Quorn Local History Group

Posted to website March 4th 2021

Thanks to members stepping up, the groups online talks season continued last Monday with Dennis Marchant providing an interesting talk about the village's Stafford Orchard Park from its recorded origins in the thirteenth century through to the present day. Included was a review of the conditions applied when the benefactors conveyed the recreation field to the people of Quorn. The evening was well received and over thirty people joined the talk.

The group's next talk is set for Monday 29th March when Sue Templeman is welcomed back to guide us through a virtual tour of St. Bartholomew's Churchyard.

On 26th April, Ann Brown will describe the many famous statues made by her foundry-owning ancestor, and on 24th May John Adsley will explore 15 centuries of criminal activity in Quorn, Leicestershire and beyond.

As well as the online talks programme, the Local History Group have not stopped working since Covid restrictions limited the activities. With the exception of the Oral Histories Project, QLHG have installed a National Schools Heritage Board in the Old School, updated and digitised the Quorn Walking Guides, installed missing Public Right of Way signs (thanks to LCC), completed and published the Village Sculpture Trail, and finalised fourteen Heritage Board. Also, the Parish Records Review was completed and the Gravestone Recording and the monthly Members Update emails continue.

If you would like to join this friendly group or get involved with projects don’t hesitate to get in touch.

On-line talk sessions can be joined at 7.0pm with the talk commencing at 7.15pm. Members have priority and receive the Zoom joining instruction via the newsletter. Visitors are welcome.

Membership of the QLHG is open to all who have an interest in Quorn's history and heritage. Full details can be found at www.quorndon.com/quorn_local_history_group.php.

Amateur Photographer in Quorn Wins £250

Posted to website January 31st 2021

Quorn resident, Dennis Marchant, is celebrating after being selected as the winner of McCarthy Stone's recent photography competition.

The competition, run by the leading manager and developer of retirement communities which is currently building the Mill Gardens and Farnham House Retirement Living development in Quorn, called for local residents to share their photographs of their favourite Quorn scenery, wildlife and landscapes.

Dennis' image entitled 'Stafford Orchard' was chosen as the winner by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor David Snartt. The Mayor commented: 'The standard of all the entries was phenomenal, and were all a real testament to the wonderful area in which we live, it was certainly a tough job to judge. I chose Dennis' image as the winner as I felt it captured our beautiful Orchard in all its glory'.

Samantha Watkins, Deputy Divisional Sales and Marketing Director at McCarthy Stone Midlands, added: 'Quorn has so many stunning views and places to visit, it is important that our new community at Mill Gardens and Farnham House get to discover some of these for themselves, and we thought our photography competition offered the perfect way to do this. I echo Councillor Snartt when I say that all of the entries we received were brilliant. I'd like to offer our congratulations to Dennis for his winning photograph as well as our thanks to Councillor Snartt for taking on the tough role of judge.'

Dennis commented: 'I was thrilled to be chosen as the winner of the competition. We are really fortunate to have some wonderful landscapes here in Quorn, so it was an absolute joy to photograph'.

Once complete, the development will offer a choice of thoughtfully-designed bungalows and apartments. Farnham House apartments will benefit from a 24/7 call system and camera entry system, as well as a House Manager to provide that extra peace of mind when it comes to safety and security, along with a stylish homeowners’ lounge, hotel-style guest suite and landscaped gardens. Each individual freehold property at Mill Gardens will also enjoy its own private rear garden and a driveway with maintained front gardens, and selected bungalows will also have a garage.

Mill Gardens and Farnham House are situated in the heart of Charnwood Forest and just off the High Street, meaning all daily necessities are within easy reach. When it comes to eating out, you'll be spoilt for choice. The local area offers everything from traditional English pubs to contemporary cafes and restaurants.

For more information about Retirement Living in Quorn call 0800 201 4741 or visit McCarthy Stone.

Quorn Local History Group Update

Posted to website January 30th 2021

The Quorn Local History group have started the new year in a positive mood following the well attended Annual General Meeting held online in December. After three years in post and one of the founding members of the group, Paul Goodman stepped down from the Chair of the committee. He was thanked for his efforts and will remain as an active group member. New committee member Mary Harlow was welcomed as was returning member Dennis Marchant. The groups finances, membership and projects status were presented. A reminder that the group's Facebook page and Village Online Museum postings were continuing and proving popular. The QLHG Charnwood Lottery income from ticket sales have provided a limited income stream and all were encouraged to support the group by buying tickets if they could. The membership were thanked for their continuing support through these troubled times. A presentation by Dennis Marchant on the group's 'Quorn Parish Archive Project' followed.

On Monday 25th January, Sue Templeman present an online talk on the group's Quorn Heritage Boards Project'. Sue provided an interesting insight into the 14 boards that are completed but not yet printed. The boards cover many aspects of Quorn's history. It was a much appreciated talk, highlighting that this has been a huge and fascinating project, to which Sue along with other members have dedicated an enormous amount of time and expertise. Not being able to see the full display in the Old School as planned, this was the nearest we could get - for now. It is a National Lottery Heritage Fund project and Fund and the Lottery players were thanked for making it possible.