Coleorton Heritage Group
Interviews of local residents are continuing; if you are aware of any local residents who would like to take part in these interviews please do get in touch. The memories from these interviews are being archived and some may be used in our heritage leaflet.
The heritage leaflet is progressing well although researching some of the sites is proving difficult. We have identified approximately 24 sites and these will be combined with 4 or 5 famous Coleorton people, together with some information on local industries, and in particular, the coal industry. This should create an interesting heritage leaflet, and village walk. It is hoped to have this leaflet produced by late summer.
The group has now completed the historical mapping of Lower Moor; we have three maps showing how this area looked in 1807, 1885 and 1903. The group is also mapping interesting species found in the parish, and some of this information will be contained in the heritage leaflet. If you are aware of particular species of either animals or plants found within the parish please do let us know.
The next meeting of this group is on Wednesday 4 August starting at 8.00p.m., at the Rectory, Ashby Road. If you would like to attend please let the heritage wardens know.
Progress on Coleorton Wood
The Parish Council has now agreed the purchase of Coleorton Wood with LCC, although there are still some details to be agreed, and the transfer of ownership has not yet taken place. Meetings have taken place with LCC Forestry Officer who is advising the Parish Council on the forestry work that is required to be carried out in the wood. It is hoped that this work will assist in attracting particular species of birds to the wood and is part of a scheme promoted by the RSPB. The heritage group will look at the possibility of also promoting the historical heritage of this site, which was The Coleorton Colliery known locally as “The Bug & Wink”.
I have been carrying out surveys of the wood so that we have a better understanding of what is there and how we might manage the site going forward. I should point out that this change in ownership of the site will NOT change the current arrangements for public access to the site.
New Lount Reserve. We are continuing to monitor the situation with the sale of this site and will look at working with the ongoing owners to see how we can protect the rich heritage of this site.
Working with Ashby Museum on John Crocker material and research into the history of Coleorton.
We are making good progress with the cataloguing of this material, although it will take a long time to complete. The material has a great deal of information on:-
- Coleorton
- The Beaumonts
- The Coleorton Estate
- The development of the Coal Industry in Coleorton
- And much more.
Those interested in researching the material should contact the museum.
http://www.ashbydelazouchmuseum.org.uk/
War Memorial Project
I am continuing to collect biographical information on those individuals listed on the war memorial; to date I have completed all biographies for WW1 and there are 5 from WW2 to do. Once I can get this information into an acceptable format we will look at placing the information on the website. If anyone can add to the information I have on any of those listed on the war memorial please contact the heritage wardens – photographs in particular would be very much appreciated.
I would also be interested to hear from anyone who has any information on:-
Private David Walker of 14th Black Watch (Royal Highlanders). He was killed in action on 7th August 1918 (aged 27). He was born in Montrose in Scotland, his parents lived in Dundee, but he enlisted in Coalville. He is one of those listed on the war memorial; does anyone know what his connection with Coleorton was?
WW2 Names:-
|
Rank
|
Initials
|
Surname
|
Regiment
|
Date of death
|
|
Stoker
|
K W
|
Bettison
|
HMS Submarine Triad
|
16/10/1940
|
|
PTE
|
L
|
Granger
|
Army Catering Corps
|
06/10/1945
|
|
FUS
|
E P
|
Robinson
|
2 Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers
|
15/10/1943
|
|
PTE
|
P
|
Topham
|
Pioneer Corps
|
16/03/1943
|
|
PTE
|
G H
|
Turner
|
2/3 Leicestershire Reg.
|
22/02/1942
|
As these are more recent I am hoping that some relatives will have details and perhaps photographs of these individuals.
Repairs to War Memorial
We are hoping that the stonemason will be able to start this work during the month of July 2010.
Viscount Beaumont School
I have recently visited the school and made a list of the heritage records that they hold. It would be a very worthwhile project to create a history of the school from its beginnings in 1702 through to the present day. If anyone has any information relating to the history of the school please contact the heritage wardens.
John Macdonald (July 2010)
