An old Chezzie tradition

[poppy]

Thanks Fly. I think the ladies are probably right. Will you mention the graffiti please?

[Fly]

I'll try and sort this tomorrow.
Nottingham job at 8:00am
Sheffield job at 10:00am

I'll call round on my way back from Sheffield.

[Fly]

Spoke to an old guy at the Union offices today. I explained who I was and the connection.
He was gobsmacked to be talking to the grandson of George and Dorothy.
He'd been friends with them during their time at the offices and after.

When asked about a plaque or memorial he said 'Never to my knowledge'.
Only the memorial in front of the Town Hall.

Here's the interesting bit.
When asked if he was aware of the grafitti and is something going to be done about it.
He said yes we are aware. It's council responsibility now the statues and building have a listed status.
He also told me that they had informed the Town Hall, but nothing had been done yet 

[Big Dave]

It's council responsibility now the statues and building have a listed status.

I'm sure that's incorrect, it's the responsiblity of the owner whether listed or not.

[Fly]

Apparently the council payed for them to be cleaned, the old guy told me so. ?

[Big Dave]

Most likely a one-off Spire Pride project. Having done the job I doubt the council would assume responsibility thereafter - I could be wrong of course.

[poppy]

Many thanks for that Fly. Let's hope the statues get cleaned up sooner rather than later.

[Fly]

Just happy to be part of the team @ www.chesterfieldonline.org
If we can help, I'm sure we'll try 

If they're not graffiti free by Monday,
I'll send Pete round with the Marigolds, bleach and scrubbing brush 
Apparently he lives at the top of Foljambe Rd, so it shouldn't cause him to much hardship 

[Pete]

Ah, Marigolds! They are what women wear, aren't they, for washing up and women's stuff, etc... 

[Fly]

If it's not gone by Monday, I'll borrow your parking permit and do the f---- myself.

Might take a few photo's of the place whilst I'm there.
Kitchen, pantry, living room, front room.
The elegant stairway upstairs to to private bedrooms.
And the one door that connected the house to the Offices 

You wouldn't believe how deep the cellar is, via the main entrance hall.
Not sure if the old boiler was/is down there.

I was a kid after all, we were never allowed near the trapdoor when grandad was down there 

[poppy]

Thanks again Fly. I'd love to see some photos of inside the place. Is it just the same as when you were little? No bits of modernisation? Do you think its worth me making a phone call to the council?

[Fly]

Sorry Poppy  , I phoned the NUM Office, I didn't actually go there.
I've been busy at work this week, which makes a change 
Same thing with OC and the cattery.

That's what's given me a passion to go there with the camera.
'I' want to see what's changed, and I'm sure my 2 aunties would love the pics.

Watch this space 

[Fly]

Bummer. Been back in touch with the Bloke in the Union Offices 

The offices have been gutted. The main Meeting Chamber is not recognisable anymore.
He told me there's nothing worth photo'ing unless I wanted a photo of a modern day office or kitchen.

When the NUM sold the offices, the house was sold as a seperate building.
The passage way between them was bricked and sealed up.
If I wanted to get photo's of the interior I'd have to contact the current owner.
The house is up for sale at present, so I doubt the owner or estate agents will put themselves out
to meet me and allow me access to it 

Oh well, never mind, though I may try contacting the owner,
apparently he has a business in chessy of which I have details.

[poppy]

That's a real shame

[Fly]

At least I tried Poppy 
Just emailed the house owner, let's see what happens