificent. I’m not surprised at the band ‘Glencoe’ you mention. If they became Ian Dury’s Blockhead then they were fantastic live indeed. They still play live and having seen them can tell you they’re still brilliant. I did see Deep Purple live at the Glasgow Apollo in the seventies and I just remember how LOUD they were! Capability Brown is a name that is familiar to me too.
Thanks for sharing your memories, Kevin, very pleasant and please drop back. I hope that life is good and is treating you well over there.
Kind regards
Stuart
I like the title of your blog as it’s one of my favourite songs.
Stuart i wonder if you could help – i am trying to research (especially plans) for an historic unregistered land fill site situated where the gala bingo and food and drink park in southglade is situated at the moment – Plans I have located show when it was the farm and then it jumps in years to when it was a dog walking open place in 1982 but I can find no trace of any plans that show that it was a landfill site (not helped that it wasn’t registered) in betweel I understand from the land registry that the land was owned by Mitchells and Butler before the council bought it in the early 2000’s, there seems to be loads of anecdotal stuff about it being a landfill e.g. planning applications but little hard concrete evidence.. regards janet
Hello Janet, thanks for your comments. I wish I could help you directly but I’m afraid I have no knowledge of that site. The only such site I know in the area is the one actually in the Park itself in the old sand quarry.
I wonder though if you have checked out this article here on the blog? It currently has almost 300 comments underneath it by some very knowledgeable people who know the area and I feel that if you post a similar request on there you may well receive your answer.
Evening.I saw that site from start to finish and will make a full comment later. Just about to eat…😊
Good evening. This is an attempt to answer some of Janet’s queries from post No. 234. But can I start with a question of my own? Why do you want to know about a landfill site from 50+ years ago?
I believe the landfill you refer to is the one which was directly opposite the whole length of Southglade Road. The term ‘unregistered’, must , I assume have some technical meaning, because I hardly think that Nottm. Council were unaware of the existence of the landfill!
I lived on Southglade Road from the early 1950s to around 1971. Before the tipping, the land opposite Southglade Road was essentially two farm fields. These extended from the Leen Valley railway line which ran alongside Hucknall Rd,, to a point which was roughly where the access road to Southglade Sports Centre is now. The fields extended to the boundary with Rigley’s Wagon Works and in an extended line along to a point roughly opposite Padstow Road.
The central dividing line between the two fields was a hedgerow which ran from pretty much opposite No. 46 Southglade Road, where there was also an old five bar gate. From the early 1950s the farmer at Southlade Farm ( Gervaise Goddard) occasionally kept cattle on the two fields, but they latterly were just left fallow and were more or less an unofficial playground for we kids. I am not aware that the fields were ever the property of Mitchell and Butler. (Though I also can’t say they weren’t) The only M&B link I’m aware of is that they built the former Deerstalker pub, towards the ‘lower’ end of Southglade Road, sometime in the 1950s. This building still exists, with a change of use, but is on the opposite side of the now extended Southglade Road, to the landfill site.
Prior to the landfill the fields in question essentially formed a hollow, which was an extension of the hollow which still exists on Bulwell Common alongside the former Bulwell Common Station, although bisected by Hucknall Road and the embankment of the Leen Valley Railway. I’m aware that my word and recall don’t really constitute ‘hard evidence’, but trust me.. the current level of the land opposite Southglade Road, compared to the former hollow, is all the evidence you need. There are aerial photographs of the area from around 1935/6 which show the area before tipping. I’ll try to find them and link them here.
I’m struggling to recall the actual year when the landfill started, but by recalling pop songs of the time and checking dates I’m fairly sure it wasn’t before 1960. Work actually started at the Hucknall road end of Southglade, with assorted machines stripping topsoils and piling it up. Then tipping of waste started and progressed into the hollow and towards the boundary with Rigley’s Wagon Works, whilst also progressing along the length of Southglade Road.
The tipping process was basically just to dump stuff and then cover it up (supposedly every night) with clean soil. Trust me.. that barely happened and we were plagued with both flies and smells for much of the time.
By around 1963/4, I was able to walk onto ‘finished’ landfill where Forum Rd is now and look down onto the houses on Southglade Rd. which had formerly been above the level of the fields. Tipping continued to pretty much where the access to Southglade Sports Centre is now. Where the access road is now, there used to be a track, bounded by a low earth bank which formed part of anti aircraft gun emplacements dating from WW2.
The nature of the tipped rubbish was variable. Much of it was clearly household waste, but a lot was also seemingly house contents from slum clearance operations in central Nottm. Old phonographs, records, furniture and so on often appeared. I found a rather scruffy looking leather case alongside the tip, which after cleaning turned out to be a Kodak Folding Pocket Camera, Model C. Dating from around 1913. There was also a lot of what seemed to be industrial waste. I’d estimate that tipping was pretty much all over by the late 1960s, or possibly a little earlier. Thereafter, the land was just left. Allegedly to ‘settle’. I’m not aware of any attempts to deal with gas emissions, or toxic run off, but I’d guess that household waste back then contained less food waste and packaging and rather more coal ash.
So that’s my recall. They ruined my beautiful fields.. where I was brought up and learned to love nature. They also blocked our view of Summer Sunsets over Bulwell.
Progress eh?
Col.
oh my goodness thank you Colin for the update- i have become a bit of a dog with a bone about this – When the food and drink park was built it received European money and in those documents it mentioned that it was built on a land fill site – so I looked on the councils records and there are plans that show when it was southglade farm and fields and I have found photos from 1982 showing it as dog walking territory but I can find absolutely no trace of a photo or a plan showing it as a landfill – I found out yesterday that the National coal board owned it at one point and they transferred it to us in 1954 which probably ties in with your dates of it being used late fifties/early sixties and obviously that was when the slum clearance was going on in st Anns …. I have been through boxes of archives with environmental health and found no historic document actually saying it was a landfill and I don’t think landfills site needed to be registered until probably after this landfill had stopped being used, i am going to see the archive place on castle meadow road next week to see what they have- but i would still like to see an aerial photo but i bet photographing a landfill site wouldnt have been top of anyones agenda.
but thank you again and I am sorry your fields got ruined
regards janet
Hi Janet. I do have a couple of photos ‘somewhere’ which sort of cover the area in question, but they are currently lost somewhere in the chaos that is my loft. I have been looking for these photos for other reasons, but no luck at present.
I was back home in Nottm. for a couple of days this week and asked my younger brother for his recall. He thinks that tipping may have started and finished a little later than I thought.. all based on his being only 5 in 1960 and therefore not allowed out alone, but seeing the work begin while out alone.. if you see what I mean. I suppose we’ll have to say the tipping commenced around 1960-61 and finished around 1965-7.
My brother also pointed out that the landfill settled noticably over the years.
I also recall that when the houses/factory units on the old Rigley’s site were being built … when was that? 20 years ago?.. things started re-appearing from the Earth. A rather nice ‘Boot’s’ antique ‘Pot Lid’ and a few other items. Even one of the old plastic ‘Squezy’ washing up liquid bottles.. almost unchanged. Scary.
NCB ownership? I don’t know. Never heard that before. Are you sure that isn’t just about ‘mineral rights’? For e.g, where I live now, the former NCB claimed the rights for the whole area between Manchester and Liverpool… for ‘Opencast’ which they were never going to be able to actually realise. But there was certainly mining subsidence and fissures in the fields, known colloquially as ‘Pit Cracks’. And of course the whole area was originally part of the Bestwood Estate owned by the Dukes of St Albans up to 1939. Gervaise Goddard rented Southglade Farm from the ‘Duke’ originally, but presumably in the post war years, from Gedling Borough, who bought it.. as far as I know.
Sorry I can’t be more certain about things and I have my spies out for more info 🙂
Col
Came across your site purely by accident and what a great site it is. There is a vast selection of stories and topics of interest to me and hopefully from time to time l will be able to make some small contribution.
Thank you Robbie, kind of you to say. Always very happy to receive contributions and comments. This blog has been around for over ten years now with over 550 articles. It’s nice to know that people read what one writes.
Kind regards
Stuart
Under Bad Comedians, you missed out Ken Dodd.
I can think of many worse! 🙂
Hello there,
Hope all is well during these difficult times.
Whilst going through a box of “stuff” as I am sure many are doing the same I camels across a signed pic of George the gentle giant, I have no recollection of meeting him, he was quite young in the picture, I would be happy to send to you if you would want it, kind regards Alistair
Hello Alistair
All well here thanks, sincerely hope the same for you. Thank you so much for the kind offer, I couldn’t possibly take away that valuable image from your own family but I really appreciate your kind offer. I hope it brings back fond memories. So ingteresting what we can find going through our old stuff isn’t it.
Keep well.
Stuart
Hello there!
My name is Kristy and I am a professional illustrator.
I was puzzled when I recognised copyright-protected images owned by myself at your web-site. If you use a copyrighted images without an owner’s permission, you should know that you could be sued by the copyright holder.
Take a look at this document with the links to my images you used at stuartfrew.wordpress.com and my earlier publications to get the evidence of my legal copyrights.
I believe you have willfully infringed my rights under 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq. and could be liable for statutory damages as high as $150,000 as set forth in Section 504(c)(2) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (”DMCA”) therein.
This letter is official notification. I seek the removal of the infringing material referenced above. Please take note as a service provider, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act requires you, to remove or disable access to the infringing materials upon receipt of this notice. If you do not cease the use of the aforementioned copyrighted material a lawsuit will be commenced against you.
I have a good faith belief that use of the copyrighted materials described above as allegedly infringing is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
THE TEARS OF A CLOWN 
Could you please share which tour company you went with to tour Edinburgh’s vaults? Is there a particularly good one? Is there a way into them that you might know of that doesn’t involve a tour? I’m doing a fellowship thing at St Andrew’s until the end of March and have been to Edinburgh twice so far. I had learned of the underground and was snooping around to find a way into it. I think that one possibility is via the Royal Oak pub’s basement. If you know of any others that you might be willing to share, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely, Brian
Comment by Brian Wildeman | January 26, 2008 | Edit
Hello Brian, thanks for your comments.
Regarding tour companies, it’s difficult to look further than Mercat Tours: http://www.mercattours.com/home.asp
Mercat are very much the leading people for all kinds of Edinburgh walking visits generally and are well established. Having been on more than one of their walks I would have no problem in recommending them.
Regarding the vaults, considering their history, they were only really ‘re-discovered’ in around 1985 as far as I am aware so it’s still relatively early days I guess.
I’m interested in your comment about other points of access including The Royal Oak but at this time know of no other entrance personally. I do however have a good friend in Edinburgh who is a surveyor. He worked down the vaults on an occasion or two before the days of the tours and perhaps will know of another route in. I will contact him and get back to you about that matter.
Good luck with your research. I would be very interested to read your findings as subterranean Edinburgh has quite a fascination for me.
Best regards.
Stu
Hello Stuart,
I am pleased to have found your site. It came up when I googled Abdessalam Benjelloun. I was then drawn to the articles on Arthur Duncan and The Sunday Post for reasons which I will not go in to at this time.
Benjelloun to me is a fantastic player, one of the most talented I have seen in the famour green and white. I had high hopes for him after the marvellous pre-season he had which have sadly not materialised. I hope we give him another season and that he proves his doubters wrong.
I am old enough to remember the great Arthur Duncan in his heyday and would love to have come over for his tribute night. Although I am just across the water from you on the Kintyre peninsula and I can see the Antrim Coast on a clear day, it is 6 hours from here to Stranraer, 3 to Glasgow and 4 to my beloved E.R.. However, I stil manage to have a Season Ticket at E.R. and my house is called Bal-Na-Hannan. Sadly, I am often asked by Hibs’ Ticket Staff to spell my house name. This make me think they should have to pass an exam before being employed!
If we get the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry running again next year then the N.I. Supporters Club will be my nearest Branch so I may well join up.
Keep up the good work.
GGTTH
Tommy Millar
Hello Tommy
Thanks for dropping by. Always interesting to know how people got here too.
I agree about Benjelloun’s quality. I wonder though if another season and a new opportunity will not be offered to him? I’m sure Mixu will have his own players in mind in the close season and I’d imagine there will be a fair few changes. I wonder if Benji might fall victim to that.
It’s been a few years since I was in your neck of the woods but I remember enjoying it immensely. A beautiful part of the world. Love the name of your home! For what it’s worth I’d like the proposed new East stand to be named after Father Hannan. Last time I was up in Edinburgh in November I managed a little trip to Saint Patrick’s in the Cowgate and took a good close look at his commemorative plaque. Very touching.
I am actually based in Nottingham but have some friends over in Northern Ireland who I keep in touch with. I’d certainly recommend contacting them for a friendlier bunch of people you’d go a long way to find. You can be assured you will receive a fine welcome
Thanks again for your comments, Tommy.
GGTTH
Stu
Ah, now I have made the Stu in Nottingham conection.
Have yet to visit St. Patrick’s in the Cowgate but went to the Grange Cemetery about 18 months ago to visit the Memorial to Canon Hannan after it had been restored by the Hibs Historical Trust. Strange thing was that despite never having been there before, and the Cemetery having numerous different paths, I walked straight to the Memorial. It was a truly humbling visit and one I will always remember.
Infamy at last! Yes I spend a bit of time roaming the various Hibs sites as maybe you do, Tommy?
The grange Cemetary is definitely the next visit for me. I’d love to go and pay my respects at Father Hannan’s grave. The Historical Trust do some fine work don’t they, more power to them. Irecall the service they held after the grave had been restored. The more history of the club that can be preserved and explored the better as far as I’m concerned.
Hi Stuart,
Ive just got back from visiting Mary Kings Close, and was so disappointed with it. I have read up so much on it and was absolutly fascinated with how life was all those many years ago. I was so looking forward to been on the actual street (rather than in the vaults themselve) but the tourguide basically got us to stand still for out photo opportunity then led us down to Chesneys house/office she opened the door and a few stones were thrown and a door started closing and she quickly closed the door and sped back up to the entrance. We hardly even saw the street, let alone have time to stand for a while and just absorb all the history in like you mentioned. As they had a few actors jumping out on us it took away any seriousness about the stone throwing. (Nothing was mentioned on the website about for safety reasons tourguides and the public werent allowed in Chesneys room)
I just felt that for £9.50 (and additional £6.00 for the photo should you want it) you would expect not to be rushed around the tour and be offered the opportunity to stay there and soak in the history for a good 10 minutes.
I’m assuming theres many who go on these tours for the history side of it.
I was so looking forward to this tour and was hugely disappointed. I would love to go back again one day and just stay at the back and not be rushed 🙂
Sal
Hi Sal
I’m very disappointed to hear of your experience in Mary King’s Close. It sounded quite different to my own. My visit did not include the photo op you mention, nor did it have any actors featured.
I’m not clear about Chesney’s room now, were the floors or ceilings unsafe or was it a preservation concern?
Just as a matter of interest, how long did your tour last?
Our tour was not in any way rushed and at the end we were told we could hang around awhile. Few actually did but I took this opportunity to just stand in the Close for a while and take in the atmosphere and use my imagination. I think it was actually the best bit for me in spite of an excellent and entertaining tour guide.
I wonder if you have visited at a busier time than I or if the tour has deteriorated? I would be inclined to contact them regarding your disappointment because for £9.50 I think you deserved much better.
Sorry to hear that it was a let down for you but I’m glad to hear it hasn’t deterred your interest in the subject.
Thanks for writing, Sal. Best wishes
Stu
Hiya,
it was the last tour of the night on saturday 9pm.
Dont get me wrong the guide was good and up until we got onto the street itself it was most enjoyable, we were guided down the street all told to stand still for the photo op, and then lead towards chesneys room. She just said for Health and Safety reasons, ive just actually spoken to my friend to confirm what the guide said and it was Health and safety for the room/structure etc and that no one was allowed in there, the guides were only allowed to open the front door. (although not convinced with the stone throwing because of the acting that had gone on previously)
I am intending on emailing the company as its not only me, my friends were also disappointed. I wish we had been given the chance to hang around for 10 minutes or so like you did.
You lucky man !!!
Cheers Stu
I reckon the clue is in your first sentence there, Sal. Sounds a bit like the staff were more than ready to lock up for the night and anxious to go home/to the pub or whatever! Not that it’s an excuse by any means.
Being so dank and dark down there gives a great feeling for what it would have been like in those days. I do think it’s possible sometimes to get the same impressions of the old town in the various wynds and alleys leading from the mile.
I stayed down there for some time and actually passed the next tour party entering as I was climbing the stairs out of there. It’s a pity that wasn’t available to you. Mind you it could have been worse – just imagine getting locked down there for the night!
Hi Stu, thanks for the comment on my photography blog! Looking at your own site here, I can see how you are drawn to the often mysterious and ethereal images that many people often miss, even when they’re right in front of you. I’ll be sure to visit again.
Blessings,
Lori
Hi Lori
Well you’ve pointed out something that I never really realised about this site to me, thanks!
Just looked over your main site and there is some really interesting reading and I’ll indeed be back too. I wish you well with the important and heart-rending issues surrounding your life.
Take good care.
Stu
Hi Stuart,
Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. If you remember (hopefully your memory is long) I was going to give you a call over Harold Larwood. But I’ve lost your number . . .
Very best
Duncan
Hi there,
Just came across your site. I work at Rosslyn Chapel and was very interested to see the photo of the Apprentice Pillar. It looks to me like there is a strange mist just to the left of the pillar. Is this something you have added for effect?
Hi Simon
I noticed the mist too. It’s not actually my picture, Simon but one I picked up off the net. I’m making the assumption that somebody else has done just that – added it for effect. Otherwise there may be a much more interesting explanation! Thought provoking in any case…
Best regards
Stu
Dear Stuart
I’m writing on behalf of Norwich Union who are working to help local sporting initiatives across Britain. We noticed that in the past you’ve written about Sport in Nottingham and so thought that you might be interested in helping one lucky initiative win £50,000.
It is also possible for initiatives to win at least £1,000 and for this to happen each initiative needs to receive at least 200 votes. We’d be delighted if you’d be able to encourage your readers to go to http://www.joinourteam.com/index/supportinitiative and vote for an initiative that appeals to them.
Initiatives will be able to use their winnings to further develop and encourage young people to participate in sports which will benefit Britain as whole, so I’m sure that you’ll agree it’s a really worthy cause.
You can find more information on the fund by following the link below
http://www.joinourteam.com/index/yourcommunitymore
Please feel free to give me a shout with any questions you may have.
Hi Stuart.
Fell over your blog looking for a good guide on sherwood, nottinham and the peak district.
I sense that you have good insight into the area. Perhaps you would be so kind as to suggest some must see sites.
I am going to the peak district in october.. 1 week… sat 4/10 ´- 11/10
I am interested in nature, natural history and the english heritage and culture of the “robin hood” times..
I’d also love to see those quaint villages one always sees on shows like ‘midsomer murders’ ‘Frost’ and similar..
Hope you’ll give a little worded tour of your favorite areas.
We will be renting a car.. (yes, my girlfriend is goind as well)
I’ve lived in England and Scotland on and off for some years, so I know the country pretty well..
Hope to hear from you.
Kindest regards,
Martin
Denmark
Hi Martin
Thanks for dropping by. I am just home after a month away and a little disorganised right now. Please bear with me and I’m sure I will be able to come up with some good suggestions for you in those areas very shortly.
I will be right back to you.
Stu
Hi Martin
A few Nottingham and Sherwood Forest suggestions for you. I’l be back with ideas for the Peak District.
Sherwood Forest
The part that is generally recognised as the original Sherwood Forest. Is around 40 minute due north of Nottingham City Centre. There’s a fairly ordinary visitor centre there and refreshments available. The ‘Major Oak’ tree lies in the grounds of the Forest. It’s perhaps unlikely that it is the ‘real’ tree but is nevertheless around 800-1000 years-old. It’s hollow and could easily be imagined as a hiding place. It’s now secured with cable and props and protected by a fence.
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/land-of-legend-and-dreams-sherwood-forest-and-the-major-oak/
More obscure Robin Hood stuff can be found in Papplewick Village at the old church with gravestones of the Forest bowmen and also an ancient Yew which was supposed to have been used for making the longbows from. Alan A’ Dale is supposed to be buried there. There are no modern signs of this.
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/09/22/one-walk-and-two-churches-1/
At the village of Blidworth is an old unmarked gravestone purported to be the burial place of Will Scarlet.
Nottingham Castle is in the city centre. It is not the original castle which was burnt to the ground but a palace constructed in the 19th century. Still on the original rock, it offers a pleasant visit and a good view over the city.
Linby village is an pretty little stop-off. Evidence of ancient child-labour practices in the waterways by the roadside. A ‘cross’ marking each end of the village. One of the latter was the historic marker for the edge of Sherwood Forest. It’s also said to be the place where the pancake was invented!
Nottingham
I always send visitors to the caves of Nottingham. Nottingham is riddled with a honeycomb of ancient underground caves and an entrance can be found in the Broad Marsh Shopping Centre in the centre of the city.
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/the-caves-of-nottingham/
The Galleries of Justice is a few minutes walk from the caves in the Lace Market area. Old city courts and prison now converted into a visitor attraction which enactments for the visitors.
http://www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk/
A must-see is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub underneath the castle rock. Carved mainly out of stone with caves for some of the bars, it dates back to 1189 and is arguably the oldest pub in the world.
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/12/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem-nottingham/
The Bell Inn in the Market Square is another ancient pub (15th century) with a fascinating history. It has access at certain times to two levels of caves below which are used as beer cellars.
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/the-bell-inn-nottingham/
Newstead Abbey is 10 miles north of Nottingham. It’s the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron and a nice and interesting visit.
Hi Stu
Don’t know if you know about this one already, but I noticed a bit on the One Show the other night about the oilfield under Sherwood Forest. Yes, oilfield. It was news to me that there was British oil anywhere other than under the North Sea, but apparently they were extracting up to 100,000 tons a year from under Nottinghamshire during the war. Full story here (http://www.iwitnesstohistory.org/ResidentPages/oilpatch/sherwood.htm – terrible web page design!)
The One Show mentioned that it was oil from this field that fuelled the vessels and vehicles that took part in the D-Day landings. Amazing stuff.
HI Fraser
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Yes I know of that oil field well. It’s at a North Notts village called Eakring. I believe some of the equipment is still lying around in fields up there.
A couple of years back there was a theatre production in nearby Mansfield (the title eludes me) but it was about the American riggers who came to live in the area to extract the oil. Interesting stuff
Hi Stuart
The Multi-Faith Walk Against Violence will reach Pentiction on Oct. 12. Will you join us for a while?
The Multi Faith Walk Against Violence has now completed more than 5800 km of its cross country trek. The walkers are expected to reach Penticton by Sunday, October 12. The Walk began on April 20th at the docks of Halifax when Syed Soharwardy dipped his feet in the Atlantic Ocean and began the first stage of a cross-Canada walk to protest the effects of violence in society and to call upon members of all faith groups to make a positive statement together. Now the Walk is in its final phase and will eventually end up in Victoria, B.C. by the end of October.
The Walk aims to raise awareness about the dangers, and consequences of using violence to resolve conflicts. The concept of the dignity of life, “Save a life, save humanity”, is sacred to all faiths, and it is this concept which unites their followers. The Walk is also a graphic representation of the fact that faith and faith leaders, far from being an impediment to conflict resolution, can be a powerful and valuable resource – especially when faith groups work together!
Syed Soharwardy, the leader of the walk, and the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism, has made a commitment to walk the entire length of the route across Canada. Other faith leaders, who will be joining him along the way, have made their own resolutions as to the distances they will be walking. A rabbi in Ontario said the Walk had inspired him to make his own walk across Israel, and a Cambodian Buddhist monk, backed by members of his community, came out in Calgary on behalf of the walk to speak publicly on the dangers of violence and the need for positive action (towards oneself and the community) to overcome violence.
For further information, please call Syed Soharwardy at 403-831-6330. He would be very pleased to speak with you. You might also check out our website: http://www.walkagainstviolence.com. (We apologize for any shortcomings!)
Thank you for your attention.
Keep well and walk in peace
Linda Zachri
Media and Public Relations Coordinator
Multi-Faith Walk Against Violence
Email: lindazachri@shaw.ca
hi stu , found your website totally by accident whilst looking for something else (i daren’t tell you what i was really looking for)
anyways hope all’s well (you’ve obviously got too much time on your hands !) drop us an email if you get chance fegs66@ntlworld.com
ian
Hey Man, Totally found you by Chance as I was looking for sheet music to the Smokey Robinson Song.
Anyhoo.
Thought you might like this rendition I just saw on you tube here.
If you do, leave a comment for the Doodle at my site.
http://arsensox.blogspot.com/
Hi Stu
Just a wee note as I don’t have your email handy. You may have picked this up if you’ve looked at the hibLOG lately, but tomorrow me and Lesley are jumping on a plane and emigrating to New Zealand. Trips to Easter Road will therefore be a little fewer and further between! At least the internet means that our contact won’t change much. Hope things are well with you and Mel. Mon the Hibees!
Fraser
Hi Fraser
Great news and best wishes with that!
Thanks for getting in touch, I’ve popped an email through to you.
Bon Voyage!
Stu
Hi Stu, I’m just getting my Westminster blog about Notts MPs off the ground and was hoping to get linked in to your site somewhere. I’ve put in a link to Tears of a Clown in my Nottingham Blogs section. Either way, please drop by and let me know what you think, I’m new to this whole lark.
All the best.
Lobbydog.
Stuart,
Thanks for the reply regarding my Glenelg contribution. Our self-catering place is “The Holt”, Mo Dhachaidh Bheag, Barnhill, Glenelg, it sleeps 2 – 4. pets accepted. It can be booked via Welcome Cottages and others but also dieect with us on 01599 522381
I’ll drop your place’s details at the foot of the piece whe I get a moment, Peter. Maybe I’ll pop up ther myself one of these days – it’s been too long…!
Hi Stu,
I am currently writing a book on the subject of Leeds United in the 1970s and in the course of my research I came across your excellent site.
I loved your piece on Brian Clough which starts… When I think about football in this city…
The article sits perfectly with the tone of the book and therefore I am seeking your permission to reproduce it.
There will, of course, be accreditation in both the acknowledgements and within the text.
Kind regards,
Phil Rostron.
Hi Phil
Thanks for the kind words. I’d be happy for you to use the piece, no problem. I hope it helps with your new book, good luck with that.
Any further info you need please just contact me.
Best wishes, Stu
Hi would you be able to send me that picture of the giant fridge. I am a trainee magazine journalist and we are creating a protoype cooking mag for men and that pic would make a perfect background for one of the features.
thanks
kate
Hi kate
It certainly would in my experience!
I’ll pop it through for you but please be aware that it isn’t originally my pic.
Best wishes, Stu
Hi .. saw your blog on Alpha. nothing deep, just wanted to say i enjoy the randomnacity of it!
Thanks very much!
I just can’t seem to stay on track for too long!
Cheers, Stu
Stuart, For more reasons than the fact that I am on the photo in the Ice-Hockey (Nottm v Shefield ovation)article.Can I get a copy for someone.
Michael
HI Michael
Sorry for the delay in answering. Would you like to just do a right-click on the image in order to save it to your own pc? I should stress that the pic isn’t mine but borrowed for a well-meaning reason in lauding what happened at the rink that evening.
Stu
Stu,
I would like to add your article on Larwood/Bodyline et al on Harold’s Official website. Do you have any objections please ? Please drop me a line and let me know.
many thanks.
Hi there
Message sent to your site.
I’d be more than happy to contribute the article to your site.
Best wishes and keep up the great work of keeping Harold’s memory and greatness alive.
Stu
Hi, i’m a pupil at Walton Girls’ High School and i am wondering if i would be alowed to use your photo of Isaac Newton in a project i am doing for coursework.
Hi Sarah
Please by all means use the photo for your project. The pic isn’t originally mine but is linked from the Internet.
Best wishes
Stu
Hi Stuart – I was drawn to your site by the items on the Grantham Canal walks and will certainly use the information for the stretches closer to the Trent. You have an excellent site and I am sure I’ll enjoy working through the other content as well.
As a resident of Grantham I am saddened but unsurprised by your “brush” with the local thuggery. As with many parts of modern Britain, there are parts of the town, both in space and in time, that are best avoided. The clever title “Grantham Gingerly” did make me smile though.
As a new blogger myself I think I will have to use you as a standard to aspire to.
Cheers,
Steve
Hi Steve.
Thank you very much for the kind comments, it’s appreciated. It’s three years ago this summer since we walked the canal and it it still holds good memories for me. I think I’d love to go back and do it again, this time maybe exploring some of the different villages along the way. It’s a beautiful part of the world and much underused in my view. Perhaps that’s what adds to it’s charms though.
When I think of Grantham itself I don’t think back to the slight brush with that local lowlife there. Indeed these things are far more prevalent in the likes of Nottingham where I live. I instead think of some very pleasant visits, walks and remarkable things about the area and the town. I’m glad to say there was no way that it gave a me a jaundiced view of Grantham.
Thanks again, Steve. Good luck with your site and I shall pop over for a visit.
Cheers, Stu
Hellooo Stu,
Came across your site while searching for photo’s in google. Nice to see another hibby down in this part of the world 🙂
I moved down here about 5 years ago (here being Alfreton).
Dont really make many games, last one I actually made was the cup final….shocking I know.
Well just saying how do!
Take care.
found this great site researching some information for the nottstalgia bunch…is that the same STU who hasn’t been seen for a while ? best wishes Chrissie ( hippo girl )
Hya Gil – how nice to have another Hibby in the neighboroughhood! (Well Alfreton isn’t that far!) I hope things are good over there for you? A nice litle gateway into the Derbyshire Peak District eh?
Similarly I don’t get to as many games as i’d like to, mainly because of the expense more than anything. Do you visit any of the Hibs sites at all?
Hya Chrissie, it’s really nice to hear from you!
Thanks for the kind words, – I hope you found what you were looking for! Yes it’s Stu, formerly on Nottstalgia. I don’t visit these days but hope you are all still enjoying yourself and playing nice. 😉 How are things Hippo Girl!
hi stu, yes we are all still posting on the nottstalgia site, bip, craig, beefy and all!!!! i’m still into my music, the borlase and enjoying life, hope you are well, take care Chrissie
I, obviously, keep in touch via the official site but the others like bounce etc I dont bother with. There is one forum I go on quite often. Its shared between Yams and Hibbys but there isnt many of us left.
Can you recommend any decent sites?
Hi Stuart
I am busy creating a brand new website for the Southwell Rotary club, and there are a couple of photos of yours from your blog I would like to use on our site. Would this be ok?
Thanks
Matt
Hi Matt
That’s absolutely fine and thanks for asking. I’d be more than pleased to contribute. I’d really appreciate if you were able to credit my blog somewhere?
Best wishes with your site.
Stuart
In addition to my comment on the recent fantastic derby game, I saw your Hibs dominated recommended sites. It was my brother Colin who started Hibs monthly/ mass hibsteria and as his younger sister, I was forced to sell them in the cold outside Easter Road way back when ! I even helped type the first few copies on an old fashioned typrewriter !!
Would that be Colin Leslie? I think we may have a few mutual friends. Sean Allan, Ali Tait, Bobby Sinnet, John Campbell? I have always loved MHHM and spent a lot of time on the website in the past. It’s completely quiet these days but is still out there. I hope to see the paper version come back at some point (I have written a couple of things in there but more on the site). I know there was a problem with getting people out there selling it on the streets latterly. Well done to you for contributing to the cause! Will put you on my blogroll shortly.
Yes, it is Colin, I’m his wee sister Alison (well, we’re both in our 30s now) Colin still has all the first copies of HM – collectors items. He writes for The Scotsman now. I didn’t even realise that MHHM had gone on the web.
I would like permission to reproduce the image of Lafayette and his dog please.
You’re welcome Su. Please be aware that it isn’t my image originally and is linked from the Internet.
hello Stuart.
I just found your report from Napoli – Roma after some searcing at google.
I run the website ultras-tifo.net and would like to publish your report there to get a view from a more normal person. (Usually our articles is written by hardcore supporters/ultras).
Please contact me on thomas_a2 followed by @hotmail.com
cheers
Hi Stuart,
I am hoping you may be able to help me, I would really like to use the image that you have of the Old Malt Cross music Hall.
I am looking for music venues of the 1970’s I would really appreciate it if you got in touch!
Hi Rachel
Please use the image but please also be aware that it does not belong to me and is taken from the Internet. I visit the Old Malt Cross perhaps once a week and the next time I go along there I’ll take a couple of shots and pop them through to you if you like?
Good luck with your research!
Hi Stuart, I followed the link to your site from the ‘Quadrophenia’ review. It was interesting reading your piece about Bernard Jewry/Shane Fenton. I live about half a mile from where he used to live in Liverpool when he was married to his first wife. She was the sister of Rory Storm of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. You may of heard of their former drummer, his name is Ringo Starr !. I used to walk past Alvin’s house, and see the gold discs on the walls (if the curtains were open). He moved to London when he became famous, and married Lisa Goddard.Great site by the way, and the title of one of my favourite songs.
Hi Geoff and thanks for the kind comments. I certainly remember Alvin marrying Liza Goddard and thinking he’d done pretty well for himself there! Sounds like pleasant memories for you. Thanks for sharing them.
Hi mate,
My name is Matt and I write for a Celtic blog on theoffside.com. I was wondering if you’d be interested in answering some questions about Hibs, since you’re obviously such a big fan. I would ask about the offseason for Hibs, history, thoughts on the upcoming season, stuff like that. Here’s an example I did with an Arsenal blogger: http://celtic.theoffside.com/match-previews/interview-with-the-enemy-arsenal.html
Email me at the address I listed if you are interested. Thanks for your time.
Stuart, could you email me please via the address on my contact page ? Don’t want to print it here for auto spammers. Was wondering if you could do me a favour re the Hibs and an article ? I’ve done the stadium tour now (with Colin and his kids) and will review it shortly, loved it though. Got an exciting new project in the pipeline and thought you may be able to help. Cheers, Alison
Hello,
My name is Phil Davies from mytrafficgoals.com which is a search engine optimization company. While carrying out some searches today I came across your website stuartfrew.wordpress.com and wanted to contact you to discuss the possibility of an indirect link exchange.
A client of mine has engaged my services to improve their website’s search engine rankings by exchanging links with sites like yours. Your website’s search engine ranking can also benefit from the exchange and there is no cost at all to you as my client is paying me for my services.
If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Good Morning,
My name is Robert Harvey and I live in Rutherglen, Glasgow.
I am researching stories for a book that I am writing about Bobby Murdoch. He is the best Celtic midfield player that I have ever seen. In the 1960’s I used to save up my school dinner money and use it to go and see the Lisbon Lions play in the great European Cup games at Celtic Park. He was a fantastic player to watch. Jock Stein once said “ When the name Bobby Murdoch appears on our team sheet, I feel the opposition team get an inferiority complex. “
I have heard many supporters say that he was also a nice modest man away from football, and that he represented everything that is good about a Celtic player. Billy McNeill once said “ Bobby was such a popular lad and a superb player. A big influence, but more importantly he was just a really decent human being.”
Every Celtic supporter has a story to tell, and many supporters around the world will have good memories of the great games that he played for Celtic, or the great goals that he scored, or wonderful personal stories if they ever met him.
I would be very grateful if you could send me any favourite stories that you may have about him. All stories will be fully acknowledged.
Please feel free to pass on this note to any of your friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in contributing a story. I can be contacted at glasgowquotes@yahoo.co.uk.
Thanks for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
Robert Harvey
http://www.celticquotes.co.uk
Celtic Quotes website – sharing Celtic stories with fans around the world.
Hello Robert, thank you for your comments.
Unfortunately I don’t have any anecdotes or stories about Bobby Murdoch, I wish I could help. He was certainly a very fine player and one I admired.
Best wishes with your project.
Hi Stuart,
I was googling for info about my Father-in-laws dad James Dunn and you mentioned his time at Hibs.
I have been trying to think of a way to bring him up to Hibs for a tour and to find out first hand about his dads time there and I was wondering if you have a contact at the club that could help me? Many thanks.
Trevor Morris
Hi Trevor. I’ve always been intrigued by the story of James Dunn – Hibs’ very own ‘Wembley Wizard’. It’s a long time ago now but I have to say I think of him as one of Hibernian’s most illustrious sons. You can read more about his exploits in the following book: ‘Wembley Wizards: The Story Of A Legend by Paul Joannou’.
I’d suggest you contact the club and book a tour for your Father-in-law:
Hibernian Football Club: The Easter Road Tour
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/hibernian-football-club-the-easter-road-tour/
An acquaintance of mine by the name of Billy Bryson is the tour guide at Easter Road and I’m certain he will be able to guide you towards a little info regarding James Dunn.
Additionally, you could register on http://www.hibs.net and request info on the forums on there. Billy himself is a member on there and I’m sure will respond to any queries about a proposed Easter Road tour.
Best wishes and good luck!
Stu
Salut parle tu français comme tu voulais en 1995
Te rappelle de nous.Dany et David de Québec city
Hi Stuart
Was wondering if you would be interested in contributing to our football website Scotzine.com on all things related to Hibernian.
We have one side of the Edinburgh covered and are now looking for a Hibee to contribute to both our fanzine and our website regularly.
In return we will of course promote this website and credit you with all articles written.
If your interested get back to me as soon as it is convenient for you.
Cheers
Andy
Dear Stuart,
I am making a TV programme about the ‘Bollocks Trial’ in Nottingham in 1977. I wonder if you know anything about it? I’m also keen to contact the manager of the Virgin Record store at the time, Chris Seale, I wonder if you know of him?
All the best,
James Maw.
Hi James
I don’t have much specific knowledge personally apart from being a regular user of that little Virgin store at the time. Can I point you to the following links discussing the store’s existence and a little about Chris Searle and the raid (including an image of him in the first link):
http://nottstalgia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=3696&st=0&p=72632&hl=virgin%20records&fromsearch=1&#entry72632
http://nottstalgia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2541&hl=virgin%20records&st=0
The same ‘Nottstalgia’ site has a regular member ‘Craig Strongman’ who has been a local DJ for many years under the name of ‘Craig Strong’. Craig might well be worth quizzing for your research.
Another lead might be Rob Smith of Rob’s Records, Hurts Yard, Nottingham. I’m certain that Rob’s store was a contemporary of Virgin Records when it was raided and he might have a little local knowledge.
http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/id/1302
Best of luck!
Stu
Hi Stuart,
I’m writing to you in relation to a discussion thread about Justin Fashanu. I’m researching for a biography of the footballer and there were two very interesting comments on your pages from people who had some contact with him.
It would be great if you could possibly forward them this email along with my email address so they can get back in touch with me if they fancy it?
Here are the posts in question:
1. I was an English student living in Atlanta in the US playing soccer on a scholarship around 1993. Struggling with combining the soccer/football experience with being gay was very difficult. In the college bookstore one day, while passing a section devoted ot African Americans, I saw Justin Fashanu´s face on the cover of a magazine. I thought it was a football magazine but on closer inspection, it was a black gay magazine. These were days before the internet and I´d all but lost touch with footballing events in England and so I was quite shocked myself to fine out Justin was gay, and reading his story that was a couple of years old, I was so happy that a player of such high profile had come out. This revelation certainly inspired me and I wrote him a short note of support and sent it off to a Scottish club, Hearts I think, who he was playing for. A couple of weeks later, working in a learning lab of the university, my boss told me one of my English friends had been calling to talk to me. I thought it was a mate from Reading, but when he tried again, when I lifted the receiver, he said, “Hi Tony, this is Justin.” I was so wonderfully surprised, more because I was talking to a professional footballer who´d played for England! Anyway, we spoke for about twenty minutes and the overriding feeling I got from him was his humility. He told me he was doing things with the BBC, playing for Hearts and in general things were going fine. I was so humbled that he´d taken the time, and he said that the note I´d sent him was one deeply appreciated. Events after that shocked and saddened me, and I really did and still do feel for what that man had to go through. I write this as his decision to take his own life, made me stronger as a human being and to go about life without stigma. I’m a teacher in London now and while I don’t shout about who I am from the rooftops, I tolerate zero discrimination in my teaching, and despite being the wrong side of 40 I still run rings round the kids in footbal!! So, whoever reads this, let the ripple effect of fighting for what is right always win, as there are some who’ve sacrificed more than we ever can. Cheers.
Comment by Tony Dickenson | December 28, 2008
3. In 1996 I worked for Justin as a soccer coach in Atlanta. He was running a large group of youth soccer clubs at the Y. I remember being surprised when I met him because he had interviewed me over the phone and I had expected this old british white guy (as an american had only a stereotypical british image.)
I can only relate my personal experience of him which was that he was a really nice humble guy who all of the coaches I knew really liked and respected. We had a coaching clinic one weekend and the guy running it played a tape of the 100 greatest goals in premiership history and I was shocked to see Justin had one of the goals. He never mentioned he was a professional footballer nor did he mention he was gay.
I was shocked when some years later I found out he had committed suicide and to hear of all the other drama in his life.
My only impression of him back then was of a really good guy. Where ever he is now I wish him peace.
Comment by Sean | July 3, 2009
Many thanks for your help,
All the best,
Katherine
Hi Stuart.
The Old Bstwood thread seems to have gone a bit quiet. Probably down to me ‘hogging it’.
Anyway, I was wondering if you or anyone else can shed any light on this.
For at least two years in the early 1950s, there were events on the meadow at Jarve Goddard’s Southglade Farm. At least one of them featured a pig roast.
I well remember going down to the old fence which was across Southglade/Eastglade Road, roughly where the former Deerstalker pub now stands. Of course Eastglade wasn’t there then and Southglade finished where the pub now stands. (It’s a nursery now.. not a pub.)
The other side of the fence were often horses, which we used to feed with bread.
One Summer morning we saw men building a sort of basket, in which they built a fire and then put a huge pig over it. The pig was skewered from end to end by a massive spit and was tuned by a steering wheel on the end. All around people set up stalls and there were performances by little kids dancing etc.
Later, the pig was cut up and sold. There were bacon rolls, roast joints, dripping etc.
What was the reason for the events? Was it the Coronation? Was it something to do with the St Matthews Church on the hill?
Nobody I know seems able to remember it.
colin
Hey Uncle Stu! Did you recognize the name? This is so weird! I was looking for pictures on google images under the search “Okanagan Lake North Provincial Park” to see if I could come across any photos of the campground’s beach (being as me and my girlfriend are thinking about staying there for our holidays) and I stumbled across this:
I immediately called mum & Cory (dad being asleep already) recognizing the neon pink floating chair and having the immense feeling of deja vu. Then I recognized the man on the right, dad. I explained to them the situation of having accidentally found a picture of a family member, in a different setting other than at home, online. My mom, then noticed to address of the website. She told me to go to the actual source of the photo. She then exclaimed “That’s Stu!” We sat and read the entire post!
How’s things been Stuart? It seems like such a long time since I last seen you and Auntie!
Hi there Bradley – what a nice surprise! That’s quite a coincidence you finding that pic on a Google search, well spotted! Good choice of holiday spot by the way, it’s really lovely there isn’t it.
Things are ok thanks Brad. Melanie is busy studying for her doctorate at the moment, alongside her job. she’s a bit stressed with it I guess but that’s the nature of the game. last week I was awarded my Masters Degree in Psychology so that’s me done with studying for the moment thankfully!
Around the time we saw you we had three trips in fairly short succession to Canada – twice to BC and the last time a year last Christmas when we went to Saint John to stay with Melanie’s dad’s family. It felt very, very different to Western Canada where I have mostly visited over the years. Pretty cold and damp too! We’ve not had much time for travelling lately but have just come back from a few days in Wales staying with friends who were visiting there. It was nice and pretty but too much rain I’m afraid!
Next month Mel’s dad is due to visit over here for a couple of weeks and we will no doubt be doing a bit of travelling around at that time. It’s always a good chance to spend some time doing a bit of sightseeing and seeing new places here. Maybe one of these days you would like to come here to visit Brad? You will always be welcome to stay with us.
I had a smile when you mentioned calling mum and Cory (while your dad was asleep!) That must have been a bit of a surprise for them! I hope that you, Cory and mum and dad are all doing well. Both Melanie and I miss you all a lot and hope you are doing okay over there. Take care of yourselves!
Stu
Hi Stuart
I hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. I am hoping you are either running in the 2010 Robin Hood Marathon or may know people who are.
Nottinghamshire Hospice are offering free places to runners in exchange for sponsorship and will also reimburse runners who have already paid their entry fee. You can find out more at http://www.nottshospice.org. We are looking for runners to run for us and also runners who blog to help publicise this offer for us. If you are able to do either of the above we would be very grateful.
Many thanks
Caroline Clarkson
Nottinghamshire Hospice Website Editor
Hi Caroline. thanks for your comment. Unfortunately I won’t be taking part in the Robin Hood Marathon this year or I would have been very happy to contribute to your very worthy cause. If I come cross any others who are entering I’ll certainly encourage them to look you up. Good luck!
Many thanks Stuart.
Caroline
Hi Stuart,
Like your site. Could you ping me a quick email at ian #AT# earlybath #DOT# co.uk
Thanks v much.
Ian
Stuart,
I came across your blog when rummaging through internet searches on Runswick Bay. You are prolific and your descriptions are wonderful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, humor and insights.
All the best, Lissette
Thank you so much for your kind words Lissette, know that they are much appreciated. People like you make it worthwhile taking the time to write.
Hi Stuart, I have a question regarding one of the photos on your site.
Cheers
B
Morning Stuart,
I`ve seen your link hundreds of times whilst on Nottstalgia but didn`t ‘click on it’ until this morning. Then I read for ages. Great stuff. I shall return – as some old American said!
Ah thanks Eileen, that’s really kind. Glad you enjoy my scribblings and see you on Nottstalgia!
Hello again Stuart,
I click into ‘Tears’ most days and haven`t found any more scribbles lately. Are you having a break or are you heavily into writing the Great English Novel?
Hope that you`re well.
HI again Eileen. So sorry that I’ve not been able to write anything just lately. I’ve been so busy with work and it has temporarily had to go on the back burner. Kind of miss it and looking forward to finding the time for it again very soon!
hi stuart my name is john lee and i am interested in the articles that you have written on a company that was called rigley’s wagon works that was based on hucknall rd bulwell nottingham back in the 1960’s i have a huge interest as i belieave my father worked there at that time, his name was samual lee. he emergrated from jamaica but was of a south east origion. over the past several years i have tried to find out whether there are any archives on employees as i am desperate to trace my father. any infomation you can provide would be very much appreciateed. kind regards john lee
Hi John. The material about Rigley’s is in comments left by visitors on my piece and I do not have any personal knowledge of the works I’m afraid. There is a website about local history and the like which I visit which you might like to also. I know that Rigley’s has been mention on there several times so you too might like to visit and perhaps register and ask your question and/or use the search facility on there.
The site is at:
http://nottstalgia.com/forums
Best wishes and good luck.
Hi Stuart
I am a 3rd year psychology student at Nottingham Trent University currently completing my third year research project looking at peoples experience of developing a blog and how this contributes to subjective wellbeing
i was wondering if you would like to take part. my research involves an interview
looking forward to hearing back from you
Kellie
Hi Kellie
I would have been happy to take part in your research in some way but I’m afraid, due to work pressures, I don’t have the time to schedule an interview at this time. If I can help in some other way please let me know.
Best wishes
Stuart
Stuart we love your blog and would love to invite you in to preview our floatation tank centre
http://www.calm-water.co.uk/
Thank you for the invitation Nick. I’ll have to politely decline but best wishes with your venture.
Hi, My name is Kelly, and i’m doing a canadian site for a school project, and I’m just wondering if by chance I could use some of your hockey photos?
Hi Kelly
Please use whatever you can find. Good luck with your school project!
Stu
hi stuart. i did a google images search because i wanted 2 photos specifically. i found them both on your blog 1 is the major oak and the other is robin hood and little john fighting on the bridge. i was wondering if by chance i can use them to put on t-shirts to sell?
hi stuart. listen i did a google images search for 2 particular photos both of which i found on your blog. i was wondering if by chance i can use them to put on t-shirts to sell?
Hi, no problems with you using the images. Good luck with the t-shirts!
thank you for getting back to me, i appriciate it. and thank you for allowing me to use the photos.
hi there
can you please tell me if theres any plans for any hibbys no going to the game on sat to get together to watch it in belfast or pretty much anywhere in N I? Hope to hear from you soon mon the cabbage
cheers
jc
Hi Jim, thanks for dropping by. I wondered if you visit the Hibees Bounce website? There’s a sub-forum ‘Irish Hibs’ on there where you might like to ask that same question? (Link below).
http://www.hibeesbounce.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?10-Irish-Hibs
I’ve a pal in NI who is a good Hibby and I’ll ask him that question. If I can find out anything I’ll post it up here sir.
Good luck!
Stu
My great, great grandfather was the last person to be buried in Sherwood Street Jewish Cemetery in 1863. Is there any way I can get to see his grave in the cemetery? Is the cemetery open to the public all the time?
Hi Stu,
Otis Redding was by far the best we ever had,without a doubt.
Have you listened closely to Levi Stubbs(Four Tops), this guy had such a voice,he has to be my second choice.
Loved, loved, loved The Four Tops Bryan. Levi had a terrific and memorable voice in particular. The material was so strong too. There are so many though, I loved Sam Cooke’s beautiful tones from a slightly earlier time. We have been blessed with these guys (and girls).
The one great thing Nottingham had back in the ’60s’,was the ‘Dungeon club’. I was so fortunate to see and listen to the ‘Motown and Stax’ artists.
My love for this music goes back to my 12th birthday,a ‘Dansette’ record player and two LPs, Buddy Holly and Ray Charles, what an introduction to popular music,followed by Phil Spectors ‘Wall of sound’ music, and early ‘Motown’.
The rest as they say, is history.
Although my older sister used to visit the Dungeon club I had no idea the level of artists that would appear there until reading up people’s stories on Nottstalgia. It must have been some venue Bryan – and right slap bang in the city centre too. I was introduced to Otis et al by the same sister who, at that time, worked in the record department of Griffin & Spalding. I was a bit young for that kind of thing really but it certainly had a lasting affect on me. How I used to like visiting that place as a kid with it’s ‘sound booths’ for listening to the latest releases. Like you – the rest is history.
I am sure back in the day,we would have driven your sister crazy,requesting one new release after another,to be played in the ‘sound booths’.
One Saturday we got her to play ‘Hole in my shoe’,(Steve Winwood) continually for an hour,we had been partaking in smoking some’herb’,
Mention, Ben, Click,and Radio to her. I am sure she will smile,and remember those crazy days.
I’ll do that Bryan! Hole in my Shoe does that to me as well 🙂
I know she found it a lot more fun than working in the Haberdashery department – who wouldn’t!
Hi Stuart – I have finished writing a biography on the former Forest/County footballer, Justin Fashanu, and I’d really like to include a quote if possible that was left by someone on your website. The comment was written by ‘Tony’ in response to your article, ‘Tears of a Clown’ and it is quite fitting. If that’s okay I’d also like to mention the name of your website too if possible. If you could let me know about this I’d be most grateful.
Many Thanks Stuart.
Nick B. – nick@makebelievemedia.com
Hi,
The river in front of Newark Castle is not the Trent but the Devon which is a tributory – a common misconception.
Thanks for the information, Suzanne. I didn’t know that!
HI STUART I WAS READING YOUR PIECE ON THE FERRY BOAT INN STOKE BARDOLPH,,IT WAS A GOOD ARTICLE…MY GRANDAD WAS THE LAST FERRYMAN TO FERRY PEOPLE ACROSS THE RIVER GEORGE CHAMBERS ..HE AND MY GRAN MA LIVED IN THE HOUSE NEXT TO THE PUB IN THE 30″S UP UNTIL HIS DEATH IN 1980
Hi Carole, thanks. That’s a really nice piece of family history! It seems there were quite a few ferrymen in those days. I think they could use some now! 🙂
Hi
The blog’s cool – and i’d like to add it to my Nottm/Notts links is it ok to take a screenpic of your header and add it with a link to
http://wollypark.wordpress.com/
Thanks
SFarmer
Hi Wollypark, thanks very much and you’re very welcome to do that. Thaks for dropping by and I’m going to check your blog!
Howdy Stu, good to see you are doing well. I’ve been perusing some of your posts and so much is coming back to me. Thanks especially for the tribute to Mum.
You have been prolific over the years! If you get a chance, check out my blog and see if you have any tips for me?
http://anothermidnightwriter.com
Thanks so much for visiting, Chris, it’s great to hear from you and I think of you all often. I have my moments with the blog but it’s become dear to me over the past few years and a repository for my thoughts and muses, very cathartic too.
I’m sure you don’t need any tips but thanks for the link and I will be really interested to look through your blog!
Please tell Kara and Alan I was asking after them.
Take care.
Stu
Hello Stuart,
In the ‘Old Bestwood’ thread, I posted a comment and a link to a picture of myself and my late sister Pam as kids. I was hoping you would put this up for the benefit of Fred Sheard, who had kindly enlightened me about the Fete’s held at Jarve Goddard’s Farm. For some reason this post has not appeared.
Do you have a policy on pictures?
Regards,
Colin
Hi Colin, hope you’re well. Have no policy at all on pics and am not aware of receiving your post? Of course I would always automatically ‘ok’ posts from yourself. I’ll have a check around but see no sign of it. In the meantime if it would be easy for you to repost I’d be glad to pop it up here my friend.
Cheers, Stu
Hi Stuart,
I am trying to trace some old family members – my name is Jimmy Frew and I married to Shona Frew from Stirling. We are wondering if you are related to our cousin John Frew who moved to Southport back in the 70’s??
Could you please email me so that we can talk further?
Reply sent, Jimmy.
great review and i loved the play it was special to meet the actor who played me luke gell is not onlya talented actor but a sound person it certainly was special playing football in that era yours dave smith
Cheers Dave, thanks for dropping by with your comments. I agree about Luke.
Yes, a special time, I enjoyed many a happy hour down the Lane watching you and the lads. Glad you enjoyed the play as much as I did and hope you saw a few of your old mates. I enjoyed it so much I went for a second helping on the final night!
Best wishes, Stu
Hey Stu! You asked and I delivered, Irn-Bru as a diet drink mixer!
http://anothermidnightwriter.com/2012/11/09/introducing-the-irn-bru-float/
Great article! Comments on your site, Chris.
What a beautiful tribute to your mum Stuart.
Bless her – and you.
Peter
Thank you so much, Peter. That’s very kind.
Stu
hi stuart
i’d just like to say i enjoyed reading your comments on the play ‘steak diana ross’,and i agree with all of your review of the play entirely,i thought the comments on don masson and the portrayal of ‘jackson’ wheeler were spot on.i have read the book around 15 times,just brilliant.i used to play football with dave mcvay in the early 1990s at ruddington f.c….i never got to know him that well;he doesn’t remember me now,i’ve met him a couple of times in the last two years or so.unfortunately i missed the era that macca played in,as i wasn’t born until 1974.my first visit to meadow lane was 1982,and macca had left by then.
one very good link i have to that era is that i was lucky enough to be picked to attend the notts county school of excellence when i was 11 years old,and i was lucky enough to be coached by jimmy sirrell.i just wish i knew how lucky i was being at the time.i met jimmy again briefly at the wake of bill brindley (who i kind of knew through my mum and dad-they were friends with bill from schooldays in the meadows).jimmy was sat on his own at a table in the meadow club,early evening time.i approached him and introduced myself,shook his hand,jimmy was a real gent and all smiles,he gave me the impression he was just as pleased to say hello to me,which was really lovely.it is to my eternal regret that he wouldn’t accept my offer of another wee dram,he was ‘leaving now’.obviously that was my final meeting with the great man.
i love the chance of meeting real old pros like stubbo,the don etc…i’ve met them both a couple of times,real gents.don’t mind talking football at all,although they have said to me ‘how do you know that?you’re too young’.i got the real fag end of dons’ career,and never saw stubbo play at notts (although i did play with him the once for keyworth united).
sorry for digressing a little,stuart,but the book is a real passion of mine,and being a clifton boy myself i can relate to it very easily.i went to the gala evening at the playhouse,met the old players who were there,but i couldn’t mingle that much (or as much as i would have liked)due to the amount of punters there for the same reason.it’s an era i can only taste through reading.i’m an avid reader,and maccas’ book is the best book i have ever read.it’s a shame he didn’t log further seasons he spent at notts.
kind regards
neil lowe
Hi Neil
Thanks for the interesting comments, apologies for not getting back straight away. Some great memories there and thanks for sharing. I actually went back to see the play again at the end of it’s run and thorough enjoyed it all over again. I couldn’t agree more about the book, it is a little masterpiece and like you I wished that Dave had carried his diaries on for a few more seasons as it was fascinating stuff. It almost makes one wonder at what he left out too!
Echo your thoughts about Jimmy Sirrel after having the good fortune to spend some time with him one afternoon. A most engaging but straight talking character. He was very friendly and willing to talk when I met him. Some character indeed!
AS a footnote I hear that the play is to be resurrected for another run next year. I reckon you will join me in being happy at seeing that.
Cheers, Stu
Hi Foxy, get in touch!
Hi Barbara! Sent you an email.
Hello, I’m a journalist student at Nottingham Trent. I’m currently putting together an article looking at citizen journalism, and how the mainstream media are affected or have responded. I would be very grateful if I could interview you this week, when you have some spare time. This could be in person, over the phone or via email (savanna-paris@hotmail.com) thank you!
Reply sent via email, Savanna.
Hi Stuart, you asked what the barracks were at redhill, well I can answer your question, it was called ansell terrace, nicknamed the barracks, I lived at number 2 from 1943 until I got married in 1962 they were all terraced houses numbered 1 to 12 we had a kitchen and front room with 2 bedrooms and an attic that could not be used as we had no floorboards down as my grandad burned them to keep my dad and his brothers and sisters warm as they lived in the house before us we were 10children plus mum and dad, to say we were overcrowded is an understatement we had 2 beds in each bedroom and slept top and toe to get us all in, I hope this is of help as to what and where the barracks was, it was situated directly opposite redhill road and you could walk through and up colliery pad to bestwood colliery
Regards peggy
Hi Peggy, thank you very much for this information, I appreciate it. I was aware of the ‘barracks’ but had never heard of Ansell Terrace. I can see that it would have run rougly along the southern edge of where Harberton Close stands now. There is still access to Colliers Pad to this day. I very recently came across a picture of the rear of the houses and their gardens at the back for the first time in a local history book.
It sounded like you were packed in to those little houses quite tightly in those days! How people made do was admirable and of course firewood had to come from wherever you could get it! Both my parents came from ten kids so I have a small idea of what you are talking about.
Peggy, I would be greatly interested to hear of any other memories you have of Redhill from that time. I’ve lived here in Redhill for most of my life (at three different addresses) and remember a bit of the ‘old’ Redhill such as the terraces and shop facing Redhill Road and Mr Holmes’ grocery shop, Redhill chip shop and the post office near the Waggon. I’ve been trying also to figure out if I can remember ‘New Road which was apparently somewhere near The Ram? I’ve recently joined the Arnold Local History Group and would like to write up a lot of what I know and can find out about Redhill.
Would be very pleased to hear any other information you have.
Thanks again
Stuart
Sent from my iPad
Hi Stuart I.am pleased my info was of use to you, I have a photo of the chip shop and Holmes grocery store, it was when a lorry went into the shop as was a regular occurance when I was young I will talk with my two sisters one of who still lives at redhill and see what memories we can bring up for you, one of my sisters lived across the road from the shop on Mansfield road in the terraced houses that were there, they ended about on the edge of redhill chapel that is still there
Sent from my iPad
Regards peggy
Re. Ansell terrace ( the Barracks )
Stuart I am sorry to bother you but I would love a copy of the photo you have even though it is only the back of the terrace it would be great to show my children and grandchildren thank you in anticipation
Regards peggy
Sent from my iPad
Thanks so much, Peggy. I would love to hear those memories from your sister and yourself. I have been thinking about writing up my own account some of the history of the area and I would love to include both your memories if that would be okay by you.
I have seen that picture of the chip shop and grocery store when the lorry crashed. You can find it and many others of the area on the following site: http://www.picturethepast.org.uk/frontend.php Just type in Arnold and Redhill on the link.
I’ve read quite a bit about the chapel recently. Apparently it was originally built as a schoolroom at a cost of three-hundred pounds-something. It was influenced by Daybrook Baptists down the road.
I remember those terraces very well and the little shop. I used to collect my dad’s Football Post from there every Saturday teatime! Remember Mr Holmes boxes of biscuits situated around the counter especially. Mr and Mrs Easom from the chip shop lived on Redhill Road when I lived there in the eighties. Always remember the step down into the shop and the newspaper cartoons to read on the all while you waited for your fish and chips! I used to go fishing at Leapool some evenings and they always would ask me if I had any fish for them!
Peggy, I would absolutely love to hear both your reminisces about the area and I look forward to that very much.
Not a problem, Peggy. The image is in a book that I recently returned to Arnold Library though. When I next go in there I will take a photo of it and send it to you. It would be lovely for your children grandchildren to see where you were brought up in good old Redhill.
I have sent you the picture of Ansell Terrace and three others via email, Peggy.
Kind regards, Stuart
Wonderful!!!
10oclock. horses were horse drawn carts used to collect waste. from peoples toilets. In the 19th&very early 20th century most poor or working folk only had Pan lavatories with no water. closet! Men with a cart & horses came around and emptied them.
Thanks Terence, I’m sure that is the general origin of the story.
Hello Stuart,
I am currently writing about the Bestwood Male Voice Choir to which my late father was the last founder member. After browsing the Internet I came across your postings and I would like to include the one about the pit pony being tied to a door handle in Bestwood Village. Would you be ok with me using this information?
Regards
Helen
Hello Helen
That sounds an interesting project and yes, of course that would be fine, thank you for asking.
I’d be pleased if you would add a link to your story here for people when it is written, Helen. I’m sure the many people that visit the blogs about Bestwood would be very pleased to read it.
Kind regards
Stuart
Thank you very much Stuart. Yes I could add a link. That is something I hadn’t thought of. It may be a while though as it is still in its embryonic stage!
Thank you again,
Kind regards
Helen
Hi Stuart, I’m looking for anyone who was involved in the Hollinwell Incident back in 1980, have you ever spoken to anyone directly involved? Would you be able to help? Thanks, Clare
Hi Clare, thanks for your comment.
I haven’t spoken in person to anyone present on that day but if you follow this link to a thread on a Nottinghamshire discussion forum you will see that two contributors were there. Perhaps you could join and put up a request for info or alternatively forward a private message to them.
http://nottstalgia.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4655
Good luck
Stuart
Hi Stuart, thanks so much for your quick response, much appreciated.
Best, Clare
Hi Stuart
I am a collector of Shane Fenton music and Memorabillia,Do you know anyone who has a copy of the withdrawn Shane Fenton LP “Good Rockin Tonight” issued by Contour Records around 1970 ? Im also after the 1962 radio series “Swingalong With Shane” broadcast on the Light Programme on Thursday evenings at 5pm..Also im trying to get a 1963 handbill from ABC Theatre Blackpool with Gene Vincent & Shane Fenton..
I have lots of very rare recordings by many pop stars of the early 60s that i would gladly trade for anyone who has any of the above or any radio shows by the pop stars of that era..I have lots of old Radio Shows like Saturday Club/Easy Beat/Top Of Pops(World Radio) etc etc
Can anyone please help ?
Hi Graham,
I wouldn’t have thought that LP would be too hard to find, though I doubt it sold in large numbers.
The Record Collector Rare Record Price Guide lists it as 1974, Contour Records 2870-409. It is listed at £20 for mint. With these things, the price comes from a combination of rarity and desirability. To be blunt, I don’t think Shane was in quite the same league as many other more collectable artists on the desirability front, but on the other hand, the likely smallish sales will make it quite scarce.
I have a friend called Tony Lonergan who runs a hi-fi and second hand music website called http://www.pinkfishmedia.net It might be worth a look at his vinyl section. And of course, there’s always eBay!
Good luck in your search.
Colin
Dear Colin
Many thanks for your reply,I have searched for the LP for many years,I believe a few copies did get into shops but ive never found anyone who has it,I even asked Alvin(Shane) some years ago and he didnt have a copy !!!!..Ebay ive tried with no joy also…I have joined Pink Fish Media and put an ad on there,but im not hopefull..I have even written to former Fentones bassist Bill Bonney regarding the radio show and he hadnt got them,I even sent him some old Sat.Club radio broadcasts which he didnt have…
Anyway many thanks for your help
Best Wishes
Graham
Hi Stuart
My name is Adrian Monti and I write for Runner’s World.
We are putting together a piece on running streaks, and after coming across your site, I would really like to chat to you.
Are you able to email me at this stage on adrian@montimedia.co.uk
Thanks Stuart
All the best
Adrian Monti
Hi Adrian
Thanks for the comment. I’ve replied as requested.
Stu
great site do you have any pictures of what was on the site of sherbrooke terrace in daybrook i understand that it used to be some type of childrens home or even any info would be great
Hi Matt, thanks for the comment. Not sure of this building but I’ll have a scout around. Have you tried Picture the Past site? You might find something there. Try searching on ‘Daybrook’ and ‘Sherbrooke Terrace’ etc.
Best wishes
Stu
Hi Stuart, are you interested in stories about Nottingham? If so, could you email me?
Hi Stuart,
I am currently studying at Nottingham University and was wondering whether you would be interested in helping me. I am carrying out a dissertation investigation in to the importance of smell within Nottingham City Center, as part of my searcher I am carrying out a series of ‘smellwalks’ ( semi-structured interviews around the city evaluating what you smell and how much you like/dislike smells). These can reveal a lot about your sensual experiences and the importance of smell in the City.
If you are interested in participating I would greatly appreciate it, I am looking for a diverse range of candidates so anyone is welcome.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at lgyjw3@nottingham.ac.uk
Kind Regards,
Jo Winter
Hello Stuart. I’m also a Stuart. I Googled Brian Connolly and was drawn to your site. The Sweet were probably the first group that I got into as a shy 11 year old I guess. I bought the single Little Willy and the Wig Wam Bam album back in those days. A few years on I think Led Zep, Genesis et al started to take front stage in my music collection, and thus a lot of the ‘pop’ stuff was then forgotten about.
I started looking at some youtube clips the other day in a fit of nostalgia and because of my history with the group, and actually wondered how such good music seemed to have disappeared. There was also a documentary on Brian which was extremely upsetting. I think the Sweet were very underrated and were clearly all competent musicians. I might even go and visit Brian’s plaque in the cemetery – although after so long having not been into his music (I’m now 52), it’s sort of hard to explain why I might wish to do this. Perhaps a part of me owes him a large thank you for bringing tuneful music into my life?
Any comments or replies would be very welcome.
Stuart.
Hi Stuart, thanks for your own interesting comments and experiences. I also remember ‘moving on’ from the like of Sweet and T.Rex etc. I suppose it was an age thing and Sweet were very much pointed at a certain market, much to their chagrin by the sound of things as they always came across as a bit frustrated about that I always felt.
Understand what you mean about the quantity of good music around in those days. I find it interesting comparing the TOTP 1979 showings on the TV and looking at the wide range of tastes and types of music. There was always ‘bubblegum’ music but any of these (slightly later) years’ selections were interspersed with real quality such as in the case of the Roxy Musics and the like.
I haven’t seen the documentary about Brian but a friend also told me that it was quite moving and upsetting. He said to me that he preferred to keep his memories of the way Brian Connolly was and probably that’s for the best as it’s hard to witness such a decline in such detail. I can understand your urge to go the see the plaque. It’s a form of revisiting our youth in a way with some special memories. I think music and its purveyors can do that better than most things in our life.
Best wishes
Stu
Hi Stuart, Just to let you know that I’ve managed to find you, following our conversation in the Poacher on Sunday night. Cracking looking blog from what I’ve read so far. Hope to catch up soon. Mike
Hi Mike. Nice one and thanks for the kind words! Actually went in there tonight but it was mighty quiet. 🙂
Stu
Hi Stuart, In December 1965 i, along with Phil Vaughan from Inverkeithing, hitch hiked to Naples to watch Italy v Scotland’s Worlld Cup qualifier. The Sunday Post Hon Man devoted his article in the following weeks SP to his supposed story of also hitch hiking from Dundee for the game. Unfortunately Scotland lost 3 – 0 and I have lost the Hon Man report. Any ideas on how I might track down a copy?
Hi Graham. A great adventure! I’m sorry, I wish I could help you but I wouldn’t have any real idea on how to track down that story. Depending on your location though you might be able to locate it in a library on microfilm? Have you contacted the Sunday Post?
Thank you Stuart. Will contact SP and also follow up on my next visit to Scotland
Re:Digital Marketing For Your Website
Hi
We can fairly quickly promote your website to the top of the search rankings with no long term contracts!
We can place your website on top of the Natural Listings on Google, Yahoo and MSN. Our Search Engine Optimization team delivers more top rankings then anyone else and we can prove it. We do not use “link farms” or “black hat” methods that Google and the other search engines frown upon and can use to de-list or ban your site. The techniques are proprietary, involving some valuable closely held trade secrets. Our prices are less then half of what other companies charge.
We would be happy to send you a proposal using the top search phrases for your area of expertise. Please contact me at your convenience so we can start saving you some money.
In order for us to respond to your request for information, please include your company’s website address (mandatory) and /or phone number.
Sincerely,
Liza Scott
lizaseomarketing@gmail.com
COMPLETE INTERNET MARKETING SOLUTION
SEO – Link Building – Copyright – Web Designing – PHP
Hi Stuart. I came across your website whilst trying to research the history of Padstow School. What a small world it is to end up finding you again. I have not had chance yet to have a good look around your pages/articles but from the little I have seen so far it looks very interesting and it seems like you have found a real niche here.
The question that bought me here is… what was the land Padstow School was built on, used for before the school was built there? Do you have any information on this?
Very nice to find you Stuart. I hope you are well.
Sue Simpson (John’s wife… from the old White Hart days and beyond!)
Hello Sue! How nice to hear from you! I hope you and John are both well. Funnily enough I was talking to Ashley last night. 🙂 I am okay thanks – too busy! I hope you are too. Ahh, the White Hart – sadly no longer…
I don’t personally have the answer to your question but I feel certain someone from the many kind people that have replied to this little piece will have. There is a lot of knowledge on here. I attend a few meetings with a local history group in Arnold and I will be seeing one chap who is very knowledgeable about that area tomorrow night and so will ask him that question. If you look back here after tomorrow night I may well have the answer for you!
My regards to John and lot of love to you both. I will try to forward my email address to you from the private part of this site so that we an keep in touch.
Stu
Hi Stuart, I came across your blogs on the Beehive Inn in Maplebeck while writing a feature for the Nottingham Post on Nottingham’s smallest buildings. Given that the articles were written a few years ago, I wondered what you could tell me about the place now, such as whether it’s still open, the owner’s name, whether you have a phone number for it (the ones I’ve found don’t work), etc. I’ve scoured the internet but there’s not too much written about it and it’s not easy for me to get to.
Hope to hear back from you soon,
Jon
Hi Jonathan,thanks for the comments. I really wish I could help you but sadly can’t. The Beehive isn’t in my locality and I haven’t visited for a little while. Nor do I have a phone number.
I believe it’s still open and have heard nothing to the contrary. My suggestion might be that you give the people at maplebeck.org a call: http://maplebeck.org.uk/index_pages/contacts_t.html and see if they can shed any light on things?
Good luck.
Stuart
Hi Stuart….I was in contact with you 3 years ago about the Old Jewish Cemetery in Nottingham…at last I have arranged for someone to open the gate for me to see the headstone of my great, great grandfather. I shall be there on Tuesday morning and will let you know what lies behind the walls. I have also posted about my visit on your Blog.
Regards,
Jo
Hello Jo, I am so pleased for you! Wonderful news after all this time. I would absolutely have loved to share that visit with you, unfortunately I am away all week on holiday so won’t be able to join you. I wish you all the best with this, Jo. I’m sure it will be very moving for you.
Stuart
Hello Stuart, Thanks for your comments – what a shame you wont be able to join me……I shall be in touch after tomorrow….Have a great holiday!
Regards,
Jo
Hi Stu,sorry it’s been so long since I was in touch.playing ‘catch up’ with my workload,
Everything is much the same here in Florida,
Would love to hear from you, Kind Regards. Bryan,
Lovely to hear from you, Bryan – email on the way!
Stu
Hello Stuart……I hope you had a good holiday. Well, I made it to Sherwood Cemetery and got to look inside. The grounds have been cleared of long grass but the surviving headstones are very hard to read. I went to where I thought my great, great grandfather was buried and found an old stone pedestal covered in ivy. I knew he was given an ornate headstone. Leaning against it on the ground was a slate and, on cleaning it, I realised it wasn’t my great, great grandfather’s name. So I’m going back to Nottingham to look at the other stones to see if I can find his name. All records of those buried have been lost but I have acquired an only available copy of the Jewish congregation in Nottingham which gives some insight into the Community at that time.
Kind regards,
Jo
Hello Jo. Pleased to hear that you got the old Sherwood Street cemetery but at the same sorry that you didn’t find your ancestor’s grave on this occasion. I hope that you are able to further your research and enable yourself to finally find the site. Thankfully, the cemetery is of modest size for you to continue your search. I wish you all the best in your quest.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart. My name is Tony Ward. We worked together at Derrymount School a long time ago. I’m pleased to hear all is well with you. Do you see Barbara at all? The poacher is my local, I live in Mapperley Park now, so maybe we will meet up sometime.
Best wishes
Tony
Hi Tony, nice to hear from you. I hope you’re well. The last time I saw Barbara was perhaps around three years ago. I noticed this week that she appear to live a long way away on Orkney now. I’ll maybe bump into you in the Poacher!
Hi there I found a picture you have previously taken of easter Road stadium and I am hoping to get this made into a wall mural for my little boys nursery however when I download the picture to my phone the resolution isn’t high enough format to enlarge to a huge scale. Do you have a high definition copy of this image or be able to help me in anyway. Kind regards. Candice
Hello Candice, I’m not sure whether I’d have a higher resolution image or not. Which image is it you’re talking about?
Hi Stuart,
Hope you are well.
Looking to invite Nottingham blogger to a Media evening in The city next Tuesday.
Is there a number I can reach you on?
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Laurie
Founder, Laurie Stone Communications
07810 55 22 02
Hi Laurie
Thank you for your kind invite but a media evening is not something I would be interested in at this time.
I wish you well with your event.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart.. I have just found a bit of paper with your info scribbled on it .. checking your name on Google i have come to your pages… a fascinating site.. I think we met at the Cranage Hi Fi Show .. and as you are from Arnold you maybe know my partner and hubby Mark Sears.. or maybe not but he is also from Arnold.
Between us we run a hi fi business called The Missing Link..up in Meden Vale…
drop us a line if you want… hope all is good with you .. best wishes… jan & mark
HI Jan. Thanks for the message and the kind words. I haven’t been to any Hi Fi show at all and I’m not sure that I know Mark. It could be that I just don’t recognise the surname, I’m not sure. I’d be interested to know if I do though.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hello Stuart
I came across your absorbing website for the first time this morning – it was a delight, as I lived next door to you when you were a boy. I was one of the Lewis family and I remember us swapping comics – your Beezer and Beano were much anticipated as they were a far better read than my own comics…
Great to see that you’re still living at Redhill.
Best wishes
Linda
Hello Linda, how nice to hear from you! I remember those days and you and your family very well and of course I’m still not very far away (The Mount). Comics were a big thing in our house in those days!
I hope you are doing well. You may remember my older sister Anita? She is still fairly local, a few miles away in Woodborough. So many things have changed here over the years but some remain just the same.
Best wishes
Stuart
Zigger Zagger was my boyhood hero as well.
Your story brought back so many memories to me, also brought a tear to my eye, thanks for sharing.
Kevin Smith
Kevzigzag on Twitter
That’s nice of you to say, Kevin, thanks very much.
he was a very special player eh?
Hi Stuart
I read with interest your description of Mordecai Sherwin and the Grove Hotel at Daybrook. My grandparents, William and Lucy Foster, were the licensees in 1911. I see that Mordecai was the licensee in 1901. Being a family history nut, I am currently researching my grandparents and would love any further info about the Grove at this time. Congratulations on your website ,,,,,great stuff !
Best wishes
Cynthia
Thanks for your comments and kind words, Cynthia. I have a little more info on The Grove but not lots. I know that it was used as a makeshift mortuary on several occasions, in particular for accidents on the railway at Daybrook (the Daybrook Station was very close by.
The pub also had a cave system underneath which was used as cellars at one time. I have some stills of them which I might be able to put up some time.
Sadly, The Grove was demolished a few months ago, I’m not sure if you knew that? It had lain empty for quite some time. There are now an almost completed block of apartments standing on the land where The Grove stood. The pub took up quite some land with not only its inn accommodation rooms to the rear but also stables and a hayloft.
Kind regards
Stuart
Many thanks for the info, Stuart. I have a good photo of my father, Robert Foster, my great grandmother, Sarah Lee nee Moore and Gladys Halfpenny who was working at the Grove in 1911. I am sure the photo is taken in the back garden of the Grove c 1912. Would be happy to share,
I’d be interested in seeing that Cynthia, thanks. I have your email address here (concealed and only viewable by me) I could supply my email address?
OK Stuart. I will forward the photo by email if you would like to send me your address.
Best wishes Cynthia
Hi Stu, I’ve followed your blog for ages and really like it. Can I pick your brains about WordPress please? Do you use the free blog or pay extra. I’ve been asked to set up an allotment blog. Best wishes. Ian
Hi Ian, thanks for the follow and kind words. I use the free version and would suggest that’s all you would need. There are plenty enough features on it unless you want to get really sophisticated. To sign up go to WordPress.com (as opposed to WordPress.org).
Kind regards
Stuart
Stuart, sorry for my delay in replying – I’ve been in the QMC for a bit. I really appreciate your advice and have only just started doodling with WordPress. If the site I’m doing ever looks a quarter as good as yours, I’ll be more than happy!
Ian
I’m sorry to hear that, Ian. I hope you’re feeling better? Soon be time to get outside now and start getting stuff done!
I wouldn’t claim to be an expert but if ever I can help just give me a shout. It’s fun practicing!
Stuart
Forgive me picking your brains. Just seen your interesting site. I’m trying to research local windmills for a talk to our local history society. Can you help with any info about Harby Mill. Photos suggest it was reduced in height during WW2 Is it now 3 or 4 storeys. What remains internally? When was it built and by whom? Many thanks in anticipation.
Hi Mark
Thanks for your comments, I’m afraid I couldn’t shed any light on Harby Mill as I’m not local to that area. It’s rather just a pleasant place that I’ve enjoyed walking through and looked up a little basic history on.
I wish you luck with your research and talk, Mark.
Hi what a amazing site this is. So full of information. I am trying to get intouch with someone whom wrote on here. Called Diane Lawlor was Lakin. She put that she lived at some stage at 54 park road. That is where my ancestors lived and wanted to chat about it. So if you are out there. Or know of her. Plz tell her to get in touch with me. Thanks
Gina van den Bos.
Thank you for your comments and kind words, Gina. I will look into this and if able, attempt to put you in touch.
Hi Stuart,
I’m from Nottinghamshire and I’ve entered my responsible travel business, Backpacker Bible into a nationwide Virgin Business competition. There are only two business from Nott’s who have entered and we need as many votes as possible to reach the next stage of the competition. I wondered if you might be able to share our story and try and get us some more local votes? We would really appreciate any support you can give 🙂 We’re on BBC Radio Nottingham tomorrow at 2.10 talking about Backpacker Bible. You can find out more about us here: http://backpackerbible.org/about-2/ and most importantly here’s the link to vote: https://www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/backpacker-bible
Many thanks,
Charlie
Hello again you! I decided that as I cannot sleep I’d have another go at blogging and come across our wee historic conversation! !
I’m not very good at it. HOW DO I REMOVE THINGS, UPDATE THINGS…..I hadn’t realised the blog I’d set up years ago would still be there,
Hello Joy, how nice to hear from you! I hope you are keeping well? I also hope that you did finally manage to get to sleep or might be in trouble by now. 🙂 Oh yes, you should definitely resume the blogging, I always looked out for your entertaining pieces in the Post. Yes, on WordPress it will just stay there for however long, unless you decide to take it down – and why would you want to do that… Keep blogging and let’s hear from you.
Stuart
Hi there – You may have seen my communications with Marlene re Stefan Cope. Would it be possible now to delete comment 274 that has my email address please? I’d appreciate it. Thanks.
Hi Dave, not a problem, that’s done. Best wishes with your communications. So good to see people coming together and making contact through the blog.
Kind regards
Stuart
Hi Stuart. I am trying to work out where exactly the railway line from Bulwell Forest joined up to Bestwood Colliery. I’ve seen somewhere that it was on the line to Shirebrooke but I can’t seem to get my head around the routes. I saw your map from 1935, but couldn’t get close up.
I’ve just sent you a message but it disappeared.
The message is here, Cliff, thank you. I will respond properly when I get a moment.
Hi Stuart. I think I can have a stab at helping Cliff.
Hello Cliff! It’s complicated, to say the least, but let’s take the simple bit first. If you definitely mean Bulwell Forest, as opposed to Bulwell Common. (People get them confused). Bulwell Forest Station was on the same site as the old Rigley’s Wagon Works, opposite the Golf House on Hucknall Road, but closed to passengers long ago, some time in the 1930s I think.
That line however was operational until the mid 1960s for freight. It was part of the Leen Valley line and came from Daybrook, up under Edwards Lane and along between City Hospital and Arnold Road before turning right and following the embankment alongside Hucknall Rd, between it and Andover Rd on Bestwood Estate. The line then ran alongside Hucknall Rd as far as the Moorbridge area, where it turned right and followed the right side of Bestwood Rd, from Moorbridge towards Bestwood Colliery. A little further along a branch ran up to Bestwood colliery, while the line continued on before crossing Bestwod Road beyond Bestwood Colliery and heading towards (I think) Hucknall and Linby.
Meanwhile, another branch, this time from close to the old Moorbridge (i.e not the present one) on what is now called the Robin Hood Line, also headed into Bestwood, crossing Bestwood Road via a bridge, evidence of which still exists I think.
Lastly, a branch also ran from north of Bulwell Common station, crossing the bottom of Hucknall Road via a bridge, just before the junction with Bestwood Road. This joined the line from Daybrook at ‘Bestwood Junction’, on the embankment alongside Bestwood Road, pretty much oposite the old Moorbridge Cottages, still standing.
Hope this helps.
Also, I think I posted an aerial photo of the area, plus also maybe a map, in the ‘Old Bestwood’ thread elsewhere on this site.
If not, get Stuart to pass me your email and I’ll send you what I can.
Colin
Hi Col, hope you are well. Thanks very much for the very comprehensive reply to Cliff’s question. Your knowledge of the area is more detailed than me but that’s pretty much how I know it.
Stuart
Thanks Colin. I will need a couple of days to digest the info. Meanwhile I have seen a colour pic of Bestwood Park junction and I will try and combine this with the details you have sent me. Btw. Stuart can you pass my e-mail to Colin. Thanks
No problem, Cliff, that’s now done.
I’ve seen a pic of Bestwood Park junction signal box, whereabouts would this have stood. There appears to be tracks all over the place and going in all directions. The picture is dated mid 1970’s
Help. Now I’m totally confused. Didn’t the Bulwell viaduct cross Hucknall Road near to Moor Bridge?, and if so which direction did it take after that. Was there railway track going over Moor Bridge?
Hi Cliff,
Maybe it would help if you were to focus on the idea of three lines, but with lots of links.
1. Leen Valley Line from Daybrook via Arnold Rd area, Hucknall Road and Bestwood Road to Bestwood Colliery.
2. Former Midland line, confusingly following the Leen from Hucknall under Moorbridge and on to Bulwell and beyond.
3. Great Central Main Line. Coming North from Nottingham and through Bulwell Common. Then on over the Bulwell vaduct to Annesley and eventually to Sheffield.
So, there was no railway over Moorbridge, but there was, and still is, a line under it. This runs from down from Hucknall, under Moorbridge and into Bulwell Market and beyond. It also now carries the separate line for the Tram from Hucknall into Nottm. There was a link from this line to Bestwood Colliery, as I described above.
Then another line diverged from the Great Central just North of Bulwell Common via the ‘Dido’s’ line. This did not cross the Bulwell viaduct, but curved around towards Bestwood and past the bottom of Bulwell Golf Course then over a bridge at the bottom of Hucknall Road just before Moorbridge. It joined the embankment above Bestwood Road and merged with the line from Daybrook.
I’ve been busy, but I will try to send you some maps ASAP.
Col
.
Thanks Colin. It’s beginning to look a bit clearer now.
When the line coming down the side of Hucknall Road turned the corner onto Bestwood Road, was it at ground level? I’ve seen a pic, and it looks like a view from a track on Bestwood Road looking towards Hucknall Road, with some tracks coming round the corner at an angle. It might be somewhere else. Would there have been track along Bestwood Road at ground level?
Hi Cliff. Of course I was pretty young when most of these lines still existed and I left Nottm around 1970 and find it difficult to keep up with changes, of which there have been many. My Dad was born and raised in Bestwood Colliery but I only visited there. For example, I had no idea there had been an Ironworks there until I saw it on old maps. As I recall, the whole of the Leen Valley Line from around the old Rigley’s Wagon Works along Hucknall Rd and round to Bestwood Road was on an embankment above the right side of the road. I never got even close to the actual line as it followed Bestwood Road so I can’t say I ever saw where it veered right again into the colliery. The old track bed is still there though and can be followed on foot or by bike for most of it’s length. I’m going to try to send you a scan of a 1935 map of Bestwood Colliery (via email) which clears it up a bit. But, please note that it shows the old Moorbridge before the new (current)bridge was built. It may also show some lines that were abandoned when the ironworks closed and I don’t know when that happened. I wasn’t born until 1949!
Maybe some of those here who were actually born and raised in Bestwood Village can add more, which is why I think you’d find the Old Bestwood thread very interesting.
Another issue is exactly where was Bestwood Junction?
The junction where the line from the Great Central joined the Leen Valley line almost across Bestwood Road from the old Moorbridge was called Moorbridge Junction. That line was called the Bestwood Colliery Branch.
The branch which ran from the Hucknall-Bulwell Market line was called the Bestwood Park Branch.
The only related section of line I can think of whicxh was close to road level was on St Albans Road. Here there was an unprotected crossing over the Bestwood Colliery Branch and then under the Great Central. The line diverged from the Great Central heading North and dropped almost to road level before turning
I would very strongly recommend you to obtain a copy of ‘Railways to the North of Nottingham -In the Latter Days of Steam’ Vol.2. by Malcolm Castledine. 2004 ISBN 1 901945 33 2 This is published by Book Law Publications, 382 Carlton Hill Nottm NG4 1JA http://www.booklaw.co.uk/shop/index.php?id_product=267&controller=product
They still have this in stock at reduced price. I have both Vols 1 and 2. 2 carries many excellent shots of the lines we are discussing, mostly from the 1960s, plus some maps.
Colin
Ha!! Just found the offending picture of Bestwood Park Junction signal box. It’s here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/38339202@N00/8218812924.
The caption states that it is where the current Moorbridge Tram Stop is. That would make sense. and the Moorbridge Tram stop is pretty much at the same level as the road. (Hucknall Lane I think) which runs from Hucknall to Bulwell.
So, that’s the Junction for the line under Moorbridge which joined the line on the other side of Bestwood Road which came round from Daybrook and which itself was joined at Moorbridge Jn by the spur from the Great Central.
Simple…. 🙂
Col
Thanks again Col. I saw on You-tube, footage of a train going along Bulwell Common, going to the side and then down through a tunnel and under the main tracks. Are you familiar with this. I can’t make out if it’s travelling north or south. Is this the Dido?
Hi Stuart. Quick question. Do you know if the railway line alongside Bestwood Road, at the point of branching to Bestwood Colliery went over Bestwood Road and over Mill Lakes?
Hi Cliff, I’m not certain about that. There is certainly a bridge over Bestwood Road adjacent the Lakes and I can’t remember whether it is a footbridge but I think it was a rail which would fit. It is slightly to the south of the Lakes. There is also in that viciniity what we would call the ‘mineral line’ running along the edge of what is now the reformed spoil heap and now a pronounced footpath
There is also a rail bridge further up on Moor Road between Bestwood Village and Papplewick. This carried the line that heads east towards the A60 Mansfield Road just slightly north of Seven Mile House. That travelled to Calverton Colliery and can still be walked. The last I hear they had taken up the railway sleepers to begin making a cycleway. Not sure of recent.
Stuart
Looking at google maps, it looks like a footbridge now, but I feel it is in the place of what would have been a rail bridge. If there was a rail bridge there, it would have had to run alongside or over the Robin Hood Line, and it may have had to come into contact with the other rail track you have mentioned, the one that ran to Calverton Colliery and passed by the Mill Lakes.
Hey Stu, could you check your HibeesBounce messages, cheers.
Hi Stuart, I was wondering if I could publish one of your photos you took in my bridal magazine, of Canada ’08: Guisachan Heritage Park. I’ll put my email address so you can contact me directly. Thanks
Love this website! Love the your.comments Stuart. Makes me wonder how any of the so called ‘comics’ you reference had any sort of career! ‘Total shit’ is a phrase that comes to mind when considering the ‘comics’ you reference.
Thanks very much, William! Some of those ‘comedians’ were of a certain vintage but for me all had one thing in common – all were/are rubbish!
Cheers for the kind words!
Stuar
Hiya
Stumbled on to the site looking for Jim Baxter.I watched him when he played for Sunderland.West Ham came to roker park and won 5-1.Baxter spent the game taunting Boobby Moore,come and take the ball of me Bob.Moore woundn’t go near him.
He was washed up then but could still turn it on now and again.
Saw Joe baker at sunderland,he was washed up too but scored around 12 goals in 15 games or so in the old division 2.Then they sold him on to Raith rovers I think,so long ago.
The Who,saw them a few times when tickets cost 10 bob.Music was great on record but I don’t know which was the worst live band ,Stones Who or Led Zeppelin.They were terrible.I stopped going to Live music and started again when I emigrated to Australia.Joe Jackson came here( Perth WA 1982,Big World was the album,recorded live in Tokyo),absolutely brilliant,restored my faith in live music.
Back then the support band always blew the main act offstage at Newcastle city hall.A band called Glencoe (morphed into Ian Dury’s backing band I think) backed Deep Purple and really blew them off stage.A wonderful band called Capability Brown (ex Harmony Grass) were also magic live.
I’ll pop back in the future ,brings back memories in my old age.
Hi Kevin, thanks for the really interesting comments about a few things close to my heart. Yes, well documented that by the time Jim got to Roker he was well advanced in his drinking career! Such a shame though and what a wonderful, graceful and creative player. It should not be forgotten that it was whilst with Sunderland he had one of his greatest days at Wembley in ’67 for Scotland against England when he ran the show. I think it was on the back of that why Forest decided to buy him (and pay over the odds). It was very much an appeasement to the fans who had seen many good players sold off.
Joe Baker left Forest for Sunderland after a very serious injury inflicted by Brian Labone of Everton. He was never the same player again after being a complete hero at the City Ground. Joe left Sunderland for Hibs – my own team – before ending his career at Raith. He returned to Easter Road and was treated as the prodigal son – how the Hibs fans loved him, and still do.
I was surprised at your recounting of The Who etc live gigs. By the time I got to see them (three times) in the seventies they were in their pomp and were magnificent. I’m not surprised at the band ‘Glencoe’ you mention. If they became Ian Dury’s Blockhead then they were fantastic live indeed. They still play live and having seen them can tell you they’re still brilliant. I did see Deep Purple live at the Glasgow Apollo in the seventies and I just remember how LOUD they were! Capability Brown is a name that is familiar to me too.
Thanks for sharing your memories, Kevin, very pleasant and please drop back. I hope that life is good and is treating you well over there.
Kind regards
Stuart
I like the title of your blog as it’s one of my favourite songs.
Stuart i wonder if you could help – i am trying to research (especially plans) for an historic unregistered land fill site situated where the gala bingo and food and drink park in southglade is situated at the moment – Plans I have located show when it was the farm and then it jumps in years to when it was a dog walking open place in 1982 but I can find no trace of any plans that show that it was a landfill site (not helped that it wasn’t registered) in betweel I understand from the land registry that the land was owned by Mitchells and Butler before the council bought it in the early 2000’s, there seems to be loads of anecdotal stuff about it being a landfill e.g. planning applications but little hard concrete evidence.. regards janet
Hello Janet, thanks for your comments. I wish I could help you directly but I’m afraid I have no knowledge of that site. The only such site I know in the area is the one actually in the Park itself in the old sand quarry.
I wonder though if you have checked out this article here on the blog? It currently has almost 300 comments underneath it by some very knowledgeable people who know the area and I feel that if you post a similar request on there you may well receive your answer.
Nottinghamshire: Old Bestwood
https://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/29/nottinghamshire-old-bestwood/
Best wishes
Stuart
Evening.I saw that site from start to finish and will make a full comment later. Just about to eat…😊
Good evening. This is an attempt to answer some of Janet’s queries from post No. 234. But can I start with a question of my own? Why do you want to know about a landfill site from 50+ years ago?
I believe the landfill you refer to is the one which was directly opposite the whole length of Southglade Road. The term ‘unregistered’, must , I assume have some technical meaning, because I hardly think that Nottm. Council were unaware of the existence of the landfill!
I lived on Southglade Road from the early 1950s to around 1971. Before the tipping, the land opposite Southglade Road was essentially two farm fields. These extended from the Leen Valley railway line which ran alongside Hucknall Rd,, to a point which was roughly where the access road to Southglade Sports Centre is now. The fields extended to the boundary with Rigley’s Wagon Works and in an extended line along to a point roughly opposite Padstow Road.
The central dividing line between the two fields was a hedgerow which ran from pretty much opposite No. 46 Southglade Road, where there was also an old five bar gate. From the early 1950s the farmer at Southlade Farm ( Gervaise Goddard) occasionally kept cattle on the two fields, but they latterly were just left fallow and were more or less an unofficial playground for we kids. I am not aware that the fields were ever the property of Mitchell and Butler. (Though I also can’t say they weren’t) The only M&B link I’m aware of is that they built the former Deerstalker pub, towards the ‘lower’ end of Southglade Road, sometime in the 1950s. This building still exists, with a change of use, but is on the opposite side of the now extended Southglade Road, to the landfill site.
Prior to the landfill the fields in question essentially formed a hollow, which was an extension of the hollow which still exists on Bulwell Common alongside the former Bulwell Common Station, although bisected by Hucknall Road and the embankment of the Leen Valley Railway. I’m aware that my word and recall don’t really constitute ‘hard evidence’, but trust me.. the current level of the land opposite Southglade Road, compared to the former hollow, is all the evidence you need. There are aerial photographs of the area from around 1935/6 which show the area before tipping. I’ll try to find them and link them here.
I’m struggling to recall the actual year when the landfill started, but by recalling pop songs of the time and checking dates I’m fairly sure it wasn’t before 1960. Work actually started at the Hucknall road end of Southglade, with assorted machines stripping topsoils and piling it up. Then tipping of waste started and progressed into the hollow and towards the boundary with Rigley’s Wagon Works, whilst also progressing along the length of Southglade Road.
The tipping process was basically just to dump stuff and then cover it up (supposedly every night) with clean soil. Trust me.. that barely happened and we were plagued with both flies and smells for much of the time.
By around 1963/4, I was able to walk onto ‘finished’ landfill where Forum Rd is now and look down onto the houses on Southglade Rd. which had formerly been above the level of the fields. Tipping continued to pretty much where the access to Southglade Sports Centre is now. Where the access road is now, there used to be a track, bounded by a low earth bank which formed part of anti aircraft gun emplacements dating from WW2.
The nature of the tipped rubbish was variable. Much of it was clearly household waste, but a lot was also seemingly house contents from slum clearance operations in central Nottm. Old phonographs, records, furniture and so on often appeared. I found a rather scruffy looking leather case alongside the tip, which after cleaning turned out to be a Kodak Folding Pocket Camera, Model C. Dating from around 1913. There was also a lot of what seemed to be industrial waste. I’d estimate that tipping was pretty much all over by the late 1960s, or possibly a little earlier. Thereafter, the land was just left. Allegedly to ‘settle’. I’m not aware of any attempts to deal with gas emissions, or toxic run off, but I’d guess that household waste back then contained less food waste and packaging and rather more coal ash.
So that’s my recall. They ruined my beautiful fields.. where I was brought up and learned to love nature. They also blocked our view of Summer Sunsets over Bulwell.
Progress eh?
Col.
oh my goodness thank you Colin for the update- i have become a bit of a dog with a bone about this – When the food and drink park was built it received European money and in those documents it mentioned that it was built on a land fill site – so I looked on the councils records and there are plans that show when it was southglade farm and fields and I have found photos from 1982 showing it as dog walking territory but I can find absolutely no trace of a photo or a plan showing it as a landfill – I found out yesterday that the National coal board owned it at one point and they transferred it to us in 1954 which probably ties in with your dates of it being used late fifties/early sixties and obviously that was when the slum clearance was going on in st Anns …. I have been through boxes of archives with environmental health and found no historic document actually saying it was a landfill and I don’t think landfills site needed to be registered until probably after this landfill had stopped being used, i am going to see the archive place on castle meadow road next week to see what they have- but i would still like to see an aerial photo but i bet photographing a landfill site wouldnt have been top of anyones agenda.
but thank you again and I am sorry your fields got ruined
regards janet
Hi Janet. I do have a couple of photos ‘somewhere’ which sort of cover the area in question, but they are currently lost somewhere in the chaos that is my loft. I have been looking for these photos for other reasons, but no luck at present.
I was back home in Nottm. for a couple of days this week and asked my younger brother for his recall. He thinks that tipping may have started and finished a little later than I thought.. all based on his being only 5 in 1960 and therefore not allowed out alone, but seeing the work begin while out alone.. if you see what I mean. I suppose we’ll have to say the tipping commenced around 1960-61 and finished around 1965-7.
My brother also pointed out that the landfill settled noticably over the years.
I also recall that when the houses/factory units on the old Rigley’s site were being built … when was that? 20 years ago?.. things started re-appearing from the Earth. A rather nice ‘Boot’s’ antique ‘Pot Lid’ and a few other items. Even one of the old plastic ‘Squezy’ washing up liquid bottles.. almost unchanged. Scary.
NCB ownership? I don’t know. Never heard that before. Are you sure that isn’t just about ‘mineral rights’? For e.g, where I live now, the former NCB claimed the rights for the whole area between Manchester and Liverpool… for ‘Opencast’ which they were never going to be able to actually realise. But there was certainly mining subsidence and fissures in the fields, known colloquially as ‘Pit Cracks’. And of course the whole area was originally part of the Bestwood Estate owned by the Dukes of St Albans up to 1939. Gervaise Goddard rented Southglade Farm from the ‘Duke’ originally, but presumably in the post war years, from Gedling Borough, who bought it.. as far as I know.
Sorry I can’t be more certain about things and I have my spies out for more info 🙂
Col
Came across your site purely by accident and what a great site it is. There is a vast selection of stories and topics of interest to me and hopefully from time to time l will be able to make some small contribution.
Thank you Robbie, kind of you to say. Always very happy to receive contributions and comments. This blog has been around for over ten years now with over 550 articles. It’s nice to know that people read what one writes.
Kind regards
Stuart
Under Bad Comedians, you missed out Ken Dodd.
I can think of many worse! 🙂
Hello there,
Hope all is well during these difficult times.
Whilst going through a box of “stuff” as I am sure many are doing the same I camels across a signed pic of George the gentle giant, I have no recollection of meeting him, he was quite young in the picture, I would be happy to send to you if you would want it, kind regards Alistair
Hello Alistair
All well here thanks, sincerely hope the same for you. Thank you so much for the kind offer, I couldn’t possibly take away that valuable image from your own family but I really appreciate your kind offer. I hope it brings back fond memories. So ingteresting what we can find going through our old stuff isn’t it.
Keep well.
Stuart
Hello there!
My name is Kristy and I am a professional illustrator.
I was puzzled when I recognised copyright-protected images owned by myself at your web-site. If you use a copyrighted images without an owner’s permission, you should know that you could be sued by the copyright holder.
Take a look at this document with the links to my images you used at stuartfrew.wordpress.com and my earlier publications to get the evidence of my legal copyrights.
Download it now and check this out for yourself:
https://sites.google.com/view/copyofvm028vh2dok1/drive/storage/h/files/download?l=063597197061485621
I believe you have willfully infringed my rights under 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq. and could be liable for statutory damages as high as $150,000 as set forth in Section 504(c)(2) of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (”DMCA”) therein.
This letter is official notification. I seek the removal of the infringing material referenced above. Please take note as a service provider, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act requires you, to remove or disable access to the infringing materials upon receipt of this notice. If you do not cease the use of the aforementioned copyrighted material a lawsuit will be commenced against you.
I have a good faith belief that use of the copyrighted materials described above as allegedly infringing is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.
I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notification is accurate and that I am the copyright owner or am authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.
Best regards,
Kristy Martin
05/10/2021