We have received a grant from the Big Lottery Fund for equipment for our organisation.

Architecture

Group Leader	Telephone	Venue	Frequency	Day	Time
Keith Barton	0115 937 3068	Feignies Room	Monthly	Thursday	2.00pm

Read about the group's activities below. Following the description of the group's activities are links to photographs taken during the visits to Southwell, Repton and Melbourne, Newark, Shropshire Harlaxton Manor, St Pancras Hotel, Avoncroft Museum and Hanbury Hall.

About the Group

In 2009 & 2010 the group raced through time, via the built environment, from the seventh to the twentieth century, with some personal comment thrown in to add the occasional spice. During this time, several visits were arranged: to Repton and Melbourne in Derbyshire, Newark Nottinghamshire, Ludlow and Stokesay Castle in Shropshire (with an overnight stay in a 17th century manor house, courtesy of the YHA) and culminating at the almost unbelievable Harlaxton Manor in Lincolnshire.

2011 has been another interesting year: we have considered the last 40 years from Brutalism to the revival of elegance of last century and the still-burgeoning beginning of the present. In July an interesting afternoon was spent being guided round the Lacemarket. Subsequently in September and October a visit to the newly restored and resplendent St Pancras Hotel added to our admiration for the premier railway terminus of Britain. This was followed in October by further explorations in the Museum of Historic Buildings at Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, and the nearby National Trust property and gardens of Hanbury Hall (1701) near Droitwich. (See pictures on the website).

A day in London (once the holiday tourists have left) will once again figure in plans for 2012; as will Lincoln, and parts of Staffordshire to explore the Black Country and its history from the Romans to the Industrial Revolution, whilst studies will continue into the details of parts of our built environment, coupled with visits to local examples wherever possible.

Keith Barton