There are some publications that reviewers want to be rewarding and it is fair to say that this History of the Forest Recreation Ground in this respect succeeds admirably. It puts across its story in text, carefully chosen printed extracts, illustrations and seven maps. With a limited budget the illustrations are inevitably rather dark but this should not detract from the overall appeal. For those keen enough there is always the photographic collection of the Local Studies Library, Angel Row to consult and a roll of film will soon be used up during a live visit to the Forest.
The History is intended mainly as an educational resource for the study of local history in schools and a copy, in loose page pack format for easy reproduction, has been sent to every Nottingham school. Two bound copies have been donated to each Nottingham library, whilst every City Councillor has also received a bound copy.
After a general introduction there are a number of personal recollections
of the Forest before and after the 1845 Inclosure. A collection of pieces
about sporting activities gives some insight into football (Nottingham Forest
– remember), the early days of cricket, and horse racing and race days
before the move to Colwick. A brief account of the town gallows provides a
reminder of “The Executions on the Forest” and Gallows Hill.
Sandpits and the sandman, Windmills, Forest Fields, the Gregory of Gregory
Boulevard and others are all touched upon in a collection stretching down
to the transfer and establishment of Goose Fair on the Forest.
This is a labour of love. In schools the pack should stimulate discussion and provide many starting points for further explorations of Nottingham’s history. Oh and for the musically inclined there are the words and music of “The Rigs and Fun of Nottingham Goose Fair.”
Ken Brand (September 2003)
“In moderation pleasure take, you’re welcome to your share.
You’ll not regret you came my boys, to Nottingham Goose fair.”
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