News

Even though the History Society is taking a break from meeting in the summer, there are still local, national and online events happening.

Nantwich Museum

Nantwich Museum is as busy as ever with an exhibition about Hospital Street and a series of talks

To find out more read the latest newsletter

Visits

On May 27th – A group of members visited St Michael and All Angels Church in Middlewich. Thanks to Graham Ikin of the Church.

There was a visit to St Mary’s Church Astbury on Thursday July 9th. Thanks to Aileen Thompson for organising a very interesting outing.

Foden’s Band Concerts

Foden’s Band are giving a number of concerts this summer. All the details can be found at https://www.fodensband.co.uk/calendar

Specifically in Sandbach, the band are performing at the Party in the Park on Saturday June 13th between 6pm and 8pm. More details are available at https://sandbach.gov.uk/party-in-the-park/

On Sunday June 28th at 2pm there is a concert at Sandbach School featuring Foden’s Band, Foden’s Youth and Oslofjord Brass (Norway). Pay at the door.

Further construction work is currently taking place at Crewe, following routine construction checks which highlighted additional work required to the building’s structure. The project team are working closely with the contractor, Kier, to oversee the works, but it does mean the opening of the Crewe Archives Centre is now expected to take place in Spring 2027.

1926 Irish Census data released

In 1921 Ireland was engulfed in the War of Independence and then the Irish Civil War. So the 1921 census was postponed. On April 18th 1926 the first census of the 26 counties of the Irish Free state was carried out. Now 100 years later the records have been digitised and transcribed and will be available free on the National Archives of Ireland website from April 18th.

For more details go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQn7dxNAgzk

On April 28th there is a webinar from the (UK) National Archives about the census. To find out more and register for free go to https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/whats-on/events/1926/

What’s on at Nantwich Museum – Appeal

Appeal to Purchase Two Beautiful Historic Rings

Medieval Gold and Turquoise Ring
Nantwich Museum has the opportunity to acquire this beautiful ring discovered by members of the Crewe and Nantwich Metal Detecting Society in the reed bed field near the mere in the grounds of Combermere Abbey. The find is a magnificent ring with inset turquoise stone which, apart from being an uncommon gem for this age of ring, is larger than other examples. 

Post-Medieval Gold Posy Ring
Discovered in Audlem, the exterior of this ring has been decorated with flowers, including a flower head, a stalk with long thin leaves, all emanating from a pair of rounded leaves embedded in a horseshoe shaped bed. The interior of the band is inscribed, reading “Not value but vertue”.

Pictured is the Medieval Gold and Turquoise ring.

Appeal for Donations

These lovely rings, both discovered locally, would enhance the Museum’s “Treasures of Nantwich” collection (displayed in our ‘treasure chest’ for all to see), which has been developed over the years and includes Roman, Saxon, Medieval and Tudor artefacts. Museum Manager Kate Dobson said “We hope we can find the money to ensure that these beautiful rings can be retained and displayed in Nantwich for the public to enjoy”.
To purchase these rings we will need to raise about £2700. If you can help with a donation, no matter how small, this will be hugely appreciated. Donations can be made through the Museum’s website here.

What’s on at the National Archives?

To find out more click here

What’s on at the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society?

To find out more click here

Newsletter subscribers will already be aware that, over the past few months, we’ve been asking for your support deciding which archive Gems will appear on our new website. But did you also know that Gems will include film clips provided by the North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University? Below is a link to a survey featuring clips from three films of Sandbach and we’d like you to decide which should be selected for Gems. Please help us with your thoughts and reflections upon the people, places and events shown in the films.

Go to the latest newsletter for this article and link https://www.cheshirearchives.org.uk/latest-news-and-events/Cheshire-Archives-and-Local-Studies-Newsletter.aspx

To find out more click here

To finish the 2023/24 season, members of the Sandbach History Society, visited Acton Church for a very interesting visit and Tea at the Tower. A great end to a year of talks.

Reopens on Wednesday May 22nd

The end of this major relocation project is now in sight. The date of the reopening is Wednesday 22nd May, 2024. With the expectation of a very busy first few weeks – maybe even months! – the Archives strongly recommend booking in advance of your visit. The easiest way to do this is via e-mail at stoke.archives@stoke.gov.uk, but you can also call and leavea message on 01782 238420. We’ll then get back to you with our availability and get you booked in.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you into our brand new Reading Room at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery – not too long now!

Archives web-site

News for the Cheshire Records Office

The Record Office will now close to research visitors on Thursday 25 July, not 27 June as originally planned. There has been a small delay in getting the sites ready for our contractor to start work. We will be updating our website but wanted to let you know so that you can pass the message on via your networks.

All online services are unaffected, and we will continue to respond to research and digitisation requests. Please let me know if you or your members have any questions.

The 180^th anniversary of Crewe Works is coming up with exhibitions at Crewe Heritage Centre 1^st July till 10^th September at weekends and Bank Holidays.  The theme is “How locomotives were a catalyst for change in Crewe”. For more information go to the Crewe Town Council website