Ilkeston Life Newspaper January 2018

30p where sold

JANUARY 2018 A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area ilkestonlife.com

CO-OP REMEMBERED. A plaque to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding of Ilkeston Co-op on South Street was unveiled on 6th December. Sponsored by Ilkeston and District Local History Society, it was uncovered by Elaine Dean, President of Midland Co-op, supported by Tanya Noon, Members Services. See Happy days at the Co-op, Page 11.

A time of good will Kind folk of Erewash reach out to those down on their luck

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ocal people have shown they have hearts of gold with a pre-Christmas drive to help others.

These are just some of the efforts local folk have made to spread some seasonal cheer.

Erewash MP Maggie Throup launched her Kind Coats Campaign, calling for donations of coats to help “those less fortunate in our community to keep warm this winter.” Residents responded and dropped off their unwanted coats at Maggie’s Community Office (Ilkeston) and ShopMobility (Long Eaton). For distributiom between local charities including the Canaan Trust and P3, as well as our local churches.

Alannah Joanne Biggs and team have collected an amazing 15,000 items to stock up the Ilkeston Food Bank.

This is their fourth year of doing it and each time they have done better: 2014 200 items; 2015 - 950 items; 2016 5,830 items; this year – over 15,000 items.

Alannah, a nurse of Shipley View, thanked her supporters saying “You were fantastic, what an absolutely crazy amount given.

Yes, it shouldn't be happening and it's sad that we need a food bank but that’s the way it is and you’ve all done great. Rest assured our efforts will be appreciated by those who rely on the Arena foodbank.”

Cotmanhay mum Jemma Smedley was touched seeing homeless people on the streets of Derby and Nottingham. Together with some friends, she organised a collection of sleeping bags, blankets, gloves and clothing and then took it out them, along with hot soup and snacks.

Jemma, a former Ilkeston Salvation Army volunteer said: “While out, we were all absolutely freezing cold after a couple of hours; how these poor people deal with this 24 hours a day every day I cannot begin to imagine. One guy was literally shaking, he was so cold. I gave him a hot drink and a cheese and bacon toastie. I have never seen someone get so excited about bacon!”

Doctors Webb and Johal at Ilkeston Health Centre also made a collection of clothing and blankets for homeless people. They also asked for dog blankets, remembering that many rough sleepers have pets with them.

Individuals and local churches sought to contact people who would be on their own at Christmas and invited them to come and have a meal with them.

In her Christmas message Erewash Mayor Cllr Mary Hopkinson referred to “the armies of volunteers in our community who work selflessly to help others. These are wonderful people involved in groups and charities too numerous to mention by name but who are well known to so many of us.

We have so much to be proud of in our borough.”

INSIDE:

Your letters Your poems Review of the year

Patricia Spencer Local

Independent Fresh Entertaining

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f you don’t get a copy through your door, Ilkeston Life is available online and from various outlets including newsagents, shops, cafes, Post Offices and supermarkets in our growing circulation area. Besides Ilkeston, we are currently supplying: KIRK HALLAM COTMANHAY SHIPLEY VIEW HALLAM FIELDS LARKLANDS STANTON-BY-DALE DALE ABBEY WEST HALLAM STANLEY

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Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, DE7 8AH Tel: 07539 808390 Editor: Robert Attewell Deputy Editor: Paul Opiah news@ilkestonlife.com Staff feature writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Staff photographer: John Shelton john@ilkestonlife.com Advertising: Christine Chell Paul Opiah sales @ilkestonlife.com Webmaster: Adam Newton adam@ilkestonlife.com © Copyright 2018 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.

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ISSN 2515-1231 Current circulation: 10,000 copies

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

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In Search of Snow: Our Trip of a lifetime to Switzerland

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n May 1999 our daughter went to live in Switzerland with her new husband. They asked us if we would like to go and stay with them for the Christmas holidays. I answered back, of course we would!

It is not very often we get a white Christmas here in Ilkeston, but I felt sure we would get one in Switzerland.

My husband and I, our daughter, Helen and our granddaughterwho was two and half at the time, flew out on the 23rd December.

We were all very excited about the trip and in high spirits as we boarded the plane.

Stephanie met us at the Airport and drove us to their home in the village where they were renting a house.

It was a lovely old typical Tyrolean house with a balcony outside on the first floor.

But, disappointingly, there was no sign of any snow.

The village they lived in was only a short distance from the borders of France and Germany. She used to carry all three different currencies in her purse at all times because she liked to shop wherever it was cheapest at the time.

We went out every day and we were never sure which country we were in.

It was also only a few miles outside of Basel, Switzerland’s capital. After we had unpacked we drove into Basel to meet Andrew from work and had a Pizza. We went to the Toy Museum in Basel and were looking at the Doll’s Houses. For some reason Devon kept calling them Baby Houses.

Then when we were reading

about them we found out that is what they used to call them. It was very odd.

The following day, Christmas Eve we drove to Colmar in France and had a look round their Christmas Market. It was really cold so we bought hot chestnuts, mulled wine and the most delicious coffee éclairs. I also bought a chocolate Yule Log for tea on Christmas Day. When we got back home there was still no snow, but it was really cold so they made a log fire.

Stephanie and I prepared the vegetables for Christmas dinner and I made a table decoration after collecting holly and other greenery from the garden.

We put Devon to bed but after about an hour we heard her crying. Up to this time she still had her dummies. She always carried about three with her. We had told her that if she wanted Santa to come she must give them to him.

She had agreed to give him two and keep one. She had woken up and had lost it and thought Santa had been and stolen it. We found it for her and she went back to sleep.

Helen, my daughter had to put the light on if she got up in the night, but had difficulty finding the right switch. It was only when she heard Andrew shouting one morning that the garage door was open again. She had inadvertently been pressing the button to lift the garage door. She never did tell him it was her fault.

Devon got us up at 5.30 the next morning to open her presents, but I went back to bed for a couple of hours once we had opened everything.

Two of Stephanie and Andrew’s friends joined us for lunch and we had a very pleasant day. Still no snow!

26th December: There were really bad storms all around Europe. The high winds fetched a chimney pot of the house and it started to rain in. It brightened up after lunch and we were able to have a walk round the beautiful village- even without the snow!

27th December: Andrew said he would take us to find the snow. It was a cold but sunny day and we drove by car to Murren. We then went on a train, then a bus to Lake Geneva, where we boarded a boat to cross the water where Andrew promised us SNOW! As we sat in the café on board having a coffee, there it was, it had started to snow. After about half an hour we alighted back on to land. It was still snowing. We boarded the funicular that took us up the mountain and when we alighted, all around us was SNOW! Outside the café was a beautiful horse drawn carriage with a driver just waiting to take us round the village and forest. We boarded the carriage - Devon and I sat up front with the driver who covered our legs with a blanket.

It was absolutely wonderful-the snow stung our faces turning them red- our noses where as red as Rudolph’s red nose. I know this because I have seen him.

The only sound was the ringing of the bells on the horse’s harnesses as they jingled all the way round the lake. And still it

snowed. The scenery was serene and the trees bowed down with snow, dropping it onto the blanket on our knees.

I was a magical ride. I will remember it all my life. It is a shame Devon cannot remember but maybe one day we will go back together and do it again.

When we got off by the café I shook the drivers hand and thanked him profusely. I think the poor man thought I was mad!

By this time we were all frozen, so went into the café for coffee and cake.

When we were once again warmed through we had a look around before making our way to the funicular and back down to the lake.

By this time the light was beginning to go and by the time we reached the shore it was quite dark apart from the electric lights on the shelter.

Then suddenly we were pitched into blackness. There were about a dozen people waiting for the boat to take us back over the lake.

We began to get worried that we would be found frozen solid the next morning, standing by the lake like Snowmen as it had once more begun to snow.

Then we heard the swishing of water and knew we were going to be picked up before we froze to death. It was the sound of a Steamboat’s paddles. This was really exciting as none of us had been on a steamboat before.

Soon we were safely boarded and on our way back to Murren. What a wonderful day it had been- One that will live on in my memory forever.

Ilkestonlife.com

A Dickens of a good panto Review of ‘Bah, Humbug!’ - a pantomime by Ilkeston Theatre Company (Friday 1st December 2017) Ilkeston Theatre Company put on another great show with a spirited performance of ‘Bah, Humbug!’ an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’.

The panto delighted the audience at the cosy and warm Seven Oaks marquee.

Paul Ensor (pictured) was the star as Ebenezer Scrooge, the skinflint who finally changed his priorities after meeting with the ghosts of Christmas Past (Justine Haywood), Christmas Present (Becks Macey) and Christmas Future (Tracey Dean).

Scrooge’s former business partner, Jacob Marley (Steve Walton) was another ghost who visited the miserly accountant and heard the oft repeated catchphrase ‘Bah, humbug!’

Scrooge’s employee Bob Cratchit was sensitively played by Ryan Fletcher and Mrs Cratchit by Jenni Walker. Tiny Tim Cratchit (Penny Courtney) was not the pitiful child of the traditional story but a mischievous brat, unlike his wellbehaved siblings Jim (Laura Webster) and Kim (Lucy Tanner).

Ben Mills as always provided the laughs as Miss Belle Bakewell, a former acquaintance of Scrooge.

Other main roles were entrusted to Marilyn Lucia Keates (Beggit),

Tesco’s donation of 250 toys for needy families

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Paul Ensor played Scrooge

Jacqueline Dixon (Cadgit), Adrian Thornley (Mr Fezziwig), Angie Jacks (Mrs Fezziwig), Mandy Bull (Police Officer) and Ady Fletcher (Pianist).

Children of the Tamz Dance Studio also played their part in this sparkling production with singing and dancing routines.

Songs in the show included ‘Money, Money, Money’, ‘With a Thankful Heart’, ‘Thank You Very much’ and the excellent ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

There was long applause as the players took their bows at the end – another satisfying story told by this enthusiastic company who never fail to please and add their own special touch with local references and humour. RA

January 2018

here are lots of families in crisis; unmanageable debts and people fleeing domestic violence and mental ill health to name a few. This year Tesco are donating 250 toys locally to vulnerable families including these two below.

Tesco are proud to work with Rev Anne Vesse, the Minister of Elim Church, by donating toys which will help take the pressure off their clients who are being supported by Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

CAP helps families struggling with unmanageable debts by working out personal budget plans and liaising with their creditors to pay off their debts over a period of time.

At the same time, local volunteers come alongside the families to offer them both emotional and practical support. Ian Robertson, the Ilkeston debt centre manager, said, “We are really grateful to Tesco for the donated toys. We know they will bring a smile to the faces of the families and make a real difference to their Christmas celebrations.”

The Children’s Centre is at the heart of the Cotmanhay community and Tesco work closely to support them. They run a Community Kitchen 3 times a week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Fareshare and Tesco Foodcloud support the Centre enabling affordable meals for the community.

The volunteers forum have organised a party for 70 local children and the toys for this event have been donated by Tesco. The party was held Wednesday 13th December with music, food, games and prizes. The rolls and fruit were supplied by Tesco.

The Centre also provided food hampers for the families in need over the Christmas period.

Angie Young, Tesco Community Champion

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Ilkestonlife.com

Have your say Letters to the

Editor

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

War has many victims As well as the ‘Glorious Dead’ remember the damaged living

When I was a young boy we had our holidays in Blackpool and we were there for V.J. Day (Victory in Japan). It was pouring with rain but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the Americans stationed in the area.

Bands playing along the prom during the day and at night – though as a youngster and sent to bed I missed them – fireworks and bonfires. In the morning the piles of ash on top of the air raid shelters were visible to all. The shelters were along the prom and all wooden objects had been buried including the deckchairs and high carts that took holidaymakers out to the boats for a trip around the bay.

Dad then wanted a change so they decided to visit Aberdeen loved by the Scots, and the country but though the sun shone it was too cold for them, so another discussion and this time I suggested Europe. Dad gave me a look and said “I’ve been to Europe and I didn’t like it”, end of discussion.

They chose Torquay.

I had heard that Dad went to Ireland in the twenties, something to do with work and the Irish Sweepstake but never to Europe, so I asked Mam. This time Mam gave me a look, and said “1914-18 a lot of men went abroad.” I had seen photos of Dad in uniform but as he wasn’t 18 until 1918 I’d assumed he hadn’t been called on. What fighting had he been in then?

“You may have heard on the radio when they are making fun of being scared, and they have to change their underwear, your Dad doesn’t laugh, in fact he will leave the room and sit on his own. He was assigned to the Graves Commission and he, and the men with him, had to collect the dead from

the battlefields. Lying in the mud and their excrement and urine didn’t improve them and, as your Dad said, they were found in all sorts of positions. The positions relating to whether they had been cut to pieces by machine gun fire or blown to bits by shell fire, did a coffin hold one body or parts of one or two bodies? It became too much for your Dad, and he got early release.”

It was the dead that did for Dad, but it was the living that did for my cousin. He was in the R.A.F. as a radio operator in a Bomber Command control tower. The cries and screams of the returning air crews in planes damaged and on fire. It was the suffering of others, not his own suffering, that gave him sleepless nights.

A neighbour was also in the R.A.F., doing what I don’t know. He and some of his comrades went swimming in Coventry baths for a little R and R. There are generally notices telling you not to jump in but there is always one pillock. This time though he didn’t make a big splash as he landed on my neighbour’s back. His military service was ended. He firstly walked with the aid of a stick and finished in a wheelchair.

Three young men suffering, not heroic wounds, but injured by war nonetheless.

Remember them and the scores of men and women who did not join the Glorious Dead but the damaged living. Perhaps not heroes but men who did their best for King and Country.

The three young men were Harry Carr, Harry Clarke and Harry Stephenson.

T Carr, Ilkeston

Milkman story was a brilliant read dealership on Derby Road in the early I am writing to say what an interesting story you had in last month’s paper about nineties and we used to repair milk floats. the West Hallam milkman.

I am also a fan of stock car racing. Milk Northern Dairies had a place on Ash Street, Cotmanhay years ago. It is now houses.

My wife remembers it well when they used to turn the lorries around outside her house, mainly at night.

I used to work at the Ilkeston Co-op car

float parts (prop shaft, wheels, etc.) were often used to build and repair the stock cars.

Brilliant story.

Nigel Deeley, Toton

My train set was on display at Christmas Thank you for sending the latest edition of Ilkeston Life, which arrived by post yesterday.

Ilkeston Co-op at that time, used to 'borrow' my Hornby train set (or part of it) for an in-store display at Christmas.

It seems a lifetime ago now!

Again, an excellent mix of old and new, past and present.

Thank you for including my latest dining I recall Gunn's Toy Shop with many happy out review and I hope your readers continue to find them useful and interesting. memories.

Indeed, during the late 1950's my brother- Best regards, in-law, who was the deputy manager at the Trevor Langley, Long Eaton.

January 2018

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Christmas post experiences It was early December 1961, and having turned 16 a couple of months previously, I was eligible to apply for temporary work, delivering seasonal mail around Ilkeston.

left, along Hallam Fields Road, calling at houses, shops and Stanton Institute, then down Crompton Street, towards Stanton Ironworks, and via the sewage works, to the canal, then Trowell Boards, to the road for the bus back to the Drill Hall. What I, along with several fellow students bliss to have an empty sack to carry by this of Ilkeston Grammar and Hallcroft stage! Good too, that on foggier days, I Schools, therefore applied, and we were had not got lost in the murk around Stanaccepted, at the main post office on South ton.

Street. Luckily, our schools gave permission for us to take time away, provided that I continued to do Ilkeston Christmas post we arranged to attend the Christmas Carol for a further 5 years. Some mornings, I would catch the bus to Lower Stanton Services.

Road, where my round began at the houses My first day was Monday 18th Decemthere, and the Andriesse factory. My route ber. Instructions were to sign in at then took me down Little Hallam Lane, 7:45am in the temporary, seasonal sorting with its side roads included. On frosty office, set up in the Drill Hall on Albert mornings, the letter boxes at the top of the Street. There, I was introduced to “my” hill always seemed to freeze, so that it was regular postman and the rather intimidating a struggle to push mail through them. How racks, packed with mail, arranged, accord- cold it was for the hands! There were ing to destination road names. I was times when, as soon as I posted items shown how to load a round, in the correct through a letter box, I was aware of a dog order, into a huge delivery sack, ready to barking and “intercepting” the mail. I did take out. I had been assigned to Walk 2, wonder if any of it was fit to read afterand given information on starting and end- wards! ing points of the round. At the time, I was about 5 feet in height, and of slim build, so Following the deliveries each day, we did draw some sympathy from “my” post- would move over to the South Street Ofman, as I heaved the fully laden sack onto fice, to help with sorting, before going home, sometimes around 6: 30pm. the my shoulder, and headed for the exit door. No wheeled trolleys to help ease the atmosphere while loading rounds in sacks, or sorting, was always friendly, the regular burden in those days! There were, seemingly, fewer mail vans available back then postal staff helpful and in good hutoo, as, in order to start my round, I had to mour. During my final year away at college, I applied to help with Christmas post catch a Midland General bus from South in the city where I was by then resident. I Street, to the bottom of Nottingham Road. From here, I would walk to Corpo- spent the whole week in the sorting office, ration Road, to begin posting mail through but the experience was nowhere near as letter boxes of houses and factories, work- pleasant as my time in Ilkeston. ing my way up to Charnos. It was then Margaret Dawson (nee Booth)

My heartfelt thanks to Treetops nursing at home service My Dad, William (Bill) Sutton, was a dearly loved family man who was always smartly dressed, often in a shirt and tie, and remembered by everyone who knew him as one of life’s true gentlemen.

In 2015, Dad was diagnosed with diastolic heart failure. Knowing my Dad was dying, and the fear that he could end his days in a hospital, kept me awake at night and I knew I couldn’t allow that to happen.

Dad said that when the time came he would want to be at home with my Mum and his family around him.

By the start of 2016, Dad’s quality and energy for life was diminishing. By June, utterly exhausted with fighting, he made the decision to start withdrawing medication.”

It was at this point that I heard about Treetops Hospice at Home service.

To know that Dad could have the end to his life that he wanted - I cannot begin to explain the relief that gave us all.

I remember the Treetops nurse being friendly with an aura of calm around her.

She immediately went to my Dad and introduced herself, holding his hand and reassuring him and doing the same with my Mum and me. I remember crying with absolute relief that should anything happen after I had left, he was in safe, respectful and caring hands.

We knew when we’d had shared our last

precious day with Dad. When the nurse arrived, she just knew the situation without the need for endless questions or to take us away from our time together.

She quietly did things around us and very gently explained we needed to get our rest and that she would tell us immediately if things were changing.

I left feeling that if my Dad should pass before I came back, he would pass with calmness, love and care. I cannot describe how that feels - simply priceless.

Treetops gave my Dad the gift of leaving this life at home, surrounded by the love of his family. Dad was very poorly and needed expert medical care to die without pain and suffering. It was given calmly and respectfully without intrusion in the most caring way you can imagine.

I hope in sharing our story that people understand the amazing difference Treetops made to my Dad and his family. That amazing gift could be there for other families and I know Dad would be very happy to think his story could help others.”

Jennifer Dearman

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

Song for Derbyshire launched at schools singathon in the park

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ive local schools took part in a singathon in Ilkeston’s Victoria Park.

Despite the cold weather it was a resounding success with each school choir singing their own practised pieces, then joining together to sing the newly composed Song for Derbyshire.

Schools taking part were: Cotmanhay Junior (Thinking Out Loud, Sing and One Last Time); Chaucer Junior (Rudolph Medley, Midnight, Rockin’ Round the Christmas Tree); Granby Junior (Winter Wonderland, Let it Snow); Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy (Somewhere Only We Know, Silent Night, Merry Christmas Everyone); Dallimore Primary (Bleak Midwinter, Jingle Bells).

All the choirs combined to sing the specially written song: Best That You Can Be, composed by Derbyshire Music Education Hub. The song features places in the county and begins: From the windy ridge of Curbar to Birch Vale, From the oak trees on the Derwent to the fields of Darley Dale, From the caverns of Blue John to the Heights of Abraham, There is something in the air that makes me who I am.

From the White Peak to the moors that make the Dark, From the Rams at Derby Stadium to the deer at Chatsworth Park, From the cotton mills at Cromford to the bridge across the Lea, It's a place to grow, a place I want to be.

Above: People at the Singathon in Victoria Park. Left: The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson and Sue Dunkley, the civic officer, EBC, try to keep warm. Photos: Kerry Wheatley

The singathon took place in the presence of the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson, and was organised by Erewash Borough Council.

Watched by parents and members of the public, the event around the recently refurbished bandstand was described as ‘amazing’ by many despite the bitterly cold weather.  More pictures on Page 12.

West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society For our November meeting, Danny Wells gave us a thorough and interesting historical overview of English gardening through the ages Monasteries were initially very important providing all food, flowers and herbal remedies to the Monks. We learnt that the Romans were very influential by introducing apple, cherry and plum trees amongst many other plants to England. Up to the 16th Century English gardens were seen as places for meditation and contemplation and therefore tended to have sundials, funeral urns and antique furniture within.

During the Georgian period Lancelot Capability Brown was extremely influential as a landscape artist and he redesigned the very famous gardens at Chatsworth house making them far less formal and more in tune with nature. Stowe and Longleat are also great examples of Georgian designed gardens.

During the Victorian era James Bateman was a huge influence and over 16 years and with the help of his friend Edward William Cooke, he developed the gardens at Biddulph Grange. There were many themes from Chinese to Egyptian which reflected the very eclectic style as overseas travel became much more common for the better off. John Claudius Loudon, a Scottish botanist, gardener and cemetery designer was the first to use the term Arboretum and he went on to create the arboretum at Derby. He believed the various

classes should mix, and he formed this space where they could coexist. This change in times also lead to an expectation that schools, cemeteries etc all required gardens of their own.

The Edwardian period was a time where gardens were seen as a places of innocence. Kipling was inspired to write one of his famous poems “The Glory of the Garden”. Many children’s books were written with a gardening theme, e.g “The Secret Garden”. The influence of gardens showed through in name choices of the time such as Daisy, Violet, Primrose.

As World War 1 arrives there is a national striving for home grown food, and allotments become popular. During the 1930’s white gardens become all the rage to symbolise hope and resolution. However this is short lived as World War 2 begins and the drive again for allotments and the dig for victory campaign take off.

Danny certainly helped to bring an even deeper appreciation when visiting various gardens throughout England.

Our next meeting is on Monday 15th January when Kevin Pyke will give a demonstration on time lapse photography called How Plants Work.

Happy New Year.

Jenny Thacker

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Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

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Explorer Scouts spread a bit of festive cheer

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recently formed Explorer Scout Group surprised local residents by randomly leaving a hand-made Christmas reindeer on their doorsteps.

NEWS FROM STRAW’S BRIDGE

by Jeff Wynch Network Rail has now carried out some repair work on the railway bridge that was vandalised a few weeks ago. The parapet masonry has been re-pointed and made safe, and a new palisade fence erected to prevent access to the bridge.

The new Green Flag was hoisted on Thursday, 9th October, by Ted Jones, a founder member of the Friends of Straw’s Bridge. Ted’s bird, bug and bat boxes have been popular purchases at West Hallam Well Dressings and other events over the years, raising significant funds for the group. Straw’s Bridge has also received a special award in the East Midlands in Bloom competition for ‘Best Wildflower and Conservation Area’.

Members of the Derbyshire Bat

Conservation Group have carried out their annual check on the twelve bat boxes. There are still no signs of occupation, but there are plenty of bats hunting in the area, so they must be happy with their present accommodation.

Four more elms have been planted around the site. The Friends’ next project is to launch a tern raft on the main pond.

The Friends hold meetings four times a year, organise wildlife walks, carry out conservation and other work and hold fund raising events to finance improvements to the site. If you love your Local Nature Reserve why not join them. The next meeting is in the Bowls Pavilion, Victoria Park, at 7pm on Thursday, 18th January, 2018.

Keep up with Straw’s Bridge news on Facebook or by visiting www.friendsofstrawsbridge.co.uk

Erewash Ramblers Erewash Ramblers are a local group and we welcome everyone to come along to our walks, enjoy the countryside, get some gentle exercise and make new friends.

Details of our walks are on our website : www.erewashramblers.org.uk We also have a Facebook page with lots of pictures of our walks.

We would ask that after 2 or 3 walks, if you like us, you become a member of the Ramblers.

Please ensure you have adequate footwear and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.

If you are new to rambling it is better to start with the short walks on Wednesdays.

Just turn up at the start point and you will be made most welcome.

As a matter of interest for the first 9 months of 2017 we have had 2,377 people out enjoying our various walk

Alan Brown

People in Stanley Common and West Hallam woke up to find the gifts which were accompanied by a tag saying: "Here is a little reindeer, with love from us to you, It will keep you smiling, The whole festive season through. It likes to listen to laughter, and people having fun, We hope you will accept it, and see a good turn done. Love from the 10th Explorer Scouts.”

Helen Collins, a leader of the group told us: “We are a new Explorer Group (14-18 year olds) based in Stanley Common with the 10th Ilkeston Scout Group. We just started up on 30th October. At our second meeting we made these Christmas Reindeer, then at our next meeting we walked from Stanley Common to West Hallam and randomly left the gifts at people's houses. We have had a great response from people who received one.

“Radio Derby were quickly in touch and sent Heidi Booth out to meet some of our Explorers and find out about what we did. She also made a few reindeer of her own to deliver. It has been lovely to promote young people in such a positive way, they are a great bunch!

“The reindeer were made out of wooden spoons. We were going to use log disks, but after not being able to source any, in true Scout

style we improvised. We added twigs for antlers and put faces on the spoons. We attached a tag to them too so people knew they were from us. We delivered about 30 to

40 altogether.”

There are currently 17 Explorers in the Unit. They meet at the Bartram Centre in Stanley Common.

Stacey’s Bakery in bun deal with restaurant chain A family bakery based in Derbyshire has proved its buns are the best after landing a deal with a company that has restaurants all over the country.

Stacey’s Bakery, which has a main bakery in Ilkeston, supplies a range of its products to George’s Kitchen which has restaurants in cities including Leeds, Newcastle, Nottingham and Liverpool.

The restaurant, which is an extension of Belper born George’s Tradition fish and chips, uses a variety of products made by Stacey’s including brioche buns, ginger steamed puddings, chocolate orange tarts, Bakewell tarts, candyfloss Brulee and frangipane tarts.

In just one week Stacey’s Bakery supply George’s with £1,000 worth of its delicious products. David Stacey, owner of Stacey’s Bakery, said that by next year he will need to take on an extra staff member to deal with the George’s Kitchen order as they now doing a bigger range of products for them and supplying more restaurants.

He said: “Georges love to use local family businesses because they’re a local family business too. They started coming to the Bath Street shop for bread years ago because the chip shop used to run out and they found that our quality was good. They would sometimes buy 80 loaves a day.”

George’s Tradition chip shop went on to use a bakery in Blackburn for its bread and buns but the quality wasn’t

up to scratch, so they came back to Stacey’s.

The 1,500 brioche buns supplied to George’s Kitchen each week are used for its burgers. Stacey’s Bakery, which has shops in Ilkeston, Heanor and Eastwood, also supplies products including sweetcorn pancakes and ginger steam pudding.

David added: “George’s Kitchen has a development chef who comes up with new recipes which we then produce.”

Development chef for George’s Kitchen, Duncan Poyser, said: ‘We’re absolutely obsessed with making sure that all of the dishes we serve to our customers are made using fresh ingredients, that stay true to our values and ethics of never using artificial flavour-

ings, or preservatives, with all of our dishes being made to our own recipes when working with our suppliers.

“We understand the importance of building close relationships with our suppliers, that is built on quality and trust, with a constant focus on making sure what we serve our customers, is the best it possibly can be. One of the suppliers that we have worked with for several years now is Stacey’s Bakery, who are renowned for their quality and commitment to using the freshest, natural ingredients like ourselves.

We hope to continue working together for many years to come, ensuring we carry on serving our customers food that they can continue to trust and enjoy.”

Ilkestonlife.com

Mapperley Church gates stolen

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION!

D

Some time between 6pm on 26th November, and 8.30am on the 27th, Holy Trinity Church in Mapperley had its wooden gates stolen.

Priest Gill Turner-Callis said: “These gates front the road, and lead to the church yard. They, combined with the porch in which they stand, act as Mapperley's war memorial. Without them, it is feared that young children visiting the church over the Christmas period may run straight out into the road.”

 Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 101, quoting incident no. 17000516613.

o you ever feel envious of other motorists? I do, now and again. Someone parked a gleaming Rolls Royce right outside my door; its colour, like my envy, was green.

There I stood, gazing at mechanised grandeur, dreaming of a stainless steel radiator, hand-beaten headlamps, weighted and matched pistons, veneer from exotic forests and a host of other enviable features.

Two things brought me down to earth; my old banger parked on the road and a verse from the Bible, half a verse to be precise, “Be content with such things as you have…”

Now, that seems to be just one more restrictive practice; a permanent freeze on my standard of living. Why shouldn`t I fret for a better car or the thousand and one other things I would like? But then, what will that kind of worry do to me and why

does the Bible discourage envy?

Well, I feel that the Bible is a therapeutic book; its prime aim is my spiritual and physical health and contentment plays a major part in good health.

On the other hand discontentment is at the root of many a sickness. I can drive myself down Avarice Avenue until I crack under the strain. But, what good will that do me? So, trusting that I will stop to think, those words are fired across my bows, “Be content with your battered banger….and anything else you are fretting over”.

Wholehearted contentment! Is it really possible? I believe it is. In my view, the core of all contentment is God`s smile upon my life. That is where the other half of that Bible verse comes in, “Be content with such things as you have, for He has said, `I will never leave you nor forsake you`.”

Man`s possessions – God’s presence. Very few of of us are fortunate enough to have both. But forced to choose, I would plump for the latter every time.

West Hallam Methodist Church Looking Back and looking Forward Amongst the crowd of over 60 visitors to our Carols and Coffee on December 4th was the Mayor, Councillor Mary Hopkinson and (see photo) Hester (the receptionist from a Bethlehem Hotel) and Clive (a Middle Eastern travelling salesman) who was having much trouble obtaining his secure ‘donkey parking’ because a baby had been born in the Stable.

The event including poems, readings and popular carols along with hot drinks and mince pies was enjoyed by all.

Ken Calder

happen for a reason, special friends come into our lives and sometimes they can’t stay, but to be thankful for the good times shared together.

I’m now spending more time in the garden playing ‘chase’ with the squirrels and ‘tag’ with the pigeons, but I’m not always on my own, Darwin, George’s younger brother now comes most mornings to sit besides me under the tree and watch the squirrels run along the branches. He’s great, we even play chase with each other up the trees. We have lots of fun together, especially when he chases the Vicar’s hens, they flap their wings and get into such a panic, silly hens, he won’t hurt them.

Life doesn’t stay still, things happen, and who knows what this next year will bring, but I really do hope it’s a happy one.

Bye for now,

Happy New Year! I’m not 100% sure what ‘New Year’ is, but I’m pleased it’s happy. I wasn’t very happy recently, yes of course I love Christmas and everything was busy and fun, but something has changed. It’s George. I’ve noticed how he and Pips spent a lot of time together in Church, I like Church but not as much as them, they both enjoy the attention and fuss from all the kind people but I’m still a little shy and nervous. George doesn’t want to play with me like he used to. The things we used to do together, he doesn’t want to do anymore. Then I see him and Pips happy together. Playing in the churchyard, like we used to do, and enjoying the bright morning sunshine sitting together on the wall, watching the dogs go by.

I could be upset, I could be jealous, and I could be heart broken, but I’m trying to be positive and to think differently. I’m please George and Pips are friends, I’m pleased they have fun together, they are both lovely. By being nasty, jealous and bitter, the only one I hurt is myself. Things Florence

7

Local Church News

The Diary of a Vicarage Cat Dear Diary,

January 2018

Local church news, events and Christian comment

Our Midweek Fellowship Group’s next meeting on Wednesday 10th January 12 noon for a Chip lunch (order and pay on arrival) and the planning of our 2018 activities. All are welcome!

The next Story Café is planned for Friday 19th January at 7.30pm when the guests will a ‘Shadows’ tribute band “The Owd Shaduz” and Hazel Dilnot. The band’s return visit will take you back to the musical explosion of the 60s and 70s with the sounds of the Shadows including hits which gained their fame. Keith (Lead Guitar/ Radiographer), Phil (Keyboards/ Telecom Technician), Ian (Guitar/ Primary School Teacher) and Alan (Drums/ Carpenter-Joiner and Boat Builder) came together after retirement to enjoy sharing their music and their faith.

Hazel will be sharing the story of her faith journey. There is no charge for admission but donations are invited to cover the cost of the event. Drinks and cakes are on sale during the evening. West Hallam Methodist Church is on High Lane West DE7 6HP.

We wish all contributors to this page a

The Gate of the Year And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”

And he replied: “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

These now famous words, part of a poem

by Minnie Louise Haskins (1875 – 1957), were broadcast by King George VI in his Christmas 1939 message to the Empire.

They struck a chord with a country facing the uncertainty of war.

We stand at the gate of the year. A new year is dawning; the old one is coming to an end. We look back at that which has passed and we look forward with anticipation (or perhaps trepidation) to that which lies before us.

As we go through the gate of 2018, no one can know what it will bring. But God knows, and he will direct our steps when we put our trust in him.

Adapted from an old Ilkeston Salvation Army publication.

Church but not as you know it I saw your event advertised in Ilkeston Life

This advert caught your eye. Your advert could alert others to your special occasion.

Whether it’s a service, a coffee morning, a campaign, a concert, a trip, an exhibition, an outdoor event or whatever, attract more people with a cost effective announcement in Ilkeston Life.

Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children

Saturday 13th Jan: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4pm Saturday 27th Jan: Sandiacre Methodist Church, Butt Street, 4pm Subject: Bible heroes Make a good start to the year Ilkeston URC Toddler Service: Friday 5th January, 10am

Ilkestonlife.com

Frozen

The framed flowers on the wall, At odd angles, not arranged.

Looking forlorn as the temperature plumThere's a single bed, mets Pale blue and unmade, Black dots perch among frozen trees A chair in the corner, Patiently they wait for the cold light of day In a similar shade.

And winter sunshine to thaw the freeze.

A sink and a mirror, All around colourful lights are seen With faint toothpaste smears, Reflecting dancing shadows across the ice A faded old photograph, As copper clouds drift on a prevailing wind That depicts younger years.

Clashing with the morning sunrise.

A clock on the wall, The distinctive sound of crunching ice Still ticking away, As I walked across thin icy ground It's a hour behind time, Gave me a most rewarding feeling But that don't matter today.

Listening to such a pleasant sound.

The view through the window, Daylight broke as the ice began to thaw A vast field of green, Quickly disappearing, steam rising from the With the trees swaying softly, floor It's all looking serene.

The wonder of nature had played its part And this floor has been trod on, again Bringing back the sunshine and sometimes By so many different feet, All moving so slowly, rain.

With a new day to greet.

Thomas Hosker But room twenty-four, Won't be empty for long, A new soul will soon grace it, Waking up to bird song.

The eyes of the city, © Steven Michael Pape 2017 Tall buildings loom, As hands dirty like the earth, Hold cold coins of pity.

The cracks in the paving stones, That glint of light I saw that night Like the dark recesses of our mind.

In an instant was gone out of sight A safe place to escape into.

My thoughts started racing at the time The sirens of the city, pierce the air, Was it my imagination playing tricks with As the laughter escapes the pubs, my mind?

A thousand swollen livers, Embracing the late night license.

It was me alone who knew what I saw The homeless man, holding, That glint of light excited me more Creased editions of the Big Issue, It played on my mind for most of that day Eyes showing hope, yet deep despair, That light in the sky would not go away.

Is etched into his face, As weeks passed by doing my daily routine Showing the pavements abuse.

I’d pause and think back to that night what The eyes of the city, I’d seen Are like the eyes of the old, I never again saw that light in the sky Watchful yet sometimes vacant, But the memory will stay with me till the Observing the human circus, day I die.

As dirty puddles refect our image, Like the fairground mirrors, Thomas Hosker Of our childhood, distorted.

The eyes of the city

The Light in the Sky

© Steven Michael Pape 2017

Happy New Year

Wasteland

Here's a blank sheet of paper.

Another one.

Perhaps this time you’ll Paint a better picture.

Yesteryear is gone.

Now is a new beginning.

Each day a second chance.

Waste no time.

You can your life enhance.

Every day paint in a new thing.

A special touch to your picture bring.

Regard 2018 as your year of zing. R.A.

Houses are being built, On every bit of wasteland.

Low cost, and high rise, Cheap bricks and sand.

The vandals spray the walls, With poorly spelt words.

The To Let signs are broken, Lying splintered, disturbed.

And the pubs are kinda grimy, There's a feeling of lost hope.

The kinda places that, Have cracked sinks & no soap.

The smell of stale beer, And a thousand late nights.

Of lock ins and laughter, And the obligatory fist fight.

And through this wasteland, Of all the pale & tired faces, With their dreams of a better life, Different town, different places.

And the scratchcards & booze, Paid for by the dole, Bringing home the bacon, Along with the toilet rolls.

The smashed glass shines, On this place of despair.

Walking through this wasteland, Ignoring all the stares.

© Steven Michael Pape 2017

Room twenty-four In room twenty-four, The atmosphere’s strange.

Office Christmas Party Standin' around the Christmas tree with the same old office bunch.

Bored to death, I wanted to flee until someone spiked the punch.

Singin' around the Christmas tree everybody holds their ears.

Another round of tasty punch while I spread the party cheer. (chorus) I tend to get a little rowdy feeling . . . when I drink, and shout "Come on, let's celebrate.

Deck those halls, I'm feeling great!"

Dancin' around the Christmas tree with a lampshade on my head.

Co-workers point and laugh with glee as I turn their faces red.

Chasin' around the Christmas tree with mistletoe in my teeth.

Falling on to the copier and around my neck a wreath.

January 2018

8

Your Space Do you enjoy writing creatively? Lots of local people do, so why not share your poetry, stories, songs, sketches, limericks, memoirs, humour, etc., with other Ilkeston Life readers? Preferably send by email to poems@ilkestonlife.com.

Alternatively, drop in/post to The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH.

(chorus) I tend to get a little rowdy feeling . . . when I drink, and shout "Come on, let's celebrate.

Deck those halls, I'm feeling great!"

Fallin' into the Christmas tree I lay with a drunken grin.

Too much to drink, I'm wondering if I'll ever show .... my ..... face .... again.

Shirley White

Everything There once was a girl named Mary, Who thought she knew everything.

She knew math and science, history, law, And she knew how to sing.

But then an owl, a wise old owl, Told her that she knew naught.

And Mary, she retorted, With a temper growing hot: “You’re just an owl, an old owl, Who thinks he’s very wise, But you’re a fool, an old gray fool, And a braggart, in my eyes.”

“That may be true,” replied the bird, Ever so patiently.

“But do you know how many birds fly, Or how many fish swim in the sea?

How many stars are there in the sky?

How fast does the red fox fly?

How many ocean waves crash on the beach?

What is the length of an emperor’s reach?

How many lies are lies that ring true?

How far is it to Timbuktu?"

The owl then stopped, and looked at Mary, Who was indeed very shaken.

For she had just discovered, That she had been mistaken.

For although she could read, and write, and sing, Mary did not know everything.

Mary Maxwell

Rainy days and little white lies

As I wake to the sound of rain on the roof I hear a train in the distance.

So Quiet; I no longer hear the train; just the rhythm of the rain.

I don't mind, I'm dry and warm.

Soon I remember today is a workday.

I climb out of bed and head for the kitchen.

Comfortable and fed, I hear the rain.

Now the house is warm, and so am I. I form my plan and pick up the phone, Just one little white lie and I can stay home; Alone with the sound of the rain.

Elizabeth Barnes

THE TRAIN NOW ARRIVING: THE NORTHERN BELLE Orient Express services have been recognised for fine dining and luxury travel for over 100 years. The Belmond British Pullman and Belmond Northern Belle continue these experiences, with travel from a lot of UK cities, including London, plus many regional stations. Lunch and/or dinner is served on board the trains. The Belle trains are famous from the glamorous 1930’s era. Each elegant carriage is exquisite and has magnificent, hand-crafted, ornate veneered marquetry.

All guests are offered complimentary perfectly chilled champagne and canapés, at tables with pristine settings. The Spirit of Travel Lunch (5 courses) includes half a bottle of wine per person and is just one of the many dining occasions that can be enjoyed for an exceptional half or full day out.

On this occasion the journey was from Nottingham to Derbyshire and the Peak District, via Derby, Chesterfield and Sheffield, picking passengers up en route and to return through Stockport and Macclesfield. Two class 57 diesel locomotives provided the power. The sumptuous luncheon commenced with a Trio of Fish, followed by Brown Windsor Soup. Both were very flavoursome and presented with various breads. Mains of Pan-Fried Duck Breast and Duck Leg Ballotine or Chicken or Fish, complete with vegetables, came next. All perfectly cooked and presented, with complementing flavours, it was truly, compliments to the chef! A selection of British Cheeses, with chutney and biscuits followed – a very good range and plentiful. Desserts of Sticky Toffee Pudding with butterscotch sauce and ice cream or Fresh Fruit Salad Presentation, were, again, perfect and flavoursome. Coffee and Tea, with handmade petits fours, finished the occasion. With the pleasures of the table magician (amazing!), plus the excellent strolling musicians, playing and singing throughout the carriages – all was complete.

Whether a (romantic) special occasion, short break, festive or fine dining, including Celebrity Chef Dinners appeal, Belmond offers a range of services that include luxury hotels, trains (some steam-hauled) and river cruises, plus safaris, worldwide. Many trips are fully booked well in advance. Special gifts are available, with a small gift card and personal message, if you wish, to keep the wonderful experiences ‘alive’. For all details and more information: Tel: 0845 077 2222 Tel: 44 (0) 20 3117 1300 Email: reservations.uk@belmond.com www.belmond.com

As always, enjoy.

Trevor Langley

Ilkestonlife.com death(knell) or a funeral. During World War Two all church bells in the country were silenced and were only to be rung again in the event of impending invasion.

St. Mary’s Ilkeston has had a peal of bells since 1732 and the current ring comprises 8 bells which were installed in 1910. Over the years various parts of the machinery involved have become worn and over £30,000 has been spent on refurbishment and replacement to keep the familiar sounds ringing out over Ilkeston for this and future generations. Any donations towards this and other ongoing costs would be very much appreciated and should be sent to Mr.John Bell( No… that’s not a misprint !)

Treasurer, St. Mary’s Church, Market Place, Ilkeston, DE7 5JA. Learning a few simple methods allows ringers to join in with other bands in towers around the world and bell ringers from Ilkeston have enjoyed outings to ring at many different places including churches around Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Yorkshire where they have rung at Ripon CatheLooking at the local and national perform- dral.

Practice sessions at St. Mary’s usually take ing arts scene, past and present. place on Thursday evenings between 7.30 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. and are led by tower RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR will be a familiar sound to most Ilkestonians past and captain Colin Shaw. It’s a team activity that stimulates the brain, keeps you fit and many present as the bells of St. Mary’s Church consider it as a contribution to church life. get us off to a new start in 2018 as they Others take part for the pure enjoyment and have done since 1732. you don’t even need to be a musician, just Bells were first introduced into the Chrisan ability to count. If you know of anyone tian Church in AD 400 and had become who would interested then Colin Shaw on common place in Europe by the early Mid- (0115) 932 7072 or Richard Stevenson on dle Ages becoming an effective method of (0115) 932 5140 would be delighted to hear calling the faithful to worship. Other uses from you. have also included a once traditional method of driving out demons and to announce a

DAVID POTTER’S MUSIC CORNER

Bill Henshaw has supplied this picture of Gladstone Boys School pupils in 1950

Incidentally I’d also be very interested to hear from anyone involved in hand bell ringing as I’d very much like to include that in a future article.

News of a new event for poetry lovers now.

Debbie Stayte is planning to start a new group at the Victoria Court Care Home on Nesfield Road, Ilkeston. The first of what is hoped will be regular monthly sessions will be on Thursday January 11 at 6.00 p.m. and I’ll be hosting the (very) informal proceedings.

The idea is to read and talk about poems, poetry and stories and see where it takes us.

Poems often stimulate memories and stories and it’s a very good conversation starter.

Everyone, either resident or visitor, is very welcome to drop in to participate with their own work or favourite pieces or simply pop in for a cuppa and enjoy what’s going on.

If you’d like more information email Debbie on debbie.stayte@anchor.org.uk or give me a shout on this, or anything else, at my contact details below. davidilkeston@gmail.com or (0115)

January 2018

9

West Hallam Animal Charities Our Christmas fair held November 18th 2017 was very well attended and raised just under £700. Which, as well as supporting Guardian Angels Bird Sanctuary, has enabled us to also help the German Shepherd Rescue Group in Stanley and the Derwent Valley Donkey Sanctuary in Cromford. A huge thank you to everyone who came and stayed to join us in the fun.

With several successful events through 2017, we have been able to donate over £4,000 to support animal welfare in our local area. We hope to continue this work with our first event in the New Year which is to be a Concert given by the Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir.

The choir give their time and talent to support various charities and we are very grateful that we have been included in their programme this year. The Concert will be held in Stanley Village Hall on Friday February 16th at 7-30p.m. Tickets are £600 and will be on sale from mid-January. To book please send a cheque made payable to WHAC, together with a stamped addressed envelope to: WHAC, 118 High Lane West, West Hallam, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6HP. It will possible to pay on the door if there are seats still available.

Barbara Goodchild (WHAC)

10 Help needed to remember these All Saints fallen Ilkestonlife.com

LETTER

Parking plea I would like to highlight a problem with parking outside of one of Ilkeston’s much loved businesses, the Ilkeston Sewing Centre on Market Street.

It is a long standing problem for customers dropping off and picking up heavy sewing machines and the Council does not seem to be interested.

Sandiacre and District Probus Sandiacre and District Probus Club held their monthly meeting in St. Giles’ Church Hall, Sandiacre on Wednesday 15th November 2017.

I wondered if you would be able to remind people to be considerate and allow space for those using the shop.

It would really make a difference to have just one space available for customers.

I am hoping that motorists will do this to help both the shop and its users.

This hidden little gem—an Aladdin’s Cave for sewers and crafters—has served the community for over 30 years.

Susan Derbyshire 3. Simplicity of manufacture.

4. Handling and Transportation (items to weigh less than 600 lbs.)

5. Simplicity of Assembly.

Malcolm illustrated parts and construction of the Bailey Bridge with the Prototype being constructed over the ‘Ma Sillows Channel’, Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch, Dorset. The basic panel was a 570 lb. 10’ x 5’ and could be carried by 6 engineers. 1,455 were built and employed in Europe between D.Day and September 1945 and also in several parts of the world several were illustrated.

Donald Coleman Bailey was knighted and died in Bournemouth in 1985.

A vote of thanks was given by Roy Cooke emphasising the help of the Bailey Bridge during the war and donated a cheque by the club to Malcolm’s Charity of a school in Nepal.

The raffle of the day was won by Alan Simpson, Denis Dumelow, Sid Tidmarsh and Arthur Gregory.

In his closing remarks President Peter gave thanks to the stewards of the day, Alan Simpson and John Cosslett on coffee, Stuart Graham and Denis Dumelow on the raffle, to Denis Dumelow for setting out he venue and to Derek French for providing the coffee/ milk.

President Peter Barber welcomed members, guest speaker Malcolm Darrock and guest David Colton.

After the official business of the day David Colton was inducted as a member of the Sandiacre and District Probus Club. Subsequently David briefly outlined his career as a National Training Manager, retired last year and has been married to Rosalind for 51 years. He has 2 sons and is a past Rotary member.

President Peter then introduced the speaker of the day Malcolm Darrock to give a fascinating talk entitled ‘The Bailey Bridge’.

The Bailey Bridge made a valuable contribution to W.W.2. by Bridging the Gap and was designed by Donald Coleman Bailey, who was born in Rotherham in 1901 and ended up in the Sheffield Engineers Dept. The first idea for the bridge was in 1936 and developed in his spare time primarily to accommodate a 39 ton Churchill Tank with the following Design Parameters:1. Flexibility of Design as to be erected Maureen Dumelow under fire.

2. Availability of Material.

By Willie Bells

N

ovember 2018 will see the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended the Great

War. In All Saints Church in Kirk Hallam there is a Roll of Honour listing the names of nine casualties from that conflict. Contemporary records are sketchy, and it is proving to be surprisingly difficult to conclusively identify those nine men. I have set myself the task of confirming their identities by 11th November 2018, so that we can produce a display in the church and a permanent record, so these men are never forgotten again.

I need your help! If you can supply information to prove the identity of the men, I would be extremely grateful. I would also like any biographical details, such as where they lived before the war, their occupations, etc. A photograph of the men would also be a considerable bonus. All photographs will be copied and returned.

Of the nine men, six were fairly easily identified…

1.

C. H. ASHFORD

10437 Private Charles Henry Ashford, 6th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment.

3.

L. NEWBOLD

12204 Rifleman Leonard Newbold, 11th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps.

6.

J. E. TEW

260008 Sergeant John E. Tew, 2nd/5th Battalion, Lincolnshire Regiment, formerly 1409 L/Cpl Notts & Derby Regiment.

7.

J. WEST

12/15456 John Henry West, 12th Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment).

8.

S. WEST

Bristol/Z/5758 Able Seaman Seth West, S.S. "Unity", Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

John Henry and Seth were brothers.

9.

H. WILKINSON

R/11095 Rifleman Henry Wilkinson, 7th Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps.

The other names are more problematic.

2.

I asked in a shop yesterday: “Do you have any books on Pantomimes?” The shop assistant said "They're behind you." I looked round and said "Oh no they're not…” John

Allen

January 2018

W. BLOOR

There are two possibilities….

G/15579 Private William Bloor, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (formerly 2/ Royal Fusiliers) 270106 William Frederick Bloor, 16th Battalion, The Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) I am fairly certain that the man recorded on the All Saints Roll is (1) W. Bloor. Earlier research stated that William left a widow who lived at 13 Park Avenue, Ilkeston.

This is untrue, (1) W. Bloor was unmarried and 13 Park Avenue was the house lived in by (2) William Frederick Bloor and his parents and sister. It is also stated on ancestry.com and in other records that William Bloor had previously been in the Royal Field Artillery, I believe this to be in error. Neither Bloor’s Card Index, nor Commonwealth War Graves Commission mention any other unit. In fact, the dating on his card index precludes it. William Bloor lived in Swansea Cottages, Trowell.

I am not certain of his direct connection to Kirk Hallam, but one of his siblings, Agnes, was born in Kirk Hallam. (2) W.F.

Bloor got married in 1915 at St. John the Evangelist, where he was described as ‘of this parish’. For these reasons I am fairly certain that (1) W. Bloor is indeed the man mentioned on the Kirk Hallam Roll. Incidentally he is also named on the Nottinghamshire Roll of Honour, where it is confirmed that he was G/15579 Private William Bloor 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (formerly 2/ Royal Fusiliers).

4.

J. PEGGE

This is probably 200931 Serjeant John William Pegg, 2nd/5th, Sherwood Foresters.

But, it may be 820370 John R. Pegge R.F.A., who is said to be buried in the churchyard, but does not appear to be a casualty in World War One.

5.

H. SLATER

At least 49 British service personnel named H. Slater died in WWI. No close connections to Ilkeston have been established with any of them. Two of them were in the Notts and Derby Regiment and had possible connections….

306701 Herbert Slater, Sherwood Foresters 17355 Herbert Slater, Sherwood Foresters However, any connection these two men had with Kirk Hallam or All Saints must have been very tangential. Further research has uncovered Harry Slater, younger brother of Jesse Horace Slater. He was a witness on 23rd February 1911 to his brother’s wedding in All Saints. When I researched Harry Slater I found that there is no clear record of his death. I suspect that he enlisted and died in the Great War and that it is his name that is recorded on the All Saints’ Roll. I checked family history research recorded on ancestry.com and although records are given for the passing of Harry’s brothers, no record of his death is recorded. As to which of the 49 H. Slater records relates to Harry, I do not know, perhaps you can help?

If you can confirm the identity of W. Bloor, J. Pegge or H. Slater please contact me. If you can lend All Saints Church photographs, or supply any biographical details for any of the nine men it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, at least three men have been identified who may have a claim to be included on the memorial. Perhaps you know others, please contact me if you do.

With your help ‘We will remember them’, those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country in the Great War 1914-1918.  Anyone with any information, please email helloitsowlie@aol.com or make contact through the Vicarage, 71 Ladywood Road, Kirk Hallam, DE7 4NF.

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

11

Happy days at the This is a typical advert that appeared at the time: ILSON PIT BOOTS FOR VALUE GUARANTEED PRICES n Wednesday 6th December Clinker Toe – 12 shillings and 11 pence 2017, a plaque to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the founding Clinker Toe Plated – 10 shillings and 11 of the South Street Co-operative Society pence Army Toe Plated – Nine shillings and 11 was unveiled by Elaine Dean, President of Midland Co-op and supported by Tan- pence Black Chrome and Double Lined – Unbeatya Noon, Members Services. able Value, Also Waterproof – 12 shillings The plaque was placed on the 1938 extenand 11 pence sion and was sponsored by the Ilkeston and Also three through soles, wear guaranteed.

District Local History Society. This is the sixth plaque that has been placed around the During 1950-1960, famous acts began to appear at the Co-op. I saw Eric Delaney, town over the last five years.

Bert Weedon and many more. Of course An earlier Co-op was discovered by two members of the society that was short lived these people appeared at the Town Hall and lasted only for a period of seven years. until it was taken over by the Council for their own use rather than public use for what Details of this earlier venture can be found it was built for. in the society’s publication ‘Ilkeston as it In 1956 the Co-op Drama Group offered was.’ elocution lessons. The Ilkeston Male Voice After the first meeting held at no.1 North View, Hallam Fields to discuss the possibil- Choir had great success competing at Blackpool and also appeared on the BBC. ity of forming a Co-operative movement, The old Welbeck Café on Bath Street was the nine men met again at the South St. acquired as a showroom along with the School Room, later to be joined by seven Novelty Shop at the bottom of Bath Street others. At least twelve of the original piothat was later to suffer a serious fire. neers worked at Stanton Ironworks.

By 1957 the Co-op had over 15,000 memTheir first shop was at 33 Bath Street in bers – that was nearly half the population of 1887, now Thomas Cook Travel Shop.

Within a year they required larger premises Ilkeston. and moved into the South Street shop with In 1958 fashion shows for women were held the green tiled front. I knew many of the twice daily in the Town Hall organised by descendants of the original sixteen . the Co-op to promote a festival season and This article, however, is about my memories included a fully equipped bungalow complete with garden. Exhibitors from other of the Co-op that go back to the War years and going with me mam for her weekly divi. CWS works were on show from as far away as Devon. Ilkeston Co-op had a stand disThe weekly divi was very welcome along with the pennies returned from the gas me- playing their dairy products. ter. It must be mentioned that there were Saturday night dances were popular where another 17 other branches dotted around the ladies were seen to dance round their handtown; most of them seemed to be on the bags. But my dancing was usually at the corner of two streets. I believe this is where Harry Grainger School of Dancing, later to the so-called ‘corner shop’ came from. Our become the Top Hat on Corporation Road. family used the Hallam Fields branch.

If you couldn’t jive in those days you struggled to get a dance. Elvis, Bill Hayley and A popular venue was old ballroom where Sunday evening concerts were held, and my Little Richard was the perfect and most first memory was seeing the Hames Hague played music to jive to.

Accordion Band around 1946. In those days A colleague of mine at Stanton, Noel Adthe accordion was a very popular instrument ams was elected as President in 1957 and and the band totalled over 20 players; also served with distinction until 1961.

Alfred Campoi, a famous violist appeared The year 1960 saw the biggest development several times. ever undertaken by the Society when the The weekly events really took off during the latest type of supermarket was opened on a 1950s, and wrestling became popular. site adjoining the old central premises. The Among the stars was former world heavyorganisation was moving into the modern weight boxer Primo Carnera, who at 6ft ago. The electrical, radio and TV furnish9ins. was the tallest heavyweight champion ing departments were considerably upgradin history. Bert Asserati the British heavy- ed and enlarged. Do you remember the Coweight champion also appeared. Another op’s own brand of TVs – the ‘Defiant’? popular performer was Shirley Crabtree The painting and decorating department who was later known as ‘Big Daddy’ and was developed and trained excellent craftsbecame a TV star. men. A more modern pharmacy was also introduced.

About this time Pat Hooley, a Co-op employee was elected Miss Ilkeston.

Because of intense completion, the Co-op Bakery on Derby Road joined the East MidIn 1955 on the new housing estate in Kirk lands Co-operative, giving way to a modern Hallam the Society erected a modern selfDairy supplying 750,000 gallons of milk service shop at a cost of £30,000. This every year. Do you remember getting stuck comprised of a grocers, green grocers, behind a milk float on Nottingham Road butchery department and a modern dry and seeing the joy on the face of the driver? goods store.

The Coal Department was still thriving and In addition there were three green fruit shops including mobile green fruit vans, six looking back I can remember the Co-op supplying my family on Crompton Street butchers shops and three mobile butchers vans. Provision was made for drapery, foot- during the 1940s wear, outfitting and tailoring, along with a The society had its own garage maintaining modern boot repairing department at the a fleet of 57 vehicles.

South Street branch.

Facilities for savers were also provided and During an Exhibition Week free groceries of course the Women’s Co-operative Guild were offered for every 50th visitor, but I became very popular mainly because of would not be surprised if the ‘Ilson folks’ their education and social activities. had a way of counting the numbers entering Further advances were made when in 1963 the shop before dashing to be the fiftieth the Co-op built 46 new houses on land that visitor. was previously owned by the Co-op farm

By Danny Corns

O

The green-tiled shop above became the Co-op’s first South Street premises in February 1888. There was expansion either side of it over the ensuing years, and when the Co-op finally closed its doors in 2013, the whole building was redeveloped into smaller shop units, Thorpes taking this one.

down Larklands.

The company took over the Premier Ballroom along with the adjacent garage, ending the dances that had taken place since it was built in 1923.

Later extensions costing £12,000 were made to the catering department and included a Regency style banqueting hall catering for over 200 customers.

The 1960s saw many top acts appearing at the Co-op. In 1964 Stan Stennett of the Black and White Minstrel Show came, followed by Peter Goodwright, a famous impressionist. Solomon King also sang his top twenty hit ‘She Wears my Ring’; Pearl Carr and Teddy Johnson who went on the Eurovision fame also appeared; as did Rub Murray, Ronnie Hilton, Gene Vincent, Bri-

an Poole and the Tremeloes, and Freddy and the Dreamers.

The popular television programme ‘Come Dancing’ was filmed at the Co-op.

Does anyone remember when the premises were entered and the safe was nicked containing £350? It was later found in the Nottingham Canal at Trowell. Is there a former employee who can remember this?

The Ilkeston Co-op employed over 400 staff during the sixties. It was the centre of activity it the town and in my opinion the Cooperative Society ranked with the National Trust as one of the most important organisations in the country. Maybe someone after reading this article would like to contribute further with their memories.

How we miss it!

Ilkestonlife.com

Acorn Corner It’s a first for the 2nd!

T

he 2nd Ilkeston Scout Group won all four trophies at the Ilkeston District Swimming Gala recently – something they have never done before.

The gala was held at the Victoria Park Swimming Pool, Ilkeston.

The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts each won their section shields and they then also received the Group Trophy.

Michelle Beecroft, Group Scout Leader told us: “We had 7 Beavers, 5 Cubs and 3 Scouts participating with 2 young leaders and 1 leader. We were competing against four other Ilkeston Scout groups.

A page for younger readers

“As you can imagine, our teams were so excited to do the clean sweep. It’s our best performance ever.”

The 2nd Ilkeston are attached to the Ilkeston United Reformed Church and meet on Mondays (Scouts), Tuesdays (Beavers) and Thursdays

January 2018

12

School ambassadors: head girl Lottie Hardy and head boy Will White are aiming to be role models for younger students.

Head Boy and Head Girl appointed for the first time at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy A Head Boy and Head Girl have been appointed for the first time at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy.

Students were given a description of what the roles entailed and invited to apply, those selected were then interviewed before a decision was made.

Lottie Hardy and Will White, both 15, were awarded the coveted positions which will see them take on more responsibilities and become role models for the academy.

They have already been asked to speak at the Year 6 open evening, helped out on transition and induction days and they will meet regularly with senior staff to discuss their ideas about improvements and new initiatives they would like to see being introduced.

Will said he was already enjoying his new role. “I just wanted to give something back and I want to make sure that the younger children who are coming through have the same chances that we did.

“I would like to raise awareness of mental health issues among boys. I think it’s important for everyone to realise that it’s ok to come forward and talk about things like this.

“I also want students to realise that they can do whatever they want to do in life, I think there are some students who

Enjoying the singathon in Victoria Park Left : Courtney Orton and Ruby the Dallimore School dog are pictured in the crowd.

Right: Members of the Chaucer Junior choir take to the stage for their turn to sing. Chaucer Choir is led by Year 4 teacher Cheryl Smith.

See the article and two more pictures on Page 5.

View the Song for Derbyshire video on our Facebook page.

might feel that they are not going to go far in life so it’s about raising their aspirations.

“Speaking at the Year 6 open evening was a bit nerve-wracking but I think it will get easier the more we do things like that. Our teachers have given us lots of support; it’s all about gaining confidence.”

Lottie said she was proud to be Head Girl. She said: “We were given a job description and we had to write something that was a bit like a manifesto and say what we would do if we were given the role and then there was an interview. I was really pleased to be given the role.

“We’ve already introduced the idea of having two prefects who interact specifically with the Year 7 students. I think it’s important to break down the barriers so that the younger students don’t feel afraid of approaching the older students.”

Nia Salt, Principal of OIEA, said: “We are so proud of Lottie and Will who have already been showing us what great ambassadors they are for our wonderful school. I am sure they will prove to be fine role models for our younger students and I look forward to working closely with them during the rest of the academic year.”

The way we were

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

13

Mr Wally Wright of Heanor (‘Mr Great Britain’) crowning Miss Dorothy Annable as ‘Miss Ilkeston 1955’ at the New Co-operative Hall, Ilkeston, Seated with the queen are the Mayor and Mayoress of Ilkeston, Councillor George Blount and his wife Mrs Elsie Blount. Standing are Miss Ilkeston’s attendants and in the centre Mrs Wally Wright. Photo submitted by Alan Rigby.

Left: Fruity treat: A Spangles advert from the 1950s.

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

Bath Street Ilkeston, 1975

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

14

Christopher Clayson The most famous Ilkeston schoolboy you’ve never heard of

by Jeff Wynch That you can now buy a drink in any Scottish pub on a Sunday owes a great deal to a man who spent most of his childhood in Ilkeston. Dr. Christopher Clayson, already highly respected and honoured in his field of medicine, gained wider fame by bringing about a major change in Scottish licensing laws, but very few in Ilkeston will know the name.

Born in Ilford 1903 to a headmistress and a school principal, Christopher Clayson was living in Ilkeston by 1905 with his mother. His father would soon go to prison for embezzling £688 from the school accounts to fund his gambling debts. The family was never reunited and in 1912 his father was admitted to a lunatic asylum and died before the year was out. He later described his father as a “bad hat”.

(These events and the life of Clayson’s mother were covered in a separate article: “Educating Ilkeston 1905-1929: Agnes Fletcher in last month’s Ilkeston Life.)

Looking back on his career in 1993, he described this incident in Ilkeston market place when he was about seven years old: I came upon an imposing old gentleman on a horse-drawn dray speaking to a small crowd. He was tall, with a white beard, and wore a frock-coat and top hat….He appeared to be criticising doctors because they could not even cure the common cold… they did not understand the symptoms. Doctors thought that sneezing was the sign of a cold coming on. They were wrong. Sneezing was a sign that nature was actually fighting the cold. Therefore anything which caused more sneezing would help nature to defeat the cold. He had in his possession a precious and secret remedy for that very purpose, and he would offer any of the young boys before him a three-penny piece if one would step up and allow a little of the remedy to be inserted into his nose. I can only suppose that the young gentleman

who got there first had a serious cash flow problem. At all events having pocketed his three-penny piece he suffered the old gentleman with the white beard to push the remedy up his nostrils….

The young boy was immediately overtaken by violent sneezing and old white beard triumphantly demanded what microbes could possibly stay in the nose against such an onslaught of sneezing. The little boy clambered down, hit his chin against the hard brass rim of the lorry, bit his tongue and sneezed his way home, where, the story being told, he was sternly rebuked and put to bed. And since there is no justice in this world his three-penny piece was taken away from him. I remember this well since I was the small boy who was thus introduced to matters medical by an old vendor of secret remedies whose path for a brief moment in time crossed with mine.

Clayson entered Ilkeston County Secondary School in 1914 at the age of eleven, staying until 1917, when he was sent to Edinburgh to attend the George Heriot School. A comment in that school’s records describes him as “ of excellent character, ability and manners… willing and obliging. Took a great interest in Lit. Society”. In the school debating society he spoke in favour of banning licensed premises, something that local authorities in Scotland could do on the basis of a local referendum.

Clayson’s life seemed to be on track as he progressed through the education system, but at the end of his undergraduate course his life was turned upside down again. He coughed up blood during his final examinations in 1926, was unable to finish them and therefore failed.

He managed to conceal the nature of his illness long enough to re-sit the examinations in September, graduating with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He was diagnosed with pulmonary Tuberculosis, at a time when half of

those with the disease died within four or five years, and his next stop was the Southfield Sanatorium under the care of Sir Robert Philip. He spent his first three years after achieving his medical degree as a patient!

Bed rest with a gradual move towards physical rehabilitation was the accepted cure at the time. Clayson’s rest lasted more than a year and involved feeding up with codliver oil emulsion, raw eggs and stout. As he gained weight he was prescribed walks in the sanatorium grounds and then unrestricted walks. Graduated work was next, starting in the gardens, workshops and kitchen before being offered work in the laboratory. He resumed his studies and was rewarded with an appointment as ‘scientific librarian’ at £1 per week and then to the post of resident medical officer. He was sent to work for a while at the Laennec hospital in Paris where he learned about a new treatment called pneumothorax, which introduced air around the lung to rest it.

This surgical technique was too radical for Sir Robert and Clayson was not able to employ it until much later. He also gained his Diploma in Public Health at about this time A mystery surrounds this period in his life. The UK and Ireland Medical Directory for 1930 has him residing at 14 Drummond Road, Ilkeston. The house belonged to Fred Fletcher, who had married Clayson’s mother in 1920. It is unclear whether Clayson was living there alone or with his mother and stepfather, why he was in Ilkeston and for how long. On the rare occasions he mentioned this period in print there is no mention of his stay, which, to be listed in a directory, must have been more than just a brief visit to his family. There was a sanatorium as well as a general hospital in the town, and perhaps he was attached to one of those institutions.

In 1933 he was appointed assistant to the Director at Southfield and lecturer in the university tuberculosis department, and he gained his MD qualification three years later, with a gold medal for his thesis on the seasonal influences on tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. In 1944 he was appointed medical superintendent at the Lochmaben Sanatorium where he was able to use the surgery which his previous boss had resisted. The revolution in chemotherapy, which eventually eliminated the

need for surgery, meant that by the time he retired 1968 a peak of 168 in-patient TB cases in 1955 was reduced to six, with most other patients able to live at home and, in many cases, continue to work.

Clayson was the first person from a non-teaching hospital to be elected to the council of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and then, in 1966 to be chosen by his peers as president, a role he occupied with great dignity until 1970.

He had long campaigned for better conditions for doctors and improvements in the health service, and after retirement was even more involved in medical politics, becoming well known as a skilled negotiator and speaker. When the Secretary of State for Scotland asked him to chair a commission on the alcohol licensing laws he came to wider public prominence.

Alcohol consumption had long been an issue in Scotland. On the one hand there was a strong temperance movement, supported by the churches, meaning that opening hours and alcohol sales were limited, pubs could not open on Sundays and were even banned altogether in some places. Even in 1972 there were still “dry” areas in Scotland. On the other hand was the heavy drinking culture producing horrifying statistics for alcoholism, alcohol related deaths, motoring offences and injuries involving alcohol. Many pubs were squalid, violent and male dominated.

Clayson wanted drinking to become a normal aspect of social life – quite a change of mind since his youth! The committee proposed the abolition of the Temperance Act, longer opening hours, Sunday opening from 12:30pm to 11pm and “children’s certificates” for pubs meeting certain standards so that families could go to pubs. The admission of children was not accepted and the extension in opening hours was not as much as he wanted, but most of the recommendations found their way into the Licensing Act 1976, and the general tone of the report helped to shift attitudes towards alcohol, not only in Scotland, but throughout the UK. The committee’s success owed a

great deal to Clayson’s charm, deft chairmanship and negotiating skills.

Years of experience in medical politics stood him in good stead.

Menzies Campbell, later leader of the Lib Dems, but then a young lawyer on the committee, said it was a “bloody good result” and that Clayson was a brilliant chairman with “all the acumen of a lawyer”…

He also thought he “was an illustration of how alcohol in moderation does you good”. Clayson certainly practised what he preached: he regarded four units of alcohol per day as “moderate”, an intake which is nowadays seen as well over the recommended limit. “I have my four units a day – a sherry and a couple of glasses of claret with a meal. The problems start when you take the whole week’s allocation in one day or over a weekend. The liver can’t cope” (Herald).

Clayson’s achievements in public health were recognised by his peers both in the UK and internationally by the award of Honorary Fellowships of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh, Glasgow, America and Australasia, and of the Royal College of General Practitioners. For his services to medicine and the community at large he also received both the OBE (1966) and the CBE (1976).

Christopher Clayson overcame not only the early upheavals in his family life but also the grim, life threatening illness of TB to become an important figure in the worlds of both medicine and social policy. He remained both physically active and involved in writing and public speaking on the licensing reforms and many other subjects well into his very old age. He died aged 101 in 2005 after an operation for a hip fracture. He married twice, in 1933 and in 1988, after his first wife’s death. There were no children from either marriage.

I would like to thank Christine Dempster (Clayson’s stepdaughter), Fraser Simm (the George Heriot School Archivist), Giles Fletcher (Fred Fletcher’s grandson) for their help, and John Hall for all of his valuable research.

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

15

The cold winters of 1947 and 1950

he winter of 1947 is often rememT bered as the one of the harshest winters in living memory. From 22nd January to 17th March snow fell somewhere every day in the UK.

German prisoners were kept at Wollaton Park and were used to clear minor roads and troops even tried using flamethrowers to clear the snow. Even Buckingham Palace was lit by candlelight due to power cuts and fuel shortages across the country. The winter of 1950 was one of the snowiest winters of the last century. As children, we loved it.

Hilly holies off Cantelupe Road was the best place to go for sledging, down the hill at high speed and across the road crashing into the bank of snow at the railings. Long slides practically the length of Blake Street on the icy pavement would be made, kids sliding down - their arms ‘windmilling’ to keep their balance - that is until some misery guts would come out with a dustpan full of hot ashes and put paid to the slide!

There were fuel shortages too (as the daughter of a coal miner - not at our house) and long queues formed on Rutland Street each Saturday morning as people waited for the Gasworks to open and start selling coke at sixpence a bag. People came from far afield, dragging sledges or pushing old barrows; anything that could be dragged or pushed was pressed into service.

My husband remembers trudging from their new house on Cotmanhay estate which they had moved into when his dad returned from the war, pushing a makeshift barrow his Dad had made (badly!). His Mum had the bright idea of sewing two or three sack bags together to get a good six-penneth of coke.

The two men filling the sacks at the coke delivery shute laughed and thought this was a good wheeze, and filled the sack to the brim tying it with difficulty, it took three or four of them to lift and place the giant bag on top of the thing his Dad had made and rather optimistically called a barrow!

His father was rather pleased with himself, even though they struggled to push the thing through the snowy streets, that is until the axle on his contrivance snapped around about Bright Street on Cotmanhay Road.

I

t's that time of year, when most families will be getting ready for the holiday festivities, whether specifically Christmas or Hanukkah, or just generally enjoying the winter holiday season. This Christmas is particularly special for us, as it's our first one as a family - in amongst the church events and family gatherings, I'm hoping to be able to take our little one with us to the hospital where we she was born when our church band plays carols around the wards on Christmas morning.

Of course, while this time of year is very special, it's not without its hazards for our pets. I'll never forget having to take my dog into work with me in her first December when I foolishly left a box of mince pies on the worktop, and one of the cats knocked them onto the floor, whence the dog ate them! (I now can't leave any food out as the cats will always knock it down, and I

My husband recalls crying with the bitter cold and his Dad with a dewdrop of sweat on the end of his nose standing looking with despair at the giant sack spilling out coke half lying on the road. Within half an hour or so three men had returned with a proper barrow, loaded the sack and helped push it (with child perched on top) up onto the estate and home.

Most of Ilkeston’s residents travelled together on public transport commuting to work at mines, ironworks and the hosiery factories. Many drank together too in Ilkeston’s pubs, having probably served together in the war, even if they didn’t know each other. I think the spirit of camaraderie was

still strong in that rather insular community of the time. The wartime slogan used to be ‘we’re all in it together’; I think in the late forties and fifties people thought they were still in it together, that’s what they used to say at our house anyway.

It was around this time that the Korean war broke out. Most of the lads who had returned from the war were reservists. My father-in-law, a reservist too, was in a blind panic. Not at the thought of going back, but because he had come home from the war and got a job as a Barton’s bus driver…

Rationing was still on and companies with staff who wore a uniform just couldn’t source the material to have them made.

Reflections of a vet don't really want to keep having to empty the dog's stomach!). Dried fruit and chocolate are probably the most common foods that are eaten by pets that can cause severe illness, although grapes, onions and leeks can also cause problems. Rich foods and meat bones (especially cooked poultry bones) are also best avoided. I once operated on a puppy on New Year's Eve that had eaten the "string vest" from the beef joint the family had for their Christmas dinner - that wasn't the best way for him to start a new year!

Dogs might be more inclined to pee on a Christmas tree, or to investigate the presents underneath it, but I'm sure that most cat owners will agree that their cats are very interested in the tree and its decorations. Real trees often shed needles which can get caught between toes

My father-in law, using his initiative, had his military uniform dyed brown - Barton’s colours. He didn’t think he was going to get a very good reception going back to the depot looking like a chocolate soldier. “My stripes would have been gone faster than you could say Jack Flash”, he said. Luckily they were never called up and after driving through some of the harshest weather of 1950 he soldiered on to swelter through the summer in his dress uniform!

Painting and narrative

by Betty O’Neill

scary one, as very small amounts can be fatal, and unless ingestion is suspected or observed and treatment started very quickly, by the time a pet shows clinical or eaten/inhaled, signs of being ill from it, it is often but artificial trees may have too late for treatment to be started. coatings or finishes that are irritant Obviously we'd always advise to get or toxic if eaten. Tinsel is of course any pet checked over as soon as very appealing to cats in particular possible. If they seem to be unwell, but can cause problems if chewed but during the winter months it's especially lametta or long tinsel especially important - particularly if strands, which can do considerable they show changes in their drinking damage to the gut if swallowed. or eating habits, or are looking Baubles are typically made of plastic drunk or wobbly (which is often now rather than glass, but they will seen with antifreeze poisoning, often be stolen by cats to play with! drink, dogs and cats going outside which I find a little ironic as the antiI must admit, with 6 cats in the need to have their feet cleaned off dote for it is carefully administered house we don't have a Christmas to remove salt from their pads, to alcohol). tree, which is a little boring but avoid them licking it off themselves. I hope that this helps pet owners to much easier!

Perhaps the most toxic substance be aware of some of the potential Drinking antifreeze can that we deal with is antifreeze. Alt- seasonal risks to their pets so that be fatal hough it might seem an unlikely they can avoid any emergency vet thing for an animal to drink, it's visits! I hope that everyone has an When we have cold weather we enjoyable Christmas period and also have to contend with the out- actually sweet tasting, and as it's quite often spilt when being topped look forward to what the New Year door risks. As well as making sure up in cars, cats and dogs will lick it will bring. that pets kept outdoors are warm and then become ill. It's quite a enough and have fresh water to

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

16

‘Street Jems’ go out in the cold to help rough sleepers

M

oved by the plight of the homeless, a Cotmanhay mum and friends have been out on the freezing streets offering warmth and friendship to men and women down on their luck.

“A cheese and bacon toastie? Am I dreaming?” Homeless Ryan accepts food and a blanket from the Street Jems.

Letter

Is Christmas free parking a mistake?

I think perhaps that Erewash Borough Council although with the best of intentions has made a mistake by allowing free parking during the Christmas period.

Virtually all of the car parks are full before shop opening times, hence I can only presume that they are being filled by people who work in the town, and who would normally park elsewhere.

Hence it is not likely to be in the best interest of local shopkeepers to repeat this in future years.

I would be interested to hear their views on this matter.

David Frost

Jemma Smedley, a dinner time supervisor at Cotmanhay Infant School, and friends Dawn, Sophie, Adam, Nick and Cassie organised a local collection of sleeping bags, blankets, clothing, toiletries, etc., then they took them to people they had seen spending the night in the open.

After their first mercy mission on Sunday 17th December, Jemma said: “We’ve just got in after 12 hours solid on the streets of Derby and Nottingham helping our country's most vulnerable, let down and forgotten citizens.

“This is something I have to keep going with; we are planning to go out again soon. I will never forget the stories we have heard from Ryan, Sid, Amy and Alex in Derby. Alex was kicked out of the Army for not telling them that he had Autism...he is now wearing my Awareness for Autism bracelet as a reminder that someone understands.”

Jemma has children of her own with autism.

“Then there was Russell, Sid, Sa-

Long Eaton Rambling Club www.longeatonramblingclub.org.uk

Walking Programme for January 2018 Sunday 31st December 2017 - New Year’s Eve Walk, Risley Circular, 8 miles. Meet 9.30am Long Eaton Town Hall Sunday 7th Jan.2018 - Cat & fiddle Circular, 8 miles. Meet 9.30am Long Eaton Town Hall Thursday 11th Jan.- Gotham Circular, 7 miles.

Meet 9.30am West Park Leisure Centre.

Sunday 14th Jan. - Morley Circular, 9 miles.

Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall Sunday 21st - Kirklington Circular, 7 miles.

Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall Sunday 28th - Duffield Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall All walks meet in Long Eaton to car share to keep travel costs to a minimum. Many more events and activities are organised throughout the year.

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

County Councillor John Frudd Member for Ilkeston South will be holding a Members Surgery on

Saturday 13th January 2018 10am—12 noon at Ilkeston Town Hall, Ilkeston, DE7 5RP

rah, ‘posh’ Big Issue seller and Scottish Big Issue seller in Nottingham and all the others who we helped. I can’t remember everyone’s names but I won’t forget their faces. We have held hands and listened to people's life stories, and right now I feel physically and emotionally drained.

us everywhere and helping me keep it together, especially when we had met Sarah. I’ve never looked into anybody's face and seen a soul so broken before.

“I will never forget the image of Dawn Webster pushing her trolley full of things towards me in the car park. We all got soaked but it was worth it. Luckily the weather was better in Nottingham.

When Cassie and I were chatting on the way home we said to each other if this is going to be a regular thing then we need to think of a name so Cassie came out with ‘Street Jems’ and it's now stuck. ”I would just like to say how grateful we are to the people of Ilkeston and district for all their donations....we are still looking for toiletries, socks, new underwear, hats, gloves, scarfs, chocolate bars, biscuits, also sleeping bags and small blankets. We cannot take any more coats or clothes.

Jemma and Cassie “There are too many out there “I owe a huge thank you to my needing love care and a friendly amazing hubby Richard Smedley listening ear to let this just be a for holding the fort at home. I one off. As a Christian and with walked in and everything was Salvation Army blood in my veins done. He knows how much this I can't ignore the fact that there are means to me to be able to do so many desperate people on our something. I am so passionate doorstep. That’s why we have to about it. keep doing this. Remember, never “I cannot thank Cassie Alexandra look down on anyone unless you enough for her help today, driving are helping them up.”

Ilkestonlife.com

Arthur, I’m looking fat in white!

Trust me, dear. In no time at all the pounds will be melting away

January 2018

The Story of some of the Non-Conformist Churches in Ilkeston

17

Continued

By Ruth Allen Baptist Churches Next on the scene after the Presbyterians came the Baptists, who had a chapel in Little Hallam in 1767.

The Probus Club of Ilkeston Meeting - December 2017 The final meeting of The Probus Club of Ilkeston was held at the Erewash Golf Club. This was our festive Christmas lunch where we were joined by our partners for a very enjoyable dinner followed by a presentation by Helen Chambers. A big thank you to Andrew and all of his staff at the Golf Club for their excellent hospitality and service. We shall come again.

Helen Chambers is a speaker, presenter, entertainer and songstress in all things Tudor and Victorian. She became interested in Tudor England at an early age and later taught the subject at school. From these beginnings she progressed into role playing for companies and developed a number of presentations on Tudor life and Christmases, and from there to Victorian Christmas.

Helen’s presentation was on a Victorian Christmas and she told us how Christmas was revived in the Victorian age, having been suppressed in puritanical times. Prince Albert and Charles Dickens were two people very much involved in developing Christmas into the format we know and love today, from Christmas trees, baubles and lights, to cards and presents. Dickens wrote several ghost stories, of which “A Christmas Carol “ is his most famous, and Victorians loved to tell ghost stories whilst sitting around a roaring fire.

Helen also entertained with Victorian songs, accompanying herself on her electronic piano. Finally to round off, Helen lead us with the singing of some traditional carols.

An enjoyable time was had by all.

The Probus Club of Ilkeston is open to all retired / partly retired men who have a professional background and business men who would like to meet once a month and for other organised events during the year. Our aim is to provide a convivial atmosphere, in pleasant surroundings, to meet for conversation and the development of friendships. We also provide an excellent lunch and a diverse range of presenters.

This year we have increased our numbers by 20% and we now have a vibrant and well supported club. If you wish to learn more, please contact Michael Slater, our Secretary, on 0115 932 6185 or email slater.kg8@btinternet.com.

David Jones

Letter

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Brilliant year for local train fans

Wow, what a brill year for the train fans of Ilkeston with the opening of the new railway station in April—and have you noticed the amount of interest shown in the visits of the steam trains. Big crowds are turning up to greet the old locomotives.

A special well done to all the people who turned up on Saturday 9th December to see the first charter to stop after 53 years. Congratulations to everyone who made it possible.

Let's hope we get more of the same in 2018.

It appears that early preachers in the Little Hallam chapel came from Castle Donington. Their preaching clearly had a good effect, because by 1784 there were plans to build a new chapel on South Street. The Little Hallam chapel was demolished when the South Street chapel was completed in 1785.

The South Street chapel is still standing, having had a chequered career . It has most recently been a restaurant called The Chapel Bistro.

The Baptist Church in 1785 had 53 members, and it baptised 72 more in the next 5 years – in the River Erewash at Gallows Inn. The first Baptist minister in Ilkeston was John W. Goddard, a product of their own congregation. He lasted till 1795, when William Felkin was sent to London for training, and returned to take up the minister’s post. He had a stipend of 45 guineas per year, and insisted on having a glass of red wine provided for him both before and after his preaching. Nowadays, sadly, it’s usually water.

In 1800 the Baptists were again in the forefront of good movements: led by one William Pickering, they started a Sunday School.

Half a century later, they were to build a new building, to seat 400 people. The land in Queen Street was bought in 1856 and the building completed in 1858. It was designed to seat 400 people and had initially no gallery.

Tension ensued within the fellowship, and some people returned to worship in the old building just off South Street. The split was given legal standing in 1882, but in 1920 the two congregations re-united.

The Baptist Church on South Street with 1784 date stone .

Queen Street Baptist Church in 1901

Queen Street Baptist Church 1958.

Image courtesy of Picture the Past.

Above: Queen Street Baptist Church interior, 1958

Left: A Queen Street Baptist Church football team photographed in 1923

Bill Smith, Ilkeston IN NEXT MONTH’S ILKESTON LIFE:

The Mayor’s Community Award winners

The series continues in next month’s paper

Ilkestonlife.com

Hello fellow gardeners…

Welcome to January‘s ‘Life in the Garden’ and may I wish you all a very Happy Gardening New Year! Here we go for another busy year and will be here with you every month for all things horticultural. In this month’s issue I report from our day trip at the Trentham Estate, look at one of the nicest shrubs that has winter colour and fragrance, catch up with news from Treetops Hospice and find out about my first day trip of the year, but firstly here’s a few jobs you can be getting on with through out January.

Happy gardening everybody!

Start chitting (sprouting) early potatoes stand them on end in a module tray or egg box and place in a bright cool frost-free place Begin pruning apple trees and pear trees, this is carried out whilst done whilst they are dormant Buy and plant snowdrops that are in the green, potted and are ready to flower Continue planting trees and shrubs while they are still dormant.

Try forcing rhubarb plants by placing an upturned bucket or bin over the crown. This will force tender pink stems to grow that will be ready in about 8 weeks time

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Life in the Garden grant, bright golden-yellow flowers in late winter are spidery in shape and the flowers clinging to bare stems. A beautiful shrub for a woodland edge, or winter border or alongside a path, where its fragrance can be appreciated. It has also won the Royal Horticultural Societies Award of Garden Merit (AGM) Flowering period: December - February Position: Full sun, Partial shade Height and Spread: 3m x 3m (9ft x 9ft) Soil: Most garden soil Hardiness: Hardy shrub Propagation: Propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe, by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering in late winter - early spring remove any misplaced, crossing or diseased branches Pest and Diseases: Witch hazels can sucker.

To minimise this problem, avoid planting too deeply and do not bury the graft union

Around these naturalized plantings there is added hellebores, crocuses, daffodils and blue chionodoxa. Throughout the upper gardens you can see pretty groupings of early flowering perennials and small bulbs.

Belton Garden Centre, a family run centre on the Belton estate is built in the former formal walled gardens of Belton House.

Time will be spent here to browse at your leisure or have a cuppa in the coffee shop!

With a full day ahead of you, your day starts off with a breakfast roll and a hot drink from the Seven Oaks Inn, Stanton By Dale which is where the coach will depart.

With our first stop at Belton Garden Centre and then on to Easton Walled Garden for the afternoon. Cost for this trip is £30 which includes breakfast and entrance into Easton Walled Gardens. For more information or to book your place, You can call the booking line on 07413408751 or email me at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk places are limited and very popular so early booking is Our day trip to The Trenadvised. I look forward to welcoming you on our next outing. tham Estate News from Treetops Gardener Steve would love you to get in On Saturday 11th November our monthly On Sunday 19th November a Christmas touch to share your gardening stories, news day trip took us to the Trentham Estate, market was held at Treetops Hospice Care, and photos from around Ilkeston or to ask a Stoke on Trent.

Risley. There was Santa's grotto, children's garden question. I look forward to hearing After our usual gathering and breakfast at rides and activities, refreshments including from you. Email me the Seven Oaks we set on our way over to mulled wine and mince pies and many stalls at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk Trentham. The weather was looking fine with lots of nice goodies for sale. One of and we were in for a nice crisp winter those stalls was hosted by our resident volday. unteer gardeners here at Treetops selling a On arrival at the estate there was lots of wide variety of plants, bulbs, winter hangexcitement from our day trippers as to what ing baskets, and homemade jams, jelly and to do first with the seventy outlet shops, the marmalades made from fruit given or forlarge garden centre or was it to the winter aged locally to Risley! A great day was had Italian gardens first? Everyone set off on by all and pictured are s two of the garden their way to see what Trentham had to ofteam Perdita and Rachel manning the stall. fer.

Well done and what a great way to raise money for the hospice.

There was a fascinating wire fairy sculpture trail around the gardens, Trentham Christmas Treecyling Shopping Village with around 70 shops, Christmas Tree recycling os carried out at along with cafes and restaurants and the Treetops in exchange for a donation. We large garden centre could also be found at will collect and recycle your Christmas tree. the Trentham Estate.

It will run from Monday 8th to Friday 12th It was a great day and nearly everyone back to the coach laden with a shopping bag January 2018 with many collection postcodes available. or two!

A minimum donation of £10 is welcomed – Thanks again go to Ryan, Kelly and the all proceeds will go to support Treetops team at the Seven Oaks Inn for our usual Hospice Care and be used to help to continsuper breakfast and to Alex our driver at Goldstar Travel, Stapleford for our brilliant ue to offer our range services for local people free of charge. journey.

If you enjoy visiting gardens, flower shows, For more information contact the hospice on Phone: 0115 949 1264 or you can botanical gardens, stately homes, garden centres and meeting new friends and want- email: fundraising@treetopshospice.org.uk.

All the details and booking form are on the ing a great day out why not book on our website www.treetopshospice.org.uk next day trips which will start again next year now and our first one is in FebruDay trip to Snowdrops at ary to… Easton Walled Garden Snowdrops and Belton Garden Centre. See further on Easton Walled Gardens and Belton Garden Centre in this article for all the details.

Join me Gardener Steve on Saturday 17th Plant of the month February for a day trip to Easton Walled A must have plant for any winter garden is Gardens for their annual snowdrop walk the… and Belton Garden Centre Grantham.

HAMAMELIS MOLLIS Easton Walled Gardens nestle in the beautiChinese witch hazel ful Lincolnshire countryside in a rolling Hamamelis are deciduous shrubs belonging valley and has been owned by the Cholmeley family for over 400 years. to the Hamamelidaceae family with large ovate or rounded leaves, widely grown as In 2001, work began to clear the gardens of an ornamental plant and is a beautiful speci- brash and brambles in patches snowdrops men in any garden border. They have fracould be seen hanging on in the undergrant yellow to red flowers with 4 narrow growth. As the light was allowed back in, petals, borne on the leafless branches in late the snowdrops began to recover. They were winter, also stunning autumn leaf colour. encouraged by dividing and top dressing the bulbs. Now they have spread across two Hamamelis mollis is a large deciduous banks alongside the river and release wafts shrub with broad, ovate leaves that gives of honey scented perfume on sunny days. autumn colour followed by strongly fra-

By Steve Walton

Above: Plant of the month, Hamamelis mollis; Below: A view of Easton Walled Gardens; Bottom: Gardeners’ stall at Risley with Perdita and Rachel ready to serve.

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No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why.

Our hearts still ache in sadness, And secret tears still flow, What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know.

My love for ever, Your loving wife Linda xxx.

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January 2018

20

50 years later, all aboard the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

Hundreds attend Light up a Life event to remember loved ones

Tracey explained just how much the support meant to her family: “I’m one of four children and we all pulled together to make sure one of us was with dad from early morning until late evening every day, but due to family and work commitments, we weren’t always able to stay with him overnight.

“At night was when he was at his most vulnerable as he was very weak and likely to fall and hurt himself if he needed to get up.

“I really don’t know what we would have done without the exceptional help from Treetops Hospice Care. Most nights were covered by one of the Hospice at Home nurses who were so professional, capable, friendly and understanding about the situation.

“Dad developed lovely relationships with the nurses and we felt that we could talk to them about any problems or concerns.

There were never any rushed ‘handovers’they always had time to sit and have a cup of tea with us, and tell us how dad had got on in the night.

“We were able to leave Dad overnight, safe in the knowledge that he had someone with him – which was also a great comfort and help to him.”

Over £12,000 has been raised through the he memory of loved ones shone Light Up a Life appeal for the hospice brightly at the Treetops Hospice Care which provides nursing care and emotional Light Up a Life ceremony on Sunday 3rd support for adults and their families in DerDecember. byshire and Nottinghamshire.

Hundreds attended the special event during The ceremony included performances by which a minute’s silence was held before the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir accompathe lights on the Treetops Christmas tree nied by the Stapleford Salvation Army were switched on – all of which have been band. sponsored in memory of someone special.

Dedications were on display in Books of Amongst those who attended were Tracey Remembrance in Treetops Cheetham CenGlenn and her family from Stapleford. tre which hosts the hospice’s counselling Tracey’s dad, Keith Betts, received Hosand emotional support services. pice at Home care when he was diagnosed with lung cancer just before Christmas 2007.

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Tune in to your local radio station

Advertise your business in

from as little as Great songs just for Erewash

£15

The Vintage Trains ‘Christmas White Rose’ from Tyseley to York became the first steam train to stop at a station in Ilkeston for more than 50 years. The engine was a Great Western ‘Castle’ class 4-6-0 called ‘Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’. Ilkeston was the last pick up point with 45 people getting on. These image captures its 11.04 arrival at Ilkeston.

Photos: Top left: Dave Gilbert. Top right and below: Kerry Wheatley; Bottom: Thomas Leleux.

And the next day—SNOW What a difference a day makes! On Saturday 9th December local train fans were out in force to welcome steam locomotive The Earl of Edgecumbe to Ilkeston Station. The next morning it was a different scene as snow fell. Tom Leleux captured this early diesel train’s arrival amid wintry conditions.

Ilkestonlife.com

CHRISTMAS ART FAYRE.

January 2018

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Erewash MP Maggie Throup prepares to cut the ribbon to open the art sale at St Mary’s Cantelupe Centre. Over 20 local artists were displaying their work.

Photo John Shelton

HO, HO, HO! Santa Claus appears on the balcony of the Town Hall at Ilkeston’s Christmas lights switch-on

Fashion designer wants to bring industrial heritage back to town

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ward winning Midlands fashion designer Michael Wallace has set his sights on bringing some industrial heritage back to his home town.

The designer’s latest catwalk show was a huge success, generating £10,000 worth of orders for bespoke wedding dresses. The show was held at St Mary’s Church in Nottingham and also saw the launch of his charity The Michael Wallace Foundation, which will support local charities, businesses and individuals.

Michael, 27, who is from Ilkeston and has a studio at Maltby Mill in the town, said: “There was a great turnout for the event and the venue looked amazing. It was great to have more eyes on the garments and generate more awareness of the brand and the foundation. The audience were amazing and I was thrilled with their reaction.” tions, combined with his new Christmas Couture, bridal collection and Elegance The 50-piece collection saw some of his Noir. older archive pieces from original collec-

Michael said: “I feel like I’ve ramped up my game a bit, people have seen how professional the show looked and felt. I’ve certainly set a bar for myself. Hopefully they will go and tell other people about it and attend the next Extravaganza in 2018.

“By the time I’m in my early 30s I want to own a House of MW HQ, with in-house production and a team of people working for me. I want to bring back some industrial heritage to these little towns because that’s where they originated from.”

Michael also works part-time as a cutter for local fashion designer, Daniel Hanson, which is based in Nottingham and makes dressing gowns and smoking jackets for the likes of Elton John and The Royal Family.

There were also some well-known faces at Michael’s show including James Lewis from the The Antiques Roadshow and This is England actress, Rosamund Hanson.

Looking forward to 2018, Michael has pho-

to shoots coming up and he will also launch The Promise project, a competition which will see him design and create a prom dress for young ladies from local school for free, which will be donated through the foundation. Photo by Joseph Owen

In next month’s paper:

The cafe with the clock that meows like a cat

Ilkestonlife.com

Another year of fascinating local life

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anuary’s Ilkeston Life led with the tragic death of ‘Ado the motorbike man’. Many people paid tribute to him, unaware of the depression which was taking its toll. The paper also asked: who was this overlooked musical virtuoso from Ilkeston? and told of the life of Stanley Hawley who played in front of royalty and was a superstar of his day. Pips the Kirk Hallam church cat became a social media star after being photographed in the baby Jesus’s manger bed, having turfed Jesus out of the Nativity scene. Our feline columnist Florence was so jealous!

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n February the death of Charnos boss Charles Noskwith made the front page. He was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, working alongside the celebrated Alan Turing. The life of Marion Hendey, dance teacher was also featured. Room 2, a story from Sandiacre Friesland School by Claire Smith, was to move many people and make her articles a ‘must read’ from then on.

tional newspapers and magazines retold how Cotmanhay autistic boy William Smedley met his hero Olly Murs after songs by the singer had helped him to vastly improve his speech and communication. On a car journey, William, 11, heard Olly singing on the radio and started to join in. His Mum Jemma was astounded as he had hardly said a word before that.

Wynch, and there were two gardening features: Steve Walton’s monthly column Life in the Garden and words and pictures from the Cossall Open Gardens event.

Duncan Payne muted the idea of a community football club after Ilkeston FC had gone bust.

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onald Trump made an unlikely appearance on the front page of August’s paper. It ur May front page can still be was just a scarecrow made in his seen on a wall in Ilkeston likeness at West Hallam. There Library. A report and pictures of were also pictures from the Kirk the opening of the new Ilkeston Hallam Lakeside Festival and StanRailway Station was possibly the ley Carnival. Notts County FC story of the year. Our feature chairman Alan Hardy purchased writer Patricia Spencer reported Ilkeston FC from liquidators and on the day she dropped in to the began a new football era with new Cotmanhay Community Ilkeston Town FC. Kitchen on Beauvale Drive where eptember’s paper led with cheap and nutritious dinners are the launch of a ‘Fanfare for prepared for locals who might not Ilkeston’, a piece of music specialotherwise get a good hot meal. ly written by Paul Lovatt-Cooper Mapperley village’s 750th Royal to coincide with the restoration of Charter celebrations were also the bandstand in Victoria Park. It covered. was played by Ilkeston Brass and

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hile I was having cancer treatment, the June and July papers were edited by Paul Opiah. The June issue revealed isabled Louise Freeman’s that West Hallam and Mapperley fight to recover after a bad Church and Community magazine fall and Ged Munro’s rare Ilkeston had won a national award for its postcard find were stories in appeal to the wider community.

March’s paper, and Danny Corns’ The 3rd Ilkeston Art Festival was article Memories of Charnos was featured with lots of pictures, and to prompt many letters on a fire news from local schools was covthere. A special feature, A Day in ered with a double page spread. the Life of a Patient Transport get-together in Victoria Services Crew put the spotlight on Park arranged by Ilkeston the Ilkeston team taking local pa- churches was an event given front tients to and from hospital. page treatment in the July paper. page one story in April’s Inside was the story of Fred Taylor Ilkeston Life was to go naFletcher , Ilkeston’s cycling chamtional! Radio, TV and many napion by regular contributor Jeff

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2017 in review by the editor

Boaters taking part in the IWA Festival of Water next to Gallows Playing Fields, Ilkeston asked us to try and trace at kind hearted local man who had helped them – we did so! We began a special page for younger readers with young people who had overcome great difficulties being featured in the first ‘Acorn Corner’.

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ovember’s Ilkeston Life continued its support in the efforts to keep Hazelwood open.

A new Stanton tribute at Erewash Museum was featured, and Betty O’Neill continued her popular series of paintings and memories, this month recalling Bonfire Night in the 50s. The Horror that was Passchendaele was remembered

by Danny Corns, whose uncle Reg was killed in the battle.

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warmly received by a good crowd.

Patricia Spencer rekindled memories with her article Happy Days at Andriesse, where embroidered soft furnishings were made between the 40s and 80s. Patricia also contributed an interview with Ashley Gething, film-maker and director of Diana, Our Mother, Her Life and Legacy, a major TV documentary of the time. Ashley grew up in Ilkeston.

he heading: Peter Samuel Smedley, Ilkeston’s forgotten war hero is honoured at last, was a poignant reminder of war’s unsung victims and was featured in the December paper. Last Orders for West Hallam Milkman and a new series on non-conformist churches in Ilkeston were also enjoyed by readers. Ilkeston football fans were delighted to read of Ilkeston Town FC’s progress in the Midland League Division 1. The December paper’s sports page headline was Every One’s a Winner! Matchman’s round up showed victories every game.

ctober saw the start of a campaign to keep Hazelwood Care Home in Cotmanhay open.

Erewash Council gardeners were praised for their efforts which resulted in successes in the Midlands in Bloom competition.

hese were just a few of the highlights from 2017’s papers. We hope you’ll stay with us for more good reading in 2018.

We’ll be here to bring you the news, sport, and features you like throughout the coming months.

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Train station opening—a big day for Ilkeston and a front page story Dear Reader, I hope this edition of the newspaper finds you very well.

Although this is our January issue, many of you will be reading it in December as our print date was brought forward to before the Christmas holiday.

I am writing this as we head into the last weeks of the last month of the year, as we enter a time when the world feels a little softer, a little kinder, and even magical. This is the time when kindness takes the spotlight.

You may have read about the many local folk who have taken it upon themselves to help the homeless, the lonely and those struggling to feed their families at this time of year.

Let's join in by doing at least one kind thing each day for someone else. You may never see how far the ripple travel, but it can be endless. One kind act can change and inspire countless lives. Make the spirit of December, the kindest month of the year, go on into the New Year.

Wishing you all Happy Holidays, from all of us here at Ilkeston Life.

Warmest regards.

Paul Opiah.

Hundreds greeted the first train in on Sunday 2nd April 2017

Ilkestonlife.com

200 try Badminton at Rutland Sports Park M

ore than 250 schoolchildren from across Erewash were given the opportunity to take part in a badminton festival.

A total of 270 pupils competed at the event which was held at Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston.

Sports leaders from Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy supported the event as part of their work towards a Youth Sport Award with the Youth Sport Trust.

Children in Years Three to Six took part from schools including Dallimore Primary, Chaucer Junior, Cotmanhay Junior, Mapperley

MOTORING with Franklin Bishop

Primary, Hallam Fields, Kensington, St Thomas, Stanley Common and Granby Junior.

They visited various stations set up to teach them different skills including footwork, balance, serving and rallying.

Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partner-

SEAT IBIZA Bang on the button for thrills

ship Development manager, said the festival was a great success.

She said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for pupils to try badminton and learn skills that they can use in all sports they enjoy playing.

“To help with balance they played follow the leader and they carried out an exercise which involved jogging and side stepping around the boundaries of the court. This helps them to get to know a badminton court as they may not have played a game before.

“They were challenged to see how long they could keep the shuttlecock in the air during a rally and they also threw a larger shuttlecock to each other during the team games. They practised high and low services and took part in singles and doubles matches.

“We would like to thank all the pupils who came along and gave it a go with big smiles on their faces, which was great to see. Hopefully they learnt new skills and made some

January 2018

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new friends along the way. Thankyou also to the staff who supported their pupils and to the fantastic staff and leaders from Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy. The leaders proved themselves to be extremely capable despite the fact that they are only in Year 7. A big well done to them.”

Gentleman Ged Tatham Well known Ilkeston Town supporter Ged Tatham is remembered in verse by Steven Michael Pape who worked at Hazelwood Care Home where Ged was a resident.

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ho doesn’t want to add a tad more thrills to their driving? We all want more response when flooring the accelerator pedal, more panache in the way our car handles, to take a more bravado approach to those enticing country roads? It is getting more difficult nowadays with the sheer amount of traffic on the roads but when the opportunity does present itself for the opportunity to press down hard with your right foot you’ll want a car to give you a response to quicken your pulse and put a grin on your face – well the new SEAT Ibiza SE SI 95PS 1.0 litre might just be the right car for you.

I found it bang on the button for a high quota of adding a frisson of excitement to everyday driving, and how many cars can you honestly say that about especially when road congestion and low speed limits everywhere conspire to all but delete any morsel of fun to be had out of driving…? Whilst there are plenty of small sport cars out there, buying the vital ingredient you need to add a frisson of excitement to everyday motoring is much more difficult to find. It is not found just in top speed but how frisky the car drives, in short does it make driving fun…?

Does it have the ability to excite even on the urban crawl and cut and thrust en-route to the office on a daily basis…? Yes! It does and how many superminis can claim that – not many. This compact SEAT Ibiza oozes sex appeal with its seductively dynamic sweeping bonnet and roofline all off-set to perfection by the threatening alloys and twin exhaust. It might have small dimensions, but it also has plenty of sinuous curves on the bodywork to turn heads in admiration. Pocket rocket comes to mind in describing this car. In the urban crawl this means nipping in and out of traffic becomes child’s play and what’s more even fun, can you believe, as you leave the fashionable mega-size 4x4s struggling in your wake!

The power derived from the tiny 1.0 litre engine is nothing less than simply amazing and it does it without ever feeling as though it is working at the limit. The 5-speed manual gearbox is as sweet as you like and encourages a sporty drive at all times. If you don’t love this car then you must be a first-class curmudgeon.

In a highly competitive sector of the car market the Ibiza see off the Ford Fiesta in terms of value for money, sexy looks and performance. Already named ‘Best First Car buy’ in Parker’s New Car Awards for its, ‘…all round excellence, and being one of the best drives in the supermini class…’ it is clear this Ibiza with its tiny engine, benefitting from direct injection plus inlet and outlet valve timing, gives immaculate power response when you floor the accelerator pedal (something you’ll find yourself doing as a matter of course when driving this car). The gearchange is as sweet as a nut making the whole driving experience very enjoyable. Alejandro MesoneroRomanos, the head designer of the Ibiza, has taken aspects of the larger Leon and applied it to this model giving it, to quote SEAT, ‘…a more edgy and sportier design…’ and I concur with those sentiments wholeheartedly.

But perhaps the most astonishing thing about this model is the fact the engine has only three cylinders… and you cannot believe this when driving the Ibiza since it is brilliantly smooth with no trace of unevenness as it revs through the gears with no hint of unevenness or vibration. Quite scintillatingly brilliant! On motorways and B Roads you’ll find overtaking much larger cars great fun although you will find they will retaliate and tailgate you for miles looking to get past you! This Ibiza is nothing but fun to drive and you will find yourself being more extrovert every time you drive it because you can really embarrass and take the mickey out of much larger engine cars. Of course, with such a tiny engine you can afford to do this because I achieved 54mpg even on highly sporty driving. The interior is nicely finished with decent plastics with the dashboard and controls unfussy and well laid out. Leg room is good and the front seats comfortable but in the rear things are a tad tight for adults on long journeys. The boot won’t take the kitchen sink but who’s complaining?

THE VERDICT With an unbelievably lively engine and great economy this SEAT Ibiza supermini is superb to drive and excellent value for money from £13k Plenty of reasons to justify buying this car.

ou were like a bright spark, With mischievous eyes.

Always funny and kind, As bright as the sunrise.

And every little thing, That people helped you with, You were always so courteous, Always willing to give.

So rare in a human, That ability to always smile.

A soul so infectious, That stretched on for a mile.

So kind and so warm, A handshake to greet, A nice conversation, With every person you’d meet.

Your soul was much larger, To those who could see, For those who appreciated, Your true empathy.

And your memory will live on, In ways that are so loud, That terrace cheer you still hear,

From the Ilkeston crowd.

So as you take your rest, And kind words are now read, You will always be remembered, As Gentleman Ged. In memory of Ged Tatham. R.I.P. © Steven Michael Pape.

Ged’s funeral took place at Bramcote on 21st December with a reception at the football ground afterwards.

Support the Robins Ilkeston Town v Atherstone Town, Sat. 13th January, 3pm at New Manor Ground

It’s written in the stars

Stars for January 2018 – Localised to our area.

LIBRA ~ 24 SEPT – 23 OCT

ARIES ~ 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL

Your social life looks very busy and happy this month. The follow through from Christmas, maybe? Working partnerships could be in the spotlight too.

‘New year - New start’ – That seems to the way forward for you Aries! Your innovative qualities could steer you away from tradition, and onto pastures new.

TAURUS ~ 21 APRIL – 21 MAY

Your natural love of possessions and the material world, together with your excellent sense of taste and discrimination could be your major player this month, Taurus.

GEMINI ~ 22 MAY – 21 JUNE

Your enquiring mind looks to be starting the New year with new questions, or new ways of asking the old ones! Being busy on your computer looks to be a sensible way to spend your free time this month.

CANCER ~ 22 JUNE – 23 JULY

Getting support and encouragement from family and friends looks to be the most important thing this month. Your natural sense of knowing the mood of others could also be well employed.

LEO ~ 24 JULY – 23 AUG

Looks like your creative mode is very active this month, Leo. Sharing your light and joy with all and sundry has its magic moments, of course, but remember. You’re the boss!

SCORPIO ~ 24 OCT – 22 NOV

Your natural instinct to make the right career move should serve you well this month, Scorpio. Your compelling urge for truth has many admirers, so ignore the doubters!

SAGITTARIUS ~ 23 NOV – 21 DEC

Your sharp mind, thinking long term, seems able to give you ‘The Big picture’, right from the start It’s a valuable talent that serves you well.

CAPRICORN ~ 22 DEC – 20 JAN

Your clear, practical vision and sense of discrimination should put you in good stead, and verbal appreciation of authority may get you a social invite!

AQUARIUS ~ 21 JAN – 19 FEB

Sharing humanitarian ideas with friends could help turn a collective idea into a caring project. Your joint efforts should make you feel justly proud.

PISCES ~ 20 FEB – 20 MARCH

VIRGO ~ 24 AUG – 23 SEPT

Promoting a sense of togetherness is where your main efforts look to be this month. It may be your longsuffering cause, but you’ve got the strength and stamina to see it through.

Using your analytical skills to spot the proverbial ‘Bad apples’ could be very helpful sorting out health related issues of some kind.

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR from RICHARD SERVANTE

Sport

WINNING WAYS Robins flying high as they stretch their successful run Matchman reports Ilkeston until the 36th minute to take the lead when Billy Bennett burst through to give an interval lead with a smart finish. The Bolehall Swifts 0 Ilkeston Town 3 them restart saw Alex Marshall fire home a rocket The manager of promotion rivals Atherstone from the edge of the area to double the lead.

He quickly followed up his goal with another, was in attendance as Ilkeston took on mid table Bolehall Swifts. Ilkeston were firmly in this time a close range header. Ilkeston were control but it took a freakish goal to put them right on top and peppering the Uttoxeter goal but keeper Allen was in inspired form. Uttoxahead on 33 minutes. Bennett lobbed a free kick into the goalmouth from a long way out. eter were making a game of it but generally were on the back foot. Montel Gibson forced The keeper under challenge misjudged the flight and the ball ended up in net. Bolehall’s a fine save from Allen before the keeper best chance was a shot which hit one of their made an incredible save from Jamie Walker own players. Ilkeston started the second half with his feet when Walker looked certain to score. Before the end Walker rattled the with more determination. Alex Marshall chased a ball forward and bravely headed past crossbar with a free kick but Uttoxeter hung on to keep the score at a respectable 0-3. to outrushing keeper to make it 2-0 on 47 minutes. Decent chances came for both Marshall brothers before Walker had a powerful Tues 5th Dec - Derbyshire Senior Cup 3rd shot deflected for a corner. Tim Hopkinson Round scrambled in a third for Ilkeston on 77 minutes after Callum Smith had got round the Glossop North End 1 keeper and pulled the ball back. Hopkinson Ilkeston Town 1 forced it over the line despite the attentions of two desperate defenders on the goal line. Ben (Ilkeston win 4-2 on penalties) Morris had a goal bound effort deflected wide This Derbyshire Senior Cup tie had added as Ilkeston finished strongly but the score significance for the new Ilkeston Town FC remained at 3-0. because it gave them a chance to measure themselves against a team two leagues highSat 25th Nov - Midland football League Di- er. Many supporters made the journey to North Derbyshire and they were not disapvision One pointed. It was a close contest throughout Ilkeston Town 3 Uttoxeter 0 with Glossop probably having the edge in the first half when they looked very sharp going A brace by leading scorer Alex Marshall forward. Their best chance fell to Ben Deehelped Ilkeston to a comfortable win. The score would have been more emphatic but for gan who should have scored with a header a fine display by Uttoxeter’s keeper Michael from a Zeph Thomas cross. Ilkeston shocked the hosts by taking the lead with a good finish Allen. The visitors had an early appeal for a penalty turned down but Ilkeston were domi- from Montel Gibson on 23 minutes but Glosnating play. Despite their dominance, It took sop stormed back and equalised with a sensaTues 21st Nov - Midland Football League Division One

Ilkestonlife.com

January 2018

24

tional goal by the excellent Jude Oyibo on 25 minutes.

Ilkeston’s defence was sternly tested before half time with centre back Charlie Jemson outstanding. Ilkeston brought on Lavell White for the second half and his speed and skill added fire power to the Robin’s attack as they started to come more and more into the game. Both teams were making chances and more goals seemed inevitable. Lee Rick had a great opportunity for Glossop but Ian Deakin somehow smothered his close range shot.

Ilkeston had a strong penalty appeal when Tim Hopkinson looked to be brought down but the referee gave him a Action from Ilkeston’s game with Walsall Wood. Photo: Craig Lamont yellow for simulation much to the relief of the Glossop fans. Deakin had to fingertip a fierce shot ing forward. The Robins twice came very over as Glossop tried to force a win but the close to equalising, once when Alex Margame ended all square with penalties to deshall’s header hit the crossbar and again when cide the winners. Ilkeston had the first spot Jordan Wheatley’s goal bound shot was dekick and Billy Bennett scored. Glossop capflected inches wide. Eventually Ilkeston’s tain, Courtney Meppen-Walter made it 1-1. pressure paid off and Jamie Walker levelled Then Paul Phillips saved Jamie Walker’s kick the scores just before half time when the ball and Lee Rick gave Glossop a 2-1 advantage. fell nicely for him to volley home from left of Tom Marshall scored to make it 2-2 then goal. Three minutes into the second half IlGary Gee slammed his kick against the cross- keston were behind again when Paul Sullivan bar to lose Glossop’s advantage. Alex Marfound the top corner with an excellent opporshall put Ilkeston 3-2 ahead before Deakin tunist finish. Despite being caught on the saved Lewis Lacy’s kick leaving Chris Shaw break Ilkeston were not deterred and continwith the chance to win it. Shaw’s kick was ued on the offensive. The equaliser came on perfectly placed and Ilkeston’s players and 59 minutes and it was wonderful goal. Tom fans were able to cerebrate a hard fought and Marshall looped the ball into the box and morale boosting win while the Glossop play- Montel Gibson powered in a stunning header ers trudged off disappointed. on the run. Nathan Walker had a decent chance for Walsall but on 72 minutes Gibson Sat 9th Dec - Midland Football League Di- scored again to put Ilkeston ahead for the first time. Walsall’s keeper Lloyd Ransom, who vision One had previously dealt confidently with everyIlkeston Town 3 Walsall Wood 2 thing thrown at him, appeared to misjudge Gibson’s shot as it bounced and crept in at his With many matches called off because of snow covered pitches, over 700 turned up to near post. Walsall now were forced to push forward for an equaliser but Deakin and his watch Ilkeston’s eagerly awaited top of the defence stayed strong and restricted their table clash with Walsall Wood. It was vital opportunities. Agar had a sharp chance on 77 for Ilkeston to get the win if they were to minutes but he blazed over. Ilkeston could have any chance of finishing higher than Walsall who because of their superior record have wrapped the game up near the end but when the full time whistle sounded, Ilkeston’s would no doubt have settled to draw the winning sequence of league games had game. After a bright start by Ilkeston, the visitors rocked the Robins by taking the lead stretched to nine. The two teams battle it out again in the return fixture on January 20th. after only eight minutes. Sam Agar found himself in space and calmly slotted home.

New Year Greetings to all Ilkeston Life Ilkeston were having more possession but Walsall were always dangerous when break- Readers from Matchman

Promotion winning boys team

Happy New Year

30p where sold

UP TO DIVISION TWO: AFC Kirk Hallam under 11s have won promotion following a joint top finish with Beaufort United in the Winter Division 3 Red in the Saturday leagues in the Young Elizabethan League. They begin their new campaign in the new year.