In June 2026 Mapperley People discussed an attic find, one of the oldest properties in the area, some old recipes, the farewell to a well known grocer.
Attic Treasures
During roofing work on a 1930s house in Mapperley, tucked away in the eve was a black woollen coat that dates back to WWII. Was it worn by the householder on the night of the Nottingham Blitz in May 1941?
The label and buttons explain the story. The label reads – Size 9 Overcoat – Montague Burton Leeds. The company’s Hudson Mills factory was located in Burmantofts and at one time was believed to be the largest clothing factory in the world
The metal buttons bore the letters CD beneath the Kings Crown, standing for Civil Defence. Originally formed in 1935 as the Air Raid Precautions (ARP), the organization renamed its uniform services to Civil Defence in 1941 to unify wardens, rescue squads, ambulance drivers, and messengers. The manufacturer was Cheney B’ham, based on Factory Road in the Hockley area of Handsworth.
Both companies no longer exist.
Woodthorpe House
We also posted about an open day at Woodthorpe House now known as Sherwood Community Centre. Many people were unaware of the building.
Woodthorpe House is the oldest building in Sherwood. It began as a cottage in the early 1700s, extended to a family home in the 1750s, then became a mansion in the early 1800s. During World War II it was requisitioned by the War Department and was bought from the Tomasson family who had owned it since 1898, in 1947 prior to opening as Sherwood Community Centre on 8 July 1950.
The exhibition in the corridors of Woodthorpe House told the history of the building and the illustrious people who lived there.
Mapperley Hospital League of Friends
We have received a copy of the Mapperley Hospital League of Friends – Cookery Book. It contains a foreword from the president Mrs. Miriam Kaplowitch O.B.E. and Ailsa Stanley the Chairman of the Mapperley Hospital League of Friends.
We believe it was published in 1970. Maybe a relative of yours had a favourite recipe published? There are many local people and some not so local, like Bermuda and even one from Mary Berry
Super Liver Pate by Mrs Gay Rose – Thorneywood.
Halibut à la Portugaise by Mrs E Jackson – Mapperley Rise
Salmon Souffle by Mrs Rene Pyatt
Swedish Pancakes with shrimp filling by Lady Abbott – Devonshire Bermuda
Raspberry Meringue Chantilly by Mary R Berry – Cookery Consultant at Ideal Home Magazine
Almond Cake by Miss L.B. Jacques – Mapperley
Auntie Polly’s Date and Walnut Loaf by Mrs Wood S/A Matron Mapperley Hospital
Carragheen Moss in milk (recommended in a bland diet for persons with stomach troubles) by a patient referred to as ‘Dannie Boy’ Mapperley Hospital
Lady Abbott was the wife of Sir Myles Abbott, who served as the Chief Justice of Bermuda from 1961 to 1971.Mary Berry wrote for the Ideal Home Magazine as their food editor from 1970 to 1973.
Farewell to Jonathon Bailey
It is with great sadness that Jonathan Bailey of Bailey’s Foodmarket sadly passed away yesterday 11th June 2026, aged 76. He had his family with him at his final moments and he is now at peace reunited with his dad, Mr Bailey Senior (Raymond). Funeral arrangements to follow. Love from Denise, Heather, Rachael & Matthew xx
Anton James – I worked for them as a lad 30 odd years ago, putting the stall out on the front. John was a very quick witted man, very funny. I really liked him. Condolences from me ❤️
Jonathan Mason – I’m very sorry to hear that. I shopped there every Saturday when I lived in Mapperley, always very friendly people and a great well stocked shop. My condolences to the family
Lindsay Warner – So sorry to hear of your sad news. I worked for Raymond and Johnathan and remember Mrs Bailey too. Lovely people xx
Nigel Cosway – So sorry to hear about your sad loss and my heartfelt condolences to all the family . Knew both Jonathan and Ray via the fruit trade , both top blokes and true gentleman
Sue Chapman – Sat outside costa this morning and was telling my grandson about baileys how i always shopped there every week,was a fantastic shop and lovely people who owned it….sending love to denise n family.xx
Rachael Bailey – Thank you to everyone for all the kind comments and fond memories, it means a lot. ❤️Love from Denise, Heather, Rachael and Matthew xxx
Alora Closes After Two Years
We also learnt that Alora, the stylish bar and eatery that was created in the old TSB Bank, was closing after two years of trading.
Owners Geoff and Callum sent this message: After a great deal of thought, we’ve made the heartbreaking decision to close our doors at Alora. Our final service will be on Sunday 2nd August. This hasn’t been an easy decision. Like so many independent hospitality businesses, we’ve faced some incredibly tough times, and despite giving it everything we had, it’s time to say goodbye. From day one, we’ve poured our hearts into creating amazing food and cocktails, memorable experiences and a place full of character. None of that would have been possible without our incredible team, whose passion, hard work and commitment have meant everything. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.
To every single person who has dined with us, celebrated with us, recommended us, or simply popped in for a cocktail – thank you. Your support has been so much appreciated.
We’ve still got a few weeks left, and we’d love to see as many familiar faces as possible before we close for the final time. Let’s make these last few weeks something special and give the restaurant the send-off it truly deserves.
Thank you for being part of our story. We hope to see you before we close our doors for the very last time.
