20 Members present. Apologies received from Claire Clyde-Watson
Chairman Norman Clyde-Watson welcomed members -
Notices
- Green Flag – Despite several difficulties in accessing the website, a submission for 2013 had been made, but as yet no response. Many thanks to Sandra Appleton for her generous help.
- Hedge Laying Funding – Will be known in March if forthcoming and when work can hopefully start.
There were no other notices so Norman introduced & welcomed Peter Hillier and Moira Robinson who gave a talk on
‘The Bramcote Old Church Tower’ – (Old Sunken Church).
Over the past 10 years, the hidden and overgrown church tower and grounds have been transformed under the guidance and work of the Bramcote History Group, the Bramcote Conservation Group and the Friends of the Old Church Tower.
In 1860, the old nave was demolished but the tower was left and was covered in creeper. The 12th century church is Grade 2 listed now with added long-eared bats (33) in the belfry! The 13th century font was removed to St. Michaels Church.
With funding initially from Nottingham County Council and a donation from Stan Heptinstall, the area was cleared. Restoration continued with considerable funding for restoration of the surrounding wall using bricks from the old church, of hidden tombs (6 in all – Burton Family 1780’s) and to the Tower itself.
The site was surveyed and recorded with all existing graves plotted and then re-covered for preservation. A new 4 panel stained glass window was made by Eastwood Group ‘Escape’ to reflect the area – Bats, Broom (Bramcote derivation – Cottages in the Broom).
Steps, pathway and ‘Physic’ gardens planted by students of Foxwood School. Walling and railings to secure the site were achieved with help from volunteers of ‘Countryside Care’ an offshoot of the Camping and Caravan Club.
Finally, 3 seats were commissioned and made by Nottingham sculptor Andy Smith to represent Community, Nature and History of Bramcote and the Tower. These were based on ideas from children and sculpted in sandstone with a script by Pat Ashworth once on site. These were very impressive!
Work continues with the Tower roof and Friends hold events to attract both funds and visitors. Look out for these over the summer (June – end August) – check website bramcoteoldtower.org.uk for details or the Bramcote Today website bramcotetoday.org.uk
Norman thanked Peter and Moira for their talk and refreshments were served.
The meeting closed at 9:00pm.
Next Meeting will be Monday 3rd June at 7:30pm – details to follow later.
The Friends are always looking for extra pairs of hands to help out or to simply support their work, so...
- to find out when the next work session will take place, click here, or
- to find out about becoming a member please contact us here, or
- to discover what goes into managing the sites click here.
