MINUTES OF THE RCS OPEN MEETING HELD ON 22 MARCH 2017 AT THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Present: D.Turner (Chair), B.Barnett, Pat Barnett, P.Barnsdale, T. Jones, B.King, R.Lamb, H.Holdaway, S.Holdaway, R.White, and 58 members and non-members.
DT welcomed everyone and introduced the speaker, Sir George Buchanan, Bt.
My Life at Hodsock Priory
This was a most engaging account of the history of Hodsock and of the ways in which the present family is working to maintain (and live in) a historic building. We had all been given a leaflet about Hodsock, and George filled in this outline with some interesting snippets of history, such as the fact that when Henry VIII visited he brought a huge retinue, with all their servants and horses, and the hospitality cost the owners a fortune! In 1800 a fortune was lost through the reckless gambling of Henry Mellish, who had been left much of the Hodsock estate land as well as Blyth Hall; luckily his sister had been left part of the estate and in 1829 she built the Priory (the name she gave it –it was never a priory!). It has since been sympathetically added to. So it is a Georgian / Victorian / 21st century house, with a Tudor gatehouse.
The grounds were designed in the 1770s by Capability Brown, and so have beautiful vistas. The grounds now open to the public for the snowdrop season (snowdrops were first planted by the aforesaid Anne ), and for bluebells in May.
George talked of his explorations in the attics when he was a child, and finding a suitcase containing the costume his great grandfather wore when attending a ball held by the Duchess of Devonshire in 1897. The costume is intact, and George dressed a mannequin so that we could see this magnificent Roman centurion – the boots were only size 6!
The baronetcy was given for diplomatic services rendered in Russia in 1917. The family takes its responsibility for maintaining and preserving the estate very seriously. To that end, they have divided the house into two: George, his wife and their four children live in one half, formerly the servants’ quarters, and the other, grand, half has been converted for wedding guests. Hodsock is now an exclusive wedding venue: having learned that 70 weddings a year meant that everything was rushed, they now have far fewer. One of the most notable was that of the cricketer Alex Tudor; George showed us the bat signed by many famous cricketers who attended – and the bat was made from willow grown on the estate, another enterprise which helps to keep the estate running, the raison d’etre of all that they do. George said that his ancestor, Anne, was their inspiration: when in a dilemma, they say, “What would Anne have done?”. In spite of what seems like a weighty task, George obviously enjoys what he does, and explaining it to others.
- Apologies:L.Thompson, S.Johnstone, M. and V.Waring, A. and L.Sumner, B.Cane, E. and R.Brown, B.Sarnsdale, J.Shawcross.
- Minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2016: accepted
- Matters arising: none
- Treasurer’s Report and Membership:
(i)PatB reported that subs were now almost all in. There were 280 individual members; 6 new members recently.
(ii)BB said that the Community Safety money that RCS were administering has been spent on CCTV at Goodwin Hall and the skatepark, and lighting for the passageway to the Scouts’ hut. There was still £4,000 in that fund and BB asked for suggestions.
(iii)BB explained the reason for the increase in subs was the increased running costs.
(iv)BB said that he had NT passes for members.
(v)Some emails were not getting through; Spam should be checked. Report if still a problem.
- Projects Update:
(i)PB reported that the Performance Area in Kings’ Park should be ready by Easter.
(ii)Hanging basket etc scheme –TLS had renewed sponsorship and Icon Aerospace Ltd, for next 2 years.
(iii)Community Payback teams were working on the ringroad.
(iv)RCS was represented by PB on two committees concerned with the station and environs, including the subway to Ordsall. There was a question about parking charges –PB would ask.
- Planning:
(i)RL reported on meeting with BDC about buildings of concern, at which the following were discussed: Beardsall’s Row (has been bought); St Alban’s Church (letter from diocese re architect’s plans –preferred option is cleared site); St John’s Ambulance building; the north side of Bridgegate (owned by David Wilson Homes); the Masons’Arms. King Edward site – BDC had not pursued the agreement re renovation, but seemed to be progressing.
(ii)Also discussed was unsightly signage.
(iii)The development on the Northern Rubber site –Icon Polymer – has started.
(iv)Planning application for Norman’s Nursery –RCS had commented. There was a residents’ campaign.
(v)Flyposting – increasing number of banners and stickers –BDC should take action.
(vi)Additional car-parking (partly to replace that by Kings’ Park gates) –RCS had made suggestions.
(vii)The next meeting would be in August.
- Retford-in-Bloom:
(i)DT said that the working party was enthusiastic and all was going well.
(ii)8 schools (so far) had accepted the potato-growing challenge.
(iii)Home Bargains had tidied up the former Focus site; RCS had sent thanks.
(iv)DT asked for nominations for this year’s awards.
- Future Events:
(i)JT reported that all trips have waiting lists: Hull there was a problem because some emails did not get through, so people unaware, so a second coach was being organised, and JT asked anyone else interested to contact her.
(ii)Information about Durham would come out soon.
(iii)The quiz was full.
(iv)Heritage Open Day on 9 September – information soon on website.
(v)Retford-in Bloom presentation would take place on 20 September.
(vi)Town Hall heritage visits for children in June –JT asked for volunteers.
- Any Other Business:
(i)DT mentioned the litter-pick which had taken place on 12 March –49 people had collected 86 bags of rubbish. PB explained that Dave Pickles’s Facebook comment about the mess in the carpark behind Boots etc had resulted in a meeting of a rep from Boots with PB and DP, at which promises were made about keeping it tidy.
(ii)Bassetlaw Museum £2000 appeal to acquire Pegler photos. RCS had contributed £500. Target reached.
- Date of next meeting: 12 July 2017 AGM