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REPTON VILLAGE HISTORY GROUP

NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 6 – NOVEMBER 2004 

OUR OCTOBER MEETING.

The October meeting was well attended and it was pleasing to see more new faces among the audience. Graham Nutt was the speaker talking about “The Button Box”. Graham, as many of you will know, was the driving force behind setting up and running the “Magic Attic” archives located in Sharpe’s Pottery at Swadlincote. He is also a weekly contributor to the Burton Daily Mail’s feature “The Mail Remembers”. 

Graham commenced his talk with a brief history of the “Magic Attic” from when it was first formed in the 1980’s to its current situation. He then went on to give a most unusual talk about growing up in South Derbyshire and complemented this by producing different mementos from two large boxes. These contained all manner of items, most of which would have been commonplace in houses in those days. The list of things is too numerous record but they included sheets of toilet paper, packets of Woodbines, Identity Cards and Ration Books from  war-time, a hand grenade, old records and film annuals, a risqué postcard, – etc, etc. It was obvious by the reaction of the audience that he brought back many memories of days gone by and all agreed that it was a most enjoyable evening. 

OUR NOVEMBER MEETING.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 2^nd November at 7.30pm in the Village Hall when we will be holding our first Workshop evening. This is your opportunity to see some of the research projects that have been, or are being undertaken and to view some of our archives. It is also your opportunity to make your suggestions and comments and, should you wish, to take part and make yourself known to us. 

FUTURE PROGRAMME

Tuesday 7^th December  

This meeting is being organised by Gill & Alan Hiley and is intended to be a Social evening to get people in the festive mood.  There will be a couple of light hearted quizzes, mince pies etc. Come along and enjoy the  evening. 

Tuesday 4^th January                  

We start our 2005 New Year programme with a Slide Show of old Repton scenes with commentary by David Guest. David has been an active member of the History Group for many years and has an excellent knowledge of the history of the area. 

Tuesday 1^st February                

Will be a further Workshop evening. Details to follow.

REPTON VILLAGE SOCIETY COFFEE MORNING SATURDAY 4^TH DECEMBER.

As reported in the previous edition of this Newsletter, the Village Society with whom we have a close association is holding a Coffee Morning in the Village Hall between 10am and 12 noon on this date. 

The History Group has been invited to mount a display of old photographs of the area.

These displays are always very popular. In addition, members of the public have been invited to display their personal hobbies and crafts. There will be a tombola stall and coffee and mince pies. History Group publications will be on sale – they make very good Christmas presents! This should be an interesting event and well worth a visit. Admittance is free. For further information please contact Alan Webster of 01283 701838.

NEWSLETTER CONTENTS.

If anyone wishes to contribute to future editions of the Newsletter please contact Alan Kimber on 01283 704042 or E Mail reptonhistory@aol.com

REPTON SCHOOL FIRE BRIGADE. 

In 1894 a thatched cottage on Willington Road, which stood where the Red House is now located, caught fire and was virtually burnt down. This was caused by a spark from a passing traction engine which set the roof on fire. Repton School Fire Brigade had just had a new fire engine (probably the one shown below) and its first job was to deal with the blaze.

A.K. 29.10.2004.