Shirley Moore, Chair, welcomed members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society, and introduced Mo Cooper whose talk entitled “The Good, the Bad and the Reality” truly was a gallop through the lives of women who have contributed to Nottingham’s history.

Mo explained that Florence Boot, Mary Potter and Henrietta Carey were concerned with the living and working conditions of the community. Reference was made to Queen Isabella, Eileen Casey and Freda Lawrence who came in for censure because of their notorious behaviour and,  lastly, Mo referred to the working conditions in the Nottingham lace industry.

The Society’s current display in the Sherwood Forest Art and Craft Centre is devoted to Leisure.   Although time and tastes have changed the photographs show that Edwinstowe has been, and still is, an active community.  There was Horse racing on the Forest Corner;   Duck Racing on the river, which also offered the opportunity for a dip when the weather was fine;  entertainment by the Methodist Drama group,  the Major Cinema (grander than many big city establishments) and the Thoresby Colliery Brass Band;  outings to the seaside (courtesy of  Thoresby Colliery, and the railway) and other places of interest;  dances at the Welfare Hall (which had a sprung floor); and several sporting groups.

Committee members had been invited to Edwinstowe Hall to see the improvements that had been carried out since their previous visit.   The owners were complimented on their achievements which had helped to preserve such a historic building for the future.