The Friends of Gainsborough Old Hall Annual Report 2019

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CONTENTS

Guest Speaker Sarah Hogg ………. 4

Chairman’s Report 2018 ……….. 11—12 Treasurer’s Accounts 2018 ……..

Friends’ Gardening 2018 ……... 20—21

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The Acting Honorary Secretary hereby gives notice,

that the

70th Annual General Meeting

of the

The Friends of the Old Hall Association

to be convened at the

Gainsborough Old Hall

Thursday 21st of November 2019 7.30pm

after which The Friends Ladies Group will serve Light Refreshments.

Guest Speaker Sarah Hogg

‘Katherine’s House’

the narrative focuses on Kettlethorpe the

former home of Katherine Swynford and its attractive village down the ages.

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Guest Speaker—Sarah Hogg, ‘Katherine’s House’

Kettlethorpe, a modest little group of buildings deep in the English countryside, has housed many lives woven of great events and

private joys and griefs. It was the home of Katherine Swynford, perhaps the most romantic figure of medieval times, but before and after her of knights and farmers, soldiers and lawyers, maids and maidservants, whose footsteps echo through the house's history. In telling the story of Kettlethorpe, this story touches on some of the greatest events in our history, from the Danish invasion and the Norman Conquest to the Battle of Lincoln Fair, the Pilgrimage of Grace and the Civil War. These were events that took place on Kettlethorpe's doorstep. It passes through the great days of the Georgian country house to the fate of a converted ruin, a farmhouse and dower

house for a hunting widow, keeping the estate going until close to the outbreak of the Second World War. A war in which, once more, Lincolnshire - "Bomber County" - would play such an important part. What's more, this is a story not about the great or whom grand houses were built, but about what Cromwell called "the middling sort" - a little up in some generations, down in others, but with lives always within the compass of our imagination

This is Sarah’s latest publication

There are ordered 10 copies of Katherine’s House for sale, they retail at £9.99 and to be discounted to The Friends on the night of her talk.

Publisher: Book Guild Publishing Ltd ISBN: 9781912881499 Number of pages: 200

Dimensions: 234 x 156 mm

This talk is open to Members and Non Members

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IX. MEETINGS: 1. An Annual General Meeting shall be held between

September 1st & November 30th each year & shall be convened by the Honorary Secretary giving at

least 14 days notice in writing. 2. 2. The Annual General Meeting shall receive the

report of the Committee, pass the accounts, appoint such Officers as are to be appointed, fix annual subscriptions & do such other business

The Association was founded on Tuesday 10th of May 1949

under the Chairmanship of Harold Witty Brace. This year marks

the 7Oth year of our foundation.

The Friends managed the Old Hall from 1949—1979 when

Lincolnshire County Council took the reins and on 31st of

October 2020 when the management of the Old Hall will be

handed over to English Heritage thereby beginning a new

chapter in the life of this iconic building.

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“Heritage led Regeneration of Gainsborough”

Eve Fawcett– Moralee Strategic Director of WLDC delivered a power point presentation in which she informed members how the Town’s built heritage is coming to the rescue of her Regeneration strategy. Gainsborough is blessed with a legacy of 18c properties clustered around the Market Place and radiating out. English Heritage is enthused by our built heritage! However much of that built legacy is in a poor state of dereliction. The Government has allocated funding on a competitive scale to ‘regenerate’ the historic towns. Boston is already well ahead in this development. WLDC managed to secure £1.8 million to fund its strategy. Already in Market St, three shops are being restored and accommodation being provided above them. Part of the strategy which is long term is to restore a community in the Town centre by encouraging shop owners to permit flats being created above their retail outlets. In the 19c the Town centre had a vibrant community living there and after 5pm this area is dead and hospitable. The regeneration of the Town Centre is in parallel with an ambitious housing development on the south, west and north aspect of the town. The current population of c19,000 is unsustainable and a growth in its population is vital for its future economy. And in conjunction with housing is the challenge to have the infrastructure in place. One piece of good news is a £15 million pond investment in John Coupland Hospital. Eve shared with the Membership plans to regenerate the former Guildhall site which is within a stone’s throw of the Old Hall. Preliminary plans are afoot to build a cinema with restaurant and a space with water feature similar to that in Marshall’s Yard. This should help attract greater footfall into the heritage hub of the Town [i.e. the Old Hall and All Saints’ Church]. Eve fielded questions ranging from a plea for improved toilet provision and infrastructure. Comments were expressed about the declining market in the Market Place and a question asked about the future of the former Westminster Bank [ which was built in 1926]. Eve hinted that the Coop were now focusing on its store which has been closed for almost a year when Oldrid’s ceased trading. Compliments were expressed about the Travel lodge how it had tided up that area of North St and of the refurbishment of the Roseway Car park all visible features of a strategy

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future of the former Westminster Bank [which was built in 1926]. Eve hinted that the Coop were now focusing on its store which has ben closed for almost a year when Oldrid’s ceased trading. Compliments were expressed about the newly opened Travel lodge, how it had has tided up that area of North St and of the refurbishment of the Roseway Car park; all visible features of a strategy of regeneration in making Gainsborough attractive to the visitor and which hopefully instilling a sense of civic pride. Eve was thanked for her presentation [ which was well received] and as a token gesture of appreciation , knowing she enjoyed chocolate, she was given two tins of chocolates; one of which was Cadbury’s Roses which has strong association with the Town. She expressed the wish to keep in touch with the Association as plans for the regeneration of the Town unfold. Eve kindly stepped into the breach when Professor Carenza Lewis of Lincoln University was unable to attend.

The picture on the front cover was deliberately selected with Eve’s talk in mind. It shows the Old Hall along with the All Saints’ Church and the Trent Bridge below within the context of the built heritage which the Town can take pride in and is beginning to restore with public monies. Did you know that Gainsborough has 103

listed buildings and the majority are concentrated within the Town Centre which is, along with the areas of the Old Hall & All Saints conservation areas.

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Agenda Welcome by Sir Nicholas Bacon

President

1/ Apologies. 2/ Minutes, AGM, held Thursday 22/11/ 2018 3/ Chairman’s Report. 4/ Treasurer’s Report. 5/ Friends’ Gardening Group Report. 6/ First Tuesday Lecture Report. 7/ Report from The Old Hall.

8/ Election of Officers: Proposed officers:- PRESIDENT Sir Nicholas Bacon Bt; CHAIRMAN Mr Paul DJ Howitt-Cowan VICE CHAIRMAN Miss Sue Ritchie TREASURER Mr Chris Shelton SECRETARY vacant

9/ Election of Committee the following have put their names forward for re-election/election:-

Mike Long, , Margaret Carter, Bruce Linegar, Pat Long, Eddie Scarsebrook, Marion Thomas, Nigel Ashley, Jackie Applebee, Jane Harvey. Retiring Committee Member/s: Mrs G Finley 10/ Election of Honorary Officers: Solicitor : Mr Ryan Morgan Honorary Auditor: Wright Vigar Limited

11/ Any Other Business. Mr John Burke drew our attention to the bi centennial of the death of Sir Joseph Banks.

Date of the next AGM in 2019 21st November @ 7:30pm

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The Minutes of the 69th AGM of the FOHA held at

Gainsborough Old Hall Thursday 22nd November 2018

Our Vice President Mr John Burke, welcomed everyone. He tendered apologies from Sir Nicholas who was attending a family memorial service. Present: P Long, M Long P Scott [ Lincolnshire Community Foundation] ME Butler A Clark MN Carter J Linegar B Linegar J Burke C Shelton C Shelton Linda Borrill A Borrill E Smith M Summers M Thomas M Presley D Hancock PDJ Howitt-Cowan C Lord J Applebee,N Ashley A Robinson A Hardy G Bardsley E Fawcett-Morale 1/ Apologies: Sir Nicholas, Mr & Mrs R Woods.Mr Eddie Scaresbrook 2/ Minutes: The minutes of the last AGM were deferred.

The Election of Officers took place as follows, during which any other nominations were called for:

8/ Election of OFFICERS:- President: Sir Nicholas Bacon Proposed: Sue Richie Seconded: Bruce Linegar. All content Chairman: Paul Howitt Cowan Proposed: John Burke Seconded: Margaret Carter.. All content Vice Chairman: Miss Sue Ritchie. Proposed: Paul Howitt Cowan.. Seconded: Mike Long. All content Treasurer: Chris Sheldon: Proposed: Sue Ritchie Seconded: Pat Long.. All content Secretary: Vacant.

9/Election of the Committee:

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Any nominations were called for new Committee Members.

The election took place en-block as follows:-

Jackie Applebee, Nigel Ashley Margaret Carter, Jane Harvey, Mike Long; Pat Long; Bruce Linegar; Eddie Scaresbrook;

. Proposed : Paul Howitt-Cowan

Seconded: Joy Linegar. All content 10/ Appointment Honorary Officers:

Honorary Solicitor: Mr Ryan Morgan.

. Honorary Auditor:

Wright Vigar All Content on their appointments 11/ AOB: There being no other business the AGM closed at 9:20pm 12/ The next AGM to be held on Thursday 21 November 2019 @ 7:30pm at the Old Hall

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Chairman’s Report 2019 This took the form of a power point presentation Thank you Appreciation was expressed to the Committee for its sterling work throughout the past year, to the Old Hall for allowing and staffing the venue for our programme of events, to Ann Clark and Doreen Hancock for catering, & to all those who kindly offered raffle prizes. Sunderland Lectures 12019 Two are booked Dr Jonathan Foyle who will give a presentation on “Elizabethan Houses” the date to be determined Lesley Smith returns on 22 August in character of Mary Evans, as the literary giant, George Eliot. All tickets for the Sunderland lectures to be increased from £6 to £7 Breaks Annual Outing Planned for Rousham House & Gardens in Oxfordshire, no date as yet, one coach provider charging £800 and I am scouting around for a far better deal Kent for a three night break in c September taking in Knole, Hever Castle, Igtham Mote, Chartwell House No details however Wilfreda Beehive are still to send me details. First Tuesday Programme—2019 is incomplete however several are firmed up to date; Feb Creative Arts Di Semley March Adrian Gray May Unicorn Studios—Conservation June Torksey and Pinxton Pottery July Rod Fanthorpe August Lincolnshire Clocks Sept Thea Butterworth—a concert in the Great Hall Oct Steffie Shields Impressions of Lincolnshire Nov Roger Cole - John Gillespie Magee Dec Celia Lord - Christmas Customs & Traditions

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70th Birthday of The Association Planning a Dinner in the Great Hall dtc A concert by Lincoln Cathedral Consort c14 June 2019 to be in All Saints’ Church which is yet to be confirmed Membership Secretary: After almost a year subject to the AGM we have two volunteers who are prepared to work jointly in this work. Already they have redesigned the application form And they are prepared to raise the profile after several year’s of absence from the Old Hall Xmas Craft Fayre, at this year’s event. Both enthusiastic to engage with the young having launched the Tudor

Times on line which can be accessed on the FOHA website. And Unison through the good auspices of Cllr Devine has donated £100 towards establishing a Young Friends group. PDJ Howitt-Cowan Chairman

The Making of Pork Pies and history of Curtis of Lincoln

5th of May 2020 @ 7:30pm First

Tuesday Lecture with Neil Curtis and

this will be a ‘ hands on’ event for

those willing! Curtiss of Lincoln were

established over 200 years ago with

many outlets with a strong family

ethos.

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Away Break in 2020

After a successful Away Break in Kent this year, we plan to go West next year into Cumbria.

Hotel: Cumbria Grand Hotel, Grange over Sands Date: 25

th 26, 27 & 28 September 2020

Duration: Friday arrival x 3 nights Single Sup: £55.00 Insurance c £20 Rooms: 6 singles, 6 doubles, 6 twins Includes: Minimum 3 course 3 choice evening meal plus tea/coffee Full English breakfast Entrance to Sizergh Castle NT Entrance to Levens Hall P Entrance to Lowther Castle P Drivers Perk £40 factored into the price Pick up Points Old Hall / Lea Green Embark 8:00am Total Cost: £355 per person Double/Twin

Single £395 per person

Sizergh Castle: This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. Still lived in by the Strickland family who introduced the turkey into England, Sizergh has many tales to tell and certainly feels lived in, with centuries-old portraits and fine furniture sitting alongside modern family photographs. The exceptional wood panelling culminates in the Inlaid Chamber, returned here in 1999 from the Victoria and Albert Museum. The 647-hectare (1,600-acre) estate includes limestone pasture, orchards and semi-natural woodland.

All the Breaks are open to Members and Non Members!

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FOHA Financial Statement for the year 1 August 20017 to 31 August 2018

We have examined the records of The Friends of the Old Hall

Income 2017/18 2016/17

Subscriptions 1.389.00 2, 089.50

Lecture proceeds 2,321.87 3.263.00

Donations 83.2 32

Raffle proceeds 671 846

Publication sales 222 305

National Savings interest 727.49 519.63

Gardening Group 73.1

[ net income]

Trips & Tours 3.194.70

DVD Book sales 178.75

Excess of Expenditure over 1, 592.97

Income

5,414.56 12,004.65

Statement of Assets

as at July 2018

Current Account 19, 37607

National Savings Account 155.107.55

Gardening Group 465.34

174,948..96

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Association & certify as being correct from the information supplied to us Wright Vicar Ltd; Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors 6 Nov 2018

Expenditure 2017/18 2016/17

BAFM Insurance & Expenditure 352.00 346

lecture fees 1, 695.80

stationery & sundries 201.5

raffle prizes 45.87 74.91

printing and postage 2.50 421.97

equipment additions

doc camera 139

Lenovo 142 laptop 402.98

PA amplifier 139

website 80 70

trip expenses 8,515.00

repairs and maintenance 294.58

publication expenses 384.89

Excess of Income over Expenditure 1, 929.63

As at July 2017

Current Account 18,101.03

National Savings Account 154, 380.06

Gardening Group 538.24

2018 excess of income over expenditure 1,929.63

174, 948.96

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Sunderland Lectures 2020

Dr Jonathan Foyle

Beverley Minster :A Fresh Look at Its Ancient Symbolism

Thursday 6 February @7:30pm Tickets £7 each including light refreshment. ‘There are many candidates for ‘ best non cathedral church in England, but Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire takes the palm’ so wrote Simon Jenkins. It escaped both the Reformation and of the Civil War lightly, losing only its chapter house. It is an astonishing spectacle situated in a desirable location as Beverley is a honey pot and very desirable to live in. there has been a church on this site since the 8c however the present minister is substantially 14c and 15c and Jonathan is going to steer us around this wonderful pile for which he is quite adept, to appreciate its symbolism of its Catholic tradition often missed by the casual visitor. Beverley Minster is the subject of his latest book having already published works on the cathedrals of Lincoln, Canterbury Peterborough and Litchfield. Beverley Minster represents an excursion into his research. Lesley Smith in costume as Queen Catherine of Aragon Thursday 27 August 2020 @7:30pm Tickets £7 each including light refreshment Catherine of Aragon has been described as very beautiful with fair complexion, blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair. She was slim and of average height. In regard to her appearance, Thomas More and Lord Herbert wrote that “there were few women who could compete with the Queen [Catherine] in her prime.” Catherine was deeply religious. She attended masses regularly, fasted on Fridays and Saturdays and made frequent pilgrimages to religious shrines. Catherine was hugely popular among the people of England. She started an extensive programme for the relief of the poor. Every year at Peterborough Cathedral in England, there is a service in her memory where she is buried. Catherine was a pawn in the political game and her life was to be tragic as events unraveled at the Tudor Court.

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2020 There are several important celebrations to be observed in 2020 namely; 800 years since St Hugh of Lincoln was canonized in 2020. St Hugh was a former bishop of Lincoln who was buried in his cathedral. On becoming bishop he was confronted with a rebuild of his cathedral and his saintliness was recognized well before he was canonized. His great friend was a swan! St Thomas Becket just eclipsed St Hugh in the star ratings in the pilgrimage market of medieval England! 800 years since in 2020 the body of St Thomas Becket was reburied in a new shrine in Canterbury Cathedral. St Thomas the mega star saint of Europe . The new visitor centre at Lincoln Cathedral currently under construction, will we are told exhibit several artefacts associated with St Thomas from Canterbury. Both saints were appointed by Henry II to their respective posts,; St Hugh dying his bed whilst St Thomas was murdered on 29 Dec 1070 in his cathedral. Stow Minster has the remains of a fresco depicting St Thomas Becket! 400 years since the sailing of the Pilgrim Fathers and Mothers to N America. There will be events to mark this and exhibitions in the Old Hall and John Robinson Memorial Church on Church St. There is play to be performed at the Trinity Arts Centre specially written for this event.

‘Mayflower 400 : Another perspective’ 4 August @ 7:30pm Paul DJ Howitt-Cowan is to deliver a lecture in the form of a power point. The talk aims to be controversial as Paul disputes that the Old Hall has any tangible links with the Pilgrims, he neither believes they received support from Sir William Hickman or worshipped there. He will explore a greater narrative whilst appreciating the pilgrims brave sailing across the Atlantic to the leading lights for religious freedom & political freedom in the members of the puritan group assembled by John Smyth here in Gainsborough. There were two journeys at this time; the physical one across the Atlantic and the journey we continue today to establish religious and political freedom in our world. In the early 17c that struggle began and its prophets through the crucible of suffering and martyrdom laid the foundation for the democratic principle of freedom to worship or not and to be self governing, revolutionary stuff for these times!

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1820—2020 Bi centennial of the death of Joseph Banks of Revesby Lincolnshire on 19th of June 1820.

Banks was a British explorer and naturalist who, as long-time president of the Royal Society, became known for his promotion of science. in his capacity as director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, sent many botanists abroad to find new plants and extend the Gardens' collection. In 1789 Sir Joseph Banks commissioned him to record the buildings of Lincolnshire and this resulted

in more than 700 drawings and watercolours, made between 1789 and 1797, which are now preserved in Lincoln Central Library This body of work provides researchers with a great deal of material with which to study pre-Victorian topography. Nattes produced some of the earliest examples of watercolour painting in Britain. He was associated with the founding of the Society of Painters in Watercolours, founded in 1804.And Sir Henry Hickman Beckett Bacon , a former owner of the Old Hall was an avid collector of watercolours during his long life time.

Ewen Semper is to make a return visit to talk about Lincolnshire Grandfather clocks.2 June

A ‘grandfather clock’ is a tall, freestanding, weight-driven pendulum clock with the pendulum held inside the tower or waist of the case. Clocks of this style are commonly (6–8 feet) tall. The case often features elaborately carved ornamentation on the hood (or bonnet), which surrounds and frames the dial, or clock face. The English clockmaker William Clement is credited with the development of this form in 1670. Until the early 20th century, pendulum clocks were the world's most accurate timekeeping technology, and longcase clocks, served as time standards for households and businesses. Gainsborough had its fair share of clockmakers; Clay, Kelvey, Powell, Scott to name a few of the 32 recorded by Brace dating back to 1782.Neville Chamberlain had a clock made by Clay in 19 Downing St when he was Prime Minster.

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The Away Break Next year we propose heading North west into Cumbria visiting Sizergh Castle Levens Hall & Lowther Castle

And as we shall travel to the sites you can enjoy the wonderful landscape of the Lake District which attracted Wordsworth and the like to

live there. Please ‘spread the word’ as we require a number to make it viable!

Makenfield Hall & Ripon Cathedral are the proposed destinations for an Annual Outing if numbers permit! the Hall has been described as Yorkshire’s best-kept secret. Not

visible from the road, a glimpse of the imposing east wall cannot be seen until visitors reach the old Mediaeval road near to the top of the drive. But for a quirk of fate – and a turnpike act of 1777 – Markenfield would be one of the most

recognisable houses in Yorkshire. It is essentially a medieval moated manor house. With its moat, battlements, beautiful private chapel and position deep in the Yorkshire countryside, it has been called “Surely one of the most romantic houses left in England”

Proposed Breaks in 2020

These breaks are open to Members and Non Members. The Friends contract through Wilfreda beehive which delivers a first class service Our prices are competitive and we aim to organize a break for your total pleasure.

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FRIENDS OF GAINSBOROUGH OLD HALL GARDENING GROUP

Annual Report 2O18.

The Old Hall gardens have produced a continuous show of flowers & interesting plants throughout the year despite the unusual & severe weather conditions. The ‘ Beast from the East’ in February/ March badly affected the Jerusalem Sage at the bottom of the Tower, so we pruned it back & it has recovered.

Some of the plants in flower during one of the hottest days on record in April were Daffodils, Tulips, Hellebores, Honesty, Forget me nots, Grape Hyacinths, Bluebells & Epimediums, a good show of flowers for the visitors. Some of the Box hedging was replaced as it had died due to

ants nests. Fresh soil & compost was added. The leaf compost is made from leaves collected in the Old Hall grounds. The leaves of the Comfrey are made into liquid fertilizer. New Lavenders were planted in one of the beds, also a Bowles Mauve perennial Wallflower, Jacob’s Ladder, Sunflowers, Cosmos & Verbascum Niger. In May the gardens looked wonderful. Some of the plants making a good show were; Acuilegias, Angelicas, Sweet Cecily— a lovely aniseed scent, Gereniums. Hesperus, Chives, Bistort, Woad, Welsh Poppies, Purple Sage, perennial Cornflowers, Euphorbias, Forget me nots, & the Tree Peony. The Evening Primroses flower continually & are superb in the evening. Cyclamens & Foxgloves had been planted under the False Acacia trees but sadly these have been completely destroyed by vandals. Due to the extremely hot weather in June/July we were unable to plant some of the usual annuals. We watered the plants regularly. Since there have not been any events this year we have not been able to have a plant stall or display for the visitors. There has been an abundance of fruit on the plum, apple, cherry, Mulberry & Medlar trees. The autumn leaves of the Mulberry are particularly colourful. We continue to work in the garden every Wednesday afternoon throughout the year when visitors enjoy talking to us about gardens &

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herbs. In autumn we can give visitors such as Hollyhocks, Quaking Grass, Alexanders & Corncockle. Due to the unusual weather this year, some plants have flowered differently & now, in November , the Borage is superb in the entrance beds. Nature is a wonderful thing It is a pleasure working in the gardens & it is rewarding as it

gives pleasure to so many people. New members are always welcome.

For further information:- contact Joy on 01427 615357 or Margaret on 01427 612671

“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” — Gertrude Jekyll (2011) ‘Wood and Garden: Notes and Thoughts, Practical and Critical, of a Working Amateur’ Cambridge University Press

Old Hall Grounds Not forgotten

We have several memorials within the grounds to the fol-lowing past Members; Mr Neil Taylor architect to The Friends and Vice President NW side Mr Tom Sunderland Chairman 1958—88 his ashes were interred in the raised gardens with a lovely rose Mr David Willey Hon Secretary Davidia tree SW side Mr Bob Fotheringham work worked on the restoration a rose to the right of Parnell St entrance East side

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7 July Professor Trevor Kerry

GEORGE CECIL RHODES: THE LIFE AND EXCITING TIMES OF A CRANWELL ENGINEER This session tells the story of a member of the RAF Cranwell staff who was appointed just a couple of years after the formation of the RAF

College. It will look at his local family connections, his career in the RAF, and his links with other famous names (such as Sir Frank Whittle & T.E. Lawrence). His career spanned a long period of time, with roles from the Royal Navy to the Air Transport Auxiliary. The story has been aided by current family members. And Trevor received clearance from the Family to

present this talk. The image to the left is of the coat of arms on the gates into Cranwell bearing the apposite Latin motto—Per Ardva ad Astra — ‘Through Adversity to the stars’ or ‘Through struggle to the stars’

Adrian Gray is due to make a return visit with the Prince of Scunthorpe 7 of April

The extraordinary story of 'Salim Wilson', born a Sudanese prince, rescued from slavery by British soldiers and missionaries. From there shipped to England and sent to a village school before becoming a preacher across the North of England. He settled in Scunthorpe, perhaps the town's first black man, and created national attention by marrying his landlady. Hatashil or ‘Salim’ Wilson had an extraordinary life that took him from being the son of a tribal prince in Sudan to probably the first black man in Scunthorpe

and a wedding to a white woman that was filmed for Pathé News. On the way he saw the slaughter of his family, slavery and forced religious conversion, prejudice and ignorance. This fascinating telling of his life story will engage all in issues that go to the heart of the British Values debate.

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Forthcoming Events at the Old Hall

Christmas Craft Fair 23/24 of November

10am to 4pm £2.50 admission FOHA

Members free! With over 40 stalls to help

you prepare for Christmas in the way of gifts

and atmosphere

An Audience with Father

Christmas 14 / 15

December 11am to 3pm

Admission charges apply

FOHA Member free!

The Old Hall closes for Christmas Holidays

from 20th of December 2019 until 2nd of

January 2020

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Gainsborough Old Hall Annual report

1. Operations Visit England Assessment At the end of August, the

Old Hall had its annual visit from the Visit England Assessor. They were very impressed with the site, staff and the events and exhibitions there were on. Their report stated:

With an overall core of 80% Gainsborough Old Hall continues to meet the criteria for an accredited visitor attraction under Visit England’s Quality Scheme. Staff are to be congratulated on, once again, improving their overall score, which is up from 855 awarded in 2017. No assessed areas have seen a drop in scores, with four sections showing an increase ie Attraction, Cleanliness, Retail & Staff. GOH are very close to achieving the necessary scores to be nominated for both the Gold [ overall score required ]and Welcome accolades [score of 98% for staff]. It is hoped by implementing some of the recommendations suggested in this report will see the standard being reached when next assessed. Strengths of the visitor experience on this occasion included:* the positive staff interactions throughout which have resulted in an excellent score of 94% for this aspect* the high standards of cleanliness throughout* the extremely tasty homemade broccoli and stilton soup * and by far the most unforgettable memory of the visit being the entertaining and informative talk by the ‘ executioner’ - a definite highlight of the visit. No obvious weaknesses were evident on what was a particularly busy day unless the wet weather be included! That said, this probably worked in GOH’s favour Staff are to be congratulated on maintaining these impressively high standards in the face of budget constraints and reduced staffing level/hours. The report also highlights our very positive position on Trip Advisor & our engagement with other social media platforms: Direct links to Facebook & Twitter are visible in the right hand corner of the website, albeit these are rather small. Management continue to fully embrace social media with engaging and regular posts. Links are

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included in the website’s footer to enable supporters to ‘ follow’ & ‘ like’ the attraction on these popular social media platforms. Twitter—983 Followers—2K. On Trip advisor the attraction is listed as 1 to 23 Things to do in Gainsborough but more impressively 8 of 463 Things to do in Lincolnshire 97% of the 400 reviews rated their visit as very good or excellent. Staff are to be congratulated on maintaining this impressive score of 97% and for continuing to respond to a high ratio of reviews. It was pleasing to see the 2018 Certificate of Excellence displayed on the website. 2. Maintenance A number of property related jobs have ben completed by the Council’s Property Team including; • Repair of the Great Hall doors after the break in • Replacement of the ramp in the West Range, which was rotten • New lights in the Tudor Bedroom • New uplighters in the Medieval Kitchen The replacement of the boiler is also imminent & should be completed by the end of December A business case has also been put forward for work to be carried out on the hand rail at the top of the tower. 3. Shop An extensive range of Playmobil is now available in the shop. This includes Knights, Fairies, Princesses & Dragon Raiders of Burke [ ready for release of the third film] WE are also working with Playmobil to create a play area in the West Range for visiting families that will include crafts & a castle to play with while visiting; this will hopefully be in place from April. We have also introduced a new bespoke range of children's items featuring cartoon image of the Hall. We have also a small selection of Christmas decorations in the shop & lots of lovely gift ideas for loved ones for Christmas, including Game of Thrones merchandise & our ever popular pudding wine & Christmas mead.

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4. Break - ins We were saddened by two break ins into the Old Hall which occurred on consecutive nights in May 2018. Police & staff were in attendance each night. Police have ben provided with copies of the CCTV for these incidents & tool away items for finger printing. 5 Cafe A new cafe till system has been implemented, which provides a better understanding of stock management & provides an audit trail. This is monitored & checked on a regular basis. In addition, the coffee shop has launched a new menu, which includes a breakfast menu that runs from 10am– 12pm & our Lunch runs from 12pm—3:30pm. This new menu has been received well;l & has seen an increase in the spend per head form £2.35 [ April to Oct ‘17] to £2.90[ April –Oct ‘18] 6.Interpretation: Crows Eye Production WE have worked again with Pauline Loven & Crow Eye’s productions to produce a short film titled. ‘ Getting Dressed in 1665 Delft’. This can be viewed on CrowsEye Production U Tube channel; http//youtube/ ulod2n234w. This film has been received well, is beautifully shot & has currently over 884, 900 times. Peterloo WE have put on a small exhibition in the Upper Great Chamber, which includes flags used in the film & still photography from the film We are hoping to work with Trinity Arts on a joint VIP screening

English Heritage Video We were chosen by English Heritage as the location for one of their Yo Tube channel short title. What was Life Like? Episode 7 -The Tudors -Meet a Tudor Cook. It was a great opportunity to have been chosen as the site to do this.Usually English Heritage picks one of their top 10 sites for these films, however, the Old Hall ‘s Kitchen was chosen on this occasion. There will also be hopefully be a related article in the Member’s magazine. Donation Box’s

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We have introduced two new donation boxes that are in keeping with the interpretation of the site. The first is the Plague Bowl, which is located by the glass door before you go through to the Great Hall. The second is the beautiful carved chest which was donated to us with the Henry’s costume. This sits on the newly extended shop counter. 7. Events: Historical Hall of Fame The costumes from the Historical Hall of Fame exhibition have now been returned. WE have received some wonderful feedback from this exhibition & for the supporting events especially the Meet Elizabeth’s Executioner’s Bank Holiday Event. These examples are taken from the Trip Advisor; Fantastic experience visiting Old Gainsborough Hall We arrived at the Old Hall & was impressed at the building, the exhibits, the history of the place & the details of Henry VIII given to us by Ruth, she was knowledgeable about its history & events that had occurred in times past, we were spellbound listening to her, then she helped us in getting dressed in period clothes from that period, which were supplied , then kindly took our photographs sat at the large royal table in the main room of the hall. Families were arriving & even children were getting dressed into period costume culminating in their parents taking photographs on their mobile phones. There was an exhibition of wondrous costumes upstairs which had been worn by the legendary actors & actresses ; Kenneth Brannagh, Dame Judy Dench, Helena Bonham Carter, Gwyneth Paltrow & many more famous stars who had taken parts of historical people! The furniture, the exhibits, the architecture, the period kitchen, the great inner hall & restaurant & shop were all fantastic. I can whole heatedly recommend Gainsborough Old Hall, the staff & in particular Ruth who will give her time & expertise to explain, help & make you very welcome. [ Alex Birch] Brilliant Day Out We travelled from York & visited because I wanted to see the display of film costumes. However, Gainsborough Old Hall is marvellous

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building & if you are interested in history this is a must see. WE each had an audio/ visual guide, which I would recommend. It was easy to use & there was the option to listen or view as much information as you wanted. The Great Hall is a fantastic space & the medieval kitchen is stunning. Dr Jonathan Foyle gives lots of interesting information on the guide & clearly explains architectural & social details. The costumes were well displayed & certainly worth viewing. ............... The Old Hall is a gem & we felt it certainly is. Friday Fun Clubs Old Hall staff have ben working with the new Learning team & continue to put on this popular event aimed at local families. There is no charge to enter the West Range & just a small charge per craft. No booking for this event is required, so people can just turn up for either the morning 10am—12noon or the afternoon session 1pm—4pm Third Party Events We have a wonderful art exhibition running in the exhibition space above the West Range. Amazing Menageries an exhibition by contemporary artists exploring the collections & gifts of exotic animals from the medieval age to the Tudors & Stuarts. The exhibition depicts both real & imaginary animals & the artworks explore the peculiar husbandry, criminal animals, the collectors & people who owned them & those who came to wonder at them., including Kings & Queens , nobles & ordinary men, women & children. This exhibition runs until December. We are now looking forward to our biggest event of the year, which is the Christmas Fair on 24/25 of November. We also have a new event in December, ‘ An Audience with Father Christmas’ on the 157 16 between 11am and 3:30pm. Mayflower Update: Pilgrim Roots Strand Bringing our Heritage Alive A new permanent exhibition for GOH, telling the story of Gainsborough’s role in the Pilgrim story. Historically authentic costumes will be created for display & dressing up by the GOH Sewing Group. Exhibition Launch 25 May 2019

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Exhibition Refresh May 2020 Exhibition Refresh May 2021 Trails The current 40 mile self drive Mayflower Trail will be extended & enhanced Trail launch July 2019 Imagination Museum Mayflower 300 [ made by Katie Green] Pilgrim’s heritage interpreted through dance led by professionals involving young people. 9 performances across Bassetlaw & Gainsborough during 2018 Staffing We have recently filled our vacancy in the coffee shop & welcome Abigale to GOH team Performance 2017/18 totals

4934 Child 977 EH 6401 FOHA 273 adult com

Covers the months from April to October

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For the period April—Oct 2018 there has been a decrease in Visitor Numbers of 6.98%. The reason is believed to be the extremely hot summer as well as the World Cup. It is also in line with national trends & our other sites. Financial Below is a breakdown of the expenditure and Income occurring within each of the Old Hall’s Cost Centres for the period 1 April to 290 of November. Each cost centre shows the revised budget for the year and the actual spend/ income. The revised budgets are reviewed twice a year as part of the Council’s Budget Management process GOH Front of House & Premises Cost Wedding Deposits GOH Café

Employee Costs £61, 347 01

Premises Related costs £17, 070.96

Transport Related Costs £897.03

Supplies & Services £9, 325.95

Admissions income £44, 870.69

Other costs £389.29

Net Costs of Services £ 44, 096.55

Received £1, 677.66

Net Cost of Services £1, 677.66

Employee Costs £23, 119.62

Supplies & Services £12, 982.08

Income £47, 685.71

Net Cost of Services £11, 584.01

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Richard Pullen 1 December 2020 The Christmas Truce & The Angel of Mons 1st

December Richard Pullen

Mincepies with refreshment! Just you think,' wrote one soldier to his family, `that while you were eating your turkey I was out talking with the very men I had been trying to kill a few hours before!'

At Christmas 1914, in a war, famous for its horror and brutality, enemy shook hands with enemy in No Man's Land, exchanged souvenirs, even played football. Nor was this just a brief interlude in one place. The truce between the trenches extended over at least two-thirds of the British line and there were similar cease-fires in the French and Belgian sectors. In some areas the

peaceable mood lingered well into 1915.

Supplies & Services £15, 762.11

Income £21, 982 08

Other Costs £93.16

Net Cost of Services £5, 910.72

Supplies & Services £6, 431.26

Net Cost of Services £6431.21

This shows a net cost to Lincolnshire County Council of £31, 365.37 to operate the Old Hall. However, it is estimated that this net cost will significantly reduce by the end of the current financial year [ 31st of March 2019] The actual cost of operating the Old Hall in 2017/18 was £6, 559.51.

GOH Events

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CONTACTS LIST

www.gainsborougholdhall.co.uk

Chairman: Paul Howitt-Cowan Acting Hon Secretary & Lecture Coordinator

Tele 01427 612017 officialfoha@hotmail.com kenmare01@ hotmail.com 2 Kenmare Crescent Gainsborough DN21 1PR

Treasurer: Mr C Shelton 27 Alfred St Gainsborough DN21 2LB

THE OLD HALL PARNELL ST GAINSBOROUGH DN21 2NB