Shirley Moore, Chair for the Edwinstowe Historical Society, welcomed members and visitors to the October meeting and introduced Adrian Gray, with his illustrated talk ‘The Top Ten Scandals from Sherwood Forest’.

Adrian left his audience in no doubt that events between the 17th and 19th centuries kept the press and the gossips busy. His talk shed light on the highs and lows of society, with the aristocracy at Bestwood Lodge, Clumber House, Thoresby Hall, Newstead, Welbeck and Rufford Abbeys, all making a contribution.

There was an incestuous relationship, a bigamous marriage, suggestion of a double life, men arrested when dressed in ladies’ clothes, a title bestowed on an illegitimate offspring, and a divorce requiring an Act of Parliament. Plenty of scope here for today’s authors!

The current display in the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre is devoted to sport, and has a selection of photographs of the village cricket and football teams. Cricket has been played in Edwinstowe for more than 200 years and one of the first official football matches took place in 1893.

Shirley reminded members that the Society’s Data Protection Policy, and the Constitution, have now been added to the website. An enthusiastic response was received when members were asked if they were interested in attending a lunch in January. Further details would be circulated in the next few weeks.