The chance to find out more about the Makers and Shakers of Mansfield and inventions made by people connected to the town’s Old Meeting House Unitarian Chapel will feature during a heritage weekend.

The chapel is hosting a national Heritage Open Days weekend over 17th and 18th September.

On Saturday 17th, after a 10.30am opening by Nicky Hawley, a descendent of the Royce family, John Taylor, will tell the story of Mansfield Shoe Company and also sign copies of his book, Mansfield — 199 Essays.

The book, which delves into a variety of topics about the town, was written by John during the pandemic and extracts are featured monthly on the News Journal’s memories page.

Another published writer and popular historian, Ralph Stone, will give a short illustrated talk about the Hollins family, who built the mills in Pleasley Vale and invented the world-renowned Viyella fabric.

There will also be a short talk about John Harrop White and the Brunts Charity.

During the weekend ancestry enthusiasts will be able to look at the Grade 2* listed chapel’s birth, marriage and death records, as well as its stained glass windows.

The chapel will be open for viewing along with displays, quizzes about Pastimes For Past Times in the schoolrooms, and activities for children. There will also be an opportunity to take a guided heritage trail around the town on the Saturday.

On Sunday 18th the chapel and exhibitions will be open for viewing from 10am. There will be a Sunday service during the morning, from 11am-11.45am, which is open to all.

People are invited to take a picnic lunch and stay at the chapel before it opens again for viewing ahead of a free concert by the Forest Singers at 2.30pm. The concert is open to all.

The chapel will also be open for viewing from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 10th September, when it will be also welcoming participants in the Notts Ride and Stride charity event.

For more details go Facebook and search for MansfieldOld MeetingHouse.