History Group

The History Group always welcomes all U3A members. Our indoor meetings are held at Central Methodist Church on the 3rd Wednesday of the month commencing at 2.00 pm. Money paid for the trip to Richard III will be safe in the U3A bank until we can re-arrange later on. We are starting fresh in September (X fingers). Watch this space! I look forward to seeing everyone but in the meantime please take care and stay safe.

A HUCKNALL HERO

The email was a complete surprise from a man called Jim Whitworth. He had found me via Herbert Buzzard court; the manager had kindly passed my address onwards. Years ago his parents had bought a needlework ‘tapestry’ done by Herbert Buzzard from a shop in Chester and would like to give it back to the family, if possible, or Hucknall if not. Could I help? Of course I could! I remembered Kay Burton had given a talk to History Group members about her grandfather Herbert Buzzard and contacted her. Kay was delighted because after messages back and forth from myself and Kay it seems the work will eventually come ‘home’ to Hucknall. When it does she is going to bring it to show members. A short summary of Herbert’s life follows.

Charles Herbert Buzzard was born in 1889. He served as a private in the 1st battalion Lancashire Fusiliers from 1914 – 1918 and was awarded the Military Medal for bravery. “Charles Buzzard of Victoria Street, Hucknall, rescued a badly wounded comrade despite the fact that two men had been killed in previous attempts. For this and earlier single-handed capture of six Germans he was decorated for bravery in the field. The wounded man had lain for several hours in front of the German snipers. Private Buzzard got flat on the ground and after crawling up to him by inches, dragged him safely into the British lines, notwithstanding that German sharpshooters were popping at him all the time.” He was secretary of the British Legion for 21 years and Herbert Buzzard Court; originally accommodation for ex-serviceman and women was named after him. He worked at Players in Nottingham and after that went to the Legion to deal with the vast amount of work there. The present headquarters were largely acquired due to him. He died in 1947.

Acknowledgement to Kay for information about her grandfather.

Hot News – Hucknall Library is to re-open on 6th July. It means those of you who have been chafing at the bit to do some local research can go for the burn. Good luck.

T.T.F.N. Maureen Newton

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