Author: janemcolebtinternetcom
Anstey Gala 9th September 2023
Come and meet us at the Anstey Gala on Saturday, 9th September 2023. This year our theme is Transport. As well as many photos of Anstey vehicles of days gone by, Anstey’s first motorised bus, John Bull, will be present. Not only will you be able to see this renovated 1909 bus, but you will…
In Memory of Anstey Local Willie Thorne
Willie was born in a cottage which stood just to the rear of the Passage to India restaurant and in the late 1960s he was in the 18th Coy Boys’ Brigade at the Methodist Church just 50 yards from his home where our Anstey Local History Archivist Brian was his Company Captain.
Why is one of the roads on the Jelson Estate off Cropston Road named Nothill Way?
Nothill was the name of one of the common or open fields, which existed before the Enclosure Act of 1762, when the land was awarded to Richard Hurd, the Rector of Thurcaston, in lieu of tithes (taxes). At this time Anstey was part of the Chapelry of Thurcaston. The area is now part of Castle…
The History of Marwin Machine Tools, by Brian Kibble
The History of Marwin Machine Tools, by Brian Kibble The two founders of the Marwins were Ernie Hopwell and Derek Robinson – they both worked for the well known Wadkins woodworking and cutting tool machinery company on Leicester’s Green Lane and old Mr Wadkin had been hoping they would take over after his retirement –…
“Army Days” – Recollections of being a soldier by Tony Muddimer
“Army Days” – Recollections of being a soldier by Tony Muddimer “I left Loughborough by rail on the morning of 5th November as Mr Tony Muddimer and arrived at Norton Barracks Worcester and became Sapper Muddimer 22933638 Royal Engineers. We had an introductory briefing in which we were told that it was to be an…
This Saturday 4 Nov: Anstey’s “John Bull” to Feature on Great British Car Journeys
On Saturday November 2nd at 8pm on Channel 4, Great British Car Journeys will feature Anstey’s very own “John Bull.” Don’t miss it! The photo below was taken during filming at Stonehurst in September – you can see Peter Davidson on the left; Tom Duffin on the right. Read more about John Bull here: “John…
Enquiry Answered: Did the framework knitters use wool from local sheep?
Enquiry: The framework knitters in Anstey – did they make woollen stockings and if so did they use wool from local sheep? When boot and shoe manufacture took over were they using hides from local cattle? (hence Harry Roberts Leather Tannery – when did that come into existence?). If that’s the case, did local farms…
Enquiry Answered: Was there ever a paper mill?
Enquiry: Were there/are there Anstey businesses using cardboard (for boxes) and paper, e.g. Anstey Wallpaper, Artisan Press, Suburban Press, Ulverscroft Large Print Books. Where did the paper/cardboard come from originally? Was there ever a paper mill? (as in Papermill Row, Paper Mill Close). I’m aware of Broughton’s Timber Yard – was the timber used for…
Enquiry Answered: What was the old building behind Bradgate Brides?
Enquiry: What the old tall building behind Bradgate Brides was originally used for? There’s a sign on the wall LUXURY OFFICES TO LET. Brian Kibble Replies: The building in The Nook (near) you refer to was originally built in the 1870’s for Burton and Stone boot and shoe factory – the machinery was driven by…
Anstey Local History Society 