Ilkeston Life May 2016 Newspaper

A friend through your letterbox

20p where sold

MAY 2016

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

A paper you like Can I just say well done to Ilkeston Life, I’ve just read your paper for the first time! It hands down beats the [other paper], everything in it is about Ilkeston. It's a must read for any Ilkeston resident.

- Julie Buxton-Berry.

We are thrilled to receive comments like this from time to time.

We also get messages from people saying they can’t get hold of the paper because their local shop has sold out.

Despair - no paper!

Say cheese… Picture from a previous fair by John Booth Photography

Ilkeston Food and Drink Fair returns this month Ilkeston Food and Drink Fair is back, bigger and better, following last year’s success. “It’s become a big part of our lives,” say organisers Carol and Gordon Pringle.

The event, to be held at The Stute on Hallam Fields Road on Sunday 29th May, is expected to attract thousands of people wanting to try out what’s on offer from around 50 exhibitors.

Carol and Gordon both have backgrounds in the food industry.

Carol completed her HND in Hotel Catering and Institutional Management in Cheltenham and has worked in the industry most of her life. Gordon has run his own cafe ‘The Rutland Café’ for the past 12 years. Having been inspired by the Derby Summer Market and the Belper Food Festival, the Ilkeston Food Fair seemed a natural progression.

They say the Ilkeston event is the biggest and best party of their lives. Seeing people queueing to get in gives them a big thrill.

Among the food and drinks that can be sampled are cheeses, fruits, herbs, pickles, honey, ice cream, nuts, bread, cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, nuts, beers, wines, coffees and teas. Also on view will be crafts, plants, cushions, soaps, prints, jewellery, signs, pebbles and items in wood.

There is also musical and children’s entertainment throughout the event which runs from 10am till 4pm. Entry is £1 and parking £1.

The good news is we are streamlining our distribution and looking to increase our print run to 11,000 copies!

Contentment!

But we do need your help to keep going.

Please support us by advertising and encouraging others to advertise with us. And by assisting our fund raising efforts (prize draws, Ilkeston Life model vehicle sales, sponsored parachute jump, etc.).

Help us to secure the future of the paper that puts Ilkeston first and gives you an interesting local read every month.

Cakes for Children in Need Staff at the Ilkeston branch of Lloyds Bank raised money for the charity Children in Need by selling cakes. The tempting assortment was baked and donated by members of staff and Chapman’s Bakery. “£420 was raised on the day and this amount was matched by the bank,” said branch manager Deborah Taylor. Left to right in the picture are (standing): Stuart Wilson, Belinda Kent and Tina Hardy and seated: Richard Harris, Charlotte Henshaw, Lisa North and Amanda Howe.

Two pages of your letters—P4,5 Local churches arrange party and picnic in the park to commemorate the Queen’s 90th birthday—P9 Heartbreaker! Ilkeston’s ‘match of the season’—P16

Working at Charnos 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, 66 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, Qn Eliz. 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.

Dales Shopping Centre, West Hallam

Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston Tel: 07539 808390 Editor: Robert Attewell ilkestonlife@gmail.com or robert@ilkestonlife.com Staff feature writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Staff reporter/photographer: John Shelton john@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 for next month’s paper: Sunday 15th May (unless by arrangement)

Send by email if possible: ilkestonlife@gmail.com

2 Ilkeston Life, May 2016

Charnos factory opened in Ilkeston in 1936.

The owner was Charles Noskwith.

Charles and his wife Malka who were eastern European born Jews, lived in Germany before the war but because of the worsening political and economic climate at the time they sold up their clothing factory and emigrated to England, with their family in 1932.

Their son Rolf who was born in 1919 worked under Alan Turing as a cryptographer at Bletchley Park on the Enigma code. When the war ended he started work at Charnos in 1946 and became Chairman in 1952.

Marks and Spencer always had a close relationship with Charnos and sold many of their products in their stores.

Charnos was always known to be a family friendly firm and if your mum or dad or both worked for Charnos there was a good chance you would be able to find a job there.

As I said in my last article, I had been very happy at Stanton and had many friends there, but one morning I opened the Ilkeston Advertiser and found Charnos were looking for a wages clerk who was familiar with the Anita accounting machine, and I thought why not apply? So I did.

My mum had been working there in the Hosiery department for the last eight years and had been very happy there.

To my surprise I got a reply asking me go for an interview. Possibly because my mum worked there and as I have said they were a very family orientated business.

Mr Pearson the Financial Director interviewed me. It was a short interview. He asked me did I know how to use and Anita and of course I did, I used one every day at Stanton.

Then he asked me how much money I was expecting and I told him a couple of pounds more than I was getting at Stanton and he said when could I start?

I had to work four weeks notice but he said that was fine.

I cannot remember what time of year I started there but I think it must have been the autumn of 1967, because I got married in June the following year.

It was a totally different environment to the Stanton wages office. The office was probably the same size but a lot less staff. Stanton wages office must have had between thirty to forty people working there. They all worked in close proximity to one another. At Charnos there were only five or six women in the main office and Mr Holland our boss, Mr Robinson another of the bosses and a young man named Eric. I cannot remember what his actual job was.

They were all great to get on with. There was never any pressure put on anyone. The office itself was on the top floor and had windows down both sides so was light and airy.

I was able to go home for lunch if I wanted to as it was only a fifteen minute walk away.

Sometimes however, I stopped in the office and had lunch with the others.

I remember one particular day when someone brought in a Ouija board. They were all the rage in the sixties. There were three of four of us there and we all had a finger on the glass in the circle of letters when it began to move back and forth. It spelled out a ladies name.

Joy, one of the girls I was working with screamed and said we should stop as it was the name of someone she knew who had just died.

We never did it again. I remember Eric coming to talk to us about it. He said it was a bad idea but if we wanted to know more about spiritual things we should go to the spiritual church where it was safe. I believe he was a member of one these churches.

One day Eric came to us and said he was trying to get some of the girls together to make

The Charnos employees’ magazine

up teams from each department for a ladies football competition.

As I was the youngest in the office, he wanted me to join the office team. I said, “No way”... I had never been sporty and wouldn’t be any good whatsoever.

Eric, however, was very persuasive and somehow got me to agree to it.

We only had one practice session on the Ilkeston Recreation ground, as I recall, before the match. The office team were the first ones out because they put me in goal.

Needless to say, the team weren’t very happy about it. I really don’t do ball games!

I used to do the wages for some of the Hosiery and Knitwear. At Stanton I would only be responsible for parts of the process of the wages system; at Charnos I was responsible for the whole process for these sections.

Those days we had to stick on the National Insurance Stamps on the cards. We had the money in cash the same as Stanton and had to put up the wages every Thursday. It was a very satisfying job. If there was a mistake with anyone’s wages on your section, then you had made it and had to rectify it straight away. It didn’t happen very often fortunately.

Working at Charnos we had a factory shop and were able to buy goods at a reduced price. Although Charnos was best known for its hosiery, the lingerie they produced was beautiful. Looking round the shops these days you can no longer find anything as good as Charnos produced in those days. Their garments were stylish and very well made— when you look in the shops nowadays everything looks the same and nothing is glamorous any more.

Let’s not forget the knitwear department. This began in 1964 when the, fully fashioned stocking trade started petering out. Girls and men, I believe, were taken from the hosiery side to work on the knitwear. The first knitting machines were Bentley Cotton machines and bought from Loughborough, according to my source. The Fully Fashioned hosiery machines, which were originally from Germany

by Patricia Spencer

but no longer required, may have been sold to a firm in America.

Everyone at Charnos was encouraged to go to a health and safety class. The bandaging is the one class I remember the most, as we were quite hysterical at one point trying to put bandages on head and arms.

Whilst I was there a new social group was set up which met once a month, on a Monday evening if my memory serves me right and was held in the canteen. We had some really good nights. Mum and I used to sit at the table and take the money for the bingo when the girls came in. I carried on going to the social evening long after I left Charnos.

Mum and I must have been on the committee because we helped arrange trips out. We went a couple of times to The London Palladium to see shows.

In 1968 I got married and the girls in the office put together some very risqué articles cut from magazines and I went on a very boozy night out with my friends from Stanton and Charnos. We went to the Festival at Trowell and I am ashamed to say I got very drunk and threw up in the Ladies toilets. This was a total loss of dignity. Fortunately I wasn’t getting married until the following weekend, or I would never have made it to the church.

Sometime in 1968 a new Charnos Magazine was published where all employees could write articles and stories. I have a few copies, one of them is the first edition, which was very basic, and has a form asking for people to think of a name for the publication. This became the CHARNEWS and was very popular. The Editor at this time was C.A. Woodhead.

The very first article I wrote, was for CHARNEWS and was about a trip I took to Canada in 1970. The second article I wrote was for this paper, Ilkeston Life,45 years later.

I left Charnos in 1971 to have my first child.

It was said to be a particular chair that was to blame for this. The three of us that used it all got pregnant within two years.

I left a month before decimalisation came in on April 5th at the start of the new tax year.

Our money changed. We lost some of our old coins and the price of everything went up in the shops.

I still continued to go to the Charnos Social evenings with mum who still worked there and it was due to the social club that I made some lifelong friends.

I had arranged an outing for the social group to go to a pub up in Derbyshire, I think, for a basket meal. Chicken and chips or Scampi and chips, was all the go in the seventies.

But by the time the trip came round my two children had the chicken pox and had passed it on to me. I was quite ill with it so could not go on the trip. There were a few spare places on the bus and another friend had asked around and managed to fill the bus.

One of the girls who had filled these places I only knew from going up to school. However she came round with a big bunch of flowers to cheer me up and thank me for organising the trip. Carol has been cheering me up now for the last thirty-eight years. God bless her.

Mum carried on working at Charnos until she reached retirement age. She wouldn’t have left then but they said she could not stay after she reached sixty. So she then went to work for Vic in the Spar shop just down the road from Charnos.

When my youngest daughter left school she went to work in the Knitwear Department and had it not closed would have still been there.

She liked her work and earned really good money. It was a very sad day for Ilkeston when Charnos was pulled down.

Thank you gift to Ilkeston hospital

from Councillors Denise Mellors, Glennice Birkin, Jane Wilson, Alex Phillips, James Dawson and Danny Treacy, the sum of £1,750 was raised to contribute towards the cost of this Following a recent operation at Ilkeston Hospi- piece of equipment. tal, Councillor Frank Phillips resolved to raise The presentation was made to the Chair of the money to purchase a new patient trolley. With Ilkeston Hospital League of Friends, Eileen contributions from his own Erewash Borough Knight.

Council Community Fund and various amounts

Gift to youngsters will benefit elderly

“It’s wonderful that the children of Foxwood have undertaken the re-landscaping of the gardens of Hazelwood, they have thoroughLabour Derbyshire County Councillor Glen- ly enjoyed learning about the plants and the residents love it.” nice Birkin, County Councillor for Ilkeston Foxwood School is a school in Bramcote that East was pleased to present a cheque for £300 to Mrs Kim Jordan, and pupils of Fox- caters for pupils with learning disabilities. wood School in Bramcote, from her Derby- Pictured are County Councillor Glennice shire County Council community grant fund, Birkin, Mrs Kim Jordan, and pupils of Foxwood School with care home staff in the to help with the redevelopment and replanting of the gardens at Hazelwood Care newly replanted garden.

Home in Cotmanhay. Councillor Birkin said:

Murder mystery coming up at The Seven Oaks

Easter flowers for patients

Norman Hobson and Past President Elaine Minnighan met League Chairman Eileen Knight and Refreshment Bar Manager Pat Morley in the Main Reception loaded with The Rotary Club of Ilkeston once again joined flowers and chocolate eggs each knitted into an Easter Chick. The flowers and chicks were the League of Friends of Ilkeston Hospital to bring a smile to the faces of patients who had then presented to each patient, both in the Wards and in the Minor Injuries Unit. Two to spend Easter in the hospital. children who had been taken to the Minor On Easter Sunday morning, President Chris Injuries Unit also received an Easter chick.

Smith together with Junior Vice-President

years he was responsible for the success of many local boxers and earned a reputation within the sport and within the Ilkeston community as a determined and dedicated man who would always try to get the best from his boxers, regardless of their ability.

“Everyone would get the opportunity provided they were prepared to put in the effort. He was a hard task master but this earned him tremendous respect from his boxers and their families as they often went on to achieve more than they had dared to hope for. In later years John took a back seat but always followed the fortunes of the After a short illness Trinity Boxing Club club with pride and pleasure and the legacy founder John Rafferty passed away peacehe has left to the town is still thriving today, fully on 1st April 2016, aged 85 years.

After a successful boxing career represent- continuing to use the same values and mething several local clubs and the Army, John ods he set out so well as he established the turned to coaching in the late sixties and in club in the seventies.”

December 1975 was proud to open his own His funeral took place on 13th April at Our club, Trinity Amateur Boxing Club in Ilkes- Lady and St.Thomas Catholic Church, Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, where several ton, with the help of his brother Daniel. members of the club were present to pay Current coach Scott Rafferty said: “Over the their respects.

Death of boxing club founder John Rafferty

Colourful Science Week enjoyed by students Students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy enjoyed a spectacular display of colourful demonstrations during British Science Week.

Staff in the Science department treated Key Stage Three students to a series of experiments involving bright flashes, loud bangs and flames under controlled conditions.

They included setting fire to hydrogen balloons, a thermite reaction and heating iron oxide to an extremely high temperature.

The experiments were part of the largest every oneday showcase of live school Science demos by teachers across the UK. Dr Ryan Atkins, Chemistry teacher and Key Stage Five co-ordinator for Science at the academy, said students loved watching the experiments.

He said: “It’s something that we do every year during Science Week. We invite Key Stage 3 students to watch the demonstrations at lunchtime and we always get a good turn-out.

“It’s always very colourful and they love all the bangs and flashes. It’s a series of fun experiments and some investigations which will hopefully stimulate their interest in Science.”

British Science Week is a 10-day celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths featuring fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages.

Members of Ilkeston Theatre Company have started rehearsing their next production, a whodunnit entitled Ax of Murder.

The play, which was originally set in America, will be given a local spin, and is about a drama group getting together to decide on its next production.

The players have invited along an audience to help them decide which script to choose. However, one script seems to be cursed by an evil spirit, and when a dead body appears on stage, the actors and audience have a different decision to make. Who is the murderer?

As Sergeant Mike and several police officers arrive on the scene, everyone is forced to look closely at everyone else. Could one of them be responsible?

To help solve the murder and find out whether the script is indeed haunted, come along to The Seven Oaks Inn, Stanton-by- Dale, Ilkeston DE7 4QU on one of the following dates:.

Thursday 9th June, 7.30pm Friday 10th June, 7.30pm Sunday 12th June, 4.00pm Tickets will be available later at the Seven Oaks are priced at £8.00 and £6.50 concessions.

For more info please contact: enquiries@ilkestontheatrecompany.co.uk or phone 0115 932 3189.

Ilkeston Life, May 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

CLAIM TO FAME

Regarding your front page picture and article (April 2016) about the lack of young people on the market, I have often noticed that there are few youngsters in town on Saturday mornings, apart from little ones with their parents. However if one is in town in the afternoons, especially on Bath Street, the oldies have gone home with their shopping and there are lots of youngsters hanging out with their mates. Kids like a lie-in when it's not a school day, whereas the older generation are often up with the larks.

Secondly, if you re-read the list of goods available on the market there isn't much that kids would want to buy. Even the clothes and shoes are mainly for a target market of middle age to elderly. However, the kids will grow up and have families of their own, and no doubt will buy their fruit and veg, etc. on the market like generations before them.

wick, but we made a Spring, missed a Cottage, landed on the New Inn, which upset the Flower Pot belonging to the Prince of Wales and very nearly pushed us into the Erewash and nearby Ilford. Had it not been for the Queen’s Durham Ox, which was grazing peacefully under the Poplar, we should have all been undone.

Further on our way we met Gladstone with his axe in the cellar of the Old Wine Vaults. With the help of the Borough Arms, he was mending the old Harrow, getting ready to do a bit of levelling down the Market Inn. Hold on, said Sir John Warren, the King’s Head is in danger. We must take it to a safe Anchor because the Nag’s Head has got its eye on us, whereupon a second Prince of Wales said it was of no use because the Miners Arms had stolen the Three Horse Shoes, and that landed us in a funny fix.

We were Travellers in need of a Rest.

Tears came to my eyes as two of my companions were gobbled up by a White Lion.

I now had one chance left, and that was to go and see my old friend General Havelock who was in the midst of a row with his wife about dinner. She wanted a Bull’s Head to make some soup, it being Friday, but he wanted to kill the White Cow. With the aid of some Needlemakers, he did so. The first time I have known a husband have his own way! Well, what with losing my companions and one thing and another, I ordered my Groom to get the Horse ready, went down to the Stanton Hotel and the Fields of Hallam and had two pennyworth of bread and cheese, a pint of beer and a comfortable sit down.

So ends my ramble through Ilkeston.

Janis Henshaw, Kirk Hallam

Janice Harlow, Ilkeston

RESULT!

IN OR OUT OF THE EU?

I read with interest about Cavendish School.

My mother was on the staff at that time; she was the school pianist.

I attended Cavendish during the 1950s. The music teacher took an interest in my developing music progress. Miss Smith, the headmistress, made inquiries about me taking the GCE exam in music. I was given permission but had to join pupils at Hallcroft to do it.

I am now the first and only pupil from Cavendish to have a GCE certificate!

Janet Rooney (was Janet Fletcher), Ilkeston.

WHY PICTURE WAS FULL OF OLDIES

Hi. Just to let you know we have had quite a few people coming in saying they'd seen the advertisement and editorial in Ilkeston Life. Lots of people are commenting on the editorial in a positive way. Thank you for your help.

I read the letter from David Frost, In or out of the EU? (April edition). I have to agree the information we receive is confusing. I voted for the EU all those years ago thinking that union meant unity: the unity of one governing body speaking the same language and if you didn’t speak that language you Gareth Wheatley, The White Hart, couldn't be an MEP. The unity of a EuropeStanley an Army, Navy and Air Force, the deterrent whatever kind would be European and TRIP THROUGH ILKESTON of paid for by Europe.

The following ‘story’ was found in the for- As the agriculture and fishing policies are mer Ilford Club on Station Road. My sister supposedly for the benefit of Europe, I ran the club for a few years. I don’t know thought that essentials like power, gas, wawho wrote it, but I thought it might be of ter and steel would have a European policy. interest to readers, even though some of the What have we got though? All the individupubs mentioned are now gone. al parties battling it out for their own interest. It’s rather like joining a football team We started at the Rutland Cottage, a pub and everyone wanting to be captain with with notable Brick and Tile, and to our their own game plan. The result is chaos—I surprise we saw a Peacock fly over the doubt if you would have a winning team.

Rose and Crown. We then went over a Bridge and saw an Ancient Druid with a The old adage from WW1 come to mind: Trumpet in one hand and the other Hand lions led by donkeys and, God bless us, we on Heart singing Live and Let Live. This still vote for the donkeys. This leads to made the Jolly Collier laugh as he was muddle and fudge, with the result that bepassing by the Royal Oak. At the Notting- cause somebody may be offended the rest of ham Castle we caught the Great Northern. us must cover the cost of moving the EP After a short ride we got off at the Bridge with its myriad of secretaries, translators, Inn and here did see a Commercial travel- furniture and record movers. ler drinking to the health of Victoria.

So the question of in or out seems to be if, We alighted again and here we shunted on like me, you hope for one day in the future to a side line called the Rutland Hotel Rail- when everyone does indeed become a Unway. Had it not been for the Mundy Arms ion, it’s IN, Or if like so many you still we would have collided with the Brunswant a little England standing alone, it’s OUT.

4 Ilkeston Life, May 2016

T Carr, Ilkeston

Hard times in Ilkeston Having read with interest Patricia Spencer’s childhood memories, I remembered an essay I had written and saved some years ago…..

When in 1992 I found myself temporarily out of work, I decided to enrol for an English taster course at the local college in Heanor.

On arrival I was asked to produce an essay.

My first reaction was to think how enjoyable this would be as in my schooldays at Cavendish this was my favourite lesson. However, when faced with pen and paper I was absolutely stumped and found my mind wandering back to school and long gone times. Although times are difficult for many people now, they were much harder then. Anyway, this is what I wrote….

I remember up to the age of three, living in several sets of rooms in several relatives’ houses. My first memories go back to Grandma’s front room in Cotmanhay Road.

This had been used as a school room during the war years, and when it was vacated we were duly installed.

In the centre of the room stood a large table draped with a gold fringed, red chenille cloth. On the large wooden fireplace was a matching antimacassar. Placed either side of the hearth were two Peak Freans biscuit tins full, not of biscuits but squawking chicks to provide us with meat for the coming months (rationing was still in force).

At the windows hung old blankets dyed yellow, and in front of the windows on the sideboard stood the radio. This provided us with entertainment as we sat cutting old clothes into strips to make peg rugs. I remember listening to Jimmy Hanley, The Goons, Archie Andrews, Wilfred Pickles and many more, but my favourite was The Huggetts.

In the corner of the room stood a large builtin cupboard full of all sorts of concoptions and remedies. There would be jam jars with beans sprouting from them, dried weeds for making wines and vinegars, hard boiled eggs floating in isinglass and all manner of curealls.

When I reached the age of ten, we moved to a terraced house on Mill Street, across the road from my best friend She had two sisters and two strapping six-foot brothers. The two

DO YOU HAVE A GOLD CARD AND A MANGO CARD? A problem can arise if the two cards are in the same wallet or purse as I found out recently. I had purchased a new Mango card for my wife prior to our holiday for her to use on the bus trips to and from home to Derby. It was in my wallet for about a month when I remembered to give it to her and by pure chance looked up on line what the credit was on mine which is mainly used by my daughter when gadding about locally.

I was horrified to see my wife’s card was down to £1.77 and IT HAD NEVER BEEN USED.

young men would go out at night and come home the worse for drink. They would forget to duck as they walked under the gas light which meant the filigree of china clay net which surrounded the flame would be smashed. Another trip to the gas yard for us to fetch new mantles the next day.

Sunday lunchtime I would call for my friend after Jean Metcalf had wound up Family Favourites. She wouldn’t come out until the last strains of ‘With a Song in my Heart’, but occasionally she had to stay in because her dad had burnt her shoes or other items of clothing to keep a fire in the hearth.

A constant source of fascination to me were their sanitary arrangements. From the tiny scullery we had to make the journey to the end of the yard to the ‘ducket’. This consisted of a pipe sticking out of the ground with an old wooden seat perched on top. Everyone who used it would have to carry a pail of water to flush away the waste.

What luxuries we take for granted today.

Mondays were always wash days. Water had to be boiled at the copper in the corner of the scullery. It then had to be carried out onto the yard and poured into the ponch tub.

Washing was then scrubbed on the washboard with Sunlight soap and ponched vigorously, then transferred to the pot sink in the kitchen to be rinsed and blue-bagged before being put through the mangle. Sometimes on wet days clothes would be dried inside on a series of lines worked by a pulley. After this back-breaking chore flat irons were heated up on a trivet over a fire.

Most menfolk worked either at Stanton Ironworks or down the Pits, which made their clothes really grimy and black. My own father worked at the Ironworks as a shunter and signalman. He was rarely at home, instead doing ‘double-uns’ and ‘pop-ins’.

Mum used to take me to see him on Sundays so that I would remember what he looked like.

Happy days but I wouldn’t want them back.

Steph Needham, Ilkeston.

CLEANING LADY DESERVED THE TRIBUTE I agree whole heartedly with the tribute to the lady who keeps the Marks & Spencer / Iceland area clean and tidy, she is very shy and I would not like to offend her in any way but she does a stirling job and deserves some recognition for what she does. The poem did her justice .and what a brilliant newspaper to print a local article. Thanks.

David Gunn, Ilkeston.

GOOD MEMORIES

I phoned up TrentBarton Office and they were brilliant—the first question they asked me was ‘Do you have a Gold Card?’ to which I replied yes. It was a glitch they were aware of and my wife’s card was restored to £10 no problem and a credit was put on mine as well, as the computer showed a duplicate charge on that card too! So be warned if you are scanning a Gold Card make sure the Mango Card or any other scan and pay card are kept entirely separately.

Good this new technology isn’t it? Especially if they are getting paid three times on the bus for the same trip.

After visiting my sister in Ilkeston she passed on a copy of Ilkeston Life (March 2016). I now live in Belper but really enjoyed reading all the articles in your newspaper—especially the one by Mrs Steph Needham (nee Pollard) remembering Cavendish School and the old Chaucer School, some of the teachers and subjects taught.

I also remember Steph’s grandma with fond memories, Scruff the dog and lots of strays she would take in—also Steph’s granddad who had an allotment across Johnnies (Wash Meadow). Lots of good memories. I will make sure my sister passes on her next copy.

Terry Hall, Stanley

Kay Goodwin (nee Vinning), Belper

DID CHARLIE GEORGE SOCIETY LOOKING FOR PLAY AGAINST ILKESTON? NEW MEMBERS I was at the match that Steve Tunstall and Arthur Severn reminisce about (March and April issues). It was a terrific game with many outstanding performances by our lads.

There was only a rope stretching the length of the cricket side of the Heanor Town ground to hold the crowd back. How times change!

I wonder if Steve would mind publishing the East London team for my memories in Ilkeston Life. I was under the impression that Charlie George, later of Arsenal and Derby County, played for the East London boys team about then. It would be interesting to know if any of their team made the grade in top level football.

Steve also mentioned Arthur Brown, Dennis Smith and Brian Levers amongst the teachers involved. Dennis Smith came to Gladstone Boys School around 1946/47 while I was there, straight from being with Derby County, I believe. Arthur Brown was a very fine footballer with Bishop Auckland during their great amateur days. Brian Levers was a former Hallam fields pupil (as I was) and was one of the finest runners the district ever had. The Ilkeston and Heanor Boys were certainly in good hands.

I followed Ilkeston Boys during the post-war years when Graham Cutts, my next door neighbour on Crompton Street, played. Graham, being four years older than me, took me on the team bus with him. We went to many matches and Graham had the hardest shot I’ve ever seen in football.

Ray Simms, a Trowell farmer’s son, played in goal and was also the England Boys goalkeeper, I believe. I remember Harry Hedley, another goalie who I think played in spectacles.

Ilkeston Boys had many fine teams over the years and produced quite a few who turned professional later on. I don’t know if any records exist but I’m hoping that Duncan Payne and John Shiels, our local football experts might get interested after they’ve finished their New Manor Ground history book.

Danny Corns, Ilkeston Steve Tunstall replies: I have looked again at the programmes from both matches and the press reports and can't see any reference to Charlie George - unfortunately.

Arthur Severn replies: The East London Boys had some up and coming stars in their side: goalkeeper Steve Bowtell went on to play for Crystal Palace, while midfielder Patsy Holland and centre forward Tony Carr both played for West Ham United.

WELL DONE TO COLLEGE STAFF AND STUDENTS Having recently been sent copy of the 201415 Annual Review of the Derby College, I am delighted to read of the successes and achievements of students.

Many will continue learning and succeeding throughout their whole life, partly, because of the valuable education and added vocational skills that the staff and Governors make available as a result of their dedication and commitment to provide and encourage students to have aspirations, pride and grow in confidence at the campus in Ilkeston, a buzzing, clean and stimulating learning environment in the heart of our town.

So, credit and appreciation is sent with all humility, as further generations pass through and adult learners return, a thank you to all who work and study at Ilkeston in particular.

Councillor Michelle Booth, Ilkeston West

West Hallam History Society has been going since 1982 and we would really love some new members. We have meetings in February, March and April, followed by outings in the summer months, then more meetings in October, November and December.

The next outing is this month, Tuesday 10th May, an evening visit to Strelley Hall. The cost per person is £20 including transport, guided tour and refreshments.

On Tuesday 14th June we visit Mount St Bernards Abbey and Bosworth Battlefield to learn about ‘Monks and Kings’. This trip costs £23 per person including transport and entrance fees.

Then on Saturday 23rd July, Croome Court, Worcestershire, home of the Earl of Coventry is our destination. Croome was a secret wartime base and this is commemorated in the RAF Defford Museum (admission included) in the trip price of £30.

If these outings or membership of the West Hallam History Society interests you, please contact John on 0115 932 2356. Meetings are held at the Methodist Church Hall, near the Bottle Kiln.

Megan Grace, West Hallam

MORE THOUGHTS ON THE REFERENDUM Given the amount of hot air expressed about voting to be in or out of the EU, it was a pleasure to read David Frost’s letter in Ilkeston Life in which he genuinely and clearly stated his indecision about the vote. All of the arguments that I have heard so far concentrate entirely on the economics of staying in or leaving the European Union.

There are clearly arguments on both sides.

However, I haven’t heard a single argument about values, and I wonder whether David might find such an argument relevant to his decision.

After the Second World War, many politicians from the Allied side expressed the view that Europe needed to have some common democratic values that linked the different states together and resisted the possibility of the resurgence of fascism in the continent.

One of the clearest voices was that of Winston Churchill, who argued that European nations needed to relate closely to one another for this very reason. The result was the drafting and publication of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, with the key value of respecting human dignity, and with other values such as freedom of speech.

Churchill delivered an important speech in 1949 in Strasbourg that heralded the formation of the Council of Europe in that year, with the UK as one of its first members. The Council of Europe still stands for human rights, democracy and the rule of law and has had a profound influence across Europe, especially in some of the post-Soviet bloc states, and especially through its educational programmes. The Council of Europe now has 47 member states, and still works quietly but effectively for democracy and peace across Europe and beyond.

A vote to leave the European Union would not bring the UK (at least not immediately) out of the Council of Europe. However, the moral force of the Council of Europe has been greatly enhanced by the political and economic co-operation of the states of the European Union. To leave the European Union would significantly weaken political and economic collaboration in maintaining and preserving common democratic values across the European continent.

Robert Jackson, former Ilkeston resident, Leamington Spa.

MEMORIES OF COSSALL …. David Potter The messages and information from our wonderful readers responding to previous articles are still pouring in and at this rate it wouldn’t be any surprise if it all ended up as “Cossall the movie” !

Gail Ryan made contact with details of her family tree with suggests that it’s very likely she can trace her history back to one of our Cossall heroes John Shaw, mentioned in a previous article about the links the village has with the battle of Waterloo, so we’ll take Gail’s information as the cue to examine in a bit more detail the life of a national hero born on a farm located between Wollaton and Cossall. (I was born at Grange Estate on that side of Cossall and the view from my bedroom window looking out towards Bluebell Wood would probably have encompassed the site of that farm. Remember Bluebell Wood anyone?)

The family moved to the Old Manor House in Cossall and “Jack” attended school at Trowell Moor.

Initially apprenticed as a joiner/wheelwright he eventually entered employment on the Wollaton Hall estate as a labourer and began a notable boxing career that took him to Nottingham’s Goose fair where he “took the shilling “ and enlisted in the Life Guards in 1807 beginning a sequence of events which eventually led him to the battle of Waterloo.

He fought bravely, eventually being mortally wounded on being cut off from his comrades and surrounded by ten or more French soldiers and was buried in the village of La Hayre Sainte near the field of battle on June 19 1815.

His boxing prowess and bravery at Waterloo firmly established Shaw as a national hero and, probably because of this, his skull was exhumed at some point after burial, possibly on instructions from Sir Walter Scott, and returned to England where plaster casts were made of it, one of which is exhibited at the Household Cavalry Museum in London.

The original skull seems to have found its way back to his native soil and is interred under the floor of Wollaton church.

What baby did next

I

don’t like to brag but on the whole my baby is a cheery chap who is full of smiles, feeds well and generally sleeps like a dream (at night) but sometimes, for whatever reason he just decides that no matter how tired and grouchy he is there is no way he is going to have a nap. With this in mind I wanted to find if there was any activity out there that could help when baby decides naps are for wimps.

I’d tried the usual things such as walking the streets with him in the pushchair, but that was a bit hit and miss as sometimes he’d sleep for an hour or so and other times he’d stir as soon as I entered a shop or set foot back in the house. I have taken him for a drive, but, realistically this doesn’t free any time to do all the things you might (A) want to do (read a magazine, drink a cup of tea that’s hot, catch up on the soaps) or (B). need to do (washing baby clothes, trying to make the house show some semblance of normality). I’d tried rocking and making shushing noises which seems to get him to drift off but the minute he is released from my arms his eyes snap open.

So a couple of weeks ago me and a friend (mother to a serial nap avoider) set of to Victoria Park Leisure Centre to use the sensory pool. We thought the babies would enjoy the experience, feeling the water on their skin, seeing all the lights, listening to the music

Now the latest “Blob News”: Linda Hopkin has emailed me with the following information: “My Dad and his siblings were all born at the Blob in the 1920s and his birth certificate states his address as 2 The Blob, Awsworth.

My grandparents continued to live at the Blob until the early 60s when they moved to Awsworth. Other families who I believe lived there were the Stapletons and Bates. In the early 70s there was a riding school there called Willow Farm, owned and run by two families, the Hendersons and the Hennesseys. I learned to ride there and became friends with the then occupants. When the stables closed and the land was compulsory purchased for open casting both families moved out of the area.

“The Blob actually stood between Bridge Farm and Bennerley Viaduct and I believe in earlier times there were a couple of cottages closer to the bridge. The story I was told was that they were demolished because the windows had been bricked up to avoid the window tax and were no longer habitable. I doubt the historical accuracy of this regarding dates but there were definitely footings of old buildings behind the Blob. This was confirmed recently by my friend who remembers them when she lived there in the 70s.

“Regarding the murder story (AHAA!) I think this may have been an incident that actually happened either at the Foundry houses further along the canal or the small holding on the opposite bank but I don’t have any factual details on this.

“Hope you find this interesting.”

Certainly do Linda and thank you very much (and indeed everyone else) for your response.

At this rate we’ll soon be holding a Blob reunion !

Please keep it coming …see you next month. davidilkeston@gmail.com Tel: 07929 100 974

and playing with the various floats, balls, watering cans, rubber ducks and so on. We were right they did but what we didn’t anticipate was the extent to which this would induce some serious napping. After our session we sat in the café having a cup of tea, cake and a catch up as both babies drifted off to sleep, I walked home and after two and a half hours baby woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed. I thought this might be a fluke and I hadn’t used the time as wisely as I could have done as it was so unexpected, so I went back today and can confirm that it wasn’t a one off, as I I sit here writing this baby is into the second hour of his nap.

Obviously it is not practical to take your little one to the pool every day and I can’t say for sure it will have the same effect on every baby but, if you want them to have a great sensory experience and the idea of a couple of hours free time fills you with glee then give it a go. It could just be the best £3.60 you spend.

Rebecca Slater Ilkeston Life, May 2016

5

Students create window displays

Odd socks day Students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy marked World Down Syndrome Day with help from a former pupil.

Savannah Eley, 18, returned to see if students and staff were carrying on the good work she started when she was a pupil at the academy.

This year, staff and students made a donation in return for wearing odd socks to school and £140 was raised.

The money will go towards the cost of specialist playground equipment, including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and swing at Bennerley Fields School in Ilkeston.

Savannah said she was pleased to see that the money raised this year would be going to Bennerley Fields as when she attended Kirk Hallam her timetable was linked with Bennerley Fields.

The 18-year-old, who is now a student at Aldercar Phoenix College, said: “When I was at Kirk Hallam we did some cake sales for World Down Syndrome Day and I’m glad that they are still doing something on that day. I think it’s important.”

Savannah’s mum Rachel is a midday supervisor at Kirk Hallam Community Academy.

She said: “I feel quite proud that the academy is continuing to mark World Down Syndrome Day and I know students have been asking a lot of questions which is a good thing because it’s raising awareness too.”

Emma Wright, Assistant Senco at Kirk Hallam Community Academy, said it was great to see Savannah again.

She said: “We have celebrated World Down Syndrome Day for the past four years and this year it was great to see so many of our students and staff making a donation and wearing odd socks.

“Savannah was a wonderful student when she was here and we didn’t want to let her down so we hope she’s pleased that we are

Colette Thompson, Savannah Eley, Daniella Eley and Aimee Williamson

continuing her great work.

“We are extremely pleased with the amount raised but we also had a lot of students asking questions about Down Syndrome and it opened up some really valuable discussions.”

Sixth formers from Kirk Hallam Community Academy also took part in a sponsored row at Bennerley Fields, which saw rowers covering 874 miles - the equivalent distance from Lands End to John O’Groats.

The Sixth Form football team has already raised more than £300 for Bennerley Fields by creating and selling a calendar containing photos of team members.

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

Students at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy created a series of stunning shop window displays as part of their studies.

The GCSE Applied Art and Design students took inspiration from famous fashion designers including Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith.

Their work is being displayed in the King George V Gallery at the academy where parents, students and staff attended a launch event. Students worked with artist Graham Elstone as part of the D-Lab Arts Council funded project which was co-commissioned with the school.

Nina McNelis, Art teacher at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy, said she was extremely proud of the students.

She said: “They each had to choose a fashion designer to inspire their shop window display. They worked with Graham and also went on a trip to Nottingham to photograph shop window displays there.

“They then had to deliver a presentation and pitch the idea for their display to former student Rosie Mellors, who now works designing for Next. It’s all part of their Applied Art and Design course which is about relating Art to the real world.”

Student Cassie Gallagher, 15, said she was pleased with the way her shop window display turned out.

Cubs at camp

year. The new mess tent meant that the group were able to cater for a much larger The 16th Ilkeston Scout Group received a number of children at that camp and will grant last year from Erewash Borough continue to do so at many future camps.

Council which enabled them to purchase a The group are continuing their quest to new mess tent which was used at the big replace existing equipment and are exinternational Peak Camp at Chatsworth last tremely grateful to the Council.

SCOUTS’ NEW TENT

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, May 2016

The 1st Sitwell and 21st Ilkeston cub packs had a great time recently at Hesley Wood Scout Campsite.

The activities they did included pedal carts, scavenger hunt, crate stacking, The Cube,

Things we did as kids.

Cassie Gallagher, 15

She said: “We incorporated elements of Paul Smith’s designs and made flowers from wire. It was quite difficult to make some of the more complicated flowers. Making the dress took a long time but we were really pleased with the final display.”

Students are now working on their next project as part of their GCSE course which is themed around cats. Nina said: “They have been asked to create work using cats as inspiration.”

Scientist badge, making Rocky Road cake, the Zip Wire and, of course, pot washing.

Ian Britton, GSL, extended thanks to the leaders for giving up their time for the cubs.

The picture above shows some of the boys and girls who went to the camp.

Another game we used to play in the lane was skipping. It could be done solo or by a group of children. We would need a long skipping rope (usually a discarded or borrowed clothes line) with a person at each end to keep it twirling. Boys and girls could jump in when ready. Another game with the rope was jumping over it, the rope being lifted higher each time. If you failed to clear it you were out. The last person remaining was the winner. Alan Harlow

Morning has broken Pictures taken at the Dawn Service at Dale Abbey Arch on Easter morning. Local Christians assembled at the remains of the Abbey before daybreak for a special service of celebration led by Rev Christine French (All Saints, Kirk Hallam). Many had previously taken part in a Good Friday Procession of Witness through Ilkeston town centre (see pictures elsewhere). Churches held their own Easter services later on Sunday celebrating the empty tomb and the risen Christ. Photos by John Shelton.

NEW ACCESS TO ART

An improved staircase has now been installed at the Smoothie Bar in Bath Street giving easier access to the upstairs gallery.

As well as being able to see the pictures in the windows and the cafe it is now much easier to

access the upstairs gallery where 30/40 works of art, created by the members of the Smoothie Art Gallery, can be seen.

ONE MINUTE MESSAGE

So you can now treat yourself to a lovely cup of coffee and spend some time up in the gallery.

This is a true story told by Joe Stowell and like last month’s, it is about someone who stopped to help.

A man was walking with friends near Balmoral, Scotland, the country estate of the Queen when suddenly he stumbled and twisted his ankle so badly that he couldn’t go on.

He told his friends to continue and he would wait by the roadside while they summoned help.

As he sat there, a car came down the road, slowed down and stopped. The woman driving rolled down the window and asked if he was OK. He explained that he was waiting for his friends to return.

We feel sure you will enjoy your visit. Smoothie Artists

Café au lait

Internet café and coffee shop

51 Bath Street, Ilkeston 0115 930 5736

Breakfasts, lunches, snacks, afternoon teas, beautifully presented, reasonably priced

A surprising helper

She said: “Get in; I’ll take you back to where you are staying.”

He limped to the car and opened the door only to realise it was Queen Elizabeth!

He was amazed to receive help from royalty; and yet we have an offer of assistance from a Person of far higher status, the Creator-God of the universe, who descends into our world to help us in times of need.

As the apostle Paul says: "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6); and the Psalmist affirms: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1.

The next time you feel stranded along life’s road, look for your Helper.

Church but not as you know it Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children Get messy at United Reformed Church, Ilkeston: Sat. 14th May, 4—5.30pm St Andrew’s Church, Ilkeston: Thurs 26th May, 10—11 30am All our food is from local suppliers and made fresh daily.

Why not give someone a Café au lait experience with one of our gift vouchers? Available at the till from £10.

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 6th May 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, May 2016

7

A DAY AT THE MUSEUM

Newly refurbished Erewash Museum was opened by Mayor Cllr Val Custance on a day when the clock was turned back to Victorian times.

The Learning and Visitor Centre and Old Stables Tearoom have enhanced the reputation of the award-winning museum even more following work carried out using money from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Victorian themed day included volunteers dressed in 19th century costume and demonstrations of old skills such as horse shoe making, lace making and riding a penny farthing bicycle.

Cllr Mike Wallace, Lead member for Culture and Leisure said: “Our museum is much loved by residents and these new facilities offer more opportunities to build on the magnificent work that is already carried out.”

Good Friday Procession of Witness through the town centre

Local Christians marked Good Friday with their annual walk of witness behind a cross through the town centre. Following a service at St Mary’s they made their way through the Market Place and down Bath Street, stopping at various points for drama, readings and songs. The walk ended at St Andrew’s where a closing meeting was held and refreshments served.

Visit your local museum!

Erewash Museum High Street, Ilkeston www.erewashmuseum.co.uk

8 Ilkeston Life, May 2016

How well do you know your Ilkeston?

Our Facebook page has up-to-date news of what’s happening in Ilkeston, including:

More vandalism at play park — Latest pictures from the railway station construction site — Breaking stories— News about the paper — Coming events — Sports reports — Visitor posts Facebook posts can also be seen on our web page: ilkestonlife.com

ILKESTON LIFE Visited by hundreds every day

9

Compiled by local historian Danny Ilkeston churches, with help from Erewash Council, have arranged an event to Corns. (Answers over page) celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Pubs and Clubs The nine decades of the Queen’s life will be represented in Victoria Park on Sunday 1. The former Anchor Inn—why was 12th June. it so called?

Local churches providing displays in gaze2. There was at one bos are: time a pub called Benefice (1920s), The Fighting Cocks.

URC (1930s), Where was it?

Baptist (1940s), Elim (1950s), 3. What was the real Arena (1960s), name of Gallows Inn? St Mary’s (1970s); 4. The Rising Sun was once a pub in IlkesKirk Hallam All ton—where was it?

Saints (1980s), Church of the Nazarene (1990s) and Ilkeston 5. The Sir John Warren—why is it so called?

Methodist (2000 onwards).

6. The Liberal Club stood in the Lower MarEach church will try to give a reminder of ket Place where Weatherspoons now is— how it was in their decade, using objects, where was the other Liberal Club? music, mementos and any other representa7. The former Crown Club on Nottingham tions they can find to transport visitors back Road had another role in World War 2. in time.

What was it?

Interactivity will be to the fore – there will 8. Why is the Granby Club on Cotmanhay be activities for children such as flag and Road so called? crown making and adults will be encouraged 9. I remember three Co-op clubs in Ilkeston to share memories. Dressing up, music, during the 1950s. Where were they? dance and games are also planned.

There will be a free distribution of commem- 10. There was at one time a Conservative orative books which celebrate the life of the Club on Bath Street. Where was it?

Queen and her service to the country.

Erewash Council have supported the event Joke of the month (1) by providing portaloos on the park.

A man has 2 budgies. He named one of them One and the other People are asked to bring a picnic and something to sit on, arriving around 3pm. At Two. about 6pm there will be a sing-along worship Other person says “Why did you session with patriotic flag-waving, which name them One and Two?" will end with the singing of the National "Because if one dies I’ve still got Anthem. two." - John Attewell

Ilkeston Life, May 2016

Party and Picnic in the Park is churches’ gift to the town

The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct This summer the Erewash Museum will be hosting an exhibition and a series of events related to the Bennerley viaduct and the Sustrans project to bring it back into use as a cycling and walking route. The exhibition, “Rediscovering Bennerley Viaduct: the Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley”, opens to the public on Friday 20th May. There will also be two evening talks about the viaduct’s heritage and the restoration scheme in the Hayloft on Wednesday 8th June and Saturday 18th June, both at 7pm.

Further events are being planned for July, including demonstrations and tuition from transport artist Paul Atchinson, a special display by Ilkeston Woodside Model Railway Club and workshops on historical and natural heritage for local schools.

The Friends meet about once a month, and anyone with an interest in the project is invited to attend. The next two meetings are as follows: Tuesday 3rd May at 7pm in the upstairs room of the Smoothie Bar, Bath Street; Monday 30th May at 7pm in the Ilkeston Fire Station Community Room. You can also help out on the regular workdays held on site. The next one is on Saturday 14th May. If you have stories to tell or memories of the viaduct and the area around it why not share them by taking part in the oral history project being set up by Kieran Lee, the Community Engagement Officer, in partnership with Erewash Sound?

More details about meetings, workdays and events can be found on the Friends’ website bennerleyviaduct.org.uk and on Facebook https://.facebook.com/bennerleyviaduct

10

Ilkeston Life, May 2016

Contact Kieran Lee on 07782 3536941 or email kieran.lee@sustrans.org.uk

Jeff Wynch ========

Answers to How well do you know your Ilkeston? (Page 9) 1. It was named after Anchor Carriers. It once stood where Weatherspoons is now.

2. It was where the White Lion was built.

The rear part of the White Lion was part of the old Fighting Cocks.

3. The Horse and Groom.

4. It was a thatched cottage pub demolished in 1933. It stood where the toilets used to be on South Street.

5. After Sir John Borlace Warren, an Admiral of the Fleet during the late 18th century.

He lived at Stapleford Hall.

6. The other Liberal club stood at the top of Trowell Avenue off Corporation Road, Hallam Fields.

7. The Crown Club’s other role was as a British Restaurant during World War 2.

8. The Granby Club most likely got its name from the Granby Colliery, although originally the pit would be named after the Marquess of Granby, a son of the Duke of Rutland.

9. One was in part of the old Carriers factory off Bath Street. Entry was gained through the archway next to the old Argos store. The others were at the top end of Albert Street (at the end of the old Police Station) and above the Novelty Shop at the bottom of Bath Street.

10. No.101 Bath Street, opposite the Brussels Terrace entrance to the car park, now a second-hand shop. It has obviously been a very nice building in its best days.

succeeded with one of them and the pretty little black and white china cat figure fell to the ground, landed on the rug, bounced once and once again before then bouncing on the hard laminate flooring, although it wasn’t much of a bounce that time, but rather it stopped and fell into a handful of large pieces. ‘One down and one to go’ I thought.

Well diary, she became angry, he smiled and smirked which made her even more angry. I got picked up, not the soft way she does it when I like to I snuggle into her (after of course putting up a pretend struggle and wiggle). No this was a hard picking up and dumping me the small cold bedroom, away Dear Diary, from the warmth of the fire and the interIt looks like I’m in trouble again. I just don’t esting things on the TV to chase. think my owners like playing games, or perThe next day things didn’t get any haps it’s because I keep winning. My best better. When she was sat at her computer in ever win was when in one paw swipe I the office and I thought I would cheer her up knocked a box of six eggs straight onto the and show there were no hard feelings, but as kitchen floor – 4 of the eggs broke! Well I jumped on the desk I didn’t realise that what happened this time was they had put there was a big box of those small bits of up pretty cards on the mantel piece, and a curved metal that she uses to clip bits of great game is for me to knock them off as paper together – and it was open, and as I quickly as possible and then they replace jumped onto the desk it fell off –with the them back on the mantel piece and I knock them off again, it’s fantastic. Then I add ex- hundreds of little shiny metal clips scattering across the floor. “It wasn’t me,” I meowed tra levels to it by doing it when they are not loudly but she didn’t listen to me and so I looking, or by knocking several off with one found myself shut out of the office all day – paw swoop or indeed sometimes just by no fuss or cuddles for me until he got back in walking alongside them and flicking them off the afternoon. He smiled and smirked when with my tail. It such fun, but it wasn’t funny she showed him what I’d done. I don’t think when I thought I’d scored a bonus point by he was supposed to smirk but it worked and knocking off the ornamental cat figures that I got lots of cuddles again, plus a tuna treat are also placed there. After knocking some for tea. So I think I’m forgiven. similar ones off a couple of years ago and I love playing the knocking things off game they broke into lots of pieces, since then but I think I might try to resist playing it in they now use sticky tack to keep them in place making my game harder to knock them the house, I wonder if squirrels play it? off. But after months of trying this week I Bye for now - Florence

Florence the Vicarage Cat

Your Space Poems plus 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.

Crossroad Nowadays I am a crossroad.

Once I was a little track lying quietly on my back.

Wagons, horses and human feet traversed by.

I may have been muddy, bumpy and wet, but I could hear chattering voices and birdsong.

Then men came along.

Made me wide from side to side Chopped down the trees and tarmacked me over!

I’m painted with white lines I’ve got proper bumps and signs But I cannot hear the voices or birdsong.

Just horrid smells and loud noise all day long as huge juggernauts, cars and vans go on their way I lie and groan Soon I will be pot holed That’s why I am a very CROSSROAD!

P A Hooker

Green Bags We are tatty green bags Standing proudly by the gate Declaring to all, our owners Save the planet— They recycle.

But our job is full of fear As the bin man leaves us empty here The wind torments us and You will see us everywhere!

On the grass verges, in the hedges In the road, run over by cars In ditches covered with mud and Wet with rain.

Will our owners ever claim us again?

Oh to be a slim blue bin They don’t litter the land With cardboard, paper and tins.

Their contents cannot be seen And they do not blow about Oh let us all be blue bins And stand straight and tall.

No more green bags— They are a disgrace to us all.

P A Hooker

Famous people Here is a tale that will tell you more Than what these people are famous for.

Moses led the Israelites to the Promised Land The Pharaohs built the pyramids on rock and sand.

Young David slew Goliath with a little leather sling Quasimodo lived in Notre Dame, his job the bells to ring.

Samson loved Delilah and gave way to her demands Julius Caesar was a general who conquered many lands.

Hannibal was another who on elephants crossed the Alps Sitting Bull was an Indian chief and he took many scalps.

Charles Dickens wrote a novel about a mean old man Yes, his name was Scrooge, not Desperate Dan. George Stephenson built the Rocket, Thomas Eddison made the light

Get noticed

The radio station just for Erewash

with an advert in Ilkeston Life, the paper that’s different £30 buys this space

The painter Vincent Van Gogh painted Starry, Starry Night.

Lowry painted matchstick men and cats and dogs as well Wren built St Paul’s Cathedral and that stands very well.

Gordon Richards was a jockey who was knighted by the Queen Than again there’s Lester Piggott, some say he’s the best there’s ever been..

Len Hutton was a batsman, Fred Trueman bowled them out And what about Ian Botham, by gum he had some clout.

Elton John wrote and sang the same song twice About two different women who were both very nice.

One was a princess, one was a film star One died alone, the other in a motor car.

In this small tale I have mentioned above a score I could have gone on and told of many more.

Alan Harlow

A poem about a poem Lots of people write a poem As if there’s nothing to it How do they make verses rhyme?

I wish that I could do it.

I sit there with my pencil poised But nothing comes to mind It really is frustrating No inspiration can I find.

If only I could write a poem I’d send it to the Post But I doubt that they would print it If they did, how I could boast.

I think I’ll have to give up But I’ve had a lot of fun I’ll never ever write a poem Hang on, I just have done!

Summer approaches Summer approaches That first warm morning The bees are buzzing And caterpillars crawling.

The trees are blooming In subtle shades Bare branches covered Leaves rearranged.

And birds are singing Celebrating the birth Of warmer climes And food on the earth.

People are walking On afternoon hikes Pushing their children On coloured trikes.

The sky is blue Just a hint of cloud The windows are open And the music's loud.

And the children play On swings and slides Sunglasses protect Sun drenched eyes.

Summertime blooms The cold drinking days That vitamin C Of warm sun rays.

We've left the dark As we approach the light Those stark rainy days Are far from our sight.

Do you write poetry?

There’s a poetry night every last Thursday in the month at the U Choose café, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, 7pm.

Share your own or your favourite poems, or just listen.

© Steven Michael Pape 2016

Peter G

Competition winner This is the winning entry in our recent young people’s story writing competition.

Participants were asked to write a story beginning with the words: I couldn’t wait to get up because today was going to be a special day. Miriam Widdowson, 11, of Hallam Fields Junior School won because her story was so different from the rest and showed imagination and flair as well as impressive writing ability.

I couldn’t wait to get up because today was going to be a special day.

I could feel it but I didn’t know quite what it was though yet. Fatigued from my lack of sleep the previous night because of thinking about him, I propped myself up with my elbows and rubbed the sleep out of my somnolent, auburn eyes. The morning sun peered through my windows that I stared out when I wished for him – my father – to come back from the grave. I heard the soft calls of my mother to breakfast. Drowsily, I called back, telling her I was coming, so I pulled my sheets off my legs and on to the floor. Before leaving, I reached for my phone on my bedside table and then I picked up my pale blue dressing gown from off the handle of my door and slid the phone into the pocket. Yawning feebly, I made my way down the stairs when I saw it. The thing I was waiting for.

My father sat at the dining table sipping his morning coffee. I called him and he glanced up and smiled. What was happening? How had this happened? I ran to him

whilst tears of joy and awe gathered in the pits of my eyes. But then everything faded, thus turning my tears of joy and awe into tears of pure indignation and despondency. Thoughts raced hastily through my mind and I had no time to think of answers because they kept coming so swiftly.

My eyes opened. My breathing pattern was uneven. My heart was racing; almost coming out of my body. I blew my thumb to slow down my heart rate. My mother burst into my room, claiming she heard me shouting in my sleep. I said no words and instead just put my head in my hands and began to cry with grief. My mother spoke soothing words, reassuring me but they were eaten up by the thoughts of what had just taken place. It was a dream. He never was here. Only when I was five was he last here. My sorrow came to an end as I realised why I had had that certain dream. He was thinking about me. In actual fact, he always was, which is why I always thought about him back. A proud father’s words reminisced in my mind, “You’re amazing and will be without me in the future,” and “I’m always watching over you, keeping you safe from all harm and loving you as much as the day I first laid eyes on you.”

Although being a dream, it was real to me, something I’d never forget.

Runners up in the competition were Eve Beharall, 11, also Hallam Fields; Jersey Oldershaw, 10, and Leo Hallam, 10, both of Chaucer Junior School. Each received a certificate and a prize.

Ilkeston Life, May 2016

11

Story in Ilson

dialect

By Jim Sumner

THE FINAL MISHAP WITH THE SERGEANT One mornin’ the sergeant gorrus all up early an’ sherted: “Arm tayin’ all on yer on th’square for a couple a hours and arm gooin’ to purrall on yer through yer paces at marchin’ cos it’s only abert a fortnit ta when ya ay ya passin’ ert parade, so arm gooin’ ta may sure ya all up ta th’mark.

Ay said: “May sure yo kape ya ’ead straight up an’ yer showders back an’may sure yo kape in step, may sure ya ’eels ’it th’floor all together an’ listen to mi commands.”

Way all said: “Yes Sergeant,” and went wi’im on to th’square.

Ay wokked us really ’ard but way responded well an’ way could tell ay wa pleased wi us. An’ all on us wa prerd wi us sens anall.

Bein’ as thray on us wa th’tallest, ay picked us ta bay at th’front an’ the last words ay said were: “Ner, yo thray, ar’m relyim’ on yer…dunna let me dern.”

Well, ar must say, th’sergeant really purrus through it an’ we did all rayt. Everything way did was good an’slick, an’ way could tell th’sergeant wa pleased wi’us – ar actually saw ’im smile once an’ ar’d never seen ’im do that before.

He

alt

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oo

ste

r

Then summat ’appened. Way’d done abert two hours marchin’ an’ way wa ready for a rest when another officer comm an’ started talkin’ to th’sergeant abert summat. Way’d just started marchin’ from the top o’the square so way kept gooin’ cos it wa still a long way to the bottom o’ th’square.

This ‘ere officer saymed ta ay a lot ta say ferissen an’ th’sergeant ’ad ta listen to ’im.

Another minute a tow went by an’ ar said to th’other tow at th’front: “In a minute way shall be at th’end o’ th’square an’ way shanna know what to do. Way canna kayp gooin’ and way canna do an abert turn or way shall be in a rayt mess….so what the ’ell are way gooin’ to do?”

“Way dunner know,” they replied.

Ar said ta misen that’s a fat lotta ’elp that is.

Ars’ll ay ta decide misen. I’ad a quick lowk rernd but th’sergeant ‘ad only just gorraway from th’officer so ar ’ad to may mi mind up misen what to dow.

Ar suddenly gave the order to mark time on the spot. The lads just be’ind me cottoned on, but them be’ind them gorrit all wrong an’ finished up in the biggest mess yo’ve seen in all yer life.

The sergeant then tonned up spittin’ an’ spletherin’, shertin’ an’ swearing’, using wods ard never ’eard before. It took ’im abert an hour to calm dern, an’ the thray on us at th’front ’ad to bear th’ brunt of all ’is bad language an’ choice expressions – especially may.

Ar never did get an answer from the sergeant regardin’ my only question to ’im…”What else could ar dow, Sergeant?”

All ay did wa call me a lot more names and say, “Next time use yer b****y initiative!”

Another tale in local dialect next month

My frightening first trip out on the railway

By Geoff Hayes I was a young lad of 17, a happy-go-lucky fireman on the railway stationed at Toton loco sheds. My job was to go on firing trips, mainly shunting jobs at all the local sidings.

As I cycled to work from my home in Shaw Street, Ilkeston one Friday evening in November 1941, I was busily planning my weekend, perhaps staying at my pal George’s house.

I met up with another fireman at Sandiacre station bridge gates and my pal’s dad, Charlie Richmond. Together the three of us walked steadily down the lane to Toton sheds.

A smashing bloke was Charlie, everybody liked to work with him. He was a dedicated locomotive driver who made life easy for us lads. He loved his job.

I propped my bike up against the office and went to sign in, hoping I’d be with Charlie.

No such luck. I was paired off with another driver this trip. I had heard his name mentioned in the sheds by another young hand.

He was a fault-finder, miserable and noncommunicative.

My driver met me and we waited a little while for our guard. Eventually we walked over the lines to the Toton Centre signal box. Listening to the two men talking, I gathered we were relieving a train bound for Wellingborough.

Great news, this was my first trip out. I’d only been out firing a few short weeks and it was on shunters, mainly at Stanton Gate sidings.

As it was, we waited and waited. It was pitch black and, as the hours passed, I began to feel very cold. I was perished. By the time our train arrived we’d been on duty nearly six hours. The Garratt No. 7892 came out of the night and, as it came slowly up to us, it gave a mournful sigh.

I was as hungry as a ravenous wolf. It gave me a bad feeling. I felt the omens were bad and I knew we were in for a long and filthy night.

The exchanging drivers had a few words in passing but the fireman said nothing at all until he was getting off the footplate when he whispered, “Good luck, kid,” then as quiet as the rustle of a leaf he added, “You’ll need it.”

As I looked down to answer, he disappeared into the inky darkness. Later, I knew why

he looked so shattered.

As soon as we started moving, things started to happen. The rotary bunker wouldn’t move an inch. It damn well didn’t work at all, meaning the coal way back had to be double handled. No respite at all for me.

The firebox was a great heap of ash and clinker and needed immediate cleaning. The footplate was filthy and my first job was to sweep and clean it up. We were using low grade coal and I couldn’t keep the steam pressure up.

As the night wore on, I was working and working and fearing I was losing the battle.

I was beginning to despair. I heard the muttering from my driver. Tears weren’t very far away. I began craving for food.

I noticed we were passing Melton Mowbray.

I’d never heard of it. I was checking the boiler gauge glasses every minute. Try as I might, it never went above halfway.

As soon as the injector went on, the steam pressure gauge began to swing down. My nerves were shot to a frazzle.

Our load was 84 wagons of coal but it seemed much more. We began a downward gradient, passing through Wing tunnel and then Wing sidings. I had a good go at getting coal forward ready for the dray and the driver shouted: “Well done, Billy.”

Drivers often called their firemen ‘Billy’ on first acquaintance. I was getting to like the name.

There were more tunnels coming up – Glaston, then we sailed through Seaton. I was enjoying the respite but, too soon, I was struggling again as we hit another gradient passing over the Harringworth Viaduct, which never seemed to end. I looked down for a second or two, gazing at the small cottages below, smoke from their chimneys drifting up lazily toward the sky.

I fantasised about having a cooked breakfast – bacon, eggs, sausage, beans, toast and tea…unlimited cups of tea.

I soon came down and started stoking again; we were climbing towards Gretton. Still climbing, I saw a signal showing red coming up in front and we came to a stop.

My driver walked over. “Listen, Billy, we’ve got a two-mile uphill tunnel in front of us. Get plenty of steam up or we’ll never make it.”

I was already feeling a failure and tears were near. Once again I began the ritual, raking the ashes, cleaning and firing her up ready.

Topping the boiler up, I noticed the water level was still showing halfway. Looking at the steam pressure gauge, I began pleading, “Please go round, please, please.”

The signal turned green and we set off to tackle Corby’s two-mile tunnel. We were crawling in slowly, then something happened that I’ll never forget….. a nightmare was about to begin!

(More next month)

PICTURE PUZZLE

by Roy Foulkes

1 Bath Street Ilkeston

12 Ilkeston Life, May 2016

You’ve probably walked past them hundreds of times, but where in Ilkeston can you see this bird and this cross? Answer on page 14.

The Way We Were

worth Road. The larger photographs above show the new ground shortly after opening in 1992. The smaller pictures remind us of how it was before the former ground was sold for redevelopment. A In 1992 Ilkeston Town Football Club Wm Low supermarket was the first store moved form the Manor Ground on Manor to occupy the space. Now it is Dunelm Road to the New Manor Ground, AwsMill. The older pictures were taken from

New and old Manor Grounds revisited

Saturday afternoon at the match

the end which had a steep bank, ensuring a good view for spectators. The main spectator entrance was off Bath Street, by the side of the Rutland Arms Hotel. Entry to the stand was by an extra payment.

Whilst the new ground was definitely an upgrade, the old one holds many happy memories, especially of local derbies with

Heanor Town which always attracted big crowds. In Sept. 2010 Ilkeston Town FC was wound up in the high court over an unpaid £47,000 tax bill. Two months after liquidating, a new club was formed as Ilkeston FC and it was admitted into the Northern Premier League Division One South in May 2011.

Another picture taken from ’top end’ of the old Manor Ground

<< Another page from the Trade Section of the Ilkeston & District Directory of 1965/66

Ilkeston Life, April 2016

13

Music Scene

This resulted in the debut of a new club meeting at what would become its current venue at the Stute which is also the home of The Elks HELLO FOLKS ! of Ilkeston Rugby Football Club.

The musings of Ilson Muso David Potter.

The new venture was initially held on ThursThe Ilkeston music and performing arts scene days to avoid a clash with the still running is alive, well and thriving right now so let’s club on Wednesday’s at the White Cow but continue the story of one of its oldest institueventually heads were put together resulting in tions (aptly based at the ex Stanton Institute) both clubs merging and reverting to the former and then move on with news of the very latest weekly Wednesday which is now the current project which, hopefully, will go on to eventu- situation. Proceedings commence at 8.30pm. ally become another.

Before we move on to news of EREWASH When we left it last month the White Cow ACOUSTIC just a preview of next month’s Folk and Blues Club was an established thriv- column which will include notes on some muing fortnightly event but more changes were sicians hailing from Derby. on the horizon as the pub changed hands and Kevin Coyne was hugely under rated but highnew owners harboured ambitions to expand ly regarded by fellow musicians and R Cajun the catering side of the establishment. and the Zydeco Brothers were responsible for The writing was on the wall and whilst some introducing and popularising a previously little of those involved were for staying others felt it known American musical genre in the UK and time to look for a new venue.

Europe.

When I started this column it coincided with my own reintroduction into the world of musical involvement and one of the things at the top of the list was to explore the possibility of introducing a new venue in the area to provide a regular platform for local new or established people of all ages interested in performing in all branches of the performing arts or simply just coming along to listen and enjoy.

It’s taken a bit longer than originally expected but finally, together with my fellow compatriot Alan Morley, EREWASH ACOUSTIC is poised to dip its toe in the water.

Initially we’ll be hosting fortnightly Thursday evening sessions at The Burnt Pig on Market Street Ilkeston on the first and third weeks in every month commencing at 7.45pm.

Although “cosy” we think the Pig with its excellent range of real ales and its growing reputation, created by Simon and his team, for a friendly and relaxed atmosphere will be the

ideal starting point for what we’re trying to create and we hope it will develop into an enjoyable and entertaining platform for everyone, young or old, new or experienced, or those just along to listen.

There’ll be no mics, no amplification, just you.

Parking is handy on the South Street municipal park and surrounding streets.

The first sessions will be on Thursdays 5th and 19th May. PLEASE COME EARLY. You can get further information via the snappily entitled ukfolkmusic.co.uk-sessions-erewash-acousticsouth-derbyshire/ Find us on facebook Or just give me a shout on this or anything else: davidilkeston@gmail.com Tel: 07929 100 974.

See you around.

Arts club prizewinners

Since it was founded in 1902, the current Mayor of Ilkeston and latterly Erewash has been President of the Club. The exhibition of members' paintings and photographs runs until 14th May in the John Lally Gallery.

West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society Dr. Andrew Ward is the creator and owner of Norwell Nurseries near Newark. His knowledge and enthusiasm for plants is infectious and if you visit his nursery you can see many of the plants he sells in his beautiful garden.

The talk he gave to our group in March was on A Year of Garden Colour. Although Andrew's main interest is perennials, many trees and shrubs were included as he went through the year. Most of his recommendations and ideas focused on visual impact such as: the stunning white bark of the birch tree Betula utilis jacquemontii; the waxy bright red fruits of Malus Red Sentinel that stay on the tree all winter; the long, silky catkins of Garrya eliptica; the bright pink accent of Anemone blanda Radar; the way Helenium Sahin's Early Flowerer changes colour throughout its long flowering season.

But he also included scent e.g. the spicy winter/early spring scent of Chimonanthes praecox (winter sweet) and the small, spreading, spring flowering Phlox May Breeze, and tips and suggestions such as: the autumn flowering Anemone Whirlwind which is a pure white as the better known Honerine Jobert but doesn't spread as much; the unusual and beautiful small flowers and decorative leaves of Epimediums which are really good for dry shade (always a difficult area to find plants for); we all love Japanese Maples but Andrew recommended Acer capillipes and Acer rufinerve as alternatives that are easier to grow and do not seed themselves about so much. The list of plants and their attributes was extensive and Andrew had provided handouts that we could add notes to. There was a beautiful slide for each plant showing why Andrew had chosen it.

Our May speaker will be Neil Timm on the World of Ferns, there will be plants for sale, look forward to seeing you. We meet at the Methodist Church, High Lane, West Hallam at 7.30pm. In June there is no indoor meeting as we are having an evening visit to Hebb’s Farm at Stoke Bardolph Paula Brewster

The Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Val Custance awarded the prizes at Ilkeston Arts & Camera Club's Annual Exhibition opening at the Erewash Museum on 7th April.

NUTBROOK PETANQUE CLUB – OPEN DAY Nutbrook Petanque are holding an Open Day on Sunday 15th May between 12 noon and 4pm. Why don’t you come along and try a game of ‘French Boules’ with family and friends! Fun activities – Games – Competition – Prizes.

Coaching and boules will be provided. A fun target game suitable for all ages.

ILKESTON LIFE

Your community paper

Based at Nutbrook Cricket Club, Nutbrook Sports Ground, High Lane East, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 6HZ. (Continue past Ron Brooks car sales towards West Hallam around a right hand bend by a small lake. The entrance is approx. 400 metres on the right between 2 trees displaying white painted circles).

Just turn up or if you would like further information you can contact the club via jenf49@hotmail.com.

STITCH IN TIME Curtains and Upholstery Leather Sewing—Loose Covers including for boats, motor homes, pubs

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

Answers to Picture Puzzle (page 12) The bird can be seen above the door of the former Police Station on Wharncliffe Road.

The cross can be seen on the building between the library and the Corner Café, Market Place. Photos: Roy Foulkes.

14 Ilkeston Life, May 2016

COUNCILLORS MICHELLE BOOTH, GLENNICE BIRKIN AND JOHN FRUDD

Saturday 14th May 2016 10am to 12 noon Ilkeston Town Hall

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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

Florence Olive Mace Latterly of The Cedars, passed away 29th March 2016, aged 92 years. Devoted mother to Ralph, Roy and Ian and a much loved grandmother.

Joyce Minchin (nee Thornhill) Passed away on 31st March aged 85. She will be missed by many. Love you always from your loving family xxxx

John Rafferty Passed away at Rutland Manor Nursing Home on 1st April 2016, aged 85 years.

Will be sadly missed by all the family.

———— 104th BIRTHDAY

Elizabeth Beardsley Congratulations to my auntie Elizabeth Beardsley who celebrated her 104th birthday on 22nd March 2016 in the Victoria Court Care Home, Ilkeston. Tony Beardsley.

———— BIRTHDAYS 5th May: Dave Cooper. Happy birthday Dave from Anne and Mary 17th May: Liam Trusswell. Happy birthday Liam from Anne and Mary.

———— FOUND Silver bracelet on Heanor Road, Thursday 14th April. If it is yours, please ring Mr D Beach, 0115 932 5737.

West Hallam Village Show

Walks Erewash Ramblers Sunday 1st May, 10.30am. 9 miles. Rowsley & Darley Dale. Meet at Rowsley Station CP (SK258658). Leaders Linda Hunt & Dave Bird.

Wednesday 4th May, 10.30am. Short walk. Denby Common. Meet at Bull’s Head, Denby.

(SK409473). Leaders: John & Fay Blackburn.

Thursday 5th May, 10.30am. 6 miles. Lambley Area. Meet at junction of Main Street & Mill Lane (SK629452). Leader: Robert Mee (07757 134353).

Monday 9th May, 10.30am. 6 miles. Kilburn & Holbrook. Meet at Belper Market Place, Coppice CP (SK350474, DE56 1FZ). Leader: Marilyn Brown. Distance 6 miles.

Wednesday 11th May, 10.30am. Short walk.

Breaston Area. Meet Blind Lane Breaston (SK458335).

Sunday 15th May, 10.30am. 9 miles. Meynall Langley & Kirk Langley. Meet at A52 lay-by, SE of Brailsford (SK267408, DE6 3AE approx.)

Leader: Brian Marshall.

Wednesday 18th May, 10.30am. Short walk.

Brinsley Headstocks. Meet at CP (SK465485).

Leaders: Barry & Margaret Chapman.

Wednesday 18th May, 7.15pm. Short Walk followed by Pie & Peas Supper. West Hallam Village Hall.

Thursday 19th May, 10.30am. Brian Ainsworth Memorial Walk, 6 miles. Risley & Hopwell. Meet at Lanes Garden Centre, Risley Lane (SK459348, DE72 3TT). Leader: Brian Marshall.

Monday 23rd May,10.30am. 6½ miles. Osmaston Area. Meet at Village Hall (SK200438, DE6 1LW) Leader: Barry Wallace (07546 236066).

Wednesday 25th May, 10.30am. Short walk.

Shipley Park. Meet at Newdigate Arms, West Hallam (SK443421). Leader: Sandie Jones.

Sunday 29th May, 10.30am. 8 miles. Sherwood Forest. Meet at South Forest Leisure Centre, Edwinstowe (SK618632, NG21 9JF). Leader: John Harrison (07989 651787).

Ilkeston Ramblers Sunday 1st May: 10 mile walk starting from Warslow Village Hall and heading towards Onecote.

Leader: Len Smith.

Thursday 5th May: Members chat evening at The Burnt Pig, 7.45pm.

Thursday 12th May: Short evening walk as decided at chat evening.

Sunday 15th May: 7-mile walk starting from the layby at Brookside Wildboarclough, heading for Leathers Smithy. Leader: Stephen Palmer.

Thursday 26th May: Evening walk of 3 miles beginning from the layby near The White Hart, West Hallam. Leader: Clive Unwin.

Sunday 29th May: 10-mile walk starting from the picnic area carpark near Blore Hall on the road to Ilam and heading to Wetton. Leader: Clive Unwin.

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Ilkeston Life, May 2016

Mary Butler Joke of the month (2) I’ve been reading a book about super glue. I can’t put it down.

—John Allen.

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“Kevilsonlad” captures

Skelmersdale in North West Lancashire lies on the River Tawd to the west of Wigan and 13 miles north east of Liverpool. It’s our destination for today and the first chance for supporters to get together after the shock announcement that the club have released eight first team players since we last met up.

Now I’m not into politics or finance but football supporters are a passionate and opinionated bunch of people and I’ll just make the comment that sometimes I wonder why people get so wound up in watching soap operas when the real thing is all around them especially in our sport.

Let’ s just say that talk on the coach today was dominated by recent events at the New Manor Ground and leave it at that.

Our opponents, Skelmersdale United were first formed in 1882 as Skelmersdale Young Rovers, became Skelmersdale Wesleyans and eventually settled as “Skem” United at their current home which has enjoyed various sponsors names but will always be known by their fans as “Stormy Corner” One notable player to grace their books ….Peter Withe who went on to enjoy considerable success in the game including European Cup winners medals with both Forest and Aston Villa. (His brother incidentally runs a window cleaning business and counts one of our regular supporters in Nuthall as one of his customers. It’s a small world.)

Another was Steve Heighway who later joined Liverpool.

We’ll gloss over the first stop on the way, The Plough and Harrow in Upholland, which had no real ale, and move on to our arrival at Stormy Corner.

The New Manor Ground it ain’t but over the years that the Robins have been in the same league we’ve built up many friendships with the Skem supporters and we always look forward to seeing them again home or away.

After the pleasantries in the club house it’s out to put the flags up and soon after we’re off.

This is the first opportunity we’ve had to give our support to the youngsters drafted into the team. Whatever the where’s and why’s of it they’re in a Robins shirt and that’s all we need to know for now.

They start off brightly enough but within 10 mins. Skelmersdale have taken the lead.

We take the opportunity during this half to have a chat and a laugh with Tom Webster who always plonks himself in the middle of the visitors and we’re happy to renew acquaintances.

Pretty soon we’re joined by his friend Mark pushing his son Alfie, who suffers from a rare genetic condition. He’s collecting flags and memorabilia from visiting fans to auction off and raise money for specialist treatment. Of course we’re happy to contribute whatever we have to hand and pose for pictures for the media.

Half time and guess where we spend it?

Soon into the second half Mike Williams equalises for Ilson and this triggers a period of ascendancy which increases our hopes which are dashed when Skelmersdale retake the lead.

It’s now end to end stuff but at the final whistle they’ve held on and we say our farewells and troop back to the coach defeated.

But we’re not down...the youngsters have given a good account of themselves and we were happy to let them know at the end of the match.

Back on the coach and we settle down to reading our copies of Ilkeston Life which we’ve had handed out and, now being somewhat of a celebrity due to my reports in the paper, I find myself having to autograph several copies !!!!

On the way back we learn that a fans forum has been arranged to discuss recent events.

“Beware the ides of March”…..

Show date is 10th September 2016.

The new schedule for the 2016 show is now ready!

To find out more, look at the schedule and entry forms on the West Hallam Village Hall website: westhallamvillagehall.org.uk Or - contact one of the numbers below: 0115 930 5386, 0115 930 3340, 0115 930 9061 or 0115 998 4503.

Summer is supposed to be around the corner, so whilst you are out enjoying the countryside, why not take a camera with you and snap a few shots of ‘The Natural World’ to enter the photographic section?

Alternatively, you could paint a ‘landscape’ (maximum size, framed or unframed, 2’ by 2’) for the art category.

This can be done in any medium.

The keen gardeners interested in the fruit and vegetable section will already have begun their preparations in spite of the frequent frosts we are experiencing. For those of you who have looked at the show schedule, you will see there is also an “Open Class” this year for the largest sunflower head. Families as well as individuals can enter and the sunflowers will need planting soon to give them the maximum time to grow. Now is the time to start off those seeds on your kitchen window ledge if you do not have a greenhouse!

If you are not a ‘grower’, something in the craft section might appeal to you. There is knitting, patchwork (and quilting), a handmade birthday card or a hand-made toy using any material. The show schedule has more information or you can ring Christine on 0115 930 9061 for further details regarding the craft items.

There is lots of choice to match a range of skills and talents!

Don’t miss out on having a winning entry by leaving your planning too late!

We normally charge £5 for an announcement in this column (more if a photo is included). You can book and pay at Smoothie Bar, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston. Found notices are free.

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15

Sport

JUST A THOUGHT Wise sayings fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away. - Sir Arthur Helps.

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

IFCSG

Supporters choose Matt Baker as Robins Player of the Year

The Ilkeston FC Supporters Group was proud to announce that Matt Baker won the Ilkeston FC 2015-16 Player of the Year award after the Rushall game last month.

Matt has had an outstanding season for Ilkeston and he has thrived on the extra responsibility after the captaincy of the team was thrust upon him in February.

Matt is also a really likeable young man who truly appreciates the supporters, never failing to shake hands and have a quick word with them after the final whistle. But if it hadn’t been Matt, it wouldn’t have mattered.

Every single one of the young men wearing the Ilkeston FC shirt over the past couple of months has done a stirling job, and all Robins fans are rightly proud of their unceasing commitment in challenging circumstances.

AGM A note for your diaries – the 2016 IFCSG Annual General Meeting will be held on

Wednesday 11th May. We would like all members to attend. Details of the current finances of the group will be made available for scrutiny and there will, as per the rules of the constitution, be an opportunity to vote on the election of a committee to represent the members for 2016-17.

In addition, we intend to hold a post-AGM discussion about the role of the IFCSG going forward and how we can best ensure that football continues to thrive in our town for years to come.

Please arrive from 7.30pm at the clubhouse for an 8pm start. I apologise for the late start of the AGM last year and hope that we can get started promptly on this occasion. There is plenty to talk about!

Duncan Payne

MATCHMAN’S ROUND-UP OF ROBINS MATCHES

home from close range. Ilkeston needed to raise their game in the second half to stay in contention and they came out with more conviction. Both sides had to contend with a terrific storm around the hour mark which threatened to temporarily halt the game, such was its ferocity. Ilkeston were rewarded for a better second half display with a quality late goal from Roy Lee and they could have levelled in the dying moments.

Tues 22nd March 2016 (League Cup semi final)

Scarborough 1 Ilkeston 1

(Scarborough won 5-3 0n penalties)

It was disappointment for Ilkeston on the east coast when they just failed to reach the final of the league cup losing on penalties. It looked promising when David Jones deservedly put them in front on 35 minutes but the home side found an equaliser in the second half though Ryan Blott on 54 minutes. Scarborough then sensed victory and Aiden Print was forced to make a goal line clearance as Ilkeston had to defend but Roy Lee nearly won it for the Robins in the dying moments when his shot clipped a post. The penalty shootout saw Shaw, Baker and Williams score but Danny Gordon’s shot was pushed onto the bar by Scarborough keeper Draper.

This gave Lamplough the opportunity to win it for Scarborough.

Sat 26th March 2016 (Evo-Stik Northern Premier League)

Ashton United 2 Ilkeston 1

Ilkeston gave a second half fright to promotion contenders Ashton United and almost found an equaliser. Jamie Hannis was called upon to make several saves before Ashton eventually took the lead through Morning with a clever lob on 20 minutes. Not surprisingly, Ashton doubled their advantage on 37 minutes through Baguley who hammered

Hot shot Michael Williams was the Ilkeston Advertiser’s Player of the Year, a fitting choice as it was so close between him and Matt Baker.

Mon 28th March 2016 (Evo-Stik Northern Premier League)

Ilkeston 0 Mickleover Spts 2

fore half time through Reid. Spartans then came out fighting in the second half and Dale made it 3-2 on 57 minutes. Ilkeston then defended for their lives and counter attacked to good effect and they held out until the 89th minute when Reid scored his second to make it 3-3. It was so disappointing to concede an equaliser so late in the game but worse was to follow. The referee played a surprising 8 minutes added time and right at the death a brilliant goal from Robbie Dale broke Ilkeston hearts. The Ilkeston supporters shared the frustration and disappointment of their team and gave them a rousing ovation at the end despite the defeat.

much more determined and they pulled a goal back after 56 minutes through Bevins. It was then end to end with both sides creating numerous chances. Hyde thought they had levelled in the last minute but to Ilkeston’s relief the linesman’s flag was up. Five minutes into added time Curtis Burrows made the points safe after a fine run by Dexter Atkinson.

Tues 12th April 2016 (Evo-Stik Northern Premier League)

Buxton 3 Ilkeston 1

Ilkeston were found lacking up front when they met Derbyshire rivals, Buxton. Ash Worsfold was the difference scoring a hat Mon 4th April 2016 (Evo-Stik Northern Premier trick for the Bucks. His first goal caught League) Ilkeston cold in the 2nd minute and he added Ilkeston 2 Whitby 1 to this on 18 minutes. Buxton could have had After the disappointment of losing the Blyth more as they controlled the first half hour but game Ilkeston had a chance to make amends Ilkeston gradually got back into the game in a must win game against fellow strugglers and Atkinson made it 2-1 just before half Whitby and two goals from Michael Wiltime. Ilkeston made a promising start to the liams brought the nine defeat run to an end at second half but were stung by a third goal for last. Whitby made the early running and Buxton on 57 minutes. The goal had a touch should have been ahead before Ilkeston took of fortune as Ilkeston keeper Hill was comthe lead with a penalty on 25 minutes. The pletely wrong footed due to Worsfold’s shot lead was doubled on 38 minutes with a bril- taking a significant deflection. The Robins liant Williams header from a Goddard free fought back but despite having more posseskick. Williams nearly completed a first half sion they couldn’t convert this into goals as hat trick but his attempt was blocked by the the Bucks defence stood firm.

Sat 2nd April 2016 (Evo-Stik NorthernPremier League) legs of Bland. Whitby made a determined Sat 16th April 2016 (Evo-Stik Northern Premier effort in the second half and Ilkeston were Ilkeston 3 Blyth Spartans 4 League) forced to defend.

The visitors got a goal back After eight consecutive league defeats expecIlkeston 4 Rushall Olympic 1 on 66 minutes when Roberts was fouled and tations were not high when Ilkeston enterIlkeston returned to winning ways against a scored from the resultant penalty.

This set up tained league leaders Blyth Spartans. But the normally resolute Rushall Olympic. A misa tense finish but Ilkeston were able to see match turned out to be the game of the seatake by the visitor’s keeper Kieran Preston out the game and halt the run of defeats. son and the Robins were allowed Dexter Atkinson to give Ilkeston the so unlucky to lose. In an Sat 9th April 2016 (Evo-Stik Northern Premier lead on 14 minutes. Meanwhile Ilkeston’s incredible first half IlkesLeague) keeper, Jahquil Hill was busy making several ton stunned their visitors Hyde United 1 Ilkeston 3 outstanding saves at the other end to keep his by racing into a three goal After waiting ages for a win, two came toside ahead until half time. An excellent finish lead. Ilkeston were awardgether when Ilkeston followed up their win

by Danny Gordon made it 2-0 on 64 minutes ed a penalty after 7 against Whitby with another at Hyde.

This while Hill continued to deny the Rushall forminutes but Shaw’s spot win dispelled any lingering relegation fears wards. Ten minutes from time Olympic’s kick was saved by for Ilkeston but opened the trapdoor for ungoalkeeper Preston brought down Roy Lee in McHugh. They then went lucky Hyde.

The home supporters were livid the area and received the inevitable red card. ahead on 10 minutes when when a linesman’s flag denied their team a Lee took the penalty himself and scored Ila Burrows cross was last gasp equaliser.

Ilkeston got off to a flykeston’s third past the substitute keeper. turned into his own net by defender Nicholing start with a first minute goal by Max Rushall then pulled one back through Reid son. On 31 minutes the lead was doubled through Haydn Goddard. Five minutes later Thornberry scoring his first senior goal. Dan- before Tevhan Tyrell wrapped up the scoring ny Gordon made it two after 17 minutes with with his first Ilkeston goal in stoppage time. it was dreamland when Luis Rose made it a cracker and Ilkeston were comfortably in Despite the scoreline, Ilkeston’s man of the three. Crucially Blyth got one back just becontrol at half time. The restart saw Hyde match was keeper Jahquil Hill.

It was Bank Holiday misery for Ilkeston as they slumped to defeat against their local rivals. Ilkeston were looking for a win to end any possible relegation fears but it was Mickleover who grabbed the points with two late goals. The game appeared to be drifting towards a stalemate when Sports were reduced to ten men after their captain Jake Bennet was injured and the visitors had used up all of their substitutes. Nial Thompson showed great determination to give Mickleover the lead on 80 minutes fending off several challenges before scoring. Three minutes from time, Ilkeston’s misery was complete as John McGrath’s free kick found the net through a crowded penalty area.

‘Game of the season’

16 Ilkeston Life, May 2016

Teammates congratulate Matt Baker. Photo: Craig Lamont.