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.
No members of the history group came forward with ideas for meetings next year which means I have booked already (to ensure the group have dates, coaches, etc.) what I thought you might be interested in and enjoy. See the list for the remainder of this year and next year below. It will be photocopied for those without internet. I am also beginning to book speakers. Have you heard any talks which might be suitable?
The 100th special issue of H.T.Times costing £1 will be in the shops when you read this.
Catherine Mumford (her maiden name) is a woman I greatly admire. She was born on 17th January 1829 in Ashbourne, the only daughter of five children of a coachbuilder and sometime Wesleyan preacher. In 1841 the family moved to London where she joined the Wesleyan church at Brixton but a group from the church eventually established a congregation as Methodist Reformers.
Catherine met a young reformer in 1851 called William Booth; the couple were engaged in 1852 and married in 1855. Together they joined the Methodist New Connexion. William became a minister moving round the country and in 1856 Catherine gave birth to William Bramwell Booth, the first of three sons and five daughters. Then having recently spoken from her husband’s pulpit for the first time she wrote a pamphlet supporting the right of women to preach.
By 1861 the Booths had broken with Methodism and eventually established a mission named the Christian Revival Association holding services in a tent. This movement was generally held to be the beginning of the Salvation Army although that name was not adopted until 1878. Catherine was an influence on thousands of people, bringing practical help, especially to women and children in the overcrowded slums. She made a significant contribution historically in that she originated roles for women in religious movements. Catherine’s health deteriorated under her arduous workload being later diagnosed with cancer and she died in 1899. Her funeral at Olympia was attended by an estimated 36,000 people. A statue of Catherine Mumford Booth is in the gardens of the recreation ground at Ashbourne.
For the record: Hucknall Salvation Army began in November 1879 being registered as Corps No. 132 in January 1880 with Captain Dexter, a woman, as the first minister. The arrival of this young woman caused a bit of a stir in the town.
Bye for now, Maureen
MEETING DATES 2021 – REVISED LIST
Meeting dates: 3rd Wednesday of the month for this year only including August and December.
Venue for Indoor meetings: Central Methodist Church.
Time: 2.00pm prompt.
This year meetings do depend on the Covid situation. Extra dates to normal have been booked if allowed.
August 18th 2021 If we are allowed a meeting I will organise something
September 15th 2021 Robert Mee is coming to talk to us on Bradshaws and an early railway Tour. (He says it is the famous railway timetable and a mystery tour.)
October 20th 2021 Visit to Sharpes Pottery and The Magic Attic. Leave Hucknall 12.15pm: Leave Sharpes 4.30pm, Return Hucknall 5.30pm (ish) Cost £11.
November 17th 2021 Visit to Richard lll & Leicester Cathedral. Leave Hucknall 10.30am. Leave Leicester 4.00pm. Return Hucknall 5.30pm (ish)
December 15th 2021 Friends of Bennerley Viaduct (Kieran Lee) coming to talk about this historic monument past and future.
MEETING DATES 2022
January 19th 2022 John Tedstone coming to tell us about the U3A High Street project. Plus a member’s Hucknall High Street project.
February 16th 2022 Malcolm Darroch is coming to talk about ‘When the Balloon went up’. (He says it is a fascinating story.)
March 16th 2022
April 20th 2022 Visit to Cromford Mill. We will have a guided tour of the buildings. Plus the Arkwright Experience. Leave Hucknall 12 noon. Leave Cromford 4.30pm. Arrive Hucknall 5.30 (ish)
May 18th 2022
June 15th 2022 Much delayed visit to Doddington Hall & Gardens. Leave Hucknall 9.30am Leave Doddington 4.00pm. Return Hucknall 5.30pm (ish) Cost £20 Price cut to the bone.
September 21st 2022
October 19th 2022 Visit to Derby Museum and Art Gallery. We will have a talk about Joseph Wright of Derby (Famous artist) then a self guided tour of the museum. Leave Hucknall 1.00pm. Leave Derby 5pm. Arrive Hucknall 5.45 (ish)
November 16th 2022