May 2014.pub - Laxton Open Field Magazine

50p
May 2014
A Frosty Start to May Day 2013 at Laxton
The monthly publication
of the parish of Laxton & Moorhouse
www.openfield.org.uk
Priest in Charge
Churchwardens
LAXTON
Deputy
MOORHOUSE
KNEESALL
WELLOW
WELLOW
P.C.C:
Chairman
Minutes Secretary
Deanery contact number
Rev Chris Levy
Mrs Brenda Noble
Mrs Tessa Rolph
Mr Simon Hill
Mr Ian Thorn
Mr Ben Wells
Mrs Jean Crofts
Rev. Chris Levy
Mrs Kate Critchley
Parish Council:
Clerk
Parish Councillors: Chairman
Vice Chair
Members
Mr Ken Shepherd
Mr John Godson
Mr Michael Manning
Mr Colin Cree
Mr Roy Hennell
Mr Stuart Rose
Mrs Jean Hennell
Magazine Editor
Flowers and Brasses Rota
Mrs J Bartlett & Mrs J Cooke
Mr & Mrs S Clarke
Mrs B Noble & Mrs M Beckitt
Mrs M Rose & Mrs S Rose
Magazine Advertising
Photography
01623 860522
01777 870541
01777 872034
01636 822777
01623 861309
01623 860522
01636 650063
01777 870605
Mr David Critchley
Mr Simon Hill
01777 870276
April 27th & May 4th
May 11th & 18th
May 25th & June 1st
June 8th & 15th
Mrs Joy Allison
01777 871506
Email: [email protected]
David Brown, Kevin Pevler, Derek Storton,
Joy Allison
www.openfield.org.uk
Your contributions are always welcome.
We can help if you are not sure how to
write what you want to say.
Photographs of children appear in Open Field and on
the web site with the consent of their parents / carers.
Open Field appears on the Web in its entirety plus
additional photos. If in doubt, photos are not used.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE WITH THE EDITOR BY
16th MAY PLEASE
Cover photo: May Day Frost
2013
Photo by: Joy Allisono
Letter from the Revd. Chris Levy
Dear Friends,
He is alive! He is Alive! So cried
out Mary and the other Disciples
when they first saw Jesus on
Easter Day. The grief and sorrow
of Good Friday is overturned and
all is well again. This is how it must
have seemed. Mary outside the
empty tomb had tried to hold onto
Jesus but he told her to let Him go.
And so the Disciples should have
been warned that just because
Jesus had risen from the dead,
things were not going to go back to
how they had been before.
How could they? Everything is
different now. Jesus has overcome
the power of death. His work here
on earth is completed. What else
was there that he could do? I
suppose he could have gone
around the towns and villages
preaching, healing the sick etc.
again. However this would not
achieve anything new. In the three
years preceding the people had
been given the chance to make up
their minds. They either believed
that He was the Son of God or they
did not. The fact that he was put to
death would seem to indicate that
as far as the leaders of the people
were concerned he was a problem
that had to be dealt with. As long
as he was travelling around openly
he would have been a target for
those who had already done their
best to rid themselves of this
problem.
No. After the Resurrection
everything was different and things
had to change. He was not going
to stay around for ever here on
earth. But first he had to ensure
that firstly the Disciples were totally
convinced that he was alive and
secondly that they were ready to
go out to do the works for which He
had been preparing them. Hence
after the Resurrection we have a
time of forty days in which Jesus
makes appearances to the
Disciples. The important thing to
note is that these are usually
unannounced and in quiet places.
On the evening of the first Easter
Day the Disciples have locked
themselves away in the same
upper room where they had eaten
the Last Supper. There is no knock
on the door but Jesus suddenly
appears there in the midst of them.
Imagine how they must have
reacted. Surprise! Joy! Elation!
Frightened! However they felt
Jesus calms the situation by
saying, "Peace be with you." He
then lets them see the wounds
gained from being nailed to the
cross in order that they will be
assured that it is really Him.
However it is soon clear that His
return will not be permanent, "As
the Father has sent me, so I send
you."
In the accounts of the other
appearances we see the same
themes of giving assurance that He
is alive and then a signal that He is
not staying around for ever, and it
now up the Disciples to," Go
therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the
How good it is to know that the
name of the Father and of the Son Risen Lord gives us Peace and
and of the Holy Spirit, and
remains with us for all time.
teaching them to obey everything
Yours
that I have commanded you. And
Christopher.
remember I am with you always, to
the end of the age."
From the Registers - Baptism
Congratulations to Lewis Jacob Heath aged 5 and Dylan
Jack Heath aged 2 who were baptised into the church on
Sunday 13th April 2014.
Lewis and Dylan are the sons of Michael and Rachel
Heath of Mansfield Woodhouse and the grandsons of
Michael and Cath Manning of Laxton.
From the Registers - Iris Bex
Everyone was saddened to hear of the death of Iris
Lavinia Bex of Croftways, Laxton, who died on
Friday 28th March 2014 at the age of 93.
Her funeral service was held in Laxton Church on
Thursday 10th April, which was followed by the
burial in the churchyard.
Our sympathy to her son, Martin and her
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In Memory of Iris
The poem on the opposite page has appeared before in print. It was written
by Iris Bex. She had a framed copy of it in her home. Keith and Anne
Dutton have submitted it for everyone to share. Keith had spoken to Iris
about putting it forward to be published in time for the Heritage Weekend
and she was all for it. They felt it was a fitting tribute to her, demonstrating
as it does her feelings for the village she called home and where she will
be so fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Laxton Open Fields
If we could but turn back the hands of time
And look back on days gone by,
We’d find a mill within a field
And a castle standing high.
The miller would live in a cottage small
And the lord in a manor fine.
The miller would sup his mug of ale
While the lord partook of wine.
Farmers toiled at a slower pace,
With horses to draw the plough,
Stray cattle were put into the pound
Which stands silent and empty now.
Though tractors have taken the place of beasts
Traditions are still held dear,
Farmers work the strips in the Open Fields
And the Court Leet is held each year.
The farmers’ wives still make their pies
And make fruit into jelly and jam;
They collect the eggs, and feed the hens
And, sometimes mother a lamb.
The heart of the village was once the church,
It still beats strong today,
As the hymns ring out at Harvest time,
Or folk gently kneel to pray.
We must think of the future as well as the past,
So it’s hoped that tradition will thrive,
And that Laxton and its Open Fields
Will be kept for ever alive.
Iris Bex
Iris Bex 1920 - 2014
How do you explain a girl like Iris? Because
Iris was a girl even at 93; always young at
heart, a fierce champion of youth, with a
tremendous sense of fun, devoted to her
family, to children, and to her friends. Born
in Portsmouth, the only child of a
policeman, Iris spent her early years
however in the East End of London. She
never forgot her roots and remained in
touch with family and her remaining school
friends until the day she died.
Tragically Iris was predeceased by her
infant daughter, Barbara, and by her son,
Anthony, as well as by Len, her loving
husband. Her remaining son, Martin, and
the rest of her family deeply mourn her
loss.
Iris married Len Bex when she was 21
during WW2 and then spent the war years
in Bedfordshire working in insurance. In 1953 with their two young sons,
Anthony and Martin, Iris and Len came to Laxton to work as insurance
agents for the Co-operative Insurance Company. They became well
known and liked throughout the area for their weekly visits to local farms
and to Ollerton to collect insurance money.
In 1958, after training at Eaton Hall, Retford, Iris became a late entrant to
teaching. She taught both at Ollerton and Kneesall Primary Schools and
is remembered with great affection by her ex-pupils, especially perhaps
for the sweets she handed out in class!
Both Len and Iris became stalwarts of village life serving on the PCC and
on the Village Hall Committee. Iris was a founder member of Laxton WI
and she served both on the village committee and at County level. The
pantomimes Iris produced for the WI were a highlight of village life. The
rehearsals, when WI members tap-danced and cart-wheeled around the
hall at Croftways, were as enjoyable as the productions themselves! Iris
also helped to organize pageants in the village for the Milk Board and for
the Millennium.
Iris regularly attended our church and was a staunch member of Mothers
Union, hosting meetings in her home for many years. In 2012 she
received her long service award from Mothers Union.
In later years Iris was a popular member of both the History Group and
Weston Luncheon Club. At 88, when most people are thinking of putting
their feet up, Iris became President of Inner Wheel. The members thought
they were in for a quiet year, but Iris involved them in a record number of
activities and they raised a very great deal of money. In memory of her
devoted husband Iris chose to donate the money to SAKA, as she and
Len had been keen members of the Sheffield Area Kidney Association.
Many villagers and SAKA members will remember the wonderful parties
they threw at Croftways in order to raise money for that charity.
Most villagers will however remember Iris not as a committee member, but
as a friend, always ready to listen, to help when she could, generous and
kind, very sociable and always ready to raise a glass. Iris was a
tremendous personality, a great organizer, always positive, always ready
to join in. She was both a good and loyal friend and a fierce worker for the
village and for charity. Iris and Len made Croftways a social centre for
family parties, for village events and for dinner parties for their friends. JK
Rowling, an author known for her writing for young people and one whom
Iris enjoyed late in life, says “people are remembered for how much they
are loved"; using this as a measure Iris will be long remembered by her
family and her friends of whom she had a very great many and she will be
very sorely missed.
The Inner Wheel Club of Sherwood Forest
Afternoon Tea
in an English Country Garden
At Old School House, High Street, Laxton
(next door to the Village Hall, which will be used if wet)
Saturday 31 May from 2.30pm
Tickets £6.50
Please purchase by 24th May at the latest
from Pat Naylor on 01777
870601
Enjoy a decadent afternoon tea whilst listening to
the John Richardson trio
Laxton
Garden Fête
Friday 20th June
6.30pm
The Old Vicarage
Cake stall
Tombola
Books
Raffle Plants
Teas
Scones
Hot Dogs
Children’s Races
Games
Everyone Welcome
Proceeds to Laxton Church
Village Hall AGM
MONDAY 19th MAY 2013 at 8.00pm
Village Hall
Everyone welcome
Coffee Morning
This month’s event will be held on 8th
May 2014, between 10.30 - 11.30am at
The Old Vicarage, opposite the shop.
All proceeds to church funds. Home made
cakes, second-hand books and plenty of
chatter!
Laxton Heritage Weekend - June 28/29th
Plans are coming along well.
We have received some
generous sponsorship,
including £150 from the Rotary
Club of Sherwood Forest,
which Jeff Naylor presented to
John Chambers and Joan
Cottee at the History Group
AGM.
A £492.38 grant from Newark
& Sherwood District Council
will be put towards specific
costs of the event, including power and first aid cover.
Donations are still coming in for raffle prizes and we have finalised the
programme of speakers. We are very grateful to everyone for their
support.
Why not take a look at www.laxtonheritage.org.uk to see the latest
news.
Church Dance
A good time was had by all at the March church supper dance, when
we had a full dance floor for most of the evening as usual, doing the
usual dances.
A total of £530 was made for the church
funds. Thanks must go to Bruce and
Marion for the music; to everyone for
donating raffle prizes and for those who
provided the food for a lovely supper.
Special thanks to Margaret for selling all
the tickets for us and a big thank you
again to Jean for all her help.
Brenda
The History Project Gets Started
Laxton History Group
members have begun
research on the period
1900 - 1920 with two
groups visiting the
Nottingham University
Archives and another
going to the National
Archives at Kew, London.
It is fascinating to look at
the old documents, which
An introductory session for LHG members at the
include letters from the
University Manuscripts & Special Collections with
tenants of the day to the
Kathryn Summerwill.
Lord of the Manor and to
his agent, then Mr Wordsworth. One of the first
documents Roy Hennell picked up was the
agreement between Lord Manvers and the then
tenants to the enclosure of Little Field, otherwise
known as East Field, which ran from the east
side of the road to Egmanton down to the
Moorhouse Road.
The plan is to take photographs of the
documents so that the group can work on them
at their leisure at home, but it is very difficult not
to get distracted by following the stories which
unfold or spotting other threads which are of
personal interest. Those whose relatives lived
here then are finding it of particular interest.
We hope that some small samples from the research may be able to be
shared with visitors to the Heritage Weekend in June. With that in mind,
some of the earliest papers in the Tallents Collection from the Court Leet
in the 1750s and 60s have been looked at. We are now trying to get
permission to display them.
Another group has started work looking at World War I, and in particular
the people named on the War Memorial in the church. This is not proving
easy as they did not all join up together into one regiment, so some of the
members are carrying out some detective work to try to trace them. If you
have any information which might help, please call Roger Cottee on
871137.
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871506. There is a warm
welcome for you to help the
project in any way that
interests you.
The County Archives in
& Jean Hennell discuss their findings with
Nottingham are undergoing Roy
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a major refurbishment
which will mean they are closed for some months over the winter, so
visiting to discover what information is there will have to be high on our
agenda in the near future. We will also continue to visit the University and
begin to look in Newark Library. Would you like to join come to help?
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ROGATION SERVICE
Sunday, 25th May 2012
10.30am
Laxton Common
In church if wet
Everyone welcome
Laxton WI invites you to an evening with
Sophie Wells MBE
2012 Paralympian equestrian gold and silver
medallist with a talk entitled
‘My Story’
at Egmanton Village Hall
on Friday 16th May 2014, at 7.30pm
Tickets £8 per person inc. wine and supper
Please purchase tickets from
Brenda 870541 / Joyce 872826
Buy yours early. This is an open meeting and everyone is
invited. The limited tickets are sure to sell quickly for this
unusual evening.
Mothers’ Union
There is a planned trip to Gainsborough Old Hall in the afternoon of
Monday 19th May. If anyone would like to join us, please contact Tessa
Rolph on 872034.
Laxton History Group
The Group is particularly active at the moment, with the momentum of the
the HLF project getting under way as well as Heritage Weekend drawing
closer, and a visit to Belton House.
Sue Clayton came in March to speak about food and shopping in the wars
Sue lives in Flintham and has been instrumental in preserving the village
shop as a museum. Unforeseen circumstances had prevented her writing
this new talk until very recently which explained her unusual introduction
to her presentation, sharing with us that she had never heard it before.
We may have been guinea pigs, but the evening was fascinating.
Sue explained that the experiences of WWI food problems had a direct
impact on WWII making those in power realise the need to introduce
rationing early. In WWI rationing was resisted for a long time. The
declaration of war lead to immediate panic buying and hoarding.
Shortages included sugar, of which people ate a huge amount in different
forms. One manufacturer had a range of 224 different boiled sweets.
Food prices rose continuously throughout the war. The impact of this was
that women started to prioritise their spending to ensure that they could
feed the men and children often gong short themselves.
Sue’s photos of the queues showed how hard life was. She commented
that in WWII women would dress up to visit their butcher in the hope of
being able to buy anything extra.
Rationing ended in 1922, only for war to break out again in 1939,
although preparations were in hand well before. Remembering the
difficulties of WWI, secret committees were set up with big food suppliers
but no civil servants. As a result they had the ideas for rationing, but no
logistics. It took 11 months to print the books, but they had not planned
how to distribute them. People had to sign up to shops and the shops
themselves had to register before the process could be implemented.
Twenty five signed up customers was the minimum for a shop to register,
and in very rural communities this was not achievable.
In both wars the shop staff were among the first to be called up. Sue
quoted example of a shop in Southwell where fifty men were sent to the
trenches, and another where all seven of the staff were enlisted overnight
leaving the manager alone the next morning to run the whole shop. Some
shops wrote to women who had left to get married offering them jobs to
keep their businesses running. Those shopkeepers who were registered
to run the rationing scheme had a huge task with 131 forms to fill in. The
work of cutting and counting coupons was enormous. Despite widespread
belief they were recounted, only spot checks were ever made.
Food ‘on points’ was used to improve morale as well as to ration food.
Tins of salmon were put on high points so that they were not affordable.
This enabled the government to stockpile them, and then at Christmas the
points were reduced so every family could afford this luxury then. When
WWII ended, rationing continued and things got worse initially as we were
helping feed people in Germany, Denmark etc. Sweets were taken off
points in April 1949, only to be put back on in August because supplies
had been exhausted. They finally came off in 1953, in time to boost morale
for the Coronation.
A full Village Hall had an opportunity to try WWI food for themselves at our
Tasting Supper on April 4th. Opening the
evening, Joan Cottee invited members to
raise a glass in memory of much loved
member, Iris Bex, saying she would have
hated the traditional silence. Guests then
queued for their rations, served by some of
the many volunteers who had cooked.
Each table had a small loaf of barley bread
which represented a week’s ration for one
person. The first course included some tasty
little fish cakes which, as the war progressed,
progressively became more potato and less fish.
Fish shortages were also emphasised by the deep
fried slices of parsnip made to look like fish fillets.
Joan introduced each course. Guests were as
surprised as she had been to learn that the soldiers
were better nourished on their army rations than
before the conflict. Potato featured strongly in the
main course dishes, as did game, which the men
would shoot for themselves when they could.
Dishes were mostly pies or stews which were easy
to share and made the most of available
ingredients .
The meal ended with a trench cake, served
to the men in the trenches at Christmas, and
surprisingly nice. Parkin was popular as was
Manchester tart, which is unknown to many
but always enjoyed. The still popular
favourites of fruit pies and bread and butter
pudding soon disappeared.
The meal was followed by a short AGM
during which John Chambers thanked everyone who had helped make the
Group a success in the past year. He summarised the many activities we
have enjoyed before the same Steering Group was re-elected, with John
and Joan as Co-Chairs.
Laxton Walks
On May 1st, Stuart Rose is
joined by Lynda Milner from
Notts Wildlife Trust for the very
popular ‘Dawn Chorus’ walk.
The walk leaves Laxton Castle
at around 6.30am to visit all
three open fields and identify
the birds from their song.
If you think 6.30am sounds
early, you will be even more amazed to learn that the event actually
begins at around 5.00am when people who are unfamiliar with the route
up to Laxton Castle meet Stuart at the Visitor Centre beside the Dovecote
Inn. The party then walk up to the castle in time for the sunrise at about
5.25am.
For many years now Retford’s Rattlejag Morris dancers have been
coming to Laxton to dance in the May on the castle. In recent years,
helped no doubt by some glorious early mornings, the crowds have grown
to well over 100 people on a week day and up to 200+ when May 1st fell
at the weekend. Rattlejag provide a BBQ breakfast and hot drinks or even
a drink from a barrel of beer, for which they request a small donation,
Members of the public are invited to join in a dance around the top of the
castle at the end of the festivities. When the dancing is over the walkers
set off across the fields.
This is the longest walk of the year, but there are shortcuts back for those
who need to get home for work or school. If you hope to complete the full
walk, expect to be back in the village for between 9.30 and 10am.
On the 15th May, Stuart is again joined by Lynda to guide walkers round
South Field looking at the ancient grassland and studying the wildlife and
plants. The sykes (pronounced "six") are unique areas within this unique
farming system where modern practice preserves the wild heritage.
These areas were traditionally either very wet land or where the plough
was turned around – a practice which continues today. They were and are
farmed but never sprayed or fertilised and wild flowers are abundant.
The walk leaves The Dovecote at 7.00pm, returning between 9.00pm and
9.30pm.
Everyone is welcome on these free walks. Please note that beyond the
village all walks are through fields, on farm roads and on tracks. Robust
footwear is necessary, as is suitable wet or warm outer wear depending
on the weather.
Please phone Stuart 07939 228353 for more information.
117 Eastgate
Pickering
North Yorkshire
YO18 7DW
Tel:: 01751 476653,
Email:
[email protected]
www.eastgatecottages.co.uk
Contact
Elaine & Kevin Bedford
SECURITY GRILLES, RAILINGS, SCROLLWORK & GATES
FOR HOME & BUSINESS
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BOTTOM FARM, LAXTON
TEL: 01777 871702, www.laxtonnotts.org.uk
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Phone/Fax: 01777 872316
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Laxton, the Weatheralls and Me!
I was certainly intrigued to see Jane Peck sharing Robert’s grave and
the following is my best interpretation of current evidence in 2013.
We must begin with Ann (Peck)’s death in 1854, leaving Robert with 11
children, the youngest about a year old. Even though his older daughters
can be expected to be well versed in household management, I think
Robert was in the position of most widowers – he needed another
woman to ‘head’ the family beside him.
His 1851 census entry says he’s a farmer of 110 acres with two live-in
male servants, adding to the size of the household needing washing to
be done and to be fed. He’s a pretty busy fellow even if eldest son Henry
is possibly working on the farm. Plus, barely 3 months after Ann’s death,
he loses his second son.
We’ll never know whether he asks or she offers – but it appears Ann’s
sister stepped in to care for the family. Jane was baptised in 1807 and
probably well-known to the children as their aunt, so making perhaps an
easier transition than if Robert had brought in a comparative stranger,
first as housekeeper then later, as often happened, becoming stepmother.
Robert and Jane’s relationship remains slightly puzzling, initially because
in various censuses she is described sometimes as ‘wife’, yet her
maiden name appears on the gravestone as noted last time.
Upon Robert’s death, his entry in the National Probate Calendar (18611941) states he had ‘Effects under £800. 12 Jun, Administration (with the
will) of the effects of Robert Weatherall late of Laxton in the County of
Nottingham Farmer who died 3 Feb 1877 at Laxton, was granted at the
Principal Registry to Jane Peck otherwise Weatherall of Laxton Spinster
the Residuary Legatee for Life’
Certainly the wording here suggests that sometimes Jane was known by
the name of Weatherall but the inclusion of the term ‘spinster’ seems
particularly pointed. What is going on?
However, a year after Ann’s death, it appears that Robert married Jane
in a civil ceremony at Southwell, possibly by licence. Marriage by licence
was often chosen by widowers remarrying. It suggests that they wanted
only a simple quick ceremony, not to say secret in some cases.
I was still mystified: if they married, why this ambiguity?
Later reading about the law governing marriage offers a possible
answer. In 1907 it was made illegal for a man to marry his dead wife’s
sister. Possibly this began to be a subject for discussion after they had
married and in his will Robert wanted to ensure that there would
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Bulk Bags & Nets
Seasoned Timber
JAMES HOYLAND (Egmanton)
Tel: 01777 872298, Mob: 07850 378741
Telephone: 01777 871953
Mobile: 07971 864446
[email protected]
www.crosshillhouse.com
be no reason to prevent her inheriting as he wished, thus it could
explain why Jane is declared ‘spinster’ in the will.
Whatever is the truth, I think Robert showed their special relationship
by making her ‘residuary legatee’. Sadly, she didn’t enjoy it for long –
Ma 5755, Conveyance 1877 – a legal document recording the ambiguity of Jane’s
relationship with Robert. Image by permission of The University of Nottingham,
Manuscripts & Special Collections
Jane died less than three years after Robert, as recorded on the grave
Bodleian Library Plans for Laxton Map
Anyone who has visited Laxton
Visitor Centre or the church cannot
fail to have seen the reproductions
of the 1635 map of the village by
Mark Pierce, prepared for Sir
William Coulten, the then Lord of the
Manor. Some villagers have been
fortunate enough to travel to the
Bodleian Library in Oxford to see the
original.
The map is regarded as one of the
best ten in the country and is studied
by students of history and
cartography. The map is owned by
the Bodleian Library, having been
sold to them by Lord Manvers after a protracted discussion begun in
November 1941 and finally concluded in 9 May 1942 when the Standing
Committee to the Bodleian Curators reports that they:
“..have approved extra-ordinary expenditure of £300 on a manuscript fieldmap and terrier of Laxton, Notts., formerly the property of Lord Manvers,
and recommend that the cost be charged to the Reserve Fund for the
purchase of manuscripts and rare books.”
Professor John Beckett of Nottingham University told the History Group
AGM that he is now in discussion with the Bodleian. They have a new
Digitisation Officer and funds to begin a digitisation programme by working
on the Laxton map. We look forward to knowing how this progresses.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Apr 28th
May 1st
MU
Morris dancing / Dawn Chorus Walk 5.20am,
Laxton castle
Coffee Morning
Notts Local History Fair, Mansfield
WI
Laxton WI evening with Sophie Wells
History Group visit to Belton House
Village Hall AGM
Wellow Maypole Day
Afternoon Tea with Inner Wheel
May 8th
May 11th
May 14th
May 16th
May 18th
May 19th
May 26th
May 31st
Forward Planning
June 6th
June 17th
June 20th
June 21st
June 28th & 29th
July 19th
Sept 27th
Dec. 5th
Moorhouse Garden Fête
WI Baton Relay
Laxton Church Garden Fête
History Exhibition, Nottingham University
Museum
Heritage Weekend
Charity Barn Dance
Southwell Ploughing Match
Village Hall Quiz
NB New entries appear in bold italics for the first month.
If you know the date of a meeting or an event, please pass it on so
that others can take it into account when planning.
Copy Date for June: 16th May. We cannot guarantee
to include items received after this date.
Mon - Sat 12noon - 2.00pm 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Sunday 12.30pm - 6.30pm
www.dovecoteinnlaxton.co.uk
FREE HOUSE
BRIAN HALL
PAINTER & DECORATOR
• Internal and external work
• 45 years experience
1 Southview Villas, Brickyard Lane
TELEPHONE: 01623 862848
Norwell Beaver Scouts collect
used stamps fro Dogs for the
Hearing Impaired.
Please leave with Katy Critchley
(in the house letter box) in Laxton
or Anna Hill in Moorhouse.
BOOKING ADVISABLE
Laxton WI
The May meeting began on a sad note, with a minute’s silence in memory
of our founder member, Iris Bex, a member for over 50 years.
Iris, always a staunch supporter and enthusiast for the group competition
entry at the Notts County Show, frequently hosted the planning meetings.
It was fitting, that the business began with a report that this year’s entry is
progressing well, thanks to Elizabeth Banks’ and Anna Hill’s creative skill.
Tickets are selling quickly for our event with Sophie Wells and members
were encouraged to make their purchases while tickets remain.
The national AGM this year will be held in Leeds and Ollerton will be
representing us. Our next meeting on May 14th will discuss the resolution
and be followed by a supper and quiz.
Joan Cordall, a volunteer at Doddington Hall, had come to speak to us
about the Hall and saving its tapestries. It was a fascinating talk, which
was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, inspiring thoughts of a visit.
The Hall was built from 1593 and since then has never been sold. There
have been sixteen owners, all in the same family, although the family
name has changed five times when it has been inherited through the
female line. The builder, Thomas Taylor, moved in in 1600. Taylor was
lawyer to the Bishop of Lincoln, whose diocese then stretched from the
Humber to London and included Windsor and Oxford.
Unusually, the project employed an architect - a new profession at the
time. Robert Smithson was working at Hardwick Hall in 1590 and moved
from there to bring his expertise to Doddington. In those days building a
grand house in brick was a signal of wealth and the exterior has changed
very little since the 1700s.
Internally the building is mostly Georgian and the tapestries were installed
by owner John Delaval. They are thought to have been 100 years old in
1760 when they were put up in the Holly bedroom, possibly having
previously been in the grand hall. They were nailed to the wall, and where
they did not fit, they had been hacked into shape or patched with pieces
from other tapestries. The skirting boards had been nailed on top.
The tapestries were made on a high warp loom, on which the undyed
warp threads ran vertically downwards and the coloured weft threads
were woven from side to side from the back of the work with the aid of a
mirror to reproduce a ‘cartoon’ drawing of the design. The weavers were
men, while women prepared the threads.
By 2007 the tapestries were in a very bad state and the current owners
consulted the National Trust on how they could be preserved. A Heritage
Lottery Fund grant of £50,000 paid to have them removed and cleaned in
Come along and enjoy the
experience….
Wedding Flowers are our
speciality
Our garden room is available for
any occasion. We can cater for
Christenings, birthdays, charity
events or private parties and, of
course, weddings.
Call us for a viewing
We aim to provide a relaxed
atmosphere where you can learn new
skills, share knowledge and build on
your creative flair.
Fathers Day Carvery
Booking essential
12-2pm Sun 15th June
Summer Planters Workshop
Thurs 8th May 10am-12pm
Garden open for Beaumond House
Sun 18th May 10am-4pm
Plants for sale plus local plant stalls
and refreshments
If you belong to a club or group why not book us for a visit !
Find us at The Woovers, Norwell Road, Caunton, Newark NG23 6AQ
Tel: 01636 636283 Mob: 07811 399113
For a full list of events visit www.floralmedia.co.uk
Belgium, where Hardwick’s tapestries had been cleaned. Students of
conservation al Lincoln had helped with the work. They had to unpick the
joins in the tapestries, which were all photographed and numbered before
removal. Unstable areas were stabilised by basting on net. Over 1600
nails were removed. The tapestries were then rolled on to drain pipe,
using Velcro to secure them.
Initial vacuuming for 45 seconds per section removed 21 large bags of
soot. In Belgium they were spread flat on a perforated surface over a tank
with gentle suction applied. They were sprayed and scrubbed with water
and detergent and despite the vacuuming, the water was black at first.
Eventually they were rinsed and covered with clean towels. each section
took from 9am - 7pm to clean and dry.
At the Hall a display has been set up showing an uncleaned section and
a small cleaned piece as well as information about the process. In
partnership with Lincolnshire County Council the tapestries have been
returned to the new Heritage Skills Centre at the Castle to be repaired.
Much preparatory work is necessary to stabilise the fabric on undyed
linen before work can begin. All stitching will be by hand, using stranded
cotton to replace the silks and wool for wool. Matching the dyes is a
challenge. In places the restorers are having to guess the design. Funds
have been found to keep the work going for two years, but in all it is
estimated £200,000 will be needed before it is completed and the
tapestries can be rehung at Doddington.
Moorhouse
Garden Fete
Friday June 6th
6.30pm
Willoughby Farm
Moorhouse
Cake stall
*
Games
Teas
*
Raffle
*
Tombola
Everyone welcome
All proceeds to Moorhouse church
Bouncy Castle for Hire
Please call Andrew Banks, Egmanton Plant Hire
Tel: 01777/872316
Mob 07971 627588
‘Open Field’
Welcomes new advertisers. Prices start at £15
for a single box for a year. Design your own
art work or leave it to us.
Please contact Joy or Jean on 01777 871506 /
870276 or email [email protected]
COMPENSATION – credit card
or identy fraud protecon insurance
If you pay (or have paid in the past) for card or identity fraud protection
insurance, you may be entitled to compensation if you were given
misleading or unclear information when you were sold your card and/or
identity protection policy, and you purchased the policy based on this
information.
You may have bought these policies when you first registered or activated
your debit or credit card. However policies were often mis-sold - many
companies involved have put money aside for compensation.
• If your policy was with CPP, you should have received a letter recently
regarding compensation (if not, contact CPP on 0800 083 4393)
• If your protection insurance policy was with another company, you will
need to complain to that company directly. If this doesn't work, you can
take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS).
• You could receive compensation of all premiums paid since 2005 plus
interest at 8% a year.
Note: Claiming compensation will cancel your policy and any
benefits/protection, even if your claim is rejected. If you are still a
policyholder, think carefully about whether you want to keep the policy.
You do NOT have to use a claims management company to claim
(who would charge you a fee).
Further information can be found on the Financial Conduct
Authority website at www.fca.org.uk (search for “CPP”)
For informa
on on the above or advice on any subject, visit your local Ci
zens
Advice Bureau at:
NEW OLLERTON (5 Forest Court) NG22 9PL
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
NEWARK (Keepers Co1age, Riverside Park, Great North Road) NG24 1BL
Tuesday & Thursday: 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
Outreach Service Opening Hours:
Friday: Southwell (The Old Court House, Burgage)
10:00am-12:30pm
Or contact: North No$s Advice Line (0844) 856 3411
or (0300) 456 8369 from a mobile Monday to Thursday 10.00am – 2.00pm
Edwinstowe Art Group Trip to Manchester
The group is having a day trip to the Art Gallery in
Manchester on 16th May. There will be a stop in
Holmfirth on the way back.
If anyone would like to join them for an entertaining
day out, there are still some spaces left.
The coach will leave the Royal Oak in Edwinstowe
at 9.15am and the trip costs £15.
Please contact Graham Laughton on 01777
870588
Laxton Rounders Team
This years Rounders is under way with practices starting Tuesday
15th April 6.45 pm at the Sports and Recreational field; new players
very welcome.
Matches for the Sherwood Ladies Rounders League are: 7 pm
Tuesday evenings, May to August. However because we are
playing home and away matches against all teams, the occasional
Thursday evening has been scheduled in too.
Full details: slrl.webs.com
Laxton Rounders Team Fixtures 2014
May
6
13
15*
20
27
All Blacks
Ranby
East Markham
Norwell
Sutton
home
home
away
home
away
June
3
5*
10
17
Leverton
Debdale
Woodset
tbc/practice
away
away
home
* Thursdays
Laxton Charity Barn Dance
A date has now been set for this exciting event and we hope to see you all
there on Saturday 19th July.
Tickets will be advertised in the next Open Field publication and available
locally, giving you plenty of time to purchase your tickets before they sell
out!
If you would still like to be involved in the setting up and running of this
event our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 30th April at 19:30pm,
Bar Farm, Laxton (Ivan and Christine Rayners)
We of course will keep you all updated on this repeat event and the many
things we have in store to raise much needed funds for The Lincs and
Notts Air Ambulance.
Laxton Cricket Team
At last the sun is trying to shine and it’s time to put bat on ball to start a
new cricket season. Once again Laxton CC are playing in Division 1
of the Newark and District Evening league.
Fixtures are:
14th May
22nd May
28th May
5th June
11th June
19th June
26th June
3rd July
9th July
17th July
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Away
Home
Caunton
Thurgarton
Collingham
Farndon
Wellow
Caunton
Thurgarton
Collingham
Farndon
Wellow
Home matches start at 6 pm and we hope you
will come along and support the team. Once again the club thank all
those who have sponsored match balls in the past. A new ball costs
about £10, but any donation will be greatly appreciated. If any one in
the village would like to sponsor a match this season please contact
Jim Muirhead on 07966 445361.
Family So Proud of Lilly
We were all so proud to see our
granddaughter, Lilly Bird, take part in her
first ever hunt meeting with the Grove &
Rufford Hunt that left from The Dovecote
Inn, Laxton on 15th of March during the
Country Day.
Lilly aged 9 was riding her new pony
Laddie. He was a recent Christmas gift
from the family. Lilly had always dreamed
of having her own pony and taking part in
a local hunt. Who would have thought that
in just three months that her dream had
come true?
Lilly and Laddie have built up a fantastic
relationship over this short period. Laddie
was brought from the local ridding school
at Wellow where he was very well known
and spent many years providing
riding for the novice & disabled
riders alike.
Laddie was recognised at the hunt
gathering in the Dovecote grounds
by some old teachers and riders
who commented on how well both
rider and horse looked.
Lilly was accompanied by local
rider Aimee Curtis as they set off
taking up the rear of the hunt. The
family followed with hearts in
mouths and binoculars to our eyes
tracking their every move. They
only came home when the riders
they were with left the chase and
the we declined an invitation to
look after them if they carried on.
We were so thrilled with how well
they did and so delighted to have
them back in one piece, looking forward to the next time.
Sally and Kevin Pevler
Country Day at The Dovecote
On 15th March The Dovecote Inn held its 3rd Annual Country Day
The day kicked off with the Grove and Rufford Hunt riding out from The
Dovecote Inn, then followed a full day of all kinds of country pursuits
including gun dog scurries, companion dog show, tractor and trailer rides
round the open fields, vintage tractor display, and return of the hounds
There was a large
marquee with a Craft
Fair with over 16 stalls
such as a wood turning
display and venison
butchery display and
sales.
The raffle and collection
in aid of Lincs and Notts
Air Ambulance raised
around £1,000.
The pub was open and
packed all day and the
staff never had time to
stop and think. People
definitely took
advantage of the splendid
weather with an estimated
a turn out of over 600
people. The only problem
was car parking, with
every conceivable parking
spot in Laxton taken.
The day was followed by
an evening of
entertainment in the marquee and pub with live band Skyline Pilots
from Nottingham, and our own hog roast and bar, where we estimate a
further 200 turned up to join in the party. A fantastic day and night was
had by all.
Linda says “I have had so many good wishes and expressions of thanks
from so many people. This is a true community event, celebrating all that
is fantastic about living in rural Nottinghamshire, and is made good only
by the people that attend”.
“May I take this opportunity to wish, everyone involved, everyone who
came and supported this community event, a MASSIVE thank you, and
here's to next year. And to those who didn't come...well you missed a
truly great day folks, hopefully we will see you for next year’s event,
G.D. HALL LTD
(Independent Funeral Directors)
Newark Road
TUXFORD, Newark
Nottinghamshire
NG22 0NA
13 Bridgegate
Retford
Nottinghamshire
DN22 6AE
Tel. 01777 872929
Tel: 01777 701222
Email:[email protected] Web: www.gdhallfunerals.co.uk
Private chapel of rest
24 hour service
Golden Charter Pre-payment plans available
SAIF Approved
Personal Visits to your home
Laxton 1914 Recalled
1913 School Report, published 2014
January 1st 1913
Mr Payne, (Assistant Inspector) inspected the schools on October 10th.
The following Government Report was received on Dec. 4th.
“The children behave well and the relations between them and their
teachers leave little to be desired.
The work proceeds earnestly, steadily, on generally suitable lines and
with a generally creditable measure of success.
As was recently pointed out, however, there are various ways in which
the efficiency of the schools may be increased.
The Infant Teacher discharges her difficult task in a kindly and careful
manner. If she is still to have Standard 1, in addition to the infants, the
children under 5 years of age should be excluded, as it is obviously
impossible to keep four distinct divisions of scholars constantly and
usefully employed.
Some hopper windows should be fitted in both buildings and the
cloakroom accommodation should be improved.”
The Government Inspectors do not now report every year. This is the
first one received on the work of the school since 1906. We very much
regret that the work of the school has been greatly interfered with by
epidemic diseases. During the month of November the school was
closed on account of whooping cough by order of Dr Handford, the
County Medical Officer of Health.”
In future no new scholars can be admitted under the age of five
according to instructions from H.M.S.
THE SCHOOLS - Lady Cicely Pierrepont distributed prizes to the
scholars attending the Sunday and Day Schools on 7th March. An
Entertainment, consisting of songs, singing, games, and recitations was
given by the children. There was a good attendance of parents and
friends. Lady Cicely who had a very hearty reception, spoke very highly
of the conduct and performance of the scholars.
The Scripture Examinations was held on April 29th, when the Schools
were examined by the Chief Diocesan Inspector, the Rev. T. W. Peck.
All the work rooms received the highest mark (very good). He reported
as follows “The Lower Group answered thoroughly well and with
intelligence. The Upper Group were very good, very interested and very
Aerobicise
Get fit with 80s moves and music
Tuesdays, 7pm
Step Aerobics
A fun way to get fit with friends
Thursdays, 6pm
Laxton Village Hall
Tel Samantha on
07861 418842
Proud to
support
Open Field
Grounds
Maintenance providers to
Local Authorities and
commercial organisations
around the East Midlands.
08450 170899
www.tacg.co.uk
email [email protected]
Woodclose Farm, Baulk Lane, Kneesall,
CRD Roofing Specialists
Slating, Tiling, New Roofs, Flat Roofs,
Ridge / Hip Tiles, Chimney, Repointing,
Loft Insulation, Guttering & Drainpipes
No Call Out Charge - Free Estimates
Storm Damage and Insurance Work
Tel: 01636 708505
Mob: 07968 705303
interesting to examine, and most carefully and admirably taught.”
H. P. Hales Esq. (head Government Inspector) visited the Schools on
June 19th.
The Scholars had their Annual School Treat on August 1st.
Dr Holmes held the medical inspection on 23rd September. We are
glad to see that parents are taking more interest in this inspection, and
also to say that there is a considerable improvement with regard to the
subject complained of in last year’s almanack.” (When the nurse had
reported that of 29 girls examined, the heads of 6, amounting to 20%,
were verminous).
Dukeries Singers
We are taking inspiration from the fact that
Spring seems to have definitely sprung and
we are learning lots of brand new musical
pieces which we are enjoying
immensely. The new pieces get into our
heads and we can be heard humming and
singing snippets outdoors. When one is
singing a baritone part or an alto part, it can sound a bit odd - the tune
seems to be missing somewhere. It all comes together for a performance
though.
Our concerts so far until the summer are;
Thu 24 April
Sun 27 April
Sat 24 May
Sat 21 June
Sat 5 July
A concert at Farndon Memorial Hall for the Women's
Institute Anniversary.
A concert at the Turner Hall, Mansfield Woodhouse along
with a brass band 2.30pm. To 5pm.
A Wedding at East Markham Church. We're all happy
singing for a Wedding. It's a joy to share the Big Day
Our annual Summer Concert at Edwinstowe Village Hall.
A return concert at St. Chad's at Pleasley Vale.
We do have dates available if you would like us to sing for your
celebration, anniversary, fund raising occasion or just at your "bit of a
do."
Our Concert Secretary would be delighted to hear from you. Please
contact Phil Robinson on 01623 822070
SAM’S
GARDEN SERVICE
General Garden
Maintenance:
mowing, plashing,
hedge cutting
Quality Paintings
Or Drawings
In any Media
01777 870588 or
Email:
07773 287444
[email protected]
Heavy Duty Tanalised Fencing & Gates
Free estimate or advice
• Agricultural
• Equestrian
• Post & rail
• Picket
• Tanalised post
• Tanalised made to
& panel
measure gates
Tel
Kenny 01777 870337,
Mob 07723 036543
“FEET FIRST”
MOBILE
CHIROPODY SERVICES
Sharon Foster
M.Inst.Ch.P.
HPC Registered No:
CH18101
Telephone
Mobile: 07946 587190
for a home visit
Zumba Fitness Class
Zumba’s Latin rhythms are taking
the nation by storm
Ditch the workout - join the party!
Mondays Kneesall Village Hall
7:30 - 8:15
Tuesdays Dukeries Leisure Centre
Ollerton 6:15 - 7:00
For more information, please call
Kirsty on 07909 118490
Recent Bonus Ball Winners
Date
No
Name
22/3/14
29/3/14
40
29
Dave Varney
Dave Varney
5/4/14
41
D & R Wood
12/4/14
32
Kevin and Sally
The Bonus Ball draw supports the Sports & Recreation Field.
Thanks to all who support us through this fund raiser.
Available numbers will be advertised here. Look out for your
favourite number to support this great local cause and maybe
win yourself.
For more info, please call Michael Manning on 01777 870844.
Wellow Maypole Celebrations
The people of Wellow will be gathering for the Maypole Day
celebrations on Monday, 26th May. The festival started in 1856 but the
tradition ended with the outbreak of World War II. It restarted in 1950.
Wellow village has the only permanent maypole in Nottinghamshire,
which is widely thought to be only one of three in the UK, but there are
actually around 70 in the country of varying sizes and constructions.
The event is not just for Wellow residents and many children taking part
in the maypole dancing come from elsewhere.
The May Queen is elected by the people of the village and she is
attended by other candidates. The Queen chooses her colour scheme
for the day and is crowned by the retiring May Queen. The new Queen
then presents her predecessor with a crown of forget-me-nots and a
silver locket to remind her of her year as Wellow’s May Queen.
Wellow's Maypole Day celebrations start at 12.00 noon. The crowning
of the May Queen is at 3.00pm, followed by the maypole dancing.
There are many other attractions around the village green and
refreshments in the Village Hall. There is no charge to watch and even
seating provided around the green—although if you want to make use
of it, you need to be there early.
Advice from the Police
Keep your personal belongings personal
Don’t
Do
Leave your stuff unattended
Only carry cash you need
Write PIN numbers down
Make it easy for thieves
Use a PIN or pattern code on your phone for security
Carry valuables in inside pockets of clothing or bags
Track your phone with ‘Find my iPhone’ or ‘PREY’
Love it, log it! at www.immobilise.com
Lock it or lose it
Reduce the risk of bike theft in five easy steps
Always secure your bike, even at home.
Take quick release items with you like wheels, lights and
seat.
Permanently mark your bike for identification, we
recommend Cremark.
Register it on a property database for free - Love it, log it!
www.immobilise.com
Use two alarmed cable locks or preferably hardened
locks such as D locks
For more information call 101 ext 800 3011 or sign up for
advice and crime alerts at www.nottinghamshirealert.co.uk
WWI Commemoration at Southwell
Southwell Minster are staging an exhibition to commemorate the start of
WWI between 17th May and 15th June. This is a FREE EXHIBITION.
Information on tours and after hours tours can be obtained from Charles
Leggatt on 01636 817283.
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872785
Email: [email protected]
What’s On at Thoresby
At Thoresby Gallery you can spend an hour learning about your area with
a talk and slideshow in Laxton by Stuart Rose on 4th May from 11am to
12noon.
Chesterfield Canal Trust will be in the Courtyard on 11th May and vintage
military vehicles on 11th May from 12.30 until 3.30pm.
Art exhibitions include Ray Horsfield’s landscapes of travel from 10th to
18th May and Portland College students showcase of ‘Artability’ from 23rd
May until 22nd June.
If you enjoy all things cycling then on 17th and 18th May, Pennies in the
Park will be a great day out with races, penny farthings, unicycles and
bicycles of all shapes and sizes.
Children’s quality theatre is on offer in Thoresby Riding Hall on 21st May
with ‘Too Many Penguins’ especially for aged 1-4 and their families. (bring
a penguin and a picnic!) with fun activities for all. Ticket are £7.00
On 8th May Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company present ‘The
Second Minute’, a play based on Sherwood Forester letters from the First
World War. Tickets are £10, conc £8, child £5
Full information at www.thoresbycourtyard.com or from the Box office
01623 822009
Come and see us in the ‘Newcastle’ building
opposite the Co-op
In Newcastle Street
Egmanton Village Hall
www.egmantonvillagehall.org.uk / 01777 871171
Please check the EVH web site or call for latest details.
♦
Yoga with Greg – Tuesdays at 7:30pm
♦
Young Farmers - Wednesday 21st.
♦
WI - Thu 15th
♦
Laxton WI Evening with Sophie Wells, equestrian Paralympic
medallist.
♦
Computer Problems? - Call 01777 871171. If your computer is
misbehaving or you need help setting up a new one, please call.
Donations to Egmanton Village Hall by way of fee.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Police
PC Gary Sipson
07525 226575
or 101 x 800 7673
Email : [email protected]
PCSO 4741 Keith Crowhurst
07889 702823
or 101 x 8007671
Email : [email protected]
Web, showing other contacts: www.nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk
Danger to life or crime in progress
Otherwise police switchboard
Crimestoppers (anonymous crime reports)
999
101
0800 555111
Medical
Tuxford Medical Centre
Sutton-on-Trent Surgery
Ollerton Surgery - Middleton Lodge Practice
Newark Hospital
Bassetlaw Hospital
King’s Mill Hosptial
01777 870203
01636 821023
08445 769933
01636 681681
01909 500990
01623 622515
Fire Safety Advice (Tuxford Fire Station)
01777 870381
Get Your Free Tickets for Heritage
Weekend - 28th & 29th June 2014
With this edition of ‘Open Field’ you will find your application slip for free
tickets to Heritage Weekend at Crosshill Farm.
Laxton History Group is pleased to offer free tickets to the event to
everyone living in Laxton or Moorhouse. Under 12s are free, and all
adults who live permanently in the parish are invited to apply for a free
ticket.
Please complete the slip and return it as soon as possible to Pat Naylor
at Old School House, next door to the Village Hall, in an unsealed
envelope with your name and address on it, which will be used to return
your tickets.
You can also buy tickets for visitors and friends who don’t live in the
parish, but please enclose a cheque for £4 per person, made out to
Laxton History Group, with your slip and an SAE if you live out of
Laxton.
Tickets are pin on badges which everyone will be asked to wear on the
day, so please put them in a safe place when you get them and
remember to bring them with you!
The Great Nottinghamshire Local
History Fair, 11th May 2014
Mansfield Library is throwing open its doors again this year for a one
day Local History Fair.
The Library is open between 11am and 3pm and a whole floor is being
dedicated to the Fair, which will include exhibits from societies all over
Nottinghamshire.
Laxton History Group is taking a display which will feature the new
Heritage Lottery Funded project. We are also taking our large television
to show pictures of Laxton and hopefully some of the results of our
research to date.
The event is free. If you are in Mansfield shopping, why not pop in. If
you would like to go and don’t have transport, please let Jean Hennell
know on 870276.