Events
Monthly Summary
Select a date with an entry for upcoming events:
WHaCS Meetings
- Dates and times: Latest programme shown below. From 7.15pm there is opportunity for a tea/coffee/social, then our guest speaker starts at 7.45pm.
- Venue: St Leonard's Community Centre, 4 Bramcote Lane, Nottingham, NG8 2ND. See our Map.
- Entry: Entry is free for Society members and non-members are welcome, paying £3 at the door.
- Parking: Car park to the rear of the Community Centre.
- Nearest bus stops: NCT no. 30 to the Admiral Rodney, or trentbarton the two to Birdsall Avenue.
2026-2027 Programme
"Who Lived at the Admiral Rodney in the 18th century?"
Fascinating insights into the lives of the people who lived in Wollaton's public house between 1680-1790.
Julia King is our speaker.
(WHaCS member and family history researcher.)
AGM followed by:
"The Canary Girls of Chilwell."
A short history of the Chilwell Munitions Factory – the “VC Factory” - and the women who turned yellow and even lost their lives in their contribution to making it the most productive shell producing unit in the First World War.
Liz Adamson is our speaker.
(WHaCS member.)
This is a change to our planned talk and speaker due to ill health.
"The Good, The Bad and the (B)ugly."
Strange insect stories from throughout history.
We'll visit 14th century France on the search for beetle justice; 1920s Australia to meet an heroic moth; find out how bees were heating up the Cold War in SE Asia; and generally check in on old friends, ancient foes, and strange neighbours.
Linda Birkin is our speaker.
"East Coast Main Line Disasters."
The East Coast Main Line runs through our region from Peterborough to Doncaster on its way between London and Edinburgh. As the author of a definitive book on the topic, Adrian Gray can explain how accidents and disasters influenced the gradual improvement of safety down the years with some graphic illustrations of what went wrong, including famous accidents at Doncaster and Grantham.
Adrian Gray is our speaker.
"Stanton on Film."
A compilation of black and white and colour film footage, both professional and amateur, taken at the iron works between the 1930s and the 1980s showing the production of iron, spun and iron pipes and concrete pipes.
Stephen Flinders is our speaker.
"Nottingham's Caves - Exploring Hidden Histories."
An insight into the fascinating history of Nottingham's caves and their many uses over 800 years, from medieval workshops to dwellings and air raid shelters.
Chris King is our speaker.
"Anthony Woodville - Sophisticate or Schemer."
Based on her biography of Anthony Woodville, published in spring 2024, Danielle will explore whether Anthony Woodville, brother of Queen Elizabeth Woodville and thus brother-in-law to Edward IV, was really as bad as some have portrayed him, or was he really a man of many talents?
Danielle Burton is our speaker.
"The Empress and the Washerwoman - St Peter's through Women's History."
From the Empress Matilda and Margery Doubleday, the "Tudor Laundress", to Annie Freeman, "Canary Girl", and enslaved "Congo Mary", women have left their mark on this remarkable, yet often overlooked, building. The ancient church of St Peter's has stood on its rocky outcrop in the centre of Nottingham, in some shape or form, since 1108 and is a document of nine centuries of women's history: local, national, and international.
Dorothy Mountford is our speaker.
AGM followed by:
"The Nottinghamshire Coroner - Medieval to Modern Times."
Dr Didcock is an Assistant Coroner and will delve into the long history of, and fascinating stories from, the coronial service, both national and local.
Dr Elizabeth Didcock is our speaker.
See your copy of Wollaton Historical for more details on this year's talks.
Wollaton Village Dovecote Museum
2026 Season
Please do come and visit the Wollaton Village Dovecote Museum, learn more about its history, explore this year's exhibition and delve into the various research projects.
The main theme of displays this year will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Wollaton Natural History Society.
Details of our opening dates and times for this season are as shown below.
Free admission with all donations welcomed.
For more information on this historic building, see our Dovecote page.
- Sun 10 May 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Season Opening
New displays in place - Sun 14 June 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Displays continue - Sat 4 July 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Wollaton Community Festival
Displays continue
Traditional games outside - Sun 5 July 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Wollaton Community Festival
Displays continue
Traditional games outside
- Sun 12 July 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Displays continue - Sun 9 August 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Displays continue - Sun 13 September 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Heritage Open Day
Displays continue - Sun 20 September 2026
Open 2.00pm to 4.30pm
Heritage Open Day
Displays continue
Free guided walk around the village at 3.15pm on open days.
Dovecote Museum location:
Wollaton Walled Garden
Special Events 2026
Please do come and visit the Wollaton Walled Garden, learn more about its history and witness the incredible restoration.
Details of the special events for this year are as shown below.
For more information on this historic garden, see our Walled Garden page.
- Sat 25 & Sun 26 April 2026
Spring Festival - more information
Open 11.00am to 4.00pm
£2 entrance fee, children free - Sat 4 & Sun 5 July 2026
Summer Festival - more information
Open 11.00am to 4.00pm
£2 entrance fee, children free - Sun 16 August 2026
National Garden Scheme - more information
Open 11.00am to 4.00pm
£5 entrance fee, children free
- Tue 15 & Thu 17 September 2026
Heritage Open Days
Open 11.00am to 4.00pm
Entry free - donations welcomed - Sat 19 & Sun 20 September 2026
Autumn Festival - more information
Open 11.00am to 4.00pm
£2 entrance fee, children free - Thu 8 October 2026
Mental Health Awareness Day
Open 11.00am to 4.00pm
Entry free - donations welcomed
Walled Garden location and other guided tours:
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