Coleorton Heritage events this autumn

We have a number of events lined up this Autumn:

"Medieval Coalmining in Coleorton"
Viscount Beaumont's School Wednesday 16 October

Industrial archaeologist Stuart Warburton on 'Medieval Coalmining in Leicestershire - Coalmining around Lount at the time of the War of the Roses'.
Stuart's talk focuses on the excavations at the Lounge Opencast which produced outstanding medieval mining finds which have rewritten the mining history books. Also looks at the finds such as tools, boots, mine shaft and the unique Lount (Lounge) Tunic and includes references to the Beaumonts but is not exclusively their story.

Viscount Beaumont's School, Ashby Road, Coleorton LE67 8FD. Doors open 6.30pm for 7.00pm. Entry £5 at the door, includes coffee/tea and biscuits.

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Our next "Sleuthing" event will be on Saturday 5 October 10.30am at The New Inn, Peggs Green.

We hold regular "Sleuthing" get-togethers and coffee mornings to see if we can identify faces and places in old photos. We achieve some success and have a great time doing it. People also bring articles from their childhood, that they found in their garden and we see whether we can identify it.
Entry £3 inc coffee/tea and biscuits. No need to book. You'll be very welcome.

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Coleorton History Walks

We have two walks scheduled for October Details and booking here >>

More events and photos from earlier events including "Coleorton People" exhibition >>

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"Time to Remember" booklet series

We've published a small booklet with childhood memories of members and local residents (available for sale at “Sleuthing” and other events, or contact Terry Ward at terryjward@aol.com). We're currently collecting stories and memories for a second issue. If you would like to contribute your own story get in touch with Terry to find out more.

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Mike Cox

Our founder member, treasurer and good friend Mike Cox passed away over the Easter weekend. Mike was always willing to help with anything practical like repairing the gazebo, building frames for and erecting displays, repairing the Millennium Sign when it blew down in the gales of March 2021 and of course he masterminded the renovation of the Communal Bakehouse on The Moor. Thank you Mike - we will miss you, and always remember you.

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St John's Chapel

St John’s Chapel, next to the School on Ashby Road, has served the community since it was opened in 1857; however the chapel is now in danger of being lost to the community as it is considered surplus to Church requirements and may be declared redundant. We believe every effort should be made to retain this beautiful and historic chapel as a community building rather than let it lapse into private hands or disrepair. The cemetery will remain open to visitors and new burials.

The Heritage Group is actively engaging with the Diocese regarding options. Our preferred option is to create a community heritage hub:

• For people to visit and learn about Coleorton history and heritage and to undertake research and use the Group's archive of material
• A place to meet for local groups
• More permanent displays of local history
• A nearby facility and support for visitors to the surrounding graves

To be a viable community facility we will need to add a toilet and small kitchenette. The graves come very close to the walls of the chapel so an extension will need to be compact. We are looking at possibilities in the somewhat limited footprint available.

More about St John's Chapel and its history >>

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Working Group Meetings

Our active members usually meet every month or so to organise activities and coordinate research.

If you're interested in local history and would like to be involved with our group please contact Sandra - details below - and I'll let you know about the next meeting. These are informal working group meetings.

In the meantime we'd love to hear your stories and together build our knowledge of Coleorton heritage. Call Sandra on 01530 440000 or email enquiries@coleortonheritage.org.uk to let us know you're coming.

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