Short Walks

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The June walk started at The Cricketers pub in Nuncargate. The pub takes its name from its close ties to the local cricketing heritage. It’s situated right next to the cricket ground where Harold Larwood, one of England’s most legendary fast bowlers, first played the game. Inside the pub there is memorabilia celebrating his life and career.

The route meandered alongside the Robin Hood Line and on some of the old rail tracks in and around Portland Park before we reached the site of Kirkby Castle – sometimes referred to as Castle Hill – which was once a significant fortified manor in Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Though no visible ruins remain today, archaeological surveys and historical records confirm its existence near St Wilfrid’s Church.

Terry and Phil take a break at the Church

Recent research suggests the castle was an open-courtyard structure, about 33 by 40 metres in size, and served as the heart of the local manor.

It was an exceptionally hot sunny day and before returning to the car park we had a welcome stop at The Wild Rabbit Cafe in the park. (not open Tuesday and Wednesday)

Next Month – 17th July a local walk starting from Linby Village  

21st August – I have arranged a guided walk and talk at Bennerley Viaduct

David Rose

Not So Grumpies

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For our visit and guided tour/talk to the D H Lawrence Museum on Victoria Street in Eastwood on 12th June we were joined by some members from the real Grumpies.

We found it very interesting to see the house in which D H Lawrence was born on 11 September 1885 set out as it would have been in the late 19th Century and to learn about his life and background. His experiences of living in a coal mining town deeply influenced his writing. His father, Arthur, was a miner, while his mother, Lydia, was a former schoolteacher with literary aspirations. The tension between their backgrounds shaped Lawrence’s early worldview. Eastwood’s industrial landscape and working-class life became central themes in his novels, especially Sons and Lovers.

We also learned that he was a sensitive child, often ill, and found an escape in books and nature. He attended Beauvale Board School and later won a scholarship to Nottingham High School, marking the beginning of his journey from miner’s son to literary icon. He was a prolific writer, poet and painter producing a large body of work in a relatively short life dying of TB at the age of 44.

To celebrate our visit and to pay homage we adjourned to the nearby Wetherspoons establishment The Lady Chatterley for food and drink.

David Rose

Discovering Britain

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On the 13th of June 2025, we visited Worcester, a historic city in the West Midlands, for a day of exploration and culture. The trip began with a visit to Worcester Cathedral, an awe-inspiring structure with over a thousand years of history. Inside, the intricate stained-glass windows, the tomb of King John, and the serene cloisters offered a glimpse into England’s ecclesiastical heritage.

Next, we explored the Royal Worcester Museum, which celebrates the city’s renowned porcelain industry. The exhibits ranged from delicate 18th-century tea sets to striking contemporary ceramics. The museum’s interactive displays and knowledgeable staff added depth to the experience, highlighting the craftsmanship and innovation that defined Royal Worcester.

In the afternoon, we took a leisurely walk alongside the River Severn, enjoying the scenic path that winds past the cathedral and under historic bridges. .Overall, the trip was a delightful blend of history, art, and nature. Worcester’s charm lies in its well-preserved heritage and relaxed pace, making it an ideal destination for a culturally enriching day out.

Mark Thornley

National Trust Group

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Visit to Powis Castle.

We met up at Hucknall Market in very bright and warm sunshine to board our two coaches visiting Powis Castle near Welshpool. The number travelling was the highest that we have taken since the group restarted, a total of 78 members visiting this wonderful castle.

Leaving promptly we enjoyed a comfort break at Telford before completing the journey. In a rapidly increasing temperature the group enjoyed a lovely day at a very special venue.

Many members walked the extensive terraced gardens and enjoyed the excellently maintained and very colourful gardens that stretch extensively below the castle itself. Incredibly the gardens are maintained by only five full time gardeners and an army of volunteers.

The castle itself provided some respite from the now soaring temperatures as the array of displays proved very interesting and gave a good insight to the way life was lived here many centuries ago.

There was still time to have a snack, a short walk, visit the garden and gift shops before settling back on the coaches for the return journey.

If you are ever across near Welshpool take the opportunity to visit this special place,

July sees the group travel on a shorter visit to Charlecote Park in Warwickshire. Visits for later this year include Lyme Park in Cheshire, Nostell in West Yorkshire and Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire before our final visit to Chester Christmas market.

Barrie and Sue

Science Group

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20th June 2025

It was back to the Portland Room at JGC this month – initially with a few technical laptop/hardware interface issues that were soon sorted.

We had an eclectic mix of presentations from Christine Vincent for Niels Bohr, John Tedstone for The Lunartick Society and catching up with our ‘5 Minute Scientists’ David Wormall with Pythagoras, Ian Murray summarising the significant achievements of J J Thompson and finally John Woodward enthusiastically telling us about his electrical hero Michael Faraday.

However, as in much of science and technology, their achievements and pursuit of knowledge are linked through time.

According to AI in the form of Microsoft co-pilot:

The Lunartick Society, a group of freethinkers in 18th-century England, championed the pursuit of scientific knowledge and philosophical inquiry. Their spirit of curiosity would have delighted minds like Pythagoras, the ancient Greek mathematician whose ideas about numbers and harmony laid a foundation for scientific thought.

Centuries later, Michael Faraday, largely self-taught, harnessed that same spirit to pioneer electromagnetism and revolutionise our understanding of electricity. Building on such discoveries, J.J. Thompson identified the electron, unlocking a whole new realm of subatomic science.

Then along came Niels Bohr, who dared to challenge classical physics with his quantum model of the atom, marrying theory with mystery. Together, these visionaries – though separated by time – reflect a desire to explore the unseen, from harmonies of the cosmos to the particles within. They embody the legacy of questioning minds, stretching from the Enlightenment salons of the Lunartick Society to the laboratories and lecture halls of today.

In July I have arranged a visiting speaker from The Canal and River Trust for part 1 of our meeting. The theme is ‘Wildlife of the Canals’.

We thank our June presenters and next month there will be time for more of the ‘5 Minute Scientists’

Next Meeting: Friday 18th July JGC 10am to 11.45am

David Rose