Bob Talking about Tricks of light and Colour

Some Comments on recent talks given by Bob

Comments on group talks

Thank you for a lovely surprise this afternoon, loved the talk on cats & so
 did everyone else..
it was lovely to see you once again, let us hope we
 all keep healthy

Janet Tuesday Fellowship

Hi Bob – thanks so much for coming along on Saturday and sharing the celebrations! It was so great to have you here and I really appreciate all the support over the years!

Jane

The Bookcase Lowdham

Dear Bob,

Thank you for last nights very interesting talk about Goose Fair.  I loved all the old photos, and was amazed to see how packed it was (no telly to watch at home!) and like you said, no H&S in those days.   The other interesting thing is that there were very few women in the crowds.

I did not expect moving pictures, either!  That was a surprise.   

It was a very entertaining talk - thank you again from the East Leake & District Local History Society.

Regards,

Val.

Hi Bob

Sorry I missed you leaving the village hall last night but this was only our second meeting and we’d missed such a lot of gossip and chatter during the pandemic and I was so busy chatting I missed you.   Many thanks for coming along and giving us such an interesting talk/video on Bread and Beer  – it was really enlightening and afterwards we were all of the opinion that a pint of beer was a good thing to have!  Many thanks from the tractor club.   

 Best Wishes     Jane Cole   Social Secretary Kegworth Vintage Agricultural Club

So interesting to hear more about our local Arnold history! Thanks Bob!

Kathryn Fox

Thanks for sharing such interesting local history Bob. As you said - an important part of our local heritage. Always enjoy hearing your local stories. Best wishes, Michael

Councillor Michael Payne

Hello Bob,

Just a quick note to thank you for your talk to our group on Wednesday. It was fascinating to hear the history and differences between idioms, proverbs and catch phrases and judging from the numbers of attendees, the subject certainly caught peoples imagination.

I have your list of other talks and your contact details so please expect another call from me sometime in the future.

Thanks again Bob.

Best wishes,

Mike Hannah

Allestry History Group

Hi Bob,

Just wanted to thank you again for your riveting talk on Skeggy Nottingham on Sea onThursday - I think everybody there found it interesting.

I'll be sorting out the speakers for the end of 2022 and early 2023 in the Spring and will be in touch hoping you will be available for another gig!

Thanks again,

Best wishes

Jacky (Jensen)

Lowdham History group

Hi Bob ,

Just to say Thankyou again for coming to speak at the group on Monday . I hope you enjoyed being on your old turf again !

And again apologies that I was up and down a bit with an unexpected visitor . Inventions by mistake was an interesting talk and fitted so well with our theme that day . Well done on all your research !

Many thanks ,

Jenny

Together Group

West Bridgford

Bob

 thank you for a fascinating afternoon about a very interesting lady, Violet Jessop. What a life!

  best wishes

Jill Haywood

Oakwood Fellowship.

Hi Bob

Thanks for the talk last night on nottinghams lost theatres- it was very interesting, although as I first moved to Nottingham in 1974 I had no recollection of most of the buildings

Cheers

Alan Green

Dear Bob,

On behalf of everyone at Arnold Local History Group,  I would just like to say a very big thank you for your continuous support of the group, through what has been a very difficult time.  Your zoom talks during these past difficult months of Covid, have proved an invaluable link to both members and friends alike, giving us all something to look forward to!  Last night’s meeting and your talk on the lost theatres of Nottingham proved a great success, with in excess of 50 people in attendance.  A great turn out don’t you think for a dark autumnal October evening and whilst still in the grip of Covid!   I’m sure I speak for everyone, when I say it was an excellent talk, thoroughly enjoyed by all!  

On behalf of everyone at ALHG, thank you very much indeed! 

Best wishes     

Lynne Gadd

Secretary, Arnold Local History Group

Dear Bob,  Well done on your talk last night at the Ex-Servicemen's club. We all enjoyed it.  Please would you add my e-mail address  to your mailing list?

Kind regards,

David Packman

Dear Bob

Thank you for such an interesting talk about the history of Arnold’s parks on Sunday. We both really enjoyed the talk and would like to go on your mailing list for any of your talks and walks in the future.

Regards

Megan and Mike Higgs

Thanks for your talk on murder mystery and mayhem this morning Bob. It was well received and we appreciate you helping us out. Sorry that we couldn't assemble a larger audience . 

Best wishes

Marjorie

chair Southwell U3A

Pippa Ward

Thank you Bob, great talk at BreckhillPark and my dad loved being out and seeing you

Hello Bob,

Thank you for today’s talk and walk in breckhill park. Most enjoyable, as usual.

Thanks,

John Baird-

Editor - NottsLit

·         BREAD AND BITTER Mapperley

Trick or treat? This Halloween do something a little different and head to the Bread and Bitter for the latest edition of Bread Talks.

Bob Massey, local historian will be providing a spooky talk on the history of Halloween and sharing some ghost stories of Mapperley…

Free and fun, this is not one to miss!

BOB ON ZOOM

Hi Bob

Thanks very much for your presentation on gone but not forgotten the lost building of nottingham.. I am sure it was well received.. I appreciated it.

I moved here in 1974 and bought my first three-piece suite from Arkwright street.

Best wishes

David Pitfield

Keyworth u3a

Hi Bob,

we are really sorry we had to leave early last evening,.

I thought the evening went well, your talk What is History was excellent and there was a good discussion afterwards.

Best wishes Keith and Christine Edwards ALHG

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the invite, What is history  was certainly an interesting talk.  The heading 'History', acknowledging many versions of the 'truth' and so much more.

Thanks again - and I'll certainly look out for your future work (and join ALHG)

Cheers

Alan Green

Hi Bob,

I just want on behalf of everyone at the ALHG, to thank you for your talk on what is history  last night, it was absolutely brill!  You managed to incorporate the video clips which added another dimension to the talk!  It really was brilliant Bob, thank you very much indeed.  I was thrilled at the amount of people who did tune in, I have to say I was a bit worried that people would be put off by technology,   I think for a first time that was a great result!

If you would like and are happy to do another, then I am more than happy to organise, just let me know your thoughts.

Once again, many many thanks indeed.  Will look forward to hearing from you. 

Lynne Gadd

Secretary Arnold Local history Group

Good evening Bob, just to say thank you for your lovely Presentation on VE day tonight.

It was very well received and we have had some good feedback.

Regards  

   Pam Windley and the Committee

    Tupton Local Hhistory Society

Hi Bob

A very interesting talk about Billy Cotton, this morning. He certainly crammed a lot into his life.  I especially liked the way you interspersed audio and video clips with the still frames.    Very enjoyable 

I remember the Billy Cotton Band show with fondness.  My mother loved Russ Conway (with his missing finger).  You couldn’t talk when he was on. (Ah the good old days of television). 

Kind regards.

DavidAtkins

 WollatonPark Men's Probus                       

Hi Bob,

It was good to see and hear your presentation on Billy Cotton via zoom - I had no idea he was such a sportsman. It was very interesting 

Stay safe

Peter Lyons

WollatonPark Men's Probus

Bob

On behalf of everyone,  I would just like to say thank you very much indeed for your  really great talk on What is History!  It was fascinating and,  as you said, certainly made you think!  I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you very much indeed.

Once again, many thanks! All the best      

Lynne Gadd Secretary Arnold Local History Group

Talk in the Park

Hi Bob,

Many thanks.

I enjoyed your little talk in the park, thanks for taking the time and effort.

Happy Christmas to you both

Keep safe!

Phil and Christine Chapman ALHG

Hi Bob,

Thanks again for the Arnold Christmas talk - and the mince pie.

I trust it didnt get too much colder as the day wore on!

Cheers

Alan Wood

The pinder and the Pinfold article in Gedling Eye

Ross Tomlinson says:

Oct 31, 2020 at 3:51 pm

Very educational article. I’d like to learn more about this and related matters

      Sue Peet

Very interesting 

Diane Clayton

Fascinating, thank you

Belinda says:

My mums name is Pinfold. Didn’t know we had one so close to where I live. Interesting read thank you.

Stuart Frew says:

Thanks Bob. Lovely and informative article about a part of Arnold’s history i hadn’t known of. Imagining it now, opposite my old school, The British, or FrontStreetBoysSchool as no one ever called it! We’d actually get told off for calling it the former!

Higginbottom Video

I loved the video you did with Eve.  It really brought the Higginbottom story to life. Many congratulations.

 jo blany

Guide house Video

Maxine Mcardle-Armstrong

My dad used to work there When he was in his 20s and 30s Thank you Bob love your YouTube video

Denise Chesters

Thanks for this Bob, I really enjoyed it. I can just about remember it from my childhood and always wondered if I had imagined it being there

Eileen Hopkins

Hello Bob, I'm a Carlton girl born and bred but have lived in Arnold for 45yrs. I find the history of Arnold fascinating. With your knowledge it's great to put buildings and their history together. Well done and keep up the good work thank you.

Dear Bob

Just wanted to thank you for the video clip which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately I will be at work late night for your forthcoming zoom talk but hope it goes well.

Kind regards

Jane Chadburn

Anglo Saxon video
Daz Peet

Excellent video. I would love to see some more like this.

Carol Allcorn

I really enjoyed the video Bob, lots of local history explained  looking forward to when we can attend one of your talks 

Pat Tassi               

Thank you for the video, enjoyed it very much. Look forward when I can come to one of your talks.

Pauline Cooke

Thank you! Enjoyed that!

Ian Brooker

Thanks Bob. Look forward to the next one.

Walks in the park

Great talk today !

Paul Dury

Hi Bob,

I'd like to say how much I enjoyed the talk at the park yesterday and I'll certainly be looking out for future events as well as locating and studying the content that you already have out there!

Thanks again

Alan Green

We all Thank you for your great talk on Sunday. Great weather too!  Thoroughly enjoyed it and it makes you look at your familiar environment in a whole new light.

Sally Smith

 I thought the park walks were brilliant

Elaine Wyatt

Many thanks, Bob.

We thoroughly enjoyed your recent Arnot Hill House walk / talk.  As we'd attended your Friday evening series of Eagles Nest talks on the History of Arnold, the actual Arnot Hill House / Park visit and your map meant so much more to us.  We both enjoyed your King George V park walk a week last Sunday as well.

Tricia and Richard Turpin.

Thank you so much for the George V park walk . Dad, Ryan and Rozie thoroughly enjoyed it.

Andy and I were sorry to have missed it. look forward to joining you again. Best wishes.

Sally

Thank you for the walk last Sunday Bob, it was absolutely brill! Really looked forward to it.

Kind regards,

Jane Chadburn

Talk in Schools

Hi Bob,

Sorry but I haven't been in school this week. Thanks so much for coming to talk about the luddites. It's always a really good start to a new topic and the children enjoy it. Sorry the tech was such a pain! Thanks again,

Lindsey

KillisickJnrSchool

Group talks

Dear Bob

Please accept my sincere apologies for not writing to your sooner to thank you so much for your very interesting and knowledgeable talk up the flu to our ladies on 10 March.  We did indeed enjoy it very much.

Once again many thanks.

Kind regards

Julie Hudson

Aston Ladies Circle

Hi Bob

on behalf of the ladies of Bingham W I I would like to thank you for your talk on Glenn Miller, an enjoyable afternoon. It brought  back a lot of memory ,s.

So many thanks

Val

Bingham W I

Dear Bob

I hope you are staying safe at this difficult time. After you gave your very interesting talk on the Luddittes to our History Society at Southwell Library in February, I mentioned that my PDF book was imminent and it involves Arnold.

A copy is attached which you may save, print, share or use as you see fit. 

Take care Best wishes

Rob Smith

(Treasurer, Southwell Local History Society)

Hello Bob

 I am just giving you a huge vote of thanks from our group who have all regaled me with their views on your talk on tea.

All were enthralled with the facts that we never knew about, regarding our Nations favourite drink.

I for one will view a cuppa chaa in a totally different light and certainly drink it with more respect. 

Again many thanks,

Kind Regards,

Sharran Aldred 

Ilkeston U3A Talk

Dear Bob,

We all enjoyed your presentation on Tuesday and we all learnt a tremendous amount about the Mary Celeste, and of course about the media and how it is capable of spinning a story over time.

I would like to book you again, that is if you don’t mind coming all this way.

Please let me know this is convenient.

Thank you,

David stamp

Matlock forum club

Hi Bob  Thanks for entertaining our club last Monday with the story of Glenn Miller. The feedback was very positive.

I have put you in my program for next September when I would like you to present" Fred and Ginger"

Wishing you all the best

Regards Tony Gardner Chairman

Netherseal Rockwood Club

Dear Bob,

Thank you for your excellent presentation on Victorian optical toys, which we all enjoyed very much, and looking forward to your two talks booked for this year.

I look forward to discussing it further.   

Kind regards

--

Jackie Williams

Keyworth & District Local History Society

Dear Bob,

Once again I would like to say Many Thanks for your talk on the end of the pier shows yesterday.  It was very interesting both to me and to the other members present.

Regards,

 Ian Pearce TD

Branch Secretary

Mansfield Bellamy Branch

Dear Bob,

It was lovely to meet you today, and on behalf of Hucknall U3A, I would like to thank you for your interesting and informative talk on Arnolds caves.. I know a lot of our members were really intrigued, as they had no idea there were caves in Arnold. Thank you once again for your fascinating talk. A very enjoyable afternoon.

Regards

Dianne White

Assistance Speaker Secretary,

Hucknall U3A 

from castle rock brewery site

BREAD TALKS WITH BOB MASSEY

• SUN, 15 DECEMBER 2019 @20:00-21:00

·         BREAD AND BITTER mapperley

Once upon a time, on a cold Christmas night, a walking encyclopaedia was born and his name was Bob Massey. He grew up to be a very clever historian indeed and watched many a Christmas pass from his dwelling in Arnold.

Join him at the Bread and Bitter for the latest BREAD Talks to hear about Mapperley at Christmas in the years gone by. Free, fun and informative!

comments on the talk at Bread and Bitter on Christmas traditions

very interesting keep it up

very good talk interesting facts and I learnt a lot.

it was lovely to have such an enthusiastic speaker.

well delivered and interesting

more please it was great

fab !

really great thanks

really great informative and fun

lovely evenings entertainment thank you

great event very interesting stuff ! will be back

Hi Bob,

Just wanted to say thank you again for a really interesting talk on the Home Brewery. This was very well received and I hope that you'll come back to us in the future to discuss one of your many other topics.

Meanwhile thanks again.

Cheers Jacky.

 Lowdham Local History Society

Hi Bob

Thank you for a very interesting talk about the Traditions of Christmas.  I think we all learnt something new about how Christmas Traditions came about.  Our membership all enjoyed it..  No doubt we will be contacting you next year.

Best wishes

Beverley Eyre

Gedling and Carlton U3A

Hi Bob ,

              I hope you arrived home safely, in spite of the dreadful rain

. Thank you so much for a very entertaining  afternoon .   Your talk on tricks of light and colour was interesting, ,informative, very revealing and certainly gave us food for thought !   We all enjoyed it very much.

I shall be passing on your details to Loughborough U3A. and hope to see you again.

Many thanks once again,

Sylvia

Glenhill Snrs

 Arnot hill park history walk Fantastic tour. Thank you very much Bob

Ash Bashley

I just wanted to say thank you for all your help and the resources you gave me. I really enjoyed reading your book and learning more about the history of Arnot Hill Park. As part of my project I had to display and show my work . Every one was really interested and didn't realise it was a hospital. They loved the photos !!

thank you again it was much appreciated

Olivia

Hello Bob,

Thank you so much for making the Lunch Club successful with your entertainment, The music hall on Film .We all enjoyed it enormously and looking forward to the next instalment.

Kind regards,

Sue stack

Nuthall Lunch Club

thank you Bob for an excellent talk on the early history of Arnold.

Arnold National Womens Register

Thank you Bob Massey for tonight’s talk on Highwaymen and women, Could I have two tickets for the meeting on 16th April please?

 Regards Avril Molde

Dear Mr Massey,

Firstly I want to say a huge thank you for your talk at the bread and bitter pub on Halloween on Sunday, and for staying behind for so long afterwards talking to me and another couple!

 I am the History student who is wanting to do a local history dissertation. 

My brain is still in overdrive from all of the information. I literally didn't sleep on Sunday evening as I was just so excited with all of the knowledge and ideas for work I could possibly do. 

I would love to buy all of your books to 1) try and get some more ideas if what I may be interested in but also 2) just for pure enjoyment. Please can you let me know how I can buy them all? 

Thanks so much 

Zoe Huckerby 

Dear Bob,

Just wanted to say how much i actually loved being in that little room on the history course last week & couldn't stop my eyes wandering round the room & picking out all the little features from when it must have been a stable.

At one time we kept ours in one similar at Chase Farm which has now been demolished.

You did very well considering your bad cold & hope you are starting to feel much better.

See you next week,

Kind regards,

Jane

Arnold local History course

Thanks so much Bob for meeting us this morning. It was so interesting to listen to you talk about Arnold's history-What a wealth of knowledge you have

 Take care regards

Clare

Arnold u3a history group

Hi Bob it was lovely meeting you in person today. Thank you for coming to talk to us about the VE Day celebrations.

Many thanks

Pam

Tupton local history society

Comments on Halloween talk at Bread and Bitter.

Hi Bob,

Good to see you again on Sunday. It was another fascinating talk, and an enjoyable evening all round.

Cheers

Graham

Carlton U3A History Group

Before I forget, here are some snaps from the talk at the Bread and Bitter tonight. It was great as always! And I think the chats you have with interested folk after are almost more important than the talks themselves - you can see how they want to really find out more... 

I'll see you at the Dec talk if not before - and you should really pursue the old cinema as a venue for talks (and I'm well up for supporting!) 

All the best 

Paul Dury

Haywood rd community centre

the talk at the Bread and Bitter comments

*Bob Massey is extremely knowledgeable 10/10

*Really interesting fantastic talk. We really enjoyed the evening and will be coming to the next. The level of knowledge Bob holds is fascinating.

*Very knowledgeable and interesting well presented.

*Always enjoy Bobs events. Very informative and well delivered

*Very interesting evening

*Great.! Thanks

On Tuesday the 7th May we received a visit from one of our favourite guest speakers, Mr. Bob Massey.

Bob can always be relied upon to deliver a talk that is both entertaining and informative and this month was no exception. “Gone but not forgotten” was the story of the lost buildings of Nottinghamshire, demonstrated with slides, film and Bob’s unique and inimitable style that completely engrossed our members and guests for over an hour.

. Bob Massey was thanked for his contribution to the evening and we look forward to his next visit.

Blidworth and District

Historical and Heritage Society

Bob

 thank you for a fascinating and thrilling afternoon talking about Then they were gone

akwood Fellowship

Popular presenter Bob Massey returned to present a fun talk entitled Nottingham on sea all about the history and rise of east coast resort Skegness. Bob took us on a fascinating trip through history from the earliest times right up to the Butlins holiday camp and beyond.

Nottingham Postcard Club 

I just wanted to say thank you for all your help and the resources you gave me. I really enjoyed reading your book and learning more about the history of ArnotHillPark. As part of my project I had to display and show my work . Every one was really interested and didn't realise it was a hospital. They loved the photos !!

thank you again it was much appreciated

Olivia

Hello Bob,

Thank you so much for making the Lunch Club successful with your entertainment, we all enjoy it enormously and looking forward to the next instalment.

Kind regards, Sue stack

Nuthall Lunch Club

thank you Bob for an excellent talk on the early history of Arnold.

Arnold National Womens Register

Thank you Bob Massey for tonight’s talk on Highwaymen and women, Could I have two tickets for the meeting on 16th April please?

 Regards Avril Molde

Dear Mr Massey,

Firstly I want to say a huge thank you for your talk on Sunday, and for staying behind for so long afterwards talking to me and another couple!

 I am the History student who is wanting to do a local history dissertation. 

My brain is still in overdrive from all of the information. I literally didn't sleep on Sunday evening as I was just so excited with all of the knowledge and ideas for work I could possibly do. 

I would love to buy all of your books to 1) try and get some more ideas if what I may be interested in but also 2) just for pure enjoyment. Please can you let me know how I can buy them all? 

Thanks so much 

Zoe Huckerby 

Dear Bob,

Just wanted to say how much i actually loved being in that little room on the history course last week & couldn't stop my eyes wandering round the room & picking out all the little features from when it must have been a stable.

At one time we kept ours in one similar at Chase Farm which has now been demolished.

You did very well considering your bad cold & hope you are starting to feel much better.

See you next week,

Kind regards,

Jane

Arnold local History course

Thanks so much Bob for meeting us this morning. It was so interesting to listen to you talk about Arnold's history-What a wealth of knowledge you have

 Take care regards

Clare

Arnold u3a history group

Hi Bob it was lovely meeting you in person today. Thank you for coming to talk to us about the VE Day celebrations.

Many thanks

Pam

Tupton local history society

Comments on Halloween talk at Bread and Bitter.

Hi Bob,

Good to see you again on Sunday. It was another fascinating talk, and an enjoyable evening all round.

Cheers

Graham

Carlton U3A History Group

Before I forget, here are some snaps from the talk at the Bread and Bitter tonight. It was great as always! And I think the chats you have with interested folk after are almost more important than the talks themselves - you can see how they want to really find out more... 

I'll see you at the Dec talk if not before - and you should really pursue the old cinema as a venue for talks (and I'm well up for supporting!) 

All the best 

Paul Dury

Haywood rd community centre

*Bob Massey is extremely knowledgeable 10/10

*Really interesting fantastic talk. We really enjoyed the evening and will be coming to the next. The level of knowledge Bob holds is fascinating.

*Very knowledgeable and interesting well presented.

*Always enjoy Bobs events. Very informative and well delivered

*Very interesting evening

*Great.! Thanks

On Tuesday we received a visit from one of our favourite guest speakers, Mr. Bob Massey.

Bob can always be relied upon to deliver a talk that is both entertaining and informative and this month was no exception. “Gone but not forgotten” was the story of the lost buildings of Nottinghamshire, demonstrated with slides, film and Bob’s unique and inimitable style that completely engrossed our members and guests for over an hour.

. Bob Massey was thanked for his contribution to the evening and we look forward to his next visit.

Blidworth and District

Historical and Heritage Society

Bob

 thank you for a fascinating and thrilling afternoon talking about Then they were gone

Oakwood Fellowship

Popular presenter Bob Massey returned to present a fun talk entitled Nottingham on sea all about the history and rise of east coast resort Skegness. Bob took us on a fascinating trip through history from the earliest times right up to the Butlins holiday camp and beyond.

Nottingham Postcard Club 

Wendy Ambrose at Arnot Hill Park 100yr celebration.

The history walk & talk was fascinating enjoyed every minute of it thanks 

Bob
It was good to meet you on Sunday at Arnot Hill parks 100yr celebration. I am sorry that I had to leave your very informative tour of Arnot Hill Park before it had finished.
However, your book The People and the Park is providing me with a lot more, that I didn't know about!
Sincerely
Cllr Meredith Lawrence
Deputy Mayor
Gedling Borough Council

From Arnold Community Facebook page

Andrew Tom

Hi, I'm a local Scout Leader and looking for someone to come and deliver a roughly 1 hour talk on the history of Arnold, Daybrook and Woodthorpe areas, to a group of Scouts and Cubs, probably around mid November time. Any suggestions please?

 Comments on above

Jeremy Arblaster Bob Massey -
https://nlha.org.uk/news/bob-massey/

Bob Massey - NOTTINGHAMSHIRE LOCAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION

Paula Barber Bob Massey

Claire Thomas Hawnt Bob Massey just did this for my sons school and apparently he was great - can anyone alert him to this post or tag him?

Beth Wheatley I was going to suggest Bob Massey too

Stuart Frew I can recommend Bob too. Extremely professional and absolutely full of knowledge. Lovely man too.

Clive Barber Bob Massey but good luck limiting him to 1 hour 

Nicky Latter I’ve read a lot of his write ups - brilliant knowledge

Jamie Brookshaw Bob Massey for sure!! I still need to get to one of his talks

Teresa Harvey Bob Massey is your man! 

Katie Wilson School will have his contact details as he did a talk there last week 

Andrew Tom Thanks all, seems there's a pretty definitive answer!

Bob

Sorry I had to rush away at the end of your talk. I had another meeting to attend. We thoroughly enjoyed the talk on the Mary Celeste . It was particularly good because much of the script was on the screen which would have helped two or three of our members who are quite hard of hearing. Thanks for the list of talks we will certainly be in touch for next year. I wonder what happened to the Briggs son who was left at home,

Again very many thanks

Brian Playle

Rushcliffe Probus

Bob,

 just to say thank you for the talk on the history of Skegness, everyone enjoyed it very much..

Glenis

Valley Court Social Club

Hello Bob

I do hope your journey back was without issues and you arrived safely home.  There are so many night-time road closures these days and some take more than a little getting around!

Thank you so much for coming to the meeting last night and talking on Milling and bread.  I was not expecting the early history!!  Thank you.  It reminded me of when I took a range of stone types, along with some barley, into our then village school: the children soon worked out which stones worked, ground the barley and (adding to some I'd got milled) we made unleavened "Saxon" bread with coarsely ground flour.  We made up some must and left it a couple of days, then made, baked and ate it!  Great fun.  And something remembered by the children as part of their Saxon history!!

So, thank you very much for coming and making the presentation to our group.  I will keep your list of topics to hand when we are preparing future programmes.

Jacqui

NNWFHS

Hi Bob,

Thank you for a really good presentation on the Titanic which was enjoyed by all and look forward to seeing you again in November.

Thanks once again for stepping in at such short notice.

Best wishes

Beverley Carlton U3A

Hello Bob,

We all really enjoyed the talk and learned such a lot about The Music Hall a subject which was new to most of us. Looking at your list of talks I am amazed by the variety of talks

Could you come back and do the Mary Celeste Story,

Many thanks,

David Stamp

Matlock Forum

Hi Bob,

Thanks a lot for your talk on the formation of the RAF, today – very interesting and well worth listening to.   

As discussed with you it would be great to have you back again to give us another one of your talks. 

Subject matter: You have a huge list which makes it difficult to choose as they all sound good. . How about  ‘PINTS AND PUBS’ – do you think that would go down well?   

Once again many thanks and look forward in hearing back from you 

Brian Elpin 

Melton Probus

Hi Bob,

Just a quickie to thank you so much for coming to Morton last week.  Law and Order ; another excellent talk! 

Am really grateful to you - and shall no doubt see you again soon! 

Best wishes, 

Jo Blaney 

Morton local history group

Hello Bob,

 Thank you for your interesting talk on lady highwaymen this morning. 

John Stocks 

Ilkeston U3A History Group

Dear Bob,

Once again I would like to thank you for a great afternoon last Monday.  Your talk on "The Hearts of Oak" went down very well with everyone, 

I think that "The end of the pier show" would make an interesting topic for next time. 

Kind regards, 

Ian Pearce 

Mansfield Bellamy

  British legion

Bob

Thank you for a most interesting talk on TEA that you gave us today we will not look at a cuppa the same way again. 

best wishes

 President Di and the ladies of the 

Wollaton Dovecote Ladies Probus

Talk in the Pub in the  Bread and Bitter -MAPPERLEYS BATTLES

Very interesting and Knowledgeable

More local history please very interesting

a very informative and inspired talk

Great to have a local history talk at the Bread and Bitter

Another brilliant, informative and humorous talk by Bob. He helps to bring history to life

A wonderful way to spend an evening- informative and knowledgeable

Very good as usual

Bob was on top form as always- a very enjoyable and informative evening

Very enjoyable very good

How pleased we were to find out about this event. Very interesting! We will certainly come again Well researched and super presentation skills

Can we have more of these please  Perhaps a walking history trail ?

Hi Bob

 I attended your talk last night at Bread and Bitter on Mapperleys Battles and enjoyed it very much. 

I would like to attend your forthcoming class on Education and Entertainment (which in my opinion is a good description of last nights talk!) Please may I reserve a place. 

Regards 

Angie Hardy

Bob.

Feedback today on Mapperleys Battles talk has been overwhelmingly positive and everyone loved it. Glad you enjoyed it and we'll definitely sort something out for one later in the year 

Kind regards, 

Lee 

Manager 

Bread And Bitter 

Mapperley

Pub talk and history Walk -Robin Hood and Little John Arnold -Old Village

Very good, pity about the weather which stopped us from completing the walk

Pity it rained but enjoyed the talk instead. Very informative

Excellent and very interesting talk by Bob Massey

Hope for sunshine!

All very interesting, shame couldn't do walk due to weather

Excellent, its so important to learn about the history of the area where we live delivered with such confidence and knowledge

Very interesting and informative, a pity the weather forced us to cut the walk short would like to do it again.

Hi Bob,

Thanks a lot for your talk on the formation of the RAF, today – very interesting and well worth listening to.  

As discussed with you it would be great to have you back again to give us another one of your talks.

Subject matter: You have a huge list which makes it difficult to choose as they all sound good. . How about  ‘PINTS AND PUBS’ – do you think that would go down well?  

Once again many thanks and look forward in hearing back from you

Brian Elpin

Melton Probus

Dear Bob 

On behalf of all our members, many thanks for your interesting and informative talk on Wednesday on Christmas traditions. You certainly had done a lot of research and I think we all learned quite a few facts we did not know before. 

Hopefully, we will be able to invite you back on a future occasion to do another talk from your extensive list. 

Kind regards 

Helen Snow

Dear Bob

on behalf of the members I would like to thank you for giving us an insight into the fascinating world of the Victorian music hall. It was a very entertaining and informative evening which was most enjoyable. It was amazing how the artists adapted their acts to suit the venue. We look forward to your next visit.

Once again many thanks

PeterCastell

Hon Secretary

GrobyVillage Society 

Dear Bob

On behalf of all our members, many thanks for your interesting and informative talk on Wednesday on Christmas traditions. You certainly had done a lot of research and I think we all learned quite a few facts we did not know before.

Hopefully, we will be able to invite you back on a future occasion to do another talk from your extensive list.

Kind regards

Helen Snow 

 Oadby & Wigston U3A

Hi

I am so sorry that I haven't been in touch to say thank you. It's been rather hectic!!

The staff and children at kilisick school really enjoyed the sessions on traditions of Christmas. Thank you.

Thanks again!

George.

Ms George Smith

Deputy Headteacher

KillisickJuniorSchool

Dear Bob,

On behalf of our Committee and Members, I am writing to thank you very much for the very interesting and entertaining Talk you gave us last night.

The 83 Members were all interested up the Flu : the life of a Chimney Sweep and the boys they employed. Your talk, slides and videos certainly gave us a good idea of what it was like.

We very much appreciate the time and effort that you have put in and thank you once again for giving us at the Horticultural Society your support in such an enjoyable way.


Yours sincerely, Den Jarrold (Dinnington & District Horticultural Society)

Dear Bob

Just to say “thank you” again for the Robins this evening.  Really interesting talk including little light hearted interludes. Thoroughly entertaining!  Robins on Christmas Cards will now have a completely different meaning for myself and others.  My husband and I had a Post Office from 2000-2004 in Belper but was closed down when the Post Office was restructured and moved into Supermarkets!

On behalf of the Guild I would like to wish you all the best for the future and there will be another invitation winging its way to you.

Best wishes   Gail     Secretary  Kingswood Guild 

Hello Bob

Just a very belated e mail to thank you very much for your recent talk to our members. I’m sorry I was away on holiday and could not get to it, but I have heard very good reports about it. I have a copy of your talks list so doubtless you will be hearing from me again. Many thanks.

Best wishes

Brian Playle

Rushcliffe Mens Probus Club

Good afternoon Bob,

 Thank you once again for your very interesting talk on the Mary Celeste the other Monday evening.  It was appreciated and enjoyed by all. 

I would like to invite you to visit us again and talk about “Heats of Oak”. 

Kind regards, 

Ian Pearce TD
Mansfield Bellamy Branch
Secretary

Bob

Many thanks for coming along to talk to our Club yesterday.  The History of Advertising on Film was a most interesting subject

Any chance of another booking with you?

Looking at your list of talks, there are almost too many to choose from!

You saw our audience – could I ask you for your suggestions?  

Best wishes  

Brian Elphin

Melton Probus Club.

Hi Bob 

It was good to see you last week.  I hope you enjoyed doing your talk Tricks of Light and Colour on optical Illusions to our Open Meeting.  I know our members enjoyed it as I have had a lot of positive feedback. 

Thanks. 

Pat Green

West Bridgford U3A

Hi Bob
Many thanks for your fascinating talk to Allestree Local Studies last week. We all enjoyed the talk and looking at all those interesting objects that you brought along.
Thanks again,

Matthew Pitt
Chairman, ALSG

Mr Massey

on behalf of our members i would like to thank you for a very entertaining and fascinating evening explaining how we can be fooled by tricks of light and colour. The members all said how much they enjoyed your visit, and look forward to future talks from you. I will contact you later in the year. Once again many thanks Yours faithfully

 Mr P G Castell

SecretaryGrobyVillage Society.

Dear Bob,

Hope you are well? Time races by and here we are chasing round once more for interesting Speakers for next year's programme, and you are always top of our list

We are crossing our fingers that you may still have a slot for January .We thought it would be good to start off the years with a cheery note, and have chosen "Can you hear me mother" life and times of Sandy Powell,  well known and enjoyed in our era. ,

Kind regards,

 Julia Hibbitt (Speakers's Sec for Lenton Local History Group.

 Dear Bob,

A wee note to send you a BIG 'Thank you' for your visit to us yesterday and your presentation which was very much appreciated by our members.  Thank you for not only making it an entertaining but also educational time for us all, recapturing some strong positive memories but also tracing for us the changes in our culture which many fear is not necessarily as 'progressive' as it made out to be, by those who oversee them!!

Hope you had an easy trip home and we send you our best wishes with our grateful thanks.

Richard Morrison

Speaker Finder

Bourne U3A

Hi Bob

 Just to say a thank you for your talk last Thursday on Tricks of Light and Colour. I have had good reports from the members who found it very interesting.

Yours,

 Henry Perry

sec 41 club southwell

Bob

I am writing to say thank you for your talk on the Music Hall on Tuesday.  Speaking to our members afterwards, it was agreed that you were very entertaining and interesting.

I would like to invite you back next year.    I have looked through your list  of subjects and find it very difficult to pick out something specific so maybe we can make a decision at a later date

Regards

Sheila

Thank you for your usual entertaining and informative talk "up the Flu" 

Jill Haywood Oakwood Fellowship

Hi Bob

Many thanks for your fascinating talk to Allestree Local Studies last week. We all enjoyed the talk and looking at all those interesting objects that you brought along.

Thanks again,

Matthew Pitt

Chairman, ALSG

Mr Massey

on behalf of our members, i would like to thank you for a very entertaining and fascinating evening explaining how we can be fooled by light and colour. The members all said how much they enjoyed your visit, and look forward to future talks from you. I will contact you later in the year. Once again many thanks

Yours faithfully

 Mr P G Castell

SecretaryGrobyVillage Society.

Dear Bob,

A wee note to send you a BIG 'Thank you' for your visit to us yesterday and your presentation which was very much appreciated by our members.  Thank you for not only making it an entertaining but also educational time for us all, recapturing some strong positive memories but also tracing for us the changes in our culture which many fear is not necessarily as 'progressive' as it made out to be, by those who oversee them!!

Hope you had an easy trip home and we send you our best wishes with our grateful thanks.

Richard Morrison

Speaker Finder

Bourne U3A 

Hi Bob,

Just a quick email to thank you for giving us your Murder, Mystery and Mayhem talk today. It was packed with fascinating information and has certainly taught us to put things in context when looking back in time. The group thoroughly enjoyed the talk, and we all learned a lot. We look forward to hearing more of your talks in the future.

Thanks again.

Regards

Graham Palmer

Carlton & Gedling U3A Local History group

Hi Bob

Thanks for coming to the Take a Breath group on Tuesday and you for your particularly gruesome talk Murder Mystery and Mayhem.  The members of the office were surprised to hear that there had been cannibalism in Nottingham too!

Best wishes

Rebecca

Rebecca Archibald

Respiratory Wellbeing Project Worker

Thank you so much for your talk Nottingham on Sea the story of Skegness last Tuesday. It was enjoyed by all those present! 

I wondered if you'd now be able to give us your talk 'Gone but not forgotten

Best wishes 

Lynne Black  

East Bridgford Local History Group

Hello again Bob, 

We enjoyed your talk Tricks of Light so much earlier this year that we would like you to come and entertain us again if you are available, This time we are thinking of 'Stimulating the senses' as this sounds like something completely different. 

Joy This

Cotgrave W I 

 Dear Mr Massey,

After your talk to our club last week, our secretary Jaqueline Churchill spoke to you about further talks. We all thoroughly enjoyed Are you sitting comfortably reminiscing about programmes we watched in our "younger years".

Regards

Carole Brown Group Treasurer

Attenborough and Chilwell Women's Club

Dear Mr Massey

Many thanks, on behalf of the Nuthall and District History

Society, for once again agreeing to be our guest speaker this time on

 the subject of “Nottingham by the Sea.

The topic has a fascinating ring to it and we are sure it will delight our audience. Needless to say, we have thoroughly enjoyed your two previous visits.

We look forward to your talk and send you renewed thanks and good wishes.

Yours sincerely

SPENCER SPOONER, Chairman 

Dear Bob,

On behalf of the Mansfield Bellamy Branch, I would like to thank you once again for your talk on Monday 8th May at Tuxford Court.  We all found it very interesting as I am sure you appreciated the reaction on the night.

We would like to see you again next year The topic we would like to hear is The Mary Celeste. 

 Ian Pearce

Mansfield Bellamy Branch
Secretary

Evening Bob, 

Hope you had a smooth journey back to Arnold after your presentation to our U3A members in ForestTown .

Thank you SO much for the lively, engaging and really interesting facts you gave us in your talk Murder Mystery and Mayhem, about events and punishments from the past and it was good that you were able to put them into the context of their day.  

Several members spoke to me after the meeting to comment how much they had 'enjoyed' your talk (if you can say you 'enjoy' hearing about murder/punishment/photos of the dead!). They especially appreciated those aspects that referred to areas of Nottinghamshire. I'm sure we all said to ourselves at some point during your delivery ...

'well....I never knew THAT'! 

Again many thanks 

Regards

Susan Wright

ForestTown & District U3A

Dear Bob

on behalf of the girls  I thank you sincerely for Are you sitting comfortably, a most entertaining and informative evening. The sense of nostalgia was a little to close for comfort.  I will read through your programme and hope to see you again soon

best wishes

Audrey

Winshill ladies group

Bob, 

Thank you so much for your excellent talk on the Titanic last Wednesday. I’m sure you could tell from the discussion how much the members appreciated it. 

Thanks again and best wishes. 

Jollyon 

Ruddington and District Probus Club 

Hi Bob 

Thanks for your enjoyable talk on the Wakes of Arnold , we all enjoyed it.  It is a shame we are still a small group but from little acorns etc...

Kind regards 

Rebecca Archibald 

Respiratory Wellbeing Project Worker 

Rushcliffe Community & Voluntary Service,

Thank you for last night, we loved it. 

Can we book you again for oct, poss 5th or 11th for a talk on Goose fair please? 

Thanks again, for a great evening. 

Hazel Southgate. 

Beech court manager. 

Hello again Bob,

 We enjoyed your talk so much earlier this year that we would like you to come and entertain us again if you are available, This time we are thinking of 'Stimulating the senses' as this sounds like something completely different. 

Joy Thiss 

Hello Bob, 

After your last two talks on Music Hall and Variety at War I  would like  to invite  you back  to  Millbeck  House to  give our residents another one of your very interesting talks.                                                 

Regards

 Jan    (activities co-ordinator)

Dear Bob 

Yesterday I was at the Lowdham Book Festival and listened to your talk and how enjoyable it was too. thanking for the interesting talk. 

Best Wishes 

Angie Keyworth

Good morning Mr Massey 

Thank you for a very interesting talk to our group last night. Everyone enjoyed it.  Would that all our speakers were so organised in their presentation and so knowledgeable and entertaining. 

I hope your journey home wasn't too icy. 

Regards Liz Smith

Long Bennington History Society

Mr Massey

on behalf of our members I would like to thank you for sharing your research into the life of Violet Jessop with us. Those I have spoken to have all said how much they enjoyed the presentation, she had an amazing life. I find the lives of people like that far more interesting than the usual historic figures. Once again many thanks and we look forward to your return visit next year

P G Castell

Groby Village Society

Hi Bob

on behalf of the ladies of Bingham WI I would like to thank you for an entertaining afternoon of murder mystery and mayhem ,the gruesome facts make us realize how lucky we are to live in the 21st century especially as we are members of the fairer sex.

Thanks once again

Val

Dear Bob,

Yes, we are after you once again!!  It comes with being such an interesting and popular speaker!

Any hope that you might have a slot in your busy schedule.    We would love to hear your "Nottingham-on-Sea" the story of Skegness, where surely all of us over 21 have been many times!!

We haven't forgotten we shall have the pleasure of your company next month! Kind regards,

Julia Hibbitt (for Lenton Local History Society)

Hi Bob

Sorry I didn't get chance to speak to you this evening but thank you for one of the most enjoyable presentations I have attended for a long time!  Hilary and I were giggling at things we'd used as children and found your film clips - even those of 2.1 seconds - fascinating.  It was brilliant!  Thank you.  And we reminisced about things as I drove home, too.

Again, thank you so very much for a most enjoyable evening of Victorian Optical Toys - and no doubt some went home thinking about what their ancestors did in any leisure time they got!

Jacqui 

NNWFHS

Bob

Thank you for a very enjoyable and interesting afternoon on Glenn Miller. As a keen dancer, I have always loved the Big Band Sound.

Best Wishes

Jill Haywood

Oakwood Fellowship

Bob

Just a quick line to say thanks for last night's absolutely fascinating presentation. Will be calling on you again when I prepare the next season.

Anyway thanks again Bob

Steve Flinders

Ilkeston Local History Group

Dear Bob

Thank you so much for yesterday's talk - it was wonderful but the sell-out audience did demonstrate some of the drawbacks of our room!

All of the comments about the content, presentation and delivery were very favourable and there was a lovely feeling in the room with people sharing their memories.

Wishing you all the best with future talks,

Thank you

Alison Hirst
Principal Librarian Local Studies based at Mapperley Library

Libraries, Archives, Information and Learning
Nottinghamshire County Council

the Thoroton Society

The Christmas Lecture,

Animated Photographs And Living Pictures: The Beginnings Of Cinema In Nottinghamshire. Bob Massey

Bob Massey has a great interest in matters theatrical and is an avid collector of early films. Bob was, therefore, very well qualified to introduce the room full of members and guests to the joys of moving film at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.

Bob explained that the earliest moving picture shows were given in mobile units owned and operated by the showmen who travelled the country's fairgrounds with large shows and exhibitions. Moving film, known at that time as animated photographs, was initially a small part of the entertainment provided by such showmen as William Randall, Pat Collins, George Green, President Keen, William Haggar, George Biddell, Jack Proctor and the Chipperfields, most of whom were millionaires from their show activities.

There was much more that Bob could have explained to us given more time so, perhaps, we shall invite him back at a future date. It was fascinating to see such early movies, to learn about how they were shown by the showmen of the time and to learn that Goose Fair in Nottingham's Market Place was where they were first seen by the public in this country. Bob's talk was an excellent one for our Christmas Lecture and greatly enjoyed by the 80 or so members present.

Howard Fisher

Dear Bob,

The discussion following your talk last Wednesday must have indicated how much it was appreciated by all those present. Thank you so much for such an interesting presentation which everyone enjoyed very much.

Several members indicated that they would like to hear Part 2, so I shall be in touch to arrange a date before too long.

Thank you again and best wishes.

Jollyon Smith

Ruddington and District Probus Club

When John Holloway of Aston on Trent History Society was looking for a speaker for their July meeting, I immediately thought of Bob Massey from Arnold. Why? because Bob is a real film enthusiast and has built up a large collection of film about Arnold. Bob talked about the importance of archive film as a valuable historical record. He showed clips of film and photographs from his vast collection of Arnold and how it has changed dramatically over the years –A good crowd turned up for the evening of history on film. Aston has a well attended series of meetings throughout the year. The original films  have now been deposited with the MACE archive for safe keeping and preservation.

Kay Ogilvie at MACE, Senior Curator Full Circle project

Hi Bob,

It’s Francine from NG Magazines. I passed your details onto Richard Bonington School about doing a little talk on the history of the site.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU Very much for doing that. My daughter is in that class and found it very interesting.

Many thanks.

Francine Leary
(Sales | NG Magazines)

Dear Mr Massey

You gave a talk to the Awsworth & Cossall History Society in January on the Music Hall on Film and we would like the second part. 

Regards

June Morley

Dear Bob

Thank you very much for your interesting, informative talk on the History of Music Hall. The feedback from members was very positive and I think your editing of material to include so much old film footage is commendable. It's obviously something about which you have a passion. I hope, on a future occasion we will be able to hear another of you talks.

Best Wishes from Ruth Hooper

(on behalf of Woodborough Ladies)

Dear Bob - I write with the sincere thanks of Chauntry Group members, who found your talk on the Luddites most interesting.   What a pity you had to cut your talk short, mainly due, I'm afraid, to the late arrivals of several members.. I do apologise on their behalf

Thank you again and all good wishes - Kirsty Adlard

from Morven at Cuckney Norton History Soc
hello Bob
 many thanks for your talk on "Violet Jessop", it went down well with everybody
can you do 2 more dates
Talks we are looking at, if you can do two, are NOTTINGHAM  ON SEA and HOUDINI HIGHWAYMAN.

Bob

thanks for a very interesting talk and we hope to see you again

The Good Shepherd Friendship club

Daybrook

Dear Bob

On behalf of the society I would like to thank you for such an interesting look at Skegness on Monday evening. I think that we all learnt a lot of things about a place that we have all been to at some point in our lives! It was really interesting to look at some of the old photos.

I must apologise for not saying goodbye when you left as I did not see you go. Please accept my apologies.

Many Thanks

Kay Winfield

Secretary

Lambley Historical Society

Hi Bob,  On behalf of the Bleasby Historic Society, I wish to thank you , for a wonderful "rendition", on Tues 27th OCT.

Once again MANY THANKS.  Regards Bill Morris

Thank you for a very a very entertaining and informative afternoon.

Jill Hayward

Oakwood Fellowship

Dear Bob

Thank you very much for your most entertaining and enlightening talk on Tuesday.  It was very well received.

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year

Rachel White
Group Leader

Burton Joyce Senior Citizens' Club

Dear Bob Massey

I really enjoyed your visit hope you can come again to teach me some thing else about history I don't know. I learnt that Arnold was so different to what it is now. Is it fun being a historian because that's what I'm going to be when I'm older

your sincerely

D O'Hanlon

pupil Arnbrook Primary Sch

Hello Bob

I am working on our 2016/17 programme and wonder if you would be interested in giving us another of you talks please .

Our members thoroughly enjoyed you talk on the Home Brewery .

Kind regards .

Tony Wright ,

Speaker finder

Nottingham City Probus

Dear Bob,

On behalf of Radcliffe on Trent U3A I would like to thank you for giving us your talk on 'nursery rhymes' on January 7th.It was such an eye opener and so interesting to hear the origin and meaning of so many of our well loved nursery rhymes.Many members have said to me that it was such a surprise to hear the history and often quite a grizzly history of these rhymes.I'm sure that as parents and grandparents we will look with new eyes on the rhymes we tell to and read to our children and grandchildren.

Again many thanks .

Best wishes,

Anne Spencer.

R.O.T.Speaker finder.

Dear Bob

Sorry it's taken so long to write.   I must say how much I enjoyed your Law & Order talk the other week at Bingham History Group.  I found it very informative and it was quite a surprise to realise that Nottingham was so much in the forefront of the Police Force.

Best regards

Pat Hodson

Dear Bob,

Thank you so much, the talk was both interesting and informative and everone enjoyed it.

Your sincerely

Kate Jackson

Secretary

Hucknall Snr Forum

Dear Bob

on behalf of Raveshead U3A may I thank you for entertaining us with your talk about the history of Skegness we all enjoyed it very much.

best wishes

Lesley Green

Vice Chairman.

Secretary Hucknall Snr Forum

Hello Bob

Sorry for not writing to you earlier but I have been away.  Many of our members have said how much they enjoyed your talk about the Goose Fair and I was hoping you may be able to return early next year with part 2 of the talk about the fair. Are you free on either January 19 or February 16? 

I will look forward to hearing from you

Kind regards

Pat Downing

Carlton & Gedling U3A