Beeston and District Civic Society ˜ Publications

Heritage Open Days celebrates England's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission. Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors, ranging from castles to factories, town halls to tithe barns, parish churches to Buddhist temples. It is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2008

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 11^TH – SUNDAY 14^TH SEPTEMBER

Since Christmas Mick Atherton, Meetings Secretary, and other Committee Members have been hard at work arranging events for this year’s Heritage Open Days. This is the 4^th year that we have organised the event locally. We act as facilitators, encouraging other people to arrange their own events whilst we do the boring job of registering the events with The Civic Trust and English Heritage and arranging publicity.

Below are listed the 13 local events arranged for this year and we are grateful that our enthusiasm is again shared by other organisations.

Beeston Town Hall, Foster Avenue

Friday 12th 10.30.a.m. – 3.30.pm

(Castle College will be mounting an Exhibition outlining their future plans in the Old Council Chamber)

Chilwell Depot

Friday 12th 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm

(One tour only, limited to a maximum of 40 pre-registered visitors for security reasons. Last year the first ever opening of Chilwell Depot was extremely popular with in excess of 120 people wanting to join this one fascinating tour. We are already inviting people to apply for this year’s repeat performance with members being given priority. Please contact our Secretary, Eileen Atherton, 0115 967 7260, E-mail or any Committee member to register a reservation.

G.H.Hurt & Son, High Road.

Saturday 13th 9.00 am - 1.00 pm
(The world famous Shawl Factory with its display of antique machinery will once again open its doors.)

Pearson Centre for Young People, off Nuart Road

Saturday 13th 9.30 am - 2.00 pm

(Two years ago the old Beeston Lads Club was open on Heritage Weekend for people to say goodbye. You are now invited to see its state of the art replacement)

Attenborough Nature Centre

Thursday 11th - Sunday 14th 10.00 am - 4.00 pm

(including Special Exhibition on ‘The Ever-changing face of Attenborough Nature Reserve’)

Beeston Heritage Walk

Sunday 14th 2.30 pm

Meet at The Podium, Beeston Square

Led by local expert Robin Phillips

Bramcote Sunken Church, Town Street

Saturday 13th - Sunday 14th 12.00 noon - 4.00 pm

(There will be an opportunity to view the recently installed Medieval Physic Garden, and to take part in lime pointing workshops, gravestone rubbings and see a stone carving demonstration by sculptor Andy Smith)

St.Mary’s Church Attenborough, Church Lane

Saturday 13th 10.00 am - 5.00 pm & Sunday 14th 2.30 - 4.00 pm

(Church volunteers will be on hand to help you appreciate the Church and grounds including the mass grave from the first World War and the Railwaymen’s Memorial Tablet)

Beeston Parish Church, Chilwell Road

Saturday 13th 10.00 am - 12.00 noon only

(Come and see the newly configured Church interior. Also Special Exhibition detailing Beeston through the ages)

Bramcote Methodist Church, Chapel Street

Saturday 13th, 9.00 am - 4.00 pm & Sunday 14th 11.00 - 6.00 pm

(The church has a 150-year history. Artefacts and memorabilia will be on display. Just drop in or join a guide for a tour (group max. 5). Tea/coffee available. Disabled access and toilet. Parking on forecourt for 4 cars, other free parking close by)

Chilwell Road Methodist Church.

Saturday 13th 10.00 am - 4.00 pm

(Including a Special Exhibition, "The Canary Girls" of Chilwell Depot)

Beeston Parish Church Bell Tower, Chilwell Road

Saturday 13th 10.00 am - 12.30 pm

(The Bell Tower, a separate entrance from the Church, offers spectacular views over Beeston and towards Chilwell)

Beeston Library, Foster Avenue

Tours "Behind The Scenes"

Thursday 11th 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm, and

Friday 12th 10.00 am and 11.00 am

(Tours will each last one hour. Refreshments will be available)

Several Venues offer toilets and refreshments. All venues are free admission and refreshments will be at modest charges. Some venues will have items for sale but you are not, of course, obliged to buy.

We would like to thank South Broxtowe Local Area Forum, Fire & Water, Palmers Engineering Ltd, Castle College, Petmart The Beeston Express and all the staff & volunteers at the venues, for their generous support of this popular event

If you would like to participate in a future Heritage Open Day, or have suggestions for which properties you would like to see involved, then please contact the Society by e-mail. You may also want to visit the Civic Trust website dedicated to Heritage Open Days.

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