Science Group

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Our 18th April meeting is at 10.00am to 11.45am in the main hall (Portland) at JGC.

John Tedstone has prepared a presentation about an interesting group who called themselves the Lunar Society. The members became known as ‘Lunarticks’.

The Lunar Society of Birmingham was a British dinner club and informal learned society of prominent figures in the Midlands Enlightenment, including industrialists, natural philosophers and intellectuals, who met regularly between 1765 and 1813 in Birmingham. At first called the Lunar Circle, “Lunar Society” became the formal name by 1775. The name arose because the society would meet during the full moon. It still exists.

Original members included James Watt, Erasmus Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood and Matthew Boulton.

John will have much more to tell us about this interesting group.

After a short break there will be a presentation about the RAF Cosford Museum and a video which highlights the contribution to aerospace and flight made by ‘Hucknall Heroes’

David Rose

History Group

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I have some bad news for members of our group. A message from the Holocaust Centre where we were going in October, explained they were having major alterations and didn’t really think we would enjoy being there. I’m so sorry because I know lots of you wanted to go, however, the better news is that I have re-booked for us to go in April next year.

The good news is that we will go to Derby to the Museum and Art Gallery where they have a special exhibition on display about Egypt. Watch for more information about prices and times. The venue has some wonderful collections with a whole room dedicated to the famous artist Joseph Wrights paintings.

Our next indoor meeting is at Central Methodist Church on Wednesday 18th September at 2pm. Robert Mee, who is a speaker we have had several times before, is coming to tell us all about ‘The History along the Erewash Valley Trail’. The Erewash River starts in the Robin Hood Hills, as does our River Leen, and runs towards Kirkby eventually joining the River Trent.

Weekenders

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Lincoln proved a busy destination on the 13th when we travelled by train then took a fascinating open-top bus ride with live commentary.

The well-informed guide pointed out features such as the bricked-up window spaces dating from the window tax of 1696, the oldest bridge in England that still has houses built upon it, and the impressive Lincoln Cathedral, that became the tallest building in the world in 1311.

Thanks to Margaret White for hosting the social meet up at her house this month.

National Trust

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July saw the group visit the beautiful venue at Belton House near Grantham. Taking a slightly later departure time than usual we still arrived at Belton by 10.30 am.

By now the sun was shining and boosted by many families enjoying the start of the school holidays the grounds were soon fairly busy.

Most members, having had a drink in the café, then seemed to venture to the many outdoor areas. These included the Italian Gardens, the Conservatory, St. Peter and St Pauls Church, the Dutch Gardens, the Maze and the Parkland with its herd of beautiful deer. Some ventured further afield walking round the pond and into the nearby village.

After lunch most of us then spent time in Belton House itself with its wonderful mixture of rooms which were once owned by the Brownlow family. The rooms here have been fashioned over many years by some of the finest designers and craftsmen in the country. There was still time for a visit to the courtyard at Belton with its array of shops, ice cream parlour and cafes.

Everybody was safely back on the coach for 4.00 pm when we began our journey home arriving back in Hucknall for 5.15 pm after a very enjoyable day.

August takes us to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire where the day includes a guided tour of the Abbey and gardens.