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Newsletter October 2026

Museum welcomes actor Philip Jackson

A memorable visit from Philip Jackson

On the Heritage Open Day, we were delighted to welcome Philip Jackson in connection with our film and cinema-themed exhibitions.

The Retford born actor has appeared on radio and tv, and is well known for roles including Chief Inspector Japp in the tv series of Agatha Christie's Poirot.

During his visit, Philip also enjoyed a guided tour of the Grammar School, which brought back memories of his school days, along with a few stories about the shenanigans he got up to!

The Q&A session that followed provided the perfect opportunity for the audience to ask some burning questions about his distinguished acting career, as well as his childhood and youth in Retford. We will be sharing excerpts from the Q&A event as soon as we can, so keep an eye on our FB page.

Latest Exhibition

'Black Dust, Bright Stories' 

Bassetlaw Museum is inviting people to visit two new exhibitions that celebrate the area’s strong mining history and the communities connected to it.

'Black Dust, Bright Stories' brings together artwork, photographs, keepsakes and objects from former miners and from the museum collection, to tell the stories of local mining life.

The exhibitions were created in partnership with The Oasis Centre in Kilton to help celebrate the people, places and memories shaped by mining across the district, helping to keep these important stories alive for future generations.

Visitors can enjoy photographs from the museum’s collection alongside new mining-inspired artwork. This includes oil paintings, portraits, and pieces made by Oasis service users using materials found around Langold Lake.

Last chance to see

Stories of Bassetlaw: Original works by Christy Burdock

until Saturday 31st October

copyright: Christy Burdock

This month is your last chance to come and see an exhibition of drawings and paintings created in response to its collection and the stories of the communities it serves.

The works by Christy Burdock reflects a wide range of the museum's themes: from the local cinemas and mining, to royal charters and the story of the Mayflower.

Autochrome photography, farming life and the energy industry all find their way into the work.

Events

Half term activities

Events on between 19th-30th October.

Join us this October half term for a spooktacular programme of free activities. 

From creepy crafts to games and Lego building, we've got a frightfully good line up of activities to keep busy this half term. Even better, every activity is completely free and there is no need to book. Just drop in and join the fun!

Please note that all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the sessions. 

Activities Schedule

• 19th October - Playmobil (all day drop-in)
• 20th October - Playmobil (all day-drop in)
• 21st October - Warhammer (11am-2pm, for children aged 12 years and above)
• 22nd October - Lego (10am-3pm)
• 23rd October - Lego (10am-3pm)
• 26th October - Creepy Clay Day (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm)
• 27th October - Ghost Jar Lanterns (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm)
• 28th October - Canvas Collage (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm)
• 29th October - Apple Heads (10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm); Forest School (2pm-2:30pm)
• 30th October - Lego (10am-3pm)

Discover the Night Sky at the Museum

Friday 13th November  - 6:30pm - 9pm

From the Collection

China Souvenir Ornaments

We have recently acquired these china ornaments, with the town crests of Retford and Worksop respectively. They are examples of the late Victorian and early 20^th century inexpensive souvenirs that were produced most famously by factories like W.H. Goss.

The expansion of the railways, and the introduction of paid holidays for workers drove the leisure travel industry and increased the market for souvenirs.

The Worksop Coronation chair ornament was produced by W.H. Goss in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. The Retford pig ornament was produced by a rival factory, Waterfall Heraldic China, who operated roughly between 1906 -1927, a little later than Goss, who began manufacturing in the 1880s.

Production began to decline after the First World War, and ceased in the 1940s, however, there is still an active collectors club for this kind of ware, and there will be many examples lurking in people’s attics!.

Contact us Bassetlaw Museum, Amcott House, 40 Grove Street, Retford DN22 6LD 01777 713749 bassetlaw.museum@bassetlaw.gov.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bassetlawmuseum

Instagram: @bassetlawmuseum

Opening times: The Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am -  4:45pm. Last entries 4:30pm

Open Monday to Saturday during School Holidays.

Admission is FREE.

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