Drew Family Diaries

Introduction

In order to better understand Station Street in Kirkby, where my grandad had a business for many years, I initially compiled a walk up and down Station Street. This developed into detailed posts for each building on Station Street. As part of that process, I wrote posts for each of the roads that intersects with Station Street. Initially, it was my intention to refer to the Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre in the post on Hodgkinson Road. However, it quickly became clear that there was a risk that the volume of material related to the Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre would simply swamp all other material related to Hodgkinson Road. I therefore decided to write this separate post on the Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre.

This post draws together material from a number of different sources. These include my mother’s and grandfather’s diaries and various Facebook groups, particularly, Kirkby Living Memory, Kirkby-in-Ashfield People and Annesley OC Heritage Extra. I also reviewed articles in the newspaper archive of Find My Past, covering the period 1900 to 1965. Material concerning the history of the hall was drawn from a number of sources including an informative post by Christine Evans and historical notes in the programme for reopening of the Festival Hall in September 1950. I also came across an excellent historical summary on the Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page.

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A Timeline

This post presents a timeline for the Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre before then considering various issues such as different types of use over the years.

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Planning a Market and a Market House

In May 1906, the District Council convened a meeting of owners and ratepayers to agree to the Council providing a market place and constructing a “market house“.

From this, it is clear that the impetus for constructing the original hall was the need to provide a “market house“, that is an indoor market. It explains why the building was originally called the Market Hall. This name recognised the primary purpose of the hall and the weekly market that was held there.

Purchasing Land

The hall was located on land purchased from Elias Heath in 1909.

Plans for the Market Hall

The Kirkby-in-Ashfield Urban District Council met on 6 December 1909 and instructed the surveyor to submit an estimate for the cost of a hall to cover half the marketplace. In January 1910, the Council instructed the surveyor to obtain tenders for the erection of a market hall. As part of that process, the Council’s markets committee agreed that Councillors Shacklock, Blackburn and Clarke should go with the Surveyor to inspect market halls in Derby and Clay Cross.

In April 1910, a tender of £1,000 by Messrs Lambourn and Co, was accepted by the Council for construction of the hall. However, it was only in December 1910 that the clerk submitted to the Council the consent of the Local Government Board for the Council to borrow £1,200 for the erection of a market hall. It seems there was some opposition to the Council borrowing money for this purpose, including from at least one councillor. Reasons given for opposing the expense included that the market was not very busy and that the “building would be useless for public meetings“.

Original Building Construction

The Market Hall was constructed in 1911. It was initially a steel-framed building with corrugated iron sheeting and a glass roof. Perhaps surprisingly, I did not find any news articles concerning the building or opening of the hall in 1911 or 1912.

Original Building Opening

The Market Hall opened in 1912. Once the hall had been constructed, the Council invited tenders to hire the Market Hall for entertainment purposes. Friday evenings were reserved for the indoor market. Applicants wanting further details were invited to get them from the Council’s surveyor, William Dodsley. The tender notice was issued by the Council’s clerk, E B Hibbert.

A White Elephant?

There had been some opposition to the construction of the Market Hall and, soon after it opened, it seems some were labelling it a “white elephant“. At a meeting in November 1913, Councillor J G Shacklock remarked on the report of the collector saying that the amount of money received in market tolls in the last month was very pleasing. He noted that while “the Market Hall had been described as a “White Elephant”,… it had changed its colour rapidly as he thought it would“. Councillor W Davison noted that takings would have been higher but for the “state of the roof“.

Use During the First World War

During the first world war, activities in the Market Hall were reported in the press. Many of them were directly war-related.

Sherwood Foresters

As part of a march through the county in September/October 1913, the Sherwood Foresters passed through Kirkby on Tuesday 30 September 1913. After being met by Councillors at St Thomas’s Church, the Foresters proceeded to the Market Hall. There, they were welcomed by Mr G H Hunt with Major Taylor replying on behalf of the men. Refreshments were provided by J C Bird and W J Blackburn. Following this, the men proceeded via the Hill to Sutton.

A Lantern Lecture

In April 1915, Professor Dolley, from Nottingham, gave a “very interesting lantern lecture” entitled “Why We Must Fight to a Finish“. He illustrated his lecture with maps, photographs and scenes in Belgium. The attendance was said to be “most satisfactory“.

Apparently, this event was part of a county-wide tour by the Nottingham and Notts Committee of the National Society for Patriotic Organisation. J P Houfton from Mansfield presided and commented that Kirkby was proud that Lance-Corporal Fuller V C was born there.

Of interest perhaps is that Professor Reginald Charles Francis Dolley was young, only around 28, at the time of that lecture. He resigned from the university that same year to enlist. He was killed in action on 1 July 1917.

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Recruitment Drive

In June 1915, Kirkby Recruiting Committee planned a series of meetings when the Band of the Sherwood Foresters visited. Places to be visited included Annesley Woodhouse, Bentinck Town, the Park district and, finally, on the Market Square adjoining the Market Hall at 7.15pm. The latter meeting was chaired by Councillor J G Shacklock. The meeting’s format included musical items by the band and addresses by three members of the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee. A note was made that Rev T H Hayman would be invited to address the East Kirkby meeting.

In October 1915, a recruiting rally was held in Nottingham over nine or so days. Satellite events were held in surrounding towns including at the Market Hall in Kirkby. Mr W Davison presided. Speakers included Mr H Morgan and several military men.

Ensuring the Market Hall Was Blacked Out

In February 1916, Kirkby came under the lighting restrictions. Churches had adapted by holding services in the afternoon rather than the evening. There were particular difficulties blacking out the Market Hall because of the glass roof. This resulted in the market being cancelled for five weeks.

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In March 1916, Kirkby Urban District Council appointed a sub-committee with powers to “take such steps as they might deem necessary to obscure the light” at the Market Hall.

“The Specials“

In August 1916, a meeting was to be held at the Market Hall to elect area commanders for “the Specials“.

The Special Constabulary was a part-time, volunteer organisation established under the Special Constables Act of 1914. A number of applicants to Kirkby Tribunal were exempted from military service on condition that they become or remain a special constable included James Cresswell, Arthur Edwards, G Judson, Samuel R Kirk, Joseph Priestley and W H Wightman.

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Patriotic Fair Concert

In May 1917, a concert was held at the Market Hall under the auspices of the Patriotic Fair Sports Committee and the Belgian Committee. Details of artists and programme were provided.

War Savings Committee

Also, in May 1917, this committee held a meeting, chaired by Councillor G H Hunt. The object was “to arrange an active propaganda in the district on behalf of the Food Controller for economy in food, particularly in bread“. The committee also agreed to hold a mass meeting in the Market Hall “on Wednesday next“.

Soldiers and Sailors Christmas Gift Fund

In November 1917, a sale of work was held at the Market Hall for the Soldiers and Sailors Christmas Gift Fund. Children from the Primitive Methodist (Sunday) School presented a children’s cantata called “Our Holiday Concert“. The article noted that the children had been carefully trained by Mrs J Smith, grandad’s sister Olive. Rev H Davies presided over what was described as a huge attendance. Councillors J C Bird and J W Blackburn attended.

I believe this relates to the Princess Mary Gift Fund Boxes distributed during the first world war.

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Ex-servicemen’s Dinner and Concert

Following the war, in August 1919, a dinner and concert were given for all ex-service men resident in the district of Kirkby. It appears that this may have been 1,500 men in total as there was seating for 500 men and dinner was provided in three sittings. The men met at the headquarters of the Comrades of the Great War Association and paraded to the “four cross road” and then to the Market Hall. Music was provided to the parade by Kirkby Colliery Prize Band.

The event had been organised by a committee chaired by J Bircumshaw. Catering was provided by the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Butchers Association and the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Cooperative Society. Drinks were provided by J Blackburn, A Stirland, W Clarke, Mr Hardy and Mr Martin. Mr E Boot was thanked as he had given up the hall having previously booked it for that evening. This event was part of peace celebrations.

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Plans for a War Memorial

In September 1919, a meeting was held at the Market Hall to discuss plans for a town war memorial. However, the meeting was marred by “regrettable scenes“. There was conflict between members of the Comrades of the Great War and others. This conflict arose because some members, particularly some Councillors wanted the memorial to be in the form of a YMCA hall that was being planned. However, others, particularly from the Comrades of the Great War Association wanted an institute of their own. The meeting became conflictual because some thought that Christian values, particularly of teetotalism, were being forced on them, while others thought their Christian character was being insulted!

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Rebuilding and Reroofing

In 1929 and 1930, the front and sides of the hall were rebuilt and the glass roof was replaced.

King George V Silver Jubilee

In May 1935, nearly 3,000 children were provided with tea in various Sunday Schools and at the Market Hall as part of Jubilee celebrations. Each received a Jubilee Mug. The Council had spent about £200 but people would have liked more sports activities. There was a cricket match on Kingsway Park. The hunger marchers, who had stayed at the Labour Hall, “provided a diversion for those in the streets“.

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Use During the Second World War

During the second world war, the building was requisitioned and used to feed members of the forces stationed in Kirkby. It was later used by the Board of Trade as an emergency food store. Given this, it is perhaps unsurprising that there was much less news coverage of how the Market Hall was being used than there had been during the first world war.

Distribution of Gas Masks

In September 1938, when men were called to dig trenches, women were called to go to the Market Hall to assemble gas masks ready for distribution.

Appeals for Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Volunteers

In February 1939, Colonel E D C Brown, organiser for the Kirkby ARP, made an urgent appeal for volunteers for ARP work in Kirkby. He was acting in the unavoidable absence of Major Barefoot of Nottingham. Although the number of volunteers had risen from 66 to 229, a total of 423 were needed with a further 35% in reserve. This meant that 203 volunteers were still needed. Councillor E J Lea presided and the Home Office Gas Van was in attendance for inspection. A number of ARP badges and certificates were presented.

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Home Office Gas Van?

I understand that the home office gas van was a mobile gas chamber which was used for training in correct use of gas masks.

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Fire at the Market Hall

There was a fire at the Market Hall in September 1947. According to a news article, some outbuildings and a portion of the roof were destroyed . The article notes that, prior to the new market being built in Nottingham, the Market Hall had been the largest covered market in the county. The article also noted that it was requisitioned by the Army during the second world war. According to another article, the hall had been in a dilapidated state prior to the fire. Another article, posted on Facebook, praised the fire service for their prompt action in preventing more damage being caused to the Market Hall. The fire was said to have started at the rear of the building, in outbuildings, but the cause of the fire was unknown. At this point, the hall had not yet been derequisitioned despite numerous requests from the Council.

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Rebuilding and Modernising

The building was rebuilt and modernised between 1948 and 1950. As early as July 1948, there were plans to reconstruct the Market Hall so that it could serve the needs of a busy mining centre. In addition to its main purpose, it would also act as a centre for public meetings, amateur drama and dances.

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Extensive Use of Concrete

In order to preserve timber and other materials in short supply, the plans were to use concrete extensively. These plans were submittted to the Ministry of Health for approval. However, in October 1948, the Council had to revise the plans as the Ministry of Health could only authorise work confined to the minimum necessary. This involved removing the entrance hall, cloakroom and toilets, balcony, kitchen and servery. The plan revisions were expected to save £2,215 and reduce the total cost from £7,620 to £5,405. In November 1948, the Council invited tenders for the work. By January 1949, five tenders had been received and the Council agreed to accept the lowest for £5,593.

Plans for a Swimming Pool

In September 1948, there had been discussion about whether the rebuilt Market Hall could also include a swimming pool. However, the Council decided that the site was not big enough. In June 1949, renovation work had started and it was expected that work would take about four months. The cost was said to be £5,600. This article noted that the hall had been empty for a year after the war and that “children discovered it was a good site for a playground; and few windows were left intact“. The Council were still hoping they might be able to construct a balcony by raising money from providing office space to the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of National Insurance.

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Renaming as the Festival Hall

When the building reopened, in September 1950, it was renamed the Festival Hall ahead of the Festival of Britain in 1951. Grandad recorded this in his diary. The proposal to call the hall the Festival Hall had been made by retiring Chairman, R Andrews, at a Council meeting in May 1950. The proposal included provision for the hall to use Festival of Britain insignia. The Council adopted the proposal.

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Plans to Reopen

In August 1950, the Council agreed September 30 as the date to reopen the hall. At the same meeting, a letter was read from the Central Office of Information requesting an opportunity to discuss staging a display in connection with the Colonial Exhibition recently held in London. The clerk to the council, F Bowmar noted that this showed that “the fame of the hall was getting widespread.”

Reopening Ceremony

On 30 September 1950, the hall reopened as the Festival Hall. Despite heavy rain and the fact that the 800 souvenir programmes had been sold four days in advance, a huge crowd gathered outside the Festival Hall hoping to get in to see the variety show, The opening ceremony was performed by clerk to the council, Frank Bowmar. An inscribed golden key was presented to Mr Bowmar, by E W Ashley, Council Chairman. Guests included the chairmen of other councils including Sutton, Pinxton, Annesley, Blidworth, Newstead and Selston. MP Seymour Cocks also attended. “As the crowd filed into the hall there were gasps of admiration – the beautiful interior which confronted them had formerly been a mass of dirty ruins“. A collection realised £3 for the Creswell Disaster Fund.

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Memories of the Opening Ceremony

In a comment on Facebook, Daphne Cantrill recalled, “there was a parade of school children in costume from various ages , I was chosen along with a boy from Kirkby Woodhouse School to represent modern day . I remember some of us came up through doors under the stage“. However, on looking at the programme for the day, she wondered if it had perhaps been for the Coronation.

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

The Festival Hall was at the centre of celebrations of the Queen’s coronation in 1953. In May/June 1953, six days of celebrations were planned in Kirkby. On 31 May 1953, there was to be a united religious service with a Coronation Eve Ball on 1 June. Both of these events were to be at the Festival Hall. There was also scheduled to be an old people’s concert at the Festival Hall on 4 June. Although the coronation features in my family’s diaries, see Chapter 59, the diaries do not explicitly mention coronation-related events at the Festival Hall.

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Extending for Use as a Leisure Centre

The Festival Hall was extended in the eighties to include additional leisure facilities, such as a sauna.

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Remembering the Festival Hall

Also, in a Facebook post, Christine Allen noted, “The Festival Hall was such an important part of Kirkby for many people over the years and I’m sure most of us have fond memories of it, my personal ones are after the refurb in the very early 80s when me and my friend would visit the newly opened sauna the likes of which we had never experienced before; kids’ birthday parties of which my 2 daughters had several there either in the main hall or in one of the squash courts with a bouncy castle; and of course events that C.A.K.E Community for action and kirkby events organise of which I’m part of, from V.E day parties Bandfest and Kids Christmas parties.

Sad to See it Go

Many people were very sad to see the Fez demolished and thought it should have been modernised instead myself included but now the new leisure centre is up and running it does make you realise how tired and outdated the Fez was. We was worried for a while that we would no longer have a venue to hold our events as no plan was in place for a function room and bar like the Festival Hall had and there is nowhere else in the area that has the capacity we require but the leisure centre has exceeded our expectations re-size although its a shame a proper bar wasn’t incorporated but they do have a pop up one.

I remember my Mum used to mention visiting the market hall as a child this would have been in the 1930s and she would often tell me stories of going there with my Grandma and meeting up with other kids and running and hiding from someone she called Abbott.” She concludes, “I assume he was either a caretaker or manager and the kids would say quick run Abbotts coming and they would run for their lives. I presume the kids were up to no good…

Fond memories of the Fez or Market hall for the majority of Kirkby folks.”

Facilities at the Festival Hall Leisure Centre

After the Festival Hall was extended in the eighties, it did have improved facilities. But, it lacked some of the facilities that the new leisure centre would later provide, for example, a swimming pool.

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The Market/Festival Hall Was an Important Kirkby Landmark

The Market/Festival Hall was an important landmark in Kirkby providing the backdrop for many activities over the years. It was known locally and affectionately as the “Fes” or “Fez“. In January 1921, adverts for houses in Alfred Street listed “close proximity to the Market Hall…” as a selling point.

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Construction of New Leisure Centre

A new leisure centre was constructed in 2021/2022.

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Opening of New Leisure Centre

The new leisure centre opened in August 2022 with a grand opening celebration weekend on 17 and 18 September of the same year. The cost of the new leisure centre was said to have been £15.5m. The official opening was conducted by Nottingham-born footballer, Tom Huddlestone.

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Demolition of Former Building

The former building, the Festival Hall, was demolished in November 2022. There are many photos of this demolition and of the construction of the new leisure centre on the Annesley OC Heritage Extra Facebook page. Only a few are included here.

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Festival Hall Mural

In a discussion on Facebook, Ann Hill enquired about what had happened to the mural of the local area that formed the backdrop to the stage at the Festival Hall. Apparently, it depicted life in the fifties. Sue Hardy thought that a photo of the mural had been taken and posted online but she was not sure where. I am extremely grateful to Ryan Chillery for posting photos of the mural.

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New Leisure Centre

The new leisure centre’s address is Hodgkinson Road and it is on the same site where the Market/Festival Hall used to be. It has its own car park. In fact, the leisure centre is set back further towards Lindley’s Lane than the Market/Festival Hall was. The site of the former Market/Festival Hall is in the current leisure centre car park.

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Leisure Centre Facilities

There are a few places online where the leisure centre’s current facilities are described including the Everyone Active website, the Ashfield District Council’s website and a Facebook page. Facilities offered by the new leisure centre include a four-court sports hall with theatre-style seating, a fitness suite, an 85-station gym, a group exercise studio, a soft play area, five fun climbing walls, a 25m swimming pool and splash area, a sensory room, an indoor cycling studio, a mirrored dance studio and a café. Some of the same elements may be described differently on different sites so may be listed twice.

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Views on the Current Leisure Centre

In a discussion on Facebook, most contributors were happy to have the new leisure centre. For example, Amanda Barrett commented, “I quite like the leisure centre, I go to gym, been in pool, gone to classes, yeah I can’t always get into yoga, but it’s not the end of the world. I used to go fez, lived on Kirkby for 25 years, it was tired, it held memories, but it had its day. More motivating to go with the new centre.” Claire Madon agreed “The leisure centre is a fabulous facility for Kirkby. The facilities are fabulous… we are very lucky to have two such leisure centres in close geographical locations“. Claire Marie noted that she liked the leisure centre and used it with her family.

However, contributors raised some areas of concern. Robert Cuthbertson expressed the view that, “I don’t think it should have been built. All we need was a swimming pool not all this“. Louise Turner commented, “Joined, couldn’t get on classes too busy, couldn’t park, very clicky environment made to feel uncomfortable, only wanted to lose weight……. cancelled still took money out my bank…..joined other fitness classes never looked back.”

The Car Park is Not Finished

Heath Linacre commented that “it is not finished” and shared the photo below. Christine Evans clarified that the main leisure centre is finished but there is a section of the car park that remains closed because of an unsafe wall. The wall backs on to properties on Station Street. Chris Huskinson explained that “the reason the wall isn’t finished is due to the wall belonging to lots of different residents in the flats along the main road. None of them are making contact with the council. So the wall isn’t the councils to knock down and rebuild. We’ve reached out and they won’t reply. A new solution is coming into place very soon… I hope this clears the confusion up.,, it’s my department at the council dealing with this issue so Yes what I’m telling you is fact!“

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Clare Mathews also expressed the view that the car park is not big enough. Claire Marie considered the car park to be dangerous as the same entrance, which can only accommodate one car at a time, is used to enter and to exit.

Size of the Facilities

Jamiegreen Green was concerned that the hall does not seem as big as the previous hall was. Clare Mathews was also concerned that the studios for classes aren’t big enough and there are sometimes up to 20 people on waiting lists. However, Claire Madon commented that popular classes can use the sports hall and that holds 100 people.

Level of Usage

Michelle Denby expressed concern about the extent to which the leisure centre is used, She noted that she didn’t see it really busy often and the play area is “empty a lot“.

Swimming Pool

There are some concerns over the size of the swimming pool and the absence of diving boards. For example, Glyn Scothern asked “where’s the 12 foot 6 inch deep with dive boards pool?“. Michelle Denby commented that it is not a family fun pool. She considered that the small pool was OK for toddlers and the big pool was OK for lane swimming and as a training pool. However, she and others had concerns about the temperature of the pool. She commented, “I would not pay to jump in the freezing pool”.

Rob Allard agreed that the pool is “very cold“, Carole Daniells that it is “too cold” and Clare Mathews that it is “freezing“. However, Claire Madon disagreed saying that the pool temperature is “right for me“. Claire Marie commented, “yes, the pool sometimes takes your breath at first but as soon as you’re moving and swimming, its perfect temperature. My girls love the inflatables and family sessions, makes it different to their swim lessons having a bit of fun.” Robert Cuthbertson was concerned that the pool did not cater for disabled people.

Changing Rooms and Lockers

Clare Mathews expressed concerns that there are not enough lockers, e.g. when going for an Aqua class, and that the doors in the mixed changing rooms are not secure. However, Claire Madon noted that she goes at different times and had always found ample lockers.

No Facilities for Indoor Bowls

Carole Daniells commented, “they have managed to destroy our over 50s group as they didn’t put indoor bowls on, this is after consulting us and then doing what they wanted!” Chris Huskinson commented that it had been put on temporary hold because of a heating issue. He also had thought that indoor bowls was taking place at the Lammas centre.

Maintenance and Cleanliness of Facilities

Clare Mathews described the one sauna as “grungy“. She also noted that “they have just replaced all the flooring upstairs it’s only been open a year!” However, Claire Madon observed that the centre is “much cleaner than Lammas“.

Points Relating to the Market/Festival Hall

Having reviewed the timeline for the Market Hall/Festival Hall/Leisure Centre, this post now considers a number of points related to the Market/Festival Hall including reviewing different ways in which the hall was used over the years.

Management, Renovations and Maintenance

Over the years, the Market/Festival Hall was managed by the council. A great deal of effort went into renovating and maintaining the building over the years.

A Better Approach to the Anteroom

In July 1914, at a meeting of the Council’s Parks, Allotments and Markets Committee, and following an inspection, the Surveyor was instructed to make a better approach to the ante-room and provide and fix “an 18 gallon copper“. I confess I don’t know what that was.

Coop, Red Cross and Boxing Applications

In October 1916, the Council considered applications from Daniel Price of the Co-operative Society and from the Kirkby Red Cross Society for use of the Market Hall on 4 November and 18 October respectively. Both requests were agreed subject to the Co-op agreeing the usual terms and the Red Cross paying ten shillings. A request was also made from G Smith of Mansfield to hold a boxing competition but this was not agreed.

Colour-Washing of the Roof

In August 1918, the Council’s Parks, Allotments and Markets Committee received one tender from Harold Fryer for colour washing the interior of the roof of the Market Hall. The cost was £16 and this was accepted by the Committee.

Cost of Hiring the Hall

In May 1919, the Council discussed the possibility of raising the charge for hiring the hall. Mr Hunt spoke in favour of this as he considered that “the Council did not get a fair share out of it compared with what some of the public got“. No decision was recorded in this article.

Market Hall Grounds

In July 1920, the Council decided to let the Market Hall Grounds to Mr T Cox for the wakes on “the usual terms“.

Proposed Increase in Stallage Charges

In October 1922, Kirkby Urban District Council considered proposals to raise the cost of renting a stall at the Friday market. Arguments against, from Mr Sharpe, included that trade was not good at that time as wages were low. He was concerned that traders would simply not pay the charges and the market would be under-utilised. However, Mr Bird was surprised that there was opposition as the matter had been thoroughly considered and the old charges were “ridiculously low” and they did not cover the cost of gas. But, Mr Banks refuted this statement. Mr Rawson noted that the trading hours were short, e.g. when compared to Sutton or Mansfield. The matter was referred back to committee.

An Alternative Venue in Bad Weather

In April 1923, the Mansfield Reporter and Sutton Times commented that a poster, for a Liberal open-air fete in Kirkby Hardwick on 30 June 1923, noted that “in the event of summer not yet having arrived, or having passed by unnoticed, the fete will be held in the market hall instead of the open“. This provision was again noted in another notice of this meeting in June 1923.

Used by Hucknall

In October 1952, there was an article in the Nottingham Evening Post complaining that the lack of a public hall in Hucknall meant that Hucknall events were being held in various places. The local dramatic club was using Hucknall RAF station, the Rotary Club met in Linby and Daybrook while the Byron Lodge of Freemasons moved to Nottingham. Other organisations used venues in Nottingham, Newstead and Bulwell, and the Festival Hall in Kirkby.

Oddly, the article identified that Hucknall had had a public hall for over forty years, the Hucknall Memorial Hall. However, it was being used by the Council to house their finance and surveyor’s staff. Apparently, there were plans to re-house these staff but these fell through. The article concludes with this great sentence “…the question of making the Public Hall a public hall is deferred indefinitely“.

The Market

As noted before, and as reflected in the hall’s original name, the main use of the hall, at least initially, was for a weekly market on a Friday evening.

Market Place Fit for Use

In December 1914, an application was made by Mr E B Hibbert to the Mansfield Bench for the issue of a certificate declaring that the market-place was completed and fit for public use. A similar application had been made in 1906 but this was refused. Since then, considerable change had taken place including construction of a market hall. Those giving evidence for the claim included W Dodsley, the Council surveyor, S Unwin, the toll collector and Inspector Brooks. The certificate was granted.

A Concert that Clashed with Market Day

In May 1915, the Council Clerk reported on a request that had been received from Captain E P Hooley of the Sherwood Foresters to allow the use of the Market Hall for a concert following a route march. However, as the request was for a Friday and this clashed with Market Day, it was not possible to agree the request. Councillors agreed to try to help to find an alternative venue and the Parish Hall was identified as most suitable.

Edith Searson

In her book(let) “I Also Remember“, Edith Searson focused on the market which used to take place at the Market Hall on a Friday night and from which the hall got its original name. She noted, “the Market Hall is so named because the market is held here, taking place on Friday evenings without fail, and is a very busy event. Stalls are set out, and most of them taken over. I remember some of them, when the stall holders had a regular stall.

There was a butcher who came from Selston and used to keep shouting out ‘Any price you like ladies, any price you like’. I just thought that he meant you could name your own price! but realised afterwards he was referring to the cuts of meat, different prices for the different pieces. There was also Tom Randall who had a biscuit stall, and was assisted by his young nephew Denis. They had a good selection of biscuits, and there was a ‘Special Offer’ every week, when bags of broken biscuits were on offer., as a ‘treat for the children’. This was a very busy stall… Sam Reeve was the popular caretaker at the Market Hall for a number of years.”

Mark Ashfield

Mark Ashfield dedicated a chapter to the Market/Festival Hall in “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey”. He called this “More than Just a Market“. He did describe the Friday night market noting that it consisted of three or four dozen stalls. Also, he included a line drawing of the market on his first page. But, he also described boxing and wrestling matches, political meetings, musical performances, remembrance services and an Old Folks’ Christmas Treat.

Gerald Lee

Similarly, Gerald Lee dedicated a chapter of his book “Kirkby-in-Ashfield Yesterday Remembered” to the Market/Festival Hall. This chapter was called “Market El Dorado“. He focused on the Friday evening market, in general, and, in particular, on books that could be bought there “whether they were offered for sale on the neatly laid out stall backed up to the high staging and run by a scholarly white-haired gentleman, or a second-hand collection tucked away in the far right-hand corner“. Gerald recalled that he was mostly able to buy books at Christmas or for birthdays.

Ernest Hellewell

In bankruptcy proceedings in August 1913, Ernest Hellewell, a provisions dealer, was said to have a deficiency of £577 5s 3d. In addition to fixed premises in Mansfield, he ran market stalls in the market-place in Mansfield, at the market hall in Kirkby and at the market-place in Shirebrook. He attributed his business failure to “high price of provisions and consequent small profits, and also heavy expenses“.

Violation of Closing Order

It appears that market traders were required to cease trading at a certain time. In March 1924, a case was brought against Ernest Daft of Jacksdale by Stanley Strugnell, County Council Inspector, for an infringement of a Shops Closing Order in operation at the Market Hall. Essentially, this closing order specified the time shops/stalls needed to close. The inspector visited Kirkby in February and was able to buy one pound of steak after eight o’clock. Mr Young pleaded guilty to the committal of a technical offence on behalf of Mr Daft. A fine of ten shillings was imposed.

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Political Meetings

A large number and wide range of political meetings were held at the Market/Festival Hall. I don’t believe that my grandfather attended many of these. However, he did attend both Labour and Liberal meetings at the Market Hall, in 1923, ahead of the December general election, see Chapter 25.

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Labour Meetings

Many of the meetings that were held at the Market Hall related to the Labour party or the wider labour movement. In October 1922, Frank Hodges was the principal speaker at a meeting to support the candidature of G A Spencer. F B Varley, Notts Miners’ Association, presided supported by W Carter, the Labour candidate for Mansfield and B Smith, Notts Miners’ President. G A Spencer also addressed the meeting. There is a very detailed report of the meeting here.

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Frank Hodges spoke at another meeting of miners in September 1925. The Market Hall was full to capacity with an audience of around 2,000. The main focus of the meeting seemed to be recruiting men to the Notts Miners’ Association. At that time, only about half of Nottinghamshire miners were members. He argued that the union was particularly needed as wages were falling and the outlook for the future was bleak.

National Council of Labour Colleges

In October 1925, A J Cook, the “red” secretary of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain was due to speak in both Mansfield and Kirkby at a delegate conference called by the National Council of Labour Colleges. However, he was unable to attend. Apparently, hundreds of people paid sixpence to attend. The article is extensive and considers the conflict between the Notts Miner’s Association, and George Spencer, in particular, and the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain and A J Cook specifically.

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In October 1928, A J Cook was again due to speak at a Broxtowe Divisional Labour Party meeting at the Market Hall and a large crowd attended but, just before the meeting was due to start, notice was received that he was again unable to attend as he was suffering from a chill. Mr J Seymour Cocks, the prospective candidate for the division, addressed the meeting as did W Bayliss and W E Hopkins.

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Victory Tea

In April 1928, about 250 people attended a “victory” tea in the Market Hall to celebrate Labour successes in the recent county and local elections.

Aneurin Bevan

Aneurin Bevan was scheduled to speak at the Festival Hall on Sunday 9 December 1956. However, he was unable to attend because of poor health. Another speaker, Wilfred Paling, was also unable to attend. William Warbey spoke instead criticising the government for their criticism of Russian action in Hungary which he called “nauseating hypocrisy“. At this point, William Warbey was MP for Ashfield. He was MP for Broxtowe from 1953 until when the constituency was abolished in 1955. He was then MP for Ashfield until 1966.

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According to Mark Ashfield, in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p39), Aneurin Bevan did speak at the Market Hall on at least one occasion noting that “in the first flush of his fiery Welsh fervour [he] held his audience spellbound.”

Confusing Bevan and Bevin

I remember my father telling me about Aneurin (Nye) Bevan when I was quite young. The NHS was a big deal for people and communities that had previously struggled to access healthcare. One problem I had was that I tended to confuse him with another Labour politician that dad used to talk about a lot, Ernest Bevin. He was Minister of Labour during the second world war and he spearheaded the scheme to divert recruits to the coal industry. They were known as “Bevin Boys” and dad talked to me about them. I think part of my confusion was that Bevan and Bevin were pretty indistinguishable when pronounced by my father!

Hugh Gaitskell

In May 1961, Labour Leader and Leader of the Opposition, Hugh Gaitskell, was expected to attend an informal reception of Labour party and trade union members at the Festival Hall as part of a visit to Nottinghamshire. He certainly visited Nottingham as planned but the article covering that did not specifically mention the Kirkby element. The main topics of the visit were nuclear tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and the voyage of Yuri Gagarin into space which had happened the previous month. The headline focused on Mrs Gaitskell who confronted a group from the Young Communist League who were directing “ban the bomb” chants at her husband.

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Seymour Cocks

As Kirkby’s MP from 1929 to 1953, Seymour Cocks spoke at the Market/Festival Hall on multiple occasions. According to Mark Ashfield, in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p39), the Market Hall often rang with applause when he took the platform.

Conservative Meetings

Perhaps surprisingly, given how strongly Labour-supporting Kirkby was at this time, quite a number of Conservative meetings were held at the Market/Festival Hall.

Captain G E Pierrepont

On 16 May 1929, two weeks ahead of the general election, the Conservative candidate for Broxtowe, Captain G E Pierrepont, spoke at the Market Hall. In his speech, he claimed that “Moscow was claiming the credit for the support of some 62 aspirants to seats in the House of Commons“. He also pointed to Queensland where the Labour Government had been “driven from office” and there had been a loss of about £16m on the nationalised railways. Mrs McLean and Mr Mulligan also spoke. The meeting was chaired by Col Sir Lancelot Rolleston.

In the election, on 30 May 1929, he finished third of three candidates. Seymour Cocks won for Labour with 24,603 votes, Ernest George Cove was second for the Liberals with 9,814 votes while Gervais Pierrepont, identified as a Unionist, finished third with 7,195 votes.

Paul Springman

Paul Eyre Springman stood as Conservative candidate for Broxtowe in two elections, in 1931 and 1935. In 1931, he was a 30-year old barrister practising on the South-Eastern Circuit. He was a native of Liverpool and lived in Roehampton. Previously, he had been invited to stand as an Empire Crusade candidate at the East Islington by-election but withdrew in favour of the official Conservative nominee. He was educated at Eton and Balliol College.

In both 1931 and 1935, in Broxtowe, there were only Labour and Conservative candidates. In 1931, the result was relatively close with Paul Springman getting 20,327 votes while Seymour Cocks got 21,917 votes. The margin was greater in 1935 with Paul Springman getting 15,804 votes and Seymour Cocks receiving 26,854 votes.

Market Hall Meetings

In October 1931, Paul Springman, held a number of pre-election meetings. These included two eve-of-poll mass meetings, one of which was in the Market Hall.

In November 1934, Paul Springman spoke at a meeting at the Market Hall. Hamer Russell, MP for Sheffield Brightside, deputised for Lt-Col Sir Edward Grigg. K Y McCraith presided. The meeting mainly focused on questions related to peace and war. Topics covered included criticism of proposals to abolish naval and military air forces, praise for the performance of the National Government, the likely consequences of electing a Labour Government and plans to nationalise the coal industry.

On 12 November 1935, two days ahead of the election, around 1,500 people attended a meeting to support National Government candidate, Paul Springman. There were said to be Communist demonstrators but Mr Springman was able to speak and he said he was in favour of revising the Means Test, related to assistance provided by the Unemployment Assistance Board. Mrs Wood was among other speakers.

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Recollections of Paul Springman

Mark Ashfield, recalled Paul Springman in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p40). He described him as a London barrister, a tall, commanding figure. However, he considered that he “stood no chance” of being elected not least because of the popularity of local MP Seymour Cocks. He also described how he was heckled and challenged by Mrs Taylor whose “politics could not have been a deeper shade of red“. When he spoke, she would not heckle from her seat but she would head to the stage saying “just you hold on Mr Springman…“

R C Mills

In January 1937 R C Mills spoke at a meeting at the Market Hall. He was described as the prospective Conservative candidate for Broxtowe. However, I am not sure he ever stood for election. There were no general elections between 1935 and 1945 as a result of the second world war. In 1945, the Conservative candidate for Broxtowe was Gerald Stanley Moore Baldwin.

At the meeting, the Chair of the local Conservative Association, K Y McCraith, presided. Mr Mills argued that the government stood for peace, prosperity preparedness and that the country did not want dictators of any kind. He argued for the machinery of the League of Nations although that had so far failed. He argued that many industries had taken the turn along the road of prosperity. But coal mining and agriculture were still suffering, the former because of declining consumption and the latter because of foreign competition. He argued that, for preparedness, “it was not… safe to remain unarmed whilst other Powers in Europe were re-arming“.

Conservative Cinema Entertainment

Presumably, the Conservatives decided to offer cinema entertainment in order to attract more people to their meetings. In December 1937, the first of a series of cinema entertainments was organised by the Broxtowe Conservative and Unionist Association at the Market Hall. In the interval, Richard Mills spoke, having been introduced by Mr T W Fox. Topics covered included social services and the need for national prosperity. He argued that nationalisation was not a shortcut to prosperity.

Capitalism versus Communism Debate

Sometimes, debates were organised between competing points of view. For example, in July 1932, there was a debate at the Market Hall on “capitalism versus communism” between Mr Saklatvala and Conservative, Paul Springman. Shapurji Saklatvala was a communist politician and Member of Parliament of Indian heritage.

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Apparently, this debate attracted a large crowd. W E Hopkins presided. Mr Saklatvala referred to empire building as a cause of “great slaughter” and to the “Conversion Loan” as a “capitalist lie“. He spoke positively about working conditions and lack of unemployment in Russia. However, Paul Springman argued that communism was not possible in an organised, human community and that the Soviet system had failed. He referred to “appalling working conditions, shortage of houses, and Russia was nothing but a slave State“.

By-election Campaign

In August 1953, campaigning started for the by-election that had been triggered by the death of Broxtowe MP, Seymour Cocks. The expected election date was 17 September. The campaign for the Labour candidate William Warbey was due to start with meetings in Hucknall and at the Festival Hall on Sunday 6 September.

As noted before, William Warbey won this election and became the Labour MP for Broxtowe. Turnout was lower than in 1951 and both Labour and Conservative candidates lost votes. Anthony J Gorman was the Conservative candidate in both 1951 and 1953. In 1951, he got 13,274 votes but only 9.559 in 1953. William Warbey was elected with 27,356 votes which was 74.1% of votes cast. Neither grandad’s nor mum’s diary mentioned the by-election.

Union Meetings

In addition to party political meetings, the Market/Festival Hall hosted a large number of union-related meetings, which were often closely allied to the Labour party, being part of the overall labour movement. Two particular groups of workers constituted the bulk of such meetings, railway workers/railwaymen and miners.

Railwaymen’s Meeting

In February 1915, a meeting was held under the auspices of the National Union of Railwaymen. Mr W Carter of the Nottinghamshire Miners Union presided and gave an address. The focus of the meeting was on the rising cost of living. Demands included the better distribution of the necessities of life and an increase in wages of five shillings per week. Mr J H Dobson spoke in favour of the resolution which was carried unanimously. Mr A Webster was presented with a framed emblem for past services.

ASRS

In April 1915, the local branch of the ASRS held their “usual effort” on Good Friday in aid of the Widows and Orphans Fund. This included a football match in the morning and a tea, at the Market Hall, in the afternoon. There was also a concert at the Market Hall in the evening presided over by Dr Kayton. I am not exactly sure what ASRS stands for but the most likely meaning is the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants. However, according to Wikipedia, that was dissolved in 1913 when it merged with two other unions, the United Pointsmen and Signalmen’s Society (UPSS) and the General Railway Workers’ Union (GRWU) to form the National Union of Railwaymen.

The understanding above seems to be confirmed from an article in April 1916 which referred to the National Union of Railwaymen holding their annual effort in aid of the Orphan Fund, also on Good Friday. More than 500 people attended a ham tea and about 600 attended the concert that followed. This was presided over by J Brannack and A E Carvell, the President and Vice-President of the branch. A similar concert was held in April 1917. On this occasion, Mr W Carter presided. Nearly 600 people attended.

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Railway Women’s Guild

In July 1918, the Council’s Parks, Allotments and Markets Committee agreed an application from the Railway Women’s Guild to use the Market Hall one evening.

In October 1919, following the conclusion of the rail strike, see Chapter 26, the Council considered an application from the Railway Women’s Guild to use the Market Hall for a free concert. While the Council congratulated the Women’s Guild for their efforts during the strike, they also noted that the minimum sum of ten shillings would be charged for use of the hall. In the same meeting, the Council protested against the deployment of military personnel in Kirkby during the rail strike without any request from them.

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Visits by Railway Queen

While the practice of selecting a Railway Queen was not directly linked to the railway unions, it was clearly linked to the railways so is covered here. Apparently, the practice started in 1925 and continued to 1975. It was the centrepiece of a carnival which took place in Belle Vue Manchester. Entry was open to girls aged between 12 and 16 who came from railway families.

1934

In August 1934, the Railway Queen visited Kirkby for a weekend. On the Saturday, she attended a dance and whist drive at the Market Hall. On the Sunday, there was church parade at St Thomas’s church. In the evening, there was a peace rally at the Market Hall. Speakers included the Railway Queen, Alderman W Bayliss, Rev J H C Rogers and Mr J Mitchell. F White presented the Queen with a dressing-case complete with toilet requisites. Although the news article does not give her name, it does refer to her living in Holyhead. Based on this and the date, I have identified, from a list of Railway Queens, that her name was Gracie Jones.

1936

In April 1936, Audrey Mosson, Railway Queen visited Kirkby. She attended a football match in Bentinck and then went to a tea and concert at the Market Hall. The proceeds went to the NUR Orphan Fund.

1950

In August 1950, Railway Queen Janet Hubbard visited Kirkby but, as far as I know, she did not go to the Market Hall.

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Nottinghamshire Miners’ Association

The Nottinghamshire Miners’ Association (NMA) was established in 1884 as the new name for the Nottinghamshire Miners’ Federation. In 1889, the NMA was a founder member of the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain.

In July 1917, a meeting of miners was held at the Market Hall. The meeting was well attended. A resolution was passed unanimously that there should be a ballot every three years for the election of “permanent” officials of the Nottinghamshire Miners’ Association and a ballot every year for local officials. This decision followed a long speech by Mr H W Booth who argued that officials representing any body of men should be under the control of that body. The article argued that Mr H Brewin was the “father of this agitation“.

Meetings During Miners’ Strike

There were national miners’ strikes in both 1921 and 1926, the latter lasting from May to November (Chapter 25). In 1926, conflict arose between the NMA and the Miners’ Federation of Great Britain over a deal negotiated by NMA General Secretary George Spencer. This resulted in George Spencer establishing a breakaway union, the Nottinghamshire and District Miners’ Industrial Union (NMIU) which only merged back with the NMA in 1937 forming the Nottinghamshire Miners’ Federated Union, with George Spencer as President. The Market Hall was an important venue for meetings during the period of that strike.

F B Varley

In June 1926, MP F B Varley sought to address miners and their wives at the Market Hall. At that time, Frank Bradley Varley was MP for Mansfield and held the seat until his death, aged 43, in 1929. He was active in the NMA, serving as both its Financial Secretary and President.

However, Mr Varley faced high levels of opposition because his peace plan, which involves a reduction of wages, was greatly resented. He was unable to speak and “gave up a bad job and sat down“. The plan had been to have an outside demonstration with a procession through the streets to Portland Park. However, this was not possible because of the weather,

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A Mass Meeting

In September 1926, a mass meeting of miners took place at the Market Hall. A resolution was passed that all safety men be immediately withdrawn. This appears to have been a reaction to the gradual drift back to work that was happening. It appears that there had been agreement that men doing essential maintenance work could continue provided they paid the wages they earned into the strike fund.

Jack Jones No Show

Also that month, it was reported that between 3-4,000 miners gathered at the Market Hall to hear MP Jack Jones but that he did not appear. John Joseph Jones was MP for Silvertown from 1918 to 1940.

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Explaining Liberal Policy of Coal and Power

In December 1927, J T Goddard and John Hooley made a tour of the Nottinghamshire coalfields to explain the Liberal policy of coal and power. They were scheduled to have a meeting at 11.45 on the 8^th at the Market Hall.

I am not sure what prompted this tour. At this time, there was a Conservative government, led by Stanley Baldwin, following their victory in the 1924 general election. Perhaps it was an attempt to rebuild Liberal support following their very poor performance at that election. I have not found details of J T Goddard or John Hooley.

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Ben Tillett

In February 1928, a large crowd attended a meeting at the Market Hall at which Ben Tillett was the main speaker. Tillett was a prominent trade unionist who had played a major role in founding the Dockers Union and the National Transport Workers’ Federation, which was one of the unions that formed the Transport and General Workers’ Union in 1922. It is interesting that the article notes that “in contrast to the meetings held in the district on Sunday, there was no hostility shown to the speakers“.

Scenes of Uproar

It appears that the previous day’s meeting had been in Mansfield. In addition to Ben Tillett, the other speaker had been Mansfield MP Frank Varley. The “scenes of uproar” were described as “reminiscent of those which were characteristic of miners’ meetings at the end of the 1926 strike“. The “uproar” was directed against both speakers. Ben Tillett appears to have been targeted because of the controversy between him and A J Cook. Frank Varley appears to have been blamed for preventing A J Cook from speaking at this meeting and “the old criticism” that he had “contributed to the defeat of the miners“.

Kirkby the Battlefield

This second meeting was chaired by W Bayliss who noted that the Trades Union Federation recognised that Kirkby was the battlefield not only of the county, but of the country, in the fight to get their trades unions back to full strength.

Ben Tillett said that “the handicap placed on the miners resembled Oriental barbarism. The Muschamps and the other owners wield their power and money and position to prevent the miners being honest to their principles – but they are no worse than poor wretched Spencer who having lived and risked the hazards of the worker, must find that his present condition raises a ghost against him.”

He noted that there was a wave of enthusiasm in the country coming to the miners’ help and there were 20-30,000 miners in Nottinghamshire that “must come back to the union“. Mr W Carter quoted a letter which employees of a certain pit had to sign authorising money to be deducted from their wages to pay to the “Spencer Union“.

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Pit Committee

Also, in February 1928, a meeting of Summit “hard coal” miners was held at the Market Hall. This meeting was held following a letter received from management to discuss the possibility of finding work for men who had been stopped in the north and south pits. Management had suggested forming a pit committee to deal with this matter and the men agreed. R G Richardson, the manager, was appointed chairman and W Bayliss, a checkweighman, vice-chairman. Eight men from all sections of the pit were elected to the committee. Management would choose a similar number of their officials.

One suggestion discussed was that men work two weeks and then stand off for one week. It was thought that this would allow “the men stopped…[to] be reabsorbed“. However, this would not apply to the 580 men at Low Moor colliery. The local industry was said to be in a bad state with 350 men ceasing work in Blidworth and 350 of 1,000 at Newstead.

Miners’ Ballot

As outlined above, between 1926 and 1937, there were two rival miners’ unions in Nottinghamshire, the Nottinghamshire and District Miners’ Industrial Union (NMIU), led by George Spencer, and the Nottinghamshire Miners’ Association (NMA).

A Roadside Ballot

In April 1928, there were plans to conduct a “roadside” ballot of miners as to which union they preferred to represent them. As it was not possible to conduct the ballot on colliery premises, it was to be conducted on the road leading to the colliery. The ballot was to be overseen by impartial men from the TUC. The TUC planned a series of meetings as a pre-ballot campaign. One of these was to be at the Market Hall addressed by Walter Citrine, secretary of the TUC.

NMIU Opposition

However, it appears that the NMIU were opposed to the ballot. At one of their meetings, they passed a resolution saying “that this meeting strongly protests against the action of certain politicians and the officials of the TUC in coming into the Notts coalfield and making attempts to force the miners of Notts into the Miners Federation of Great Britain, knowing full well that that organisation is still dominated by Mr A J Cook and the Minority Movement, whose policy and avowed object is to again bring the mining industry to a standstill, and we ask Mr Citrine and the TUC representatives to state publicly whether or not they support Mr A J Cook and the Minority Movement.“

Addressing Accusations

The ballot ended on 4 May 1928 with vote counting taking place at the Albert Hall Institute. A meeting was planned at the Market Hall on 3 May 1928 when “Mr Citrine will deal fully with the accusations made against the ballot supervisors…“. There is a report of that meeting here. The result of the ballot was that 32,277 miners voted to be in the Nottinghamshire Miners’ Union while 2,533 voted to be in the Nottinghamshire and District Miners’ Industrial (non political) Union.

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Tea for Miners’ Children

In January 1929, tea was provided for over 800 miners’ children at the Market Hall. After tea, there was a social evening and more than a hundred prizes were presented to the winners of various games. The event was organised by the Kirkby Miners’ Women’s section.

Ebby Edwards

In August 1933, Ebby Edwards, the Secretary of the Miners Federation of Great Britain visited Mansfield and Kirkby. For advance notice of this visit, see here. He spoke at the Market Hall on Sunday 13 August 1933. Topics he covered included the importance of union membership and the need for change in the coal industry, given reduced demand for coal and increasing mechanisation. He wanted miners to “have a voice in the policy and conduct of the industry“. The meeting was presided over by Herbert Booth, president of the Notts Miners. Association and there was a large attendance.

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Proposed Pension Scheme

In January 1938, a number of meetings took place to allow miners to discuss the proposed pension scheme that the Nottingham and District Federated Union wanted to introduce. This was the merged union formed from the NMIU and the NMA the previous year.

These meetings were held in Southwark Street School Basford and in Kirkby Market Hall. The basic principle was that miners would contribute to a pot from which pensions would then be drawn. At that time it seems that the employers were “antagonistic to the idea of pensions for their employees“.

At the Market Hall meeting, the scheme was explained by Union President G A Spencer with Councillor J T Portas presiding. It appears this meeting also covered proposed new wage agreements. about which there were three main points:

• Those whose basic wage was lower than 6s 4d would not currently benefit from the improvement although the union was trying to address this
• A scheme for holiday with pay would be introduced. Essentially, this consisted of a savings pot from which holiday pay could be drawn
• The third matter was the pension scheme

Party of Miners’ Women’s Section

In January 1953, 570 women attended the second annual New Year’s party of the NCB No 4 Area Group C women’s section at the Festival Hall. Members of Women’s Institutes attended from Annesley, Newstead, Bentinck, Pinxton, East Kirkby and Sutton. One hundred and seventy more women attended than the previous year. Mrs G Brockley, the President of the Group C Committee welcomed members and guests including R D Severn, No 4 Area General Manager; E J Ley, President Nottinghamshire area NUM; G Groves, Area Welfare Officer; R Vernon, Area Safety Officer; S A Merry, Manager of Annesley Colliery; and G Mee, Area Accounts Officer and their wives. There was a play “Woman at Large“. There were also games, dancing and a fancy dress parade.

Conference of Nottinghamshire Area NUM

In February 1953, committee men from all branches of the Nottinghamshire area of the National Union of Mine Workers (NUM) attended a conference at the Festival Hall. The President E J Ley was ill so Vice-chairman A W Clarke presided. The conference was part of the union’s educational programme. There were two sessions. Legal adviser, B Hopkinson, spoke on “Compensation and Common Law” and J T Perkins from the Ministry of National Insurance spoke on “The Industrial Injuries Act“.

Kirkby Coal Queen

The practice of selecting Coal Queens appears to be similar to that of Railway Queens although there were also local Coal Queens as well as national ones. The practice continued into the 1980s.

In April 1953, Gladys Shirley was chosen as Kirkby’s Coal Queen. She had been runner up to the previous year’s Coal Queen, Maureen Brelsford. Second was Brenda Wood and third was Pauline Smith.

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In April 1955, June Harvey was chosen as Kirkby Colliery Coal Queen at the Festival Hall. She won a prize of £10. Mrs Marion Turner was second and Jean Jones was third. The judges were Miss A M Edwards, matron of the Nottingham Eye Infirmary; Miss K M Denman, Sister Tutor of the Nottingham, General Hospital; and Mrs D Harper, the wife of the band leader.

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In May 1959, Betty Thornhill was selected as Kirkby Colliery Queen at a dance at the Festival Hall. There were 15 candidates but “two were too shy to parade at the last moment“. The judges were L Clarke, financial secretary of Notts Area NUM; his wife Mrs Clarke; Dr and Mrs Fernandez; and Kirkby Colliery sister Mrs D Dolby. According to a different article, Mrs B Saunders was second and Miss L Bayton third.

Exhibition of Miners’ Safety Exhibits

In May 1953, the fourth annual exhibition of miners’ safety exhibits was held at the Festival Hall. F D Severn, No 4 Area General Manager stated that accidents were fewer than last year but there were still too many. He noted that most of the safety devices related to roadways while most of the serious and fatal accidents were at the coalface. He wanted to see the accident rate halved. The exhibition was opened by the Chairman of Kirkby Urban District Council, former miner, C R Franks. He welcomed a group of trainee recruits from Bentick and Silverhill Training School who had come to the exhibition.

It appears that the exhibition may also have gone to Heanor, Coalville, Chesterfield and Basford. The exhibition featured working models of safety suggestions received from miners and others.

Party for Retired Miners

In December 1954, the largest party in the county for retired colliery workers was held at the Festival Hall. Five hundred people attended including retired miners from Summit and their wives. J A Wright, the manager of Kirkby Colliery presided. F D Severn, No 4 Area General Manager proposed a toast, He also commented positively on the productivity of the pit. His wife presented long-service certificates to 57 miners who had completed fifty years’ service. Each long-serving miner also received £2 from the Colliery Relief Committee and half a bottle of rum and five shillings from the Nottinghamshire area NUM.

In May 1955, the annual treat for the retired miners of Bentinck Colliery was held at the Festival Hall. A special gift of £5 was given to T Riley of Sutton who completed 62 years working underground. The effort was sponsored by Bentinck Retired Miners’ Amenities Committee and was funded through each miner contributing 1d per week. H F Watson, the Manager of Bentinck Colliery, presided. 158 retired miners received a gift of five shillings. Sixty three, who were over 75, each received an additional ten shillings. Eleven miners received NCB long service awards, having worked for 50 years or more. They also received £2 from the amenities fund. The prizes for the oldest man and woman went to Mr J Parkin, aged 87, and Mrs E Cree, aged 83.

National Unemployed Workers’ Movement

In March 1936, the National Unemployed Worker’s Movement (NUWM) provided a free meal for about 850 unemployed men and their wives at the Market Hall. The guests were provided with soup, meat sandwiches, bread buns, tea and half a pint of beer for those who wanted it. Music was provided during the meal and, in the evening, there was a social. Officials were S Frogson, chairman; C Rigley, treasurer; Miss N Eley; and organiser W Gascoigne.

The NUWM was established by the Communist Party in 1921 and it became the foremost body for organising the unemployed during the interwar years. It organised a number of “hunger marches“. It suspended activity in 1939 and was formally dissolved in 1946.

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Concerts

The Market/Festival Hall was an important venue for a wide range of concerts over many years. I have collated information about these here. In addition, there were also religious musical performances and concerts which are covered here. Bands also often played for dances. There is some overlap between these categories so there may be some inconsistency or duplication in terms of where specific events are recorded. Also, some activities may have been classified as plays and performances that could have been included as concerts.

Organisers

The Market/Festival Hall was managed by the Council. So, potential organisers would approach the Council to make a booking. I am not sure if the Council treated all applicants the same but, in 1913, an application from Mansfield to hold a concert in Portland Park was declined while a similar request from Kirkby Old Prize Band was approved provided that the concert started at 7 o’clock, if in Portland Park, and at 7.30pm, if in the Market Hall.

Various groups organised concerts including the Educational Department of the Cooperative Society; the Kirkby and East Kirkby Friendly Societies and Sunday Schools Hospital Committee; the local lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows; unions, including the NUR; and the Nottinghamshire Education Committee. In some cases, performers organised their own concerts. For example, in 1951 and 1952, Ashfield Gleemen organised their seventh and eighth annual (celebrity) concert, implying these had started in 1945.

Beneficiaries

Some concerts were organised to help individuals, organisations and particular funds. Some of the individuals who benefited included:

• Mr Parker the “old” (former?) headmaster. Could this concert be considered the equivalent of a testimonial?
• George Gibson
• The widow of Sidney Thorpe, a well-known bandsman
• Mr C Ratcliffe – he played bass in the Creswell band and his house had been destroyed by fire.

Organisations and funds that benefited from concerts held at the Market/ Festival Hall included:

• Nottingham General Hospital in June 1920. Also, in February 1921, a concert was organised to benefit the Hospital Demonstration. In May 1939, there was a concert for the hospital carnival.
• St Dunstan’s in October 1933.
• NUR Orphan Fund in April 1936.

Performers

Different types of performers gave concerts at the Market/Festival Hall. These included brass and silver bands; orchestras; choirs; small singing groups; concert parties/Pierrot troupes and variety acts .

Brass and Silver Bands

A number of brass and silver bands gave concerts at the Market/Festival Hall including:

• Kirkby Old Prize Band in 1913; December 1920; February 1921; October 1924; October 1929; October 1933; March 1939; and November 1950
• Kirkby Colliery Silver Band in June 1920; October 1929; July 1939; and December 1955
• Windgates Prize Band in October 1920. I have assumed this is a reference to Wingates Band. Wingates Band was originally the Wingates Temperance Band. There was also a reference to Wingate Colliery Band which does not seem to be linked
• Huthwaite Band in October 1929. There was also a band called Huthwaite Ambassadors.
• Sutton Temperance Band in October 1929
• Stanton Hill Band in October 1929
• Creswell Band in December 1955. This may refer to Creswell Colliery Band. There was also a Creswell Community Brass Band.
• Munn and Felton Works Brass Band in March 1956
• Ransome and Marles Works’ Band in June 1958. Their performance was broadcast as part of the BBC light programme
• Fairey Brass Band in November 1961. This band is still operational
• Black Dyke Mills Band in April 1962. This was said to be their first visit to Nottinghamshire but grandad noted that the Black “Dike” Band came to the Market Hall on 13 January 1929, see Chapter 20. Although I have not found a news report of that visit, I did find a report of visits to Colwick Park in 1910 and 1914. This band remains active

Photos of Bands

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Orchestras

A number of orchestras gave concerts at the Festival Hall including:

• Nottingham Harmonic Orchestra in June 1954. They also gave concerts at the Albert Hall in Nottingham and at the Grand Cinema in Mansfield. I have not found details of this orchestra. There is a Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra but this was only founded in 1974. There is also a Nottingham Harmonic Choir. It seems that this arose out of the Nottingham Sacred Harmonic Society which also had an orchestra. This orchestra is specifically mentioned as giving a concert at the Festival Hall in May 1956.
• City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in October and December 1955. In October, they also gave a concert at the Grand Cinema in Mansfield. These concerts were specifically for children. The December concert was due to be broadcast.
• Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra in June 1958. They also gave concerts at the Grand Theatre in Mansfield.
• Reginald Leopold and his Palm Court Orchestra in November 1962.

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Choirs

Choirs sometimes gave concerts or performed in a concert with others. For example, the Cooperative Junior Prize Choir performed in June 1920 with the Kirkby Colliery Silver Band. Kirkby Male Voice Choir performed with Win(d)gates Band in October 1920 and with Kirkby Colliery Band in July 1939. In June 1958, Eastwood Male Voice Choir, see Chapter 54, performed with Ransome and Marles Works’ Band, a performance which was broadcast as part of BBC Light programme.

Porth Royal Male Voice Choir

In February 1929, the Porth Royal Welsh Male Voice Choir gave a concert at the Market Hall. They also sang at a Notts County football match that same weekend.

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Iris Ward Young Ladies Choir’

In November 1952, the Iris Ward Young Ladies’ Choir performed at the Ashfield Gleemen’s eighth annual concert.

Mowlands Evening Institute Choir

In April 1958, Mowlands Evening Institute Choir gave a concert with well-known bass Owen Brannigan. Mowlands (Evening Institute) Choir were a well-known local choir. For example, in 1952, they came to Bourne chapel and mum went to hear them, see Chapter 54. Edith Searson, in her book(let) “I Remember” (p64) commented on the enjoyable service taken by the Mowlands Choir. They were also broadcast on regional radio. There are some details in the 1969 Kirkby Directory (p27) including that the President was Mr R H Purseglove. It explains that the choir was run as a class through the Kirkby Evening Institute.

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Boots Male Voice Choir and Ilkeston Co-operative Male Voice Choir

In March 1963, two local choirs, the Boots Male Voice Choir and Ilkeston Co-operative Male Voice Choir combined to give a concert to old age pensioners.

Smaller Singing Groups

The Rufford Quartette Party appeared with Miss I Cooper and the Kirkby Old Prize Band in October 1924. The Ashfield Gleemen, see Chapter 42, gave annual concerts between 1945 and, at least, 1952.

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Variety Acts

On some occasions, variety-style concerts were staged at the Market Hall. For example, in November 1915, performers at a monster tea and concert included vocalists Minnie Wall, Ethel Edgar and A H Davies and Edgar T Slack who provided humorous sketches and monologues.

Concert Party/Pierrot Troupes

A Pierrot troupe was a concert party that provided variety-type entertainment in the first half of the twentieth century. One example of such a troupe was called Salsofeders who gave concerts at the Market Hall on both 12 and 19 January 1921. For the second concert, they were with Mansfield Colliery Band. In May 1939, the Revellers concert party gave a concert as part of the hospital carnival.

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Special Stories

Concerts as Part of the Wakes

Concerts formed part of the wakes which happened in October each year. For example, in 1920, Win(d)gates Prize Band and Kirkby Male Voice Choir gave two concerts as part of the wakes.

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Fell off the Platform

In October 1924, a concert was chaired by Mr H H Brimblecombe, the Grand Master of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. However, just after he had announced an item on the programme, his chair slipped off the platform and he was thrown onto the concrete floor six feet below. Medical aid was provided by Dr Waller and he was found to have cuts and abrasions to his head. The second article noted that Mrs Brimblecombe was startled by the incident and placed her hand and arm on the hot water pipe used for heating. She received nasty burns!

Concert to Coincide with the Visit of the Railway Queen

In April 1936, a concert was held to coincide with the visit of the Railway Queen.

Concert Cancelled Because of Power Cut

In November 1950, much of Kirkby experienced a power cut. Services at three church services, at Bourne Methodist, Diamond Avenue Methodist and the Baptist Church, were disrupted, see Chapter 54. A concert by the Kirkby Old Band at the Festival Hall was cancelled.

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Delay Because the Band Got Lost!

In March 1955, the Fairey Aviation Works Brass Band arrived half an hour late for a concert they were giving at the Festival Hall. This was because the driver could not find East Kirkby as all signposts say Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Nevertheless, the programme was enjoyed by the 400 people who attended. Fred Wilks, musical director of Kirkby Colliery Band, presided. There was also an evening concert. A H Briggs, the Vice-Chairman of the local Council, presided. Over 500 people attended. The band was conducted by Leonard Lamb and the tenor vocalist was Idwal Jones. The event was sponsored by Kirkby Urban District Council.

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Radio Broadcasts

Some of the concerts at the Festival Hall were broadcast on the radio. For example, in December 1955, a concert by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra was to be broadcast. In June 1958, a concert by the Ransome and Marles Works’ Band and Eastwood Male Voice Choir was broadcast on the BBC Light Programme.

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Brass Band Contests

In addition to concerts by brass bands, there were also brass band contests at the Market Hall.

For example, in October 1921, there was a brass band contest at the Market Hall. Five bands took part. There appear to have been two categories. “Selection” was won by Rawmarsh with Mansfield Colliery second and Kirkby Old Prize Band third. In the “March” category, the winners were Mansfield Colliery with Rawmarsh second.

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Another brass band contest was held at the same time the following year. It was sponsored by Mr E C Tee prospective Coalition candidate for the Broxtowe Division. This contest was held just ahead of the 1922 general election. Charles Ernest Tee stood as a National Liberal candidate and only lost to George Spencer by 371 votes.

This contest was promoted by the Kirkby Old Prize Band. On this occasion, 16 bands competed. The “selection” category was won by Swanwick with Haaland second, Hucknall third and Dinnington Main fourth. In the “march” category, Haaland won with Swanwick second. There seem to have been a number of bands in Hucknall and I have not identified which one it was.

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Bands at the Festival Hall

A number of well-known rock and pop bands appeared at the Festival Hall.

The Beatles?

A number of contributors on Facebook commented that the Beatles performed at the Festival Hall. For example, Wayne Shirley reported that they played there and then went into Fasey’s chip shop. He also noted Del Shannon playing there.

However, I have not been able to find any documentary evidence to confirm this, e.g. in newspaper archives. Kirkby is not mentioned in a list of live Beatles performances. However, it appears they came to Granada in Mansfield on 23 February, with Helen Shapiro, and 26 March 1963, with Tommy Roe and Chris Montez. They also appeared three times in Nottingham, on 7 March 1963 at the Elizabethan Ballroom and on 12 December 1963 and 5 November 1964 at the Odeon.

In a comment on Facebook, Phil Caunt stated definitively that the Beatles “NEVER” played Kirkby.

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In a Facebook post, Christine Evans noted that, in the fifties and sixties, many bands played at the Festival Hall including The Small Faces and The Who.

The Small Faces

The Small Faces played at the Festival Hall on 7 October 1966.

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The Who

The Who played at Festival Hall in January 1967.

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A number of contributors on Facebook recalled attending this concert. John Luigi Tuckwood commented, “a friend of mine from the college, Kevin Fielding, was operating the lighting at the Who concert. He later told me that when the group smashed up the speaker cabinets, most of them were empty!! That evening Keith Moon threw his drumsticks into the audience, and one was caught by an old school friend, Margaret Fox. No amount of persuasion would let her hand it over.”

John Wood noted, “Yep….I was there. . remember the end when Moonie kicked his drum kit over while Pete Townshend shoved his guitar through the front of his speaker the whole place seemed ta kick off….a great night for.12/6 approx (52p) wouldn’t buy ya a Mars Bar today..“

Derek Taylor recalled “standing outside in the car park with a group of us young lads and shouting up to a window where Keith Moon was waving his arms to us”.

Pink Floyd?

In comments on Facebook, John Luigi Tuckwood commented that Pink Floyd played at the Festival Hall. He noted that this concert had been organised by West Notts Technical Students Association as had the concerts by the Small Faces and the Who. He thought this had been in 1967 as he recalled that it was when “See Emily Play” was in the charts. Apparently, that was released in 1967. So that would mean that this appearance would have been that year.

I have not yet found evidence to confirm this. They did apparently play in Nottingham on 3 December 1967 along with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the Move, Amen Corner, The Nice and Eire Apparent. Apparently, they also played in Sheffield in November 1967, Leicester in September 1967 and Spalding in May 1967.

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Vicki and the Kordettes

In a comment on Facebook, Keith Stevens recalled seeing Vicki and the Kordettes playing on Christmas Eve in the sixties. Although I have not found reference to that concert, I did find a number of adverts that mentioned them including one for a performance at Mapperley Tea Gardens in July 1964.

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Raymond Froggatt

Derek Taylor recalled Raymond Froggatt playing at the Festival Hall. He commented, “One of my favourite people I have seen there was the recently departed Raymond Froggatt and his band playing what he described as the greatest song ever written Mr Tambourine Man. The place packed to the rafters going crazy…” David Jeacock and Nina Grimshaw also recalled this concert.

I have found adverts for Raymond Froggatt concerts at the Festival Hall in May 1988 and October 1990.

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Religious Activities and Services

Over the years, a number of performances of Handel’s “Messiah” were staged at the Market/Festival Hall.

The Messiah

In March 1913, a performance of the “Messiah” was staged at the Market Hall. The principals were Edith Hayes, Agnes Griffiths, Ernest Fisher and Peter Davison. Mr W Whitehead of Beeston led the orchestra with Mr H Ward at the organ and Mr Harris Barke the conductor.

Mum noted attending performances of the Messiah at the Festival Hall each year between 1950 and 1952, see Chapter 51. There were also performances in other years, for example, see the programme for 1956.

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Joint Services

A wide range of religious activities and services took place at the Festival Hall. Given my family’s involvement in the (Primitive) Methodist Church, such events often featured in their diaries.

Intercession Day

In January 1918, there was an intercession day. Services were held in individual churches in the morning with a united service at the Market Hall in the evening. Around 600 people attended. The curate of St Wilfrid’s, Rev J W Wilkinson, presided. Others taking part included Capt Woodall, Mr D Hudson, Rev H David, Mr G Otter, Rev H J West and Rev S M Wheeler. There was a choir and a collection for Red Cross funds. All licence holders closed their premises for the day in sympathy with the movement.

Labour Sunday

In April 1920, a service was held to observe Labour Sunday. It was attended by representatives of various trade unions, lodges and friendly societies. Mr G A Spencer presided. Ministers involved included Rev S M Wheeler, Rev F W Duncombe, Rev A Griffith, Rev R Hewitson and Rev C L Clarke. The Salvation Army led the singing and there was a massed choir led by Mr Harris Barke.

Remembrance

There were commonly joint services as part of Remembrance Sunday celebrations. In November 1934, there was a special parade and service with a record attendance. Those involved included Kirkby Colliery Band, Kirkby Old Band, Salvation Army Band, members and officials of the Kirkby Urban District Council, the British Legion, Toc H, St Wilfrid’s Rangers, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Cubs and Rovers, Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance. The parade assembled in Kingsway Park and then marched to the Cenotaph where a brief service was held conducted by Baptist Minister, Alfred Brown. There was then a public service in the Market Hall. Councillor Mrs A Jeffries presided. The service was conducted by Captain Wagg, Rev J W Smith, Rev G Fry and Rev H R Hackforth. A collection was made on behalf of St Dunstan’s and Earl Haig’s Funds.

In November 1938, the annual Remembrance Day parade was well-attended despite poor weather. The procession assembled at the Market Hall and then walked via Station Street and Kingsway to the cenotaph.

Examples of joint religious services held at Festival Hall included for remembrance and a carol service in 1950 and for the coronation in May 1953, see Chapter 54.

Alliance of Honour

The Alliance of Honour was a male purity organisation that was established in 1904. It encouraged young men to make personal pledges of celibacy before marriage.

In August 1917, three meetings were held connected with the Kirkby Branch of the Alliance of Honour. Two of these were at the Market Hall. The first was for youths over 15 and the second was for males over 17. At the first meeting, Dr Nisbet spoke giving “words of warning as to the extent of venereal disease, ten per cent of the population being affected in one way or another“. A tea was provided between the meetings. Rev T R Auty chaired the evening meeting with speakers including Rev Arthur Briggs, Mr W Fowkes and Rev W J Wilkinson.

In November 1919. another Alliance of Honour meeting was held at the Market Hall. Speakers included Mr E Bagnall and Mr A B Kent, founders and joint acting directors of the Society. Rev W J Wilkinson presided and Rev S M Wheeler offered prayer. Musical items were contributed under the direction of Mr Harris Barke.

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Sacred Concert

In April 1919, a sacred concert was given in aid of the Kirkby Old Prize Band New Instrument Fund. Councillor J W Blackburn presided. Vocalists included Madame McKeon, Miss M Davison and J Purdy. The accompanist was J E Gillott and Kirkby Old Prize Band also performed.

Sunday Usage

The Market Hall was not only used for religious purposes. Religious organizations and individuals sought to influence how it was used. In particular, they wanted its use on Sundays to be limited to religious purposes only.

In March 1920, a deputation consisting of Anglican, Wesleyan and Baptist Ministers (Rev S M Wheeler, Rev R Hewitson and Rev C L Clarke respectively) visited the Urban District Council to petition them about use of the Market Hall on Sundays. Their concerns were that Sunday should be kept different from other days. They did not think that business meetings should be held on Sundays and proposed a referendum on the topic. However, Mr Brannack and Mr Toone pointed out that the only possible day to hold railway and miners’ meetings was Sunday. The Chairman “emphasised the necessity for these Sunday meetings and declared that if the deputation were not satisfied with their findings they could work up an extensive propaganda and remove them from office“.

Rainbow Follies

In May 1956, the concert party from Bourne chapel that mum and dad were involved in, and which was called Rainbow Follies, performed for the National Union of Mineworkers at the Festival Hall.

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Trinity Christmas Tableaux

In December 1959, Trinity Methodist Church presented Christmas tableaux at the Festival Hall, see Chapter 69.

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Ministers’ Fraternal

In February 1960, the Ministers’ Fraternal organised a concert by the Nottingham Salvation Army Band at the Festival Hall in aid of Sue Ryder’s fund for displaced persons, see Chapter 79.

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Jehovah’s Witnesses

During the 1960s, the Jehovah’s Witnesses used the Festival Hall for conferences and conventions.

In May 1960, a semi-annual convention of nearly 500 Jehovah’s Witnesses met at the Festival Hall. One of the leaders was Mr L Price, the minister of the Bulwell congregation.

In October 1963, Jehovah’s Witnesses from Nottingham and 16 surrounding towns came to the Festival Hall for three days of training. This consisted of daily Bible talks, discussions and demonstrations with events open to the public.

In February 1965, 16 local units of Jehovah’s Witnesses got together for a weekend at the Festival Hall. One of the speakers, dog trainer Brian Smith, noted that “the Bible teaches that there was a greater unity between man and beast, and that there will be again in the future. “ A visiting Minister, Douglas Turnbull, was to give the concluding address on the topic of “The Moral Breakdown – What Can Be Done About It?“

Should Cinemas Open on Sundays?

The issue of whether cinemas should be allowed to open on Sundays was a contentious one. In 1931, Parliament passed a Bill allowing cinemas to open on Sundays despite considerable opposition and a petition signed by almost 1.5m people, see Chapter 79.

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Public Meeting

On 8 March 1961, there was a public meeting at the Festival Hall to discuss the issue of whether cinemas should be allowed to open on Sunday. Apparently, they had been allowed to open during the second world war as an emergency measure. A vote was taken at the meeting with 257 people voting for cinemas to open and 211 for them to be closed. There was strong opposition from Kirkby United Ministers’ Fraternal led, in particular, by Baptist Minister Rev G E Bowdes. The Ministers’ argument against was that this was a commercialisation of Sunday.

Cause of Juvenile Delinquence?

The Ministers may also have claimed that Sunday cinema opening would cause juvenile delinquence. But, this was dismissed as nonsense by P W Thorpe, the manager of the Essoldo cinema. He argued that he had “never seen a film yet where the criminal has not been brought to justice and this should act as a deterrent to juvenile crime.” He also said that Sunday opening was not about trying to make a fat profit but was about trying to keep the cinemas open.

A Petition

A petition with 215 signatures had been presented to KUDC Clerk, E J Thomas. A public vote was scheduled for 29 March 1961. Usual polling stations were to be used with the vote taking place between 8am and 8pm. Counting was to take place after the polls closed at the Festival Hall. There had been a similar vote in Liverpool in 1947 with 73,926 (61%) for and 47,025 (39%) against. 

Vote for Sunday Opening

The result of the vote was strongly in favour of Sunday opening of cinemas with 1,992 (75%) votes for and 683 (25%) against. Grandad recorded the result of the vote in his diary and that he and grandma voted against.

Mark Ashfield’s Reflections

The result of the vote is also mentioned in Mark Ashfield’s book “Horses, Herbs and a Cockatoo” (pp19-20). He notes, “inconceivable it might seem now, but there was great consternation when it was suggested cinemas should open on Sundays. Certainly we had moved on a few strides from the days when we were allowed to sing only hymns on the Sabbath, or read books of strictly moral tone, but cinemas opening on Sundays was another thing entirely.

There were protests, and not simply so that a few cranks could air their views. There was genuine feeling that Sunday cinema-going was allowing people to take a downhill path. Now, with television working overtime, and programmes available twenty-four hours a day at the press of a button and a dish correctly positioned, it may seem ludicrous to have felt it necessary to hold a poll on such an issue. It was a last-ditch effort, for there was already a rising tide of opinion, and flowing in an inevitable direction.“

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Dances

A huge number of dances were held at the Market/Festival Hall over the years. I have sought to catalogue all those that were advertised or reported in the local press here. For the period between 1950 and 1963, I have cross-checked the list against “Band Call” updating the material as appropriate.

On this page, I have tended to focus on the period before 1939, that is the Market Hall era, as this period was not covered by “Band Call“. I have not come across any dances at the Market Hall between 1939 and 1950. During this period, the hall was requisitioned for military use and then being rebuilt after the fire.

Dances at the Market Hall before 1939

During this period, dances were organised in a similar way to concerts. People wishing to organise a dance would approach the Council to make a booking.

Organisers

A wide range of groups and organisations organised dances at the Market Hall including:

• The Ladies Rifle Club in April 1919
• Bentinck Colliery Division St John’s Ambulance in June 1919 and July 1920
• Symphonie Musical Society in July 1919
• Comrades of the Great War in July 1919
• Railway Women’s Guild in September 1919 and December 1920
• Kirkby Collieries Football Club in November 1919
• Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB), Duke of York’s Lodge in March 1920
• Kirkby Orchestral Society in July 1920
• Kirkby Portland Cricket Club in November 1920
• Kirkby and East Kirkby Friendly Society Hospital Committee in February 1921
• British Red Cross in November 1928, December 1929, February 1930 and March 1930
• Notts County Football Supporters Club in March 1933

Dances were also held at the time of the visit of the Railway Queen in 1934 and as part of Carnival in 1937 and 1939.

Beneficiaries

As with concerts, some dances were organised for particular beneficiaries including individuals such as:

• Mr J Armstrong who had not worked for 3½ years in August 1919
• Mr W Wightman who had been off work for 4½ years because of spinal paralysis in October 1919
• Mrs Ashley of Clumber Street in January 1920
• Mrs Streets, widow of Mr Streets, who was a deputy at Summit in January 1920
• Mr Bale who was off work through illness in April 1920
• Mr F Bust who was in hospital in May 1920
• Mrs Culpin, a widow in June 1920
• Mr G Bromley, an ex-serviceman in January 1921
• Mrs Watson in February 1921

Beneficiaries also included organisations and funds such as:

• The NUR Orphan Fund in April 1919 and December 1920
• Kirkby Old Prize Band New Instrument Fund in May 1919
• Nottingham General Hospital in March 1920 (Extension Fund) and February 1932
• Harlow Wood Hospital in November 1928 through the Journal’s Shilling Fund
• Voluntary Aid Detachments (VAD) of the Red Cross

Bands

Initially, music for many of the dances was supplied by local bands including particularly Kirkby Colliery Silver Prize Band and Kirkby Old Prize Band. However, over time, other bands also played including:

• Symphonie Musical Society Band in July 1919
• Huthwaite Symphonic Orchestra in June 1920
• Orchestral Band in July 1920
• “Brown’s Kit Kat” Band in November 1928
• Dolman’s Syncopated Orchestra (Dolman’s Syncopators) in December 1929, February 1930 and March 1930
• Oswald Smith’s Carnival Band in February 1932
• Frank Young’s Dance Orchestra in March 1933
• C Baldwin’s Band in July 1939

Masters of Ceremony

During this period, each dance had one or more Masters of Ceremony. Over the years, people who were recorded as carrying out this role included H Barratt (2); C Bird (2); E Boot (2); A Clarke; S Clarke; E Coleman (5); Mr Coupe; Mr Cutts; H Dutchman; W East; Mr Fielding; A E Francis (3); H Hardwick; A Hare; T Hargreaves (3); H Hitch; C Jones (3); P Jones; Dr Layton; Mr Macknee; Dr McCombie (4); Lt-Col J N Musters; F Newcombe; Mr Page (3); T Randall (6); R Tate; A Walker; L Whylde and Mr Williams (10). In March 1933, Owen Thomas was MC. He was described as the winner of the South Wales foxtrot competition.

Some people conducted this role on multiple occasions. Their name is in bold. The number of times I have documented them is included in brackets after their name.

Stories from Dances

A Fight

Following a dance, in July 1919, organised by the Comrades of the Great War, a court case was brought against Jack Draper for assaulting Francis S Frith. The incident occurred when Frith asked Mrs Draper to dance. Apparently, the incident was provoked by Frith referring to Draper’s wife by her first name. The defendant was fined 42 shillings and ordered to pay costs.

Fancy Dress

Sometimes, dances included fancy dress competitions, for example, in April 1920, on Boxing Day 1920 and on 12 February 1921. In May 1920, there was a pansy dance. T Randall and S Kirkby were described as judges of costumes.

Dancing Exhibition

Sometimes, dances included dancing exhibitions, for example, in April 1920 by the Two Larchels. In February 1930, Sissie Smith and pupils gave a demonstration of operatic dancing. In March 1930, Sissie Smith gave a ballroom demonstration with Stanley Pierrepont.

Limelight Effects

A dance on 28 December 1920 was described as having limelight effects.

Dancing Competition

Some dances featured a dance competition. For example, in November 1928, there was a waltz competition judged by Eric Welbourne. There were two spot waltz competitions at the dance in December 1929 and one at the dance in February 1930. There was also a spot waltz competition in March 1933. In March 1930, there were two foxtrot competitions. There was also one open competition. Sissie Smith was the judge.

Whist Drive

In August 1934, when the Railway Queen visited, there was a combined dance and whist drive.

Prizes

Prizes were available to win at some dances. For example, in July 1939, presentations were made during the dance of a suite of furniture to H Smith, a raincoat to Mr A Cook, a case of spoons to Mrs Morley and a doll to Mrs Draper.

Dances at the Festival Hall from 1950 Onwards

Band Call

Between 2007 and 2014, Trevor Lee produced a series of eight booklets called “Band Call” which seek to document bands that appeared at the Festival Hall between 1950 and 1963. The name was based on a list, which appeared in a music paper, of which bands were playing where. The dates covered were determined by Trevor and seek to cover the period “BTB“, that is before the Beatles!

The material is divided into eight issues which cover a different time period. It is organised by artist/performer according to when they first appeared at the Festival Hall. This means that concerts from a later period are included in an earlier issue where the performer appeared at the Festival Hall multiple times.

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Dances Took Place Very Frequently

There were frequent dances during this period with dances taking place weekly for much of the time. In a comment on Facebook, Christine Evans commented, “Wow imagine having a a large event to be able to attend on nearly every Saturday evening throughout the year.”

Letting for Dances

During this period, instead of the Council managing bookings directly, as it had for the Market Hall, it booked out the hall en bloc to a promoter who then organised the dances.

In August 1950, the Council advertised for tenders to hire the Festival Hall on 48 and 52 Saturday nights from 7 October 1950. In October 1950, the Council accepted a tender from H and C Holmes, trading as the Embassy Ballroom Bulwell, to let the Festival Hall for 48 Saturdays in the year. The remaining four Saturdays would be available for Council use.

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Dances Start at the Festival Hall

According to Trevor Lee’s “Band Call” (Issue #1), the first dance at the Festival Hall took place on 6 October 1950 and featured two local bands, The Gay Nineties and the Original Blue Ramblers. The former were said to provide “old tyme music” while the latter played “modern” music. Trevor Lee notes in “Band Call” (Issue #3) that there may have been three local bands with the Blue Ramblers name – the Blue Ramblers, the Original Blue Ramblers and the New Blue Ramblers. In September 1950, the Original Blue Ramblers finished second in the large band section of the Midlands area heat of the National Dance Band competition . They were identified as coming from East Kirkby. The judge was Vic Lewis who himself appeared 15 times at the Festival Hall between 1951 and 1958.

Resident Band

It appears that the initial intention was to have a resident band with this role being taken on by Johnny Clay and his New Stylists with vocalist Eric Shortland. On 6 October 1950, there was a general advert for Saturday night dancing at the Festival Hall. Based on press adverts, they seem to have performed for dances from October to December 1950.

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Boxing Day 1950

Trevor Lee identifies, in “Band Call” (issue #1), that the first nationwide known band appeared at the Festival Hall on Boxing Day 1950. This was Harry Gold and his Pieces of Eight who performed six times at the Festival Hall between 1950 and 1954. There is a video of them performing in Dresden in 1987 on YouTube and also recordings of them from 1946 and 1951.

Trevor Lee also identifies that this was the start of a long association between Alfred Danvers and the Festival Hall.

Alfred H Danvers

I don’t know too much about Alfred H Danvers except that he was a dance promoter in the Midlands in the 1950s. He may have been born in Loughborough in 1913. In 1939, he was living with his parents Henry and Helen in Shepshed. He was listed as a market gardener and his father as a boot maker and repairer. His address was 95 Charnwood Road which was also the address in a 1951 advert. As early as 1946, he was presenting dances in Stoke, in Derby in 1947, in Leicester in 1949 and in Sutton in 1949. His middle name may have been Henry and he appears to have died in Leicester in 1967.

An obituary in the London Gazette listed him as a Dance and Concert Promoter. According to probate records, he died on 27 January 1967. His estate of £13,883 went to hosiery operative, Harold Noon. I found a Harold Noon who was born in Loughborough in 1912. By the time of the 1921 census, he was living in Shepshed. He was also living there in 1939 with his wife Mary . He was described as a Cotton’s Patent Operative. I have not found anything which ties Alfred Danvers to Henry Noon except that they lived about one third of a mile apart in 1939.

More Local Bands

I have not found any adverts for dances between January and March 1951 and none were recorded by Trevor Lee. In April and May 1951, there were a number of dances. As these were not noted by Trevor Lee, I have assumed that they were local bands. In addition to Johnny Clay and his New Stylists, bands included Eric Styles Dance Orchestra (twice); Eric Pembleton and his Band; and The Original Blue Ramblers. I found some details about the Eric Pembleton Big Band who were apparently the house band at the Festival Inn, Trowell. A number of their recordings from 1973 are available on YouTube.

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The Council Re-advertised for Tenders

Also, in April 1951, the Council advertised for tenders to hold dances on 48 Saturday evenings “commencing 1st November next year”. Interpreting the wording strictly, it would seem that the start date was November 1952 but I think it is more likely that 1951 is intended. It is also possible that the contract was brought forward because a different approach is in evidence from May 1951 when more nationally-known bands began to appear at the Festival Hall.

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Alfred H Danvers Advertised for Bands

I am assuming that Alfred H Danvers won the tender as, in June 1951, he advertised in the Nottingham Evening Post for good class dance bands to appear in the Festival Hall on Saturday evenings from 10 November 1951.

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Danvers Dances?

The first advert for a dance I found following this re-tender was on 12 April 1952 when Nat Temple and his Orchestra played at the Festival Hall. Some of their recordings are available on YouTube.

However, Trevor Lee documents more than 20 dances which took place before that in Issues 1 and 2 of “Band Call“. I don’t have access to all the adverts but one for Roy Fox and his Whispering Rhythm, for 26 January 1952, is included in “Band Call” Issue #2. That notes that the evening was presented by Alfred H Danvers. Recordings by Roy Fox are available on YouTube.

The first of these dances, featured The Squadronaires, formally the Royal Air Force Dance Orchestra. Some of their recordings are available on YouTube. It is interesting that, according to Trevor Lee, this took place on Friday 11 May 1951 which would have been the day before another dance at which Eric Styles Dance Orchestra played. I have tried to find an advert for the dance on the 11^th but failed. I did confirm that the Squadronaires were at the Palais de Danse on Tuesday 8 May 1951.

Stardusters Dance Orchestra

One band that Trevor Lee does not appear to document in “Band Call” is the Stardusters Dance Orchestra. They played at the Festival Hall on Easter Monday in 1952. It is perhaps surprising that he does not mention them as their dance was advertised with another that he does mention, namely that of Nat Temple and his Orchestra on Easter Saturday.

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Other Promoters

Trevor Lee does not always note who promoted a particular dance but sometimes this information is included on a public advert. So, for example, when Ted Heath and his Music came to Kirkby on 21 February 1953, this was promoted by Jack Blake. In all, Ted Heath played four times at the Festival Hall. He was considered to have led Britain’s greatest post-war band. Recordings of Ted Heath are available on YouTube.

In addition, the Council’s contract allowed it to organise its own dances four times per year on Saturdays. But, it could also organise dances on other evenings. For example, on Wednesday 17 September 1952, there was a dance organised by the Council and Chamber of Trade for the Lynmouth Flood Disaster Fund. On Tuesday 24 February 1953, Kirkby Chamber of Trade held a Coronation Ball. On Thursday 12 March 1953, Coxmoor Golf Club held their annual dinner dance. A total of £75 was raised for the Kirkby Flood Relief Fund.

In November 1957, Basil Halliday and his Broadcasting Orchestra came to the Festival Hall. What was unusual about this, as noted by Trevor Lee, was that this had been organised by Kirkby District Council.

Vic Lewis and His Orchestra

Vic Lewis was one of the most frequent performers at the Festival Hall. Trevor Lee documented 15 visits between 1951 and 1958. One such visit he documented on 30 July 1955. However, from an advert I found, the hall was scheduled to be closed that night with Vic Lewis scheduled for 20 August. Vic Lewis featured in the film “Date with a Dream“.

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One of the people who appeared with Vic Lewis at the Festival Hall in July 1955 was called Sylvia Drew. As far as I know, she and I are not related! She was a singer who appeared at the Windmill Theatre in Yarmouth in 1956 and who also performed with Vic Lewis’s band. She was also engaged to Johnnie Ray but they did not marry.

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The Saints Jazz Band

According to Trevor Lee’s “Band Call” Issue #6, the Saints Jazz Band appeared at the Festival Hall twice, on 12 September 1959 and 3 October 1959. However, I have an advert which puts them at the hall on 21 September 1959. I wonder if this was a third visit or, perhaps more likely, a typo where 12 has been substituted for 21. As with other bands, videos of their recordings are available on YouTube.

Andre Rico and the Cha Chaleros

According to Trevor Lee’s “Band Call” Issue #7, Andre Rico and the Cha Cha Chaleros appeared at the Festival Hall five times between 1958 and 1959. However, I also have an advert for them to appear on 24 October 1959, a date not recorded by Trevor. While it is possible that this was another appearance, it is also possible that there might be a missing 2 in the entry for 4 October, particularly as this was a Sunday.

In December 1958, the Nottingham Evening Post had an article about dancing the Cha Cha Cha at the Festival Hall entitled “Dancing to a Sneeze“. The reporter referred to the Festival Hall as “the outer extremities” of Kirkby. The Cha Cha Cha was described as a dance “currently sweeping from end to end of this country“. The reporter had been to the Festival Hall on 30 November where the music was provided by Andre Rico and the Cha-cha!eros. It is fair to say that the reporter was not a fan of the Cha Cha Cha. He considered the main purpose of dancing to be to “murmur romantic nothings in your partner’s ear“. But, the Cha Cha Cha “is cha-cha-ed right away from the partner with no physical contact and, at times, turning the back on your partner. No drill sergeant major could have devised less romantic steps“.

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Two Great Bands

I came across an advert which promised non-stop jiving to two great bands on 24 September 1960. I don’t know who these bands were or if this dance happened. Nothing is mentioned by Trevor Lee.

Paul Beattie and the Beats

Trevor Lee notes in “Band Call” Issue 8 that Paul Beattie and the Beats came to the Festival Hall twice, in October 1959 and September 1960. However, I also have an advert which places them at the Festival Hall on 1 October 1960. A recording of Paul Beattie singing “Big Bounce” is available on YouTube.

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Terry Gordon and the Coasters

I have an advert for 22 October 1960 advertising Rock-a-Pop with Terry Gordon and the Coasters. For that day, Trevor Lee, in “Band Call” Issue 8, also mentioned Rock-a-Pop but with a different band, Ivan Jay and the Jaycats. Given that the advert I have was printed on 22 October 1960, is it possible that the original band cancelled?

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Mel Turner and the Mohicans

Trevor Lee, in “Band Call” Issue 8, notes that Mel Turner was appearing with others on 10 February 1961. On the advert that is included, he is described as a “coloured” American recording artiste. Trevor Lee notes that information about him is illusive. I have an advert for him appearing at the Festival Hall with the Mohicans on 13 April 1963. That identifies him as from the film “Just for Fun“, a trailer for which is on YouTube. Their record “I Can’t Stand Up Alone” is also available on YouTube.

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Shane Fenton and the Fentones

Trevor Lee notes. in “Band Call” Issue 8, that Shane Fenton and the Fentones appeared at the Festival Hall twice, in August and December 1962. However, I also have an advert for them to appear on 17 August 1963. They were to be supported by a band called The Sapphires. There are recordings of Shane Fenton and the Fentones on YouTube.

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Sounds Incorporated

Although not mentioned by Trevor Lee, I have an advert for Sounds Incorporated and the Jaybirds to be at the Festival Hall on 3 October 1963. There are videos for Sounds Incorporated on YouTube. One of the best is of them supporting Little Richard (starts at 35.40).

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Famous People at the Festival Hall

In discussion on Facebook, there has been interest in what famous people might have appeared at the Festival Hall. What is clear, from Trevor Lee’s “Band Call” is that almost all of the bands were known nationally, that is they were famous at that time.

Ones I Have Heard Of

However, I confess that I had not heard of most of them. So, this section is dedicated to people I have heard of! I am grateful to Trevor Lee for this information:

Cliff Townshend

Cliff Townshend, Pete Townshend’s father, was part of the Squadronaires that played at the Festival hall in December 1956 and May 1958. Trevor noted that The Who played at Festival Hall on 13 January 1967.

Dudley Moore

Actor and comedian Dudley Moore played with Johnny Dankworth, who appeared at the Festival Hall 20 times between 1952 and 1960. As Dudley Moore joined his band in 1959, Trevor Lee considers it likely that he played with him at least once at the Festival Hall.

Cleo Laine

Singer and actress Cleo Laine was married to Johnny Dankworth. She appeared with him at the Festival Hall at least 16 times between 1952 and 1958.

Frankie Vaughan

Singer Frankie Vaughan appeared at the Festival Hall at least twice, on 12 April 1952 and 28 June 1952, with Nat Temple and his Radio Orchestra.

Elkie Brooks

Singer Elkie Brooks appeared with Eric Delaney and his Band at the Festival Hall on 12 January 1963. According to Trevor Lee, Eric Delaney appeared 17 times at the Festival Hall between 1954 and 1963. However, only 16 instances are listed. Number 5 is missing. I have an advert for 28 April 1956 which does not appear on the list. Presumably, this is the missing date.

Lonnie Donegan

Singer Lonnie Donegan did not headline at the Festival Hall nor is he named specifically in adverts that Trevor Lee identified. However, Trevor is confident that he was part of Chris Barber’s line-up in both December 1955 and February 1956. There are quite a number of videos of Chris Barber and Lonnie Donegan together on YouTube.

Acker Bilk

Renowned clarinettist, Acker Bilk, appeared at the Festival Hall three times between 1959 and 1960. He is most well known for the instrumental “Stranger of the Shore“. There are recordings of him with the band on YouTube.

Kenny Ball

Kenny Ball was well-known as a trumpeter and band leader appearing on peak TV shows, such as Morecambe and Wise. There are also early recordings on YouTube, e.g. from 1962. He appeared twice at the Festival Hall between 1962 and 1963.

Alvin Stardust/Shane Fenton

Bernard William Jewry was better known in the seventies as singer Alvin Stardust. Prior to this, he performed as Shane Fenton and, it was in this guise, that he came to the Festival Hall. I am grateful to Carol Harrison, on Facebook, for pointing out that he came from Mansfield. He was born in Muswell Hill but moved to Mansfield at a young age.

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Dancing Competitions

In addition to waltz and foxtrot contests held as part of some dances in the twenties and thirties, the hall sometimes hosted specific dancing competitions.

For example, in April 1957, the third annual juvenile old-time dancing contest was held at the Festival Hall. It was organised by the Ashfield Old-Time Dance Orchestra. There were 40 entries and an audience of 500. The adjudicator was Miss Constance Grant. The Junior Ashfield Trophy was won by C Upton and V Morris of Nottingham with A Parkinson of Nottingham and K Curtis of Ilkeston second. The Ashfield Trophy open, 12 to 16 years, was won by J Webster and S Weston of Long Eaton with A Tewson of Bilborough and W Nix of Beeston second. Masters of ceremony were Mr and Mrs E Ball of Blidworth.

In April 1958, there was an Old Tyme Ball Juvenile Dancing Competition at the Festival Hall. The adjudicator was Madam Enderby.

Changing Music Styles

Over the period studied by Trevor Lee, from 1950 to 1963, the nature of dance music changed from big band swing and jazz through skiffle to rock ‘n’ roll. Some performers appeared to combine elements of these music genres, for example, Ken Colyer’s Jazzmen and Skiffle Group who played at the Festival Hall in March 1956. Other skiffle groups that came to the Festival Hall included the Mason Dixon Skiffle Group in March 1957, Johnny Duncan in five times between 1957 and 1959, the High Society Skiffle Group in February 1958, Chas McDevitt and his Skiffle Group twice between 1958 and 1959, and Wally Whyton and his Vipers in September 1958.

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Perhaps one of the first explicitly rock and roll bands to play at the Festival Hall were Don Sollash and his Rockin Horses who appeared twice in February and March 1957. They featured in the 1957 film “Rock You Sinners“. Jo Searle and her Rock Men also appeared at the Festival Hall in March 1957.

Jiving

The style of dancing changed with the emergence of “jiving” as a dance form. Trevor Lee noted this change in the introduction to “Band Call” Issue 5 saying “those grey years of austerity in the post-war period meant that dancehalls like the Festival Hall became an escape from the reality of the shop-floor and the office – but the mid-fifties brought a change in musical fashion. Gradually the novelty of the big dance bands started to fade. Modern jazz and be-bop had already made inroads – and rock ‘n’ roll and trad were a lurking presence. The romantic swirl of strict-tempo dancing on crowded dance-floors would start to yield to the jiving of a few pencil skirted and drape n’ creped couples“.

At the end of that issue, Trevor noted that the film “Rock Around the Clock” showed at Kings for three days in 1957. He commented, “this film makes it into the pages of our dance hall publication because of the way it could be seen as the marker put down that changed the genre of music presented in halls up and down the country“.

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Bid to Ban Jiving

However, not everyone was happy with this style of dancing! In February 1952, the Council’s Market and Entertainments proposed to the full council that jiving should be prohibited during dancing at the Festival Hall. The reason given was that it was damaging the floor. However, the principal hirer said this was not the case and that they engaged a floor manager to ensure that jiving was confined to the corners of the hall. the main council agreed that jiving should be allowed to continue as long as it was “kept under strict control“.

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Encouraging Jiving

Some performers appeared to positively encourage this style of dancing, e.g. Leslie “Jiver” Hutchinson who appeared three times at the Festival Hall between 1952 and 1956. In February 1953, popular dancing on Monday nights included a jiving contest.

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Associated with Rock ‘n’ Roll?

Trevor Lee comments, in “Band Call” Issue 1 “if you like me associate jiving with Rock ‘n’ Roll, you will see in the advert Monday’s dance included a contest. American GIs made it popular after the war, they jived to big band swing and often to a quick step tempo. I think jive as I remember it only came into its own when it had the guitar rhythm driving it along“.

Fewer People Dancing

Within Trevor Lee’s comment on jiving is the observation that fewer people were dancing. Attendance at dances seemed to decline and the frequency of dances reduced. One performer, Eric Winstone noted a transition from dances to concerts where people mainly listened to music. In “Band Call” Issue 8, Trevor Lee comments in relation to the end of 1962 that dances were becoming less frequent.

My Family and Dancing

I don’t recall my grandfather ever mentioning himself dancing and I struggle to imagine him doing so!! Mum, however, enjoyed dancing. She had dancing lessons in 1942 when she would have been eight, see Chapter 31 and she continued these for at least ten years until 1950, see Chapter 51. For at least part of the time, these lessons were at Palais de Danse but I am, not sure if these were in Nottingham or Mansfield.

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In the period between 1953 and 1960, when we moved away from Kirkby, mum attended dances at a number of different places. These included Henry Mellish School, Annesley Tennis Club and the Young Conservatives. Perhaps surprisingly, there were also sometimes dances at chapel. When in Blackpool in October 1955, on a chapel trip, she noted dancing ballroom to Reginald Dixon.

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Dancing at the Festival Hall

While I don’t think mum went dancing regularly at the Festival Hall, she did go there sometimes. For example, on 6 April 1953, she noted going dancing at the Festival Hall with Margaret V[arnam], Hazel [Munns], Roy [Drew], John [Overfield] and Ken [Hodges]. Sadly, this dance was not recorded by Trevor Lee and I did not find any mention of it when I went through the newspaper archive. Or I thought I hadn’t! I found that it was at the dance where the Coal Queen was selected although mum does not mention this specifically. I have not found more details.

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Selection of Carnival Queen

On Friday 12 June 1953, mum attended a dance at the Festival Hall where the Carnival Queen was selected. She noted that dad and Ken Roome were on duty in the cloakroom and that Lynne stayed at hers overnight. This dance was not mentioned in Trevor Lee’s “Band Call“.

The Nottingham Journal of 13 June 1953 reported this event including that Sylvia Bennett of Lindley’s Lane had been chosen as Kirkby Carnival Queen.

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Crowning of Carnival Queen

There was another dance at the Festival Hall on 24 August 1953 at which the Carnival Queen was crowned. Music was provided by the Star Swing Band. Mum attended this. She noted that it was “v nice” and that the Carnival Queen was crowned.

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Although the carnival itself that year was cancelled because of rain, mum did go to the Carnival dance the same night.

Christmas Dances

On Christmas Day, in 1952, 1953 and 1954 mum went to a dance at Festival Hall from 12 to 4. As this was from 12 midnight to 4am, technically this dance was on the morning of Boxing Day. In 1952, she went with dad and Ron Rowe; in 1953, she went with dad, Ken Roome, Margaret Varnam, Joan Storer and John Overfield; and in 1954 she went with Margaret Varnam, Ken Roome, Mr and Mrs Cross and Maureen Hobbs.

I am not exactly sure of the bands that played at these dances. Trevor Lee, in “Band Call” Issue 3, noted that Paul Adam and his Radio Music played at the Festival Hall on Boxing Day 1952 but I am not sure if this was this 12-4 dance or was another dance in the evening. According to information supplied directly to me by Trevor Lee, the band who played in 1953 was Stan Holt and his New Blue Ramblers. He also shared a photo of Gracie Cole’s Orchestra which is labelled Boxing Day 1954. But, “Band Call” Issue 4 seems to place her at the Festival Hall on Boxing Day 1953. One issue might be that these dances were organised locally. For example, the one at which Stan Holt and his New Blue Ramblers played was organised by Kirkby’s Labour Party.

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Other Memories

In a comment on Facebook, David Meredith noted that there was also a 12-4 dance for the New Year. He noted that he attended with David Hall, “we were only 15/16 and got in due to the fact we went in with his aunties who vouched for us, needless to say a hangover was working it’s magic in the morning.“

Gary Gascoyne noted that the wooden dance floor was well-known for miles around. He wondered what happened to it when the Festival Hall was rebuilt in the eighties as no-one seemed to know.

Ivan Braddow wondered if anyone remembered an all-day rock festival at the Festival Hall in the sixties or seventies.

John Gascoigne’s Poem

I am grateful to David Amos for pointing me to John Gascoigne’s poem on how Kirkby has changed over the years. Part of it said…

With respect to the band leaders and performers mentioned, we have already mentioned Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine and Ted Heath. Joe Loss is mentioned by Trevor Lee in “Band Call” Issue 6. He appeared at the Festival Hall four times between 1958 and 1959. Humphrey Lyttleton is mentioned by Trevor Lee in “Band Call” Issue 5. He appeared at the Festival Hall eight times between 1955 and 1960. Dickie Valentine and Lita Roza were both singers who came to Kirkby twice, in 1951 and 1953, with Ted Heath and his Orchestra.

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Later than 1965

As far as I can see, the Syd Lawrence Orchestra is still functioning but was only formed in 1967. If so, this explains why it is not mentioned by Trevor Lee. I had a quick look and found one example of them coming to the Festival Hall. That was in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee. Similarly, I found no mention of Edmundo Ross in “Band Call“. It seems likely this is referring to Edmundo Ros but he still does not seem to be mentioned by Trevor Lee. This is less easy to explain as he was active at the relevant time. I had a quick look but was unable to find any documentary evidence of Edmundo Ros coming to the Festival Hall. What I did find is that he was still active in 1974 so it is possible that any visit he made to the Festival Hall was after 1963.

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Police Balls

During the 1950s, a number of police balls were held at the Festival Hall. There were at least seven annual balls held by the Kirkby section of the Nottinghamshire Constabulary with the seventh taking place in December 1957. Also, in March 1954, Mansfield divisional police annual carnival ball was held at the Festival Hall. Attendance at these events ranged from 300 to nearly 600.

Sporting Activities

As well as musical events, the Market/Festival Hall also hosted a range of sporting events, particularly boxing and wrestling. I have compiled a detailed list of all boxing and wrestling bouts I found through a review of a newspaper archive. In general, boxing tended to predominate until the late 1950s with wrestling taking over from then. I found a few examples of mixed boxing and wrestling bouts, for example in 1933.

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Boxing

In addition to information from my review of the newspaper archive, I am grateful to boxing historian Miles Templeton for supplying a lot of information about boxing in Kirkby as part of answering my query about Dick Johnson which arose when I was compiling a blog on Kirkby Carnival.

Organising Boxing

The first mention I have found of boxing at the Market Hall was in October 1916. At that time, it seems applications to host particular individual boxing tournaments were made to the Council. I am not sure how the Council decided which boxing tournaments would be allowed and which would not. However, in this case, Kirkby Urban District Council declined an application from G Smith of Mansfield to use the Market Hall for boxing. No reason was given.

Boxing Starts at the Market Hall

The first record I have found of boxing at the Market Hall was after the first world war, on 13 December 1919. A boxing competition took place at the Market Hall with around 1,500 spectators. The main bout was between Bombardier Grimmer of Mansfield and Frank Rodway of Mansfield Woodhouse. Rodway won the £40 side purse on a referee’s decision. Other bouts were between Joseph Orridge and Billy White; Young Collins and Arthur Mellors; and Young Rodway and Young Dalton.

Boxing in Kirkby Before This

There had been boxing in Kirkby before this. For example, Miles Templeton shared a news cutting of three bouts which took place on 24 June 1910. This was prior to the opening of the Market Hall in 1912. It is noteworthy that these bouts took place “in the open air“.

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Boxing in the Twenties and Thirties

Boxing competitions were held regularly at the Market Hall in the 1920s and the early part of the 1930s.

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George Cater

George Cater of 43 Unity Street promoted a number of boxing tournaments over this period. Based on the 1921 census, George Green Cater, of that address, was a coal miner hewer at Kirkby Colliery. In 1939, he was living at 35 Unity Street and was described as a radio dealer although his name had been transcribed as Carter. I found details of him in the 1941 Kelly’s Directory as a wireless dealer at 76 Lowmoor Road.

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Bid to Stop the Market Hall Being Used for Boxing

However, not everyone was happy with the Market Hall being used for boxing. In 1923, a Council committee decided that boxing should not be allowed at the Market Hall. This issue was one of two main issues discussed by Kirkby Council at their meeting in October 1923. The other was the cost of the smallpox epidemic in Kirkby.

In discussion, Mr Lea argued that if they were going to stop boxing. they ought not have let the hall at the beginning of the season. He also noted that they needed to cater for the public. Mr Hibbert said he saw nothing “demoralising” about boxing. Then, Mr Fox said that he and Mr Sharpe had visited the tournaments and saw nothing objectionable about them. Mr Matley commented that he had done a bit of boxing in his time “and could do a bit now if necessary“. The committee decision to prohibit boxing at the Market Hall was overturned by the full Council.

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A Pause

The last boxing tournament I was able to find prior to the second world war was in August 1934. I am not sure why boxing stopped then, if it indeed did, but it is understandable that it did not restart until the fifties as the hall was requisitioned by the military during the second world war and was subsequently damaged by fire and then rebuilt.

Boxing Soon After the Second World War

Just because the Market Hall was out of use did not mean there was no boxing in the area. For example, in October 1945, boxing contests were held at Bentinck Miners’ Welfare in aid of Mansfield Hospital.

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Boxing in the Fifties

Some six weeks after the Festival Hall reopened, boxing resumed. This was on 6 November 1950 after an absence of some 17 years. The tournament was for charity, to raise money for the Creswell Fund. Council Chairman, W E Ashley, brought from Joe Hardstaff bats autographed by the Australian team to auction for the Creswell Fund.

Festival of Britain

On 6 July 1951, boxing was staged as part of the Carnival/Festival that year. Four hundred people attended. Kirkby boxer, Dick Johnson, was reported to have won the Ted Caunt trophy beating Paddy McCall who retired in the sixth round with a damaged hand/wrist, having been knocked down three times before then. It was Johnson’s 12^th wedding anniversary and his daughter’s fifth birthday. His wife, Violet, acted as her husband’s second. This was described as unusual in the Nottingham Evening Post. The donor of the Ted Caunt trophy refereed the fight. Spectators included the Carnival Queen and MP Seymour Cocks. Following the fight, McCall challenged Johnson to  a rematch, a challenge that was accepted. I have included a lot of information about Dick Johnson in a blog about Kirkby Carnival. It explains that his fights in the fifties were not licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control.

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Boxing in November 1951

I am grateful to Miles Templeton for drawing my attention to a Grand Boxing Tournament which took place at the Festival Hall on 2 November 1951. As can be seen from the leaflet below, this was organised by Ted Caunt through the British Boxing Association. More information about this tournament and the British Boxing Association is available on the Kirkby Carnival blog. An official from the British Boxing Board of Control, Mr Musson, attended the tournament and was particularly concerned about the attendance of registered boxers, such as Bruce Woodcock; the concealing of boxers’ true identities; that the outcome was predetermined (“a complete gee“); and what he considered to be the completely bogus nature of the title on offer.

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Carnival 1952

There was also a boxing competition as part of the 1952 Carnival. According to an article in the Nottingham Evening Post on 12 July 1952, this took place the previous night. Some details are provided in my blog on Kirkby Carnival.

According to an article in the Nottingham Evening Post of 4 October 1952, the Kirkby Carnival Committee also organised a boxing competition the previous night on 3 October 1952. The event raised funds to support the Lynmouth Flood Disaster relief fund. Lynmouth, a village in Devon, had been badly flooded, see Chapter 59.

Miles Templeton supplied some letters to me which highlight the concern in the British Boxing Board of Control about this tournament. There was a particular sense of outrage in this letter at the “shameful billing” of this “as being for the welterweight championship of the Midlands”. Concerns raised in this letter included contestants appearing after the scheduled time and the weigh-in taking place in the ring before the bout with both boxers attired for boxing while “a 1 o’clock weigh-in is called for all championship contests in Britain”. The letter concludes “there is no more substance in the Midlands Area welterweight championship claimed by Dick Johnson than there is in a penny balloon” and “Alf Morley… has no more right to be regarded a Midlands Area welterweight contender than he has to call himself the King of Siam…”

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Amateur Boxing

The NCB East Midlands Divisional Boxing Finals were held at the Festival Hall in February between at least 1952 and 1960.

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In December 1965, there were negotiations about Huthwaite ABC staging an amateur boxing programme, in aid of Sutton Town funds, at the Festival Hall.

A Radio Broadcast

There was also some professional boxing at the Festival Hall in 1955 and 1956. In October 1955, the featherweight contest between Colin Barber and Percy James was broadcast on the Light Programme as part of the BBC’s sports coverage. Some details of Colin Barber, including a photo, are available on Huthwaite-Online.Net.

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George Siddles/Siddal(s)

Some of this boxing was promoted by George Siddles. For example, in February 1956, he applied to the Midlands Council of the British Boxing Board of Control for a licence to host boxing at the King’s Hall in Derby with an option to also use the Festival Hall. It seems that the application was successful as George Siddals and Morris Silver hosted a tournament there on 14 May 1956 which also featured Colin Barber. There were further contests in June, July, September and October of that year with the one in July definitely promoted by George Siddal but perhaps through a company, Judy Promotions. Apparently, George Siddals attempts to make boxing pay in Derby failed and this may explain why professional boxing no longer features after the late fifties.

Boxing historian, Miles Templeton, referred to him as George Siddles. He had a promotion company named Judy Promotions. He promoted in Derby and East Kirkby until about 1959.

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Recollections of Boxing

Mark Ashfield

Kid Staff

In his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (from p37), Mark Ashfield recalled how popular boxing had been in the 1930s. He recalled a number of local boxers, particularly Oliver Stafford, who boxed as Kid Staff. Incidentally, I have found multiple reports of Oliver Stafford fighting at the Market Hall between 1929 and 1933, see list of boxing bouts at the Market/Festival Hall. He was known as Young Stafford, Young Staff and Kid Staff.

George Gallagher

Mark Ashfield also recalled that many high-class boxers came to the Market Hall and that it was possible to get in at the interval for sixpence. He recalled one incident in particular, “a boxer named George Gallagher was topping the bill… Along with a cluster of small boys I was perched high at the back of the hall on a number of stacked-up stalls…then came the bombshell announcement. The other top-of-the bill fighter had failed to turn up… It was then that the promotion official had a brainwave. He picked up the loudhailer. George Gallagher was there… Was there any man in the hall prepared to take on the waiting fighter?” Apparently, Nobby Webber accepted the challenge and lasted ten rounds with the contest being declared a draw.

I am grateful to boxing historian, Miles Templeton, for confirming that George Gallagher was from Worksop. While he was not a champion boxer, he was a “decent top-liner around that particular area“. He also provided me with evidence that George Gallagher visited Kirkby on 23 February 1929 and I wondered if this is the visit Mark Ashfield is referring to. Certain elements are the same, the fight going ten rounds and ending in a draw. But, there is nothing about the other fighter not turning up and a local man taking his place. Possibilities are that these are different incidents, that some elements of Mark Ashfield’s story are misremembered or that the journalist was not aware of the switch and thought that Nobby Webber was in fact Mike Maloney.

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The Old Fighter

In another of his books, “Ferrets, a Tin Whistle and Haircuts at Home” (pp19-20), Mark Ashfield dedicates a whole chapter to the poignant poem “The Old Fighter”.

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Gerald Lee

In his book, “Kirkby-in-Ashfield Yesterday Remembered“, Gerald Lee identifies himself as a boxing fan. For example, in his chapters on cinema (p76), he noted seeing his childhood hero, Len Harvey, in the film “Mind My Glove“. Grandad noted Len Harvey’s visit to Blidworth with Gracie Fields during the second world war, see Chapter 31.

Also, perhaps oddly, Gerald Lee starts his chapter on the whit walks (p85) in the Waggon and Horses reminiscing about boxing. He recalls having seen Kid Staff train, listening to radio broadcasts of championship fights, that boxing was held in the Market Hall and that the Waggon and Horses was the place for telling and hearing stories about boxing. Interestingly, when the Waggon and Horses closed. it became a boxing club, see Chapter 62.

Wrestling

Although there were some examples of combined boxing and wrestling tournaments in the 1930s, I have not found news reports of specific wrestling contests at the Festival Hall until 1957.

Mark Ashfield Explains

In his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (p39), Mark Ashfield explains that “in those days” wrestling did not have the appeal of boxing. There were wrestling shows but they were poorly-attended even when they were promoted by Hackenschmidt from a famous wrestling family. He reflected, “how different it was to prove for a time three decades later when Jackie Pallo, Mick McManus and Mike Marino came on the scene. Wrestling was in and boxing, unaccountably, was out“.

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Wrestling from 1957

Wrestling was held at the Festival Hall from 1957 to well beyond the end of the period we are looking at here, that is to the end of 1965. The first wrestling tournament I have identified was held on 17 June 1957. The wrestlers were Francis Gregory (3), Frank (aka Francis and Battling?) Sullivan (12), Melvyn Riss (5), Joe Critchley (12), Judo Buller, Al Brown (4), Alec Bray and Atlas (2). Where I have evidence of wrestlers appearing multiple times at the Festival Hall, the number of those appearances is shown in brackets.

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Joe Coates

Many of the early wrestling contests were promoted by Joe Coates. As bouts were sometimes jointly promoted with Edgar Coates, and tickets were available from his Station Street shop, I wondered if they might be related. Based on the 1911 census, Joe was Edgar’s older brother by two years.

In a comment on Facebook, John Froggatt recalled a Joe Coats who lived in Mansfield and worked as a sales assistant in “Alexandre men’s bespoke tailors in Mansfield Market Place where Pound Bakers is now.” He recalled that he was “tall very thin always well dressed. When I worked with him in the late 70s he reminded me of someone from the 1950s. My lasting memory of him was the smell of oil he liberally used to keep his hair brushed back.” However, he thought he was too young to have been this Joe Coates. But, he recalled that he had taken over promoting boxing from his father. So, perhaps he was Joe or Edgar’s son?

Wrestling was Popular

In an article on 28 June 1958, in the Nottingham Evening News, A E Stapleton commented that attendances at wrestling in Kirkby were good. He said, “seems like these fortnightly shows are pulling in the crowds”.

Titles, Cups, Trophies and Belts

Some of the fights were said to be for titles, cups, trophies and/or belts. For example, in May 1958, Bert Assirati was to fight South African Champion, Gerry De Jager for the British Empire Heavyweight Championship. In August 1962, Mike Marino (2) fought Johnny Allan (6) in what was said to be an eliminating heat for the Carter Cup. I am not sure what this cup was and have not been able to find details. In May1963, the fight between Jack Dempsey (5) and Ted Hannon was said to be for the Welterweight Championship of Great Britain with a Lord Mountevans Belt at stake. Lord Mountevan was a wrestling fan who, after the second world war, led a committee to standardise the rules of professional wrestling including introducing titles at different weights.

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Tag Wrestling

One feature of wrestling at the Festival Hall was that it included what was called “American-style” tag wrestling. The first instance I found of this was in March 1964 when Johnny Eagles (4) and Mickey Gold took on Joe Critchley (12) and Eric Cutler (2). However, if the poster above does date to 1962, this would be an earlier incidence as that tournament also included tag wrestling.

I assume that tag wrestling was popular as, after this date, all recorded bouts included one tag contest.

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Well-known Wrestlers

As with the dance bands that came to the Festival Hall, many of the wrestlers were extremely well-known at the time. In addition, when wrestling was televised, some would go on to become household names including, mentioned above, Mike Marino (2) and Jackie Pallo. Others included masked wrestler Kendo Nagasaki (2) and Les Kellett (4-5).

Masked Wrestlers

One feature of wrestling during the period was that many of the wrestlers wore masks to conceal their appearance. Examples included the Pachyderm (8), the Mask, the Hooded Terror, the Black Mask (2), the Monster (2) and Kendo Nagasaki (2). In some cases, multiple different wrestlers competed under the same masked name. In many bouts, opponents would appear to try to remove their masks and, if the masked wrestler lost, the mask would be removed. Masked wrestlers, in most cases, were cast as villains. But, there were some exceptions, e.g. Count Bartelli (14).

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Memories of Wrestling

Promoting and Officiating

A number of contributors on Facebook had memories of wrestling at the Festival Hall. Steve Kirk noted that his father had acted as a second for two to three years in the fifties. John Webster recalled being a paper boy at Reg Edwards’ shop. He commented that Reg was “a wrestling promotion advertiser and took all of us paper boys to every competition in the early 60s“.

Excited Fans

Colleen Moult recalled that, when she was about seven, her dad took her to the wrestling. She recalled him “telling me to shout for the mask to come off one of the wrestlers“. Carl Huffen noted how excited some of the older women used to get, commenting, “surprised no old biddies had a heart attack ,could get very excited.” Bet-Bet Phillips noted, “my mum used to go every time they came… came back one day and she had hit Mick McManus with her hand bag because he had hurt Bill Two Rivers.” Jill Taylor commented, “my grandma, Emily Staples, used to love wrestling. She lived on Hodgkinson Road for many years and was a regular there. She believed it was all real. She’d be up in her seat shouting and shaking her fist when anyone played ‘dirty’, calling them a ‘dotty bogger’ or other form of dirty bugger!!“

TV

Some contributors recalled watching wrestling on television. Bet-Bet Phillips noted about her mother “every Saturday afternoon when it was on we had to have it on she used to get so excited a real fan“.

Top Stars

Peter Mercer commented that, “between Kirkby Fez and Sutton Baths saw most of the top stars at the time. Great entertainment.” Wrestlers that contributors remembered included Leon Arris [Brian Glover], Peter (Tally Ho) Kaye, Les Kellett (4-5), Masambula (5), Mick McManus, Kendo Nagasaki(2), Adrian Street, and Billy Two Rivers (2). I have listed wrestlers in italics where I do not have a flyer or advert concerning their appearances at the Festival Hall. However, that list only goes up to 1965.

My Family’s Interest in Boxing and Wrestling

As far as I know, mum had no interest whatsoever in either boxing or wrestling. Grandad had some interest in both, particularly wrestling. However, I don’t believe he ever went to see boxing or wrestling at the Festival Hall. However, he did note seeing boxing at Kings, see Chapter 4. This was in March 1915 and was for the World White Heavyweight Championship between Georges Carpentier and Gunboat Smith. He also saw professional wrestler George De Relwyskow there on 8 October 1914.

In December 1919, grandad noted a boxing match in London between Georges Carpentier and Joe Becket with Becket being knocked out in 70 seconds.

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Later, for example in the late sixties, see Chapter 97, and early seventies, see Chapter 112, grandad watched major championship bouts, particularly those featuring Muhammad Ali.

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Grandad avidly followed professional wrestling on television in the late sixties and early seventies, see Chapter 97. I recall sometimes watching it as well although I am not clear if this was with him or independently. I think this is why I recall some of the wrestlers of that era including Mick McManus, Jackie Pallo, Les Kellett and Kendo Nagasaki.

Tennis Courts

In September 1920, the question of whether the Market Hall could be used for covered tennis courts was referred to the Market Hall sub-committee for consideration. I am not sure what the outcome was,

Billiards Match

In March 1922, a billiards match was staged between Claude Falkiner of London and Edward Jacques of Alfreton. The match was for the benefit of the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Nursing Association. It was “800 up” with Jacques having a 400 point head start. However, Falkiner won easily 800 to 627. An advance notice of this match noted that, after the match, “Mr Falkiner will give an exhibition of billiard playing and fancy strokes“. Tickets cost between 1/6 and 5/9.

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In a comment on Facebook, Stephen Keightley recalled that there was a snooker table upstairs at the Festival Hall and ” you locked yourself in… so no-one could watch“.

Roller Skating

In April 1930, the Council, based on a recommendation by their Markets committee, voted by one vote to run the Market Hall as a roller skating rink three nights per week.

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Darts Match

A return darts match was scheduled to take place in January 1939 at the Market Hall between Mrs A Kirk and Miss Winnie Chapman. Proceeds were to be shared between Nottingham Women’s Hospital and the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Allied Charities. Other women’s darts players were also taking part. As part of the evening, Mrs Kirk and Miss Chapman would challenge any two men present to a doubles game.

Festival of Britain 1951

As noted above, the Market Hall was renamed the Festival Hall in 1950 after it had been refurbished following the 1947 fire. This was in recognition of the 1951 Festival of Britain. An exhibition celebrating the Festival of Britain was held in Kirkby in July 1951. It was opened by Mr D M Rees, manager of No 4 area for the NCB. My mother and her parents attended this exhibition with mum commenting that it was “better than London compared with the size of Kirkby”, see Chapter 59.  They had visited the Festival in London in June 1951, see Chapter 52. There were also other events at the Festival Hall tied in with the Carnival/Festival that year. These included a dance, crowning the Carnival Queen, a boxing contest and a joint religious service.

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Carnivals

Although full-blown, multi-day Carnivals only started in Kirkby in 1935, I found details of earlier carnival-type events at the Market Hall.

Old English and Comic Dress Carnival

In January 1920, an old English and comic dress carnival was held at the Market Hall. Judges were Mr A W Parker and Mr Webster. Kirkby Old Prize Band played jazz music conducted by Mr A W Parker. The masters of ceremony were T Randall and C Jones. Proceeds went towards the Kirkby Old Prize Band New Instrument Fund.

Limelight and Confetti Carnival

In September 1920, a limelight and confetti carnival was held at the Market Hall. The Kirkby Old Prize Band provided music. The masters of ceremony were Mr Williams and Mr Randall.

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Carnival Events

Once full-blown, multi-day Carnivals had started, the Market/Festival Hall was used to host various Carnival events.

Old-Time Dance in 1935

For example, in July 1935, an old-time market was held at the Market Hall as part of the Carnival, see Kirkby Carnival blog. About 60 women, led by Carnival Queen Irene Bostock, led a parade from the new pavilion to the Market Hall. There, Mrs McCombie introduced Mrs J N Chaworth-Musters who declared the market open. As part of that Carnival, a Dunmow Flitch trial took place at the Market Hall.

Selection of Carnival Queen and Dunmo Flitch Trial in 1936

Also, in May 1936, around 1,000 people attended the Market Hall for the selection of Vera Flint as Carnival Queen. Her maids of honour were also selected. Lady Maud Rolleston made the selection. Entertainment was provided by the Roscoe School of Dancing. Just over £11 was raised. There was also a Dunmow Flitch trial that year, held at the Market Hall.

Monster Dance in 1937

In July 1937, the Carnival or “rag” ended up with a monster dance at the Market Hall. More than 400 people attended and the MC was Mr A E Francis.

Eastern Fair, Dunmo Flitch Trial, Concert to Raise Funds and Selection of Carnival Queen in 1939

In July 1939, as part of Carnival, an Eastern Fair was held at the Market Hall. There was also a Dunmo Flitch trial, a dance and concerts at the Market Hall as part of Carnival. In May 1939, a concert was held by the Revellers’ Concert Party in aid of Kirkby Carnival. Also, in May 1939, the Carnival Queen was chosen at the Market Hall. About 700 people attended. Dr Eileen Crowley and Mr K Y McCraith acted as adjudicators. Four maids of honour were selected – Nancy Broadley, Dorothy May Wood, Joyce Coleman and Elsie Holmes. Pearl Topham was chosen as a reserve maid of honour.

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Grandad’s Diary in 1939

In 1939, grandad attended a concert and also that year, as part of carnival, he attended the Dunmo Flitch trial, see Chapter 31 and here.

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Selection of Carnival Queen and Carnival Ball in 1953

In June 1953, Sylvia Bennett was chosen as Kirkby Carnival Queen at the Festival Hall. There were nine competitors and this was the third time she had competed for the title. In 1952, she had been an attendant to the Queen. Her attendants were Maureen Brelsford, Bernice Wright, Joy Munns and Shirley Dove. Maureen Brelsford had been Nottinghamshire Coal Queen in 1952 and Bernice Wright had been Kirkby Carnival Queen in 1951.

However, in August 1953, most carnival events were cancelled because of poor weather. The only event not washed out was the Carnival Ball at the Festival Hall.

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Crowning of Carnival Queen in 1961

In June 1961, Raich Carter, the manager of Mansfield Town, crowned Ann Malton as Carnival Queen at a dance at the Festival Hall.

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Plays, Pantomimes and Performances

Sometimes, plays, pantomimes or other performances, such as dance shows, were staged at the Festival Hall. Some examples are included here.

Queen of Hearts

The play “Queen of Hearts” was staged by Ashfield Theatre on 1^st, 3^rd and 4^th March, possibly in 1961. I found some details of Ashfield Theatre in the 1969 Directory. It seems that it was linked to Kirkby-in-Ashfield Educational Institute.

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Aladdin

In February 1969, the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Educational Institute put on “Aladdin“. Based on the 1969 Kirkby Directory, there appears to be a link between this Institute and Ashfield Theatre and with Kirkby Light Operatic Society.

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The Gondoliers

In 1963, Kirkby Urban District Council presented a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” by Kirkby-in-Ashfield Light Operatic Society and Somercotes Choral Society. According to the advert, there was a link between the operatic society and Kirkby-in-Ashfield Educational Institute. I found some details of the light operatic society in the Kirkby Directory of 1969 which makes reference to Kirkby Evening Institute. It also seems that the society might have links to the Hill Methodist Church and may still be operational, although perhaps under the name of Ashfield Harmony.

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Pantomimes

In January 1955, the East Kirkby Co-operative Theatre and Kirkby Co-operative Pathfinders put on the pantomime “Red Riding Hood” at the Festival Hall. This was their seventh pantomime. About 80 performers took part and the producer was Dorothy Chappell. Janet Chappell was Prince Charming and Sheila Scothern was the Witch. Singers included Margaret Parsons and Cynthia Norris.

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In January 1957, the Kirkby Co-operative Theatre with the Kirkby Co-operative Pathfinders put on their ninth pantomime at the Festival Hall. This was “Sinbad the Sailor” and a total audience of 1,300 people paid to see it. There was a cast of around 80. Dorothy Chappell was producer assisted by Gertrude M Guilor. Janet Chappell played the part of Sinbad.

In January 1961, grandma, Renie Seville, Renie’s friend Vera and Florrie Booth went to a pantomime at the Festival Hall given by the Co-op players. Grandma attended a similar performance in January 1962, see Chapter 81.

Christine March School of Dance Show

The photo below is said to date from the sixties or seventies and features performers at a show put on by the Christine March School of Dance at the Festival Hall. It seems that the school remains in operation run by Christine March’s/Flowers’ daughter Caroline Flowers/Lane.

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Ballroom Dancing

The photo below may feature a ballroom dancing competition. It is said to date from 1959.

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School Events

There were sometimes school events at the Festival Hall. For example, Kingsway Prizegiving was sometimes held there, for example, in 1964/65.

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Folly County Junior School Christmas Party

In December 1953, Folly County Junior School held their annual Christmas Party at the Festival Hall. A presentation was made to head master, Thomas Mollart, who was retiring after seven years, He had been teaching in Nottinghamshire since 1922.

Memories of School Events

In a Facebook comment, Sue Broughton noted that School Street School’s nativity play was held at the Festival Hall in December 1963. She recalled that it was the first time she heard the song “Winter Wonderland“. She also recalled, “I volunteered my mum to type the script – she was not best pleased.”

National Children’s Home and Orphanage

Fundraising and other activities by and for the National Children’s Home and Orphanage/National Children’s Home were sometimes held at the Market/Festival Hall. Since 2008, the charity has been known as Action For Children. Between 1994 and 2008, it was known as NCH Action for Children. Prior to that it was known as National Children’s Home. Action for Children’s website does not mention the name National Children’s Home and Orphanage.

In April 1917, a grand children’s concert was given at the Market Hall by the Birmingham Choir of the National Children’s Homes and Orphanages. Councillor J G Shacklock presided and Sister Chapman gave an address.

In May 1919, a similar concert was given by Frodsham Children’s Home Choir in aid of the National Children’s Home. On this occasion, Rev H J West presided in the absence of J G Shacklock. The event raised £6.

In February 1958, Bob Arnold, who played Tom Forrest in the “Archers” spent two days in the Mansfield area for National Children’s Home. On the first day, 21 February 1958, he was attending a Festival of Youth at the Festival Hall. I believe mum attended this event as she referred to attending a “do” at the Festival Hall for the National Children’s Home and Orphanage that day.

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Parties

Sometimes, parties, such as Christmas parties, took place at the Festival Hall.

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Old Folks Treat

“Old Folks Treats” took place at the Market/Festival Hall between at least 1919 and 1955. These “treats” usually took the form of a tea and some form of musical entertainment. I am not sure if these “treats” took place between 1920 and 1924. In 1927, the report said it was the third annual old folks’ and widows’ treat and I did find a report for 1925.

Raising Money

Funds were raised for these events in a number of ways. On one occasion, a boxing tournament was organised. Other funds were raised through local subscriptions, local tradespeople and trade associations, such as that for butchers who, in 1939, raised £25 with a whist drive and dance. Bus companies, such as Trent and Midland, allowed people who were going to the event to travel for free.

Food and Music

These events took the form of a tea followed by some form of musical entertainment.

Widows Included

In addition to benefiting older people, these “treats” were aimed at widows. In 1919, widows of men who had died in the war were specifically mentioned.

Prizes for the Oldest

In 1925, Councillor M H Fox presented a half-sovereign to the oldest man, J Taylor (aged 90), the oldest woman, Mrs Goodman (aged 86) and the person present with the largest number of living children. The latter was Mrs Linacre with 12 living children. In 1928, golden sovereigns were presented to the oldest man, the oldest woman and the oldest married couple.

Gifts

After each tea, people tended to be given the same gift each year, tobacco and pipes for men and tea for women. In 1928, men were also given a cigar.

Attendance

Attendance varied from around 400 to 735. Teas were also sent out to those unable to attend. In 1955, the attendance was said to be disappointing. They had expected 900 so had split the evening into two. But, on the first night, they only got about half of the 500 expected.

Memories of Old Folks’ Treats

Mark Ashfield, in his book “Christmas Pigs and a Summer Donkey” (from p41) recalled this occurring some six weeks after remembrance. He noted that it was relatively easy for a young boy to get in, particularly if he waited until after tea was over. He recalled, “long row after long row of tables, and sitting up to them were the old age pensioners. Ten bob a week was the handout then, and mighty hard was the struggle for some of those to whom Treat Tickets… had been given“. He also recalled the entertainment that followed.

Children’s Treats

In the thirties, children’s “treats” were held at the Market Hall, similar to the old folks’ “treats” described above. They ran from at least 1932 to 1939 although there may have been some years skipped. In 1932, the event was described as the second such “treat” whereas, in 1939, it was described as the seventh. These “treats” were organised by different groups including, in 1932, by the Kirkby branch of Toc H and, in 1933, by the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Treat Committee. Around 700-750 children attended each “treat“. In addition to tea, different types of entertainment were offered including Punch and Judy, conjuring, music and community singing. In 1939, the “treat” was preceded by a visit to Kings Picture Palace. Each child received a gift which included a penny, one or two oranges, a bar of chocolate, a cracker, a novelty and/or a bag of sweets

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Childhood Memories

In a comment on Facebook, Joan Ware recalled that her mother took her to the Festival Hall in 1950 “to collect cod liver oil and malt, given daily off a spoon, and orange juice to drink daily. Can’t remember if it was still on coupons.”

Poultry Show

Between at least 1914 and 1921, annual poultry shows were held at the Market Hall. These apparently continued throughout the first world war. In 1920, there seem to have been two similar shows. In May 1920, the Kirkby-in-Ashfield Fanciers’ Society held an open and members’ show. Also, in September 1920, a fur and feather show was held at the Market Hall under the auspices of Kirkby -in-Ashfield Excelsior Fur and Feather Society. In both cases, the number of entries was considered to be disappointing in some categories.

A similar show was held in December 1950, but this does not specifically mention that this was at the Festival Hall.

Co-op Meeting

In October 1925, a meeting of around 500 members of the Mansfield and Sutton Co-operative Society was held at the Market Hall. The meeting was chaired by C W Morley and attended by officers of the Society, including G W Dickinson, President; A J Jones, General Manager; F S Smith, Secretary; and Mrs Read, Educational Secretary. Positive comments were made about the size of the attendance with reference to the anxious and difficult time that the “late Kirkby Society had passed through“. There was a musical concert as part of the meeting rendered by a choir led by F Ward.

Chamber of Trade Dinner

Between 1950 and 1959, Kirkby Chamber of Trade held annual dinner dances at the Festival Hall. Attendance was around 220-300 people. These dinner dances tended to take place in November each year but, in 1958, they also held a Valentine Ball in February. Attendance was reported to have been 450 dancers. This may also have been an annual occurrence. At the November event, in 1958, Chamber President, L A Bray, honoured Council clerk, Frank Bowmar for outstanding service to the community. He presented him with a case of pipes. Mr Bowmar had been clerk to the council for 53 years. Mr Bowmar commented that, during that time, he had never had a day off because of illness. He noted that “the work of a local government officer was hard… but he never found that hard work killed anyone“.

Speakers

A range of people spoke at these dinners including J E S Browne, Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire; Rev C Fogerty, Rector of Kirkby-in-Ashfield; F W Harris, the President of Eastwood Trade Guild; L A Bray, Vice President of Kirkby Chamber; W A Raine, Vice-President of the Chamber; Lt-Col G A Wharton, the Deputy Sheriff of Nottingham; Air Commodore W C Cooper, of Ericsson Telephones; R C Bray, President of the local Chamber; W E Lee, former President; Capt G B Kirkup; Mr A McTaggart Short, the President of the National Chamber of Trade; G A Noon, Master of Eastwood and District Trades’ Guilds; R G Emmet, Assistant Manager of the Westminster Bank; Rev A J Hallmark of St John’s in Annesley Woodhouse; W Bainbridge, the West Notts Divisional Education Officer and W Arnold, KUDC Chairman.

Rotary Club

Between at least 1955 and 1959, annual celebrations of Kirkby Rotary Club were held at the Festival Hall. The one in 1955 was described as the eight hmeaning that the events would have started in around 1948. Presumably, the early ones were not at the Festival Hall as it was not open at that point.

The celebrations took the form of a dinner dance attended by around 200-250 people. There were also speakers including A H Preston, District Chairman of No 1 district of Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI); F C Greensmith, as Vice President and President; C E Evans, President of the Sutton Club; E A Healey, President of the Newark Club; L Spencer, Junior Vice-President of Kirkby Club; L Noel Derbyshire, No 7 District Secretary; P G Rolling, President of Eastwood Club; Councillor A H Briggs, Vice Chairman of the Kirkby Urban District Council; E Bryson, the District Vice-Chairman; J Stallard, President of the Hucknall Club; Mrs F C Greensmith of the Ladies’ Inner Wheel; E L Seabrook, Club President; E Wickins, Vice President; Clifford Owst, Chairman of No 107 district; E W Darrington, Junior Vice President; and O T Storrs of Thoresby Park.

Portland College Annual Christmas Fair

In November 1958, the ninth annual Christmas Fair in aid of the Portland Training College for the Disabled was held at the Festival Hall. Ten different organisations were involved in this. The fair was to be opened by Sir Stuart Goodwin, a well-known Sheffield industrialist. Lt-Cdr G J Mackness, the College chairman was to preside at the opening ceremony with an official welcome to Kirkby given by Councillor Mrs M E Wright, Chair of KUDC.

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Road Safety Awards

In July 1958, following cycling reliability trials, the Kirkby Road Safety Committee held a public Road Safety Evening at the Festival Hall. Mrs ME Wright, Chair of KUDC, presented awards to the girl and boy with the highest marks, namely Valerie Evans and Anthony Cope. They both received medallions and 60 students received certificates. Inspector Corah arranged a road safety quiz in which four children, David Hutchinson; Susan Haslam; Jennifer Bust; and John Channer, competed against four adults, S E Seabrook, President of Kirkby Rotary Club; Mrs L Spencer, President Inner Wheel; Mrs L Ackroyd, President Bentick Welfare Ladies’ Section; and L Bray, Chairman Kirkby Chamber of Trade. The adults won by 1½ points.

Youth Exhibition

In December 1960, an article in the Guardian Journal presented plans for young people in Mansfield, Sutton and Kirkby. These included an exhibition at the Festival Hall in which 18 firms had agreed to take part.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club

In December 1958, players from Nottingham Forest attended the annual dance of the combined Sutton and Kirkby and Annesley Woodhouse Nottingham Forest Supporter’s Clubs. Newspaper placards were displayed in the foyer. There were also hundreds of red and white balloons in the hall. Four hundred people attended. C A Warden was Master of Ceremonies.

Mansfield, Sutton and District Women’s Licensed Trade Auxiliary

In October 1959, the fourth annual banquet of the Mansfield, Sutton and District Women’s Licensed Trade Auxiliary was held at the Festival Hall. The speaker, Auxiliary President C M Oates, praised the “wonderful summer” that they had had. He also praised the reduction in beer tax and advocated for a further 2d reduction. He presented a travelling clock to former Auxiliary President K N H Martin. The Auxiliary Chair, Mrs M Bean, also made a presentation to the Auxiliary’s Secretary, Mrs E Coxford. More than 300 people attended the event and more than 500 the dance that followed.

Talent Contest

In April 1957, a talent competition, organised by the Miners’ Welfare Ladies’ Sections, was held at the Festival Hall. The hall, which was able to seat 850, was full. The judges were Miss M Lindley, Mr W L Miron, Mr A Martin and Mr R Pogmore. The trophy was won by Warsop with Pinxton second, Selston third and Linby fourth.

College chairman was to preside at the opening ceremony with an official welcome to Kirkby given by Councillor Mrs M E Wright, Chair of KUDC.

Garden Display

A wide range of other events took place at the Market/Festival Hall including a garden display.

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Horticultural Show

In February 1918, the Council’s Parks, Allotments and Markets Committee considered a letter from Mrs Bircumshaw which was asking for free of charge use of the Market Hall for the purpose of a horticultural show in aid of the Kirkby Patriotic Fair Trust. Permission was granted.

Tea and Procession

In July 1920, children and adults living at the Summit took part in a procession culminating in tea at the Market Hall. Later, there were sports at Lowmoor Farm.

“Save the Cripple”

In 1928, the Journal launched a fundraising campaign for what was then called the Harlow Wood Hospital for Cripples. In November, the Journal announced that two concerts were being held to contribute to what they were calling the Shilling Fund. One of those was to be held at the Market Hall by the British Red Cross Society.

Work of St Dunstan’s

In October 1933, the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor H Seely Whitby addressed a large audience at the Market Hall on the work of St Dunstan’s. I am not entirely sure what this is referring to. There was also a concert in aid of St Dunstan’s.

Public Speaking Contest

In March 1956, the final of a public speaking contest was held at the Festival Hall. The winning team came from Edwinstowe and consisted of Mrs L Ratcliffe, Mrs M Cannon and Mrs M Evans. They were speaking on the topic “How to Keep Your Husband Happy“. The team from Eastwood came second with Gedling third. The winning team won a silver rose bowl presented by A Eggleshaw, President of the Nottinghamshire area NUM. Adjudicators included E R Pogmore and A Martin, joint secretaries of the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation and Mrs J Scott Matthews. About 600 people attended.

Women’s Institute

In September 1964, Mrs P Saxton was selected, at the monthly meeting of Watnall WI, as delegate to the Notts Federation Autumn Council meeting to be held on 7 October 1964 at the Festival Hall. Also that month, the secretary advised members of Nuthall WI of this meeting.

The 350 delegates were welcomed by Chairman of KUDC, E W Ashley. Mrs L J Mitchell, County Chairman, spoke about the role played by Women’s Institutes in rural life. She commented, “go back to your Women’s Institute and liven it up. What satisfied our mothers will not satisfy our daughters. It is up to you to see that the next generation want to join”.

Divisional Meeting of the National Smoke Abatement Society

In October 1953, delegates of the East Midland Division of the National Smoke Abatement Society met at the Festival Hall. This was at the invitation of Council Chairman, A Mead, who was also divisional president of the Smoke Abatement Society. C S Buchan, No 4 Area General Engineer spoke and explained that smoke abatement had been a subject of investigation by NCB officials for some time. Reasons for addressing this included dealing with the issue of smoke nuisance and using coal to full advantage. The problems facing collieries included the type of fuel and the type of equipment. He noted that mechanisation meant that low-grade schemes were being worked.

Dinner for Retired Miners and Widows

In October 1962, more than 300 retired miners and widows attended a dinner at the Festival Hall as guests of an Annesley Branch NUM special committee. Guests included Councillor J Eggleshaw, KUDC Chairman; L Clarke, area agent; M Robson, colliery under manager; W J Tye, chairman of the committee and branch treasurer; K W Elkington, branch delegate; J Lepley, branch secretary; and Councillor J W Aldridge, branch chairman.

Community Events at the New Leisure Centre

The new leisure centre can be used for community events in the same way that the Festival Hall was. Examples include a baby and toddler event, a 70s and 80s night, a Christmas craft fair, children’s Christmas party and festivals of body, mind, spirit and style.

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Over 50s Club

In a comment on Facebook, Jean Harvey noted that the Over 50s Club continues to meet at the leisure centre. She said, “about 25/30 years ago a club called the over 50s club began in the Festival Hall. A rolled out mat upstairs for bowls. Badminton Courts. Table Tennis. It was well attended as it gave older people the chance of exercise and company as some were living alone. Now in the new Festival Hall. Not allowed to take the old mat for bowls. Even if the Club bought a new one it was declined. We still call it Over Fifties but most are 70 plus. There is tea or coffee and a biscuit for 20p. Anyone who would like to come along on Monday and Wednesday at 10.30 to 12.30 will be made very welcome and shown how to play if you are new to any games.“

Criminal Activity Associated with the Market/Festival Hall

This final section considers reports of crimes and court cases where the Market/Festival Hall is mentioned.

Burglary

In July 1928, there was a burglary at the Market Hall. The burglars broke in through a window in the ante room. It appeared that the packing cases in the hall had been rifled through but it was not clear what had been stolen. Any items stolen would have been the property of stallholders who were able to leave items in the hall between markets.

In October 1928, two miners, Thomas Smith (27) and William Marper (37), were bound over for two years for this break-in and for stealing a quantity of clothing. According to an earlier report, in August 1928, both men lived at 6 Tennyson Street. They were also charged with stealing a lamb from J W Heath of Forest Farm. They admitted this charge saying “they took it to help things out“.

Malicious Damage

In February 1952, Jack Farnworth of Clipstone was charged for malicious damage to the Festival Hall. He was said to have broken a small window during a dance at the Hall on 16 November. Although he pleaded not guilty, his clothing was found to be covered with particles of broken glass.

Other Court Cases

In March 1956, a court case was heard in Mansfield. Two police officers had apparently heard the engine of a van at the rear of the Festival Hall in Kirkby. John Michael Florence was said to be sitting in the driver’s seat. However, he denies tampering with the van’s mechanism. He was conditionally discharged. Apparently, he had been out drinking and admitted to being under the influence. He said he had sat inside the van and “my foot might have touched the starter“.

In November 1957, a 16-year old miner appeared at Mansfield Juvenile Court after a raincoat was reported missing from a car outside the Festival Hall. He had been seen wearing it on Gregory Boulevard with his own coat over his arm. He had been stopped by P C Holland. The Chairman, Alderman R Jones, commented that he was likely to reform and “cease walking about in Teddy boy clothing… that will get you nowhere“. He was fined £2 with 19s 10d costs.

In May 1959, two brothers, Barry (18) and Anthony Sheen (21), appeared in court in Mansfield charged with having stolen two cars in Kirkby then trying to steal another from the Festival Hall car park. They were caught by police. They were each fined a total of £33 and banned from driving for 12 months. The Chairman, Lt Col J N Chaworth-Musters commented that, had they been older, they would have gone to prison.

In December 1964, plumber Colin Fowler appeared in court charged with being drunk and disorderly at the Festival Hall on Christmas Eve. He was found guilty and fined £10. Apparently, he had drunk 17½ pints of beer! He earned £13 per week, spending £8 of that on cigarettes (30 per day) and beer (eight pints per day).