28th March 2021       We’ve recently received a quite remarkable document from Mr. Ian Lauder who has researched the history of Alfreton soldier John William Gent, killed in action on the Somme 1st July 1916.  We have Mr. Laider’s permission to publish this on our website and we are proud to do so.  The link below can best be accessed by copying and pasting on to your browser.  We are looking into the best method of making this more available but wanted to share this story in the meantime.  Keep safe everyone, and we will publish our opening date just as soon as this can be fixed.

Here is the link:    https://ianlauder.wixsite.com/website-2

21st December 2020.  Sad to say we are still unable to open the Heritage Chapel due to Covid restrictions.  When there is light on the horizon we will make an announcement on the website and on Facebook – there is still some activity on the Facebook page.   In the meantime, keep safe, count your blessings everyone and look forward to new beginnings in 2021.

3rd December 2020

Does anyone have any information about Anne Longden (b.1801) or Dolly Longden ? We’ve had an email enquiry from author Jane Robinson, who is happy for information to be emailed to her at jane@jane-robinson.com. Jane’s email is below.

“I wonder if you might be able to help me with some research? I’m currently working on a biography of the Victorian artist, social reformer and pioneer Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon, and am trying to find out as much as I can about her mother’s family, the Longdens. I understand Barbara’s mother Anne (b.1801) was the daughter of John and Dorothy Longden who ran the corn mill in Alfreton Park. Anne’s sister Dolly helped look after Barbara and her siblings when Anne died in 1834.

When it’s possible to do so I’ll come and visit family memorials in North Wingfield and Alfreton churches, but meanwhile, is there any way you could perhaps post a note about my research and ask if anyone has any Longden family information? I don’t do Facebook, I’m afraid, but a post on my behalf, perhaps, with my email address, would be much appreciated.

Many thanks for your help, and best wishes to you all – Jane.

http://www.jane-robinson.com

jane@jane-robinson.com

19th March 2020.  Sadly the Heritage Chapel will be closed until further notice, due to the Coronavirus restrictions.  We will miss all our regular visitors, and look forward to being back in business when this awful business is over.  In the meantime, look after yourselves – look after each other – and keep posting on the FB page.

Welcome to the website for Alfreton & District Heritage Trust.  This site replaces our former site alfretonheritage.org which is no longer being updated.

17th December 2019.   We would like to wish a very Happy Christmas and peace and contentment in 2020 to all visitors to this site. 

After a very busy autumn, during which we were represented at both Somercotes and Ironville Heritage Days, plus  the David Nieper Academy former students day and visits to the Trust Chapel by local schools, we’ve hit a spell of ill-health in our volunteers which has temporarily curtailed our activities outside the trust chapel.  We still manage to open every Sunday afternoon, 2-4pm with the help of good friends, and anyone requiring books or information can contact us on the website or on our Facebook page, Alfreton & District Heritage Trust.

The Blackwell Colliery War Souvenir book – limited print to recognise the commemoration of World War I. 

The last six copies of the limited edition reprint  are available at the Trust Chapel at £20.00 per copy.  Please contact us if you would like to reserve a copy, or call in to the Trust Chapel on Rodgers Lane, Alfreton, any Sunday afternoon, 2-4 pm.  Copies can be posted out, please message us via our website or Facebook page to make arrangements.

On 24th June Alfreton & District Heritage Trust presented a talk by Pat Smith on “Tales of Alfreton’s War Memorial” held at the Palmer Morewood Memorial Social Centre.

Chairman Martyn Hart pictured with speaker Pat Smith, and the sculpture on Alfreton’s War Memorial by William Aumonier Jr.

Press Release of 27th June 2019

An appreciative audience at Alfreton’s Palmer Morewood Memorial Club enjoyed Pat Smith’s fascinating presentation of 24th June on “Tales from Alfreton’s War Memorial”.  After an introduction from Alfreton & District Heritage Trust Chairman Martyn Hart, Pat spoke of the very young lives sacrificed and the reasons behind names being listed of some who were not Alfreton residents.  Robert Watchorn’s substantial contribution to the memorial fund led to the inclusion of his son Lt. Emory Ewart Watchorn, whose death followed illness sustained during wartime service, also to the employment of eminent sculptor William Aumonier Jr., creator of Alfreton’s outstanding monument.  Captain F.M. Bingham, doctor and soldier, was the son of Alfreton’s well-known resident Dr. Bingham and was at one time surgeon in the Blackwell Collieries’ hospital.  Pat’s research uncovered the history of Lt. T.P.A. Hervey, grandson of the Bishop of Bath and Wells and niece of Patience Hervey – who was married to no less than Charles Rowland Palmer Morewood.  The meeting concluded after animated questioning from the audience.

Press Release dated 30th May 2019.  “Tales of Alfreton War Memorial”

On Monday 24th June Alfreton & District Heritage Trust present an evening of tales around Alfreton’s War Memorial – its fascinating history and the stories behind some of the men who gave their lives – the old, the young, the remarkable. The venue is Alfreton’s Palmer Morewood Memorial Social Centre, Hall Street, Alfreton DE55 7BU – starting time 7.30pm.  Admission is free, there is ample parking and a bar.  For further information call 01773 605291.

Press Release dated 1st April 2019

“A New Book from Alfreton & District Heritage Trust Local History Workshop
The eagerly awaited book about Old Riddings, ‘Fleapits, Floodlights & Foaming Pints’ has been recently published.  The photograph shows Graham Clarke, who has written the book, together with Stan and Cliff Hill, who have helped him to collect the eye-witness accounts, and source suitable pictures. They were assisted by members of the Workshop, with Wendy Butt making the work ready for publication. The book, which costs £6, has been declared to be ‘A Good Read’. It is full of photos and fascinating snippets and history of recent Riddings. There is a useful Map in the centre, and many first-hand accounts of events.  It is available at the Alfreton & District Heritage Centre (open from 2pm until 4 pm on Sundays) or from Workshop members.   Report ends”    Rachel Walker

Alfreton Heritage Centre, Heritage Chapel, Rodgers Lane, Alfreton DE55 7FF.  The Heritage Chapel is open every Sunday afternoon between 2 and 4 pm and at other times by special request.  Opening arrangements for bank holidays are notified on our site and on our Facebook page, Alfreton & District Heritage Trust. 

Our Chairman Martyn Hart is pictured standing at the central display cabinet inside the Heritage Chapel.  Here you will also find the Trust’s collection of artefacts and memorabilia, along with albums of photographs over many years from Alfreton and the surrounding area.  Also on display and available to purchase are the  books and leaflets produced by the Trust, commemorative mugs and DVDs.  A list of available publications can be found on our “Book List” page.