From Flour Power to Rubber Revolution: The Enduring Legacy of the Original North West Building at Harborough Rubber Works, 124 St Marys Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

Original North West Building at Harborough Rubber Works, 124 St Marys Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire

From Flour Power to Rubber Revolution: The Enduring Legacy of the Original North West Building at Harborough Rubber Works

Standing on St Marys Road in Market Harborough, the Original North West Building of the Harborough Rubber Works tells a tale of industrial adaptation and enduring purpose. Its brick façade, adorned with intricate details, whispers of a time when gears whirred and rubber flowed, a stark contrast to its earlier life as a humble flour mill. Let's delve into the fascinating history of this structure, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of Leicestershire's industries.

The Mill of John Bland (c.1860)

Built around 1860, the building's first chapter unfolded under the ownership of John Bland. Back then, the scent of freshly ground wheat filled the air as the structure served as a steam-powered flour mill. Its polychromatic brickwork. The building's design, with three storeys and an attic, likely housed milling equipment and storage areas, contributing to the town's food production.

The Rise of Harborough Rubber Company (1894)

By 1894, the winds of change swept through the building. The Harborough Rubber Company, sensing an opportunity in the burgeoning rubber industry, purchased the structure. A metamorphosis ensued, transforming the flour mill into a hub for manufacturing bicycle pedal blocks and later, car components. The iconic "Dainite" brand, known for its durable rubber products, was born within these walls.

Even today, the building whispers of its dual identities. The original flour mill layout, with wooden floor beams supported by thin iron columns, remains partly intact. However, subtle changes like cast-iron windows with glazing bars reflect the adaptations made for rubber production. This unique amalgamation of architectural elements serves as a tangible reminder of the building's versatile past.

The Future of the Original North West Building

Now in a poor state and listed as a Grade II building by Historic England, the Original North West Building stands as a symbol of Market Harborough's industrial heritage. As the Harborough Rubber Works underwent transformations over the years, this building remained a constant, adapting to new demands while retaining its historical character. Today, it faces an uncertain future, awaiting a new chapter in its remarkable story.

Whether it be repurposed into a cultural space, transformed into residential units, or preserved as a testament to its industrial past, the Original North West Building's journey is far from over. Its enduring structure and unique history ensure that its legacy will continue to resonate, whispering tales of flour, rubber, and the ever-evolving spirit of Market Harborough.

From Mill to Treasure Trove: Glidings Auctions and the History of The Mill, Great Bowden Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire,

From Mill to Treasure Trove: Glidings Auctions and the History of The Mill

For 43 years Glidings Auctions at The Mill has stood as a testament to both history and reinvention. Once a place of industry, the building now houses a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, attracting enthusiasts from across the region. But what was the original purpose of The Mill, and what did it mill centuries ago?

Sadly, much of The Mill's early history remains shrouded in mystery. Records suggest it dates back to at least the 17th century, most likely serving as a watermill due to its location on the River Welland. During this era, mills played a vital role in rural communities, grinding grain into flour, a staple food for centuries. While the exact type of grain milled at The Mill remains unknown, it undoubtedly played a crucial part in sustaining the local population.

By the mid-20th century, The Mill's industrial life had drawn to a close. But rather than fading into oblivion, the building embarked on a new chapter. In 1980, John Gilding, a passionate antiques enthusiast, saw potential in the historic structure. He transformed it into Glidings Auction House, breathing new life into the old walls.

Today, Glidings Auctions thrives within the walls of The Mill. The bustling auction room hosts regular sales featuring a diverse range of items, from antiques and furniture to jewellery and artwork. Collectors and casual buyers alike are drawn to the chance to discover unique treasures, each with its own story.

While the exact details of The Mill's milling past may be lost, its legacy lives on. The building's sturdy structure and characterful features create a unique atmosphere for the auction house. In this way, Glidings Auctions not only sells treasures but also serves as a custodian of the building's rich history.

So, the next time you visit Glidings Auctions, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating story woven into the very fabric of the building. From its humble beginnings as a mill to its present-day role as a vibrant marketplace, The Mill's journey reflects the resilience and adaptability that have shaped the region over centuries.

www.gildings.co.uk/about-gildings

Leicestershire Game & Country Fair Leicestershire Showground, Market Harborough, LE16 7QB Sunday, October 3rd, 2021

Leicestershire Game & Country Fair

Sunday, October 3rd, 2021

10:00am - 6:00pm

Leicestershire Showground, Market Harborough, LE16 7QB

Price

£15 adults, £14 over 65s and 5-15 years £4

The Leicestershire Country Fair is a Great Day out for the whole family with entertainment throughout the day, there’s something for everyone including the family dog, so don’t leave him at home.

The World of Dogs and its dedicated arena has everything for every dog lover, with displays and demonstrations running throughout the day. There is also a Gundog clinic, minor breeds marquee, individual breed marquees and charities along with chase the bunny and the scurry bandits. Lurcher racing and showing will have heats running throughout all of Living Heritage’s series of Game and Country Fairs.

Shop ’till you drop with our selected trade stands around the arenas, a Craft Village and Food Glorious Food section.

With main arenas, supported by a host of smaller country sports arenas and workshops, and the very best in countryside activities and entertainment, we can offer you an unbeatable family day out.

Dogs are very welcome at the Leicestershire Game And Country Show – there is loads for them to get involved with! All we would ask is that you keep them on a lead (unless they are participating in an organised event) and that you clear up after them.

*Please be aware that there are a lot of loud bangs on the site in the vicinity of the gun dog scurries (from the dummy launcher) , in the clay shooting area and in the main arena at some shows. If your dog is stressed by loud bangs it may be kinder to leave them at home.

Admission On The Day:

Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.00

Over 65’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £14.00

Child (5-15 incl) . . . . . . . . . £4.00

Leicestershire Showground

Gallow Field Road

Market Harborough

LE16 7QB

Market Harborough

Market Harborough

Market Harborough

Market Harborough

The Settling Rooms, St Mary's Place, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16

The Settling Rooms, St Mary's Place, Market Harborough,  Leicestershire, LE16

once the central office of Market Harborough’s Livestock Market, it was put up for sale by current owners Harborough District Council, in February this year for £360,000.

It appears that this fine grade II listed  building marooned on the middle of a giant car park is under

offer.

Leicester, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Markfield, Broughton Astley, Loughborough, Honours List 2015

Nilesh Jayantilal SAMANI, DL Professor of Cardiology, University of
Leicester. For services to Medicine and
Medical Research.
(Leicester, Leicestershire)

Dr Beverly Jane COLLETT Consultant in Pain Management,
University Hospital Leicester. For
services to Pain Management.
(Leicestershire)

Rodney Alan Rupert GREEN Prior and Chairman of Trustees, Priory
of England and the Islands. For
voluntary service to the Order of St
John and St John Ambulance.
(Leicester, Leicestershire)

Heather, Mrs MUNRO Lately Chief Executive, London
Probation Trust. For services to
Probation, Rehabilitation and Criminal
Justice.
(Market Harborough, Leicestershire)

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Albert ROFFEY, DL For services to the community in
Leicestershire.
(Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire)

Nicholas Roy MARTIN Co-founder and Fundraiser, Miracles To
Believe In Charity, Leicestershire and
Rutland. For services to Children and
Families.
(Markfield, Leicestershire)

Sandra, Mrs WEVILL Manager, Broughton Astley Playgroup,
Broughton Astley, Leicestershire. For
services to Children and Families.
(Broughton Astley, Leicestershire)

Christopher James WILLDER Grounds Person, Brooksby Melton
College. For services to Horticulture and
Land-Based Education.
(Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire)

Ms Anne WILLIAMS Lately Community Development Officer,
Loughborough College and Borough
Councillor, Charnwood. For services to
Further Education and to the
community in Leicestershire.
(Loughborough, Leicestershire)

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/391413/New_Year_Honours_List_2015.pdf

Rutland's Fine Bakery Hambleton is expanding and opening a new shop in Church Street, Market Harborough

Rutland's Fine Bakery Hambleton is expanding and opening a new
shop in Church Street, Market Harborough 14th March

Ascough's Bistro, Market Harborough, Temporary Relocation After Fire

Post by Ascough's Bistro.

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IMPORTANT RELOCATION NEWS - PLEASE SHARE THIS POST
For at least the next 3 months Ascough's will be operating at
24 St Mary's Road, Market Harborough, LE16 7DU which is formerly TIMOS Restaurant. All being well we will open for business at these premises on Tuesday 11th February. Please continue to use the usual telephone number 01858 466966 and website for any bookings or inquiries. Thank you again for your support and understanding and please spread the word.

Firearms amnesty, Leicestershire Police, Loughborough, Hinckley, Syston, Market Harborough, Melton, Oakham, Braunstone, Coalville, Mansfield House, Keyham Lane, Spinney Hill, Beaumont Leys, Wigston

Firearms amnesty – September 21 to October 6 2013

Police ask public to hand in unwanted firearms

Leicestershire Police is holding a two week long firearms amnesty to appeal for the surrender of unlawfully held and unwanted firearms and ammunition.

It is believed that a number of firearms are held by people in innocence and ignorance of their illegality. They could be in the home, but overlooked or forgotten, or someone could have come into possession of one through the death of a relative, for example.

To avoid these weapons getting into the wrong hands, and to provide members of the community with a safe place to dispose of any firearms they are unlawfully, or lawfully, in possession of, an amnesty is being held from Saturday 21 September until Sunday 6 October.

During that period, those surrendering firearms will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and they also have the opportunity to remain anonymous.

Chief Inspector Chris Brown of Leicestershire Police’s Operational Support Department said: “Fortunately gun crime within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is statistically low, which is a result of continued efforts from the Force. However, there was one death by firearm this year, which is extremely unusual for the city and county, but this is one death too many. We want as many weapons off the street as possible and would encourage people to hand them in.

“In addition to the amnesty, we continually work hard to educate young people about firearms and the dangers that come with them, to ensure that gun crime doesn’t become a problem for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

Police officers regularly go into schools to present a hard hitting video called ‘Split Second’ to raise awareness. It features local officers and depicts young people getting involved with firearms and imitation firearms.

Anyone handing in a firearm during the amnesty is advised to check the opening times of the police stationand then phone ahead before leaving home. They will then be advised on how to best transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station.



The main collecting local policing units are:

• Loughborough
• Hinckley
• Syston
• Market Harborough
• Melton
• Oakham
• Braunstone
• Coalville
• Mansfield House
• Keyham Lane
• Spinney Hill
• Beaumont Leys
• Wigston

For further information and advice, people can contact the front desk at their local policing unit on 101.


Public always Happy to Assist the Police

Market Harborough, Book Fair, Congregational Church Centre, High Street, LE16 7JD

Market Harborough, Book Fair, Congregational Church Centre, High Street, LE16 7JD

Saturday 4th May 2013

Market Harborough, Christmas Lights Switch-on, Harborough FM, Loros, Market Harborough Building Society

Market Harborough Christmas Lights Switch-on

Date: 23rd November 2012

Location: The Square


Music and entertainment from Harborough FM,

School Choirs, Christmas Carols,


Mince Pies with donations to LOROS.

Santa in his grotto.


Get into the festive spirit at the Christmas Lights Switch-on 2012




Market Harborough Building Society is once again sponsoring the Christmas tree and lights on The Square.


The switch-on will be between 5 and 6 p.m. and HFM will be setting the festive scene.

Police Stations throughout Leicestershire and Rutland No Flags at Half Mast

A photograph taken in 2011 showing the costly expense of 

flying a flag outside Oakham Police Station

Police Stations throughout Leicestershire and Rutland

would probably have liked to show their respects for 

the tragic loss of  PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes, 

whose funerals are today and tomorrow.

By simply lowering their flags. this simply

mark of respect has been denied

FLAGPOLES were  torn down from Leicestershire Constabulary 

police stations in a bizarre bid to save money, one year ago.

It is claimed A portable mast is moved between stations for special occasions.

I can't imagine what that costs? Does the Chief Constable carry it in the boot of his patrol car?

Former officers called the cost-cutting scheme by Leicestershire Police “a sad sign of the times”.

Poles have been taken down in Market Harborough, Coalville, Loughborough, Oakham and Leicester.

I learnt the budget at Oakham Police station is so tight, the outgoing Inspector was not permitted to take his mug to Loughborough and the reminder of his service is placed in the hands of visitors who require a cup of tea, which I understand is still free if required by visitors.

Open day at Market Harborough police station, Fun Fair,

When our Mayor Sees this he will I am sure suggest a similar at the next community safety partnership meeting he attends. He might even suggest its his own idea? If it does happen can the town council lend their stocks please. Could be fun to chuck a few sponges at our Inspector. Of Leicestershire Constabulary have a habit of moving officers of senior rank, I would like to see in the stocks.

Open day at Market Harborough police station

The police in Market Harborough are holding an open day at the police station. 

Members of the public are very welcome to come along to the police station on Saturday 29th September 2012 between 11am and 2pm.  

They will be able to look around the cells; sit in a police car and try on lots of officer’s equipment.  

Neighbourhood Watch and the Harborough District Community Safety Partnership will also have a stall with crime prevention advice and there’ll be people to talk to about becoming a police volunteer or a Special Constable.

The fire service will have a fire engine in the car park too and there will be some small fun fair rides for young children and a chance to get your bicycle post coded. 

Inspector Paul McKinder, Commander of Market Harborough local policing unit, said; “We’d welcome people of all ages to come along, meet their local officers and have a look around the police station.  We haven’t held an open day before and we wanted to give people a better understanding of what officers do and by opening our doors I hope lots of people will come along, have a fun time and it will continue to build strong links with the community. I am really pleased that a number of other agencies are keen to join us too so we look forward to seeing as many people as possible on Saturday 29th.”

Cuckoo's Nest Fairs, Christmas Art and Craft, Oakham and Market Harborough, Photos

Cuckoo's Nest Fairs,
Christmas Art and Craft,
Oakham and Market Harborough,

Photographs of  today's event at Victoria Hall Oakham.

Next event at Best Western, The Three Swans, High Street,
Market Harborough, LE16 7NJ

Saturday and Sunday 12th - 13th November
10.30am - 4.30pm

Coach & Horses Lubenham, Great Village Breakfast, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK

Lubenham Great Village Breakfast, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK

First Saturday of the month
8.30am - 10.30am

Village breakfast held on the first Saturday of
each month, no need to book, just show up-
except for kippers - phone Dawn on 01858 463183

Venue Coach and Horses

Contact 01858 465894

jmartin@jmservices.fsnet.co.uk

The Settling Rooms, Market Harborough, A508, Sainsbury Car Park, Leicestershire LE16 7FF

The Settling Rooms, Market Harborough, A508,  Sainsbury Car Park, Leicestershire LE16 7FF
Set in the splendid surroundings of  Sainsbury's Superstore - Market Harborough, St. Mary'S Place, Market Harborough.

Grade: II
Date Listed: 18 December 1992

MARKET HARBOROUGH CATTLE MARKET
The Settling Rooms

Market building incorporating clock tower, dated 1902, by Coales and
Johnson (C & J were architects of Market Harborough listed buildings
Hill House (109-113) Lubenham Hill and Robert Smythe School in
Burnmill Road) with stone work by Wlliam Allsop. Red brick with
limestone free-style dressings and detailing, clay tile roof, stone
copings to gable parapets. Double-pile two-storeyed building to left
with gable end stack to front range having stone dated in relief 'AD
1902' at base of shafts. Ground floor with 2 tripartite stone
mullioned windows with central section having arched transom; first
floor with moulded string at cill level, 3 stone mullioned windows of
2, 3 and 3 lights, windows 1 and 3 with classical moulded stone
lintels forming the eaves, window 2 has a taller central light
extending into central gable pediment.

Clock tower to right of 4 stages; stages 1 to 3 of brick, stage 4 of
Limestone ashlar. Polygonal clasping angles to stages 2 to 4. Ground
stage with lugged stone surround to arched doorway inscribed
'SETTLEMENT ROOMS' in relief above. Stone string course between
ground and second stage having waterleaf decoration at angles; second
stage with large stone achievement of Earls of Harborough; third stage
with tall 2-light mullioned window. Fourth stage with all four sides
alike, ashlar with clock face under segmental cornice and having stone
strapwork surround, white opaque glass face with copper numerals;
stone pineapples to clasping angles; ogee roof of copper surmounted
by wind vane with spiked ball finial.

Listed building text is © Crown Copyright.

Leicester County Council Big Society Roadshow – Harborough - Market Harborough

Leicester County Council

Big Society Roadshow –  Harborough

Monday 26th September 2011

 

Leicestershire County Council will be running a series of ‘Big Society‘ Roadshows in Autumn 2011. The main aim of these events are to support the principle of ‘Helping to develop the Big Society in your local Community'.

The events will run as ‘drop in’ information sharing sessions, from 4.00pm to 6.00pm and will provide details about the Council's Community Forum Budgets, the Big Society Grant Fund and other relevant information for interested community organisations and community representatives.

 

They would like to encourage community members and community groups to come along to the event in their District, to find out more about what the County Council and its partners are doing to support development of the Big Society.

 

There will be opportunities to learn more about the funding and the range of support available to help communities develop local Big Society projects. Community groups and individuals are also welcome to bring along their community project ideas and discuss these with experts who will be able to provide advice and support.

 

The venue for the Harborough Big Society Roadshow event are as follows:

 

Voluntary Action South Leicestershire
The Settling Rooms
St Mary’s Place
Market Harborough
Leicestershire
LE16 7DR

Lubenham Scarecrow Festival, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK

Lubenham Scarecrow Festival,
Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK

10th September 2011 11.00am - 5.00pm

During the weekend there are many events taking
place, stalls on the village green, music and
entertainment on the green, a barbecue, vintage
car and vehicle displays and tractor rides around
the village. Country Sports.

Food and drink available.

Contact: Julie Page

jules@talktalk.net

All Saints Church, Lubenham Just Teas, Lubenham, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, UK

Sun 17th July 2011

2.30pm - 5.00pm

Tea in the historic church and grounds

Contact: Dame Rachel Dyche

01858 432379