The November meeting of the North Notts Association of National Trust Members welcomed Mike Ogden as the speaker. Despite the wintry weather, the event was well attended. Mike, known for his engaging talks on a variety of subjects, spoke this time about ‘A Palace by the River’—the long history of what is now widely recognised as the Houses of Parliament, but which remains a royal palace.
The audience learned about the palace’s origins, its development, and the devastating fire of 1834 that necessitated extensive rebuilding. Much of the stone used in the reconstruction was sourced from local Anston quarries and transported to London via canal, river, sea, and the Thames. The palace’s storied past spans over eight centuries, encompassing changes in government, notable politicians, wars, fires, and uprisings, including the infamous Gunpowder Plot.
The Association hosts monthly talks from October through April, followed by outings from May onwards. Talks take place at The Crossing, Newcastle Avenue, on the third Wednesday of each month (except December). Meetings start at 7.00pm for 7.30pm.
Membership costs £30.00 for individuals or £55.00 for joint membership and includes seven talks and five outings (outings are charged separately). Alternatively, a basic subscription of £5.00 per individual or £7.00 per couple is available, with a £6.00 fee per talk attended. Visitors, including National Trust members, are welcome and will also pay £6.00 per talk.
Those interested in joining can attend as visitors or find more information online. Application forms can be downloaded from the association’s website, and updates on talks and activities are available by joining the mailing list. Learn more about the group directly at one of their upcoming talks:
- 15th January – Footpads, Kings, and Highwaymen by Ian Morgan
- 19th February – The Canals – How and Why They Were Built by Graham Woodward
- 29th March – Plots and Petticoats – Women, Masters of the Sky by David Skillen
For more information, email nthnottsntassoc@gmail.com.