Annesley Old Church

My Mum lived at the Lodge House, near Annesley Hall, in the early 1950's. My late Grandfather, Norman George Mitchell, was the Butler for Colonel JN Chaworth Musters. He originated from the Keith / Elgin area of Scotland, an area based near the Spey Valley, famous for its many whiskey distilleries. At another period of time he was Butler for the Spencers at Althorpe in Northants. He died in 1984. My Grandmother, Florrie, (on Mums side) originated from East Harling, near Thetford in Norfolk. Both of them met whilst working in service. In total they had three children, Sheila Mary Mitchell (my mum), Cora, and Douglas. My Mum and Dad met through Doug's friendship with my Dad's youngest brother, Rex. My Granddad and Grandma, on my Dad's side, lived in Annesley Colliery Village, locally known as "The Rows". My Dad had 4 brothers and 5 sisters. The eldest brother , Ged, was a fireman for British Railways at Annesley Sheds. My Dad, and the other three brothers went to the pit at Annesley. Later my Dad worked at Bentinck Colliery, transferring back to Annesley in 1981. He retired in 1986 and moved to Morecambe in Lancashire. He died age 73 in May 2006. My Mum and Dad married at Annesley All Saints (the New Church) on 11th September 1954. Three children came from the marriage, Barbara b1955, myself b1957 and Martin b1958. Later my Dad's brother, Barrie, married Cora, thus two brothers married two sisters! Barrie and Cora had three children; Alison, Stephen and Stella. We are "double cousins"! I worked at Annesley Colliery for 24 years (1974 - 1998). I lived in the Rows from 1979 to 1986. Annesley is a very special place for me.

The Old Church and Churchyard are open to the public daily. Limited parking is available on the slip road off the A608, on the Mansfield side of J27 of the M1. The Old Church has famous literary links through Lord Byron (Hills of Annesley and the Dream) and DH Lawrence's The White Peacock.

The contact details are out of date as the funded part of the project are over.

Please use myself as contact, or Facebook page Annesley Old Church Project.