Retford Heritage Day on Saturday 11th September from 10.00am to 4.00pm is the perfect opportunity to find out more about our heritage and celebrate it. Look out for events and displays at all these venues:
The Denman Library has ‘Retford Memories: Food and Drink’, an exhibition of photographs of old Retford pubs and eating places. Explore their new heritage collection and find out how to research local and family history.
Visit Bassetlaw Museum to see how the Romans feasted and look into the new Pilgrims Gallery to find out why our ancestors left for America in 1620.
Grove Street Methodist Church, opened in 1880, has a magnificent, newly-renovated ceiling, and you can visit stalls in their Albert Hall.
The town church, St Swithun’s, dating from the 14th century, has impressive stained glass windows by O’Connor, Clayton and Bell and Kempe. See their new stained glass guide book.
St Michael’s Church has a fine, newly-restored reredos screen, stained glass windows and the 14th century crocheted spire make this a must to visit.
The Majestic Theatre, built in 1927, has been restored to its original splendour and has a photographic display showing the stages of its development. Tours between 10.00am and 2.00pm can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01777 706866.
The Masonic Hall, housed in a former cinema and recently redecorated in Art Deco style, will have a Masonic banquet on display. Turn up on the hour, on the day, 10.00am to 4.00pm for a 40 minute tour. See more on www.retfordmasonichall.co.uk.
Goodwin Hall, a community hall built in 1963 and funded by Sir Stuart Goodwin, a Sheffield industrialist; it backs onto Kings’ Park and has beautiful gardens.
Kings’ Park is a regular award-winning park, opened in 1938 to commemorate not only the reign of King George V, but also the Coronation of King George VI. Great for the gardens, river and children’s play park. Enjoy a picnic here, or at Bassetlaw Museum, Denman Library or Goodwin Hall gardens.
Trinity Hospital is a gentlemen’s alms house built in 1832. Visit its accommodation and lovely old chapel.
The Old School House was built as a primary school for 160 boys in 1813. It is now a community resource called ‘The Time Machine’ and will be open to visitors.
The Old Police Station has been converted into a hotel, restaurant and bar, but the original cells are still there for you to see.
The Chesterfield Canal and Seth Ellis: Find out about the wonderful Chesterfield Canal, built in 1777 for transporting goods, and now a great leisure amenity. See displays and stalls showing the work of the Canal and River Trust and the ‘Python’ workboat, built in 1929. Take a 45 minute trip on the Seth Ellis from Town Lock. Cost is £5.00 each, or £18.00 for a family ticket to include up to three children. Call 07925 851569 to book. Also look out for the Chesterfield Canal Walking Festival from 11th to 19th September. See www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk.
Heritage bus rides around Retford can be booked on the day at the stall outside Bassetlaw Museum at a cost of £1.00.
Retford Community Singers will entertain you at St Swithun’s Church at 10.45am, The Grove Methodist Church at 11.15am and Bassetlaw Museum at 11.45am.
If you’d like to explore more of Retford town centre, pick up a Retford Art Trail leaflet, a Retford Heritage Guide and a ‘Book Benches’ Guide from the Denman Library, Bassetlaw Museum and the Hub.
Refreshments will be available at St Swithun’s Church, St Michael’s Church, Grove Street Methodist Church and Goodwin Hall.
See full venue details at www.heritageopendays.org.uk.