#Ludlow Town Council

[andybodders]

Battle to get Ludlow Town Walls repaired heats up with legal threats to town council

The battle lines are drawn. Ludlow Town Council has procrastinated and delayed over repairs to the town wall behind St Laurence’s Church which collapsed in February 2013 for far too long. Despite agreeing to lead a partnership on the repairs in 2015, it has manifestly failed to do that. It been bunkered behind closed doors debating legal advice and keeping to itself a near £40,000 report by…

[richwall101]

Ludlow Castle - Shropshire - England

Ludlow Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the town of the same name in the English county of Shropshire, standing on a promontory overlooking the River Teme. The castle was probably founded by Walter de Lacy after the Norman Conquest and was one of the first stone castles to be built in England. During the civil war of the 12th century the castle changed hands several times between the de Lacys and rival claimants, and was further fortified with a Great Tower and a large outer bailey. In the mid-13th century, Ludlow was passed on to Geoffrey de Geneville, who rebuilt part of the inner bailey, and the castle played a part in the Second Barons' War. Roger Mortimer acquired the castle in 1301, further extending the internal complex of buildings. Richard, Duke of York, inherited the castle in 1425, and it became an important symbol of Yorkist authority during the Wars of the Roses. When Richard's son, Edward IV, seized the throne in 1461 it passed into the ownership of the Crown. Ludlow Castle was chosen as the seat of the Council of Wales and the Marches, effectively acting as the capital of Wales, and it was extensively renovated throughout the 16th century. By the 17th century the castle was luxuriously appointed, hosting cultural events such as the first performance of John Milton's masque Comus. Ludlow Castle was held by the Royalists during the English Civil War of the 1640s, until it was besieged and taken by a Parliamentarian army in 1646. The contents of the castle were sold off and a garrison was retained there for much of the interregnum. The Castle is open to the public and is under the care of English Heritage

[venicepearl]

Ludlow Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the town of the same name in the English county of Shropshire, standing on a promontory overlooking the River Teme. The castle was probably founded by Walter de Lacy after the Norman Conquest and was one of the first stone castles to be built in England. During the civil war of the 12th century the castle changed hands several times between the de Lacys and rival claimants, and was further fortified with a Great Tower and a large outer bailey. In the mid-13th century, Ludlow was passed on to Geoffrey de Geneville, who rebuilt part of the inner bailey, and the castle played a part in the Second Barons' War. Roger Mortimer acquired the castle in 1301, further extending the internal complex of buildings. Richard, Duke of York, inherited the castle in 1425, and it became an important symbol of Yorkist authority during the Wars of the Roses. When Richard's son, Edward IV, seized the throne in 1461 it passed into the ownership of the Crown. Ludlow Castle was chosen as the seat of the Council of Wales and the Marches, effectively acting as the capital of Wales, and it was extensively renovated throughout the 16th century. By the 17th century the castle was luxuriously appointed, hosting cultural events such as the first performance of John Milton's masque Comus. Ludlow Castle was held by the Royalists during the English Civil War of the 1640s, until it was besieged and taken by a Parliamentarian army in 1646. The contents of the castle were sold off and a garrison was retained there for much of the interregnum.

With the Restoration of 1660, the council was reestablished and the castle repaired, but Ludlow never recovered from the civil war years and when the council was finally abolished in 1689 it fell into neglect. Henry, 1st Earl of Powis, leased the property from the Crown in 1772, extensively landscaping the ruins, while his brother-in-law, Edward, 1st Earl of Powis (by the third creation of the Earldom of Powis), bought the castle outright in 1811. A mansion was constructed in the outer bailey but the remainder of the castle was left largely untouched, attracting an increasing number of visitors and becoming a popular location for artists. After 1900, Ludlow Castle was cleared of vegetation and over the course of the century it was extensively repaired by the Powis Estate and government bodies. In the 21st century it is still owned by the Earl of Powis and operated as a tourist attraction.

[handeaux]

Some Curious Tales About Cincinnati Streets And How They Were Named

Over the years, Cincinnati’s streets have been named, renamed, abandoned and vacated. The origin of some of our street names is lost in the mists of time and mythology. Here are a few attempts to sort the facts from the folderol.

Now That’s Plumb Curious

On the very earliest Cincinnati maps today’s Plum Street is labeled as “Filson Strret,” honoring the first local surveyor (and coiner of the name “Losantiville”) John Filson. By 1802, however, Filson Street had become – mostly – “Plumb Street.” There was enough confusion on this and other street names that City Council officially named the downtown streets on 12 February 1814, codifying that spelling, with a “B” at the end. One hundred years later, the Cincinnati Post [25 November 1914] claimed that it was “Plumb” Street “because other streets were platted plumb, or square, with it. While this may have been the case, there does not appear to be a contemporary record to support this theory. To the contrary, it seems that Cincinnati’s streets were “plumbed” westward from Broadway, originally known as Eastern Row. Additionally, it must be noted that the sweet purple fruit was known equally well as “plums” or “plumbs” up to around 1850. Whether by coincidence or not, all city maps after 1850 refer to “Plum Street.”

Beware The Indian Maiden!

As a useful rule of thumb, if you run across an origin story featuring an otherwise unidentified Indian Maiden, consider that legend – no matter the source! – to be unmitigated poppycock. For example, the Cincinnati Post [24 November 1914] claimed that Race Street got its name because two Indian braves raced down that primeval avenue to win the hand of a beautiful Indian Maiden. In reality, Race Street (and Vine, Walnut, Sycamore, etc.) was named by surveyor Israel Ludlow when he created to first official plat of the town. Ludlow used street names borrowed from Philadelphia. Be likewise suspicious of nostalgic old ladies. Mrs. Mary Lawton, aged 80, told the Enquirer [23 June 1929] that her own father, Nicholas Hoeffer, named Race Street after a racing track he owned at Washington Park. Not so, Mrs. Lawton, not so.

Don’t Touch That Name!

Cincinnati street names accrue sentimental ties in curious ways. In 1860, Rosetta Cobb, an elderly Irish Immigrant, sold off a plot of land in the ravine between Clifton and Clifton Heights. She filed a plat with the county naming all the subdivision’s streets for her daughters – Laura, Eveline, Christiana and Julia Ann. Over the years, property sales and redevelopment eliminated all of those streets except for Julia Ann. In 1992, the owners of Clifton Colony Apartments, located at the end of Julia Ann Street, petitioned the City of Cincinnati to change the name of the street because no one could find their apartment buildings. The city reasoned that Julia Ann Cobb and her mother were long past caring. Rosetta Cobb had gone to her reward in 1872 and Julia Ann had married Franklin Underwood in 1855 and moved to Memphis where she remained for the rest of her life. Hearing no objections, the city renamed Julia Ann Street to Clifton Colony Drive. One year later, Ronald Meyer, the city official in charge of street names, got an irate letter from a woman named Julia Ann, demanding Cincinnati change that street name back! Her parents – apparently no relation to the Cobb family – had named their daughter after that street and she considered it to be her very own street.

No Glory For Secretaries

If you can find them, Cincinnati named two streets to honor secretaries. Amthauer Street in Fairmount is sandwiched between Tremont and Harrison and runs eastward from Adler to Pinetree. Until 1908, that little lane was named Spruce Street, but was changed to honor Louise Amthauer, a secretary in the city clerk’s office, during a wholesale street retitling by the Boss Cox machine. Miss Amthauer was a dedicated Republican and later married the county GOP chairman. There is no signage for Amthauer Street, and no pavement – it’s only a paper street. Peggie Lane in Lower Price Hill is at least paved, but also lacks signage. In 1956, Margaret “Peggie” Funk was a secretary in the City Engineer’s Office. The City Engineer needed a name for the driveway abutting Oyler School. “Peggie” was brief, easy to spell, impossible to mispronounce and didn’t conflict with any other names in the system. But the cheapskates couldn’t spring for a sign to recognize Miss Funk.

Got You Under My Spell

Street names appear on street signs, obviously, but also on maps, directories, driver’s licenses and mailing lists. Sometimes discrepancies arise. Copelen Street in Walnut Hills marks the location of Fireside Pizza in the old Company 16 Firehouse. In 1930, the Cincinnati Post [17 December 1930] printed a “gotcha” story claiming the street sign was wrong because the city directory called it Copeland Street. The Post had to eat crow a few days later when Eugene Schellinger, city draughtsman, uncovered the 1855 ordinance naming that thoroughfare in honor of pioneering resident Isaac Copelen, insurance magnate and distinguished Mason, who once lived nearby. The Post got snookered again in 1964, complaining that Wolfangel Road in Anderson Township should be spelled “Wolfangle.” Tell that to the descendants of pioneer settler Gottfried Wolfangel! Not so easy to explain were the manifold misspellings of Whetsel Avenue, honoring Madisonville farmer and military hero Henry Bramble Whetsel. That road winds through three political jurisdictions. In the mid-1990s, an observant commuter noticed the correct spelling on Cincinnati’s signs, but Madeira spelled it Wetsel and Hamilton County opted for Whetzel.

That’s No Lady! That’s A Surveyor!

Jo Williams, born 1981, is a British speed skater and Jo Williams, born 1948, (now Dame Josephine Williams) is a British social worker. Neither of these ladies has anything to do with Jo Williams Street in Northside, which has been connecting Colerain Avenue and Blue Rock Road since 1853. “Jo” in this case is Joel Williams, one of Cincinnati’s earliest settlers. Williams competed with Israel Ludlow to draw up the official plat of Cincinnati. The town fathers chose Ludlow’s plat. Williams attempted to claim the Public Landing through a curious application of squatter’s rights but lost in court. He was more successful as an innkeeper, real estate investor and operator of Cincinnati’s first ferry. A stint as a surveyor has proven effective at getting a street named for you. Jo Williams’ nemesis, Israel Ludlow, is recognized by Clifton’s main drag, while (John) Filson Street, (Joseph) Gest Street and (Eli) Elder Street honor other local surveyors.

Not All Streets Have Happy Endings

Few people give a thought to Northside’s Gulow Street. It’s a short stretch of pavement with a few nondescript buildings and a parking lot, but it has an odd-sounding name. The street honors the memory of August E. Gulow, a merchant tailor who kept a dry goods shop at Knowlton’s Corner for many years. The little byway had been known as Oak Street, but City Council changed the name to Gulow in 1870. By 1900, Mr. Gulow was slipping into insanity, distraught after two daughters died from tuberculosis. The family did all they could to keep the old man out of an institution, but on 5 December 1901, he grabbed a razor and repeatedly slashed his stomach. He died six days later and is buried at Spring Grove Cemetery. His name lives on in that little street.

[mrhenryharrell]

Upcoming Organics Summit Will Bring Entrepreneurs and Town Leaders Together to Find Ways to Recycle and Repurpose Food Waste

Every year, Vermonters throw away 200 million pounds of food and yard debris that could have been composted instead. This unnecessary waste adds up at landfills, contributing to massive greenhouse gas emissions. At the 2019 Vermont Organics Recycling Summit on April 11 in Randolph, leaders and learners from across the state will come together to discuss creative ways to keep food scraps and other organics out of the trash and to transform them into valuable products. The summit, organized by the Composting Association of Vermont (CAV) and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, is open to all.

Community composters empty food scraps into compost tumbler at Ludlow Community Garden _ Credit Composting Association of Vermont

“Efforts to keep food out of the garbage can also put more food on the tables of families in need. For example, many grocery stores now partner with the Vermont Foodbank to send edible food to people instead of throwing it away,” said Josh Kelly, the Materials Management Section Chief in the Agency of Natural Resources. “When communities keep organics out of the trash, they support green businesses and jobs, reduce the need for landfills, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and produce compost which improves soil health.”

Motivated by these benefits and the Universal Recycling law, which bans food scraps from the landfill in 2020, Vermonters are making a difference as they reduce food waste, partner with food shelves and businesses, and use compost to build healthier soils and more resilient communities.

“The summit aims to help Vermonters and regional partners meet the State’s composting goals: to keep organics out of landfills and to rescue perfectly good food before it’s thrown away,” said Natasha Duarte, the Director of the Composting Association of Vermont. “Sessions will highlight composting products that manage stormwater, organics hauling, promising new research, climate change effects, and outreach models to help communities and residents. We’re especially excited to hear Frank Franciosi, Executive Director of the US Composting Council, give this year’s keynote presentation. This year also includes a special Community Composting workshop.”

Learn more about VORS or register online at https://www.regonline.com/2019VORS or contact Natasha Duarte at info@compostingvermont.org or 802-373-6499.

The Composting Association of Vermont (CAV) is a nonprofit organization. It promotes organics recycling that protects and benefits the environment. The Department of Environmental Conservation, part of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, is dedicated to protecting and improving the health of Vermont’s people and ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of Vermont’s natural resources.

     Upcoming Organics Summit Will Bring Entrepreneurs and Town Leaders Together to Find Ways to Recycle and Repurpose Food Waste posted first on Green Energy Times

[the-royal-courier]

Courier Classifieds 4/10

Personal

A memorial for the man known as Dragaur will occur on Thursday evening at half past seven bells near the gravestone he was known for sitting upon. A simple ceremony of words and candles to bring solace to those who knew him.

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The private island, Sharktooth Cove is officially open to the public. Teran Harbor is a free city due east from Thandol Span. The islands boast lumber, ore, fishing, farming, and business opportunities for all.

So set sail today to experience all that Teran Harbor has to offer!

(OOC Information: This is a player run community intending to create another roleplay hub outside of Stormwind. OOCly located on the pre-cataclysm version of Theramore Island, reach out to Levv today to secure your business location or talk about how your guild or group or self can participate in a neutral town style RP  @levvnightfall @theteranharbor )

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For Sale

Fine Dwarven brews available from Ironforge’s Ironstout Clan Brewery.  Beer is available in casks, half-kegs, and bottles.  Be sure to stop by the Steel Pub and try Loch Modan Maple Mead!  Dwarven Honey Mead, sweetened with freshly tapped Maple sap from Loch Modan.  Only available in Spring, so act now! Please contact Bathildis Ironstout for more information.  (Bathildis in game @ironstoutbrews )

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Ludlow Signature Wines now open and catering to the wine lovers of the realm. For ordering or inquires, contact Elizebella Ludlow of Ludlow Vineyards (@elizebella, @ludlowvineyards )

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The Queen’s Garters is Stormwind’s premier lingerie boutique.  Alliance women insist on only the finest intimate apparel and The Queen’s Garters answers their call. We offer a unique buying experience for each customer. Serving women and their intimate apparel needs with beautiful lingerie, corsets, stockings and more.  

And because women aren’t the only ones who buy lingerie, our experienced staff can help any man buy the perfect gift for his wife, girlfriend or lady love.

Private fittings available by appointment.

The Queen’s Garters, 4 Canal Street, Stormwind City

Because it’s what’s underneath that counts.

(In-game location:  Canal Tailor & Fit Shop, To schedule a private fitting contact @queensgarters, @nariele, or in-game Nariele )

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The Hexy Lady, offers a plethora of hexes, enchanted items, and potions for the right price. Bartering acceptable. Contact Mistei for more information on how they can help you!

(Contact @noble-witch or find her in-game under Mistei, via ic mail or walk-up.)

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Simple Solutions is now offering its services throughout Stormwind City and its adjacent areas. Everything from small cabins to wide, open spaces used for lavish parties. No home or office is too big or too small for an extensive and discrete sanitation that will allow you to keep going about your business and leave the trivial, tedious work to another. Not only will everything be elegantly clean, but trash will also be removed and disposed of appropriately. You will be free to choose the scent to fill your home, office, or workshop after services have been rendered, free of charge. They include but are not limited to: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, pine, rain, roses, peaches and oranges. All prices are negotiable and payment is to be received upon arrival at the very latest.

Contact M. Grimwald at the Stormwind City Harbor or through a messenger, mail or simply word of mouth. (OOC: You can also send me a message through Tumblr at @everythingisbetterwithpirates or whisper in-game.)

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Now Hiring

Are you looking for a job full of excitement? Have you the fortitude to work with all types of individuals? Are you willing to get your hands dirty? Susan Gampre is looking for individuals to assist her growing business. Currently positions are available in the bar and grill, security, and entertainment divisions of the group. Stop by or send your inquiries to Ms. Gampre.

(OOC: Sisters in Sin is easily explained by the stereotypical, quick to the point definition: Brothel house. In character the group hopes to provide a place for any to indulge themselves in women and vice- all for the right price. This guild is not for the faint of heart. There are dark themes explored. As such the guild is 18+ only. Sisters in Sin are here to have fun with their writing, they just approach at a more unethical angle. Reach out to @susan-gampre for more information on how to join the guild. )

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To carry the name of <House Dragonblade> means to carry the ideals of justice, honor, and charity. Seeking anyone of a kind heart and strong mind, House Dragonblade wants you if you want to make a difference. 

(Contact @odessii-dragonblade or Odessii in game)

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Looking for ways to quell your boredom? Endlessly walking around the city? Yearn for a way to find a new adventure? Skilled in Archaeology? Combat? Research?

Look no further, House Preston is recruiting! We deal in trade, combat, research, and we’re expanding into so much more! We would love your help!  Not a crafter or fighter? Not of noble birth? We will still accept you into our house. We have a multitude of things to do and if you are thinking you might want to learn how, we can help with that too!

Interested in joining our growing house? Talk to one of us today!

(OOC:  We prefer 18+ due to occasional content. A strong knowledge of lore or willingness to learn is encouraged.  Any level / race / class accepted.

How would have heard about us? If you frequent the Cathedral District, noble social circles, the Broken Isles, you’ve probably seen or interacted with us!

Contact Retribution or Ananorah @ananorah to discuss how you can join House Preston.)

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Doomwatch is an organization with Alliance ties that is devoted to defeating the Burning Legion and protecting Azeroth. We also do artifact hunting and public relations, we formed to fight the Burning Legion but developed into a close knit family who will do anything to protect this family.

(An interview is required. Contact info: Annyana or Orgrimskar, via whisper or by mail)

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Seeking able bodied and like minded fellows to join the honored House Ironbourne. Councils, guards, magi, healers, crafters and the like, all are welcome at Ironhearth to join the Lord and Lady of Ironwrath in making a better world for those under their care.

(House Ironborne is an RP guild that revolves around nobility and everything that comes with it. Politics, war, alliances, fighting, back stabbing, and loyalty. We seek role players who are interested in stepping into the various positions within the guild. We welcome and encourage player plot lines both individual and guild centric. We believe in quality over quantity and desire players that will maintain the respect of the guild while having fun through role play.

Led by Duchess Jossetta Ironborne, guild RP centers in part around the Ironborne estate, Ironwrath, located in the Hinterlands, Ironhearth, the village outside its gates, and the world that is Azeroth. Interested players should contact Jossetta in-game or here on tumblr @jossetta or @houseironborne We look forward to hearing from you.)

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Lord Dandez Northbane is seeking able bodied men and women to aid in safeguarding his homeland from demonic and domestic threats. The devastation left in the wake of the demonic invasions has created a situation where people are suffering and need strong defenders. Rebuilding and protection is a priority for House Northbane.

All specializations are accepted by House Northbane. Contact Lord Northbane or his Royal Guard Valdasowin to discuss pledging your service to the house.

Currently Open Positions

Mercenaries Seasoned Knights Diplomats Crafters Trademasters Retainers

(OOC: All races and classes are welcome, though at this time limited demon hunters will be accepted. The minimum requirements to join the guild are TRP and MessageBoard. Discord to be launched soon. Contact Dândez, Valdasowin, or Darrus in game to join.)

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Do you feel the call to serve? Are you dedicated to ensuring the safety and peace of those around you? The Stormwind City Guard is looking for you. We are actively recruiting guardsmen into our ranks to ensure the city is protected at all times. Do you have what it takes to protect and serve? Formal applications for assignment within the guard should be submitted to the Command Center care of Commander Aldenhardt.

(OOC: The Stormwind City Guard is looking for experienced roleplayers that are interested in playing a guard ICly. Please read over the site to see our IC and OOC guild rules and guidelines for RPing a guard. At this time please note we are not accepting Demon Hunters as guards. Death Knights are on a case by case decision. We do require an application and an IC interview. Former members of the old Stormwind Guard will be accepted. Contact  Aldenhardt in game or @percy-aldenhardt )

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House Matheredor is currently recruiting able bodies for various roles to help in defending the kingdom as well as assisting in the research and hunting down of dangerous magical artifacts that could threaten the very fabric of the kingdom.

Jobs Available:

-Guards -Scouts -Researchers -Healers of all types -General laborers -Those with political aspirations -Shopkeepers -And many others!

House Matheredor’s primary lands are in the mountain ranges in the Northern part of what is now the Western Plaguelands. If you wish to join the house or contact us in any way we have a Stormwind office located in the large building behind the Shady Lady in the Dwarven District.

Application Process consists of an out of character interview with Adorlan or any other officer who is online followed by a small in character introduction. Contact Adorlan (Adorlan ingame or @adorlan) or Kerydwen (Kerydwen ingame).

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The Amberstaff Coalition, based out of Ambermill in Silverpine Forest, is an organization of mages and martials devoted to studying, teaching, and working with magic to protect and serve Azeroth. Our goal is to provide a welcoming refuge to magi while finding and ridding the world of fel casters, though within a controlled environment we have studied the practice of minor demonology. Our martials provide our first line of defense for Amberstaff, protecting the magi who may not have enough experience to protect themselves.

If you are interested in learning about magic, striving to gain control over your powers, or wish to use your skills to protect others, seek out an Amberstaff member today. We are ready to see you reach your full potential.

(OOC Note: The Amberstaff Coalition is a caster-based guild that has an additional tree for the martials. We host weekly classes in which we are training magi to become wizards of our order, able to act upon and study the majority of all schools of magick. We partner with several other guilds for RP in the Isles and elsewhere around the worlds. We are accepting all classes, contact one of us for more information -Helarsar, for those with magical aspiration or Aacer for those with more fighter type attributes.)

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The Royal Courier is hiring! We are looking for intrepid individuals who like to write and capture moments of time. There is a lot happening in the world right now from invasions to daily crime to happier moments. The Royal Courier strives to be everywhere to cover the important events and happenings. If you have an engaging personality, are not afraid to ask the tough questions, and like to network; This might be the job for you!

Currently looking for the following positions to be filled immediately:

Investigator Advertising Office Staff

Contact Risri Elthron for more information on how you can join our expanding team (@risrielthron)

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Have a classified ad see our guidelines Here, then send a message to @risrielthron or Risri in game. Use it to make friends, find work, hire employees, and more!

[westernmanews]

SPRINGFIELD — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced new grants to 36 local nonprofits through the COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley totaling $785,000, targeting food insecurity, homelessness, those with disabilities, and summer programs, as well as addressing immediate needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Including this latest round, the Response Fund has awarded nearly $4.8 million in grants to nonprofits in Western Mass. that are on the front lines of serving vulnerable populations affected by the crisis. The statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund has provided $2.8 million in funding to support the Community Foundation’s response to the region’s pandemic crisis.

Girls Inc. of the Valley, based in Holyoke, is one recipient in the latest grant round, using funds to transition to virtual summer programming due to COVID-19. Girls Inc. serves 5- to 18-year-old girls from the Greater Holyoke, Springfield, and Chicopee areas and other surrounding towns through after-school and summer programs at little or no cost to families.

According to Suzanne Parker, Girls Inc. executive director, “staying connected to girls is more important than ever. Responding to the need, Girls Inc. of the Valley has transitioned its summer programming to an online, virtual format. This generous grant from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts will help us to provide supplies in at-home activity packets to further enrich girls’ experiences. We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts for their commitment to supporting girls in the Valley.”

The 36 nonprofits that received grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund from the Pioneer Valley are: Berkshire County Arc, Bethlehem House, Boy Scouts of America – Western Massachusetts Council, Boys and Girls Club Family Center, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, Christina’s House, Community Adolescent Resource and Education Center, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, the Community Survival Center, Dakin Human Society, Ellie Fund, Easthampton Community Center, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Hampshire Regional YMCA, Health Law Advocates, Holyoke YMCA, Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts, Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, New North Citizens’ Council, Open Pantry Community Services, Providence Ministries for the Needy, Rachel’s Table, South End Community Center, Somali Bantu Community of Springfield, Springfield Boys and Girls Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Salvation Army – Greenfield Corps, the Salvation Army – Holyoke Corps, the Salvation Army – Springfield Corps, Urban League of Springfield, West Springfield Boys & Girls Club, YMCA of Greater Springfield, and YMCA of Greater Westfield.

The Response Fund has raised $6.9 million from 630 donors, including foundations, businesses, and individuals, and resources from the statewide Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The post Newest COVID-19 Response Grants to Nonprofits Total $785,000 appeared first on BusinessWest.

[andybodders]

Ludlow Town Council is wrong: Ludlow Post Office is not going to close, it is going to open longer

An unnecessary scare was started by Ludlow Town Council before Easter and was not corrected for a week. In an emphatic statement on its website, it stated: “In two months time, Tesco is planning to close the busy post office in their One-Stop shop on Tower Street, Ludlow.  The town centre post office is Ludlow’s main post office and the closure would be a major blow to the local economy and to…

[gyrlversion]

How Camilla has revamped her public image, royal insiders reveal

She was once dubbed ‘Britain’s most hated woman’, believed to have been the person driving a wedge between Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

But Camilla Parker Bowles has been on a stealthy mission to change the public’s perception of her – and by all accounts she’s succeeded. 

Earlier this year royal expert Phil Dampier went so far as to say the Duchess of Cornwall is ‘now quite popular’, adding: ‘I think most people will accept her as Queen when the time comes.’ 

Camilla Shand, now 71, met Charles, now 70, in the summer of 1971 and, according to royal biographer Penny Juror, the prince was instantly taken with her – particularly because she was ‘not in anyway overawed by him, not fawning or sycophantic’.

She was once dubbed ‘Britain’s most hated woman’, but it seems the Duchess of Cornwall, pictured standing between the wings of artist Paul Curtis’ mural entitled For All Liverpool’s Liver Birds, is now ‘quite popular’

But the couple were prevented from marrying then as Camilla was deemed ‘unsuitable’, with an insufficiently aristocratic background – despite her maternal grandfather being a baron.

Camilla went on to marry Andrew Parker Bowles, with whom she has two children, but the couple split in 1995 after 22 years of marriage. She married Charles in April 2005 in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall. 

Since becoming a fully-fledged member of The Firm, Camilla has endeavoured to do right by her husband and the British public.

And her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, with Dampier claiming people have ‘warmed’ to Camilla – and indeed her husband. 

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall smile as they prepare a mojito during a visit to a paladar called Habanera in Havana, Cuba, earlier this year

Grinning Camilla stands between singing legends Lionel Richie and Tom Jones during her and Charles’ Caribbean tour in March

Here FEMAIL takes a look at how the Duchess of Cornwall has quietly revamped her public image and injected a sense of fun into the royal family.  

Bringing out Charles’ fun side 

Much has been said about Camilla’s sense of humour, with former boyfriend Kevin Burke once describing her as ‘never tongue-tied or shy’ and always having ‘something amusing’ to say.

It seems her enthusiasm is infectious; once buttoned-up and serious, public-facing Charles now regularly grins and laughs with Camilla by his side. On a visit to Canada, the couple famously dissolved into giggles while watching traditional Iniot throat singers perform.

Camilla Shand, 71, met Charles, 70, in the summer of 1971 and, according to royal biographer Penny Juror, the prince was instantly taken with her – particularly because she was ‘not in anyway overawed by him, not fawning or sycophantic’

Charles and Camilla married in April 2005 in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall

Robert Jobson, author of Charles at Seventy, said his wife brings him ‘balance’, adding: ‘She has a great sense of humour. As a result he’s smiley and laughing.’

Camilla certainly comes across as genuine, with a longtime friend once describing her as ‘100 per cent sure of who she is’.

‘She had no side, no complexity,’ they said. ‘She is warm, witty, endlessly cheerful and has the ability to laugh at everything and tease Charles out of his Eeyore grumpiness.’

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, share a joke at the Mey Highland Games at Queens Park in Caithness, Scotland in 2008

Secret engagements 

You certainly can’t accuse the Duchess of being work-shy. As patron or president of more than 90 charities, she carried out 219 engagements in 2018, including 70 during overseas tours. 

She and Charles recently made a historic visit to Cuba during a 13-day tour across 10 islands, cramming 50 engagements into their schedule. 

Lynn Faulds Wood, a British television personality, bowel cancer survivor and ambassador for the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), said she thinks Camilla is ‘fabulous’ and great at bringing the causes she champions to the people’s attention. 

The Duchess of Cornwall, pictured listening to Diana Parkes whose daughter Joanna Brown was murdered by her husband, during a visit to the national charity SafeLives in Londo, often carries out ‘secret visits’

But Camilla continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes, paying secret visits that don’t garner any publicity according to Faulds Wood, suggesting a genuine care in her work. 

Claire Severgnini, chief executive of the ROS, said the Duchess always goes the extra mile to ‘meet the health professionals and the scientists and the academics behind the scenes’.

The ROS is an organisation close to Camilla’s heart, having lost her mother Rosalind to the bone disease in 1994.

Friendly and approachable  

Veteran royal reporter Jennie Bond once said she had a ‘great deal of time for Camilla’, and this attitude is shared by a great deal of journalists and photographers, reports Town and Country.

One anonymous reporter described Camilla as ‘my favorite royal, by a country mile’, adding: ‘She knows all our names, she fosters a sense that we’re all in this together. She always gives you a little gleam in her eye and will find a moment to look at our cameras.’

Camilla ‘always gives you a little gleam in her eye and will find a moment to look at our cameras’, according to one royal reporter

On one official visit to a vineyard in Crete, Jobson recalled the Duchess inviting him to ‘sit down and join in with the cheese and wine’.  

Coming across as down-to-earth without any airs and graces has arguably gone a long way towards boosting her public image. 

Sensitive approach towards Princess Diana

Although Camilla is technically the Princess of Wales, she has chosen not to use that title due to its close association with Princess Diana. 

She opts to go by the Duchess of Cornwall, despite her full official title being Her Royal Highness The Princess Charles Philip Arthur George, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Rothesay, Countess of Chester, Countess of Carrick, Baroness of Renfrew, Lady of the Isles, Princess of Scotland, Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.  

Camilla, pictured with Lady Diana Spencer at Ludlow Races in 1980, has chosen not to use the title Princess of Wales due to its close association with Charles’ first wife

Eradicating ‘wicked stepmother’ image

It’s clear Prince William and Harry have no ill-feeling towards their father’s wife, having greeted her warmly with kisses on both cheeks at a recent Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Even at 21, when Harry was battling to cope in the wake of his mother’s death, he said Camilla is ‘not the wicked stepmother’, adding: ‘She’s a wonderful woman and she’s made my father very, very happy.’

It’s clear Prince William, pictured during the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games at the Queen Elizabeth Park in September 2014, and his brother Harry have no ill-feeling towards their father’s wife

The fact William and Kate chose one of her granddaughters, Eliza Lopez, as a bridesmaid for their 2011 wedding demonstrated to the public that Camilla is very much an important fixture in their family.

Providing support to Meghan 

One of the people to welcome Meghan Markle to the royal family with open arms was Camilla.

She and Charles have formed a solid friendship with Prince Harry’s wife, with the Duchess of Cornwall going all out to ‘support’ and be ‘very helpful’ to Meghan according to a close family friend, reports Vanity Fair. 

Charles and Camilla have formed a solid friendship with Prince Harry’s wife Meghan, with the Duchess of Cornwall going all out to ‘support’ and be ‘very helpful’ to Meghan according to a close family friend

With the overwhelming popularity of Meghan and Harry among the British public – evident by their rapidly growing 4.3million Instagram followers – Camilla’s apparent affection for the new duchess is bound to curry favour. 

Helping victims of sexual violence 

After speaking to survivors of sexual assault in 2013, Camilla decided to put this topic firmly on the agenda, reports Town and Country.

The idea of dishing out bags with toiletries to victims to use after medical examinations was her idea, and while on an engagement in Liverpool last month she paid a visit to a women’s refuge, armed with books, biscuits and jam for the children. 

The Duchess of Cornwall, pictured in 2015, holds a cosmetic bag created for sexual abuse survivors to use after they have been through medical examinations

‘She seemed to have an understanding of what faces them and wanted clarification on how schooling effects the children that come in here, can the clients come back once they have left the refuge,’ said a project worker of her visit.

‘She definitely did seem to understand the issues that are faced.’

Maintains her independence

Despite having a permanent residence with Charles at Clarence House, Camilla still keeps her own home – Ray Mill House in Wiltshire – and frequently spends weekends there with her children and five grandchildren.

She and Charles often spend time apart, with Camilla reverting to the informality of her life before the royal family by tending to her garden, seeing her friends and spending time with her family. 

Not living in each other’s pockets could well be the secret to their happy relationship. 

One of Camilla’s five grandchildren, Eliza Lopez, pictured in the arms of Charles, was a bridesmaid at William and Kate’s wedding in 2011

Winning The Queen’s approval

When Camilla and Charles married, she was bestowed with the title Princess Consort.

Camilla’s title Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall was awarded to her as a wedding gift from her new mother-in-law, the Queen. 

Her majesty went a step further in 2016, making Camilla a member of the Privy Council – her most senior advisory body.

Camilla, pictured standing beside the Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in July 2018

This shows a clear regard for her daughter-in-law and will enable Camilla to be ‘in the room’ when Charles is proclaimed king.

Whether Camilla will become Queen Consort remains to be seen, but according to Jobson, it’s a done deal. 

‘She will most definitely be Queen Consort,’ he said. ‘There’s absolutely no question about that.’

The post How Camilla has revamped her public image, royal insiders reveal appeared first on Gyrlversion.

from WordPress https://www.gyrlversion.net/how-camilla-has-revamped-her-public-image-royal-insiders-reveal/

[jaigeddes]

McLaren wins £27m North London HQ job

McLaren Construction has secured the £26.7m job to build a headquarters in North London for software giant Metaswitch.

Property specialist Stoford Developments is developing the 66,000 sq ft office building on a one-acre site in Enfield.

Work is expected to start at the Genotin Road site this month, with McLaren erecting a five-storey building to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard over the 20-month programme.

The building will hold an advanced data centre, rooftop conference centre as well as feature, full-height atrium, for up to 500 staff.

Stoford director Gerard Ludlow said: “We’re pleased to have reached the next stage of this major investment for Metaswitch by appointing a contractor to deliver this impressive headquarters.

“It’s not only good news for the company, which is growing, it is also good news for the town, because a major employer is committed to remaining in the area where it started more than 30 years ago, creating new jobs and opportunities. The local community and Enfield Council have been extremely supportive throughout the process and we’re now looking forward to beginning on site.”

Jay Newman, McLaren’s regional managing director for the South, said: “McLaren has successfully delivered a number of developments for Stoford and we are thrilled to be working with them again. We have an extensive portfolio of commercial offices of the highest quality and we look forward to delivering a new home for Metaswitch.”

[handeaux]

17 Curious Facts About Cincinnati’s Vine Street

Only Three Streets

According to the 1943 WPA Guide to Cincinnati, old-time thespian Tom Wise claimed there were only three streets worth visiting in America—Broadway in New York, Market Street in San Francisco, and Vine Street in Cincinnati. Mr. Wise was a lifelong comic actor and had appeared in plays across the United States. He trod the boards of Cincinnati theaters from 1890 until just before his death in 1926.

Vine Was West Before It Was Center

Today, Vine Street divides east from west street addresses in Cincinnati. Until 1896, Main Street was the dividing line, so addresses around Vine Street had a “west” prefix. That changed when city council decided to renumber the entire city in 1891. It took years before council backed up the resolution with a budget, but renumbering finally took place. Consequently, post-1896 addresses are often located blocks away from their Pre-1896 locations.

Never Thirsty

According to the WPA Guide, a stretch of Vine Street measuring less than two miles, between McMillan Street and the Ohio River, boasted no fewer than 113 drinking places during the 1890’s. In the block between Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets alone, there were 23 saloons or beer gardens. The roster of celebrated hot spots on Vine Street included the Atlantic Garden, Pacific Gardens, London Concert Hall, Kissel’s Concert Hall, Schickling’s, Schuler’s, Schuman’s, Commodore, Coliseum, Gabriel’s, Weber’s, Wielert’s—a long litany, redolent of amber refreshment.

Exhausting Carrie Nation

It is a matter of legend (the original source has not been identified) that Cincinnati’s Vine Street overcame the anti-booze ardor of temperance firebrand Carrie Nation during her 1901 visit to Cincinnati. Although she spoke to packed houses and toured the local dens of iniquity, she did not smash a single window nor shatter even one barroom mirror. Asked why, Mrs. Nation allegedly replied: "I would have dropped from exhaustion before I had gone a block.”

First Skyscraper

The world’s first concrete skyscraper, the 15-story Ingalls Building, is located on Vine Street. The brick-faced structure was designed by Alfred O. Elzner and George M. Anderson and completed in 1903. Scoffing critics said that any building constructed of concrete poured into molds would topple of its own weight. One Cincinnati editor reportedly stood in front of the building for an entire night, expecting to score a scoop when it collapsed. Engineers agree that this office building can remain standing a long time.

Changing Horses

Statues of two presidents with tragically abbreviated terms grace Piatt Park, located along a stretch of Eighth Street known as Garfield Place. The statue of assassinated James Garfield looks down on Vine Street today, but that was not always the case. Originally, the equestrian statue of William Henry Harrison trotted eastward at Vine Street, while Garfield overlooked Race Street. As the city spruced up for its Bicentennial in 1988, Garfield took Harrison’s spot on Vine street, and Harrison marched west to the Elm Street end of the park.

Freaks And Geeks

Human oddities such as Jo Jo the Dogfaced Boy, the Wild Man of Afghanistan, Big Winny the Fat Lady, a convention of tattooed men and women and “Plutano” and “Waino” from the forests of Borneo were among the huge draws at the Vine Street Dime Museum. Located at the southeast corner of Sixth and Vine, the Dime Museum was a curious combination of freak show, art gallery, zoo, vaudeville theater and natural history collection.

Not The Longest

Although Vine Street runs from the Ohio River all the way north to the city limits in Hartwell, it is not Cincinnati’s longest street. River Road, at 11.4 miles is the longest street in Cincinnati, followed by Reading Road at 8.1 miles. Vine Street places third at 7.6 miles, followed by Eastern Avenue at 7.2 miles. Although, if you Google “longest street in Cincinnati,” top results somehow claim it’s Vine.

Cradle Of Chili

The progenitors of the Queen City’s distinctive contribution to American regional cuisine, Cincinnati Chili, was first served by the Kiradjieff brothers, John and Tom, at their delicatessen, 814 Vine Street, in 1922. The deli was eventually renamed Empress Chili after the burlesque theater next door.

Why Short Vine?

Today, Vine Street makes an inexplicable jog eastward just north of Calhoun Street. A few blocks farther north, Vine jumps back westward. The intervening stretch, serving as the Main Street of Corryville, is known as “Short Vine.” Until the mid-1960s, Short Vine was connected directly to Vine at both ends, with the thoroughfare angling eastward from Calhoun. The creation of the University Village Shopping Center lopped off a piece of Vine between Calhoun and Corry streets, taking Short Vine off the main drag.

A Haunted House?

Journalist and author Ambrose Bierce, an Ohio native, published in 1888 a short story titled “A Fruitless Assignment.” The story takes place in 1859 in Cincinnati and describes the supernatural experiences of a reporter for the Cincinnati Commercial, assigned to spend the night in a vacant house on Vine Street. No one has identified a house that may have inspired this tale, and it is assumed that Bierce constructed the tale entirely from his imagination.

The Nasty Corner

Carew Tower occupies a plot of land that was once the most reviled spot in all of Cincinnati. One newspaper claimed pedestrians crossed the street “to avoid its stenches and unwashed loafers.” Owned by heirs of David K. Este, it was known as the “Nasty Corner.” Department store magnate Joseph T. Carew was so disgusted by looking at the squalor from his office window that he bought the corner and built his own skyscraper there.

The Riot Of 1855

Vine Street was the battleground on Election Day in April 1855 as supporters of the anti-immigration Know Nothing party attacked the growing German community in the neighborhood just starting to be known as Over-the-Rhine. A minor tussle between nativists and a German marching band escalated into armed aggression, including cannon fire. The major skirmish centered on barricades the Germans erected on Vine Street at Fourteenth Street. Fighting raged for three days. No accurate count of casualties was ever established.

Sound Familiar?

Folks from Philadelphia claim that Cincinnati stole their scrapple and called it goetta. They have a better claim to our street names. When Israel Ludlow platted the downtown area, Philadelphia was capital of the new country and our largest city, so he named Losantiville’s streets after Philadelphia’s system of “tree” streets crossed by numbered streets. William Penn laid out Philly’s Vine Street in 1682. You will also find Walnut and Race streets in the City of Brotherly Love.

Birth Of The Strip Tease

There is a fair amount of controversy about the origins of that classic burlesque entertainment known as the strip tease. More than one source points to Heuck’s Opera House at the corner of Thirteenth and Vine Streets in Cincinnati as the birthplace of this erotic spectacle, and the birthday sometime in November 1901. Brought to town by Manager James Fennessy to perform the pseudo-Oriental “cooch” dance at Heuck’s, Millie De Leon, known as “The Girl In Blue” discarded her elaborate costume at an after-hours show that shocked the city, but made her career.

Roebling’s Lament

John A. Roebling wanted his suspension bridge to create a grand thoroughfare from Vine Street across the Ohio River to Covington. A powerful lobby of ferry operators stymied his plan. Roebling lamented the lost opportunity until the day he died. “No avenue in any of the large capitals of Europe,” he lamented, “could now compare in beauty of grandeur with that long vista which would be presented by the line of Vine Street on the one side, continued in a straight course by Scott Street on the opposite shore."

Who’s That Old Lady?

When Grady Decamp authored his 1991 history of the Cincinnati Enquirer, he titled it “The Grand Old Lady of Vine Street.” That was a euphemism. Most of the other newspapermen in town (and many of the readers) referred to the graphic-poor, boringly laid-out Enquirer as “The Grey Lady of Vine Street.” Now located on Elm Street, the Enquirer boasted a Vine Street address from 1857 to 1992.

[ebenalconstruct]

McLaren wins £27m North London HQ job

McLaren Construction has secured the £26.7m job to build a headquarters in North London for software giant Metaswitch.

Property specialist Stoford Developments is developing the 66,000 sq ft office building on a one-acre site in Enfield.

Work is expected to start at the Genotin Road site this month, with McLaren erecting a five-storey building to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard over the 20-month programme.

The building will hold an advanced data centre, rooftop conference centre as well as feature, full-height atrium, for up to 500 staff.

Stoford director Gerard Ludlow said: “We’re pleased to have reached the next stage of this major investment for Metaswitch by appointing a contractor to deliver this impressive headquarters.

“It’s not only good news for the company, which is growing, it is also good news for the town, because a major employer is committed to remaining in the area where it started more than 30 years ago, creating new jobs and opportunities. The local community and Enfield Council have been extremely supportive throughout the process and we’re now looking forward to beginning on site.”

Jay Newman, McLaren’s regional managing director for the South, said: “McLaren has successfully delivered a number of developments for Stoford and we are thrilled to be working with them again. We have an extensive portfolio of commercial offices of the highest quality and we look forward to delivering a new home for Metaswitch.”

from http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/26/mclaren-wins-27m-north-london-hq-job/

[ndbasilica]

McLaren wins £27m North London HQ job

McLaren Construction has secured the £26.7m job to build a headquarters in North London for software giant Metaswitch.

Property specialist Stoford Developments is developing the 66,000 sq ft office building on a one-acre site in Enfield.

Work is expected to start at the Genotin Road site this month, with McLaren erecting a five-storey building to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standard over the 20-month programme.

The building will hold an advanced data centre, rooftop conference centre as well as feature, full-height atrium, for up to 500 staff.

Stoford director Gerard Ludlow said: “We’re pleased to have reached the next stage of this major investment for Metaswitch by appointing a contractor to deliver this impressive headquarters.

“It’s not only good news for the company, which is growing, it is also good news for the town, because a major employer is committed to remaining in the area where it started more than 30 years ago, creating new jobs and opportunities. The local community and Enfield Council have been extremely supportive throughout the process and we’re now looking forward to beginning on site.”

Jay Newman, McLaren’s regional managing director for the South, said: “McLaren has successfully delivered a number of developments for Stoford and we are thrilled to be working with them again. We have an extensive portfolio of commercial offices of the highest quality and we look forward to delivering a new home for Metaswitch.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2019/03/26/mclaren-wins-27m-north-london-hq-job/

[leominster1941]

Railways spelt end of the line for Grand Assembly Room

Railways spelt end of the line for Grand Assembly Room

An interesting article regarding the Lion Ballroom. My sister’s future husband worked at Alexander & Duncan’s in the 1960s, before becoming its owner. Despite going into the works numerous times, I was not aware of the secret history upstairs. A child in his early teens was occupied with so many other things. The Lion Ballroom and the associated buildings have a long and important place in the history of Leominster. We should be grateful to all those who worked so hard to preserve and restore it.

Ballroom dancing has an important place in the life of my wife and I. Mr Mann an excellent teacher at Green Lane Leominster Secondary Modern School taught us Ballroom Dancing in the 1960s. The lessons were every Friday evening in the main hall during the winter months. The music was provided by 78 records played on a wonderful 1940s Gramophone player. It was also the beginning of my love of vinyl records. The Hall like the rest of the school had been an army camp during World War 2. Although the school did have newer buildings housing the Science Block, Gardening and Music rooms.

ANYONE WITH STORIES ABOUT THIS SCHOOL PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Over 80% of Leominster’s children attended this school for two decades and yet there are no public records!  Enter a search for Leominster Grammar School in Google and their hundreds of results Less than 15% of Leominster children attended this school. I attended both Schools and they were excellent in different ways.

It remains Leominster’s forgotten school.

Chris Upton’s article titled the ‘Lost Lion of Herefordshire ‘follows. It is both informative and entertaining.

Source:

https://www.birminghampost.co.uk/lifestyle/nostalgia/chris-upton-tells-tale-lion-6125548

We are well accustomed to an old building being described as a “best kept secret” or a “forgotten treasure” – it’s all part of good tourist PR.

All the same, it’s remarkable how, on our overcrowded and much scrutinised island, a building can go missing. Even if, as in this case, it is 60ft long and 22ft wide.

Such is surprisingly the case with the Lion Hotel in Leominster. Not so much the old hotel itself, since it stands in the middle of Broad Street and can hardly put on dark glasses on that account, but the Lion Ballroom behind it. Pevsner overlooked the room, and the Department of Environment removed it – despite an earlier listing at Grade II* – from its schedule of listed buildings.

Perhaps there are so many lion hotels – in a wide variety of colours – in this part of England that you can easily mislay one without noticing.

The Leominster Lion stands on the west side of Broad Street, the road that runs north-south through the middle of the town. The eponymous beast peering down from its parapet, looks more docile than its rampant counterpart at Shrewsbury, reflecting perhaps the more sedate pace of life for Herefordshire big cats.

This was not always the case. The road concerned – variously called High Street and Broad Street – was once the busiest of thoroughfares. Head this way for Hereford and Bristol to the south, and for Shrewsbury and Liverpool to the north. And an east-west route, from London to the Welsh border at Kington, passed this way too.

As a result, a host of hostelries clustered along the length of the street, all offering food and accommodation to the weary traveller and hungry trader passing through the town. There were at least nine inns along here at one time, from the Waterloo Hotel at the top end to the Unicorn at the bottom. Only one of them survives as a hotel today.

There was a Red Lion on this site from at least the mid-18th Century, doubtless popular with the stall-holders and farmers frequenting the market outside. In the local press each successive lease-holder “begged the indulgence of his friends and the public”, and promised “excellent wines and liquors and unremitting assiduity and attention”.

But the Georgian coaching trade was about to transform Leominster into a major service station, and by the 1830s nine stage and mail coaches were calling at the Red Lion each day. The Red Lion did not have the monopoly, but it was by some distance the major coaching destination in the town.

Sales particulars from the 1830s show that the inn had a granary and stables for the horses, capacious cellars, a walled garden, a cider mill, and “numerous” bedrooms. Evidently the estate agent couldn’t be bothered to count them.

However, the reputation of a good coaching inn was not founded entirely on such passing trade. Its local good-standing was based on the presence of an assembly room, a place for cards and dancing and polite Georgian chit-chat. By the early 1800s the Red Lion had cornered this market as well.

It was when an ambitious Leominster lawyer by the name of James Thomas Woodhouse took over the lease of the Red Lion in 1839 that the hotel’s assembly room was turned from necessary amenity to star attraction.

Woodhouse purchased the property next door in order to expand the hotel’s frontage and add a carriage-way and built a grand new assembly room at the rear. A local architect, John Collins, designed the room in fashionable neo-classical style, all Corinthian columns and candelabra. Leominster had seen nothing like it.

The new assembly room was ready for its first revellers by Christmas 1843, and a succession of balls, concerts and meetings made good use of it. But the truth was that the ex-Red Lion and new Lion Hotel and its assembly room had come just a little too late. The assembly was a declining fashion, the railway was approaching, and the coaching trade was about to be killed stone-dead. Even the styling in the ballroom, you could argue, was now out of fashion. What you have on your hands, sir, is a dead lion.

Ironically, one of the last grand balls ever held at the Lion (in December 1853) was to celebrate the opening of the Ludlow to Hereford railway line. For the hotel too, it was shortly to be the end of the line.

After some years of disuse, in 1861 the building was taken over by a Quaker ironmonger – Samuel Alexander – and became the Lion Implement Warehouse. The former assembly room served as his rather grand showroom, and it continued in that guise for the next century or so. By the 1960s many had forgotten just what the place was, and that included Nikolaus Pevsner. The plasterwork was falling off, and the grand entrance doors had made their exit elsewhere.

However, there’s to be no unhappy ending to this story, and we can celebrate an early Victorian masterpiece brought back from the brink.

With money from the district and town councils, and from the National Lottery, the Lion and its assembly room has been restored to its pristine best. It reopened in 1997. The age of assemblies may have departed, but there’s still a call for concerts and weddings and…er… karate classes.

Not quite what John Collins and James Woodhouse had in mind, perhaps, but there you are.