Ashbourne Farm Shirebrook – The Governors and Assistants of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School Ashbourne

18^th November 1864

Ordered that Mr Wise take the necessary steps by advertisement and otherwise for the letting by Auction of the Shirebrook Farm the present Lease of which will expire on the 25^th March next.

12^th December 1864

In pursuance of an advertisement inserted three weeks in the Derby Mercury and other papers for letting by Auction upon Lease the farm at Shirebrook in the occupancy of John Lucas for fourteen years from the 25^th day of March next, such Auction was held on the 8^th day of December instant at the Swan Hotel in Mansfield and Mess’s Wise, Whitham and Lister attended on behalf of the Governors and Assistants when the said John Lucas was the best bidder for the same at the yearly rent of one hundred and forty pounds subject to such conditions as were then produced.

It is therefore ordered that Mr Wise do prepare a Lease to the said John Lucas according to the said conditions and that he do cause our Common Seal to be affixed thereto and that he do take a Bond from the said John Lucas and his Sureties for performance of the Covenants in the said intended Lease.

14^th January 1865

Also ordered that the best thanks of the Governors and Assistants be conveyed to Mr Tomlinson of Bradley Pastures for his kind and gratuitous services in looking over the Shirebrook Farm and giving his report as to its state condition and management.

21^st November 1866

Ordered that Mr Evans of Ellastone have the Timber at Shirebrook valued by him at £56. 10.The amount of his valuation to be paid in on the 25^th March next.

18^th June 1868

Notices from the Midland Railway Company to treat for portions of the Shirebrook Farm for the Mansfield lines, having been served on the Trustees and laid before this meeting. It is ordered that Mr Wise and Mr Smith be deputed to meet Mr Charles Sanders the company’s surveyor and employ the services if Mr Shaw of Derby to advise the Trustees on the subject and to assist in the negotiation with the Railway Company and to report to a future meeting.

10^th April 1871

We do order that our Common Seal be affixed to the Deed of Conveyance now produced from ourselves to the Midland Railway Company of land at Shirebrooke taken for their Mansfield and Worksop line.The Seal was affixed at this meeting accordingly.

We also authorise the said Midland Railway Company to pay the amount of interest owing on the purchase money for the said land to Mr Wise whose receipt shall be a sufficient discharge for the same.

30^th May 1871

We do order that our Common Seal be affixed to the Petition to the Court of Chancery now read over saying that the purchase money of £405 paid into Court by the Midland Railway Company for land at Shirebrook taken by them may be laid out in the purchase of 3 per cent Consols and that the dividends thereof may be paid to our Treasurer. The Seal was affixed at the meeting accordingly.

13^th March 1873

A proposal having been made by on the part of proprietors of Shirebrook to the Trustees asking them to join in letting the minerals under the Shirebrook Farm it is ordered that Mr Wise Mr Bradley and Mr Smith be appointed as a committee to attend to the matter, and if thought necessary by them they be authorised to communicate personally with the proprietors of Shirebrook on the subject and that they report back to a future meeting.

18^th August 1873

It is ordered that Mr Wise correspond with Mr Paget as to alteration of road at Shirebrook with power to consent to the sale of the small piece of land required and as to contribution with other owners as to the expense of deviation of the road.

20^th October 1873

It is ordered that Mr Wise write to Mr Paget and inform him that the Trustees are willing to join with the other proprietors in making the proposed deviation of Road to the Midland Railway Station if in the first instance terms can be arranged with the Railway Company for purchase of the land required from the farm of the Trustees at Shirebrook.

7^th November 1878

Mr Wise having received a letter from Mr Lucus the tenant of the Shirebrook Farm requesting the Trustees to look at the state of repair of the farm buildings.

Ordered that the following Trustees be a Committee to inspect the state of repair of such farm buildings and report to the Trust accordingly. Mr W R Smith Mr E Bradley Mr J W Lister Mr W Wise.

13^th June 1879

The Committee before appointed for the same purpose are requested with Mr Nuttall to visit the Shirebrook Farm and order the repair and reconstruction of the farm buildings.

7^th July 1879

The Committee to visit the Shirebrook Farm report that they yesterday visited the farm and there met a practical builder Mr Lills of Mansfield who will send an estimate of the repairs necessary.

22^nd August 1879

That Mr Nuttall be requested to visit the Shirebrook Farm with Mr Gratton Builder to obtain a specification of the repairs required and that the tenant be informed that the Shirebrook Farm be advertised to be let by Tender for seven years from the 25^th March 1880 – Tenders to be sent in by the 15^th September.

27^th September 1879

Tenders were received for the repairs of the Shirebrook Farm and considered.

Tenders for the occupancy of Shirebrook Farm were received and Mr John Lucas’s tender was considered .

Mr Wise is requested to ask Mr Lucas to meet the Trustees as to the letting of his farm.

2^nd October 1879

Mr Lucas’s tender for the Shirebrook Farm at £120 per annum be accepted.

Ordered that Mr Nutall consult Mr Lucas of Shirebrook as to the tenders for the repairs of the School Farm Buildings of certain builders in the neighbourhood.

4^th December 1879

The Clerk to prepare a Lease for the Shirebrook Farm.

5^th February 1879

Mr Lee the Treasurer of the Trust has written respecting Mr Lucas’s rent.

Ordered that Mr Lucas be requested by the Clerk to pay his rent at once.

The contractor for the work of repairing the premises at Shirebrook is requested to finish the work as specified in his contract and when the work is finished the Trustees will send some one over to look over it and report on it.

3^rd June 1880

Ordered that Mr WR Smith Mr Lister Mr Bradley and Mr Wise should be entrusted with the arrangement of the Drains on the Shirebrook Farm and that they or one or more or any of them visit the farm for that purpose.

5^th August 1880

A letter has been received from Mr Shaw relative to alterations in tithe at Shirebrook and the Trustees agree to it and order the clerk to sign the agreement on their behalf.

7^th October1880

The Clerk of the Mansfield Rural Sanitary Authority having written pressing the matter of the Shirebrook drainage.

Ordered that Mr Wise write to Mr Hibbert to ascertain what he considers necessary to be done and what the R S A would suggest.

21^st February 1884

The Shirebrook Farm House and buildings are ordered to be insured at once in the case of it not being at present insured.

26^th March 1885

Mr Marriot is taken as our tenant for the farm at Shirebrook in the place of Mr Lucas.

25^th June 1885

Mr Nuttall is requested to go to Shirebrook and report the state and condition of the farm to the Trustees.

23^rd July 1885

Mr Nuttall having had his report read as to the Shirebrook Farm be required to obtain two estimates, one for housing the well and the other for the repairs necessary to the House and to report the same to the Trustees. It was resolved that a a unanimous vote of thanks be given to Mr Nuttall.

19^th November 1885

Ordered that Grattons bill for repairs at Shirebrook according to the estimate £30 be paid.

3^rd November 1887

Ordered that £10 be allowed Mr Mariott as an abatement in the Michaelmas Rent.

7thFebruary 1889

Letter from Mr Marriott, Shirebrook Farm as to felling of trees postponed.

2^nd May 1889

Ordered that £10 per cent be returned to Mr Marriott on his Lady Day rent and that he be informed by the Treasurer that the return will not be made again.

7^th November1889

Letter received from Mrs Marriott that her husband died in August last and asking for a return of £15 per cent. Ordered that £10 per cent be allowed off the Michaelmas rent.

1^st May 1890

A letter was read from Mrs Marriott asking for a return of 10 per cent as to some repairs that were required.

Ordered that the return be allowed on the March rent and that Mrs Marriot be informed that some one will inspect the premises shortly and decide as to the repairs

6^th November 1890

A letter was read from Mrs Marriott asking for a return of 10 per cent. Resolved that as the times appeared to be improving and she held under a Lease more abatement would be allowed.

11^th December 1890

A Parliamentary Notice having been received from mess’s Nelson Barr & Nelson that the Great Northern Railway Company intended to apply to Parliament this session for Powers to extend the Sheen Valley Railway No 2 and required to take a portion of the Shirebrook Farm, the Clerk was instructed to obtain a sketch and to reply to the notice in due time as ‘neuter’

5^th February 1891

The Clerk produced a plan of the Great Northern Railway, Sheen Valley extension.

2^nd April 1891

The Clerk reported that he had received letters and plan from Mr H Mills of Mansfield as to granting a Lease of the mines under the Shirebrook property to the Staveley Company.

Ordered that the Clerk arrange with the following Governors and Assistants, mess’s Holland, Jourdain, Littleton, Cooke, Bradley and Lister to inspect the property and confer with Mr Mills hereon and report their views to the next meeting of the Trust.

4^th June 1891

The Clerk reported that no communication had been received as to the Shirebrook mines and he was requested to write direct to the Staveley Company.

4^th February 1892

Mr Boam reported that he had been over the Shirebrook land and inspected the Buildings and the repairs were ordered to be done under his and Mr Farmer’s supervision.

5^th May 1892

A letter from Mrs Marriott was read and the Clerk was ordered to write to her to obtain an Estimate of what repairs were necessary to be done from a Builder in the neighbourhood when the matter would be further considered.

1stSeptember 1892

Mr Holland read the correspondence relating to the Shirebrook mines and reported that he Mr Jourdain and Mr Bradley had attended the meeting of owners convened by Mr Paget at Mansfield on the 25^th ulto. and that a Resolution was then passed as follows:-

That it is desirable for all the owners of lands at Shirebrook that the minerals should be conveyed to a body of Trustees upon trust and with power to lease the same to a company, all rents or royalties to be for the mutual benefit of the whole of the landowners in proportion to their surface measurements.

It was resolved on the motion of Mr Rigby that the action taken by the Trustees be confirmed and that their expenses be allowed. Also that a letter be written to Mr Bryan informing him that at this meeting the Governors and Assistants had confirmed the Resolution subject to the approval of the Charity Commissioners being obtained.

The Clerk was instructed to obtain ordnance maps and Books of reference relating to the Shirebrook property, and also to see if the mines and minerals had been reserved out of the conveyance to the Railway company of a portion of the property in1868.

Ordered that Mr Bradley instruct Mr Gratton to go over the Shirebrook Farm and report as to the repairs required to be done.

27^th September 1892

Mess’s Grattons Specification and Estimate for repairs to the Shirebrook farm amounting to the sum of £90 was considered – Mr Robert Gratton attended and explained same – Ordered that the work be done with all convenient speed.

6^th October 1892

The Clerk was desired to make further enquiries as to the investment of the funds belonging to the Trust otherwise than in Consols and also to see if the minerals at Shirebrook were reserved on the sale to the Railway Company in 1868.

2^nd March 1893

After some discussion on the accounts the Treasurer was ordered to pay no further money to the Grammar School out of the Brailsford & Shirebrook rents until further orders, in consequence of the large amount owing for repairs.

6^th April 1873

A letter read from the Secretary of the Governing Body of the Grammar School with reference to the large amount owing for repairs to the Shirebrook & Brailsford farms and requesting that the payment be spread over a period of three years if possible.

Resolved after much discussion that the principle of the request be acceded to and that the Finance Committee consider and arrange the matter.

1^st November 1894

The Treasurer produced letter from Mrs Marriott asking for a reduction in her rent and it was resolved that £10 be allowed her for this year.

31^st January 1895

A letter from Mr Bryan of Mansfield was read containing the terms upon which it was proposed that a Lease be granted of the whole of the Shirebrook minerals and calling a meeting of the Freeholders for Wednesday the 6^th inst and mess’s Holland, Jourdain and Cooke were requested to attend the meeting.

7^th February 1895

The Clerk reported that he and mess’s Holland and Jourdain had attended a meeting of the Shirebrook Freeholders at Mansfield on Wednesday last as to the granting of a Lease of the Top Hard Coal under their respective properties to trustees upon trust for the Freeholders according their respective interests thereon and he read the resolution passed at the meeting.

Mr Holland also explained the various matters which were discussed and stated that he had been nominated on the Committee with Mr Paget and Mr Nicholson to meet and confer with Mr Bryan, Mr Hewitt and Mr Huskinson on the various points at Derby on Friday the 15^th inst.

7^th March 1895

The Clerk reported that he had received draft of the Terms proposed for a Lease of the Shirebrook minerals and after discussion the matter was referred to mess’s Holland, Jourdain, Bradley, Rigby and Cooke to deal with.

6^th June 1895

The application from mess’s Moore of Bulwell, Builders, to purchase some of the land part of the School Farm at Shirebrook aswell as the question of the mining Lease were referred to the Committee.

4^th July 1895

The Clerk and Mr Rigby reported that they had been to Shirebrook and inspected the farm and buildings which appeared in good order and condition. They also reported that several houses were being erected on the adjoining land to no 76 which was close to the farmhouse and buildings, and that they considered the pasture field no. 76 of great value to the farm, and that they had seen mess’s Moore the builders who asked for an interview with the Trustees.

The Committee reported that mess’s Moore had attended before them on the 18^th July, they offered £160 per acre, and after much discussion were told that 1/- per sq. yard was the minimum price .

Mr Holland suggested they should purchase the land subject to a chief rent, and they were to consider the proposal

The Clerk read letter from Martin & Son dated 3^rd July offering £200 per acre for the Pasture field no. 76 which was ordered to stand over for consideration.

The Clerk also reported that the draft provisional mineral agreement had been received and perused by Mr Holland and himself, and various alterations and suggestions were made thereon.

He also read Hewitt’s report which was ordered to be sent, with letter fully explaining to the Charity Commissioners for their consent.

1^st August 1895

The Chairman reported that the Provisional mineral agreement had been settled and that the same would be ready for signature on Tuesday and it was ordered that this meeting be adjourned to Tuesday next at 5.30pm.

The Clerk was requested to write . W. Marriott to meet him at Mansfield on Thursday next at 12 o’clock to confer as to the proposed sale of land for building purposes.

6^th August 1895

The Chairman explained that the Shirebrook mineral agreement was now ready for signature and that a meeting of the Freeholders had been called for Thursday next at Mansfield.

Mr Hewitt, Mining Engineer, Derby attended and explained the plans annexed to the agreement and the position of the matter especially as to the reciprocal Way Leave clause with the Duke of Devonshire.

Resolved, on the motion of W. Jourdain seconded by W. Littleton that the Provisional Agreement for a Lease of the Top Hand Seam of Coal under the Shirebrook Farm in conjunction with the other Freeholders be approved and that the Common Seal be thereto affixed in the presence of the Chairman and Clerk.

And it was also resolved that the Seal be also affixed as aforesaid to a separate agreement with the Duke of Devonshire for the purpose of the creation of reciprocal Wayleaves in accordance with the 26^th Clause of the above mentioned agreement.

5^th September 1895

The Clerk reported that he and W. Holland attended at Mansfield on the 8^th August and met there most of the Shirebrook Freeholders and the various parties connected with the Shirebrook Mining Lease and the Provisional Agreement was executed by those present.

The Clerk read a letter from mess’s Martin & Son dated 17^th August enquiring at what price the Trustees were prepared to sell the close of land at Shirebrook for building purposes and after discussion it was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to write mess’s Martin that the Trustees could not accept less than 1/- per square yard subject to the approval of the Charity Commissioners and to an arrangement being made with the Tenant. And it was further resolved that the Committee be empowered to sell the land at the price and as the conditions aforesaid.

The Clerk reported that the Charity Commissioners were prepared to accept, subject to the

publication of the usual preliminary notices, to authorise the Governors and Assistants to grant a Mining Lease upon the terms set out in the Schedule to the Notice signed by the secretary and dated 26^th August 1895, which notice was ordered to be affixed to the Church Doors and inserted in the local papers.

3^rd October 1895

The Clerk reported that mess’s Moore had agreed to purchase the Building Land at Shirebrook at 1/- per square yard subject to certain conditions and he was requested to prepare draft Conditional Contract and proceed with the matter.

The Clerk read a letter from the Charity Commissioners giving their consent to the Mining Lease being granted on the terms proposed provided a draft was submitted to them for approval.

7^th November 1895

The Clerk reported that he had seen mess’s Martin & Son as to the Contract for sale of the Building Land at Shirebrook, and that mess’s Moore objected to being bound not to build within 50 feet of the other School Land and offered to purchase the land up to and including the pathway across the field. The matter was left with Mr Rigby and Mr Cooke to deal with.

5^th December 1895

The Clerk reported that he had instructed Mr Barnet Young of Alton to go over the Building Land at Shirebrook proposed to be sold to mess’s Moore and to make a survey thereof and report to the Trustees.

Resolved that the action of the Clerk in the matter be confirmed.

2^nd January 1896

The Clerk reported that he had received Parliamentary Notices from the Great Northern Railway and the Lancashire Derbyshire and East Coast Railway of their intention to apply for powers to make branch lines at Shirebrook.

Letters were read from mess’s Busby & Co and Mr Lupton that the new Colliery Co. had adopted and taken over the agreement of August 1895.

A letter was also read from Mr Lupton enquiring if the Trustees would sell certain lands at Shirebrook and the Clerk stated he had replied asking for further particulars.

6^th February 1896

Letters from Mr Lupton and from mess’s Martin & Son were read as to the Shirebrook land and it was pointed out that the land which Mr Lupton wanted to purchase at an agricultural market price, and which he made a condition upon which he would release his surface rights over the building land, was scheduled in the notices given by the Great Northern and East to West Railways and would in all probability be requested for the purposes of those Railways.

The matter was referred to the Committee to deal with.

5^th March 1896

The Clerk reported that that he had been to Mansfield and consulted with Mr Bryan on the surface rights granted by the Mining Agreement and effecting the tithe of the Freeholders and that Mr Bryan seemed to think the matter of importance and advised him to see Mr Hewitt on his way back which he did and after some consideration Mr Hewitt said he would see Mr Lupton and if necessary convene a meeting.

On 20th February the Clerk attended at Derby and met Mr Hewitt, Mr Lupton, Mr Sanders and Mr Huskinson and pointed out to them the objectionable clauses and suggested that an alteration should be made giving the Colliery Company the option of taking the land within a given time in case the Trustees were desirous of selling any part of the lands striped pink but Mr Lupton declined to entertain any arrangement except that if the Trustees would sell him about 13 acres of land adjacent to the Pitworks he would then release his surface rights over the building land. After some discussion Mr Lupton offered to purchase the 13 acres at 24 years purchase based on a rental of £3 per acre or he would give £130 per acre to include the minerals. The Clerk informed Mr Lupton that his offer would be laid before the Trustees but did not think the terms would be accepted.

The Clerk stated that no satisfactory reply had been received from mess’s Martin & Son and he was instructed to give them a week’s notice that all negotiations must cease if the draft contract were not returned approved.

The Clerk read a letter he had received from Mr Bond of Nottingham, and reported an interview with him, asking the Trustees to put a price the close of land no. 80 on plan and leave offer open for his acceptance until November next. The Clerk was instructed to write declining the request but if Mr Bond was desirous of purchasing and would make an offer the same would receive the attention of the Trustees.

The Clerk was instructed to give Mrs Marriott, Tenant of the Shirebrook Farm, notice to quit at Lady Day 1897.

2^nd April 1896

The Clerk reported his interview with mess’s Martin & Son and that he had now received the draft Contract approved by them on behalf of mess’s Moore and the same was ordered to be proceeded with and Mr Young was to be instructed to measure up the quantity of land taken.

A letter was read from Mr Bond offering to purchase the close of land at Shirebrook no. 80 in the Ordnance Map at 1/- per square yard but requested that his offer stand over until November and in the event of his then failing to complete the purchase he would forfeit £25. After some discussion it was ordered that the land be offered to Mr Bond on the same terms and conditions as were comprised in mess’s Moore’s Contract and that he pay a deposit of £10 per cent the same to be forfeited if he do not complete his purchase, and the Clerk was requested to write him to that effect.

A letter from Mr Lupton was read ordered to stand over.

7^th May 1896

A letter was read from Mr Marriot asking for an abatement in his rental and it was ordered that the same stand over until it be seen how his rent is affected by the Colliery Company’s Agreement.

4^th June 1896

The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from the Charity Commissioners dated 27^th May 1896 relative to the sale to mess’s Moore, that they were prepared subject to the result of the publication in the locality of the usual Notices to issue an order authorising a sale upon the conditions mentioned in the Notice.

The Clerk read a letter from Mr Marriott asking for a reduction in his rent and was requested to write and ask him to come over and discuss the matter with the Committee.

2^nd July 1896

The Clerk reported that he and Mr Holland had met Mr Marriott on the 12^th ulto and arranged to allow him £11 off the last half years rent for the 20a: 3: 6p taken by the Colliery Company and had offered him the remainder of the farm on completion of the sales to Moore and Bond of the the closes 4a: 1:10p and 1a:3:21p leaving 80a:2:18p at £90 from March 1897 which he was to consider and the Clerk read a letter from him dated 16^th June accepting these terms.

The Clerk read a letter from Mr Cox, Mr Marriott’s Valuer, as to the compensation to be paid by the Colliery Company, from which it appeared that the Company’s Valuer declined to entertain the matter except on the basis of an outgoing and incoming Tenants Valuation. However on references being made to the Company’s Agreement it appeared they were to pay compensation for immediate possession and the Clerk was requested to forward a copy of clause 18 of the Agreement to Mr Cox.

1^st October 1896

A letter received by the Clerk from the Charity Commissioners dated 24^th September 1896 authorising the sale to Mr Bond of the close of land No. 80 on the Shirebrook plan was read.

The Clerk was requested to write Mr Bryan as to the position of matters and urging the completion of the Trust Deed.

7^th January 1897

A letter was read from Mr Bryan as to the position of matters with regard to the Shirebrook Mining Lease and it was ordered that the Clerk write to Mr Bryan suggesting that a meeting of the Freeholders be called to receive a report of what had been done and to decide the course to be taken.

4^th March 1897

The Clerk produced the Conveyances of the two plots of building land at Shirebrook to mess’s

Moore and mess’s Hale & Co and the same were executed by all the Trustees present. And the seal was ordered to be affixed thereto.

The Clerk was requested write mess’s Martin & Son that the Trustees did not see their way to sell any more land at present and that they could not as Trustees redeem the Land Tax.

1^st May 1897

The Clerk reported that the sales of the Building land at Shirebrook to mess’s Moore and mess’s Hale had been completed and the purchase money paid to the account of the Official Trustee of Charitable Funds.

3^rd June 1897

The Seal of the Governors and Assistants was ordered to be affixed to an acknowledgement of the right of mess’s Hale & Co to production of the Agreement with the Shirebrook Colliery Co of August 1895 and the same was sealed in the presence of the Chairman and Clerk.

The Clerk reported that he had received Stock Receipt for the purchase of £966. 6. 4 and

£402. 17. 6 Consols, proceeds of the sales of the two plots of building land at Shirebrook and the same were handed to the Treasurer.

2^nd September 1897

Mr Hardy’s Report as to the land at Shirebrook required by the Great Northern Railway Co.

was read also the claim sent into the Company by the Clerk.

Resolved that Mr Hardy’s Report be adopted by the Trust as the basis of their claim against the Railway Company and that the claim as sent in by Mr Cooke be approved.

4^th November 1897

The Clerk read a letter from Mr Hardy who stated that he had met the surveyor to the Great Northern Railway and that the latter had made an offer of £1000 for the 2a : 1r : 10p of land at Shirebrook.

The Clerk was instructed to reply that the Trustees could not accept the offer but if the Railway Company were prepared to make a better offer the trustees would consider it.

2^nd December 1897

The Clerk read letters from Mr Hardy and Mr Elwell as to the land at Shirebrook required by the Great Northern railway Co. and offering £1250.

The Clerk was requested to write and say that the Trustees considered £1500 a fair price and would be obtained on arbitration but to save expense they would accept £1400 reserving minerals.

6^th January 1898

The Clerk read a letter received from Mr Hardy enclosing one he had received from Mr Elwell,

The Great Northern Railway Agent, dated 18^th ulto in which the latter stated that he had received a very high claim in respect of Mr Marriott’s tenant right and that if the Trust would settle the claim for tenant right he would recommend that £1400 be given for the purchase of the land required by his Company.

The Clerk was instructed to reply declining to deal with the Tenant and that the Trustees would not accept less than £1400 clear of all expenses and reserving the minerals.

3^rd February 1898

The Clerk produced the agreement with the Great Northern Railway Co. for the sale to them of 2a: 1r:10p of land at Shirebrook for £1400.

Resolved that subject to the clause removing all mines and minerals and making he sale subject to the Provisional Agreement with the Shirebrook Colliery Company dated the 15^th day of August 1895 being restored, the same be approved and that the Chairman and the Clerk be authorised to sign the agreement on behalf of the Governors and assistants.

The Clerk read several letters received from applicants for the School Farm Shirebrook and it was resolved not to put it on offer to anyone until a Committee have seen how the farm stands at present and the Clerk was instructed to insert advertisements inviting tenders for taking the same together or in lots either as agricultural , building, or garden land.

Mr Holland reported that he had received a letter from Mr Bryan with cheque for £195 payable to the order of himself and Mr Bryan on account of mineral Royalties due September last. It was suggested that Mr Holland see his 8 Trustees and arrange if possible for future payments of mineral Royalties to be made to a Banking Account to be opened in their names.

3^rd March 1898

The Clerk produced several applications and tenders for taking Shirebrook Farm and stated that mess’s Martin & Son had offered to purchase the whole at £70 per acre exclusive of minerals. The matter was referred to the Committee to arrange with Mr Holland to go over at an early date and inspect the premises, also to arrange with an Agent to let the same in the best way possible.

7^th April 1898

Mr Holland reported that he and Mr Boam on the 16^th March went over to Shirebrook and inspected the farm and after seeing several applicants, arranged for Mr Humble to come over to Ashborne. On 19^th March Mr Holland, Mr Cooke, Mr Farmer and Boam met Mr Humble and arranged matters with him and decided to let the farm to Mrs & Mr Richardson and that Mr Cox should see to the Valuation. On 22^nd March Mr Holland met the Richardson’s at Derby and they signed a Memorandum of Agreement to take the farm at £120 a year.

Mr Holland reported that he had written Mr Bryan a month ago but had no reply beyond an acknowledgement of his letter. He had also seen Mr Nicholson and would call a meeting of the freeholders if Mr Bryan failed to do so at an early date.

The Clerk produced the Agreement with the Great Northern Railway Company for the sale to them of 2a:1r: 10p of land at Shirebrook for £1400 together with a letter from Mr Hill Dawer(the Company’s Solicitor) setting out his grounds of objection to the clause reserving all mines and minerals subject to the Provisional Agreement with the Shirebrook Colliery Company dated 15^th day ofAugust 1895.

Resolved that the said clause be expunged from the Agreement and that the Chairman and Clerk be authorised to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Governors and Assistants.

A letter was read from Mr Lupton promising to see to the fencing left incomplete by the Company.

28^th April 1898

Mr Holland reported that he and Mr Farmer attended a meeting of the Shirebrook Freeholders

on the 22^nd inst. which meeting was called at his request. Mr Bryan refused to state the business of the meeting and Mr Holland thereupon made a statement of the position of affairs through the time fixed in the Provisional Agreement for the completion of the Trust Deed having lapsed.

The meeting endorsed all that Mr Holland had done and authorised him to return the cheque to the Colliery Company to be made out in the names of the 3 Trustees.

Mr Bryan declined to deliver his costs or to name a time in which he would deliver same and also declined to hand over the papers.

Mr Holland also read the correspondence between Mr Bryan and himself and also read a letter from Mr Humble urging that the Trust Deed be carried out and also that the School Farm be surveyed.

Resolved that this meeting confirms the action Mr Holland has taken in the matter and that the following form a Sub-Committee to deal with the matter mess’s Holland, Rigby, Cooke, Farmer, and Boam.

Mr Holland and Mr Farmer also reported that they had instructed Mr Humble to go over the farm and do what repairs are actually necessary, that the tenants had signed the Agreement and that the Colliery Company had arranged to take the land they had severed and pay £3 an acre for same.

Ordered that the Clerk write again to mess’s Moore who had not yet put up the fence in accordance with their covenant.

2^nd June 1898

Mr Holland produced Mr Humble’s Estimate for repairs required to be done to the House, buildings and fences at Shirebrook amounting to £156. 10. 4. Mr Boam was requested to go there and consider the estimate but no steps were to be taken at present as the amount was considered exorbitant.

The Clerk was requested to communicate with Mr Humble as to the terms upon which he was prepared to act as the Trustees Agent at Shirebrook.

Mr Holland produced a Certificate from mess’s Hewitt & Brabant shewing that up to 10^th May last the Royalties on the Coal raised amounted to £1038:. 9. 4 being in respect of 7a:3r:14p admeasurement of Top Hard Coal thickness 4 feet 5 inches at £30 per foot thick per acre (£132. 10. 0 per acre)

7^th July 1898

The Clerk produced the conveyance to the Great Northern Railway Company and the Nomination of Surveyors and it was ordered that the Common Seal of the Governors and Assistants be thereto affixed and the same was affixed accordingly and attested by the Chairman and Clerk.

The Clerk produced a letter from the Pleasley Parish Council asking the Trustees to put our price a close of land at Shirebrook for a Recreation Ground and that he had replied asking for the number of the field on the Ordnance Survey and enquiring what price the Council would give.

Mr Holland and Mr Farmer and Mr Boam were requested to go through the Estimate of repairs to the House and Buildings at Shirebrook and decide what was absolutely necessary to be done and report to a special meeting to be called for the 21^st inst. They were also to consider what remuneration should be offered to Mr Humble for acting as the Trustees’ Agent at Shirebrook.

21^st July 1898

The Clerk read letter he had written to Mr Humble dated the 14^th inst. offering him for his services as Agent in respect of the Shirebrook property the sum of £20 for the first year commencing from 25^th March last and 310 for every year’s agency afterwards and in the event of his introducing a purchaser for any portion of the School farm a Commission of £5 per cent on the purchase money payable on completion. The agency to be determinable at the end of any year by three months notice by either party.

Also Mr Humbles reply dated 17^th inst. accepting the terms and enquiring whether his expenses to Ashborne on 19^th March would be paid. Ordered that the amount of 15/- be paid.

Mr Farmer and Mr Boam reported that they had been to Shirebrook and inspected the House and Buildings and had drawn out a Report shewing what repairs they considered necessary and the Clerk was requested to send a copy of the Report to Mr Humble with plan of the proposed drainage and ask him to obtain an Estimate.

It was resolved to lay on the Shirebrook Town Water to the Buildings.

The Clerk was requested to reply to the Pleasley Parish Council that the Trustees were not prepared to sell any portion of the farm for a Recreation Ground.

18^th August 1898

The Clerk read a pressing letter from mess’s Crampton & Son requesting immediate payment of the Valuation due to the outgoing tenant Marriott and it was ordered that a cheque for £116. 16. 8 being the amount less the half year’s rent due March be sent to Mr Humble with a request that he see mess’s Crampton and take up the award and pay the amount provided it did not compromise anything not rightly due from the Landlords as incoming tenants.

The Clerk also read a letter from Mr Humble dated 9^th August as to the Shirebrook repairs and it was resolved that Mr Humble be empowered to lay out £50 including laying out the Water & Drainage in accordance with his suggestion.

The Clerk reported that the Great Northern Railway had completed the purchase of the piece of land at Shirebrook and that the purchase money £1400 had been paid into Court.

Ordered that a summons be taken out to have the money paid out and invested.

15^th September 1898

The Clerk produced draft Summons for payment out and investment of the purchase money paid into Court by the Great Northern Railway Company and it was ordered that India £2. 10. 0 per cent stock be inserted as a proposed investment for the money.

The Clerk was requested to write the Pleasley Parish Council that the Trustees were disposed to entertain a proposal from the Council to rent the piece of ground called the Malt Shovel as a Recreation Ground on a yearly tenancy and upon terms to be agreed upon.

3^rd November 1989

Resolved that the Shirebrook tenant be allowed until the 2^nd week in December to pay the rent due Michaelmas and the 2^nd week in June for the rent due Lady Day.

Resolved that an allowance of £5 a year be made to the Shirebrook tenant in respect of a close of land taken by the Colliery Company.

Letters were read from Mr Wilson on behalf of the Pleasley Parish Council, as to the Trustees selling a portion of the Shirebrook Farm to form a Cemetery and it was decided to let the matter stand over pending a formal application from the Council.

5^th January 1899

The Clerk produced letter from Mr Humble asking whether the Trustees would sell the remainder of the Malt Shovel Close at £150 per acre and it was resolved that the offer be declined.

1^st June 1899

The Clerk produced letter from Mr Humble enclosing Mr Eastwood’s account for work done at Shirebrook amounting to £57. 18. 0 which did not include water or drainage and the amount exceeded the sum authorised.

Mess’s Farmer and Boam were requested to inspect the work and report at the next meeting and they were also requested to see as to the water supply.

6^th July 1899

Mess’s Farmer and Boam reported that they had been to Shirebrook and inspected the work done and that the same appeared to have been carried out very satisfactorily.

Ordered that a vote of thanks to mess’s Farmer and Boam be recorded in the minutes for the trouble they have taken in this matter.

Ordered that mess’s Moore’s estimate of £8. 2. 0 for laying on the public water atShirebrook be accepted and that the question of removing the pump stand over for the present.

The Clerk was requested to write mess’s Moore calling their attention to the state of the fence between their land and the School Farm.

7^th September1899

Mr Holland reported that the Trust Deed relating to the Shirebrook Coal was being prepared and he thought that the sum of about £6000 would be divisible as rents and royalties amongst the Freeholders.

The Clerk produced a letter and Schedule of the area of the Shirebrook Farm including the roads which had been prepared by Mr Hewitt and he stated the area appeared to be correct and was requested to reply to that effect.

The Clerk was also requested to enquire from Mr Richardson if the water had been properly laid on.

Also to write to Mr Humble that the Trustees were taking the management of the Shirebrook Farm into their own hands and they would not require his services beyond March next.

5^th October 1899

The Clerk read a letter received from Mr Richardson stating that the water had been laid on to his satisfaction and it was ordered that mess’s Moore’s a/c, £8. 2. 0 be paid.

The Clerk also read a letter from Mr Humble acknowledging the Trustees notice to determine his agency and asking if they were willing to sell the Malt Shovel Field and at what price.

Also a letter from Mr Wilson offering to purchase fields Nos. 121 and 126 at £120 per acre.

Resolved that both offers be declined.

4^th January 1900

Mr Holland reported that Counsel was preparing the Shirebrook Trust Deed.

1^st February 1900

Letters were also read from Mr Humble as to a fence at Shirebrook damaged by mess’s Moore’s

Building operations and it was resolved that Mr Boam go over and look at the fence and report thereon before anything is done so as to see that no encroachment is being made by mess’s Moore .

15^th March 1900

The Clerk read correspondence between Mr Humble and Mr Greenwood as to a claim by the latter for £2. 2. 0 for estimate and specification of repairs at Shirebrook Farm and the Clerk was ordered to write Mr Greenwood that the Trusttees did not admit any liability but offering£1. 1. 0 to settle the matter without prejudice.

Mr Boam stated that a large amount of trespass existed over the Shirebrook Farm and suggested that a high wall be built against mess’s Moore’s property.

5^th April 1900

Mr Boam proposed that the members of the Trust should go over and inspect the Shirebrook property and after some discussion it was resolved that the matter stand over to the next meeting.

Ordered that a cheque be sent to Mr Humble for the year’s salary due to him.

3^rd May 1900

The proposed visit of the Trustees to Shirebrook was left with Mr Boam and Mr Cooke to arrange.

7^th June 1900

The Trustees decided to visit Shirebrook on Wednesday next and the Clerk was requested to notify each Trustee the time and departure.

The Clerk reported that he had received the draft of the Shirebrook Mineral Trust Deed and the draft of the proposed Lease to the Colliery Company and he was instructed to do what was necessary in the matter and apply in due course to the Charity Commissioners for their approval.

The Chairman reported that Mr Littleton had been appointed a Trustee of the Shirebrook Coal Trust in the place of Mr Holland.

5^th July 1900

The Clerk was requested to write to the Shirebrook Colliery Company for a plan of the surface land taken by them and also to prepare a Plan of the whole of the remaing Shirebrook property belonging to the Trustees, after which it was left to the Finance Committee to consider and report as to the best scheme for developing and disposing of the Estate.

2^nd August 1900

The recommendation of the Finance Committee that a competent Surveyor be instructed to go over the Shirebrook property and prepare plans and suggestions as to lotting same with a view to a sale, was considered and it was resolved that the question stand over for further consideration.

6^th September 1900

The question of appointing a surveyor to go over Shirebrook and set out the land for building lots was also to stand over.

17^th May 1901

Mr Crampton, of Mansfield , Auctioneer and Surveyor, attended the meeting.

The Clerk produced and read letter and report received from mess’s J. Crampton & Sons and

Mr Crampton produced and explained plans setting out the Shirebrook property for sale and stated that he considered the property if offered for sale in lots should realise as follows:-

Lot No. on Ordnance Survey new addition a r p Price

1 82, 83, 84, 85 and 64 being the House &

buildings . 5 2 38 £1850

2 35 Malt ShoveL Piece 4 2 39 £900

3 67 and 69 4 0 19 £1200

4 120 3 11 £150

5 121 1 1 3 £200

6 118 2 3 26 £180

7 122 3 2 2 £ 220

8 125 1 0 20 £ 120

9 137 4 3 18 £ 250

10 187 4 2 12 £ 250

11 102 10 3 19 £ 550

12 56 7 0 1 £ 300

13 134 2 0 24 £80

14 167 10 1 26 £ 350

15 371 4 3 8 £ 200

16 no’s 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 4 0 32 £ 80

——————————-

Total A 73 1 21 £ 6880

Mr Crampton was requested to prepare a full report with plans to lay before the Commissioners and on receipt of same the Clerk was instructed to forward same to the Commissioners forthwith.

The Clerk was instructed to prepare formal application to the Board of Charity Commissioners for authority to sell the property in the above lots and at the above prices and was instructed to affix the Common Seal of the Governors and Assistants to such application.

6^th June 1901

The Clerk read a further Report received from mess’s Crampton & Sons as to the sale and lotting of the Shirebrook property and was ordered to call a Special meeting to consider the same when he had heard from the Charity Commissioners.

A preliminary advertisement of the sale was ordered to be inserted in the Derbyshire Times and a Nottingham paper.

24^th June 1901

The Clerk produced Plans and draft posters and particulars of Sale prepared by mess’s Crampton & Sons.

The draft poster was approved and ordered to be printed.

The Plans were also approved with the exception of Plan No:2 being a sub-division of Lot 1 into Building plots in the event of its not being sold in one Lot. This plan, it was thought had better stand over for the present and that Lot 1 in its entirety be offered last of all, as it comprised the House and Buildings.

The Particulars and Conditions of Sale were also considered and discussed and the same were ordered to be printed and proof copies examined by Mr Cooke and Mr Holland or, in his absence Mr Rigby.

It was suggested that the date of sale be fixed for the 25^th July at 1for 2 o’clock.

The Clerk was instructed to write to the Clerk of the Blackwell Rural District Council enquiring if their main sewer crossed the land of the Trustees, no’s 67 and 79 on plan, and, if so, by whose authority the same was put there and that compensation would be claimed in respect thereof.

The Clerk was also instructed to write mess’s Moore that the drains put in by them across the piece of land no: 64 on plan were an encroachment and that they would have to arrange with the purchaser if they wished same to remain.

4^th July 1901

The Clerk explained the position of matters with regard to the sale of the Shirebrook Estate and that the sale was fixed for the 25^th inst. and he was requested to send notices of the day and time to each Trustee so as to give them an opportunity of attending.

1^st August 1901

The Clerk reported that he and mess’s Rigby, Howell and Boam attended the sale of the Shirebrook property at Mansfield on the 25^th ulto. when the property was offered in 16 Lots and

Lot 9 4a: 2r: 12p realised £267. 0. 0

Lot 10 10a: 3r: 19p realised 550. 0. 0

Lot 11 7a: 0r: 1p realised 300. 0. 0

Lot 12 2a: 0r: 24p realised 96. 7. 6

Lot 14 4a: 3r: 0p realised 225. 12. 6

Lot 15 4a: 0r: 33p realised 98. 5. 6

£1537. 5. 6

The bidding for the remaining Lots did not reach the reserves fixed by the Commissioners and the same were withdrawn.

5^th September 1901

The Clerk produces the Shirebrook Mining Lease upon which the Charity Commission had endorsed their authority to the Trustees to execute same.

The Clerk also produced the draft Order of the Charity Commission confirming the sale of Lots 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 of the Shirebrook property.

Resolved that a recommendation be made to the Commissioners that the net purchase in the money be invested in the purchase of India Three per cent stock.

Ordered that notice to quit be given to the Shirebrook tenants and that they be informed at the same time that the Trustees will be pleased to negotiate with them for re-letting the unsold portion of the property.

3^rd October 1901

The Clerk read letter from mess’s Crampton & Sons dated 14^th September that they had an offer 0f £1500 for Lot 16 and £300 for Lot 13 . Resolved that the offers be not accepted.

The Clerk was requested to write mess’s Crampton and enquire if they had received any offer from the Blackwell Rural District Council as to the compensation to be paid for the main sewer crossing the land of the Trustees.

The Conveyances relating to the sale of Lots 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15 Shirebrook land were produced .

Resolved that the Common Seal of the Governors and Assistants be affixed thereto and that the same be signed by the Trustees present.

7^th November 1901

Resolved that the amount received from the Blackwell Rural District Council for compensation for sewer, after payment of the expenses connected therewith, be placed on deposit at the Bank for the present.

Mess’s Crampton & Sons’ account of charges and expenses in connection with the Shirebrook sale was referred to the Finance Committee.

5^th December 1901

A letter was read from Mr Richardson, the Shirebrook Tenant , asking that the £5 allowed last year for the stackyard might be again allowed for this year and it was resolved that this allowance be made.

2^nd January 1902

A letter was read from Mr John Wilson of Shirebrook with an offer for Lots 3 and 4 and the Clerk was instructed to reply that the Trustees could not accept same.

Letters were also read from Mr Richardson the Shirebrook Tenant as to his continuing his tenancy and it was resolved that the unsold portion of the farm (about 40 acres) be offered to him at £75 a year and if he declined same then that he be asked to make an offer.

Resolved that mess’s Crampton & Sons’ offer to settle their account for £127 be accepted and that mess’s Wise & Cooke’s charges and other sale expenses be paid.

It was resolved that the Chairman sign the authority to the Official Trustee of Charitable Funds to remit to the account of the Trustees at Lloyds Bank the amount of the Shirebrook sale expenses.

6^th February 1902

Letters containing offers from Mr Richardson of Ruddington to purchase the Shirebrook Minerals and the land remaining unsold were read and referred to the Finance Committee.

The Clerk produced the tenders he had received for taking the House Buildings and land at Shirebrook and the same were considered and mess’s Moore’s offer of £75 a year was accepted subject to the usual tenancy agreement being signed.

6^th March 1902

Mr Richardson’s offer to purchase the unsold land at Shirebrook and certain of the minerals was again discussed and the Clerk was instructed to inform Mr Richardson that the same cannot be entertained.

3^rd April 1902

The Clerk was requested to instruct mess’s Crampton & Sons to represent the Trustees on the Shirebrook Valuation.

1^st May 1902

The Finance Committee reported that the sum of £1551. 16. 9 had been received from the Shirebrook Coal Trust for royalties and recommended that mess’s Wise & Cooke’s costs relating to the mining agreement and Lease be paid subject to the approval of the Charity Commission and that the balance be remitted to the Commissioners for investment.

5^th June 1902

The Clerk produced the Bills of Costs relating to the Shirebrook Minerals which had been taxed by the Charity Commissioners and allowed by them at £161. 16. 4 and a cheque was signed for the amount.

3^rd July 1902

The Clerk read a notice received from the Surveyor to the Blackwell Rural District Council of their intention to carry a sewer through two fields at Shirebrook belonging to the Trustees and the Clerk was requested to obtain particulars as to position, size and depth of the proposed sewers of the manholes and if he thought necessary to instruct Mess’s J . Crampton & Sons to attend to the matter and claim compensation on behalf of the Trustees.

The Clerk reported that the sum of £1390. 0. 5 being the net amount of Shirebrook Royalties received had been invested in the purchase of the sum of £1431. 3. 0 Consols in the name of the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds.

4^th September 1902

The Clerk reported that he had received the sum of £323. 6. 1 further on account of Shirebrook Royalties also that mess’s Holland & Rigby’s fee for deducing the Trustees title was £10. 10. 0 and the matter was to come before the next meeting of the Finance Committee.

4^th March 1903

1^st August 1903

The Treasurer reported that mess’s Moore had not paid the half year’s rent due March last for the Shirebrook Farm and the Clerk was instructed to apply for payment at once and to distrain if necessary.

The Clerk produced a demand note received for the taxes in respect of the same farm and was instructed to send same to mess’s Moore for payment they to be allowed same in the usual way.

3^rd September 1903

The Clerk read several letters received from mess’s Crampton as to the likelihood of some of the Building land at Shirebrook being disposed of and as to the advisability of giving mess’s Moore notice to quit the farm on that account. It was considered that the Clerk should reply that the Trustees did not think mess’s Moore should have notice unless some definite offer were received.

1^st October 1903

Letter read from mess’s Crampton as to the Shirebrook farm and mess’s Moore’s tenancy.

The Clerk was requested to write mess’s Crampton for particulars of any charges they had against the trustees.

5^th November 1903

Ordered that mess’s Crampton’s account re Shirebrook farm be paid up to date and that for the present the farm be withdrawn from their agency.

3^rd December 1903

The Clerk reported that he had received from the Shirebrook Coal Trust a cheque for £407. 10. 6 being the net proportion of royalties due to the Grammar School for the half year ending 1^st September 1903. He also produced statement of account and letter received from mess’s Holland & Rigby and it was resolved that the Clerk be authorised to approve and receipt the account on behalf of the Governors and Assistants and also that the sum of £6. 5. 11 proportion of mess’s Holland & Rigby’s costs re the Shirebrook Lands be allowed.

7^th January 1904

Ordered that the amount recently received from the Shirebrook Coal Trust be invested in Consols in the name of the Official Trustee.

4^th February 1904

Resolved that the Clerk be authorised to sign a request to mess’s Holland & Rigby to take steps to prevent the Shirebrook Colliery Limited or the Lord of the Manor from working the Coal under the Common Lands and authorising the Trustees of the Coal Trust to deduct the costs of such proceedings.

1^st December 1904

Cheque for £349. 3. 5 received on account of the Shirebrook Coal Royalties was handed to the Treasurer with instructions to invest same through the Charity Commissioners in India 3% stock.

5^th January 1905

The Clerk was requested to write mess’s Moore demanding payment of the September rent fot the Shirebrook farm and to distrain if necessary.

2^nd February 1905

Letter read from the Charity Commissioners to the effect that the Shirebrook Mineral Royalties could, under the existing Order , only be invested in Consols and that, if it were desired to have the Order varied, application must be made to the Board of Education

The Clerk was requested to make the necessary application to the Board of Education with a

view to future investments being made in India or other suitable stocks.

2^nd March 1905

A letter from mess’s Crampton Son & Clements was read, from which it appeared that a second sewer (running parallel with the sewer authorised by the Trustees to be laid) had been laid on the Shirebrook Farm, and the Clerk was requested to enquire by whose permission this second sewer was laid and also to enquire from the Clerk to the Blackwell Rural Council how the Shirebrook Sewage Scheme stood.

A second letter from mess’s Crampton concerning mess’s Moore’s tenancy was read . And it was resolved not to take any action in the matter.

It was decided that the Trustees should go over to Shirebrook and report.

23^rd March 1905

Mr Holland explained the nature of the Shirebrook Coal Trust of which the following are the present Trustees:- mess’s Joseph Nicholson, Harry Erskine Curry and Philip Richard Littleton.

And he intimated that Mr Littleton, owing to his failing health, was desirous of retiring from the said Trust, and desired his place to be filled by the Revd. E. E. Morris.

On the proposition of Mr Maclean seconded by Mr Rigby it was unanimously resolved that the

Governors and Assistants do hereby approve of the proposal to appoint the Revd. Ernest Edwin Morris (one of this Body) to be a Trustee of the Shirebrook Coal Trust in the place of

Mr Philip Richard Littleton who desires to retire from the said Trust.

6^th April 1905

The Clerk produced a letter in reply to his as to the Shirebrook Sewer which explained that the work was done in accordance with the notice sent to the Trustees in July 1902 and the amount £54. 15. 9 had been arranged by Mr Crampton in compensation.

The Clerk was requested write Mr Crampton as to this.

The Clerk was also requested to arrange a meeting of the Trustees to go over and inspect the Shirebrook premises for about the week after Easter.

26^th April 1905

The Trustees attended at Shirebrook and met there Mr Crampton (Auctioneer) and went over

the School Farm and examined the buildings and found them very much in need of repair and also that the roofs were in a very bad condition.

The Trustees had a very long conference with the Tenant Biggin who said he had been in possession of the Farm as under tenant to mess’s N & JW Moore at a rental of thirty shillings per acre and twenty five pounds for the House. He informed the Trustees that he was willing to take the whole of the Farm at a rental of thirty shillings per acre, but was informed that the Trustees could not accept so low a sum, and the matter was left over for consideration.

The trustees also inspected the Shirebrook Colliery.

Mr Crampton explained that the first sewer had been paid for, and the sum of £54. 15. 9 would be paid for the second sewer.

Mr Crampton informed the Trustees that the Urban Council wished to lay a Surface Drain along the end of the cliff and Mr Crampton suggested that the Trustees should allow them to do so.

4^th May 1905

The Clerk was requested to write to the Clerk of the Blackwell Council claiming the value of the Ash Tree felled by them for the purpose of laying the second sewer.

The Blackwell Council desired to purchase some land of the Ashborne School Farm for the purpose of sewage and Mr Rigby, the Revd. E.E. Morris and the Clerk were authorised to determine the price to be charged for the land required.

Mr Rigby, the Revd. E. E. Morris and the Clerk held a conference on the 9^th May and fully considered the price of the land required by the Blackwell Council for sewage purposes and it was agreed that the Clerk should offer the land to the Council at Ten Shillings per square yard subject to the Council submitting a Plan of the land and to the covenanting not to build on the property and to their erecting at their own expense the necessary fence.

Ordered that all the moneys due from the Blackwell Council to the Trustees be paid to the Clerk direct, and the Clerk was requested to write to the Council to this effect.

The Clerk was requested to write to Mr Biggin (Undertenant of the Ashborne School Farm) requesting him to obtain estimates of the cost of the necessary work required to the Buildings.

Ordered that notice to quit be given to mess’s H H & J W Moore at the proper time.

16^th May 1905

The Clerk read a letter from Mr G Biggin stating that the repairs to the buildings on the Ashborne School Farm were estimated to cost £12. 10. 0 , and the Clerk was directed to write to Mr Biggin in reply requesting him to send full details of the work which was to be included in the Estimate and also for other particulars.

The Clerk was directed to write to the Secretary to the Shirebrook Colliery Limited requesting them to erect the fence round the surface land at the Colliery.

1^st June 1905

The treasurer reported that he had received £478. 9. 9 further on account of the Shirebrook Royalties.

6^th July 1905

The Clerk was directed to write to the Blackwell Rural Council as to the Valuation of the Sewer and the fallen Ash Tree and also as to the piece of land the Council required.

The Clerk was also directed to write to Mr Biggin the undertenant of the Ashborne School Farm requesting him to proceed with the repairs to the buildings and that the pigstyes were to stand over for a time.

5^th October 1905

The Clerk reported that Notice to quit had been given to mess’s FH & JW Moore in accordance with the Resolution passed at the meeting held on the 4^th May last.

2^nd November 1905

The Clerk also read a letter from mess’s FH & JW Moore acknowledging receipt of Notice to quit and enquiring what amount the Trustees would accept for the “Malt Shovel” piece and he was requested to write them asking that if they would make a definite offer the Trustees would take the matter into consideration at their next meeting.

7^th December 1905

The Clerk was requested to write to Mr Biggin informing him that he could take the Ashborne School Farm at the annual rental of £95.

The Clerk read a letter from mess’s Moore offering £700 for the “Malt Shovel” piece and he was requested to write them that the Trustees could not accept so low a sum and to ask them if they could not see their way to increase their offer.

The Clerk was also requested to write to the Clerk to the Blackwell Rural Council asking him for a reply as to the piece of land the Council wished to acquire from the Trustees.

4^th January 1906

The Clerk read a letter from Mr George Biggin informing the Trustees that he could not see his way to give £95 a year rent for the Ashborne School Farm.

Mess’s Rigby and Boam and the Revd. E. E. Morris were requested to go over to Shirebrook to interview Mess’s Moore and Mr Biggin and were empowered to make arrangements for the tenancy of the School Farm and to treat for the sale of the Malt Shovel piece.

1^st February 1906

The Clerk was also requested to write to the Shirebrook Colliery Co. as to the state of the fence round the Colliery.

Mr Rigby reported that Biggin had done the repairs at the School Farm and that mess’s Moore would give Nine hundred pounds (£900) for the “Malt Shovel” piece and also take on the remainder of the Farm at the same rent namely £75 per annum. It was decided to accept mess’s Moore’s offer and the completion of the sale of the “Malt Shovel” piece was fixed for the 24^th March next.

The Clerk was requested to make out a fresh Agreement with mess’s Moore and send same to them for signature.

1^st March 1906

The Clerk reported that the Agreement of tenancy of the Ashborne School Farm Shirebrookhad been sent to mess’s Moore for signature.

The Clerk also reported what had been done in connection with the sale of the “Malt Shovel” piece to mess’s Moore.

5^th April 1906

The Clerk reported that mess’s Moore had not yet returned their tenancy Agreement.

And it was resolved that the Clerk should write them demanding the year’s rent immediately and also ask them to return the Agreement duly signed forthwith.

5^th May 1906

The Clerk laid before the meeting two letters received from mess’s Moore , one to the effect that the rent and the signed Agreement would be sent in about a fortnight’s time, and the other asking for consent to repair one of the fireplaces at the School Farm. And it was resolved on the motion of Mr Rigby , seconded by Mr Bond, that the Clerk should write in reply to the effect that, unless the year’s rent due in March be paid within 7 days, the Trustees would distrain therefore, and that the Clerk be empowered to distrain in case of default. And it was also resolved that mess’s Moore be informed that the repairs referred to could not be entertained until the rent was paid , and that they be requested to return the fresh tenancy Agreement duly signed by them immediately.

A communication received from the Secretary to the Charity Commission, was read, which had reference to the proposed investment of the purchase money of “Malt Shovel”. And it was decided that the £900 purchase money be invested in India 3% stock.

7^th June 1906

The Conveyance relating to the sale of the “Malt Shovel” piece to mess’s Moore was produced.

And it was ordered that the Common Seal of the Governors and Assistants be affixed thereto and that the same be signed by the Trustees.

5^th July 1906

The Clerk read a letter from mess’s Martin & Son ( Solicitor’s to mess’s Moore) asking for a return of the interest paid upon the purchase money of the “Malt Shovel” piece. And upon the proposition of Mr Howell seconded by Mr Maclean it was resolved that inasmuch as the Governors and assistants were Trustees they cannot deviate from the terms of the Contract especially as the delay in completing the sale , in respect of which the interest was charged was occasioned by the Purchasers . And the Clerk was requested to write to mess’s Martin in reply to this effect.

6^th December 1906

The Clerk reported that he had received a notice from the Inspector of Nuisances to the Rural District of Blackwell requesting the Trustees to make a covered drain from the School Farm house at Shirebrook to a covered Cesspool according to the Council’s bye laws.

And the Clerk was requested to ascertain whether the drains could not be laid so as to empty into the Council’s main sewer which lies in close proximity to the Farm to the Farm house, and to Instruct the Inspector of Nuisances to take levels to find whether the fall was against the dreain being connected with the main sewer and to obtain from him an estimate of the cost of the work.

3^rd January 1907

The Clerk read a letter which had been received from the Surveyor to the Rural District Council at Blackwell concerning the mode of draining the Shirebrook School Farm.

And it was ordered that it should be ascertained from the Surveyor if it would be more effective and less expensive if an iron pipe was fixed across and above the stream instead of putting in a siphon under the brook.

7^th February 1907

The correspondence between the Clerk and the Blackwell Rural Council as to the drainage at Shirebrook Farm was read And mess’s Bond and Smedley were deputed to attend at Shirebrook and inspect the land around the Farm with a view to reporting to the Trustees upon the most effectual mode of draining.

6^th June 1907

A letter received from the Inspector of Nuisances of Blackwell Council was read and it was resolved that all the Trustees should visit Shirebrook at an early date and that all the arrangements for the proposed visit should be left in the hands of Mr Smedley.

19^th June 1907

Report of the Trustees who visited Shirebrook on this day

Present; mess’s Lister, Howell, Davenport, Morris, Smedley, Bond and Sadler.

1 It was found to be impossible to drain the School farm House into the main sewer, and the Trustees present invited mess’s Moore to send in an estimate for a circular tank.

2 It was ascertained that the Blackwell Rural District Council had laid their surface drain clear of Trustees’ property.

3 The Trustees considered that the property generally was in a bad and dilapidated condition.

1^st August 1907

It was reported that no communication had been received from mess’s Moore with respect to the drainage at the Shirebrook School Farm.

5^th December 1907

The question arising on the Minutes of the Finance Committee with reference to the deduction of £76. 0. 6 (from the sum of £ due from the Shirebrook Trustees for Royalties) on account of legal expenses was discussed and it was Resolved that the matter be referred to a Committee consisting of:-

Mr W H Smedley

G M Bond

Col R H Jelf

For consideration and report to the next Meeting.

2^nd January 1908

The Sub Committee appointed to consider the question of the deduction of £76. 0..6 from the half yearly payment of Royalties by the Shirebrook Coal Trust in November last being the Governors share of the legal expenses incurred in the action “Paget v the Shirebrook Colliery Company Ltd” reported that they had examined all the documents and searched the Minute Book and had come to the conclusion that the deduction must be allowed and on the motion of Col Jelf seconded by Mr Bond the deduction was allowed and the Treasurer was empowered to sign the cheque the Authority being signed by all the trustees present.

6^th February 1908

The Treasurer was directed to forward the above sum of £150. 15. 4. to the Charity Commissioners for investment as part of the capital funds received from the Shirebrook Coal

2^nd April 1908

The Clerk read a letter from Mess’s Moore dated 24^th March 1908 giving 12 months notice of intention to quit the Shirebrook farm at Lady Day 1909.

7^th May 1908

A letter war read from the Bishop of Southwell with reference to the Church Needs at Shirebrook.

It was resolved that the Clerk acknowledge the receipt of the letter and state that the Governors and Assistants fear that they have no funds at present available out of which they can contribute but that the matter will be taken into consideration whether it is possible to do anything in the matter.

It was resolved that an authority be signed to the Shirebrook Colliery Company authorising that Company to pay all rents due to the Governors and Assistants to their Treasurer for the time being at Lloyds Bank Limited Ashborne.

2 July 1908

The question of the Arrears of Rent on the Shirebrook Farm was considered and the Clerk was requested to take the usual course to recover from Mess’s Moore Brothers the amount due.

Mr Smedley called the attention of the trustees to the unsatisfactory state of the Shirebrook property, and after further discussion, it was decided, on the motion of Mr Wright and seconded by Col. Jelf to appoint a Surveyor , and that the Clerk be requested to produce at the next Meeting the Plans and Lease to Mess’s Moore Bros: and the Lease to the Shirebrook Colliery Company Limited for verification.

6^th August 1908

The Treasurer reported that Mess’s Moore Bros had now paid the Arrears of their rent £37. 10. 0, less tax £3. 5. 9.

The Treasurer reported that owing to the illness of the Clerk he had not been able to procure the lease of the surface to the Shirebrook Colliery Company. It was decided to adjourn this question also for a month.

3^rd December 1908

Three letters were read from applicants for the tenancy of the School Farm, Shirebrook, now occupied by Mess’s Moore Bros, which will fall vacant on the 5^th March next, and the Clerk was directed to write to them stating the lowest terms on which the farm would be let. It was also resolved that the farm be advertised to let in “The Mansfield Reporter” and “The Mansfield Advertiser”.

7^th January 1909

The Clerk stated that he had received five applications for the tenancy of the School Farm,Shirebrook, and was corresponding with the parties, and it was resolved that the matter should be considered further at the next meeting.

4^th February 1909

Applications were read for the tenancy of the School Farm Shirebrook from Mr Thomas Chadbourne and Mr Stubbings, each offering a rent of £60 per annum, and it was resolved that the Clerk should write to Mr Chadbourne stating that the Trustees were prepared to consider the question of letting him the farm if a satisfactory arrangement could be made as to the necessary repairs.

The Clerk was directed to write to mess’s John Crampton & Son, Auctioneers, Mansfield requesting them to forward any papers they have relative to the Shirebrook Estate.

The question of the surface encroachment by the Colliery Co. and of the present state of the School Farm were discussed and the following were appointed a Committee to deal with these matters, and the letting of the farm, with power to add to their number :-

W.R. Holland G.M, Bond

G. Boam W.H. Smedley

J. Lister

Three to form a quorum.

25^th February 1909

Thursday 25^th February 1909

Special Meeting

Present.

Governors. W. R. Holland, Jihn Lister.

Assistants. G. Boam, W, H. Smedley, G. M. Bond, Frank Wright, J. H. Smith and Benjamin Parkin.

The Clerk reported that the following members of the Shirebrook Committee, namely mess’s

G. Boam, W.H. Smedley, and G. M. Bond, together with Mr. Frank Wright, Mr Barnett Young, Land Surveyor of Alton, and the Clerk had visited Shirebrook on Monday the 22^nd inst. and he read the detailed report of the said Committee which was received and duly considered by the meeting, who tendered their thanks to the Committee for the trouble they had

taken.

The following recommendations of the Committee were adopted and duly passed:-

1. That an unclimbable iron spiked fence be erected on the School Farm in the positions

recommended by the Committee, such fence to be 4 ft 6 ins high, with round vertical bars

5/8 ins in diameter, 4 ins from centre to centre, with horizontal bars 3/8 ins by 1 and a

1/4 ins and that tenders for supplying and fixing the same be obtained from Mr Barnes,

Mr. Kennedy, and mess’s Wooddisse & Desborough, all of Ashborne.

2. That the Clerk write to mess’s J. H. & J. W. Moore, calling upon them to put the

unclimbable iron fence into an efficient state of repair forthwith, pursuant to their

covenant and to remove the wooden shed which they had erected facing Portland Road,

and make good the fence on the original Boundary.

3. That Mr. Thomas Chadbourne, of 53 Victoria Street, Shirebrook, milk dealer, be

accepted as the new tenant of the School Farm at the rent of £60 per annum on the

terms recommended in the Committee report.

4. That the claim against the Midland Railway Co. for damage by fire to a portion of the

Fence of the field now occupied by Mr. Thomas Chadbourne be proceeded with, and

that the proper Notice be given.

5. That the question of the claim against mess’s Moore for dilapidations be left in the

hands of Mr. Young and the Clerk.

6. That the Shirebrook Colliery Co’s application to be allowed to take in, for the purpose of

pit works, a further portion of land, about an acre and a quarter in extent, belonging to

the School Farm, properly fencing off the same, and paying therefore at the same rate,

and subject to the same terms as the land they now hold for that purpose be agreed to.

1 April 1909

The Clerk reported the position of the matters relating to the School Farm at Shirebrook and the same was discussed.

6^th May 1909

The Clerk reported the progress of matters connected with the School Farm, Shirebrook.

3^rd June 1909

The Clerk reported that Mess’s Crampton & Sons, valuers for Mess’s Moore Brothers hadoffered £10 in settlement of all claims by the Trustees against Mess’s Moore Brothers for dilapidations under their Agreement of January and that he had accepted this sum on behalf of the Trustees. It was Resolved that the action of the Clerk be confirmed.

1^st July 1909

The Clerk read a letter from Mr Chadbourne the Tenant of the School Farm, Shirebrook requesting the Trustees to allow him eight new gates, and as to the provision of a shed for his Grakes and requesting the Trustees to visit the farm and it was resolved that eight new gates be allowed, and the Clerk was directed to write to Mr Young requesting him to deal with the matter. The question of the new shed was adjourned pending the visit of the Trustees to the farm, which it was decided should not take place until after the next monthly meeting.

5^th August 1909

The Clerk reported that he had written to Mess’s Moore Brothers requesting them to at once put the iron fence adjourning the Portland Road Boundary of the School Farm Shirebrook into repair and that he had received a letter from Mess’s Martin & Sons their Solicitord the 27^th ulto stating that the repairs would be carried out at once.

The correspondence between the Clerk, Mr Young and Mr Chadbourne as to the proposednew gates at the School Farm, Shirebrook, was read and it was resolved that the matter should be referred to the Committee appointed to visit Shirebrook.

It was resolved that the following gentlemen should form a Committee to visit Shirebrook on Monday the 13^th instant with power to act and to add to their number:-

Mess’s G. Boam. Revd. Canon Morris, W. H. Smedley, Col. R. H. Jelf, Peveril Turnbull and

Richard Holland (Clerk).

The question as to whether Mess’s Moore Bros. Should be required to remove the shed they had built on the Portland road Boundary of the School Farm, Shirebrook was referred to the Committee appointed to visit Shirebrook.

7^th October 1909

The Clerk read the report of the Shirebrook Committee of their visit to the School Farm Shirebrook on the 13^th August last.

A letter was read from Mr Thos. Chadbourne, the Tenant of the School Farm Shirebrook, inwhich he asked the Trustees to make him some payment in respect of the time and labour he had expended in improving the condition of the farm. And the Clerk was directed to write in reply requesting Mr Chadbourne to state what sum he would accept in settlement.

It was resolved to have a portion of the ashes on the Market Street Boundary of the School Farm removed and the remainder straightened, and the Clerk was directed to arrange with Mr Chadbourne to do the necessary work.

Mr Chadbourne having stated that a nuisance was being caused by reason of the contracting Scavenger of the Blackwell Rural District Council having tipped a considerable quantity of night soil & ashes on the occupation roads of the Farm, the Clerk was directed to write to the Clerk to the said Council on the subject.

Mess’s J. H. & J. W. Moore not having yet repaired the iron fence along the Portland RoadBoundary of the School Farm, the Clerk was directed to write to Mess’s Martin & Sons their Solicitors stating that proceedings would be taken unless the necessary repairs were carried out at once.

4^th November 1909

The Clerk reported that he had received a letter dated the 2^nd instant from the Clerk to the

Blackwell Rural District Council stating that the tipping of ashes and objectionable rubbish on the occupation Roads of the School Farm, Shirebrook had been caused by the Councils late

Scavenging Contractor but that the nuisance had since been abated.

A letter was read from Mr Thomas Chadbourne the Tenant of the School Farm , Shirebrook,stating that he would accept the sum of £10 in settlement of all claims by him in respect of what he had done to improve the condition of the Farm, including the provision and fixing of glass windows

in the stables and the work in removing and straightening the ashes on the Market Street Boundary , and it was Resolved that the sum of £10 be allowed Mr Chadbourne in settlement as aforesaid. The said sum to be deducted by Mr Chadbourne on his next payment of rent.

Mr Chadbourne having asked for permission to allow Travelling Shows and Theatres to occupy from time to time a portion of the School Farm adjourning the Market Street and Portland Road boundaries, it was Resolved that such permission be granted . Mr Chadbourne to be responsible for any damage that might be done.

A letter was read from Mess’s Martin & Sons Solicitors to Mess’s J.H & J. W. Moore stating that they had arranged that the work of repairing the iron fence along the Portland Road Boundary of the School Farm Shirebrook, should be proceeded with at once.

3^rd February 1910

The Clerk reported that Mess’s Moore Brothers had not yet repaired the iron fence at Shirebrook, and he was directed to write to Mess’s Martin & Son their Solicitor threatening proceedings.

3^rd March 1910

It was Resolved that if Mess’s Moore’s Brothers had not yet erected the iron fence along the Portland Road Boundary of the School Farm at Shirebrook by the 15^th instant proceedings be immediately taken against them.

7^th April 1910

The correspondence between the Clerk and Mess’s Martin & Sons, Solicitors, Nottingham, relative to the iron fence to be erected at the School Farm, Shirebrook by Mess’s Moore Brothers was read, and a letter from Mr Chadbourne the tenant of the farm stating that the fence had been completed in a satisfactory manner.

3^rd November 1910

The Clerk reported that he had heard from Mr Chadbourne, the Tenant of the school farm Shirebrook, that Mess’s J.H & J.W Moore had built up the iron fence in front of his Chip Potato Shop situated on the Portland Road Boundary of the said farm and that they had declined to allow him to remove it so that the public might have easier access to the shop. After some discussion it was resolved that it was undesirable that any of the fencing should be removed although upon reading a copy of the conveyance to Mess’s Moore Bros: it appears to be clear that the Trustees have power to remove it, and the Clerk was directed to write to Mr Chadbourne suggesting that he should move the shop and place it near the existing gate leading into the farm from Portland Road.

1^st December 1910

The Clerk read two Notices that he had received from the Clerk to the Rural District Council of Blackwell giving Notice under the Private Streets Works Act 1892 that they were about to pave, metal & flag the Portland Road Shirebrook and to take it over and stating that in the provisional apportionment of the expenses the Trustees are liable to be charged the sum of £110. 8. 4. After discussion it was resolved that Canon Morris, W. H. Smedley and R. Holland should go over and inspect the plans, sections and estimates & provisional apportionment with a view to lodging an objection if necessity should arise.

13^th December 1910

The minutes of the meeting of the Portland Road Shirebrook Committee held at Mansfield on the 8^th December 1910 were read and confirmed.

It was resolved that a letter be written to Mess’s J. H & J. W Moore, Builders, Shirebrook, with reference of the Breach by them of a covenant contained in the Conveyance to them of the 5^th April 1897 in respect of the making of Portland Road, Shirebrook claiming damages for the non-performance thereof.

5^th January 1911

The Clerk read a letter that had been written to Mess’s J. H & J. W Moore claiming damages for non-fulfilment of a covenant entered into by them in respect of the making of the Portland Road, Shirebrook, and reported that no reply had been received from them, and it was resolved that if no reply was received within the next seven days, a further and more pressing letter should be sent to them.

A letter was read from the Revd. E. W. Mullins the Rector of Languish, Bassett, and chairman of the Blackwell Rural District Council, who had offered to report on the present condition of the School Farm, Shirebrook, stating that he had visited the same and describing its condition.

The Clerk stated that he had written to Mr Mullins in the name of the Trustees thanking him for the information he had given.

The Clerk reported that he had received and filled a form of return in respect of the Mineral’s Rights Duty (Finance (1909-10) Act 1910) on the Royalties received from Shirebrook Coal.

2^nd February 1911

The Clerk read the correspondence that had taken place with Mess’s Martin & Son with respect to the Trustees claim against Mess’s Moore Bros for damages for breach of covenant in respect of Portland Shirebrook, and the matter was adjourned pending a further reply from Mess’s Martin & Son.

3^rd March 1911

The Clerk reported that no further reply had been received from Mess’s Martin & Son as to the claim of the Trustees against Mess’s J. H. & J. W. Moore in repect of Portland Road, Shirebrook although two further letters had been sent to them and it was resolved that they be written to threatening proceedings.

6^th April 1911

A letter was read dated the 11^th March from Mess’s Martin & Sons Solicitors to mess’s J, H. & J. W.Moore with respect to Portland Road Shirebrook , suggesting a meeting at Ashborne to discuss the matter and the Clerk was directed to write stating that unless a meeting were arranged within 14 days further action would be taken.

4^th May 1911

The correspondence that had taken place with Mess’s Martin & Sons relative to Portland road Shirebrook since the last meeting was read and considered and the matter was adjourned pending the receipt of a plan of the road.

1^st June 1911

The Clerk read the recent correspondence with Mess’s Martin & Sons with regard to the Trustees’ claim against Mess’s Moore Brothers in respect of Portland Road Shirebrook, and produced a copy of the Plan on the Conveyance to the latter by which it appeared that their Covenant related only to a portion of the Trustees’ frontage to the Road, and it was resolved to refer the whole matter to a Committee composed of the Revd. Canon Morris, Mr W. H. Smedley, and Mr R. Holland with power to act and to settle the matter.

The Clerk read a letter he had received from Mess’s Crampton Son & Clements, Auctioneers, Mansfield enquiring the price of land being part of the School farm, at Shirebrook, and stated that he had written in reply asking for detailed particulars of the exact portion of land they required, and the matter was adjourned pending a reply.

6^th July1911

The Clerk reported that the subcommittee appointed to settle the claim of the Trustees against Mess’s Moore Brothers for breach of covenant in respect of Portland Road Shirebrook , had fixed the amount of the damages to be paid by Mess’s Moore Bros at £75. 8. 0 and had submitted the same to their solicitors; and a letter was read from them in reply stating that they agreed to our figures and would send a cheque for the amount claimed in a day or two.

A letter was read from Mess’s Crampton Son & Clements, Auctioneers, Mansfield, asking the Trustees to state a price for apportion of land belonging to the School Farm, Shirebrook, which has a frontage to Portland Road, which was desired for the site of a Baptist Chapel, and the Clerk was directed to write to Mr Silcock, the Surveyor to the Blackwell Rural District Council requesting his opinion on the value of the land required, and the following subcommittee was appointed to consider his reply with authority to go over to Shirebrook to inspect the property before the next meeting, if thought necessary:- The Revd. Canon Morris, W. H. Smedley, R.Holland.

3^rd August 1911

A letter was read from Mr Silcock Surveyor to the Blackwell Rural District Council stating thatin his opinion the land required for the Baptist Chapel, being part of the School Farm at Shirebrook, was worth 3/6- to 4/- per square yard.

The Clerk reported that he had requested Mess’s Crampton & Son to make an offer for the land but had received no reply. The matter was referred to the Committee appointed at the last meeting with power to go over to Shirebrook, if necessary.

7^th September 1911

A letter was read from Mr Chadbourne the tenant of the School Farm, Shirebrook, asking permission to grub up a fence on the farm, and the following Committee was appointed to go over and inspect thge fence and the condition of the farm generally; and report:- Canon E. E. Morris, W. H. Smedley, G. Boam, the Clerk.

The Clerk reported that he had received no offer from mess’s Crampton & Sons for the purchase of a portion of the School Farm, Shirebrook, frontage Portland Road, and it was resolved to take no action until such offer was received.

5^th October 1911

The Committee appointed to visit Shirebrook, presented their Report, and arising there from the following resolutions were passed:-

That Mr Chadbourne the tenant of the School Farm be granted permission to grub up 25 yards at the Colliery end oif the fence dividing the fields Nos 122 and 118 on the Sale Plan of 1901.

That Mr Chadbourne be allowed to plough up the whole of the field known as Hunter’s Home.

That the ceiling of one of the rooms in the Farm House, which is dangerous should be taken down and replaced by match boarding. The Clerk reported that as the matter was urgent the work had already been put in hand.

A vote of thanks to the Committee for their visit and report was passed.

The Clerk was directed to write to the Shirebrook Colliery Co. requesting them to put into a proper state of repair the fence dividing the School Farm, Shirebrook from the Colliery Siding.

2^nd November 1911

The estimate of Mr William Coupe for repairing the ceiling at the School Farm House, Shirebrook, amounting to £4. 17. 6 was accepted and the work directed to put in hand at once.

A letter was read dated 31^st ultimo from the General Manager of the Shirebrook Colliery stating that he had arranged for the fence dividing the School Farm, Shirebrook from the Colliery Siding to be repaired at once.

The Clerk produced a Return under the Finance (1909-10) Act 1910 in respect of mineworks minerals which the Trustees were required to fill up, and it was decided to refer the matter to theTrustees of the Shirebrook Freeholders as to the manner of filling up the form.

7^th December1911

The Clerk was directed to write to the Shirebrook Colliery Co. for information as to the capital value of the lower seam of coal under te Shirebrook Estate, to assist the Trustees in filling up the Return of mine worked minerals.

4^th January 1912

The Clerk reported that he had written to the Shirebrook Colliery Co. as directed with regard to the value of the lower seam of coal at Shirebrook for mineworks minerals value duty, and read the Company’s reply suggesting a personal interview, and it was resolved that the Clerk do write to Mess’s Hewitt & Co. Mining Engineers, Derby for the information required, and not to trouble the Colliery Co. further.

4^th April 1912

A letter was read dated the 29^th ultimo from Mr J. Chadbourne , the tenant of the School Farm, Shirebrook calling the attention of the Trustees to the dilapidated condition of the fences on the farm, and requesting that he might have some help towards repairing the same. It was resolved that some of the Trustees should visit Shirebrook at a date to be fixed.

2^nd May 1912

A subcommittee consisting of:-

Mr G. Boam, Mr W. H. Smedley, Canon Morris, and the Clerk was appointed to visit Shirebrook to inspect the fences of the School Farm and any other matters requiring attention.

A letter was read from Mess’s Hewitt & Co. Mining Engineers, Derby, whom the Trustees had consulted as to the value to be put upon the undeveloped minerals at Shirebrook, for the purposes of the Finance (1909-10) Act 1910, stating that they had carefully considered the question, and they estimate the value to be £12,500. It was resolved that the Clerk do insert this figure in the Return as to unworked minerals required to be furnished to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue.

4^th July 1912

The Report of the subcommittee appointed to visit Shirebrook was read and confirmed, and the Tender of Mess’s J. & E. H. Birks, Ironmongers, Shirebrook amounting to £8 for a new Kitchen Range into the Farmhouse (including fixing) was accepted. The Clerk was also directed to order them to put the boiler in the Scullery into working order.

1^st August 1912

A letter was read dated the 8^th ultimo from Mess’s J. & E. H. Birks, Ironmomgers, Mansfield, asking for an advance of 11/- on their estimate of £8 for a new range at the School Farm, Shirebrook, owing to an advance in the price of the range; and this was agreed to.

5^th September 1912

The Clerk reported that he had received from the Clerk to the Blackell Rural District Council two final apportionments of the ascertained expenses of the Private Street works undertaken by the said Coucil in Portland road, Shirebrook, amounting together to £87. 1. 4, payable by the Governors and Assistants. The provisional apportionments received in December 1910 having amounted together to £110. 8. 4, and it having been reported that the South side of the Road, adjourning the School Farm had not been channelled and curbed in accordance with the original plan and specification, it was resolved that the Clerk do give Notice of objection to the said Final Apportionments to the said Council on the ground that they had not been made in accordance with the Private Street Works Act 1892, and that there had been an unreasonable departure from the specifications and plans relating to the same works; and the following subcommittee was appointed to deal with the matter, with power to go over to Shirebrook, if necessary. Revd. Canon Morris, W. H Smedley, R. Holland.

3^rd October 1912

The Clerk reported that he had, as instructed at the last meeting given Notice of objection to the Blackwell Rural District Council to the two final apportionments received in respect of the Private Street Works at Portland Road, Shirebrook, and that he had received a letter from the Clerk to the Council requesting him to meet a Committee of the Council at Shirebrook,on the 8^th instant. It was resolved that the Committee appointed to deal with this matter, do meet the Council’s Committee as requested, and Canon Morris having stated his inability to attend, Mr Boam’s name was added to the Committee and he was requested to attend in Canon Morris’ place.

7^th November 1912

The Committee appointed to deal with the Trustees ‘ objections to the final apportionments of the expenses in connection with the works carried out by the Blackwell Rural District Council under the Private Street Works Act 1892 presented their Report of their Visit to Shirebrook on the 8^th ultimo, in which they stated that, after an inspection of the original plans and specificationsand of the apportionments they were of opinion that the Trustees could not sustain their objections. It was resolved that the Report be confirmed, and that the Clerk be authorized to withdrawthe Notice of Objection served upon the Council, and that the thanks of the Trustees be given to the Committee for their services and Report.

A letter was read from Mr Silcock, the Surveyor to the Blacwell Rural District Council enquiring whether the Trustees would favourably consider the adviseability of having the existing pond and low lying ground East of Ashborne Farm House , Shirebrook, filled up with suitable dry ashes, and the terms, and after discussion it was resolved that the Committee appointed to deal with Portland Road, Shirebrook be empowered to negotiate terms with the Blackwell Rural District Council, and to lay the same before the Trustees at their next meeting.

A discussion took place as to the adviseability of immediately putting up for sale the frontage of the School Farm, Shirebrook to Portland Road in suitable lots for building purposes; and it was resolved that the time was not ripe for such a sale, and that no action be taken in the matter until the proposed filling up of the swampy ground had been completed.

5^th December 1912

The Clerk reported that he had withdrawn the Notices of Objection to the apportionment of the expenses incurred by the Blackwell Rural District Council in connection with the works carried out by them in Portland Road, Shirebrook, under the Private Street Works Act 1892.

A letter was read dated the 27^th ultimo from the Surveyor to the Blackwell Rural dDistrict Council stating that he was willing to recommend that Council to pay a rental of £10 per annum for the use of the existing pond and low lying ground East of the School Farm Shirebrook, as a tipping place, and to execute necessary works to convey the water by means of a stonewall pipe under the proposed Tip, and to cover up the dry ashes with soil as the work proceeds. It was resolved to let the land required , to the Council upon the above terms, and subject to an agreement with proper conditions being prepared and executed by the Council.

2^nd January 1913

The Clerk reported that the sum of £87. 1. 4, being the Trustees proportion of the cost of making Portland Road Shirebrook by the Blackwell Rural District Council had been paid to that Council on the 20^th ultimo.

3^rd April 1913

A letter was read from the Clerk to the Blackwell Rural district Council stating that that Council would agree to pay a rent of £10 per annum for the proposed refuse tip on the School Farm, Shirebrook, but that they thought that the Trustees should pay half the estimated cost of £26 for laying a suitable drain in lieu of the existing water course across the land of the proposed tip. It was resolved that the Trustees do offer to pay the sum of £10 towards the cost of the Same.

The Clerk was directed to write to the Shirebrook Colliery Co. threatening proceedings unless the rent for the additional piece of surface land taken to by them was paid forthwith up to date.

A letter was read dated the 4^th ultimo from the Superintending Valuer, Birmingham, stating that he proposed to fix the Total Value of the Surface land at Shirebrook, occupied by the Colliery Co, at £26, 680, and that the Site ( 47 acres, 2 rods, 27 perchs) Value at £2,800, and enclosing a plan of the same, and stating that it was proposed as the property belonging to the Trustees and that belonging to the Colliery Co. formed a structurally indivisible whole, to issue the valuation of the whole unit to each of the freeholders. The Valuer also enquired whether it was desired that the Provisional Valuation should be served on each of the Trustees, or that the Clerk should accept service on their behalf. It was resolved that the Clerk do accept service on behalf of the Trustees, and that he do mark on the plan received the boundaries of the property belonging to the Trustees and return it to the Valuer.

24^th April 1913

The Clerk having explained that the Superintending Valuer intended to value for the purposes of the Finance (1909-10) Act 1910, the land occupied by the Shirebrook Colliery, part of which was owned by the Colliery Co, and part by the Trustees, as one unit, and that the Trustees had power to require him to value the part belonging to the Trustees separately, it was resolved that the Clerk do give Notice to the Superintending Valuer to value the land belonging to the Trustees as a separate unit.

1^st May 1913

The Clerk reported that the Shirebrook Colliery Co had paid the arrears of rent for the additional surface land taken to by them on 25^th March 1909 amounting to £14. 0. 0 less tax 16/11 = £13. 13. 1.

8^th May 1913

The Clerk produced the draft agreement with the Blackwell Rural District Council, and the same was read through and approved, and the Clerk was directed to forward the same to the Council for approval.

3^rd July 1913

A letter was read dated the 18^th ultimo, from the Superintending Valuer, Birmingham, stating, that in accordance with the request of the Trustees, he was directed to have separate Valuations made, under the Finance (1909-10) Act 1910, of the lands at Shirebrook, belonging to the Trustees, and to the Shirebrooj Colliery Co, respectively and occupied by the said Colliery Co.

2^nd October 1913

A letter was read from Mr Chadbourne, the tenant of the School Farm, Shirebrook, requesting the Trustees to come over, and from which it appeared that the scheme for the proposed Ash’s Tip for the Blackwell Rural District Council on a portion of the Farm, had been abandoned.

The Clerk reported that he had written several letters to the Surveyor of the Council on the matter, but had received no reply, and it was resolved that Mr. W. H. Smedley , be requested to be good enough to go over to Shirebrook to view the farm, and enquire into the matter of the Ashes Tip; and that his expenses be paid by the Trustees.

6^th November 1913

Mr W. H. Smedley presented his Report of his visit to Shirebrook on the 3^rd instant, and upon the recommendations therein contained it was resolved as follows:-

1. That a new pan be provided for the Earth Closet at an estimated cost f 12/-.

2. That Mr Chadbourne, the tenant, be allowed the sum of £1, to repair damage to the roof of the stable, caused by high winds.

3. That Mr Chadbourne be given permission to provide and fix a Dutch Barn, at his own

expense, on the land between the Brook Course and the Buildings.

4. That the thanks of the Trustees be accorded to Mr. Smedley, for his visit, and report.

5^th February 1914

A letter was read dated the 26^th ultimo, from the Sectional Engineer of the Post Office Telegraphs, Nottingham, asking for permission to place three stays for telegraph poles on the School Farm Shirebrook, close to the Portland Road Boundary. The Clerk produced a plan showing the position of the three stays, and it was resolved that the necessary permission be given, subject to a proper agreement being entered into by the Post Office to pay the usual acknowledgement and upon the usual terms, and the Clerk was authorized to sign the Consent on behalf of the Trustees.

5^th March 1914

The Clerk reported that the usual agreement with the Post Office as to the erection of three stays near the Portland Road Boundary of the School Farm, Shirebrook, had been signed, and that they had agreed to pay an acknowledgement of 3/- per annum.

7^th May 1914

A letter was read dated the 21^st ultimo from Mr W. H.Smedley reporting that he had recently visited the School Farm, Shirebrook, and that the same was being well farmed by Mr Chadbourne, but that the fences were still in a bad state, and it was impossible to avoid this, owing to the proximity of the farm to Shirebrook.

3^rd December 1914

A letter was read, dated the 1^st instant from the Superintending Valuer, Birmingham, stating that he considered that the value placed by the Trustees on the unworked minerals at Shirebrook belonging to the Trustees, was excessive, on the ground that there was no immediate prospect of their being worked, and that it was highly improbable that they would be worked for very many years, and suggesting that an interview might be arranged between himself and the Trustees’ mining Engineer before the Provisional Valuation was issued.

The Clerk reported that the value placed upon the unworked minerals by mess’s Hewitt & Co. was £12,500. After discussion it was resolved that the Clerk do write to the Superintending Valuer asking what value he put upon the minerals, and that the matter be adjourned pending the receipt of this information.

7^th January 1915

A letter was read dated the 10^th instant. from the Superintending Valuer, Birmingham, with reference to the valuation of the minerals (not in lease) at Shirebrook stating that his views were that the value of the minerals could be adequately expressed by £10 an acre. After discussion, it was resolved that the matter be adjourned pending the receipt of the Provisional Valuation.

22^nd February 1915

A letter was read dated the 12^th inst. from mess’s Hewitt & Co. mining Engineers with reference to the Provisional Valuation of unworked minerals at Shirebrook, amounting to £860, but which they had previously advised the Council should be valued at £12,500. They now stated that from their further knowledge of the working of the act they could not now maintain those figures, and they were not in a position to advise the Trustees to challenge the Provisional Valuation.

After discussion the matter was adjourned.

5^th February 1916

It was resolved to insure the following properties against damage by aircraft:-

Shirebrook Farm

Brailsford Park Farm

Mugginton property

Old Grammar School

Clergy Widows & other Almshouses.

1^st February 1917

A letter was read dated the 15^th instant, from Mr. J. Chadbourne, the tenant of the School Farm, Shirebrook, stating that he had arranged to carry out the scavenging for the BlackwellRural District Council, and asking permission to lay a pipe through the moat behind and adjourning the Farm House, and fill up the same by using it as an Ash-Tip, on condition that the piping and levelling was done free of cost to the Trustees.

After discussion the Clerk was directed to ask Mr. Chadbourne to furnish a plan of the proposed tip and pipe, which was to be submitted to the Surveyor to the Blackwell Rural District Council for approval, and the matter was accordingly adjourned.

12^th February 1917

A letter was read dated the 6^th inst. from Mr Thomas Chadbourne the Tenant of the School Farm, Shirebrook, enclosing a letter from the Surveyor to the Blackwell Rural District Council

and plan of the proposed Ashes Tip on the said Farm, from which it appeared that the proposal was approved by the said Surveyor, and that provision would be made to couple up with the new drain pipe the drainage from the School Farm House. After discussion the proposed scheme was approved, subject to the drain pipe being 24” in diameter, and to the Scheme being carried out in accordance with the said plan, and on the understanding that the Trustees should be under no liability in connection with the same, and that the Tenant should make no claim for compensation in respect of the same at the determination of the tenancy.

1^st March 1917

A letter was read dated the 28^th ultimo from mess’s Hewitt & Co. mining engineers of Derby stating that the Shirebrook Colliery Co. had informed them that the Midland Railway Company had proved their title to the minerals under a three cornered piece of land adjourning the railway (nos. 375 n the plan enclosed herewith) and that they claimed Royalty on Top Hard Coal worked in 1900, which at the acreage and thickness for Royalty purposes, was equal to £52. 18. 0 and that they asked that this should be refunded by the Trustees. Mess’s Hewitt stated that the plot of land had been scheduled as belonging to the Trustees in 1895 and again in 1899, when the Railway Company did not claim the minerals although they had acquired the land in 1870 as severance and had worked stone out of the Quarry. They also stated that mess’s Wise & Cooke had informed them at the time that the contract between the Trustees and the Midland Railway, for the sale & purchase of the land in question included the minerals, and the plot referred to was part thereof, but that as it was not claimed by the Company, it had been included in the Trust Deed and worked and paid for. Mess’s Hewitt stated that they understood that the Midland Railway Co. had only recently made this claim.

After discussion the matter was adjourned for the Clerk to look into the same.

3^rd May 1917

The Clerk produced a copy of the Conveyance of the cornered piece of land at Shirebrook by the Trustees to the Midland Railway Co. in 1870, showing that the minerals under the same had been conveyed to the Railway Company. It was resolved to offer to pay the amount of the Midland Railways Co. claim of £52. 18. 0, less 20% for expenses connected with the formation of the Trust.

6^th September 1917

A cheque for £50. 5. 2 was ordered to be drawn in favour of Mess’s Davies Sauders & Co, being the amount due to the Midland Railway for Royalties on coal under the Three Cornered Piece of land at Shirebrook, sold to them in 1900, which Royalties had been received by the Trustees in error, less tax as under:-

Royalties 52. 18. 0

Less tax 2. 12. 10

£50. 5. 2

13^th February 1919

A discussion took place as to the desirability of selling by auction the real estate belonging to the Trustees, owing to the greatly increased cost of carrying out repairs and the high prices now ruling for real estate, and it was resolved that the Clerk do obtain the approval of the Charity Commissioners to a sale by auction of the whole of the real estate vested in the Trustees.

6^th March 1919

The Clerk reported that he had written to the Charity Commissioners for their consent to proceed with the proposed sale of their real estate, and a letter in reply dated the 24^th ultimo was read stating that a Report from a Competent Surveyor as to the values of the properties should be prepared and forwarded to the Commissioners & enclosing the necessary Forms, they also stated that as the jurisdiction of the Commissioners over the Grammar School has been transferred to the Board of Education the consent of that body would be necessary to the sale of the Shirebrook estate which belonged exclusively to the School. The Clerk stated that he had applied to the Board of Education for their consent, but has at present only received an acknowledgement of his letter.

It was resolved that Mr Sidney H. Bagshaw be appointed to act as Surveyor in respect of all the real estate other than that at Shirebrook, and that the Clerk make enquiries as to a suitable Surveyor at Mansfield to act in connection with the Shirebrook Estate.

3^rd April 1919

The Trustees considered the question of increasing the Fire Insurance on their property owing to the increased cost of building materials and labour and the following increases were made:-

Property Present Insurance Raised to

Clergy Widows Houses 1000 to 2500

Peggs Almshouses 300 to 600

Owfields Almshouses 300 to 1000

Spaldens Almshouses 800 to 2500

Shirebrook Farm 750 to 1250

Brailsford Park Farm 800 to 1500

Ravensdale Park Farm 350 to 500

The Clerk reported with reference to the proposed sale of the real estate, that he had instructed Mr. S. H. Bagshaw to carry out the Valuation required by the Charity Commissioners in respect of all the property other than the Shirebrook property.

It was resolved that Mr C. J. Clements of Mess’s Crampton Son & Clements of Mansfield be instructed to make the Valuation and act in respect of the Shirebrook property.

May 1919

The Clerk laid before the meeting the Report and Valuation of Mr S. H. Bagshaw of the teal Estate (other than the Shirebrook Estate) belonging to the Trustees, and after consideration the Report was adopted, and the Clerk was instructed to forward the same to the Charity Commissioners, and to fill up & submit to them the necessary Form of application.

2^nd June 1919

A letter was read dated the 2^nd instant from the Charity Commissioners with reference to the sale of the Real Estate (other than Shirebrook) stating that the Report of the Surveyor showed little, if any, prospect of improved income to be derived from the sale when the costs of Auction are deducted, and that unless there was a probability of obtaining considerably higher prices at the auction or unless the financial position was largely affected by the estimated average cost of repairs, the sale did not appear to be advantageous to the Charity.

The Clerk reported that he had forwarded a copy of this letter to Mr Bagshaw, and a letter from him in reply, dated the 5^th instant, was read stating that in his opinion the properties if sold by auction as lotted in the Report would realise considerably higher prices than the figures suggested in the Report.

The Clerk was directed to send Mr Bagshaw’s letter to the Charity Commissioners.

3^rd July 919

The Clerk reported that he had not yet heard from the Charity Commissioners as to their sanction to the proposed Sale of Real Estate.

7^th August 1919

A letter was read dated the 28^th ultimo from the Charity Commissioners authorising the Trustees to offer the properties submitted to them for sale by Public Auction, at reserved prices to be named thereafter. And the Clerk was ordered to take the necessary steps to carry out the sale at an early date.

4^th September 1919

The Clerk reported that he had submitted to the Charity Commissioners the Draft Conditionsand Particulars of Sale of the real estate (other than Shirebrook), but the same had not yet been returned approved.

A letter was read dated the 26^th ultimo from Mr C. J. Clements, Mansfield, stating that ongoing into the question of t he Tithe on the School Farm, Shirebrook, it appeared that the Governors and Assistants had been paying a larger amount than was due from them.

It was resolved that the matter be adjourned to allow the Clerk to check the figures.

24^th October 1919

A letter was read, dated the 12^th ultimo from Mr C. J. Clements as to the Tithe due on the property at Shirebrook, from which it appeared that the Committed amount of Tithe on the School Farm was £6. 19. 6½ , and that the Surface Lands let to the Shirebrook Colliery Co. 1s £6. 15. 8½ , making a total of £13. 15. 3. The value of this amount for the present year was £15. 0. 6½ . and as only £14. 10. 11 had been demanded, it appeared that the Trustees were underpaying rather than overpaying the Tithe.

The Clerk, having reported that he had received from Mess’s Martin & Sons, Solicitors, Nottingham, an enquiry as to the sale of the School Farm, Shirebrook: he was directed to request them to make an offer for the same, provisionally, on the consent of the Board of Education. He was also directed to enquire whether the tenant , Mr Thomas Chadbourne wished to purchase.

The Clerk reported that he had received the approval of the Charity Commissioners to the Special Conditions & Particulars of the proposed Sale of the Real Estate ( other than Shirebrook) and he was directed to arrange with Mr Bagshaw to sell the same by auction as soon as possible.

6^th November 1919

The Clerk reported that he had received from the charity Commissioners, the Sealed Packet, enclosing the Reserve Prices for the Sale of Real Estate fixed for the 8^th instant.

The Clerk reported that he had received the following offers for the purchase of the Shirebrook Farm:-

Mess’s Martin & Sons, Solicitors, Nottingham, on behalf of Mess’s J.H. & J. W. Moore £1850

Mr Thomas Chadbourne, the tenant of the Farm £1500.

It was resolved that the Clerk do apply to the Board of Education for their sanction to sell the property to Mess’s J.H. & J. W. Moore at the price of £1850.

4^th December 1919

The Clerk reported that at the Auction Sale of :-

Lot 1. Brailsford Park Farm was withdrawn at £2,950, the reserve (fixed by the Commissioners ) being £3,000

Lot 2. Ravensdale Park was withdrawn at £975, the reserve being £1,000.

Lot 3. Field at Hulland Ward was sold for £60, the reserve being £45.

Lot 4. Parwich Land was sold for £1,100 the reserve being £900.

The Clerk stated that e had received authority from the Charity Commissioners to sell Lot 1,

for £2,950 and Lot 2, for £975, and that he had instructed the auctioneers to try to sell them privately for these sums.

A letter was read dated the 14^th instant: from the Board of Education stating that they were prepared to authorise the sale of the Ashbourne Farm, Shirebrook, to Mess’s J.H, & J. W. Moore for £1850, subject to the result of the publication in the locality of the usual preliminary Notices.

The Clerk reported that he had taken the necessary steps for the publication of the Notices.

1^st January 1920

The Clerk reported the receipt of a draft order from the Board of Education approving of the sale of the School Farm, Shirebrook. To Mess’s J. H. & J. W. Moore for £1800.

A letter was read dated the 11^th ultimo from the Shirebrook Colliery Company enquiring whether the Trustees would be prepared to consider the question of selling the land at Shirebrook leased to them, containing between 26 & 27 acres.

After discussion the Clerk was directed to write and enquire what offer they were prepared to make.

5^th February 1920

The Clerk reported that he had not yet received any offer from the Shirebrook Colliery Co. for the purchase of the surface land at Shirebrook leased by them.

4^th March 1920

A letter was read dated the 2^nd instant, from the Shirebrook colliery Co. Ltd, offering to purchase the land leased to them at Shirebrook comprising an area of 26a. 3r. 15p at £80 per acre.

After discussion it was resolved to offer the property to the Company at £90 per acre, subject to a reservation of all mines and minerals, and the necessary powers to work the same, and, also subject to the approval of the Board of Education.

7^th April 1920

A letter was read dated the 31^st ultimo from the Shirebrook Colliery Limited stating that that they intended their offer of £80 per acre to include the minerals other than the Top Hard Seam: but that they would accept £90 per acre, subject to the minerals other than the Top Hard Seam being included.

After discussion it was resolved to sell the property in lease to the Company for £90 per acre with the minerals other than Top Hard Seam provided Mess’s Hewitt & Co. the Trustees Mining Engineer advised that the price was a reasonable one; and the Board of Education approved.

The Clerk was directed to take Mess’s Hewqitt & C0’s. opinion, and if satisfactory to apply to the Board of Education for their sanction to the Sale.

6^th May 1920

A letter was read dated the 4^th instant from Mess’s Hewitt & Co. Mining Engineers dealing very fully with the prospects of working the Coal (other than the Top Hard Seam) under the land leased to the Colliery Co. & stating that in their opinion the Value of the land and minerals (except the Top Hard Seam) was £125 an acre to-day (see letter concerned).

After discussion the Clerk was directed to offer the same to the Colliery Co. for this figure, subject to the sanction of the Board of Education.

3^rd June 1920

A letter was read dated the 2^nd ultimo from the Shirebrook Colliery accepting the offer of the Trustees to sell them the Surface Land at Shirebrook with all minerals other than the Top Hard Seam for £125 an acre.

2^nd December1920

The Clerk produced the engrossment of the Conveyance of the Surface land at Shirebrook,from the Trustees to the Shirebrook Colliery Ltd, and it was resolved that the Seal of the Governors and Assistants be and the same was thereunto affixed.

Mess’s Hewitt & Co’s Bill as Mining Engineers in connection with the Sale of the said Surface Land at Shirebrook to the Shirebrook Colliery Ltd , amounting to £22. 17. 0 was passed for payment out of the Purchase money, subject to the approval of the Board of Education.

6^th January 1921

The Clerk reported that the Sale of the Surface Land at Shirebrook to the Shirebrook Colliery Ltd had been duly completed and the purchase money of £3353. 19. 4 had been remitted to the Bank of England to the credit of the account of the Official Trustee of Charitable Trusts.

It was resolved that the said purchase money after deducting the expenses of Sale should be invested as follows:-£2000 in Midland Railway 2½ % Consolidated Guaranteed Preference Stock; and the balance in 2½ % Consolidated Stock.

3^rd February 1921

It was resolved that the purchase money of £1850 to be received from Mess’s Moore Brothers for the School Farm, Shirebrook, when received, less expenses be invested in 2½ % Consolidated Stock.

5^th May 1921

Dated 27^th May 1921 School Farm Shirebrook

(see next page)