Framework knitters of the world unite…

Knit your socks off with a Komet Knitter

Machinery silhouetted within the museum

This is what we had in Bonsall

Photo for cover of Bonsall History Project LP

This machine makes socks!

Subliminal message

You have nothing to lose but your 13 hour day and your Komet Knitters (see pic).

The Bonsall History Project set out on another freezing (but sunny) morning having set the controls (and our trusty coach driver Peter Fox) for the heart of Ruddington near Nottingham. Quite a few of our number had already been to the Ruddington Frameknitting Museum – but such is the lure of the characterful buildings, old framework knitting machines and charming museum staff – they couldn’t wait to return.

Parts of Bonsall once rattled to the sound of 143 knitting machines as scarves, smoking caps, ties, shirts, stockings and underwear were produced. But then Arkwright  started the Industrial Revolution and they ended up in factories in Cromford!

It’s a really interesting visit to Ruddington and the combination of a welcoming brew on arrival, a booked guided tour and a demonstration of framework knitting (it’s complicated!) meant that we all came away buzzing in a historical kind of way.

One of the guides mentioned that Ned Ludd (of Luddite fame) was a myth. What next – Santa doesn’t exist?! We’re not sure about Ned – what do you know? Is he a made-up smasher of machinery?

Thanks to the Ruddington Framework Knitters Museum.

Great welcome, excellent tour and demonstration by Andy Bone (see video here) www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk.

Old Shops and Pubs in Bonsall: History Walking Trail No 1

Thought you might like to see some photos of Bonsall, showing the old Fountain Inn then and now. This is just one of the pubs that features on the ‘Old Shops and Pubs in Bonsall’ history trail.

The Fountain Cafe 2013, formerly a pub called The Fountain

Bonsall Trails Geology and Landscape Walking leaflet

Working on the first Bonsall Trails walking leaflet

Designer/Illustrator Jonathan hard at work on the Geology and Leadmining trail. Jonathan said “In years gone by the Lead Miners of Bonsall Moor would dig deep and follow rakes of lead – we’re going to do the same thing with Bonsall’s Heritage”.

Bonsall History Trail Social Media Workshop at the Barley Mow pub, Bonsall

We’d like to thank Collette and Dave for letting us use their lovely pub the Barley Mow, Bonsall for our very convivial Social Media Workshop with Lucie Kerley, Digital Participation Manager and Blogger. Yesterday’s session helped oil the wheels for planning our Social Media campaign to keep everyone informed about how the Heritage Lottery Funded Bonsall History Trails project progresses.

“Been to a Social Media workshop a couple of years ago and have been using it ever since. It’s great to keep up to date with the latest tools and applications.” Ruth

“My head is reeling… but I’ll have a go at blogging because I want to help share the information we uncover.” Kay

We will be keeping people informed through:

• Blog: bonsallhistory.wordpress.com
• Twitter: @bonsallhistory
• Flickr: www.flickr.com/bonsallhistory
• Village newsletter ‘Mutterings’
• Village website: http://www.bonsallvillage.org

• Bonsall History website: www.bonsallhistory.org.uk

Bonsall History Trails

Bonsall History Project members meet in the King’s Head in Bonsall

Hurray! We’re one of the first groups in the UK to get an ‘All Our Stories’ Heritage Lottery Fund Grant!

This exciting project, The Bonsall History Trails and Leaflets led by the Bonsall History Project, has been given £9,300 to tell their own story and find out more about the heritage of Bonsall culminating in a series of Illustrated Trail Leaflets.