Ilkeston Life April 2016 Newspaper

A friend through your letterbox

20p where sold

APRIL 2016

A community publication for Ilkeston and the surrounding districts including Kirk Hallam, Cotmanhay, Shipley View and West Hallam Visit our website: ilkestonlife.com

Exasperation of community worker as Cotmanhay play park is hit by repeat vandalism A community worker has spoken of his frustration following another act of vandalism in Cotmanhay.

John Allen, a local youth football organiser and vice chairman of Action 4 Cotmanhay told us: “I read with some anger of the damage to the new swing on Beauvale Drive which has been set on fire again and seemingly no one knows who did it. Many people are trying to change the area for the better and want to get rid of people's negative attitude towards Cotmanhay, but sadly incidents like this set us back once again.

“Many lovely families have lived and still do live on Cotmanhay Estate and want to improve things so that these problems can be looked at and sorted and those responsible brought to the attention of the local police and council.”

He appealed: “Let’s get behind the ones that care and support them because once people give up caring it's not worth thinking about

what will happen, and it's no good moaning that there's nothing to do in Cotmanhay.”

Erewash Borough Council used social media to urge local residents to help find the vandals who set fire to the basket swing at the children’s play area for the third time.

The popular play equipment had been repaired and reinstalled with a new seat and complete new swing assembly last year. It is thought the arsonists struck on or around Tuesday 15th March. The seat was destroyed and the safety surfacing was also damaged causing nearly £1,200 worth of damage.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “This is absolutely disgraceful and very, very frustrating. How many times do we find ourselves saying that a piece of play equipment has been damaged? This should not and will not be tolerated. It may be that we remove the swing altogether and this would be a great shame as it would mean children and families who live in the area and enjoy the facilities would miss out. “ We need local people, local communities to rally and help us fight this problem – we can’t do it alone. Please be our eyes and ears and tell us or the police if you know who is destroying a facility that we provide for your children. Let the mindless minority know that they are not a part of your community.”

Anyone with information should contact the Police on 101 quoting crime reference 16 of 16 March 2016 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Photo: The fire damaged swing and safety surface. Inset: John Allen.

COMPETITION WINNERS The winner of our recent short story competition for young people was Miriam Widdowson aged 11, of Hallam Fields Junior School.

Joint runners-up were: Eve Beharall, 11, Hallam Fields School; Jersey Oldershaw, 10, Chaucer Junior School and Leo Hallam, 10, Chaucer Junior School.

They will each receive a certificate and a prize.

A market day puzzle Roy Foulkes’ photograph of a busy market day in Ilkeston prompted an interesting comment on our Facebook page: “Lovely photo, and no disrespect intended, but there aren't any young people in this picture. What do we do to make Ilkeston and its market appealing to the next generation of shoppers?”

It’s true. There is an absence of young shoppers using the market. And if it continues the market will eventually die.

Is there a lack of merchandise which would appeal to the younger generation, or do they just prefer trendier shops or the Internet?

It would be a shame to see our market shrink any more. Let’s hope that the new shops opening in the old Co-op building will attract new consumers who will take a look

on the market too.

Ilkeston Market may not be what it used to be but it’s still the envy of many other places. As another Facebook poster commented: “The market has superb greengrocers, butcher, fishmonger, bakers, plant stalls, etc. We use it every week.”

You can also buy clothing, wools, flowers, toiletries, bedding, pet supplies, shoes, carpets, cards, cosmetics, bath bombs, batteries ... the list is endless.

Erewash Council see to it that there is a wide variety of merchandise on offer (not too many stalls selling the same things) and there is also a charity stall that can be used by local organisations.

So how can more young people be persuaded to come to the market? We’d like to hear your suggestions.

Print run of 10,000 copies distributed locally—outstanding coverage for advertisers

‘In the money’ at Stanton offices Reflecting community life in and around Ilkeston

Local

Independent Fresh Entertaining If you don’t get a copy through your letterbox, Ilkeston Life is available online and from various places including: U Choose Smoothie Bar, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston; John’s News, 17 Bath Street, Ilkeston; Ilkeston Coffee Bean, 156 Bath Street, Ilkeston; Funky Chicken, 109 Bath Street, Ilkeston; Harpur and Finch, Bath Street, Ilkeston; Blinkinks, 48 South Street, Ilkeston; Chapel Bistro, South Street, Ilkeston; News Express, South Street, Ilkeston; Lifestyle Express, 10 Nottm Road., Ilkeston Wayfarer, 307 Nottm Road, Ilkeston; Lobina’s, 338 Nottm Road, Ilkeston; Manna House Café, Queen Elizabeth Way, Kirk Hallam; Kirk Hallam Garage, Ladywood Road; Post Office, Ash Street, Cotmanhay; Linda’s Mini-Market, Cotmanhay Road; Tesco Ilkeston; Bellini’s, Heanor Road, Ilkeston.

New stockists welcome.

Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston Tel: 07539 808390 Editor: Robert Attewell ilkestonlife@gmail.com or robert@ilkestonlife.com Staff writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Advertising Manager: Paul Opiah sales @ilkestonlife.com or paul@ilkestonlife.com Distribution Manager and Webmaster: Adam Newton adam@ilkestonlife.com

© Copyright 2016 The material in Ilkeston Life is protected by copyright. If you wish to reproduce anything, please contact the editor.

While every care is taken to be accurate, we are only human and mistakes do occur occasionally.

If you are unhappy with any of the content in the paper, please contact the editor in the first place. We accept news and information from correspondents in good faith and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. We try not to include stories which may cause distress to anyone. If you have a view on any of the articles, please write and let us know. Your letters are always welcome, but we reserve the right to withhold or edit. Anonymous letters will only be printed in exceptional circumstances.

Deadline for adverts and editorial contributions: 15th of preceding month.

2 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

I left school in July 1963 when I was 15. I did not have much to show for my ten years in school. My fault, I could not blame the teachers. I managed to get RSA English and some typing qualification in my last year.

When it got to about two months before I left school, I still did not know what I would be doing. I knew I did not want to go into a factory, although they were paying really good wages in those days.

What I really wanted to do was to work with animals in some capacity, but there was not much call for that in those days.

I think I wrote in my last article that I had studied dog diseases in the hope of being a kennel maid. Someone had given me a book on dog illnesses and I had been studying it for weeks trying to learn all about them. I had an I-spy book on dogs, and knew all the breeds, and I loved animals.

However mum wasn’t having any of it. She said I would not be able to earn a living, and she could not afford to send me to college.

Four weeks before I left school I found myself on a bus to Stanton Offices with my dad.

He had come home the day before and said he had got me an interview for a job in the offices. I was stunned. I did not think I would be good enough to work in the offices with my meagre exam passes. Well, it turned out I was wrong. I sat an exam and passed with good results and they offered me a job straight away.

On my first morning I made my way to Longfield Lane to catch one of the many double decker buses that ran into Stanton every morning. I did not know where I was going or what office I would be in. I was very nervous.

I found myself in the mailing department. I cannot remember how I got there. I only know I was very relieved to find at least three of the girls from my class already there plus about eight other girls from other schools in the area.

The two ladies who ran the mailing department were, Norah Thomas and Mrs Buckberry; they were firm but fair in the running of the office.

We were all given different rounds and had to learn where all the different departments were located. We sorted the mail as it came in, into the various compartments and then took the mail for our own rounds and put them into our file in the order they were to be delivered.

There was a large table in the middle of the room where the mail was piled when it came in. I cannot remember how many rounds we did every day, two or three maybe. I am sure someone reading this probably remembers. I was very shy in those days and was scared to death at first at having to go into all the different offices.

We were all asked if we wanted to do a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. And quite a few of us joined up for this. Seven of us set off in the summer for a hike, up in and around Matlock. We went on the train. Three of us were from Cavendish School and four from schools in Sandiacre and Stapleford.

We had packed lunches in our bags. From looking at the photos one of them took their lunch in a gondola basket that were all the rage at the time. It might even have been me!

I think we had to walk about ten miles. From the photos I have it looks as though we finished our walk in Matlock Park, as we are all pictured taking a ride on the little train. It was a red, hot day and we all had a great time. We then had to write about our experiences.

For another part of the award we visited the Fire Station on site at Stanton, and once again had to write about it. We all had to

slide down the Pole, that was fun.

We all finished our assignments and received our Bronze badges. I still have mine today.

Shortly after we were all assigned new jobs in various offices, I think they may have used the Duke Of Edinburgh assignments to assess where we would be most suited to work. Sadly I was told I would not be allowed to go any further with my Duke of Edinburgh Award because I would not be allowed the time off from the wages office.

Many years later my older daughter, Stephanie managed to do all her awards and I accompanied her to St James Palace to receive her award from the Duke of Edinburgh. It was a very proud moment for me.

I was given the job of office junior in the Wages office. Mrs Wilson my maths teacher would have been most surprised as she thought me a total failure in maths.

I loved it. I sat at the back of the office and my job was to do the filing, add up countless sheets of figures on a manual calculator and run any errands that were required. On a Thursday the cash came in to be paid out to all the workers. That was my favourite job.

Putting up the cash.

The security would bring the cash and we would all have several wage sheets with the matching wage envelope and we had to sort the cash onto a stack of trays. Everyone had to balance to the penny. We then took a tray and sorted the cash into the pay packets and again if you had any over or any short you had to go through every one to find were you had made the mistake. Very few mistakes were made. This was the time of ten bob notes, one pound notes and five pound notes and all the small change we had then, way before decimalisation. I loved every minute of it.

After a few months I was put on a section and a new junior came in to my place. I was put on Derek Wright’s Section and I was taught how to use an Anita, an electrical calculator. I found the job very interesting, and I could not believe it because I had always been afraid of figures before. There were still a couple of girls using comptometers to work out the figures, I was glad I had my Anita. The comptometers looked like very hard work.

I was now sitting at the front of the office by the window so I could see all the comings and goings. We had to be at our desk on time each morning and couldn’t leave at night until the bells rang. We all had about an hour for lunch break but a lot of us had no transport and stayed in the office with a packed lunch. In the summer we would have a walk out into the countryside surrounding

By Patricia Spencer

Stanton and get some fresh air and sunshine.

We did not know how lucky we were.

I did have one very sad moment whilst I worked there. One day I looked up from my job and saw two of my uncles passing the window. I waved to them wondering why they were there and why they were not smiling and waving back. I couldn’t get up from my desk to go and talk to them. The rules were very strict then. However I left my desk for a moment to speak to someone in the office about my work and when I went back there was a time card on my desk. It was my Uncle Teddy’s. On it was written, father deceased. It took me a moment to take it in. Of course Teddy’s father was my much loved granddad. I am afraid I lost it. And started shouting, saying I had to go home as my Grandad had died.

Everyone looked at me as though I were mad. But they did allow someone to drive me home. No one was in so I sat at the table in tears until my parents came back and said my grandad had fallen down stairs the night before. It was a very sad time for the family.

I made some really good friends in the wages office. One of them is Ann Shelton who is now also writing for the Ilkeston Life about her adventures. I began to grow up and I came out of my shell and started going out into town in the evenings with my new friends.

We all had to take turns going out on Fridays to the different pay points all over Stanton.

We all had our favourites and the ones no one liked to go to. If it was a favourite we would make sure we were dressed up, made up and hair backcombed in place that day.

I remember one day I had fallen out with my boyfriend and was going over to New Works Foundry where he was working at the time.

When I passed over his wages he found I had stapled all his money together and to his wage packet.

He has got used to my idiosyncrasy now, as we have been married for nearly 49 years.

Occasionally we had to work overtime, on these occasions we were given our tea in the Club House. This seemed to be a very posh place to most of us. White starched cloths set with gleaming cutlery and home -made jam in little dishes. It was a real treat.

Every few weeks the girls took it in turn to go over to Bilsthorpe brickworks to pay out the workers there. We all enjoyed this when it came round as we were taken there in one of the chauffer driven black limousines. We were accompanied by one of the male wage clerks who would sit in the front with the chauffer and we would feel like a film star in the back. We usually stopped off on the way back at a café for a coffee and then were allowed home early.

After four and a half years I decided it was time for a change. But I would not have missed any of it for the world and it is a great shame it is still not there for the youth of today to learn a trade. I cannot even go back to see the two offices I once worked in as they have both been knocked down.

Stanton Duke of Edinburgh’s Award girls, 1967

Scouts’ cooking success

Gift store moves

Three scouts from the 16th Ilkeston St Johns Scout Group achieved third place in the Derbyshire County Scout Cooking competition.

Their three course meal was based on a South American menu in support of the Olympic a games which take place later this year.

Pictured with their certificate is the successful team, from left to right: John Wildey, Harry Barker and Jack Barker and Colin Newton, Assistant County Commissioner Scouts for Derbyshire who presented the certificate.

Harper and Finch, the popular gift shop, has moved further down Bath Street to larger premises.

The picture shows owner Sandra Lee with Erewash MP Maggie Throup opening the doors for the first time on Friday 4th March.

There is now also a tea parlour where customers can enjoy tea, coffee and light refreshments in a nostalgic setting.

The new location (66 Bath Street) offers more space for shoppers to browse an even wider selection of interesting, quirky, and vintage-inspired gifts and household items.

FRONT PAGE ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Stanley’s White Hart has been transformed Gareth Wheatley and Emma Oldershaw are the proud new landlord and landlady of The White Hart set in the picturesque surroundings of Stanley Village. They took over on the 12th August 2015 and have been working hard ever since to put the pub back on the map.

With help from local folk, family and friends, they have managed to successfully better the reputation it had unfortunately been labelled with in the past.

Gareth says: “We have received lots of help too from Punch Taverns, who we can only praise, despite what their own reputation has been over the last few years.”

Gareth and Emma are keen for folk to try out the new-look pub and see the progress they have made. “We still have plans for the place and, as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day. This is our first pub and we are excited to keep working and get it the way we want.”

Following an extensive kitchen refurbishment, a brand new menu has been launched. All produce on the menu is locally sourced and of the highest quality, much time having been spent choosing the right suppliers.

On offer at the Derby Road pub are tempting deals like a £5 lunch time menu, which includes steak sandwiches and proper fish finger sandwiches, 2 8oz rump steak meals and a bottle of wine for just £25 on Mondays.

“Everything is fresh and handmade. We don't believe in microwave meals,” says Gareth.

“The rustic seasoned homemade chips are to die for!”

You can check the pub out on the website: www.thewhitehartstanley.co.uk or their facebook page: www.facebook.com/ thewhitehartstanley.

They can also be contacted by phone, 0115 837 2940 or email: info@thewhitehartstanley.co.uk

Higher parking Group has plans charges to pay to brighten up Shipley Park for free hour The good news is that the popular free one hour parking in Erewash is to continue.

The not so good news is that other parking charges will increase to fund the scheme.

The higher charges are necessary to offset the loss in the council’s revenue due to the free time.

A review of the free scheme confirmed that its ongoing cost could not be sustained, with the council having lost £100,000 between April and September last year and continues to face losses of around £18,000 a month.

The free parking was introduced as a town centre regeneration initiative and has become increasingly popular with residents and town centre businesses.

CHALLENGING TIMES Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, says: “These are financially challenging times for all local authorities and although the free one hour parking is extremely popular and residents want it to continue, we have to find ways to fund it.

“The parking charges have not been increased since 2008 and any attempt to offset the cost of the free one hour parking has to come from the parking budget. Even with this increase in the parking charges, we are still potentially looking at losses, so we will have to continue to review the situation.”

The new charges will be the same in all the council’s car parks, removing the different tariffs which have existed in some car parks – a move which has been asked for by many drivers.

All the new parking fees will be applicable Monday to Saturday from 8am-6pm from 4th April.

Ilkeston Craft Bombers are looking for knitters, hookers and yarn lovers to join them in yarn-bombing Shipley Park.

Yarn-bombing aims to brighten the environment and bring a smile to those that pass by.

During the Aviva Tour of Britain Cycle Race through Ilkeston in September, the group yarn-bombed White Lion Square island with a decorated bicycle which became a talking point and the subject of many photographs and videos.

Ilkeston Craft Bombers are hoping to create something just as eye-catching in the park as part of Voluntary Arts Week. But what they plan to do is a secret known only to members of the group.

They recently received the news they had won funding to help put on three free workshops open to all ages and abilities.

Group spokesperson Kirsty Taylor says: “Anyone interested can come for as chat and see examples of yarn lace, try different tools and techniques. The first workshop took place 16th March and two more are planned for 6th April and 11th May, 1 till 3pm at Shipley Park Visitor Centre. Everything is provided free. Newcomers are welcome.”

See Ilkeston Craft Bombers Facebook page for more information.

Ilkeston Life, April 2016

3

Have your say Get in touch with your views— Email: ilkestonlife@gmail.com Post: The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH

Do you recognise anyone in this picture?

I was interested to see the letter from Tony Carr in this month's Ilkeston Life regarding Ilkeston's Pines Youth Club and in particular their impressive pantomimes.

My parents, Nadine Fletcher and Henry Shaw met at The Pines in the late 1940s and married in 1953. Nadine was often involved in the pantomime along with her sister Dierdre and coincidentally while looking through the family archives (an old biscuit tin) only this week I found the enclosed photograph of the cast of what I think must be Cinderella in around 1950.

Nadine is centre right in the long white dress (I think she must be Cinderella) next to her older sister as (probably) Buttons.

I wonder if any readers can identify any other cast members?

Best regards,

Grant Shaw, Ilkeston

FOR THEIR OWN GOOD

ILKESTON & HEANOR BOYS TEAM PLAYER WRITES Although I left Ilkeston in 1970 in order to find fame and fortune, I achieved neither but had a great time trying. I still remained a fervent Ilkestonian at heart and always remembered and treasured my roots (St. Norbert Drive, Kirk Hallam).

More specifically, I never have and never will forget the astounding season of success that I enjoyed with the simply magnificent Ilkeston and Heanor Boys district football team of 1965/66.

Imagine my surprise, and delight, when the March edition of Ilkeston Life arrived at my home in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire!

(Sent by my old Grammar school team mate Steve Tunstall.)

It revived wonderful, and nostalgic memories. What a team that was! Selected from just nine schools, the achievement of reaching the quarter-final of the English Schools Cup was nothing less than staggering.

We were eventually defeated by East London, a huge association of 130 schools, and only after a controversial injury time equaliser at Heanor, before being mauled in the replay at Millwall. The Cockneys went on to win the competition (as they often did), but what a fright we gave them.

It was the equivalent of Ilkeston Town reaching the last 8 of the F.A Cup! I'm so grateful to Steve, and his dad, for reminding some, and informing many Ilkestonians of the feats of this special team, and management.

One last footnote; The floodlight game against Rotherham was a particular highlight for me. We won 3-2, and I scored a hat-trick! Happy days.......

PS. If any of the team just happen to read this, I'm attempting to arrange a 50th year reunion sometime this summer. If interested, please email me at sue_severn@yahoo.co.uk Very best regards,

The question asked by Mrs V Jones about why teenage girls need to undress down to their underwear for employment medical examinations has a simple answer.

As a nurse I can inform her it is so they can be examined properly.

It is essential they strip off so the doctor can do the required checks with ease and efficiency.

Having had a medical herself in only her bra and knickers I would think this would be obvious to her. In all medical examinations a doctor needs to be able to see the body and have easy access to it. This is very important when examining teenage girls.

As well as checking the general health by sounding the chest, feeling the abdomen and doing all the other routine tests, the doctor can observe such vital details as bodily development, the condition of the skin and signs of over or underweight.

Girls who feel embarrassed when being examined in their bras and knickers should remember that these medicals are for their own good and are very important and necessary.

Arthur Severn, Knaresborough Mrs F B Patel, Ilkeston

4 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

REPUTATION WAS UNFOUNDED As an old Ilson/Cotmanhay boy, I was upset to see in your paper, they were knocking my old school down.

I attended the infants school after being transferred from Shipley Infants as the building was falling down due to mining subsidence (the building was held upright with steel bars and wire nets to catch falling plaster. Date 1939).

I spent time at Cotmanhay Infants as World War 2 had just started (not my fault) with a teacher named Miss Dix. Happy memory!

Later, I transferred to Granby Junior School (around 1940) with the headmaster, Mr Wilkinson and maths teacher, Mr Purchase (otherwise known as Daddy).

Then I went to the dreaded Bennerley Bucket Bangers as it was known—we were told of many atrocities that took place there, none of which we found to be true.

The headmaster was a Mr Freddy Taylor (leader of the Ilkeston Ladies Choir). He spent many hours trying to get us snotty nosed urchins to sing "Three little maids from school are we", failing in despair. God bless him!

Other teachers were Mr (Acko) Atkinson (Art), Mr (Wilko) Wilkinson (Geography), Mrs Clark,. Miss Beardsley (Girls PT) and Mr (Creamy) Henshaw (Boys woodworking). I remember them all with great respect.

Although it was normal practice to receive three strokes with a cane or leather strap for any wrongdoing by the pupil, it taught us to have more respect for our elders and teachers.

It did me no harm.

I look back at my 82 years and wonder where have all the years gone, Thinking back and looking at the town now, it doesn’t seem to have improved much. Sorry!

I have many Ilson memories of yesteryear.

Jack Reader, Ilkeston

TO A CERTAIN DOG OWNER This letter is to the older gentleman, and I use the word gentleman sarcastically, who has been seen allowing his dog to use our front lawn and our next door neighbour’s front lawn as a toilet.

This has been happening regularly for the last three months at least.

My neighbour has now informed the council about this hazard as the schoolchildren from Hallam Fields Junior School often run across these lawns as they are open to the pavement.

So it becomes a health hazard if we do not see it and remove it straight away.

Two or three times a week my neighbours and ourselves have to go and clear up the dog poo.

Perhaps he cannot afford 5p for a carrier bag.

Perhaps he would like me to provide him with some carrier bags along with some advice on the health hazards of dog poo.

In any case he should not be allowing his dog to foul other people’s property.

He has now been seen around 5 o’clock in the morning holding his dog on the lead and waiting and watching whilst it does its business on our lawns.

He is an older gentleman who should know better and wears a flat cap. His dog is a large terrier type dog.

We have now put up a hedge between the pavement and the lawn and still he lets his dog come round the hedge on to the lawn.

I do hope he is one of our readers. Please be aware we are looking out for you and we will notify the council and warden when we find out where you live.

Patricia Spencer, Ilkeston

THANKS FOR RAILWAY POEM I thoroughly enjoyed reading Geoff Hayes’ contribution ‘A Railway Lad’ in the March paper. It gave me my own trip down Memory Lane!

As a small boy I lived on St Norbert Drive in Kirk Hallam. Our next door neighbour was Mr Johnson. He was the former station master at Ilkeston railway station. He had the unfortunate job of being the last person to turn off the lights and lock the door as the station was closed.

When I was ten we moved to Albert Villas at the bottom of Station Road in Ilkeston. We were close to the railway and we would go across the bridge to go camping on Cossall Hill.

On the other side of us was the Erewash Canal where my brothers and I swam in the locks or floated down the canal on our home-made rafts. On the odd occasion when we ‘capped off’ from school, we would nip down the canal path and go and play by the Viaduct, climbing about and hearing the trains go by.

It’s great that Ilkeston will have a new station soon and that Bennerley Viaduct will be renovated and used by the public, and that the canal towpath is to be improved. All three are good news for my home town.

Years later I ended up working for the railway! I spent nine great years as a chaplain of The Railway Mission, covering the East Midlands. I met some fantastic folk during that time and heard some wonderful stories.

Thank you Mr Hayes for sharing yours in the form of a poem, and for giving me my own fond trip down Memory Lane. God bless you and take good care.

Maybe you would like to see The Railway Mission’s version of Psalm 23: The Lord is my Inspector, I shall not go off track.

He makes me sit down in first class, He leads me through stations and sidings.

He restores my lost luggage, and leads me to the only loo that works, for goodness sake!

Even though I walk through dark stations and sidings, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, Your lamp and Hi Vis vest they comfort me.

You prepare the buffet car before me, in the presence of those who laughed and teased.

You anoint my head with engine oil and my enthusiasm overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will travel on the train of the Lord for ever!

Rev. James Lindsay, Derby www.chaplaincycare.co.uk

THANKS FOR MEMORIES Having just read the March issue of Ilkeston Life , I came across two articles that brought back memories. Firstly, Mrs Steph Needham commenting on Field House schooldays, mentioned twins by the name of Payne; her memory is correct their names were Ann and Margaret, and were the daughters of my cousin Norman Payne. Ann until recently lived on Stanton Road and I believe Margaret who was a nurse lives in Cheshire.

My second memory relates to the article about the Pines Pantos and V K Mann. I went to Hallcroft school were Mr Mann was the history teacher, but I also lived just a few houses away from him in Longfield Crescent, his children Joan, Richard who was my age and friend and Brian the young one and we all played together. The article describes the preparations for the Pantos, which are also my memories as the scenery backcloths were brought into Hallcroft Scool and hung on the back wall of the art room . After school I joined with one or two others and under the supervision of our Art teacher Mr McIntyre we painted them ready for the panto. This was probably the start of my interest in amateur theatre as I have been involved locally for almost 50 years either performing or directing or just working backstage on many musicals and plays, possibly all due to V K Mann and Mr McIntyre.

Thanks for the memories.

John Blackwell, Ilkeston

Praise for those involved with Big Kirk Hallam Following the recent presentation on What’s been happening at the Big Kirk Hallam, I just have to write and share my message of thanks to everyone at Big Kirk Hallam for making it happen BIG STYLE! Where do I start?

The Big Kirk Hallam scheme has surpassed my original and very high expectations.

The ‘Get on with it’ attitude that has brought an even stronger bond to residents who are making things happen because they have the drive to deliver and share the vision of a better community where young people are being heard and listened to and the older generation’s knowledge and input is being respected and activated. We heard about the reports of the ‘camp out’ events with the primary schools working in amazing partnerships to serve the families together with the students and the innovative and collaborative work with individual local artists and the local councils, the wide ranging activities, services and benefits that are too many for me to mention here.

I have been astounded at the many different projects and the future plans that have been agreed by the Big Kirk Hallam Committee and the excellent consultation process that has sought the ideas, aims and wishes of local folk at every juncture.

To this and all the hard work, commitment, voluntary hours, tenacity and drive that has caused all this to happen, I want to say a BIG THANKYOU to everyone who has been involved with this ten year project to date. It is truly amazing!

Kirk Hallam folk have constantly come forward and volunteered to steer the projects or organise an event.

It was evidence of this community spirit that won the folk of Kirk Hallam this £1 Million funding in the first place—how very proper it was that Kirk Hallam was chosen and was granted this bid of monies—it is being spent wisely by the people, for the people.

I recall being asked if Kirk Hallam could spend £1 million in a telephone conversation I held with the Big Lottery. My answer of course was ’why yes, we could spend £2 million, given the chance!’ Kirk Hallam have been given this chance and are taking this opportunity to make everlasting changes and memories that are so valuable, they don’t have a price. Again, everyone who is involved is party to these improvements, A MASSIVE THANK YOU AND WELL DONE.

Michelle Booth, Ilkeston West Councillor

IN OR OUT OF THE EU?

the real world and hence are not particularly well qualified to advise us. Furthermore it is self evident that some are only in the business of giving active support to one side or the other for their own personal advancement. So who are we to turn to for good unbiased advice? Our captains of industry seem to be fairly evenly divided on the issue as do our journalists and their respective newspapers and also our financial institutions.. So at the end of the day I guess we must rely on our own judgement because in reality no one really knows and when they do it will be too late to change our minds; the deed will have been done So what do we know? Firstly Mr Cameron you may say did a fairly good job given the circumstances. He did not ask for much and he managed to get most of what he asked for so the Cameron supporters will deem the negotiation a success and as a consequence we should vote to stay in as it’s “the devil you know”. On the other hand the others who want out say it’s not enough and that we will not be in control of our own destiny and that the Europeans cannot be too horrible to us if we come out as they need us more than we need them.

Back in 1975 I voted to stay out mainly because at that time we had been a member of the European Free Trade Area known as ‘EFTA’ which had been set up to remove trade barriers, it was simple and had been proved to work. I could not see the EEC being successful unless we all had the same tax, benefits and minimum wage structures etc., but how on earth were they going to be able to agree on these complicated issues when they could not even agree to having one set of headquarters but instead move countries once a month. We do know however that lack of proper monetary unification has had a profound effect on all of us as evidenced by the great numbers of economic migrants who have arrived in the UK from less wealthy members of the union. However there is an argument in support of such migration as it is said to have made a great contribution to our economy.

So despite the fact that I was against joining we are presently still members and it would be a huge change to come out and could have a profound effect on our countries future prosperity. However I am not convinced by either side’s argument particularly as I believe that some are only in the business for personal gain. So perhaps the best thing to do is to watch the odds given by the bookmakers and vote for the favourite.

Since starting this note the decision is certainly not getting any easier.

During a few days holiday I spent an evening in a bar in a small provincial Spanish town talking to the locals and inevitably we got around to discussing our forthcoming referendum and their view was unanimous.

Their self appointed spokesman who had worked in England for ten years and had an English wife summed up the evenings debate as follows.

The Spanish want us to stay in the as without us they think the EU will be worse off, However they thought that our benefits system is crazy. In his words "it was built for the 1950s when our present immigration problems did not exist".

Their view therefore was that if we retained our current systems we should vote to leave the EU as we would not be able to afford to continue paying out so much. Although their preferred option is that we should change our systems and not increase the living wage and stay in.

What surprised me was that they were so interested and they informed me that there was lots of information in their newspapers on the matter and that it was a very hot topic.

Am I the only undecided voter in Ilkeston?

I am the wrong side of seventy, reasonably well educated, keep up to date with current affairs and have always used my vote, and very soon will be invited to use it again in the forthcoming referendum.

The first thought that occurs to me is that perhaps we ‘old-uns’ should not be allowed to vote on this issue. It is an established fact that older people are usually more inclined to vote so we may unfairly skew the result of a most important decision which will not have much effect on us as we are too old; but will have a profound effect on our children, grandchildren and future generations.

However I will get a vote so I will not break the habit of a lifetime but use it hopefully to the advantage of the youngsters who have more to benefit or perhaps lose than an ‘oldun’ like me.

So I am faced with a problem. We all know David Frost, West Hallam that our elected politicians are generally An undecided Ilkeston Life reader career politicians who have never worked in

MEMORIES OF COSSALL …. David Potter It’s been very gratifying this month to have received so many messages and contacts from people who have memories and information on the subjects touched on in this series and I’ll certainly be following them all up.

Could I just enter a plea for everyone who does so to make sure you leave a contact phone number or your email address so I can get back to you? Thanks.

Someone who did just that was Neil White from Awsworth, putting me in touch with his father Frank who, together with his wife Edna, lived at Ivy Cottage on a small holding off lower Newton’s Lane now known as ‘Bennerley Marshes’ but was then referred to as ‘Cossall Blob’.

I recently spent a very pleasant and interesting afternoon talking to Frank, now 92, who gave me some fascinating background and memories of what life was like in bygone days in the Cossall and Ilkeston areas.

Frank, together with his parents, moved from Armthorpe in Yorkshire to Station Street, Ilkeston Junction in 1927 and was a pupil at (the ‘Gaffer’s’) Mr. Randall’s Cosall School until 1937.

He joined the R.A.F and in 1945 married Edna. Two years later they moved into “Ivy Cottage” on the Blob.

To say conditions were basic would be an

overstatement. No gas, no electricity, and the water came from a well in the garden.

After they’d eventually moved on, the Blob was outcropped resulting in the buildings being levelled leaving very little evidence of occupation.

However, thanks to information from ‘Sandy’, who also lives in Awsworth, a scrap of the past still survives in the form of a patch of marigolds in the meadow on which the original buildings stood.

It seems that these are a distinctive and rare variety which stood out in a larger patch at the time as a ‘blob’ of colour in the landscape, hence the name…’Cossall Blob’ But there’s more! Sandy tells me that around the turn of the 1900’s the Blob dwellings were the scene of a particularly gruesome murder which has put me on the trail of another possible story.

Neither Frank or Sandy were able to elaborate any further on this particular subject but they’ve pointed me in the direction of someone who may…………..

Editors note: If you recognise any of the names or events in David’s article please help to put him out of his misery by contacting Ilkeston Life or David direct on davidilkeston@gmail.com or tel: 07929 100 974.

THREE BOYS IDENTIFIED

Regarding the photo of the boys at the old Ilkeston swimming baths last month, they are (l to r): Robert Ridley, John Everley, Paul Ridley and ? The Ridley brothers came to Ilkeston in the early sixties from Sunderland, I think. They joined our little group of pals who played on Braileys, the field behind the Rutland Cottage pub. They lived close by on Broadway. John Everley lived in the area close by the Rutland Cottage on Heanor Road, I think. I can’t be certain but on his blazer may be a Granby School badge. I really enjoy Ilkeston Life.

Robert Benson, Ilkeston.

What baby did next

smiles to our teacher Katie whose mission it is to help us learn to understand our babies’ needs long before they can talk, through signing. Fingers crossed this will mean an end to me doing what sometimes feels like a 50 point check of what baby might want every time he cries. Hopefully he will be able to do a hand gesture to inform me that he wants milk, bed or any manner of other things. Some of the babies in the class seem to have picked up the odd sign already and I’m hoping mine will soon follow suit.

After a one final rendition of Dingle Dangle Scarecrow, we lie the babies on the mats, accompanied by a variety of toys and instruments (my little one has a fondness for the maracas, although he seems to prefer sucking them rather than shaking them) and enjoy a cup of tea, biscuit and some adult chat time…… absolute bliss and a momentary break from a day filled with nappies, feeds and my having to pull silly faces and perform comedy dances to keep baby entertained.

As a new mum this class ticks all the boxes for me as it has a good balance of fun for baby and adult time for me.

I

used to fancy myself as a Carrie from Sex and the City type, there I was living in my flat in Birmingham (not quite an apartment in New York), writing, dating and enjoying getting together with friends in swanky bars and indulging in something bubbly.

Fast forward a few years and I’ve left Birmingham and am living here in Ilkeston, married and with a three month old baby, so whilst I do still occasionally get to go to bars and relive my Carrie fantasy, most of my time is spent with a very cute (in my opinion) little boy who whilst brilliant at providing gummy smiles and babbling isn’t the best conversationalist.

With conversation running low and not being from the area originally, my mission is to find things for me and the little man to do locally, things that will not only keep him entertained but that also (and if I’m honest, most importantly,) get me out of the house and in the company of other adults and maybe make some new friends along the way.

So in our bid to get out and about more for the past few weeks we have been spending time at Victoria Park Leisure Centre taking part in a Tiny Talk baby signing class. Every Wednesday morning myself, baby and a group of other mums and their little ones can be found singing, playing and signing to each other with the aim of helping our little ones communicate with us.

My boy stares intently at the array of puppets, toys and prop cards whilst dishing out

Rebecca Slater Ilkeston Life, April 2016

5

We are survivors!

This is an article for those born before 1940.

We were born before TV, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, videos. Frisbee and the pill. We lived before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ball point pens; before dishwashers, tumble driers, electric blankets, air conditioners, drip dry clothes and before man walked on the moon.

We got married first, then lived together.

We thought fast food was what you ate in Lent. A ‘Big Mac’ was an oversized raincoat and crumpet we had for tea. We existed before house husbands, computer dating, dual careers; when a meaningful relationship meant getting on with your cousins and sheltered accommodation was where you waited for a bus.

We were before day care centres, group homes and disposable nappies. We had never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electric typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yoghurt and young men wearing earrings. For us ‘time sharing’ meant togetherness, a chip was as piece of wood or a fried potato, hardware meant nuts and bolts and software wasn’t a word.

Before 1948 ‘Made in Japan’ meant junk;

Calendar fund raiser

the term ‘making out’ referred to how you did in your exams; a stud was something that fastened a collar; and ‘going all the way’ meant staying on the bus until it reached the depot. Pizzas, McDonalds and instant coffee were unheard of. In our day cigarette smoking was fashionable, grass was mown, coke was kept in a coalhouse, a joint was a piece of meat you had on Sundays, and pot was something you cooked it in.

Rock music was a grandmother’s lullaby, El Dorado was an ice cream, a gay person was the life and soul of the party and nothing more, and aids just meant beauty treatment or help for someone in trouble.

We who were born before 1940 must be a hardy bunch when you think of the ways in which the world has changed and the adjustments we have had to make. No wonder we are so confused and there is a generation gap! But … by the grace of God we have survived – Alleluia!

Author unknown. If the author recognises this work, please contact me through Ilkeston Life. Danny Corns

Different players are featured each month and so far the calendar has proved to be a big hit with more than 45 copies sold.

Innovative students at Kirk Hallam Commu- Along with the proceeds of a cake sale and a nity Academy have created a calendar featur- football match, the Sixth Form at Kirk ing their Sixth Form football team to raise Hallam Community Academy has raised money for an Ilkeston Special Needs school. more than £300 for Bennerley Fields School Joseph Parkin, 16, James Taylor, 17 and with the target being £1,000.

Harry Beer, 16, came up with the idea along The Sixth Formers decided they wanted to with fellow members of the Sixth Form Ul- help raise the money following an assembly tras.

by Abigail Evans, School Business Manager,

VOLUNTEER REQUIRED TO DELIVER ILKESTON LIFE IN THE SPRINGFIELD GARDENS AREA OF ILKESTON. Please enquire at U Choose cafe, 1 Bath Street if interested.

6 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

ILKESTON SCOUTS AND GUIDES FLYING HIGH Members of the 16th Ilkeston Scout Group and 7th Ilkeston Guide Company joined members from many other Scout and Guide Groups from Derby East area, to perform in Flying High at Derby Theatre.

The show consisted of songs and sketches performed by children from 7 years old, through to teenagers and many of their adult leaders. The audience were thoroughly entertained and amused by the cast who performed wearing many lovely and different costumes throughout the show.

There were performances involving Spacemen, and Aliens and a lovely sketch by the youngest members of the cast which was all about Robin Hood. An item titled Spirit of Ireland had some very dubious looking colleens who performed their own version of The River Dance. During the second half a Synchronised Swimming sketch incurred very loud and lengthy laughs from the audience. There was an appearance by a rather strange leggy nurse in Flying High Hospital which made everyone grateful that they were feeling well at that time. The show ended with Time of from Bennerley Fields School.

Bennerley Fields is looking to raise £5,000 to pay for specialist playground equipment, including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and swing. The school has already received a donation of £15,000 from the Lord’s Taverners.

James said everyone was pleased with the amount they had raised so far. He said: “We had been talking about doing a calendar anyway and after the assembly we thought it would be a good idea to do it to raise money for Bennerley Fields. It didn’t take long to put together and we got it all done in about three or four days. We sold about 45 copies in an hour and we will probably have to print more because of the demand.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously and it’s just a bit of fun that is helping to raise money too. We really didn’t expect to sell that many so quickly.”

Joseph said they had more ideas to help meet the £1,000 target.

He said: “We held a football match against Year 11 and despite the awful weather it was really well supported. We are going to hold an odd sock day and we are thinking about putting on a bingo night and a quiz.”

Sixth Formers Hannah Alock and Sydney Croome, both 16, helped organise the cake sale.

Things we did as kids.

our Lives involving the whole cast of approximately 122 members, all in their uniforms, singing several songs which ended the show on a high note. The photograph shows, along the back row, from left to right, Ian Mellor (the naughty nurse) Geoff Barker, Aaron Woollands, Paul Woollands, the middle row, left to right, Jo Rice, Andy Wildey (an Irish colleen) Pat Mellor and along the front row John Wildey, Jack Barker and Harry Barker.

Hannah said: “The cake sale went really well and we are thinking about maybe doing a car wash next.”

David Cowley, Head of Sixth Form at Kirk Hallam Community Academy, said he was proud of the students.

He said: “They’ve really just taken the initiative following the assembly and come up with some great fund-raising ideas which we hope will help them to reach their £1,000 target. A lot of the staff have bought the calendar and it’s proved very popular as it’s something a bit different.”

Abigail, from Bennerly Fields School, said they were thrilled with the Sixth Formers’ efforts.

She said: “We are really impressed by the way the Sixth Formers at Kirk Hallam have taken this project to heart and are working hard on various initiatives to raise money.

It’s great to make this link with our local secondary school and we really value what they are doing for the pupils at our school.

The new play equipment will allow all the children to play and interact together irrespective of their physical abilities. The swinging and spinning motions of this equipment will satisfy their sensory needs allowing them to centre themselves, focus and be ready to learn.”

Hopscotch. We would chalk numbers in squares on the Mount Pleasant road up to number 8. Each player had a small flat stone; he or she would slide the stone along the floor into square one, then hop over into two, then three and all the rest without treading on a line, then back and kick the stone out. Each player would do this until everybody had gone through all the squares bringing the stone out of every square without kicking it on to a line. If it did go on to a line you would be out. Alan Harlow

News from local churches Sharon’s Story

The Diary of Martha the church mouse Dear Diary, Oh it was so lovely. The first of the year and I hope there are lots more to come. The church looked pretty, it had been given an extra spring clean in the morning. The heating had warmed every corner and, the organist was happily playing away, which always makes me want to dance along. The church had pretty spring flowers on the window sills, and around the archway and doorway were colourful tulips and bright daisies. The front lawn was mowed the day before and now looked very smart, with the rocks white washed especially for the occasion. I like those rocks because I can hide away from Florence, the Vicar’s deaf cat.

Even my brother Matt came along and I know why he made the extra effort. He didn’t come to look at the beautiful bride in the stunning white dress, or the young men, all handsome in matching suits, oh no that wasn’t why he came scampering along as soon as he heard the bells starting ringing out – loud and proud from the bell tower. What made him leave his centrally heated house and comfy sofa, to come out into the April sunshine was the food – or confetti as the people call it.

I’m not sure why they throw confetti at the happy couple after they’ve got married, but it must be very important as someone else takes photographs of them all doing it, or indeed what it means, but it is fantatic. Sprinkled all over the beautiful grass lawn was both grains of rice and pastel coloured sugar paper cut into to various shapes; horse shoes; love hearts and little bells. Well, for us mice the rice is a tasty treat that can be stored for when there is no food to be found and the sugar paper shapes, well, they dissolve in my mouth when I nibble away at them – they are a lovely treat.

Although I remember one year when things were not quite so good, poor Matt was very

West Hallam Methodist Church (next to Bottle Kiln on High Lane West DE7 6HP) will be staging its next Story Café on Friday 15th April at 7.30pm.

Story Cafe showcases guest artists who entertain the audience and share their life story. The guest artist will be Sharon Regan.

Singer-songwriter Sharon, originally from Warwickshire, studied at Trinity College of Music, London and, after 20 years "down south", moved to Derbyshire in 2009.

She is currently working as an Assistant Manager within hospitality and is enjoying her return to music, after an 8 year break.

Sharon sings every genre of music from classical to modern-day ballads and is looking forward to sharing the music and faith that has inspired and guided her for so many years, along with a few original songs.

There is no charge for admission but donations are invited to cover the cost of the event. Drinks and cakes are on sale during the evening.

More information from John Moorley 0115 932 0859 or john_moorley @btinternet.com poorly, he saw some pretty shining metal confetti and scampered across the grass cutting his paws as he ran across it. Then, without thinking, he ate lots and lots of the hard confetti, it didn’t taste nice, but looked pretty and sometimes he can be rather greedy, so he scoffed away at it, only to be sick for several days after with poorly paws and an upset tummy. Despite having cats, I think the Vicar does care for us mice too, because thankfully she now tells people not to throw the nasty metallic confetti anymore, so happily it means we get lots and lots of rice and sugar paper too. I do love church weddings!

Bye for now – Martha Mouse

I was in the cobblers this morning when a cat walked in. The man behind the counter shouted: “Shoe!”

- John Allen.

Picnic site. (SJ998662). Leader: Tony Beardsley (07989 314242).

Wednesday 20 April, 10.30am. Short walk.

Breaston Area. Meet at Blind Lane Breaston (SK458335). Leader: Brian Marshall.

Social Wednesday 20 April, 7.30pm. “An Englishman’s first impressions of Burma”, by Dr Miles Ellis. West Hallam Village Hall.

Thursday 21 April, 10.30am. 5½ miles. Pilsley Five Pits Trail. Meet at the trail car park (SK430624, S45 8BL). Leader: Michael Erewash Ramblers Throup (07711 571448).

Sunday 3 April, 10.30am (Note BST start Monday 25 April, 10.30am. 7 miles. Crich time). Kinoulton, Colston Bassett and Stand & Cromford Canal. Meet at Canal-side Cropwell Bishop. Meet at Mackley’s Bridge CP, Whatstandwell (SK332543).

CP, Swab’s Lane near Owthorpe (SK678324, NB12 3GB approx). Leader: Michael Throup Leaders: Pauline Lawson & Stevie Watkin. 7 miles.

(07711 571448).

Wednesday 27 April, 10.30am. Short walk Wednesday 6 April, 10.30am. Short walk.

Wollaton and University Parks. Meet at Wolla- Risley. Meet at Risley Park Inn. (SK458355). ton Park lower CP (SK530398). Leader: Alan Leader: Sandie Jones.

Brown.

Ilkeston Rambling Club Thursday 7 April, 10.30am. 6 miles. Coombs Dale. Meet at Calver Crossroads (SK238748). Sunday 3rd April: 9-mile walk starting from Grindon and heading to Waterfall. Leader: Len Leaders: Linda Hunt & Dave Bird.

Smith.

Group holiday. Sunday 10 to Friday 15 April.

Isle of Wight. Contact Margaret Chapman for Sunday 17th April: Mystery Walk led by Clive Unwin. possible vacancies.

Monday 11 April. Possible Walk for those not Thursday 28th April: Short evening walk beginning from the Chequers, Stanton-by-Dale, 3 going to the Isle of Wight. Details to be anmiles. Led by Clive Unwin. nounced later.

Sunday 1st May: 10-mile walk starting fromWednesday 13 April, 10.30am. Short walk.

Warslow village hall and heading to Onecote.

Elvaston Area. Meet at Harrington Arms Leader: Len Smith.

Thulston (SK409319). Leader: Ann Crean.

Thursday 5th May: Chat evening at Burnt Pig, Sunday 17 April, 10.30am. 8 miles. Dane7.45pm. bridge & Lud’s Church. Meet at Gradbach

Walks

Queen’s birthday booklet to be given to local schools A book about the Queen and her faith has been produced by Scripture Union to coincide with her upcoming 90th birthday celebrations. A smaller version of it has also been produced for distribution to schoolchildren.

Ilkeston’s St Mary’s Church members were so impressed by ‘The Servant Queen’ that they purchased a large quantity to hand over to groups who go into local schools leading assemblies and other faith-led activities so they can give them out to anyone interested.

The illustrated booklet contains details about Her Majesty, her Coronation in 1953, her work, her faith and her Christmas messages on TV. One of the Queen’s comments included in the booklet is as follows: “I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings and to put my trust in God.”

jacket, told the younger man to get back in the car and try to start it now.

A young man’s car broke down. He got out The car sparked into life immediately. and fiddled with things under the bonnet.

The young man was puzzled. He, a mechanHe was no novice with engines; he worked ic, couldn’t solve the problem but this man at a local garage, but nothing he tried would in a suit could. make the car spark into life.

“How did you do that?” he asked.

Eventually a bigger car pulled up behind The man replied: “My name is Henry Ford. I him. “Got a problem?” the driver said, “Let desIgned that car.” me have a look.”

How much more do we need the help of the The older man was wearing a suit and didn’t Designer of the universe and everything in much look like someone who would know it. He understands all things and wants to about car engines. But the younger man help us on our journey through life. When decided to let him have a go. He had noth- we consider God’s care, his great power and ing to lose. his loving heart, who wouldn’t want him as a After a while the suited man, now minus his friend, companion and helper?

One Minute Message

Church but not as you know it Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children Get messy at St Wilfrid’s, West Hallam: Tues. 5th April, 10—11.30am Nottm Rd Meth. Church, Ilkeston: Wed 6th April, 10—11 30am United Reformed Church, Ilkeston: Sat. 9th April, 4 - 5.30pm If you like Messy Church, how about trying the Toddlers’ Service at the Green Spire church (URC). It's 'upstairs' (entry from Wharncliffe Road) and the next is on Friday 1st April at 10 am. It’s like Messy Church but much shorter (½ hour) and it’s specially for families with very young children. Drinks, biscuits, toys to follow.

The Faith Journey page is brought to you by members of the local Christian community and with occasional inspiration from

Ilkeston Life, April 2016

7

From Ilkeston to Adelaide and back—our Australian adventure

By Ann Shelton Part 3 - The Journey Home

The next day, 6th of October, we passed the International Date Line and got the same day twice ! This meant we had 4 days at sea instead of 3 and as there wasn't much to do on board apart from watching a film in the cinema, playing cards or reading it seemed a long time to the next port.

On the 9th of October we docked in Tahiti in the South Pacific and Tahitian dancers and a combo playing drums greeted the ship as it docked. This was all recorded on cine film and we thought only the rich saw these places. We went on a tour of the island; we organised ourselves, all day for a couple of dollars each, in an open backed truck with wooden benches seating 14 but there were 28 of us and it was a bit bumpy. The island is very green with colourful plants and flowers, especially in Captain Cook’s Garden where the huge leaves were mansize. The sand is black due to it being a volcanic island. There were coconut trees by the side of the road and a local man cut them open for us. The Tahitians were very friendly and all waving to us as we passed by their houses - they are very offended if you try to tip them. The capital is Papeete, where we docked and in the evening we went out for a steak meal but the menu was in French and with my schoolgirl French I could see there was no beouf only chevaux, so we had horsemeat, very nice done in a red wine sauce. I remember seeing a lot of cockroaches and rats in the streets on the way to the ship.

We had 2 days in Tahiti and the next day we went to Maeva beach. We hired a paddle boat and some from the ship went water skiing. There was a small bridge we paddled under, out of sight of the beach and we could see a row of small huts by the water’s edge, so started to paddle towards them for a closer look when suddenly the propeller got stuck on the coral reef. We couldn't move forward or backward and no-one could see us from the beach, no sign of life from the huts, and as neither of us could swim I was beginning to get worried. Brian climbed out of the boat and standing on the coral (which we later learned was fragile) began to rock the boat to free it from the coral. It took a few attempts but eventually it moved and we reversed off the coral and returned back towards the beach just as a friend from the ship went passed on waterskis and soaked us!

It was to be 8 days before we docked at our next port crossing the Pacific Ocean to Acapulco, Mexico which gave us plenty of time to get to know our fellow passengers. There were a lot of students and many young people on gap years, sleeping 16 in large cabins down the bottom of the ship. We noticed how independent the young Australians are and come over to do Europe and to see London. Other travellers were people on long service leave from work, as when you have worked for a company for 10 years you were entitled to 13 weeks paid long service leave, to be taken as you like. This happens every 10 years over and above normal annual

8 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

On the 13th of October we watched the passing of the Equatorial Line ceremony when some got tarred and feathered and then all thrown in the pool. All good fun. There was a ball in the evening giving us all a chance to dress up.

We arrived in Acapulco after 8 days at sea and the ship anchored in the bay which meant we were all ferried to the quayside by motor launch. We went on a city tour and could see very poor areas and by contrast in the hills the film stars’ houses.

That night ten of us went to a nightclub for a meal and watched the famous dive from the cliff of La Quebrada made famous in the Elvis film "Fun in Acapulco". The young divers climbed high up the rocks, lit two flaming torches, before diving into fairly shallow water and climbing out of the opposite side. The timing of the dives has to be very accurate, but we saw Dancers greeted our ship as it docked in Tahiti evidence of divers with broken arms and legs who had obviously mis-timed it. It was very exleave, quite a good scheme and many take citing to watch and when we came out the opportunity to visit England. around 1am there were very young children Life on board ship became a little predictable (aged no more than 4 or 5) trying to sell us and the meals were often cold but this could souvenirs, and there were cockroaches evehave been due to our waiter Vincenzo who rywhere. We all ran down to the Quayside was very slow but also charming and no crunching them under our feet. The ship amount of chivvying would hurry him up. sailed at 3am.

There were a few Gala dinners and on these It was 4 days later when we reached Balboa, special occasions we would be served an entrance to the Panama Canal. We got up at extra course which was fish and chips and 5am to watch from the front of the ship it once we got them hot, delicious!

I made a good friend, Alison, going home to going through and it was very interesting to see how it all works. Electric trucks, on rails, Nottingham. She worked for the foreign office in London and had been PA to the UK called mules pulled the ship into the locks and they are so deep that a ship at the side of diplomatic minister in Canberra and whilst us almost disappeared. The weather was he travelled back 1st class she had to travel dark, humid and drizzling with rain making 2nd class alone. We liked to play scrabble the huge lake in the middle seem very eerie. and one day Brian decided to go down the It took 8 hours to do a distance of 50 miles hold to get it from one of our boxes. When and there are two sets of locks at each end. we got down there it was deserted so we found the box and swapped some souvenirs We arrived in Cristobal at 1pm and were told to fill the space and whilst Brian was taping not to take a handbag ashore and to remove all jewellery. It was a dirty, poor port and it back up I noticed the huge cockroaches running under the rails the boxes were stand- the policemen had guns so we had a quick ing on. I imagined they would be in our box- look ashore, travelling in groups. es when we got back, but fortunately they The next stop was two days later in Curacao weren't. in the Netherland Antilles. A lovely port and The scrabble saved our sanity and we played the weather was sunny and hot: 33 degrees. it daily in the card room whilst Brian played We took a taxi to the shopping centre, narpoker (for matchsticks only) , but settled up row streets full of shops selling watches, later. He would say he won 2,500 Lira which jewellery and other touristy things. The buildings were painted in lovely pastel colwas only a couple of quid. ours and it felt very safe, quite a contrast to In the evenings there was some entertainthe previous port. ment and dance or disco music and we had We had 7 days at sea before our next port of some very late nights.

call which was Lisbon in Portugal on the 1st of November. The weather was sunny but cold. We had two days in Lisbon and caught the tram into the city. There were army troops everywhere and slogans painted on the buildings due to a military coup. It is a lovely city to explore.

Next day we docked in Malaga, Spain. We went on an all day tour to Granada It took well over 2 hours to get there. Lots of hills and mountains, countryside very dry as not much rain and we saw several mules used by farmers to transport goods. At Granada is the Alhambra, a 13th century Sultans palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada. It was a truly beautiful place of Islamic architecture with quadrangular buildings and all rooms opening onto a central court. The harem is elaborately decorated and contains the living quarters for the wives and mistresses. There are column arcades and fountains with running water from rills, painted tiles used as panelling for the walls and marvellous highly decorated ceilings and windows that look like lace. Brian took many photos and cine film.

Two days later we docked in Valletta, Malta.

Once again the ship anchored out in the bay so ashore by launch, Valletta is a very old port with narrow streets, balconies and lots of steps. We docked at 5pm and the shops were open until 8 pm and the first thing we did once ashore was to buy Cadburys chocolate and sweets because there was nothing to buy on board except Italian fare. We didn't get chance to explore much because it was dark and the ship sailed at midnight but we vowed to return there one day. It was over 30 years before we made it back.

Next day we docked in Messina, Sicily. It was windy and pouring with rain. We could just make out Mount Etna in the mist. Went ashore for a little while but everywhere seemed closed.

The last port for sightseeing was Naples, Italy the next day. We did our sightseeing independently and took the vernacular railway up to San Martino and from there could the city sprawled out below us. I bought a very nice cameo brooch for my mum. We then caught a local train to Herculaneum, it was nearer than Pompeii. An ancient Roman town buried in volcanic ash when mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. It preserved much of its original splendour. To me it is so much better than Pompeii because of its preserved wood, roofs, beds, doors, stairs and food. The streets are narrow and straight.

Only recently they have found 300 skeletons discovered along the seashore as it was thought, until then, that the town had been evacuated by the inhabitants. We visited it again in 2013 and it is now a world heritage site.

The next day, 8th November we docked in Genoa, Italy where we disembarked. We then flew to Gatwick and at the airport the official was checking my passport with a stern face and then suddenly said “no baby on passport" and broke into a wide grin. Of course, I was carrying my koala bear!

Our train was running late and we eventually arrived at 10.30pm where my family were waiting to greet us. What a journey and we definitely caught the travel bug after that.

Brian had worked for Cook Bros. Transport on Rutland St. a couple of years before we emigrated and they gave him his job back as soon as we returned. I became a civil servant at the DHSS on South Street and we bought our first house on Gregory Street. which my uncle called Top Hat Street due to no.22 being the first house in Ilkeston to have a horse a carriage.

We had truly settled back into Ilkeston. A great town.

The End.

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ALEX TAKES TOP PRIZE AS TRINITY BOXERS SHINE Alex Reed took the Ralph Smitheringale Trophy and also best bout award as he thrilled his army of fans on Trinty Boxing Club’s recent promotion at the Festival Inn. Alex faced Derbyshire light heavy weight belt holder Jack Hutsby of Aldercar & Langley Mill and took a split decision verdict after an outstanding fight.

Both boxers excelled but Alex used excellent movement to score with solid counter punches against an always sharp opponent . The pair produced a quality bout that excited the sell-out crowd and the Trinity man took a deserved decision as he showed great concentration and picked out the quality punches.

Trinity captain Kyle Hughes was another popular winner as he out boxed and outhustled talented Coventry boxer Lewis

Rafferty in the top of the bill middleweight bout. Kyle boxed well on the counter but also put on plenty of pressure to take a convincing unanimous decision.

Earlier in the night Trinity's younger stars showed plenty of promise but with mixed results. Taylor Fildes dropped a close split decision to Birmingham prospect Ewan O'Sullivan but Shay Molloy took a deserved unanimous decision against Dronfield boxer Edward Shaw in a good bout between two determined lads. Despite close defeats, debutants Joe Henshaw and Bobby Parkes gave their all and showed they have what it takes to become successful members of the Trinity squad.

Both Tommy Dennis and Michael Bull worked hard but lost out by unanimous decisions but Alex Testro took a popular decision in an hard fought bout with Ellis Orchard of Oldham.

Super heavy weight Chris Brown took two big right hand shots in the second round of a bout he was in front of against

former opponent Billy Joe Watkins and was retired by the Trinity corner after hitting the canvas. Promising welter weight Sam Skidmore made a successful debut taking a split decision verdict over Calum Hodgson of Nottingham University. Both lads showed plenty of determination but Sam landed the quality punches to take a deserved decision.

Pictured l to r are Michelle Knight, Alex Reed and Brad Knight. Michelle is Ralph Smitheringale’s grand daughter, Brad is Ralph’s great grandson.

The Bells of St Mary’s The bells of St Mary’s Church can finally be heard once more ringing out across the Market town of Ilkeston, after a refurbishment costing approximately £30,000.

Richard Stevenson, who is the ringing master at St Mary’s recommended the work be done as soon as possible because of the state of disrepair in the bell tower.

Richard went up there once every month to check the bells and realised the time had come to think about an overhaul.

The work to the bells didn’t come a minute too soon. One of the bell ringers mentioned that the number seven bell did not feel right on the last night before the repairs were about to begin.

When subsequently Richard went to check the bells he found that the gudgeon pin on bell seven was coming loose and had this come out completely it could have caused a major catastrophe.

The filth and dirt up in the tower was unimaginable. This took the form of a combination of pollution from Stanton Ironworks, which attacked the ancient sandstone walls, pigeon dirt, and oil dripping from the existing beams, which were put in place in 1910.

The work that has been done would not have been possible without the numerous donations made by many local businesses, local people and of course the borough council. At the present time they have only £6,000 to repay before they are out of debt.

Taylor Bell Foundry in Loughborough were contacted to do the work and it was finally completed in November 2015.

The ringing room was redecorated in early December. A carpet was laid and blinds fitted thanks again to the donations.

We must thank Louise Booth decorators, Regent Carpets, BCS Carpets, B&Q Carpets who have donated new carpet and fitting of the same. Also, thanks go to Polar Blinds, for supplying and fitting the blinds.

A rededication ceremony was held on the 20th December 2015.

Richard has been bell ringing since he was thirteen years of age, along with another boy, Ian Campbell who now rings the bells in St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

They were paid the princely sum of ten shillings to ring the bells at weddings.

It has become a wonderful hobby for Richard. He has been made welcome at numerous churches to ring with the local bell ringers. It is a tradition that he would like to pass on to others. He is hoping to teach his two young grandsons when they are old enough.

Richard is looking for volunteers to take up the art of bell ringing at St Mary’s. It is good exercise for the mind and body for people of all ages.

Please give Richard a call if you would like to give it a try.

Keep the bells ringing over Ilkeston for another generation.

Bell ringing is a team effort. You will be mixing with others and keeping yourself fit at the same time.

A few facts about bell ringing: The type of bell ringing they use in England is ‘Full Circle Ringing’. This is totally different, apparently, to that done in Europe and other parts of the world.

Some ex pat bell ringers have started the ‘Full Circle Ringing’ in America, Australia and New Zealand. There was at one time a tower somewhere in India that followed this type of ringing, but it is unsure if this has been discontinued.

We would be pleased to know if any of our readers have any knowledge of this.

The normal practice is that the bells are hung so that they are rung clockwise, as they are in St Mary’s, but they can be hung anti clockwise, as they are in Southwell Minster.

The bells themselves can be extremely heavy. The heaviest is situated in Liverpool Cathedral and weighs 4 tons. St Paul’s Cathedral’s heaviest bell weighs 3 tons.

The fluffy bit on the end of the rope is called a ‘Sally’.

This is the part that is caught, held, then let go to ring the bells.

Patricia Spencer and Richard Stevenson Ilkeston Life, April 2016

9

Cricket pitch on the Rec was Dad’s pride and joy My father, Bert Spiby was head groundsman at the Rutland Recreation Ground (now Rutland Sports Park) for 32 years.

My childhood (mostly 1950s) involved many visits and much time spent on the Rec. Happy memories!

lots of smoke and smut. The whole rec was fenced in and gated. The gates were locked at dusk. A large school-type bell was rung five minutes before closing time and if you got locked in you had to climb over the fence on to the railway embankment. If I was very lucky, sometimes I got to ring that bell.

The Rec as I remember it, consisted of ‘Top Rec’ and ‘Bottom Rec.’ The bowling green Local cricket matches were usually held on was in the same place as at present, but with- Wednesdays and Saturdays. The teams were: Rutland, Tradesmen, Casuals and the Coop. out the fence. Everyone was proud of that County cricket matches were twice a year. bowling green, not least my Dad who was Usually Derbys v Notts and Derbys v RAF. very particular that the grass was the right length and right for the bowls to run proper- The ground was always full – the terraces, the temporary erected grandstand and of ly. There was no vandalism then. I don’t course the beer tent! After the cricketers had have a date for the opening of the bowling all gone each day, Dad had to tidy up after green, but it must have been between 1925 them – That’s where Mum and I came in – and 1928.

We went into their dressing rooms where we There were four tennis courts on the Derby picked up sweaty socks (Ugh!), and shirts Rd. side (still there) and six tennis courts on and spread them on the hanging-racks. Then Above: Jack Taylor (left) and Bert Spiby preparing the wicket for the Derbyshire v RAF match in 1956. Below: Moving the roller was hard work. Can anyone identify the men? the Oakwell Drive side. These were opened Mum whitened all their boots with somein 1926. The cricket pitch was Dad’s pride thing called Blanco (I think) a runny white and joy. No-one ever ran across that wicket substance. So it was my job to wipe around unless involved in a cricket match. Hours the bottom edge of the boots to make them were spent tending that wicket, and in 1938 it look smart. All this for love – not money! was noted in the national press that “Mr NO BIKES ALLOWED Spiby had prepared the ‘perfect MCC wicket’ for the Derbyshire v Kent match.”

ON THE REC! At one end of the cricket pitch was the pavilion, which was fronted by concrete steps. It Dad had a brilliant reliable staff – the ones I remember were Arthur Bolton, Stan Beardswas the players’ base, dressing rooms and ley, Jack Taylor, Len Portington and Herbert rest area. At the other end was the scoreStevenson (the runner). Herbert was a real box. A large wooden building, divided into character – He carried an eye-glass in his the scoring area – three very large wooden pocket which was so cloudy – almost like rollers which creaked around to show the frosted glass – How he could see through it number of runs scored, and a small office where tickets were sold for the public sports we never knew – but see he could. If someone was riding a bike the other side of the areas. rec, he was off like a shot and boy would A putting green was made in later years in they be in trouble! No bikes were allowed front of the Derby Rd side tennis courts. on the rec then. He must have been nearing or at retirement age but he could outrun any A minature golf course was on the hill beteenager. The inter-school sports were held tween the top and bottom rec. This was there every year and Herbert often used to opened in 1928. race the winners of the school sports – after WE COULD ROLY POLY the event. Nearly always winning.

DOWN THE BANK In Coronation Year 1953, every school plantThe Bottom Rec held three practice wickets ed a tree on the edge of what is now the chil- have been about ten different bands, a large was about to be changed to the Rutland dren’s play area. Two children from each for cricket. Also the children’s play area – number of floats and of course the vintage Sports Park I was quite upset and didn’t school had the honour of ‘planting’ each tree. Barton’s open bus carrying the Carnival Swings!! The rest was free area where as think my Dad would be very happy, but now When they had all gone home, Dad had to children we could roly-poly down the bank Queen and her attendants. The bands gave I can see it being used for many people’s finish off the job and I felt quite pleased to and run around, play ball, fly kites - all the amazing displays and wore wonderful unienjoyment and I know he would have like be able to finish planting the tree for Chaucer forms. My favourite was the Lilac Domithings children did in those days. that.

School (which I attended). It’s such a shame noes – I can’t remember where they came Below the Bottom Rec was the perimeter Maybe someone can tell us what happens that none of those trees are still there. Each from but they wore purple and lilac uniforms there now and how they will remember it. fence, behind which was the railway line. I spent many a time stood on that fence, wav- one had a plaque with the school’s name on. and performed magnificently.

One of the highlights of the year was the ing to the guard in the back of the trains.

These are just a few of my memories. Maybe Margaret Slater (nee Spiby) carnival – a really big event – There must They were steam trains then: very exciting, other people have many more. When the Rec

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10

Ilkeston Life, April 2016

07774 096 713

Share your creative writing with other Ilkeston Life readers. Email ilkestonlife@gmail.com or drop in/ post to The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH.

Daffodils in the Spring They seem to just appear Protruding from the earth Spring must be upon us Nature's new rebirth.

And in the frosty ground Scattering on God's floor Every single day, There appears more and more.

Yellow all around us Bright as the morning sun Opening in the daylight And sleeping when it's done.

In vases in the windows As a present for a friend In the parks and gardens They sway, dance and bend.

Nature seems to know Just when the time is right As the temperature now rises They proceed towards the light.

Standing still in the sunlight Now brightening our way Warm weather's on the horizon Is the message they portray. © Steven Michael Pape 2016.

Padstow As he stepped out of the shadows, the lukewarm light formed on his shoulders, exposing his entire back to all warmth the light had to offer.

As he arrived at the end of the bay, he turned to the dense woods at the end of the sand, its luscious trees murmuring delicately and subtly in the faint zephyr.

As the breeze still blew through his russet, auburn hair, he trekked on towards the woods, his heart beating at the thought of what striking sights he may find.

Miriam Widdowson, Hallam Fields Junior School

Rockin’ Robin I’ve written many poems In fact my fingers are still throbbin’ But I’ve never written one about A famous chap named Robin.

He led a band of merrie men Little John and Friar Tuck I wonder how he greeted them Did he say ‘Ey up mi duck’?

The sheriff’s men would seek him Where on earth could that man be?

If only they had looked up He was hiding up a tree.

He robbed the rich, helped the poor That seems to be the story Does this prove our Robbie voted Labour, not for Tories?

He helped the people of the king He really was a goodie But did he have a dark side Was our Robin just a hoodie?

He fired his final arrow As upon his bed he lay I wonder if it landed Down Maid Marion Way. He is lying in his grave now.

The pride of Nottingham And wondering why his name is not Written on a tram.

Peter G.

The Planet Earth The Earth is a celestial body That turns on its axis in space God gave this beautiful planet To all creatures and the whole human race.

It occupies a place in the universe Among the sun, moon and stars The very next planet to it I have learned is called Mars.

Atmosphere surrounds it With oxygen, a gas we can breathe Without this special air everything would die This you must believe.

There is also a North and South Pole We have four winds that blow There are clouds in the sky that bring rain Sometimes in winter, the snow.

The equator circles the middle of the earth Which is just an imaginary line It divides the globe into two hemispheres That’s how it’s been through time.

The world is covered with lots of land, Oceans, rivers and seas It’s got mountains, valleys and forests, Many plants, flower and trees.

Many creatures live here on this planet Animals, insects and birds to name a few We humans live in this civilization That includes you and me too.

I have had many years on this planet And life is a wonderful thing I hope God lets this old world keep turning And keeps letting the blackbird sing.

Alan Harlow

Ilkeston Life, April 2016 11

Your Space

As the breeze brushed through his hair, he paced towards Padstow's estuary, while the luscious grass touched his ankles.

As he strode nearer to the rock steps down to the cobalt water, the thunderous blast of the waves hurtling into the beach echoed in his ears, Padstow was flawless for its nature.

As he came to the timeworn, corroded handrail, he turned towards the exquisite, crimson sunrise, how phenomenal.

As the soothing, gentle breeze was blocked by the wall, he scampered down the potholed stone steps, and the first thing he heard was the harsh cries of seagulls.

As he strode onto the supple sand, he sighed a contented sigh, because of the picturesque sights of his beloved place.

As the waves from the furious tide plummeted onto the innocent shore, he paced rapidly along the sand until he reached the rocks, they were raised particularly high above his head.

As he glimpsed up at the mountain of rough, jagged rocks, he found himself scaling them in immense fortitude, grasping onto the cliff face and rocks with immeasurable power.

As he sighed a sigh of satisfaction and contentment, he ambled down the natural magnificence of the coastline, while the sea calmed itself to its regular soothing velocity.

The sergeant mimicked me in a silly voice, repeatin’ my question. Then he said. “Yo can use any method yo like my son, but ar’ll be waitin’ for yuh.”

All the lads ’ad a good laugh at my expense.

Well, way only ’ad to wait a bit an’ way saw the flag bayin’ waved, so all mi mates got dern on their stomachs an’ set off

By Jim Sumner ….burrar didner. Ar fired all mi ten rernds off straight awee an’ the sergeant wa too far awe to be able to say me. Then ar tond rernd an’ crawled in th’other direction. Ar went past the billets, air raid shelters, stretches a grass, then tond rayt an’ got to the perimeter wire of the camp. Ar crawled under theer, then gorronter the road ertside One dee, the sergeant called us all togeth- camp an’ walked along theer wiert anybody er an’ ay said in a very lerd voice: “Rayt, saying me. arm gooin’ to say what all on yer are Ar kept gooin’ till ar knew ar wa safe, then made on. Way’re gooin’ to ay a special crawled back under the perimeter wire an’ exercise, an’ all on yer’ll bay firin’ yer made mi way towards where the sergant an’ rifles. Arm gooin’ to gee each on yuh ten corporal were cerntin’ all the airmen that rernds a ammunition, all banks, an’ ar’ll they’d dobbed. Then ar stepped forward tell yuh what yove got to dow. be’ind the sergeant and corporal and said: “You’re dead Sergeant, you’re dead Cor“Ar’m going to tay all on you abert thray poral.” ’undred yards awee an’ yo’ll stay theer Thi spun rernd an’ cudner say owt for abert while ar goo back. When ar wave a flag, a minute – then thi called me all the names yo’ve got to get dern on yer stomach an under the sun when ar tewd ’em worrad crawl back to where I am, an’ every ner and then yo’ve got to fire a few rernds off, done. Ar reminded ’em that ard asked if ar could use any method to succeed, an’ they and every time yo do it, it’ll may a puff a said yes, and ar ’ad done. smoke.

Some of the lads backed me up an’ more on “Ar shall be lowkin’ ert for thayse puffs a smoke and when ar say ’em ar shall com an’ ’em joined in an’ kept sayin’: “Ay did Segeant, way all ’eard ’im – ay’s done nowt dob yuh an’ say ‘Yo’r dead, airman!’” wrong. Yo said: Yo can use any method yo Ar thewt ta misen, this is stupid, way all bernd ta be fun out cuz the smoke’ll gee us like.”

For once the sergeant ’ad to back down, away. burray didner like it one bit, an’ ar knew it The sergeant said: “Any questions?” wudner be long before ay gorris own back.

I said: “Yes Sergeant, “Can we use any Awa rayt anall, burrarl tell thee abert that method we like to get from ’ere to up theer, another time. provided we fire all the rernds off?”

Story in Ilson

dialect

AR GOT ONE O’ER THE SERGEANT, BURRAR ’AD TO PAY FORRIT LATER ON

An eventful walk in town

By Geoff Hayes I got off the bus at the stop near the market place. It was market day.

I popped into the library and changed my book, then had a nosey round the stalls. I bought yet another padded shirt from the pleasant Asian man.

Another one! - I’m loaded with them. I have this passion for them, you see.

I passed a load of regulars at Pam’s coffee stall, then nearly went into the Sir John Warren for a tea but changed my mind. Turning towards Bath Street, I bought soap and washing up liquid from a stall.

I then popped into the Arena charity shop and bought an amazingly good shirt for three quid. I bet it would have cost £40 new. I was so taken I paid a bit more.

Outside the charity stall, my mind was taken back to when I was 18. I had a date with Joan, a young lass from Rutland Street. I waited patiently. Along came Danny Proctor. He stood alongside. We looked at each other, burst out laughing and then walked together to the Premier Dance Hall. Joan had dated us both at the same place, same time!

Joan eventually married a young GI who became a doctor—a much better prospect than Danny or me, she had done well for herself, I thought!

Back to the present and I begin to walk down Bath Street. Top half isn’t bad, although there seems to be two of everything. Called in Greggs as usual for tea and a bacon cob.

It’s busy and there’s a great atmosphere.

Letter

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION APPEAL FOR NEW MEMBERS

When selling poppies in November, numerous people asked why no one was selling them in various stores on certain days. The simple answer is that due to advancing years the membership of the Ilkeston branch of the legion is sadly decreasing.

New members, both male and female, are urgently needed, including associate members.

To be an associate member it is not necessary to have been in the forces but just to have an interest in our aims. If interested please contact our membership secretary Terry Hill on 0115 944 6033 or 07815620543

A T Norman, RBL Member

12 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

I shouted hello to my friend Colin at the second-hand shop—I daren’t call it a junk shop anymore, it’s now smart and as clean as a new pin.

The lady hairdresser opposite Station Road locked up the front door to go, then couldn’t get her key out. “Come here,” I said, “let me have a look.” It took ten nearly minutes. I noticed the door was slightly out of true. She put the key in her pocket and rushed away.

Bottom half of Bath Street to Pelham Street looks drab, I’ll admit. But I got to my bus stop and had a little chat with two other men and an elderly lady.

A Barton’s bus came whizzing along from Station Road. I made to get up from my seat, took a step forward toward the kerb when suddenly my ankle gave way. I lurched forward and fell, as though shot by a sniper. I saw the yellow letters on the road coming up to meet me. Sharp pains hit my thighs and shoulder. A young lorry driver leaving Taylor’s animal feed store saw this happen and, quick as a flash, sprinted between parked cars and came to my aid. With one hand he lifted me off the road back to the seat at the bus shelter.

He quietly asked if I was all right. I said yes.

When I got off the bus at home a new neighbour, Sharon, seeing me walk slowly across Heathfield Avenue, came to meet me. “Let’s have a look at yer.” She gave me a onceover and phoned for an ambulance.

I was taken to Ilkeston Hospital, to the minor injuries department, and cleaned up. They treated an eye, slightly cut, with glue and took me home. I rested on the settee and stayed there the whole night. I’m OK now, the leg pains lasted two or three weeks.

So there you are, that was my walk through town—a town that perhaps wouldn’t win many prizes but a town where there are some good people who are willing to help you.

PICTURE PUZZLE

You’ve probably walked past it hundreds of times, but where in Ilkeston can you see this wheatsheaf, spade and sickle?

Answer on page 14.

The Way We Were

The essence of Hallam Fields people was quality and kindness

‘OWD ALLAM FAYLS’

after the Smiths had financial difficulties, James Hayward, a mortagee, obtained a foreclosure order in respect of his security in 1855. He eventually became bankrupt and George Crompton, Newton & Co., were allowed to bid. They obtained possession for £16,000 exclusive of rolling stock, wgich was agreed to at £7,200.

No.1 Furnace was erected in 1865 and No.5 about 1867. With five furnaces in full blast and plans to extend the works with more Hallam Fields and Stanton Ironworks have to furnaces and foundries, it was obvious that be talked about in the same breath. more specialised labour was required.

Hallam Fields would not have existed with- The Franco Prussian war of 1870 created a out Stanton and I believe Stanton needed the tremendous boom in the iron and coal trade.

Hallam Fields-type person to become the Prices were forced up and very large profits great industry it eventually developed into. were made. The prospect induced the buildPerhaps I could clarify this statement. ing of many new furnaces including the StanIn the middle of the 18th century, Abraham ton New Works in the early 1870s.

Derby of Coalbrook Dale, Shropshire, perIn 1868 there were only 24 cottages (North fected the use of coke for blast furnace work. View) and Job Severn’s farm at Hallam This replaced charcoal and in a very short Fields. It was known at that time as New time 70% of iron in this country was made with coke as the fuel. This practice spread rapidly to Staffordshire and this county became the leading iron-making area in the country. This meant the Staffs and Shropshire men became the iron making experts.

According to Glover’s History of Derbyshire, in our county the principal sources or iron England and by some as Mountain Ash. stone were at Codnor Park, Morley, Somer- Where the New Works stood was meadow cotes, Chesterfield and Staveley, with a small land with a brook running and fish to be deposit near Dale Abbey. caught. The Romans knew the area and it A small furnace was built in 1788 near what was possibly a settlement site from Saxon is now known as Furnace Pond. It lasted less times, witness the word ‘Brendiche’ meaning burnt land. Why clear land if not for use? than 15 years. A considerable interval ocMaybe for agricultural purposes. The whole curred between the blowing out of the Dale furnace and the commencement of the build- of the present Hallam Fields was the ing of three (Stanton) Old Works furnaces in ‘Bindage Meadow’.

1842.

Early landowners were the Cantelupes, SavOn 27th April 1846, Benjamin Smith and his ages and Manners. Later in the 18th C it was divided between the Manners, Flamsteed, son Josiah, trading as Smith and Son were granted by Earl Stanhope a lease of ironstone Hudson. Leeper, Kirkby, England and Taylor coal and fireclay in the parishes of Dale and families.

Stanton-by-Dale.

The top end of Crompton Street was built contemporary with the New Works and was It became Stanton Iron Co, in 1849 when

Coughing kids were held over tar tanks at Stanton

A VE Day street party on Frog Row, 1945. The author is among a group of lads halfway along on the right of the picture. It shows the close proximity of the houses to the New Works furnaces.

known locally as ‘Knockers Row’ or ‘Gawp Street’. Why? When strangers were about the knocks started from the top house downwards, then people came out to ‘gawp’.

In the early 1870s locals were called to service at No.9 North View by the Rev Alfred Newdigate ringing a hand bell. The Rev Eubule-Evens of Kirk Hallam had Job Severn’s barn fitted out as a mission church in 1876. This doubled as a day school during the week until the building of the ‘iron church’ in 1880 in memory of Gilbert and Deborah Crompton with the Rev G Oliver in charge.

Cinder Row and the nine cottages at South View had been built. The Railway Inn, later Mitchell’s grocery shop, was the ‘local’. The day school was extended in 1893 and the Stanton Hotel (new pub) built in 1899 replaced the Railway Inn as the new ‘local’.

Post Office Row (Frog Row), the rifle range and bottom end of Crompton Street appeared just after.

The church of St Bartholomew, erected in 1896 at a cost of £3,500, completed the iron making settlement, almost ostracised from Ilkeston.

On the first day of the coming of the tram in 1903, 20,000 curious people travelled to and from Hallam Fields surprised, I expect, to find no mud huts on Crompton Street.

The church’s clock tower was erected in 1905 with four bells, and in 1911 a chiming apparatus and four more bells were added.

The arrival in 1908 of the Rev Machell Cox marked the beginning of an era. His influence on the populace over the next 40 years was enormous. He formed the Church Lads Brigade (CLB) (also known as Cox’s Little Boggars). As Stanton’s first welfare officer, most lads’ carrers were formed by him. In fact, I believe Hallam Fields people owe Parson Cox great debt.

Cope’s horse drawn brake was used for outings and by football teams. “We’re gooin’ ta Nanpantom, where they dunna want ’em” was chanted en route to Charnwood Forest.

The night soil men had to contend with kids yawping: “The Corporation muck cart was full up to the brim, the driver fell in backwards and said he couldn’t swim!”

Kids learned to swim in delightful parts of the ‘bottom cut’ known as ‘hot watters’, ‘tar side’, ‘sandy bottoms’, ‘packy’ and ‘warhole’.

Competition was intense among local ‘tater growers’. They started off even with one pound of three different types of seed potato each. When weighing took place during October, if the judges weren’t looking, the competitors were not averse to slipping heavier << Another page from the Trade Section of the Ilkeston & District Directory of 1965/66

spuds on his weighing tray.

On 31st January 1916, the Zeppelin L20 flattened the parish room and tram sheds. A number of inhabitants at the top end of ‘Gawp Street’ needed to change their trousers as a result.

Coughing kids were held over hot tar filled dripping tanks at Stanton.

‘Sowjers Field’, ‘Isan-ills’, ‘Coke Heath’, ‘Big-tip’ were marvellous names of places we knew. ‘Teasin’ the tecs’, the dens we made, all gone, never to return.

The school motto I believe epitomizes its people: ‘Whoever you are, be noble; Whatever you do, do well; Whenever you speak, speak kindly; And give joy wherever you dwell.’

Women came in to deliver babies and sit all night in times of illness. Double figure families were common. The essence of Hallam Fields people was quality and kindness. Less than 100 years old at the start of destruction in 1962. It came, it went, and Ilson hardly knew it existed.

Danny Corns Would any reader care to record their memories of ‘owd’ Cotmanhay? Members of the local history society are collecting memories of people’s younger days, industries, jobs and events for a possible future publication.

Hello.

We are Ilkeston Life.

We are based in Ilkeston.

We love Ilkeston.

We don’t like to see it dragged down.

We are proud of where we live, its people and its heritage.

Ilkeston has lots of things other towns envy—a market, a community hospital, an award winning museum and park, a community radio station, the Annual Charter Fair, the Vintage Vehicle Display Day, the Annual Carnival, speciality shops and cafes and new retail outlets opening in the old Co-op building. Plus on the way - a new train station!

We want to make Ilkeston better.

We want to inspire people to be ambassadors for Ilkeston.

We want to encourage more volunteers.

We want to make Ilkeston an attractive destination.

We have faith in our town.

We want to see Ilkeston success stories.

We are Ilkeston Life.

Ilkeston Life, April 2016

13

Music Scene HELLO FOLKS !

The musings of Ilson muso David Potter.

I’m grateful to Keith Clark this month for taking up the story of the Ilkeston Folk Club when it moved on from The Poplar.

Keith is one of a committee who now helps run things every Wednesday evening in their current home at the “Stute” on Hallam Fields Road.

Prior to that the club, re-named the White Cow Folk and Blues Club, had found a home around 1995 at the said White Cow (now a Tesco) on Nottingham Road and it was held fortnightly with mainly local singers and the occasional professional guest.

Starting in a small room the club’s growing popularity saw it move to a larger room in the same premises and in 2001 it also became a regular weekly event.

We’ll chronicle events from there on in in next month’s paper.

Last month we covered one of my ex school mates Chick Churchill of Ten Years After and if our paths hadn’t crossed I may very well have become a fellow pupil of someone who made several appearances at the Co-Op ballroom (although I did get the opportunity to meet him on one occasion when the band I was in at the time performed as a support act….and a very nice bloke he was too.)

Had I chosen to attend Southwell Minister instead of Bramcote School I would almost certainly have come across Bernard Jewry a.k.a. Shane Fenton a.k.a Alvin Stardust.

Strangely Bernard was the SECOND Shane Fenton being a replacement for the original who sadly died before he and The Fentones began to make progress.

They made many appearances at the Co-Op and had several minor hits before breaking up.

Bernard/Shane eventually re-surfaced as Alvin Stardust to enjoy his most successful period in the music business and also launched a stage career that included starring in musicals such as “Godspell” and “David Copperfield” He died in 2014 aged 72.

Pat Thorpe has been in touch this month to tell me about the Red Lion Ceilidh Band who were formed 16 years ago by a group of people attending Heanor College.

They play regularly for schools, parties, weddings, beer festivals and craft fairs amongst other things and they are always looking for new members.

You can contact them for bookings and information by emailing: carolegolds@btinternet.com And finally: Keep an eye out for “EREWASH ACOUSTIC” an informal fortnightly gathering of “singers, sayers, and suchlike” plus anyone else who’d just like to come, listen and enjoy.

See you soon. davidilkeston@gmail.com tel.07929 100 974

Answer to Picture Puzzle (page 12) The Wheatsheaf wall decoration can be seen on the old Co-op building on South Street.

Dance show a success Members of Ilkeston- based Kerry Ledger School of Dance raised £1,125 last month for the NSPCC through their charity dance show, Jet Set! It took place at the St John Houghton School in Kirk Hallam and featured over 120 dancers of all ages and abilities. Kerry said ‘All the feedback we have had has been amazing and we are so happy to have raised so much for the NSPCC and their continued work to keep children safe.’

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY EVENTS Erewash Council will light a beacon in Ilkeston Market Place on Thursday 21st April as part of the national initiative to commemorate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Then on Sunday 12th June the council and Ilkeston churches are putting on a Party in the Park to further the celebration. Bring your own picnic and enjoy a range of family entertainment between 3 and 7pm in Victoria Park. This is a free event. More details to follow.

MOTORBIKE DAY. A popular annual attraction returns to Erewash Museum on Saturday 14th May when bikes and bikers gather in the museum grounds between midday and 4pm..

14 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society

Our meeting in February dealt with the usual matters arising at the AGM, Chairman, Treasurer and Committee members were all re-elected and we welcomed one new member onto the Committee and a new Vice Chair was appointed.

Business over, the talk for this month was on dry stone walling and was given by Trevor Wragg, He has been a dry stone waller since leaving school in 1964 and went on to become a Master Craftsman, qualified training instructor and assessor. He has appeared on television on many occasions and made the talk very interesting by asking questions of our members regarding features included in the walls in Derbyshire and our members responded with some wonderful answers.

Trevor began with information regarding the geology of the peak area where walls are constructed of limestone, sandstone or grit stone and then went on to tell us some of the history of the area. The first walls were surrounding small strange shaped pieces of land, the strip system followed and these fields were very long and narrow but most of the walls you see today were built following the Enclosure Act of 1740 and these walls were built in straight lines and the fields were more square than oblong. In the Peak District you will sometimes see a few trees encircled by a wall. These walls were built to encircle the openings of the old lead mine shafts. Pinfolds were built close to villages to contain stray cattle or sheep that were wandering the area and they were held there until their owners paid a fine to reclaim them.

The next topic was Wildlife, as the walls not only stop cattle and sheep from wandering all over the countryside but also provide homes for small animals, birds and insects.

Frogs, newts, slow worms and snails make their homes at the bottom of the wall where it is damp. Field mice use the middle to build their nests and many insects find shelter in the walls. Sometimes features called smoots were built into the wall to let small animals through, mainly for rabbits. Specially shaped stones were used as money safes and put into the walls hence the saying “Hole in the wall”. Trevor still makes these stone today and there is a selection of different types of walls to be seen at the Stone Centre at Wirksworth. I am sure next time we are out in the Derbyshire countryside we will be looking more closely at our dry stone walls.

Our next meeting is on 18th April at the Methodist Church. Rob and Diane Cole will be giving a demonstration on growing perennials from seed. There will be plants for sale.

Beryl Tansley

lake, entrance is about 400metres away a right turn between two trees with white circles painted on them.)

We play Tuesdays & Sundays, 12-2pm approx. unless it is raining throughout the year.

Are you keen to play a new game? One that requires a minimum of equipment and money but is good fun; then come and try 'French Boules'.

You can be sure of a warm welcome and we have a qualified coach to help beginners or people who want to improve. We run a range of club competitions and if you are keen we also run two teams in the Thursday league from April through to October.

If you would like to try it out just turn up or if you prefer email the secretary: jenf49@hotmail.com Jenny Thacker

The Friends of Straw’s Bridge The Friends will be carrying out conservation work on site on Saturday, 16 April.

Tasks will include scraping out a small, shallow pond to attract dragonflies, planting wild flower plugs and removing last year’s barley straw from the main pond. The quarterly meeting will be held the following week on Thursday, 21st April at 7pm in the Ilkeston Fire Station Community Room. All welcome.

Visit the Friends website www.friendsofstrawsbridge.co.uk Find the Friends on Facebook / friendsofstrawsbridge If you would like to help out with the conservation work please email friendsofstrawsbridge@erewash.gov.uk Jeff Wynch

Ilkeston Art Festival

Presented by the Smoothie Art Gallery This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the second Ilkeston Art Festival by artists who exhibit regularly at the U Choose Smoothie Bar on Bath Street, Ilkeston.

At the same event last year over 200 people came to see the creative works of local artists.

The venue is the same as last year, Our Lady & Saint Thomas Catholic Church Hall, Regent Street, Ilkeston, DE7 5RG. This year’s Festival will take place over two days, Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd May. (Please see advert in this paper.)

Oil paintings, watercolours, acrylics and other media will be on show as well as superb photographs by very popular photographer, Penny Harding.

Admission is free and light refreshments will be available. There are a lot of talented people locally and your support would be very much appreciated by them.

Nutbrook Petanque Club Nutbrook Petanque Club is looking for new Barry Sutcliffe players. The club is based at Nutbrook Sports Ground, High Lane East, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 6HZ (past Ron Brooks car sales towards West Hallam, round right hand bend by small

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS SURGERY ILKESTON EAST, ILKESTON SOUTH AND ILKESTON WEST WARDS

COUNCILLORS MICHELLE BOOTH, GLENNICE BIRKIN AND JOHN FRUDD

Saturday 9th April 2016 10am to 12 noon Ilkeston Town Hall

RM Plastering Domestic/Commercial/ Restoration New plastering, Renovations Covering Derby and Nottingham areas.

All aspects. Free quotes.

Tel 07863 274363 Tel 0115 808 9458 Email richardmatthews87@hotmail.co.uk

NVQ/City and Guilds Trained

Family Announcements You can share your family announcements here in this paper. Births, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays greetings, deaths and acknowledgements, etc., are welcome.

DEATHS

Frederick Dean Passed away 28th February 2016, aged 89 years. Loving father of Tracey and grandfather of Josh. Loved and remembered always.

Victor Lacey Passed away 3rd March 2016, aged 88 years.

Dearly loved husband of the late Dorothy and devoted father of the late Glyn.

FRIENDS REMEMBERED On the town in Mablethorpe, 1949. L to R: Ray Smith. John Wilson, Don Lee, Dennis Fleckney. – John Wilson.

New local ‘Save Our NHS’ group

that within just a few days of receiving it, there were ten of us all talking to each other by email and planning a Facebook group and A group of Erewash people who are paswhere to meet up.” sionate about the NHS and who found each The group’s main concern is the growing other recently by chance have decided to number of NHS services being shut down or form a group to see what they can do to sold off, and they want to get in touch with highlight issues about health services. others interested in strengthening the group to Spokesperson Liz Potter says: “We were all campaign for keeping doctor’s surgeries, just local residents who had signed up to A&Es and cancer services. At coffee mornget emails from the non political campaigning ings and pub get-togethers or meeting in organisation called 38 Degrees who send out homes or church halls, members talk about emails about all kinds of issues that are hap- their most treasured parts of the NHS and pening in our country that you can sign peti- how they can be protected. tions about or issues that you could get inThe 38 Degrees people-power team helps volved with or write to your MP or local pa- interested folk to become part of a national per about. movement of ordinary citizens ready to stand “Earlier this year, we all received an email up for causes they are passionate about. from the 38 Degrees team about the NHS Erewash Save Our NHS Facebook page has which we responded to and we found more information.

IFCSG NEWS

Vote for your Player of the Year Nomination forms for the 2015-16 Ilkeston FC player of the year are due to be printed shortly and should be available ahead of the Mickleover Sports home game on Easter Monday. Forms will be freely available at the ground and on away coaches. This is a prize all Ilkeston FC players want to win and previous winners include Gary Ricketts, Joe Maguire and James Reid.

With many first team players departing during the season, the field for this year’s award has narrowed considerably. If the number of games players have appeared in is a barometer Matt Baker, Mike Williams, and Jordan Wheatley are among the favourites, although there are a growing number of recentlyintroduced youngsters pressing their claims too. Whatever happens, the winner will almost certainly be a product of the Academy

– the first time ever!

As in years gone by, there will also be a chance for fans to nominate someone to go into the Hall Of Fame alongside Paul Millership, Keith Alexander, Des Mitchell and Kevin Wilson. People can nominate anyone associated with Ilkeston football from any era (player, manager or club official). Who you vote for is down to the individual but you could do worse than choose Alf Baker, the only Ilkestonian to play for England; Terry Swinscoe, the 1960s centre-half who played more games for Ilkeston than anyone else; Che Adams, the most high profile of the youngsters to progress from the Academy; or John Tudor, the last Ilkestonian to play in an FA Cup Final. There are many others.

Completed forms can be handed in to Lynda Bacon on an away day coach or at the club shop at a home game. The closing date will be 4th April and the ceremony will take place in the clubhouse after the Rushall game on April 16th. Please vote for your favourite and help him win!

TRIBUTE To the Station Road cleaning lady I see this lady every day, Picking up rubbish and taking it away, I’ve seen this lady year after year, Removing litter and keeping it clear.

The area she lives in is the cleanest by far, I don’t know your name or who you are, But to me you are a superstar.

So quiet and unassuming, she wouldn’t want a fuss, But she deserves a medal, a big thank you from us.

Flitting here and there in all sorts of weather, She really is an Ilkeston treasure.

- Christine Grace.

To book your family notice or announcement, call in at our office, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, ring 07539 808390 or email ilkestonlife@gmail.com

Chinese Brush Painters Society Derbyshire—South East Chinese brush painters of the Erewash Valley

Ron Brooks Following a successful exhibition to celebrate the Chinese New Year last month in the Smoothie Art Gallery, we have coming up…..

Ilkeston Art Festival, 1st & 2nd May 2016 Regent Street Catholic church hall We shall be exhibiting and demonstrating here again.

Admission is free so we hope to see many of you there. You will have chance to try this art form, possibly the oldest continuous art form in the world and possibly the basis of much of our art today.

Derbyshire Open Studies I will be taking part in this year’s Derbyshire Open Derbyshire Studies at my studio at 247 Nottingham Road on Saturday, Sunday and Monday 28th—30th May, 10am till 4pm each day, everyone welcome.

There will be a preview night on the Friday from 6pm to 9pm celebrating Fay Draper’s 70th birthday. Anyone who knows Fay is welcome.

Melbourne Festival of Arts We have made an application to take part in the Melbourne on 17th and 18th September 2016. It will be the first time we have taken part and we are very much looking forward to it as it is rated one of the top shows in SE Derbyshire.

The Arts and Crafts Exhibition in the NEC, Birmingham We have exhibited at the Arts and Crafts Show in November and March for the last four years, a prestigious show with visitors from all over Europe.

For more details about any of the events or the talks, demonstrations and workshops (special rates for charities) please contact Ron Brooks or Fay Draper on 0115 849 3651.

Email: ron.brooks2@ntlworld.com

ROBINS ON THE ROAD “Kevilsonlad” captures

the essence of away days with Ilson F.C. We’re off to the salt mines for this report, that’s the salt mines of Cheshire although the temperatures on this trip may well have fooled anyone that we’re in Siberia.

Nantwich is, like Ilkeston, a market town in the south of Cheshire and the county is, of course, also famous for its cheese, indeed it hosts the annual International Cheese Festival.

Cheese, of course, goes very well with beer. Regular readers will sense where I’m going with this one….. More later.

Today’s league opponents are Nantwich Town F.C. known as the ‘Dabbers’.

Now I always thought that a dab was a variety of fish but not, apparently in this instance as becomes very clear when we arrive that Nantwich is NOT by the sea so Dab and chips with vinegar and the local salt is not on the menu.

A ‘dabber’ apparently refers to the tanning and leather trade for which the town was also renown and is a process of ‘dabbing on’ glue to bind the uppers and soles of shoes together.

You learn something every day.

Nantwich Town play at the Weaver Stadium and in fact just missed out on playing at Wembley.

They beat Halifax in the final of the FA Vase in 2006 but the match was the last one played at St. Andrews, Birmingham before the final reverted back to its usual (newly rebuilt) Wembley Stadium) the year after.

The Dabbers are in high scoring form at present so we’ve got our work cut out… but first…..to business.

The Winchester Arms is the first port of call to sample ‘Shropshire Gold’, a product of the Salopian Brewery based in Shrewsbury. It has a floral aroma balanced by a crisp dry malty tinge and, at an undemanding 3.8% abv is the perfect start to a hard afternoon,s work.

On to the Vine Inn just around the corner where, together with an agreeable Japanese brew called ‘Hokkaido’, I’m treated to a speech by fellow supporter John Hendy on the intricacies of playing bowls.

When I’ve woken up, it’s off to the next task awaiting at the ‘Boot and Shoe’, a pub with obvious connections to Nantwich’s leather industry, for a glass of ‘Town Crier’ by Hobson’s Brewery based in Worcester.

Just time then for a quick pint of ‘Cheshire Cat’ at the Black Lion then it’s off to make our way to the ground.

The Weaver Stadium is a very neat modern stadium but somewhat open to the elements which is emphasised by the cold and windy weather we have today.

However we’re kept warm by some very good end to end football by both sides and it’s the Robins who take the lead with a fine goal from a very tight angle

by Lee Ndlovu. Half Time 1-0 to Ilson.

We ride our luck in the second half with the Dabbers hitting the bar twice and having a goal disallowed but they eventually get their equaliser in the 72nd minute and to be fair we could see it coming.

1-1 is how it ends and all on a full coach agree that it was a fair result on the day.

Settling down for the return journey now and it’s time to uncork that bottle of ‘Cocker Hoop’……

(Kevin is a member of the Ilkeston F. C. Supporters Group who run trips to all of the Robin’s away matches. Information on this and much more at www.ifcsg.co.uk)

Ilkeston Life, April 2016

15

Sport

JUST A THOUGHT Throw out the lifeline, someone is sinking today.

- Edward Smith Ufford.

MATCHMAN’S ROUND-UP OF ROBINS MATCHES Mon. 22nd February - Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

ILKESTON 0 STAMFORD 3 Relegation threatened Stamford surprised Ilkeston with three first half goals, the first coming after only 3 minutes with Lee Beeson the scorer. After 12 minutes Stamford were awarded a disputed penalty when It was adjudged that Ilkeston captain Matt Baker had handled inside the box. Greg Smith converted the spot kick to double Stamford’s lead. Ilkeston couldn’t recover from the setback and Stamford made it three on 32 minutes with a Malone header. The Robins dominated the second half but were unable to find the net.

To make matters worse Michael Williams was sent off on receipt of a second yellow after disagreeing with a decision.

Sat. 27th Feb. 2016 - EvoStik Northern Premier League

SALFORD CITY 2 ILKESTON 0 Promotion chasing Salford were looking to avenge their 2-1 defeat at Ilkeston the previous week. Ilkeston nearly took the lead with an outstanding counter attack which ended with a Michael Williams shot going fractionally wide. After a good first half effort Ilkeston fell behind just two minutes after the restart.

Hannis appeared to be jostled and the ball finished in the net with Webber credited with the goal. Hulme added a second after an hour and Salford were able to see out the remainder of the game. Curtis Burrows nearly got Ilkeston a late consolation but Salford keeper Dootson made a fine save.

Tues 8th March - Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

DARLINGTON 3 ILKESTON 1 Ilkeston succumbed to high flying Darlington’s ariel power, conceding three goals in the first half. On a heavy pitch it was hard to play constructive football and Darlington’s robust style gave them the edge. With starlet Jordan Wheatley injured and experienced Michael Williams suspended it was always going to be a difficult assignment. They were replaced by Ryan Head and Luis Rose who both did well in front of the 1,000 plus crowd. The first goal after 10 minutes came when Cartman headed in from a Galbraith corner. Then after 22 minutes Darlington were two up, this time a long throw-in into the box was headed in by Gaskell. Ilkeston’s vulnerability from corners was exposed again when Brown made it 3-0 after 33 minutes. Though Ilkeston weren’t playing badly, they were certainly being given a lesson in finishing. From the start of the second half Ilkeston did much better and started to push Darlington back. Udoh and Burrows were really close to pulling a goal back but at the other end Hannis was forced to tip over a shot from Hardy. After their determined response, Ilkeston finally got the consolation their second half performance deserved when Udoh scored just before the end. It was Matt Baker’s 100th appearance for Ilkeston.

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Team Ilkeston finish 4th

Team Ilkeston swimmers have ended their Derwent Swimming League campaign at Alfreton Leisure Centre with a fourth place finish. Ilkeston were up against some quality competition from the likes of Derby Phoenix, Etwall Eagles, Ripley Rascals, Rykneld and Ashbourne.

The previous two rounds of the competition Sat. 12th March—Evo-Stik Northern Premier League were a great success; Ilkeston placed secILKESTON 0 WORKINGTON 3 ond in round one and fourth in round two.

Ilkeston got off to a bad start when a throw-in Over all three rounds there was a total of 36 appeared to go straight in the goal and the ref first places, 23 second places and 22 third allowed it, believing Tony Wright got his head places from Ilkeston swimmers. Team Ilkeston finished in fourth place overall. to it. Workington doubled their lead in the 61st minute, Allison prodding in after a rare Mon. 29th Feb. 2016 - Integro Doodson League Cup mis-handle by keeper Jamie Hannis. Allison struck again six minutes later to end Ilkeston’s ILKESTON 3 DAVENTRY 0 The League Cup provided Ilkeston with a wel- hopes of a comeback. Curtis Burrows looked to have pulled a goal back for the Robins but come change of fortune. Daventry gave a good account of themselves in the early stag- his shot, seemingly going in, bounced badly and hit the woodwork. Ilkeston manager es and looked dangerous on the counter Andy Watson voiced his disappointment at attack but Ilkeston went ahead on the half the opening goal. “It should not have stood,” hour with a stunning 30 yard blast from Mihe said. “We were then a goal down and trychael Williams which went in off the post.

This was followed on 60 minutes with another ing to get back in it.” cracker, this time from Dan Udoh into the top Wed. 16th March—League Cup quarter-final corner. Ten minutes later as Ilkeston took KIDSGROVE ATHLETIC 0 ILKESTON 2 control Dexter Atkinson added a third to make the tie safe. Ilkeston would now meet Ilkeston progressed to the semi-final stage of Kidsgrove Athletic away in the quarter finals. the League Cup with a professional performance against a lively Kidsgrove team. They Sat. 5th March 2016 - Evo-Stik Northern Premier League showed early promise when Dan Udoh shook the bar, but then had to thank goalkeeper HALESOWEN 2 ILKESTON 0 Ilkeston travelled to Halesowen with hopes of Jamie Hannis for a string of memorable saves. picking up much needed league points but it On 16 minutes, Rose tapped in to give Ilkeston the lead. Dan Udoh made it 2-0 a quarter was not to be. On a poor pitch both sides of an hour later. That’s how it remained but struggled to take the initiative. There were there were near misses at both ends as both few chances in the first half and a goalless keepers distinguishing themselves with outstalemate was a predictable half time score. standing stops.

Halesowen took the lead in the 69th minute when their substitute Tyree Clarke capitalised on a defensive mistake. Jordan Wheatley sus- Sat. 19th March—Evostik Northern Premier League tained an injury in the build up and had to be ILKESTON 1 HALESOWEN 3 Halesowen completed a league double over stretched off. Six minutes later it was game over when Luis Rose brought down Jay Denny Ilkeston after racing into a 3-0 first half lead.

Ilkeston were a transformed team in the secin the box and Malcolm Melvin scored from ond half but could only pull back one goal the penalty. There was a farcical moment through Dexter Atkinson in 79 mins. near the end when the Halesowen keeper pretended to be hit by Ilkeston’s Dan Udoh.

Uhdo furiously protested his innocence but received a yellow card. The referee then went to consult his linesman who appeared to say that nothing happened. The referee then booked the Halesowen keeper.

16 Ilkeston Life, April 2016

Share your sporting achievements in Ilkeston’s community paper—email ilkestonlife@gmail.com

Thirty-nine Ilkeston swimmers were involved in the competition; Abigale King, Alex Baldwin, Alex King, Ashley Hutchinson, Ben Newton, Charlie Palmer, Charlotte Mitchell, Dalton Smith, Daniel Sloan, Eja Coe, Ellis Haddon, Emily Middleton, Emily Reynolds, Emma Wilkins, Erin Pickard, Ethan Hulme, George Reynolds, Harry Joslin, Jake Gaskin, James Wright, Jayne Stallion, John Halford, Keely Woodhead, Kynan Wong, Leah Burgin-Rawson, Leah Woodhead, Lewis Brown, Lewis Wright, Lydia Marshall, Natasha Barker, Ollie Palmer, Paige Baldwin, Ryan Kirk, Samantha Stafford, Sophie King, Taya Joslin, Tegan Hulme, Will Foster and Will Wright.