Melbourne Historical Research Group
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An insight into Melbourne
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| Melbourne is a well-preserved and attractive small market town, with a magnificent Norman church in South Derbyshire. In the past the location was the main market gardening area for Derby. Its history also includes textiles. Many interesting characters are connected to Melbourne. Over time the social structure of the area has changed dramatically. Old industries have faded and ways of life are quickly changing. |
Melbourne Historical Research Group Profile
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Melbourne Historical Research Group formed in 2000. We mainly confine our heritage interests to the parish of Melbourne and the former parish of Derby Hills (now shared between Melbourne and Ticknall).Chairman Philip Heath says "I enjoy my role as Chairman of the group. I am an experienced local historian and researcher. As life long resident of Melbourne I have been carrying out original research into the history of the parish for over 25 years. I am the Heritage Officer of South Derbyshire District Council and Chairman of the Architectural Section of the Derbyshire Archaeological Society. Within the group we benefit from the skills of our members. Richard Heath, Vice Chairman, is also a lifelong resident and local historian of Melbourne, particularly noted for entertaining picture shows, adult education classes and guided walks. Barbara Foster, the Minutes Secretary, is also an experienced local historian, joint secretary of the Derbyshire Archaeological Society and regional representative for the Council of British Archaeology. Her husband Keith, though not a Group member, is very generous with his IT services in scanning and photographic work.
Jean Grimley,Treasurer, has experience in setting up websites, including those of Melbourne Parish Council and Sharpe’s Pottery in Swadlincote. Jean has done some of the oral history recording for the Group.
John Wesson brings photographic expertise, Gordon Foddy is a lifelong Melbourne resident and avid researcher of old newspapers at Derby Local Studies Library.
Roy Dunnicliff has an MA in Local History, and has done very useful family history research for the Group. Adrian Earp is an architect in Ashbourne.
Jo Carlier and Maggie Dobby, along with other skills, are able to warmly welcome and look after guests at exhibitions.
Our other members either have long associations with Melbourne and interesting recollections of their own, or offer practical help or staffing for our exhibitions and events. All of which are invaluable."
The chairman produces an annual letter for patrons early each year, advising them of the group’s activities in the previous 12 months. This is not available to the general public. |
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How to contact us:
Write to -
Philip Heath (Chairman)
47, Blanch Croft
Melbourne
Derbyshire
DE73 8GG
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Phone: 01332 864873
Email: philip.heath@south-derbys.gov.uk
Website: www.mhrg.org.uk
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Meeting details
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| We meet monthly, in a private venue, for members only. There are currently 18 members. New members are welcome but we do stress that the purpose of membership is to actively contribute to the development of the group and our interests. Consequently we don’t advertise for new members. |
Previous projects
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For a brief review of our previous project please visit www.mhrg.org.uk
Each year, one particular aspect of Melbourne's history is investigated and our work is exhibited from time to time during the year. Some of our material is open to public inspection in the Melbourne Library and may be used for research or educational work. |
For Heritage Open Days in 2001 we moved a working 18th century stocking frame into an 18th century frameworks knitter’s cottage, and re-introduced a cottage industry for the weekend. The original workroom is now a bathroom, so the machine was hard up against the loo!
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“Brussel knobbing”, modified by Philip Heath.
The Melbourne Historical Research Group researches subjects that have been important in the life of the community since the Industrial Revolution.
Market Gardening is one of these. We created Christmas cards about this subject. The photograph on this card shows Jack Earp working for O. J. Hatton.
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We have created a CD of the Melbourne WI Scrapbook 1965 and produced cards of paintings by Melbourne-born artist William Dexter (1817-60).
In 2003 we were involved in the excavation of the Melbourne Hall icehouse. Also in this year we devised a quiz for children during the National Archaeology Days. |
Current projects
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In April 2005 the group published the manuscript diary of . J.J Briggs, a King’s Newton historian. An exhibition accompanied its release.
Image supplied by Philip Heath.
The group is currently (Winter 2006/7) preparing to publish a book on the history of the "Melbourne Clearance Areas", demolished for redevelopment in the 1960s.
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