30p where sold
What next for the viaduct? T
Erewash Mayor’s Community Award Winner
MARCH 2018
A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area ilkestonlife.com
Inside: Victory for the Hazelwood campaigners, P3 ‘Were you ‘ashed’ on the Market Place? P7 Inspiring teachers at Gladstone and Hallcroft, P9 & 10 Scouts at camp, P13 The Church Lads who didn’t come back from war, P14 Ilkeston Town FC round-up, P24
he Bennerley Viaduct project, which has caught the imagination of the communities of the Erewash Valley over the last couple of years, will not be going ahead as planned, a meeting at the Gate Inn, Awsworth, was told on Monday 12th February.
mation in a timely fashion. “There have been two massive consequences,” the chairman told the meeting. “In the short term, both volunteers and project staff were carrying on with their work in local communities and on the Bennerley site, unaware that the project had been dropped. It also meant that the Friends were unable to argue the case for resubmitting the project.” The Friends have also questioned the reasons given for the decision. The difficulty of raising match funding was always known and a solution to the problem was actually included in the first phase of the project in the form of a Funding and Philanthropy Officer. “We feel strongly that the bid could and should have been reworked and submitted at the next opportunity, “ said the chairman. MEETING With this in mind the Friends’ committee attended a meeting in Nottingham with the chairs and CEO’s of both Sustrans and RPL on 15th February. The Friends put forward the idea of a new partnership to explore other funding sources, allowing the original project, with any necessary improvements, to be submitted to HLF. Sustrans and RPL agreed to come forward with alternative schemes requiring less funding, and all options would be on the table for discussion at a further meeting of all parties. Local MPs Maggie Throup (Erewash) and Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) have always supported the project and have offered to help keep it alive by bringing together existing and potential new partners. “We know that Ilkeston people and others in the Erewash valley will be as disappointed as we were by this news,” Jeff Wynch told Ilkeston Life. “The bid would not have done nearly as well as it did without the massive community engagement that HLF always look for. We are determined that it should not be wasted and that there will still be a project that we can all get behind in the near future.”
Among those present were Councillors Robert Flatley (Derbyshire County Council) and James Dawson (Erewash Borough Council), both strong supporters of the project. A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund by Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, was very close to success in December, coming fourth out of 17 projects being considered. The first three projects shared £10 million in grants. Bids of this size, approximately £4.5 million, rarely succeed at the first attempt, but the Heritage Lottery Fund was impressed by it, and encouraged Sustrans to resubmit with some revisions. Jeff Wynch, chairman of the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, told the gathering that he and the committee had been shocked and disappointed to be told that Sustrans would not be doing so. The “Iron Giant” belongs to Railway Paths Ltd., a charity set up in the 1990s to take over some of the assets of British Rail, such as disused bridges and lines. Sustrans designs and manages projects to bring them back into public use. RISK Sustrans have given financial risk and changing priorities as reasons for the decision. Heritage Lottery Fund projects always require “match funding” to be put in by the bidder, but Sustrans now feel that raising the amount asked for is unlikely. They also claim that the project does not fit in with their overall strategy or their plans for the National Cycle Network. Neither the Friends, who were key partners in the project, nor local project staff employed by Sustrans, was involved in the decision, and they did not hear about it until weeks later. They registered a complaint with Xavier Brice, Sustrans Chief Jeff Wynch 07443 452908 Executive, about the lack of consultation j.wynch@btinternet.com and the failure to communicate infor-
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Blinkinks’ gift to local schools
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
STANLEY COMMON
AWSWORTH COSSALL TROWELL SANDIACRE STAPLEFORD LONG EATON HEANOR SHIPLEY
We also give free copies to Ilkeston Hospital, nursing and care homes, doctors waiting rooms, schools, etc. and mail out copies to subscribers.
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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donation of £500 by the family and friends of the late Alan Brown (owner of Blinkinks computer supplies shop) to the Ilkeston and district Local History Society has enabled junior and senior schools in the Ilkeston area to receive books and maps on local history. Russell Gough (secretary of the society) said: “Alan was very interested in local history and sold the full range of local history books published by the society in his South Street shop. It seemed fitting, therefore, that as a way of remembering Alan the donated money should be used for the benefit of local school children. Graham Lobb (headmaster of St. Thomas’ Junior School) said: “We are very grateful to receive these local history books. I know over the coming years they will be able to help the children learn about the history of our local area. Occasionally we have had
specific weeks when we have spent time learning about local history, but these books will also help us bring local history into other topics - for example, when the children learn about world war 1 and world war 2 later this year in years 3 and 4.” In the photograph (right) we have (left to right) Julie Brown of Blinkinks, pupils Austin and Tia, Graham Lobb (headmaster) and Susan Cave of the history society. Below: Alan Brown, former owner of Blinkinks who died suddenly in 2015.
West Hallam Village Show 2018
New classes for this year will include stone painting for children (and they can then take them away and hide them), a new cake chalWest Hallam Village Hall, lenge and a memorial class for handSaturday, 1st September icrafts in memory of Sue Ainsworth Please make a note of the date on who re-introduced the show in 2015 your calendars and in your diaries! but sadly died very suddenly last We are currently finalising the November. schedule and classes of entry and all the details will be available later in If you want to know more in the meantime or would like to be inMarch so you can make an early volved in helping to organise the start on planning your entry. See next month’s edition for more infor- show, please phone 0115 930 5386 mation and keep an eye on our web- or 0115 930 3340 for further details. Remember that you don’t have to site – live in West Hallam to enter the www.westhallamvillageshow.com show! Mary Butler
Increase in council tax A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2018/19 by 2.99% is expected to be sent to the council’s budget setting meeting on Thursday 1 March. Councillors at a meeting of Council Executive on Tuesday (20 February) look set to support the increase and, if agreed, will mean that the council’s charge for a Band D property in Erewash will increase by 2.99% to £181.17 – a rise of £5.26 per annum, which
works out at just 10p a week. Only 11% of the total council tax bill goes towards paying for Erewash Borough Council services. Council tax payers also have to pay an amount for Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Derbyshire, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and Parish Councils – Erewash Borough Council has no control over the charges set by these organisations.
Inside: The things
you miss
The deadline for adverts and editorial Is always the 15th for following month’s paper (unless by prior arrangement). Send to us by email if possible. We prefer to receive images as jpegs.
Email us: news@ilkestonlife.com letters@ilkestonlife.com stories@ilkestonlife.com poems@ilkestonlife.com sales@ilkeston life.com or ilkestonlife@gmail.com Ilkeston Life is registered with the British Library. ISSN 2515-1231 Current circulation: 10,000 copies
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SLOW DOWN AT ROADWORKS If you've ever has to get out of your car on a motorway, you'll know how dangerous it is. Road workers are there to make the road safer for you. Please drive carefully near roadworks.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Victory for Hazelwood campaigners CARE HOME TO STAY OPEN UNTIL REPLACEMENT BUILT, SAY DERBYSHIRE CONSERVATIVES
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erbyshire County Council’s ruling Conservative administration has revealed that Hazelwood Care Home in Cotmanhay will remain open until a brand new facility is built in the community to replace it. The Council recently consulted local people on the future of the home, after it was revealed that the building needed substantial structural repairs. Original estimates suggested the work would cost £1.7million, equating to almost half the Council’s repair budget for all the homes in the County. A second opinion from independent experts was sought after residents and campaigners questioned the accuracy of the original estimate, but came in even higher at £3million. Subsequently, a further option has been put forward by an independent structural engineer to carry out far less costly remedial work on the roof to extend the building’s life. This would allow the Council to develop and implement plans for a new care home in the area before ultimately closing Hazelwood. At a meeting of the Cabinet on 22nd February, leading Conservative Councillors are due to consider a report which recommends that Hazelwood care home remains open until a suitable alternative is found within Cotmanhay, with essential work carried out
to ensure it remains safe in the meantime. Once a suitable site and design has been agreed, the home’s residents will be asked for their views before any work starts. One of the locations currently being considered is the site of the old Bennerley Fields School. Commenting, Cllr Jean Wharmby, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, said: “We’ve consulted with residents, their families and the local communities and I’d like to thank all those who’ve taken part and for making clear the strength of feeling locally. “We’ve listened really carefully to what people have told us, which is why we’re now recommending that Hazelwood should stay open while we develop our plans for a brand new home in the Cotmanhay area. REPAIRS “In the meantime, we’ll be carrying out essential repairs to ensure Hazelwood is up to the standards that people expect and deserve. Once our plans for the new home are further developed, another period of consultation with Hazelwood residents will take place.” Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said the council had been faced with a very difficult decision brought about by huge repair costs. “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to find a new way to overcome the problem and give some certainty back to Hazelwood residents,
who have always been at the very forefront of our minds when considering our options. I look forward to seeing the plans for a brand new home in Cotmanhay and discussing them with our residents.” Commenting on the welcome announcement, Erewash MP Maggie Throup said: “This is first and foremost a victory for our community. “I have always been clear that Hazelwood should not close under any circumstance as it provides a vital service to the community in Contmanhay, with many residents relying on it to support relatives who are no longer able to be cared for in their own homes. “Since coming to power in May, the new Conservative Administration has had to consider some tough choices to ensure that Hazelwood remains safe and warm for the residents who live there. “I would like to congratulate the local campaigners who took on this fight, as well as the County Council who have once again listened to the public and made the right decision by them. “I now look forward to working with residents and the County Council as plans are developed to build a brand new Home for the community in Cotmanhay.” Pictured: (Top right) Cllr Barry Lewis and Cllr Jean Wharmby on a recent visit to Hazelwood Care Home. (Right) MP Maggie Throup and campaigner Carl Tatham collecting signatures for a petition to save the home. (Large picture below) Ilkeston’s local County Councillors, Tony King and Robert Flatley discussing proposals for a new care home in the area at Bennerley Fields, one of the sites currently being considered.
This is first and foremost a victory for our community - MP Maggie Throup. All the residents and staff are over the moon. We’ve all been crying and celebrating all morning, They aren’t just our residents they’re our family - Hazelwood staff member on our Facebook page.
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Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
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
Learning to swim at Ilkeston Baths My official introduction to Ilkeston took place in 1952, when I was ten years old the Victoria Swimmng Baths on Wharncliffe Road to be precise. My mother had decided that it was time for me to learn to swim, and though we lived at Stapleford then, the nearest convenient lessons were at Ilkeston. So every Saturday morning we were at the bus stop by 8 o'clock. My sister must have been around seven years old at the time, and she came, too. We had never learnt to swim when we were younger because of the polio scare during our early years. The baths were not welcoming at that time of the morning. They were open air, and situated somewhere behind the town hall. There were two main problems as far as I was concerned. The first drawback was that the water was extremely cold. The second was that the whole surface was covered in insects. Yuck...! When we first arrived, there was a man with a large net skimming the surface. But he never man-
aged to get the whole lot. There were always wasps and flies, etc. like scum around the edges of the pool. Then the method of teaching seems a little bizarre from today's perspective, though perfectly logical really. We all lined up and each had a rope fastened around our body. Looking back, it was, in effect, a noose! The instructor then held the other end of each rope, and while we made the motions of breast stroke, he pulled us across the width of the pool. At least, he said he did, but one day we'd reached the opposite side, and he informed us that on that occasion he had not been pulling us in fact, we'd actually swum the whole width of the pool completely unassisted. Then we were handed certificates confirming that we could now swim! To this day, I resent the fact that my parents somehow managed to lose this certificate evidence of one of my greatest achievements... Hilary Knight (previously Crockett)
Where are our CEOs? Several times a week I sit waiting at the bus stop on Bath Street just above Station Road. Watching the passing traffic as I await the bus I have noticed how there seems to be a blatant disregard of the access and parking regulations on Bath St. There are clear No Entry signs for any vehicles from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm onto the pedestrianised section of Bath Street yet there seems to be a continuous flow of traffic breaking the law. Having watched their activity they seem to either use the pedestrianised section as a short cut onto Wilmot Street or they park up to either shop or visit the bank. Between Station Road and the pedestrianised section of Bath Street there are double yellow lines but again this seems to be a very popular place to park for visits to either the shops or banks. This creates a
Why give chip carton five minutes of fame? I saw a letter in the February issue of this paper to do with a piece of litter near a waste bin in Ilkeston. Where is this model village where one discarded carton gets five minutes of fame in the newspaper? Is it Ilkeston on the Hill near Long Eaton? Down here a slow look at the town centre reveals the same grime and weeds that were there a year ago when pleas were made to the local authority for a bit of a scrub up. It's a bit unbalanced this Borough.
Frustrated, Long Eaton
hazard in that it makes it more difficult for buses to get around the corner. I have also noticed similar dangerous parking on the pedestrian crossing zigzags on South Street. In all this time I haven’t seen one CEO. We used to regularly see Traffic Wardens in town but since they were replaced by Civil Enforcement Officers a section of the driving public seem to have realised they can do what they want as the chance of being caught is negligible. In addition, the speed limit on Bath Street up to Station Road is 30mph. There are no signs indicating a slower speed on the pedestrianised section. Surely it can’t be safe to have a 30mph speed limit where you are mixing traffic with pedestrians, a lot of whom have restricted mobility?
Bob Stevenson
Saw Monty Sunshine The article on the Co-operative Society by Danny Corns in your January issue brought back some happy memories of my time in Ilkeston. In particular, I remember Monty Sunshine appearing on 11th March 1961. I think it was just after he split up from Chris Barber's band. Jazz was all the rage, of course. In fact, the following week I went to the Dancing Slipper in West Bridgford where Terry Lightfoot's New Orleans Jazzmen were playing. It was great to have the Co-op venue on the doorstep though.
Hilary Knight
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Is history repeating itself? Or is it a case of what goes around comes around? Before World War 2 Germany was in dire financial straits. The powers that be decided they needed a scapegoat and decided on the Jews and all others they deemed a burden on the economy and society. During the war these same people came up with 'The Final Solution' and subsequently handed the implementation of this policy to the SS. With their ice-cold logic they realised they could achieve their objectives more efficiently by utilising some inmates to organise the low level day-to-day running of the camps. These inmates, known as Capos, were often more brutal than the SS in their treatment of their fellow inmates. They were rewarded for their efforts with better food, accommodation and the removal of the fear of torture and death. As the war progressed it became apparent to the people at the top, things where not going to end well and many started to distance themselves from 'The Final Solution' claiming it was not what they had intended and denied all knowledge of the death camps. The SS, realising they were in the frame for blame, again utilised their ice cold logic. They came up with the now infamous mantra, “We were only obeying orders”. Well, that’s all right then! At the closing of the camps the Capos were gathered together expecting to be rewarded with freedom and congratulated on a job well done. Consequently, their masters executed them. The SS regarded them with even more contempt than the other prisoners. So much for old history. Fast forward to the beginning of the 21 century. With the global financial crisis the UK finds itself in dire financial straits. Austerity becomes the buzzword and the powers that be needed scapegoats. I know what we can do! We’ll use the same old reliable fall guys. Let’s blame all our woes on the immigrants and the liabilities who rely on or inflated welfare budget. They are least able to defend themselves and least likely to kick up a stink if we attack them. You’ve got it! The people on welfare and the sick on disability allowance. We have a solution. We’ll get rid of DLA (Disability Living Allowance) and replace it with policy that is so difficult to qualify for that many claimants will just give up when faced with its complexity. Some may even die before they get a result. We’ll rebrand it to placate the general population and we’ll call it PIP {Personal Independence Payment). Makes it sound like we are actually helping people. RESULT! The DHSS can implement this new policy.
They have the organisation to carry it out. With their faceless upper echelon, all they have to do is gather the data and make judgements from on high. No need to meet the claimants, No need for empathy. No need for sympathy. That’s pretty cool logic if you ask me. How are we going to get all data from the claimants? Easy. We’ll 'out-source' it (another new buzz word. It means palm it off) to organisations like ATOS. They can train people in 6 weeks and deem them qualified to make judgements and write reports on people they’ve met only once, it will not matter what kind of disability they have, or what their personal circumstances are. We have a one size fits all qualifying criteria. Anyway, ATOS are incentivised, to reduce their Master’s (sorry, employer’s) budget. The more claimants that fail to qualify for PIP, the better will ATOS be regarded and rewarded. We are present day now. PIP is failing, as indicated in the news recently that all claimants dismissed with mental health issues must now be reassessed. The original instigators of PIP are wringing their hands claiming it was not implemented as they intended and recriminations are in the offing. DHSS will not doubt say they were only following instructions when some of their judgements are re-examined. As for organisations like ATOS, no, they won’t be taken out and shot. However, for the many times they have misinterpreted and misrepresented the claimants they have interviewed they should hang their heads in shame. I’m not saying the government are Nazis, or the DHSS are as ruthless as the SS or that ATOS are as craven as the Capos. But the similarities in the modus operandi are frighteningly similar. Just for the record this is not the ranting of some raving Corbinista. Just a political middle of the road father who has no truck with extremists of any persuasion. I’m just in the unfortunate position of watching my once confident and proud son, become embroiled in a vindictive and unforgiving system that is denying him financial assistance that he never envisaged needing. This policy is destroying, both mentally and physically, the most vulnerable and needy in or society. I am not so naive as to except life to be fair. Or to think nice things always happen to nice people in the end. Or even that justice and right always prevail. But one thing history has shown is, eventually, for all injustices committed someone has always been found accountable and the truth always eventually comes out.
Henry Sewell article read with interest
When I was a boy we used to visit his mother frequently, as she lived on White Lion Square. She was always referred to as “Aunt Hannah” so I guess I’m a ‘”second cousin”. I am looking forward to the next article.
I read with interest your piece on Harry Sewell. I brought this subject up on Ilkeston Bygones but got no response. I know about Harry through my mother who was one of his many cousins.
Michael H. Woodward
T A Webster
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Doug’s Snack Bar remembered Reading the article about the Corner Cafe at the edge of the Market Place brought back memories. During the late 1950s, in our teens, my friends and I took out season tickets to use the Victoria Swimming Baths, behind the Town Hall – outdoor pool of course! When it was school holiday time, we were able to spend longer swimming each morning. After the swim, we could, sometimes, feel a little chilly - well it was an outdoor pool! The perfect cure for this was to walk across the market place, to what was then known as Doug`s Snack Bar, below the Institute. It was very early days for a coffee bar. We used to enjoy what was called “frothy coffee”. Another incentive to go there was the juke box, where, for a sixpenny piece, we could enjoy the likes of Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard or Elvis Presley. I believe there was a coffee bar called Mountain Top at the bottom of Bath Street, but that was too far away from the Victoria Swimming Baths for us. Happy memories!
In 2017 we received 56 NEW transport referrals, a 14% increase from last year. Our 15 volunteer drivers provide transport to over 40 clients per month on a regular basis, driving 6415 miles last year. We have set ourselves a target of increasing our drivers to 30 in 2018. With your help we are hoping to encourage people to think about volunteering to help members of their local community. Volunteers make a huge difference in the Erewash community and the rewards to them can far outweigh any rewards to the people they help – it is a two way process. Volunteering equates to an enhanced quality of life and in some cases can prevent social isolation. Anyone can be a volunteer and just an hour a week makes a difference to someone’s life. Erewash Voluntary Action are based at Granville Avenue, Long Eaton – opening hours 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 4.30pm on Fridays. Ttelephone 0115 9466740. Call or pop in for an application form.
Lee Tivey
Facilities & Information Worker Erewash Voluntary Action, Long Eaton
Margaret Dawson
Fascinating article Being an athletics fan I found it the piece on Harry Sewell and James Barker fascinating and I look forward to the second part. Another Ilkeston athlete from the past was Fred Poynton who won the AAA 20-mile Road Walking Championship in 1923 (2 hrs. 51minutes ), 1924 (2 hrs. 57 minutes) 1925 ( 2hrs. 48secs). In later years Fred ran a chip shop on Awsworth Road and in the late 1950s was chairman of the short lived Ilkeston Athletic Club. I remember him still being able to "walk the walk" as only trained athletic walkers can. Although my sport nowadays is tennis, it is great to see a successful athletic club operating at the Rutland Sports Park!
Tony Buck
Calling Christians We need you to come together and pray for Ilkeston and the surrounding area, to seek God’s face for both vision and guidance in the current climate. To pray and discuss about ways in which God might want us to share the Lord’s Gospel within the Ilkeston area. There is no agenda, no programme, just a desire to share a vision and explore possibilities. The gathering of God’s people will be from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday 10th March at Queen Street Baptist Church (off South Street). Any questions, phone Michael on 0115 919 559 or Adam on 07815 004597.
Adam Corns
Grateful for donation A Big Thank you to the Asda Foundation who donated £6000 to Erewash Voluntary Action towards our transport scheme. Jon, the Community Champion, and Ben, the Store Deputy Manager along with Shiralee, People Manager and colleague Gaynor from Asda Long Eaton presented the cheque at our Christmas Tea Dance. Due to this fantastic donation we are recruiting new volunteers for our Transport
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New venture One cold December morning with the ground covered in a blanket of snow I went out to take part in a Christmas fayre to showcase my freedom and lifestyle products and jewellery at a stunning venue in Nottingham. Whilst I busily unpacked and set up my stall my lovely neighbour for the day offered to help and kindly made me a hot coffee and a comfy chair. This was the start of not only a new friendship but a very inspiring day. This lady was Paula -Marie who is a qualified colour therapist. I was intrigued to find out what Paula offered and within no time I had had a taster session in colour therapy. With Paula’s knowledge and wisdom she used my chosen colours to clearly identify my personality. She gave me confidence, made me feel so comfortable and inspired me to take the plunge into a new venture. ‘Something is missing,’ she said Within minutes I could relate to every word Paula told me about my past, present and future and left me feeling inspired, emotional and determined in life. Within a few days an opportunity ‘fell’ into my life that was almost waiting for me to grab. This was a perfect venue in the perfect location in my home town to start new beginnings That venue will now become Barefeet Wellbeing Lounge in Ilkeston town centre. I am so proud, heartwarmed, humbled and excited to be able to use the inspiration and encouragement I gained from Paula that cold winter morning to open this new cosy lounge. The lounge will open mid March and will serve the local community with a variety of holistic, alternative and beauty therapies. Paula not only gave me an invaluable reading but is also joining the team at the lounge every Monday to continue to inspire others with her talent and knowledge. For more information and bookings please visit our Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Barefeetwellbeing-lounge-760317014160725/
Gemma Worthington
Contest winners
joyed the competition, although she did comment that it was very difficult to choose Ilkeston Arts and Camera Club held their a winner as all entries were excellent. annual Mayor's Competition on Monday The club is looking forward to meeting Councillor Mary Hopkinson again at its 5th February. Presentation of Awards Evening on 12th The winner of the Photographic Section was April at The Erewash Museum, where she Josh Hutsby, and the winner for the Best will present The Barbara Mallard Trophy to Painting was Joan Pochin. This year’s theme was Fairs and Fetes, and coincidentally both Josh, and the Alan Webster Trophy to Joan, together with other trophies won by painttitles were Ilkeston Fair. ers and photographers for competitions yet The evening went well, and The Mayor ento be held.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Local debt counselling service says: Let’s talk about money
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he manager of a free debt counselling service is encouraging local families to have an honest conversation about their household finances in the first few months of 2018. The advice comes from Ian Robertson, the manager of the Ilkeston CAP Debt Centre, run by the West Hallam Methodist and Elim Christian Centre of Ilkeston in partnership with award-winning UK charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Ian Robertson said: “Money is still the taboo subject, we talk about everything else, but nothing, like nothing, causes friction in relationships like money, or the lack of it. “With the squeeze on family finances getting ever tighter, it’s important for the sake of your health, happiness and your family life to talk about money.” He added that he and the centre team provide home visits for local people affected by debt, along with ongoing support until each person is debt free. CAP’s head office negotiates with creditors and creates a workable budget for each client. Eight in ten CAP clients in a relationship said debt had caused arguments, with almost a third saying that money problems caused a complete relationship break down. Ian said: “That is why CAP has produced these tips to help people talk about money, and hopefully help people avoid financial heartache. “If you’re still struggling, please do give us a call and see how we can help.” CAP’s top tips for having “the money conversation” are:
are around, your mum-in-law is visiting or a big bill has just landed.
Agree that you want to make it a year when you get on top of the finances together and that the money conversation isn’t about blaming anyone.
Acknowledge that money management can be hard, especially when stressed, or if you’re on a low income. Mistakes may have been made but this is about looking forward.
for, like a day out, a holiday or a new car or just a “getting back in the black” celebration. This will happen twice as fast if you’re in it together.
Use one of the many online tools – or book into one of the hundreds of free CAP Money Courses – to begin to build your budget.
If you have debts, don’t delay in getting
help from a free debt counselling agency like Christians Against Poverty, Stepchange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, Payplan, the Money Advice Service or, if you’re self employed, Business Debtline.
Make payday the day you review how it’s all going and make adjustments to the budget where necessary.
There are plenty of issues in the world and plenty of opinions. Where can we really listen to what each one has to say? We propose to offer two opportu-
are transitioning from crawling to walking. Receiving the cheque is Mrs. Susan Newnham. Councillor Phillips said "I am delighted to support this very worthy activity which is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and provides a valuable service for the community."
nities a month to do this here at the U Choose Smoothie Bar, Bath Street, Ilkeston. You can come to either or both. The first meeting will be at 2pm on Saturday 3rd March; the second on Thursday 18th March at
1.30pm
Paul Rice (left) with TV soap star Kevin Fletcher
Avoid credit wherever possible and begin
To request help visit capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006
A chance to say what you feel
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Decide on a shared goal you want to aim
Avoid the conversation when the children
Councillor Frank Phillips has presented a cheque for £300 to United Reformed Church Mums and Toddlers Group from his Council Community Grant Scheme. The money will be used to purchase padded mats to make it safer for those children who
ON TRACK
be very different. Past experiences can shape these but you can play to each other’s strengths.
to save as soon as you can, even if it is a small regular amount.
Mums and Toddlers helped
This convinced him to step up a gear and enter the 750cc hot hatch competition. 2017 saw further success backed by various local sponsors including Erewash pring is just around the corner and that means life is about to get a whole Drives and Shaw Electrical plus the father lot busier for Kirk Hallam racing driver of a very familiar face to many of our readers…Emmerdale’s Andy Sugden (a.k.a Paul Rice. actor Kelvin Fletcher) Paul, a contract cleaner, has a busy and Paul’s gearing up and ready to go for the thriving business and you’d think that coming 2018 season and, with his track come the weekends he’d be ready to put record so far, things are looking promising. his feet up. There’s always room for more sponsorship Think again. in the world of motorsport and anyone, Paul started kart racing in 2015 clocking individuals or businesses, who’d like to get up two firsts and a second in the champi- on board for the ride are very welcome to onship tables over the first two years of his contact him on ricey.lindsey involvement. @hotmail.co.uk
Remember your attitudes to money might
Pick a time when things are quiet at home and no one is dealing with any immediate stresses.
6
We are proud to supply award winning pies and sausages to the wholesale and retail trade sectors. Please feel free to contact us for samples.
Ilkestonlife.com
MOTORING COMMENT by Ken Calder
3) Empty Lives. The appearance of `the Law` usually has a steadying effect on my driving. Mind you, a police officer`s attentions can have the opposite effect when concentrated wholly on me! But, when the Law is around our reactions differ; most of us become flustered, some show measured coolness and a few respond with belligerence. It is rare that a police officer is completely ignored – I have seen it, but only once! It all started with a lorry in a side street, poised, ready to turn into the main road. An obliging constable stepped forward, held up the traffic and beckoned the lorry out into the traffic stream. No movement! There was a second, more determined hand wave but still, no response. By this time the traffic pile-up was thick and the officer`s patience thin. He gave one final, futile wave, then
strode toward the lorry to `sort out` the driver. I was out for a stroll that day and the police officer and I converged on the offending vehicle together. The cab was empty! That dignified copper had been waving on an empty lorry! There was a big grin on my face for the rest of the day. But, I was also left with something to think about, because that incident closely resembled my personal experience. There was a time when I had come to a standstill in my life. There was an emptiness in my heart, a God-shaped void, and there seemed no remedy. The one popular notion – not stopping to `navel gaze`, was scarcely a cure, just a `keep busy` theory. From doctor`s surgery to work`s canteen the advice was the same – everyone waving me on. But they were waving on an empty life! However I looked at the problem there seemed only one solution – since the Bible states that all life and existence flows from God, it was logical to assume that my emptiness could only be met by God`s fullness. So, I began to seek after God and since then things have really been moving!
A Lenten tradition comes to Ilkeston
P
eople in Ilkeston were 'ashed' in an Ash Wednesday custom dating back centuries. Members of the clergy set up a temporary 'ashing' station in the Market Place and invited passers-by to join them in a prayer, before having their forehead marked with the sign of a cross in ash. ‘Ashes-to-Go’ is a way of allowing those who are unable to attend services in churches to mark the start of Lent and to remind people that churches welcome all. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of blessing ashes made from the previous year's Palm crosses and placing them on the heads of participants as a sign of penitence. John Puxtey, a Reader at St Mary's Church, said: "I helped with Ashes To Go in Derby a couple of years ago and thought we should try it in Ilkeston. It is a great way to relate to people and remind them that Lent has started. I found that even people of little faith were receptive to the idea. Everyone appreciated the prayer some found it quite moving." Revd Carole Lloyd, Interim Priest in Charge at St Mary's, said: "Some were inquisitive, others saw it as rather weird. But anything that gives us a visibility in the community, rather than behind doors, has to be positive.”
March 2018
7
Local Church News Lenten Course. A Lenten Course has begun at Ilkeston Holy Trinity Church vicarage on Wednesday afternoons, 2pm. Open Meeting. At 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th March, Bishop Jan will hold an Open Meeting at St John's Church, Ilkeston in respect of the future direction of St John's Church. All people interested are invited to come. Messy Church Themes. Messy Church at Sandiacre Methodist Church on 24th March will look at
Good news, Mothering Sunday and Easter. Messy Church in St Giles Church, Sandiacre on Good Friday will focus on ‘Light into the Darkness’. This will be followed by lunch at 12 noon in the church hall when donations will go to charity.
A passer-by is ashed by Rev Carol Lloyd on the Market Place
the old bird. Then a week later guilty of taking people and my she died, I wonder if loneliness fellow animal companions for can kill you? granted, and its only when they’ve friend but without any sucgone, that I realise how much they I’ll also miss the affection from Dear Diary, cess. What they didn’t pick up, mean to me. the old Church Gardener – altdo miss him, I know he used that I did, was a whiff of Mr Fox. hough he had more than a whiff of Perhaps I need to make more efto annoy me and I used to That fox comes into our garden his dog Freda about him. He was fort to be nicer now to those I chase him, but it was all in most nights, looking for his chick- here practically every morning to love, and also those I’m not really good fun. I so enjoyed running en supper but chickens are safely fuss me. I loved getting my ears that keen on, I’ve not seen either after him as he flapped his little tucked up in their house so he scratched by him, for someone George or Winnie for a long wings, but now he is gone and it’s leaves hungry. But I guess on with such rough hands, from a life while, maybe I should make the a bit of a mystery. The little cock- New Year’s Day he came earlier time of hard work at the pit and effort and visit them. I don’t erel was there in the morning on and didn’t leave hungry this factories, he was so tender with know what humans believe, but us New Year’s Day but come bed time. Then, there was just one old me. I hope some more gardeners cats have the belief that when we time he was nowhere to be hen left, she looked so lonely and come soon, not because the grass die we go to heaven, now found. My guardians looked eve- sad. I didn’t have the heart to needs mowing, in my opinion the I’m not exactly sure what heaven rywhere for my little feathery chase her, I just felt so sorry for longer the grass the better it is to is like, but I learnt from my mum, play in, but as all kittens do, that it’s a place actually it’s where the lion will lie with the to meet but it was he who came to my because I’m lamb, and the cat will sit next to defence with colourful comments to my missing my the bird, and all shall eat straw – I Bye for now mockers.” fuss. just hope my straw tastes like Twenty years later Roy was to meet AshFlorence I guess I’m chicken! In his autobiography, Ilkeston Salvationist ford Tolley again… Roy Havill recalls two RAF barrack room “A visiting Salvation Army band from the incidents: north of England came to Ilkeston. “I had a good friend in Andrew White Among the bandsmen was Ashford Tolley from Blaby in Leicestershire whose Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children who had broken away from all Christian strong Christian faith gave him the cour- teaching when called for National Service age to kneel in prayer at his bedside at but had returned like the Prodigal Son Lytham St Annes, this influence resulting after the War. As I was with Moses, so I in myself and another man Mick will be with you; I will never leave you nor Chetwynd from Hucknall to do the forsake you.” same… “A sequel to this story of Andrew’s courSaturday 10th March: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4pm age and influence came some time later Saturday 24th March: Sandiacre Methodist Church, when I knelt in prayer at Marham. A Of Little Interest Butt Street 4pm boot was thrown at my back and remarks by William Roy made in child mimicry of ‘God bless Havill, self pubMonday 26th March: All Saints Kirk Hallam at the Mummy and Daddy’ and ‘While you are lished, 2018. Community Hall, Kenilworth Drive, 10.30am down there say one for me’. Tuesday 27th March: St Wilfrids, West Hallam, 10.30am “Ashford Tolley was one of the most foul mouthed men I have had the misfortune Good Friday 30th March: St Giles Church, Sandiacre, 10.30am
The Diary of a Vicarage Cat
I
Brave enough to kneel and pray
Church but not as you know it
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Signs of early Spring The red white and blue of the swallow Arrive on a prevailing wind Now the last dark days of winter Have had their final fling The shout of the cuckoo Echoes across the open sky Woodpeckers drum on rotting trees Giving signs that spring is nigh Splashes of colour are seen here and there Dotted beneath the budding trees Where wild daffs nod their heads In a gentle passing breeze Dangling spikes of the catkins Mingle with the pussy willow Lighting up the dark hedgerows With threads of gold and yellows Snowdrops bow their dainty heads Like snowflakes amongst the leaves Filling the air with a sweet aroma Slowly drifting through the trees Children are heard playing In some far off distant field Close by a farmer ploughs his land Ready for his summer yield Dusk draws the blackbird To give his rooftop nightly show Performing like no other That gives us all a glow His sweet blended notes Are whistled in such a way It leaves you feeling happy At the end of a perfect day
Thomas Hosker
Muddy grass and plastic pints The club house is full, With the echo of noise. The barmaids are serving, Pints for the boys. Today they are saying, It's an important game. The players warming up, Are probably thinking the same. Then its time for kick off, The crowd starts to shout, Encouragement & gestures, As the ball is kicked about. The temperature is freezing, Its all hats and gloves. It won't dampen the atmosphere , As a new song soon erupts. And from behind the goal, There comes a primal roar, As loud shouts are heard, And feet stamp the hard floor. The smell is one of grass, And mud lying thick, Of cigarette smoke, And freshly cooked chips, Of beer being consumed, In safe plastic pints, Trying hard not to squeeze it, When the pressure gets tight. The thoughts are the same, Its one of hope or despair,
You can feel it in the atmosphere, You can taste it in the air. It's a feeling of solidarity, On a cold, wet afternoon, When the hope of a win, Dispels the weather bound gloom. It's nearly full-time, The home team is one up, Some head to the bar, For a celebratory sup. As others head home, Through the gate they adorn, Looking to escape the cold, To appreciate the warm.
©Steven Michael Pape 2018
Generation Despair You can sense it on the streets, You can smell it in the air, You can see it in the faces, Generation despair. No one wants the factory, No one wants to be there, No one can escape, Generation despair. And those in the dole queue, And those that don't care, And those red-tape liberals, Generation despair. Can you see the interrogation? Can you see the chair? Can you see the questions?? Generation despair. Poverty for the homeless, Poverty for souls laid bare, Poverty for the working, Generation despair. Hope in those desperate, Hope in those with flair, Hope in those hopeless, Generation despair. Those that continue fighting, Those that even dare, Those that question everything, Generation despair!.
©Steven Michael Pape 2018
Chasing dreams When I grow up, I want to be an actor, a star. When I get out of school, I want to be a doctor, to save lives. When I get older, I want to retire well, and travel the world. When I grow up, I want to stop chasing dreams, to accept the reality of my life.
Ann Bradley
An update of an Anorak’s Activity Sat 3rd March: 70013 Oliver Cromwell Sat 5th May: Diesel day trip too Portsmouth Harbour picking up at Ilkeston Sat 30th June: 60103 Flying Scotsman Sat 15th Sept: Diesel day trip to Newcastle and Beamish museum picking up at Ilkeston Sat 20th Oct: 60009 Union of South Africa Sat 15th Dec: 46233 Duchess of Sutherland on the up and 60009 Union of South Africa return Sat 22nd Dec: back again 5043 Earl of Mount Edgecumbe stopping at Ilkeston for the Xmas White Rose to York
I will notify if I hear any more. So at the moment there will be three passenger trains stopping and five steam trains hitting our little stop. Woohoo, keep it up I say. Bill Smith
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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. We look forward to hearing from you.
Silent snow
Rainbow Magic
The sky is pure white, It matches the ground, As the snow gets heavier, All silent, profound. There's a calm to the colour, It's better than the rain, There isn't that noise, As it hits window panes. The bird's in the trees, Sit on skeletal arms, There echoed chorus, Adding musical charms. The children are excited, As they dig out their boots, Cartoon hats and scarves, And all-in-one suits. The grass pokes through, Adding colour to the white, The garden of serenity, A vibrant, colourful sight. Stepping out onto the yard, Where nothing will now grow, The cold on our faces, All around us, silent snow.
I wonder what magic lies over the rainbow, hiding behind that magnificent arc. Perhaps there’s a world filled with glorious beauty, or maybe it’s actually gloomy and dark. They say there’s a pot of gold waiting for someone who follows the spectrum right down to the ground. But it always fades before anyone gets there, so that cache of riches has never been found. The science is simple - just raindrops and sunlight, reflection, refraction, dispersion and such. But I’d rather think I could actually go out and find myself one I could reach out and touch. If no pot of gold waited there at the bottom, I’d climb to the top and slide down the far side. And there I’d be sure to find proof that the idea of magic should never be scorned or denied.
©Steven Michael Pape 2018
Maureen D
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
9
Pop Lally, an inspiring ‘Glado’ teacher
J
ohn or Jack to his friends, Pop to his pupils. Mr Lally was the teacher that inspired me. Christened Dennis, I started Gladstone Boys School in September 1946 after failing my 11-plus.
Lowry, he would go to the Buxton Museum every year, borrow it’s only Lowry wrapped in newspaper and bring it to school for a week, to demonstrate to a class, then return to the museum travelling by bus every time. Years later, the Lowry was valued at hundreds My mates also failed so I was quite happy to of thousands of pounds. He had a cane of go there. Mr Brown or Brownie as we called course, although I never saw him use it. His him was the headmaster. An old fashioned type who would cane you at the drop of a hat. loud voice was enough. He was the head at Cavendish School when it In 1948, he took a class on a day trip to London. He’d booked a carriage on a train which opened in 1929. He soon retired with Mr Freeman taking over shortly after. A real gen- we boarded at Trowell Station. There were 45 tleman who the lads soon nicknamed Freddy. lads in the class in those days. On this trip he was the only teacher. We visited The National Mr Lally was the Art Master who in his first Gallery, the Tate Gallery, St. Paul’s Westminclass on art asked every lad for his Christian ster Abbey and others we could pull in. Lonname. Dennis I said. With Mr Lally’s Irish don was still very pretty much in ruins from background he soon called me Danny boy. the war. It was a different world. We then I’ve been Danny ever since. visited later on Kenilworth Castle, Warwick Mr Lally was a true Ilkestonian. Born on Castle and Coventry, which was also still in Whitworth Road, he lived in the same house all his life until he moved to the Cedars Nurs- ruins, including its cathedrals. If those trips ing Home in later life. His dad was a plumber couldn’t inspire a youngster to a liking for history then nothing could. The following who was responsible for making and fixing year accompanied by Mr Jones, a Welsh rugthe weathervane on top of the green spire church on Wharncliffe Road, now the United by international, we went to London again. Mr Lally was always proud of the fact he nevReformed Church. His uncle and aunt ran er lost a lad on these trips. Lally’s shoe shop on Bath Street. Mr Freeman was keen on the school lads In 1946 many teachers were just returning wearing blazers and a cap. Mr Lally designed from war service. Mr Parkin, Mr Wilson, the logo for the claret and blue colour. Lad’s Donk Henderson, Dennis Smith were very whose families couldn’t afford the outfit were strong on discipline. At school I was useless helped from the school funds. Mr Lally could at arithmetic, poor at silence, couldn’t sing a note but liked history, geography, English and always be seen walking around town. He always had time for his former pupils. I joined loved sports. The history teacher was Mr Wilson, a lovely chap but couldn’t inspire a class. him on an archaeological course at the Ilkeston College, in the winter of 1967 – ’68. He Mr Lally in his art class could. He always mixed art with history. Talked about the great encouraged me to join the local history society where he was a chairman. I’ve been a memmasters of the past. The cities where they ber ever since. I also joined him in the Ilkespainted mixed with its history. A great fan of
ton Arts Club where I was also a member for many years. When he was taking his class for art he would pick the worst painting in class, call the lad out to the front and praise his painting in front of the class. He never showed a lad up. This, I call good teaching. He was a founder member of Gladstone’s Drama Group called ‘The Grand Order of Thespians’. Robert Lindsay of course was a member. Mr Lally told me he had tried to talk Robert out of an acting career as there was no future in it. Pop said “How wrong can a person be?’” Of course Robert always gives Pop Lally praise for his start in show-business whenever he can. He loved sport and could always be seen watching cricket on The Rec or at The Grammar School, his old school. He was also a season ticket holder at Forest for many years. His
final years were spent in The Cedars Nursing Home. He was quite content and loved visits from former pupils. Pop Lally died in the evening of the last Sunday in January, 1994. I visited him during the morning, Robert Lindsay visited him in the afternoon. I once asked him, “Why didn’t you ever marry?!” He said, “I was married and I have a very large family.” I think I knew what he meant. P.S. I played cricket against Reg Riley many times during the 1950’s. Reg was a very fine legbreak bowler. [See next page.] Photo shows Robert Lindsay at a farewell party, held at The Three Horse Shoes, talking to Pop Lally on the eve of his departure for Broadway, to perform in the hit musical Me And My Girl.
Danny Corns
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Reg Riley and Marco Polo
R
eg Riley was our form master when I was in 4A. He was a kind and friendly teacher who, I am fairly sure, was the only member of staff at Hallcroft to have an MA as well as a Bachelor’s degree. I didn't study history to O-level, so it was perhaps in some kind of form period that he talked to us one day about books. He introduced us to a book called The Travels of Marco Polo, which I now know had recently been translated by Ronald Latham. This wasn't history as heard about in some earlier lessons (‘Today we will draw an ape man…’). This was a story, told by a Venetian trader who had travelled in the 13th century from Europe to the Far East, and
Marco Polo
F
ollowing our article Hallcroft’s Mr Riley was a good sport last month, Robert Jackson has contacted us to say: “I really enjoyed your piece on Reg Riley. I enjoy Ilkeston Life enormously. Thanks so much for sending it.” And he has contributed the following memory. had many adventures. Having read us some extracts, Reg held up the book he was reading from. He explained that this was a paperback book, published by Penguin. Did any of us own any paperback books? … No. Did we realise that paperback books were much less expensive than hardback books? …No. Did we know that The Travels of Marco Polo could be bought for three shillings and sixpence? ….No. I listened with great interest. I didn’t own any books, and the few I had read, apart from school textbooks, were borrowed from Ilkeston library. Then Reg came up with an idea. If anyone wanted to own The Travels of Marco Polo, actually having it to keep, he would get it for us and we could pay him from our pocket money. I took him up on the offer, and soon possessed a copy. This was the first ‘grown-up’ book I owned,
and I still have it and treasure it. I wrote my name and the date inside – 1960 – so the occasion must have been in the spring or summer term of the 4th year. I write this in an office full of books. I have written or edited, I think, 25 books. And I just wonder whether a later academic interest in social anthropology, the study of other cultures and religions, and an interest in books and writing, had its gestation in Reg Riley’s talk to us about owning a paperback. So, thanks Reg!
Robert Jackson, Leamington Spa
SEE ALSO: POP LALLY, AN INSPIRING ‘GLADO’ TEACHER BY DANNY CORNS—Page 9
Beetle Drive Trowell WI are holding a Beetle Drive at Trowelll Parish Hall, Stapleford Road,NG9 3QA on Tuesday 6th March, 7.30pm. Admission for Trowell member is £2.50 and £3.50 for others. Price includes hot sausage rolls (or vegetarian option) and tea or coffee. Diane Mason
Bangers and Brass The 10th Ilkeston Scouts present ’Bangers and Brass’ at the United Church of All Saints, Stanley Common on Friday 23rd March, 7.30pm. Rolls Royce Derby Band will be playing brass favourites. Tickets are £6 including refreshments. Phone Georgina, 0115 932 2423 or Jan, 930 3845 for tickets. Alan Cooper
My missus once said call in a shop and get me some tights. I went in and asked for some and the woman said "Sheer? " I said "no she's at home " John Allen.
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Letter
How I remember Reg Riley
The face of Reg Riley was instantly recognisable in last month’s Ilkeston Life. However, the photo didn’t do him justice. It was flat, faded, distant and formal. In life Reg was the exact opposite. When I was taught by him in the mid 1950’s he was warm, lively, approachable and always with a smile of his face. He stood out in the Hallcroft School of that era as someone quite special. He was intelligent but not aloof, liberal, encouraging and humane in a school which, tended to reflect the more austere control and discipline of its headmaster. I see that an article on Reg is coming next month but maybe I could share a few personal anecdotes. His approach was not to inculcate facts nor to reveal the extent of one’s ignorance but rather to draw out from you that which you scarcely realised you already knew. This was great for building confidence and encouraging you to join with him in the learning process. To this day I still recall the way he explained things and held your attention by inviting you to finish off the endings of sentences which formed the conclusions of a particular topic. He used the same inclusive technique when writing summary notes on the blackboard; he would stop writing partway through to encourage us to draw our own conclusions. Our opinions mattered! I can still see his writing on the blackboard; it was not scribbled but a lesson itself-loosewristed cursive copper plate. He could write out the whole alphabet in copperplate without taking his chalk off the board. A confidence builder. I recall one occasion when out of the blue he asked me to stand up and say what I thought of the conflict over the island of Formosa (Taiwan – mid 1950’s). With any other teacher I would have frozen, tongue-tied in embarrassed ignorance. With Reg I believed that if he was asking me he must have felt that I could find something to say. I managed to dredge up some facts from the radio news on the light programme before or after ‘Family Favourites’ the previous Sunday lunchtime. Two lasting pictures of Mr Riley... Arriving each day at school, not cocooned in the distance of a car but jostling with the throng down the back alley to the rear gate on his bike, chatting and bantering in a most relaxed way. He would pull of his bike clips and heave his backpack of inspirational texts up to the staff-room. Sitting in the school canteen at lunchtime, not at a separate staff table but at the heart of a table of boys encouraging relaxed and sensible discourse (not something that we all came to normally or naturally). Reg Riley, liberal, inspirational, encouraging – well remembered!
Fred Pringle, Edinburgh
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
I
n this age where younger people interact through social media rather than face to face, people, like me, who still remember the 1950’s and 60’s where much of our social lives revolved around pubs, clubs, cinemas and the like, feel left out. If you are unfortunate to have lost a partner then the feeling of isolation grows even stronger. It is very difficult in later life and after retirement to change your habits and try to make new friends and acquaintances. This is where organisations such as Probus can provide an answer. One of the first questions a prospective member usually asks when they contact us is “What are Probus Clubs all about ?” It’s probably best to start with what they are NOT. They are not church organisations, though retired or partly retired members of any church or religion may join. They are not charities. Unlike Rotary we do not organise or run events to collect money for charities. However we do invite charitable organisations to provide presentations and individual members may donate if they so wish. They are not “senior citizens” or “lonely hearts” clubs. However they are local clubs for retired and semi-retired professional and business people, and others who have had some measure of responsibility in their working life and who are of good character and respected in their communities. They are not “Men’s Clubs, like the “President’s Club”, now closed following the recent scandal. There are a growing
Probus—what is it? number of Ladies Probus Clubs, with some very thriving ones in our area. There are a few that are open to both Gentlemen and Ladies. An internet search should provide you with details of Gentlemen and Ladies Probus Clubs in the area if you live outside of Ilkeston. PROBUS Clubs are places to meet regularly for fellowship and an extension of members interests, usually with refreshments or lunch. Most clubs will arrange for a speaker or presenter to entertain the members. Clubs often arrange external events for their members such as, visits to places of interest, theatre trips, golf events, partners days and Christmas specials to name but a few. The purpose is to create a space and an environment where like-minded people can meet and interact and hopefully build new friendships and interests. A BRIEF HISTORY The Probus Club movement was formed in the United Kingdom in 1965 and had its beginnings in two clubs, both created by members of Rotary. It is widely acknowledged that Probus had its foundation in Welwyn Garden City in 1965. A man called Fred Carnill, who had moved to Welwyn Garden City in 1928, was an enthusiastic member of the local Rotary Club and addicted to cricket, bowls and soccer, but had retired and found a conspicuous lack of facilities for men in his
granted an Honorary Research Fellowship. Ann’s talk was entitled “Fools and Horses – Meeting - February 2018 The Victorian Circus” , which gave us a fascinating insight into the history of the formation of For our second meeting this year our Club was the traditional circus in England, starting with well attended and we now have seven more members since this time last year. The presenta- Philip Astley’s first equestrian circus in a field tion this month was provided by Dr. Ann Feath- near Waterloo in 1768. Ann talked to us about the roles of the ring master to control the horses erstone.. The Arena Church once again provided us with and the clowns who filled the gap between acts. their excellent hospitality, and we were served a Ann also informed us about the design and structure of these early circuses and how elefirst class 2 course meal by their professional ments still remain in the circus that we know and amiable staff. today Dr. Ann Featherstone received her first degree in English and Art History from the Open Univer- The Probus Club of Ilkeston is open to all resity followed by a Masters Degree then a PhD in tired / partly retired men who have a professionthe Department of Drama and Theatre Studies at al background and business men who would like to meet once a month and for other organised Royal Holloway, University of London. events during the year. Our aim is to provide a Ann spent three years on a major AHRC project convivial atmosphere, in pleasant surroundings, “ An Alternative History of Victorian Entertain- to meet for conversation and the development of ment”. friendships. We also provide an excellent lunch Ann then moved to Manchester and joined the and a diverse range of presenters. If you wish to Drama Department of Manchester as a part time learn more, please contact Michael Slater, our lecturer and then full time teaching introductory Secretary, on 0115 932 6185 or email slatcourses on theatre history. er.kg8@btinternet.com. Ann retired from teaching in 2014 and was David Jones
Probus Club of Ilkeston
with a crewman. Jolyon enlightened the members with his experiSandiacre and District Probus Club held their ences of the PUMA HCI in different areas espemonthly meeting in St. Giles’ Church Hall, San- cially in Northern Ireland and Belize before he th diacre on Wednesday, 17 January 2018. transferred to Search and Rescue Force flying the Sea King HAR 3 Helicopters which required 2 President Peter Barber welcomed members, guest speaker Jolyon Maclaine and then conduct- Pilots plus winchman and crewman. From his base at Bulmer in Northumberland in 3 years he ed the official business of the club. described some of his 78 Rescue Missions. The guest speaker Squadron Leader Jolyon He eventually retired from the job as instructor at Maclaine was introduced by Peter to give a talk the Sea King Training School in 1992. entitled ‘Life as a Helicopter Pilot.’ There followed a fascinating and interesting talk enjoyed A vote of thanks was given by Trevor Singleton by all members present. stressing the very interesting and dangerous life of Squadron Leader Jolyon Maclaine, a story Initially Jolyon started work in the insurance industry before applying in 1970 and transferring thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. to be trained as a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Sandiacre Probus Club is a friendly club which He related his initial experiences at R.A.F. welcomes applications from retired gentlemen Henlow where he flew the De Havilland Chipliving in the local area (not limited to Sandiacre munk 1970 training aircraft, sometimes naviitself). The club meets at 10am on the third gating with the help of power stations. Progress Wednesday of each month at St. Giles’ Church brought him to a faster plane the Jet Provost 4 at Hall for coffee and a presentation from a wide R.A.F. Linton-on-Ouse. variety of speakers. In addition there are social After some ground schooling work selection was events and lunches to which our ladies are invited. For more information about the club please made to progress to helicopter flying initially with the Bell 47 Basic Helicopter Trainer. Illus- contact our secretary Anthony Taytlor on 0115 trations were shown of the various types of heli- 877 8669 or anthony.taylor10@ntlworld.com or copter taking 1,000 hours flying to take full con- just come along to one of our meetings without obligation. trol. The Westland Whirlwind MK10 Training Helicopter @ R.A.F. Tern Hill gave experience Denis Dumelow
Sandiacre Probus Club
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situation. His ‘simple idea’, as he called it, was the formation of a lunch club to serve as a focal point for the development of social activity among men of similar age and background. With support from his local Rotary Vocational Services committee, Fred set up meetings in early 1965, initially with 33 members. A priority was the choice of a name and ‘The Campus Club’ was chosen; because the location of the first meeting overlooked the pleasant town centre area, or the ‘Campus’ as it is known in Welwyn Garden City. By the end of May membership had doubled and on June 3rd the first meeting as a body separate from Rotary was held. The name was finalised and eight simple rules emerged, the most significant being the one that read: “The object of the club shall be the promotion of good fellowship”. The Campus Club has always claimed to be the founder of Probus, but coincidentally Mr Harold Blanchard and two fellow London commuters shortly before their retirement set up their own Club at Caterham with help from their local Rotary Club, in September 1965. In February 1966 a meeting was advertised for all retired professional and businessmen aged 60 and over. 42 men turned up. Thus the inaugural luncheon of the first Probus Club in the United Kingdom to use the name PROBUS was on March 2, 1966. The name “Probus” had been suggested by a member who took the first three letters from ‘PROfessional and BUSiness’. It had
Fred Carnill had a simple idea from which Probus clubs developed
the advantage that it was a Latin word from which ‘Probity’ was derived. With the help of Rotary Clubs in the UK, Probus Clubs soon became popular and by 1971 about 150 Probus Clubs had formed. In 1974 Probus expanded into New Zealand and by 1976 the idea had spread to Australia. Since then Probus Clubs have expanded throughout the world. It is not known with accuracy how many clubs there are to date, but for those who like statistics, there are approximately 5,000 clubs worldwide in 22 countries, with about 2,000 clubs in the UK with 400,000 members The Ilkeston Probus Club was established in 1975, some 43 years ago and has been continuous active since that time. We currently have 36 members and would welcome any new prospective members. In the UK and Ireland there is no central organising body so each club sets its own rules, the watchword being informality. If you would like to know more about the Ilkeston Probus Club, please contact Michael Slater on 0115 932 6185 or email slater.kg8@btinternet.com.
David Jones
Long Eaton Probus Club Thursday 1st February 2018was the club’s Annual General Meeting, and the time that the club inducts its new President for the coming year. President Jeff Rowley, the outgoing President was please to induct incoming President Ken Pye, pictured right. On this occasion the members were treated to a small glass of wine and a pork cob, prepared by the club’s catering officer, Brian Flint and his team. The membership and the club officers were pleased to have the new PA system up and running, and approved by all present. President Ken made an excellent start to his year and was wished well by all. Terence Brown
New Long Eaton Probus President Ken Pye
Local Artist’s Success in Major National Art Exhibition Work by Ilkeston artist Robin Perko has been selected from over 1,500 entries to appear alongside paintings by some of Britain’s leading artists. The Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition will be on display at Mall Galleries from 21 to 31 March 2018. The RBA is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of skill, concept and draughtsmanship in painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawing. The Society holds an open submission exhibition in central London each year. Founded in 1823, it was originally set up to rival the Royal Academy. Today the Society prides itself on exhibiting an eclectic mix of sculpture and paintings in all media.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service awarded Disability Confident Leadership status. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) is proud to announce it is now a Disability Confident Leader, a level up from its previous status of Disability Confident Employer and the highest level achievable. Awarded by the Department of Work and Pensions, DFRS has become the first fire and rescue service in the country to be accredited with Leader status and is recognition for the Service: Successfully completing the Disability Confident self-assessment. Taking all of the core actions to be a Disability Confident employer. Offering at least one activity to get the right people for our business and at least one activity to keep and develop our people.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Acorn Corner
A page for younger readers
Saint John Houghton CVA signs up to support charity clothing scheme
plaque has been presented to Saint A John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy to formally mark its relation-
ship with a charity that provides clothing to people in crisis. Saint John Houghton CVA, in Kirk Hallam, was the first school to support Sharewear, which is based in Nottingham, and has now become an official member of the charity’s schools partnership programme. Louise Cooke, from Sharewear, visited Saint John Houghton CVA and spoke to students during a morning Act of Worship. She said: “I am delighted to hand over this plaque to mark the beginning of a new formal stage of working together. Saint John Houghton was the first ever school to support Sharewear and we’ve now formed partnerships with other schools. “You can help us by collecting clothes and shoes or by holding a fundraising event. You can invite us to your open days, we can talk in assemblies and run workshops. We can talk about the eco aspect of recycling clothes and what happens to clothes when they have been put in the bin. We can
give volunteering opportunities to older pupils. “We have a team of volunteers who come from countries all over the world, there are refugees, asylum seekers, teachers who come on their day off and in the school holidays.” Stephen Brogan, deputy head teacher at Saint John Houghton CVA, thanked Louise for talking to students. He said: “I think we can be incredibly proud to be the first school that ever worked with Sharewear. The charity is such a big thing now and it started in a small church which has about 150 seats. “It has become an organisation which helped thousands of people last year. This is a remarkable achievement and testament to all of the volunteers.” Any organisation that would like to become a Sharewear outreach or distribution partner can contact sharewearclothingscheme@gmail.com or call 07724118666. For more information visit the charity’s website: www.sharewearclothingscheme.org
Growing school gets new eco classrooms
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Schoolchildren across Erewash take part in major indoor athletics festival series of major indoor athletics fesA tivals organised by Erewash School Sport Partnership attracted hundreds of
school winners were Shardlow Primary School. Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partschoolchildren from across the borough. nership strategic director, said the sportshall events were a fantastic opporSportshall Athletics events were held at tunity for pupils across the borough. Rutland Sports Park for Years Three and Four, Years Five and Six, youngsters with She said: “This is a hugely popular event Special Educational Needs and Years Sev- in our schools’ calendar and it was fantastic to see so many young people of all ages en and Eight. Pupils were given the opportunity to com- and abilities taking part. “Not only do pupils get the opportunity to pete in relays, obstacle races and speed be active and compete against each other in bounce along with various field events a large scale event they are also working including soft javelin and longjump. on vital life skills such as teamwork and Schools taking part included St Thomas, communication. Mapperley, Draycott, Chaucer, Hallam “We would like to thank the teachers who Fields, Cotmanhay, Kensington, Brooktheir pupils and cheered them lands, Firfield, Shardlow, Granby, Sawley accompanied on and the sports leaders who did a great Junior, Kirk Hallam, Ashbrook, Ormiston job of making sure that everything ran Ilkeston Enterprise Academy and Saint smoothly.” John Houghton. Sports leaders from Ormiston Ilkeston En- William, from Chaucer Junior School, said he loved taking part in the Year Three and terprise Academy, Derby College and Four event. Saint John Houghton all supported the events. He said: “We took part in lots of different The Year 3/4 winners were Firfield while athletics events and obstacle courses. I was St Thomas came out on top in the Year 5/6 really excited to have a go at the soft javelin. I’ve enjoyed it and I even came first in competition and Saint John Houghton one of my races.” CVA scooped the Year 7/8 title. Small
aint John Houghton Catholic VolunS tary Academy has become the first secondary school in the county to install
We are always keen to consider new ideas when it comes to expanding and improving and we are thrilled that these buildings have so many environmental benefits. a new type of pre-fabricated eco“I am sure that our students and staff will classroom. Students have moved into the four new enjoy this new clean, modern space which Schoolhaus® classrooms, with associat- will give our learning environment a real boost.” ed storerooms and toilets, which are Robert Little, Sales Director at Net Zero used for RE lessons. Built by Net Zero Buildings, they are pre- Buildings, said he hoped students and staff at Saint John Houghton CVA, in Kirk fabricated off-site in a factory and then Hallam, would enjoy the classrooms for assembled rapidly on site in a matter of many years to come. weeks, reducing waste and constructions He said: “This has been a fantastic project costs. and we’re very proud of the finished reThe classrooms are fitted with 176 solar roof panels which generate clean power to sult. As with all our Schoolhaus® buildings, we built most of it off-site in our run them and any extra power generated factory. This meant that we could assemwill be used for the rest of the school or ble it very quickly while on-site and keep sold back to the National Grid. disruption to teaching, school life and the All the buildings are highly insulated, local community to a minimum. minimising heat loss, and have a zerocarbon rating, meaning they have low run- “The building is very energy efficient and its solar panels mean that it will actually ning costs and are energy efficient. produce more energy than it uses over its Headteacher Joan McCarthy said she was lifetime. We’re thrilled that Saint John delighted with the classrooms. Houghton chose a Schoolhaus® for this project, and we’re sure that its pupils and She said: “The new classrooms look fanteachers will enjoy their bright, airy new tastic both inside and out and they are a welcome addition to our growing school. learning and teaching space.”
The way we were
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
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Scouts at camp in 1957 Tony Buck sent us this interesting picture of local scouts queuing up for a meal with their tin plates and mugs. It was at Walesby Scout Campsite, Nottinghamshire in the summer of 1957. Tony tells us: “I was an assistant scout master in the 12th Ilkeston (Central Methodist) Scout Troop and I can be seen standing in uniform beside Dennis Bradley behind the table dishing out food. “My friend Syd Vallans is far left. Malcolm Smedley is fourth from the far right. I'm afraid I can’t be sure of the other names, but hopefully your readers may be able to fill in quite a lot of them. “The camp was run by Clifford Dyke who was an inspiration to so many of us.” Are you in the picture? Do you remember this camp? Or were you in another local scout group? We’d like to hear your scouting memories.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
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St. Mary’s Church Lads Brigade and the First World War By Grant Shaw On a recent visit to Ilkeston St Mary’s Church, I was struck by just what a fascinating place this is for anyone with an interest in local history. I noticed the memorial to those members of the Church Lad’s Brigade who died in the First World War. One was my great-uncle Henry Shaw (1894-1916) and on looking at the names I realised that a couple of them were familiar from my research on Off to War, the book of WW1 servicemen’s stories which I wrote for Ilkeston & District Local History Society. I decided to do what I could to research the other names, including Victor Barber whose name appears to have been originally missed off and squeezed in after the memorial was carved. I managed pretty well and an appeal on Social Media produced some more results. Here’s what I found.
Samuel Baker Samuel was born 1889, and was living with parents Joseph and Pamela and siblings at Prince Street, Cotmanhay in 1891. By 1911 he is a coal miner and they live on Archer Street. He joined the Sherwood Foresters in about 1916 and died 8th October 1918 in the Aisne region. He is buried in the Vadencourt British Cemetery, Maissemy. George Benton Born 1893, Ilkeston, by 1901 he is living with parents Thomas (a mason) and Catherine near Tavistock, Devon. In 1911 they are at 22 Wilmot Street, Ilkeston and Thomas is absent, possibly deceased. George is a ‘House joiner journeyman’. He joined the 7th Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment in May 1916 and a few months later he arrived in Iraq. He was killed in action on 29th March 1917 and is commemorated on the Basra Memorial in southern Iraq. Albert Booth Born in 1894 to William and Annie, and living in 1901 at 19 Stanton Road. In 1911 he’s an Iron Pipe Moulder, still living with his parents and six siblings on Graham Street. Albert joined the Lincolnshire Regiment in May 1915. He died on 2nd March 1916 aged 21 and is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper in Belgium as his body was never identified. Geoffrey Arthur Vernon Butt Born in 1894 to Arthur and Fanny Eugenie, he was baptised at St. Mary’s. His father was a Schoolteacher. He joined the Household Cavalry, 9th Lancers and died on 21st November 1917 aged 23. His body too was never identified, and he is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme battlefield.
Arthur Denby Born in August 1898, Arthur was a hosiery worker who joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve on 15th September 1916. After serving on shore institutions he was on board a liner, the SS Akassa on a journey from Liverpool to West Africa when the ship was torpedoed and sunk by German submarine UC-33 off Co. Cork on 13th August 1917.
Arthur survived. By August 1918 he had been promoted to Acting Leading Seaman and was on SS Mavisbrook—a steamer taking coal from Cardiff to Malta. Mavisbrook was torpedoed by U-Boat UB50 and sank off the Mediterranean coast of Spain with 18 lost, one of whom was Arthur Denby. He was 19 years old.
Derby in 1894. By 1911 parents William Henry and Mary Ann and brother Bert are living with him at 23 Union Road and Victor is a Hosiery Worker. Volunteering early in the War, he joined the Seaforth Highlanders. Promoted to Corporal, Victor landed in France on 10th May 1915. He died on 25th September 1915 aged 20 of wounds and is buried in Chocques Military CemeCyril Duro tery near Bethune in Northern Cyril was born in 1896 to Joseph France. Baker Duro and Harriet Duro. 1911 Joseph and Harriet lived with their Archibald and Donald McKenzie eight children at 113 Park Road These two have proven hard to track Ilkeston. Cyril was at that time em- down, although they may be the ployed as a clerk in the Duke of uncle and nephew who lived in Rutland’s estate office on Lord Babbington in the 1901 Census with Haddon Road. On 4th September Donald’s parents Arthur (born in 1914 the Ilkeston Pioneer newspa- Ayrshire) and Ellen. Aged only 18 per announced that among the vol- in 1901, Donald is already a selfunteers for the local 1/5 Sherwood employed watchmaker and ArchiForesters was Cyril Duro, ‘of the bald (born in Scotland) is 11. I have Town Clerk’s Department’. Cyril not been able to satisfactorily track landed in France on 1st March their Service Records or their en1915. While serving in ‘A’ Compa- tries on the Commonwealth War ny in the trenches, he was killed by Graves database. enemy shellfire on 26th June 1915 and is buried in Sanctuary Wood Frank Irving Moore Cemetery, near Ieper (Ypres), Bel- Although born in 1893, Frank was gium. not baptised until December 1908. By the 1911 Census Frank is living Ezekiel Ellis with his parents William and Mary Born in 1893 to Sarah Ann and Wil- Ann who are the licensees of the liam and baptised at St. Mary’s, he Rose & Crown Inn at Cotmanhay. joined the Royal Garrison Artillery He is described as a ‘Colliery in January 1912, but obviously pre- Clerk’. Frank volunteered for the war Army life didn’t suit, and he Sherwood Foresters Regiment as bought himself out of the Army on soon as war broke out, in August 16th August for £18. Ezekiel re- 1914. In the autumn of 1915 he joined the Sherwood Foresters on married Eda Alberta Clegg. On 1st 3rd January 1916. He found himself July 1916 he was shot in the right in the Battle of the Somme and died thigh on the first day of the Somme. on 5th July 1916 after being pro- Sadly, his leg had to be amputated moted to lance corporal. His body and he died shortly afterwards in was never identified, so he is com- hospital at Abbeville on 17th July. memorated on the Thiepval Memo- He is buried in Abbeville. rial. John Thomas Bertram Pilkington Stanley Guy King Born in 1897, he appears with any Guy was born in 1891 to William combination of those forenames in and Edith. By the 1911 census he several records, which made him was a Lace Hand Machinist. Sister difficult to pin down. In 1901 he is Ethel was a School Teacher and his with his parents John Thomas and younger brother C. Robertson King Frances at 137 Awsworth Road, but would go on (much later) to be by 1911 he is not living with them knighted for services to business. at 29 Burr Lane although this is the They lived at 77 Lord Haddon address on his enlistment papers, Road. He volunteered for the Notts which state his occupation as Yeomanry (a cavalry regiment), ‘miner’. He joined the Royal Army transferring to the South Notts Hus- Medical Corps in November 1914 sars and by 26th April 1915 was in but in July 1916 was transferred to Egypt en route to the ill-fated Gal- the Royal Garrison Artillery. Landlipoli Campaign. He died on 5th ing at Boulogne in April 1917, he September 1915 and is buried in the was wounded in the back in June Green Hill Cemetery at Yilghin that year. Rejoining his unit in July, Burnu on the Gallipoli Peninsula, he was soon promoted to Sergeant Turkey. but in September he was wounded again and died of his wounds on Cecil Parker Ledsome 13th October. He was 20 and is Cecil lived at 52 Bath Street, where buried in the huge Etaples Military his father John was a music seller. Cemetery near Boulogne. By 1901 John had retired, perhaps Henry Shaw because of ill health and Cecil’s brother John Herbert had taken Henry was born on 5th November over, aged just 24. In 1911, they 1894 to Arthur, a coal hewer and have moved to 80 Lord Haddon Annie Maria. By 1911 they were Road and mother Annie is a widow. living at 139 Station Road, Ilkeston Cecil is a Hosiery Machinist in a and both Henry and his younger factory. He volunteered for the East brother Cecil were pony drivers Yorkshire Regiment and landed in ‘down the pit’. Henry volunteered France on 9th September 1915. On for the 1/5 Sherwood Foresters and 7th December 1915 he died of his enlisted on 20th May 1914, well wounds in a military hospital in Le before war broke out. He embarked Treport aged 24. He is buried in Le from Southampton with most of the Treport Military Cemetery, near rest of the local 5th Sherwoods on Dieppe. 25th February 1915 for Le Havre and fought in the Battle of Loos in Norman Victor Barber 1915. At 7.30am on 1st July 1916 Known as ‘Victor’, he was born in Serjeant Henry Shaw went ‘over the
top’ with the rest of his company and his Lewis machine gun towards Gommecourt on the first day of the Somme. He did not survive the day and shares a headstone with two of his comrades in the Foncquevillers Military Cemetery. Reuben Shaw Reuben was born on Bonfire Night 1895, the second son of Reuben and Mary of Carr Street. His father died when Reuben was only 3 and he was adopted by uncle and aunt James and Georgina Cooke of Station Road, Ilkeston. Working in his uncle’s business “James Cooke and Son”, scrap metal merchants, Reuben became a partner and manager. He joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve in November 1916. On 20th July 1917 he was posted as an ‘Ordinary Seaman’ to HMS Pelorus, a cruiser supporting operations against Turkey from Greece. Reuben developed pneumonia around the time he was transferred to the cruiser HMS Europa on 25th August 1917. He died of this on 11th September 1917, aged 21 and is buried in East Mudros Military Cemetery on the island of Limnos (Lemnos) in the north-east Aegean Sea.
was an apprentice boiler maker and engineer. We do not know much about his service, but he joined the Sherwood Foresters and was presumed dead as of 21st March 1918. His body was never identified, so he is commemorated on the Arras Memorial. The Pension records show that his pension was paid to his widow, Ethel J. West.
Harry Wild Regrettably, I have not been able to satisfactorily identify Harry in either the CWGC records or the Census. I would be very glad to hear if any readers have more information and in particular photographs of any of these men. You can contact me at mail@ilkestonhistory.org.uk. The third expanded edition of ‘Off to War’ had just been published and can be obtained from the ‘UChoose’ Smoothie Bar at 1 Bath Street, from Blinkinks on South Street, from Ilkeston Library or by mail order from Ilkeston & District Local History Society.
Victor Bernard Tatham Born in 1897 to John and Mary of Park Road Ilkeston, in 1911 Victor was already working as a chemist’s errand boy at 13. His father was a lace mitten maker and they were now living at 16 Graham Street. He was not baptised until March 1913, which may have been encouraged by his membership of the CLB. He first joined the Sherwood Foresters but was transferred to the North Staffordshire Regiment. He was killed in action on 11th January 1917 aged 19. He is buried in the Hebuterne Military Cemetery on the Somme battlefield. Hugh West Sergeant Hugh West was born in Spalding, Lincolnshire in 1891. In 1911 he lived with his parents Joseph Edward, Manager of the Great Northern Railway Goods Depot and Anne at 1 Drummond Road. Hugh
Cyril Duro (top) and Henry Shaw
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teacher at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy is aiming to raise £2,000 for charity by running the London Marathon. Students are keen to support Lesley Lowe’s fundraising efforts ahead of the marathon on 22nd April 2018. This will be the first time that Drama teacher Mrs Lowe has run the London Marathon after entering the ballot three times before but not being able to secure a place. She applied for a place in the marathon with the charity Health, Poverty, Action and now needs to raise £2,000. Mrs Lowe said: “I’ve already raised over £500 which is great and I’ve got plans for events to help me raise the rest. Our Student Voice group is also discussing ways to support this charity through the run. “I didn’t start running until seven years ago so I suppose that I’ve come to it fairly late. I’ve done events like the Nottingham Half Marathon and the Colour Run before but I’ve never run in a marathon. “I’m running twice a week at the moment and following a marathon training plan. I’m also doing a bootcamp exercise class three times a week. I’ll increase the number of runs I’m doing the closer I get to the marathon and then it tapers off according to the training plan.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018 “I think that I’ll only ever run one marathon and I wanted it to be London as it’s so iconic, it’s my bucket list run, and as I’m doing it for charity that’s more power to my training elbow. “My husband is actually sponsoring my training. He’s pledged 20p a mile so that’s motivational.” Health, Poverty, Action works in partnership with poor and marginalised communities in 12 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America to help them improve their health, prioritising communities that do not receive support. With the help of students Mrs Lowe is planning a fundraising event in school on February 23rd. This will involve a non-uniform day, coffee morning and a staff versus students treadmill challenge. Mrs Lowe said she thought the prospect of running the marathon was both exciting and daunting. She said: “I would love to do the marathon in less than five hours and four-and-a-half hours would be phenomenal.” Mrs Lowe is writing a blog about her training, to read it click on the following link: https:// lesleysmarathon.wordpress.com/ Anyone who would like to sponsor Mrs Lowe can click on this link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fundraiser-display/ showROFundraiserPage? pageId=844355
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OIEA students supporting teacher's London Marathon fundraising bid
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lkeston Studio Players are performing Snow White and the Seven Dates at the Theatre, Friesland School, Nursery Avenue, Sandiacre this month.
Ilkeston Pre-Access learners do it again
Snow White and the Seven Dates
The show is on Friday 2nd March, 7.30pm; Saturday 3rd March, 7.30pm and Sunday 4th March, 2.30pm. Doors open half an hour before the start. Tickets are £7 and can be reserved by ringing 07875 180245 or by visiting their website: www.studioplayers.co.uk
ILKESTON TEDDY BOYS. This picture of young men wearing styles inspired by the Edwardian culture was sent in by Rex Toplis. Ilkeston was a draw for ‘Teds’ in the fifties when Hickinbotham’s was a major supplier of this style of clothing. Rex asks: Who are the young men in the photograph? Are they still around?
Derby College Ilkeston Campus Pre-Access learners have raised £619.37 for Treetops Hospice by holding a tombola stall, selling raffle tickets for a signed Derby County football shirt and other fundraising activities by the group members. Mary Rose, on behalf of Treetops Hospice, was grateful for the donation: ‘The Ilkeston Pre-Access Group raise money every year and we are thankful for it.’ Caroline Greatorex, Pre-Access Tutor, said, ‘Our adult learners, as well as working hard to complete their studies on the course, also give generously to a good cause. Most of the learners progress on to caring professions, so it is fitting that they fundraise to help those in need within our local society.’
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
BEFORE
ST. HELEN’S CHURCH RENEWAL PROJECT The ancient Church of St. Helen at Trowell, where Christians have worshipped for 1,200 years, has undergone a remarkable renewal to enable it to serve the community more easily in the 21st century. In AD 801 when Trowell was a tiny Saxon settlement in the kingdom of Mercia, permission was given for a church, made from wood and wattle, to be built at the request of the people. In 1080 when the Normans were still compiling the Domesday Book, the church was re-constructed from local sandstone on the same site. Traces of the ancient building are still clearly visible, especially in the large archway in the south wall of the present chancel. For some unknown reason the church was largely rebuilt a 100 years later - and since then there have been many changes and additions in response to the requirements and traditions of succeeding generations. The nave, aisles and raised clerestory were added much later. The embattled tower, completed in 1480, contains six bells, originally cast in 1792 and re-cast by Taylors of Loughborough in 1931. Originally there would have been little or no seating in the nave. Box pews, installed in the 1770s, were removed in 1836 and replaced with chairs. It was only when the church underwent a major re-fit in 1891 to raise the chancel floor, that pews and other furnishings were re-instated. From early times until the end of the 19th century, the church was heated by coal stoves and oil lamps provided the lighting. Now the church has taken the bold step of installing
Transforming Trowell Church
new heating, replacing the pews with stackable, upholstered chairs and levelling the floor throughout to make St. Helen’s more comfortable, adaptable and accessible to the community. In the Middle Ages, the church building would have been the only community building in the village and in common with most other village churches it would have hosted many events, meetings and festivals other than Sunday worship. Nave seating, if any, at that time would have been moveable benches. The chancel is where the worship would have taken place, with the congregation mostly standing and looking on from the nave. It was in Victorian times that churches became reserved for worship alone but the building now needs to be used for more than two hours on Sunday and the occasional wedding or funeral. Whilst remaining primarily as a place of Christian worship, our renewal project seeks to return the use of the church building to the people, much as it would have been prior to Victorian times, but fit for use in present day society. Before the renewal scheme went ahead, there were some regular events taking place in the church hall that can now quite appropriately be held in the church. This will free up space in the heavily booked hall for other activities. For example, the church may now be used for school events, midweek meetings, various modern styles of worship, the Village Coffee Pot, charity events, youth and children’s work, arts and flowers festivals and musical and drama events. The present improvements have been four years in the planning but were initially driven by a desire to install a modern, energy efficient heating system which would keep the
merriment in the form of medieval games, including a jousting tournament and the chance to aid the chivalrous Knights in winning the hand of the fair maiden. Entertainment of the Royal Ilkeston Theatre Company and Court will provided by the the Seven Oaks Inn are proud troupe of thespians and there to host a Medieval Fun Night, will be a delicious 3 course supper provided. full of entertainment and friCome along dressed in Medieval volities. attire - there is a prize for the The festivities will be held in ye best costume. olde marquee at Seven Oaks Inn, Stanton by Dale DE7 4QU on the Tickets are £25.00 and need to be eve of Saturday the 24th day of booked in advance (recommended age 12 years and March in the year 2018 starting over). at 7.30pm. For information contact Seven There will be much mirth and Oaks Inn on 0115 932 3189.
Hear ye! Hear ye! You are hereby summoned to a night of Medieval Merriment
church warm, even in the coldest winter weather. An enthusiastic sub-committee soon realised that renewal of the heating system offered opportunities to make the church more adaptable to modern needs. This became known as the Renewal Project. The existing heating system, installed about 1900, was built round the church furnishings in several areas and was originally powered by a coal-fired boiler. A gas boiler was added 50 years ago but never achieved severe weather performance, even after being switched on for five or six hours before a service started. It was known that the old pipes, radiators and header tank would soon start to give serious trouble. Clear evidence of advanced corrosion could at any time lead to serious water damage in the building. Small choir stalls, originally built for choir boys, severely limited the capacity and usefulness of the chancel area, which, in recent years, had become little used. A review revealed that at some time during the 1950s much of the nave furniture had been subject to an attack of woodworm. Considerable wood rot and beetle infestation had also made some pews unsafe until repairs were carried out about six years ago. The nave floor was of stone slabs with a herring-bone ceramic block pattern in the pew areas. Some blocks had become broken and loose or were missing, forming a trip hazard. Originally the chancel floor was at the same level as the nave floor but in 1890 it was raised up two steps as was traditional at that time. The most serious and obvious effect of the 1890 alterations was that the large stained glass east window was partially obscured. A special service, led by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt. Rev. Tony Porter, was held on 14th January to cele-
Care home helped by Morrisons We at the Cedars and Larches care home in Ilkeston were invited to our local Morrison's to assists customers with their bag packing. This was a great success and we will be using the funds raised to buy Easter eggs for all our residents. Morrisons also kindly donated us a large egg for our raffle table. Alison Richards, activity coordinator.
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AFTER
brate the completion of the Renewal Project’s first two phases, which have already provided the church with most of its new facilities. As well as benefiting from efficient economical heating, the new insulated floor is at one level right through to the communion rail giving full disabled access. A new glazed oak outer door at the porch replaces the old iron gate. A new audio / music system is installed complete with an induction loop facility for hearing aid users and the video / data projection system is unique in the village for community use. The new altar table and lectern designs are the result of ideas developed by the project committee. Two reader’s desks and the pulpit desk have been made from reclaimed oak. Phases three and four of the scheme will follow later to tackle issues involving power and lighting, the vestry / crèche, some internal stonework, cleaning of the nave walls and the restoration of historical and heritage features. The whole scheme will cost about £180,000, of which a significant portion is being raised by the congregation in direct giving and fund raising efforts, with the rest coming from grants. We are grateful to everyone who has pulled together and given generously to make this happen. Although some may prefer ancient churches to remain largely unchanged, church buildings have never been about serving the past but about enabling current communities to come closer together and closer to God. It is Jesus who draws together the past, present and future together in hope and action. This ancient church is now moving ahead to become a warm and welcoming beacon for future generations.
David Wright
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Local Walking Groups Where they are going this month
Erewash Ramblers More about Erewash Ramblers from Yvonne Ashby on 0115 930 4054. Sunday March 4th. 10.00am. 9½ miles. Wirksworth to Alport Heights. Meet at Canterbury Road car park, Wirksworth. (SK287537, DE4 4GY). Leader Marilyn Brown. Thursday March 8th. 10.30am. 5 miles. Milton/Twyford Ferry. Meet outside Swan inn. Parking around Milton only/via Repton. (SK321263, DE65 6EF). Leader Brian Bennet. Saturday March 10th. 10.30am. 5½ miles. Rushcliffe Country Park. Meet at visitor centre car park, Mere Way, Ruddington. (SK575322, NG11 6JS). Leaders Iris & Eddie Foweather. Monday March 12th. 10.30am. 6 miles. Bolsover Castle to Sutton Scarsdale. Meet at car park, immediate left after Market Place, P&D. (SK474705, S44 6DT). Leader Michael Throup. Wednesday March 14th. 10.30am. Short walk. Dale Abbey. Meet at Potato Pit Lane. SK443385. Leader Joyce Mold. Sunday March 18th. 10.00am. 8 miles. Carsington Area. Meet at Millfield car park, Carsington Res, P&D. (SK248498, DE6 3JS). Leaders Royce & Jacqui Drew. Evening Social Wednesday March 21st. “Derbyshire Delights”. A talk given by Colin Hobday. West Hallam Village Hall. 7.30pm. Thursday March 22nd. 10.30am. 6 miles. Misk Hill & Beacon Hill. Meet at Greasley Church lay-by. Undulating. (SK490472, NG16 2AB). Leader Alan Brown. Saturday March 24th. 10.30am. 5 miles. Cromford Canal & Black Rocks. Meet at Cromford Meadows car park P&D (SK300571, DE4 3RQ). Steep climb. Leader Alan Brown. Monday March 26th. 10.30am. 7 miles. Stanage Edge. Meet at Hathersage, Odd Fellows Road (SK231813, S32 1DU). Leader Dennis Salisbury. Wednesday March 28th. 10.30am. Short walk. Ockbrook Area. Meet at Potato Pit Lane. Leader Brian Bennett.
Ilkeston Rambling Club Further information about Ilkeston Rambling Club from Jim Cresswell, 07747 419380. Thursday 1st March: A Club evening at the Prince of Wales, South Street, Ilkeston, 7.45pm. Sunday 18th March: A nine-mile walk. Park at Lea Bridge on the road near the mill. Lunch at black Rocks. Leader: Steve Palmer.
Long Eaton Rambling Club Sunday 4th March - Belper Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall. Sunday 11th - No Walk (Club Holiday) Sunday 18th March - Hanbury Circular, 8 miles. Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall. Thursday 22nd March - Harlow Wood Circular, 7 miles. Meet 9.30am West Park Leisure Centre. Sunday 25th March - Crich 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, including day trips out, weekends away and holidays. So come and join our friendly club on one of our forthcoming walks. Full details can be found on the web site or alternatively you can phone John for more information on 0115 8495813.
Hi everyone! My name is Lindsey, I went to school in Ilkeston, live in Ilkeston and work in Ilkeston! Anyone who knows me will know my real passion is all things performing! Over the years I’ve sung with choirs including assisting with a local school choir helping them to achieve award winning status. I’ve assisted backstage with several theatre shows and more recently I was the Assistant Director in a production of Jekyll & Hyde The Musical. I know we have some wonderful talent right here on our doorstep. I’d love to attend any local school, college, theatre group productions, concerts, etc., and give them a review in Ilkeston Life. If there any local groups putting on a production who would like me to come along and feature them in the paper, please contact me on ricey.lindsey@hotmail.co.uk
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The Story of some of the Non-Conformist Churches in Ilkeston By Ruth Allen
Also mentioned in these early (and Close on their heels of, or even possi- sketchy) records is Thomas Barker. He and Ball and Bowes and probably bly preceding the beginnings of the others came to the conclusion that Baptist church in Ilkeston, came the what was needed was an Independent Congregationalists (at that time still Church in Ilkeston. They were encourusually called Independents). It appears that the ‘nucleus of an Independ- aged in this by the Independent Church at Moorgreen, and together the ent Church’ was evident in Ilkeston ‘as early as 1768 or probably earlier.’ two groups invited their first minister, Revd Robert Galland from Warwick, The early days of the Independents to come and give them oversight. He followed a remarkably similar pattern accepted, in 1770. to that of the Baptists: three Ilkeston men, John Bowes, Edward Ridge and The newly formed Independent Church in Ilkeston used to meet at Matthew Lindley, used to pack their snap and walk to Breedon-on-the-Hill John Bowes’ house in Pimlico, and by every Sunday to hear the word of God 1772 it had established a Covenant, preached, and then walk the 16 miles certain Articles of Faith, and a Statement of Church Discipline. This covehome. The Castle Donington – nant was signed by 12 people: Alice Breedon-on-the-Hill area appears to have been a hotbed of Dissenting ac- Adkin, Francis Ball, John Bowes, Sarah Eley, Henry and Hannah Hancock, tivity. Apparently at roughly the same time, Matthew Lindley, Thomas Making, Edward Ridge, John Sanders, Francis one Francis Ball of Trowell Moor used to pack his snap too and walk to Thompson and Mary Winfield. Castle Gate church in Nottingham, Pictures: Top right: Memorial tablet to which had been a strong base of Dissenting worship since the time of Oli- John and Grace Bowes in the United Reformed Church. Underneath: The ver Cromwell. Ball would be joined former Castlegate Congregational on his walk through Wollaton by church in Nottingham. This building friends called Hopewell, and would dates from the 1830s but is on the same tell his three sons what he could remember of the day’s preaching when site as the original chapel. he got home.
‘Recovery’ - exhibition at Erewash Museum Thursday 10th March 2018 – Tuesday 3rd April 2018 The Recovery exhibition is a selection of artwork and text which has been created by people who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. They work out of Derbyshire Recovery Partnership drug and alcohol recovery services based at Erewash house in Ilkeston in partnership with Wash Arts CIC Horti-Culture Project. The exhibition will include a variety of different mediums and techniques and will include: handmade prints, collage, mixed media, paintings, text art and films. Professional artists Diana Shepherd and Cathy Terzza who run the art sessions having been working with the participants since the beginning of October 2017 to create this exhibition. They say: “We see creative expression as a naturally therapeutic and positive distraction from the challenges of day to day
life. People who use the Recovery Services are invited to join the weekly sessions which offer a variety of creative activities and cater to all levels of ability. The social aspect of the group is very important to us, participants are able to take part or simply enjoy the company and support of others. We wish to promote the use of everyday creativity as a tool for mental wellbeing, positive activity and personal expression.” More Information about the HortiCulture Project Horti-Culture, now in its third year is a programme of activities directed to supporting individuals from the Borough of Erewash recovering from alcohol, drugs and substance misuse. The projects work with individuals in a collaborative relationship with professional artists, writers, makers and gardeners. It is all about sharing their creative products with the local community through exhibitions and news-
Award for Alison of Cedars and Larches Representatives of The Cedars and Larches care home in Ilkeston attended the National Care Awards at the Hilton last week. They are proud to announce they had a winner in Alison Richards who was rewarded for her outstanding work in providing meaningful activities for residents. Alison has been working for the home for thirteen years, starting off as a care assistant then moving to activities and training. The award was presented by Keith
Duffy from Boyzone who praised all areas of care staff, and spoke of his own personal experiences. Alison said the award was a great shock, however she was very proud for the award to be linked to the Cedars and Larches which she described as an amazing, friendly, local home full of dedicated staff. The photo shows Home manager Nina Wright and Alison Richards, lead activities, with the framed certificate and trophy. Cedar and Larches is situated on Queens Drive, Ilkeston.
letters and also sharing their allotment harvests. All the sessions are FREE and if you do not want to join in the activities just come along and have a chat and a hot drink! For further information about the Horti-Culture project or Wash Arts CIC please contact: Stella Couloutbanis Director and Project Manager Wash Arts CIC Email: couloutbanis@gmail.com Mobile 07854 777 432 www.facebook.com/WashArtsCIC/ Information about Derbyshire Recovery Partnership www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.c o.uk/ Horti-Culture is funded by Derbyshire County Council and is supported by Arena Community Church, Derbyshire Recovery Partnership, Derventio Housing Trust and Erewash Borough Council.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018 a riot of colour with the many spring bulbs, blossom trees and beds and borders filled This month we can officially wave goodbye with many ornamental plants and there is to the winter blues and we can welcome the also a daffodil walk through the woodland arrival of spring with open arms, It might where thousands of daffodils were plantstill be a little cold, it might still be wet, but ed. As the grounds are open earlier this year, those evenings are lengthening and we are all the main focus will hopefully be these 1000’s starting to venture back into our gardens. of daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs. In this month’s issue, your spring gardening The gardens are looked after by volunteers, a jobs for March, Treetops Hospice Care are team of twelve work twice a week, every opening up their grounds for second year week of the year, to ensure the grounds look with the National Garden Scheme, Gardener their best for patients, visitors and staff. Steve’s Plant of the Month and details of our There will be a plant stall and a local produce Day trip to Coton Manor in April. stall selling jams, jellies and marmalade, Happy reading and happy gardening to all of made by the gardeners. Visitors can enjoy you! light refreshments including teas and coffees Feed trees, shrubs and hedges with a slowand hot soup and bread rolls served by the release fertiliser by lightly forking it into the Treetops Hospice Fundraising team. All soil surface money raised from the stalls and refreshPlant out any forced flower bulbs in the gar- ments will go to the hospice funds. Dogs on den, such as hyacinths and daffodils which short leads are also welcome. have finished flowering indoors Admission is £3 per adult, under 16s free Take a look around the garden checking for and the entrance money goes to the National frost damage. Cut back any affected stems Garden Scheme which supports several national charities including Hospice UK. Finish cutting back shrubs grown for their colourful winter stems such as Cornus and Find us at: Treetops Hospice Care, Derby Salix cultivars. Cut them back to their bases Road, Risley, Derbyshire, DE72 3SS If your lawn needs mowing choose a dry day Gardener Steve’s plant of the to complete this. Ensure the blades are set month higher than usual at this time of year RIBES SANGUINEUM Treetops to open their gardens again with (Flowering ornamental currant) the National Garden Scheme Saturday 24th March 11am - 3pm Admission £3 - Under 16s free Treetops Hospice Care are delighted to be opening up their gardens for the second time in its 30 year history as part of the popular National Garden Scheme. The National Garden Scheme is the country’s biggest annual celebration of gardening and invites garden owners to open their exceptional gardens to the public to raise money for good causes. Treetops Hospice Care provides nursing care Ribes is a deciduous, spring-flowering, ornaand emotional support for adults, their fami- mental shrub with pendent clusters of rose lies and carers across Derbyshire and Notpink, tubular flowers which cover the bush. tinghamshire free of charge. This popular form of flowering currant is Treetops estate is a 12 acre site of woodland compact and upright in habit making it ideal and grounds in the conservation area of Ris- for where border space is limited or for growing as an informal, flowering hedge. To ley Village, and was formerly part of the grounds of Risley Hall has been developed prevent the plant from becoming congested over the last ten years and taking into consid- in late summer remove any dead or diseased eration the needs and fundraising activities of branches and reduce the flowered shoots to a the hospice and its guests with raised wheel- strong, lower bud. chair walkways allowing them to access all The flowering currant is a great performer areas of the hospice grounds. for any spring garden, blooming every year Through out the spring, the gardens provide without any special care needed to be given.
Hello fellow gardeners…
er, appearing on TV and radio and writing articles in the Garden News, Which Gardening and the Kitchen Garden magazine. He also judges for the RHS and can be seen at several flower shows, hosting gardening talks Our speaker for this month was Martin and giving demonstrations. Fish who is a very well known garden- It is not surprising that this famous gardener gave us an excellent talk on growing fruit. His DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL first topic was apples, England being an excellent place to grow them. He advised that if there are no more apple trees in the vicinity then it was essential to plant 2 trees for pollination purposes. It is Member for Ilkeston South imperative to obtain a tree on the correct root stock for the size of tree you require for will be holding a your garden and suggested Members Surgery that a mature tree around 7ft is an ideal size as this will on allow fruit picking and pruning to be done without the aid Saturday 10th March 2018 of a ladder. It is best to plant bare root trees in the dormant period and if they are in con10am—12 noon tainers then it is best to do some formative pruning At Ilkeston Town Hall, Ilkeston, which is little and often to shape the tree into a wine DE7 5RP glass shape. As the tree gets
West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society
County Councillor John Frudd
Life in the Garden
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They have a pungent scent that is stronger By Steve Walton when the foliage is rubbed or brushed against. Ribes sanguineum originates from dry open woods and rocky slopes in western North America as far south as California. It was introduced in to Britain in 1817. Flowering period: Early spring Height and Spread: 7ft x 5ft Position: Full sun Soil: Fertile, Well-drained soil Hardiness: Hardy Propagation: By hardwood cuttings in the winter Pruning: In late summer remove any dead, diseased or crossing branches to maintain a nice framework and cut back shoots which have flowered Pest and Diseases: Aphids can cause problems and can be affected by a leaf spot, powCoton Manor dery mildews, honey fungus and coral ries and then on to Coton for the afterspot. noon. Cost for this trip is £30.00 price inDay trip to Coton Manor and Barby cludes breakfast, coach travel and entrance Nurseries, Northamptonshire into Coton Manor. For more information or to book your place, You can call the booking Saturday 21st April Coton Manor, a 17th century manor house, line on 07413 408751 or email me lies in the peaceful Northamptonshire coun- at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk places are tryside providing an ideal setting for the ten- limited and very popular so early booking is acre garden. Originally laid out in the 1920s advised. I look forward to welcoming you on our next outing. by the grandparents of the current owner, Remember please keep getting in touch with The manor house acts as a central focus for the garden, with the walls supporting unusual your stories, photos, events, general gardening advice and help with plant identification climbing roses, clematis and shrubs. Landscaped on different levels, it comprises just email me at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk a series of distinctive smaller gardens, providing variety and interest throughout the Look forward to hearing from you and See you all in April, Steve season, and enhanced by flowing streams, fountains and ponds. Beyond the confines of the garden, there is a magical five acre bluebell wood as well as enjoying the garden, many visitors will want to explore the extensive nursery, take light lunches or teas from the Stable Yard café, or visit the garden shop. Barby Nurseries: A Gar dener 's Paradise is a family run plant nursery and garden centre specialising in beautiful home grown bedding plants, hanging baskets and planters also onsite is the Willows 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 Treetops Hospice garden is where the coach will depart. Our first stop will be at Barby Nurse-
larger it is advisable to prune out 10% - 20% of the wood in the centre of the tree in winter to create air flow to help keep the tree free of disease. Martin went on to tell us of other ways of growing apples such as espalier, fan and stepovers and where best to place them. Martin talked about the common pest to the apple which is Coddling Moth and a Pheromone Trap was suggested as the best way to combat this but it has to be placed in the tree when the moths are active, and he suggested a good reminder of this is when the Chelsea Flower Show is on. Martin then went onto soft fruits and recommended varieties that are successful and ways and times to prune them. The time had passed so quickly so he concluded his soft fruit topic with Figs, Peaches and Vines all of which can be grown here if placed in the right position. Martin concluded with a demonstration on how to graft a tree onto a root stock but his overwhelming message was that if we practice good garden hygiene this will save us a lot of problems from occurring later. Our next meeting is on Monday March 19th when Jeff Bates will talk about Lawns, Hedges and Topiary.
Beryl Tansley
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BIRTHDAY MEMORIES
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Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Family and Personal Announcements DEATHS
Anthony Allen (Tony) Passed away on the 30th of January, 2018. Tony was a loving person, and will be deeply missed. Our lives are brighter for having known him. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Funeral was at St. John The Baptist R.C. Church. Normanton, Yorkshire.at 11:45am, the 22nd of February. Gill, Jane, Pauline, Catherine and families.
IN MEMORIAM
Yvonne Pollard Eleven years on the 4th March since God took you home. They say there is a reason, they say time will heal, But neither time no reason will change the way we feel, For no-one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles, No one knows how many time we broke down and cried, We want to tell you something, Yvonne, so there won’t be any doubt, You are so wonderful to think of but so hard to live without. All our love, Michael, Nathan, Helen, Luke, Abbie, and granddaughter Lilly Yvonne.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
N
otice is given that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has applied to Amber Valley Borough Council for a PREMISES LICENCE in respect of premises known as Woodside Farm – Grid ref: SK44423 43421. The Licence if granted is to enable the Following Activities to take Place on the 16th June 2018: Films, Live Music, Recorded Music, Performance of Dance and the Sale by Retail of Alcohol for Consumption On the Premises. The license, if granted, will enable licensed activities to take place onSaturday 16th June 2018 (12:00 – 22:00). Any person wishing to make representations in relation to this application may do so by writing to the Licensing Section, Amber Valley Borough Council, Town Hall, Market Place, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3XE. Representation may be made up until the 16th March 2018. The Council’s Licensing Register where a record of this application may be inspected is kept at the above address. The register may also be viewed online at: www.ambervalley.gov.uk. It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application for the grant of a Premises Licence. The fine for which a person is liable upon summary conviction is UNLIMITED. Dated 16/02/2018. BIRTHDAY GREETINGS Happy birthday John. You’ve turned 70. Best wishes from friends at Ilkeston Life.
Ilkeston Life promotional vehicle
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Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
‘B
ags of Help’ is our local community grant scheme at Tesco which uses purchased carrier bag money to fund projects in our local area. Tesco have been celebrating the scheme in Ilkeston store recently to remind customers which groups have benefited from the carrier bag initiative and what difference the money has made to the community. The customers 1st choice in each round got £4000, 2nd choice got £2000 and 3rd £1000. The voting process is done over a 2 month period. It’s easy to join in. All you do is make a purchase to get a blue coin. Then chose which ever cause you think would be most worthy and place the coin in the box. Tesco collect the coins and count them through the following 2 months to establish who wins the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize. These are the local groups that have won money through this scheme from May to December 2017. Rumbletums received customers choice of 1st , they received in the May/June round 2017. The funding was used for encouraging special needs adults to have activities in the allotment. Heage Primary School was the customers 2nd choice in this round. They developed a multi use area with sensory space and a scooter track. The Broxtowe Borough Council, 3rd choice by customers, helped access improvements and seating area in a public space in Trowell. In the July/August round the customers 1st choice was Derbyshire Wildlife Trust which was to encourage young people to enjoy the outdoors in a project called ‘No Play, No Regrets’ The customers’ choice of 2nd place was
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Local good causes aided by Tesco Bags of Help scheme Friends of Cotmanhay Infants School refurbished their library. Third-placed Morley Primary School did a Forest School project at Drumhill with their £1000. In the September/October round the customers’ 1st choice was the West Hallam White Rose Cricket Club where the money is being used to put a new water removal system in place. Second place went to Gold September and their money was used to raise awareness of childhood cancer amongst school and local organisations. The customers’ choice of 3rd place was Adverse Camber Productions and their money was used for star gazing and storytelling evenings at Wollaton Park. The customers 1st choice winner in November/December round was 21st Ilkeston Scouts Group. This money has enabled the cubs and scouts to have the funding available for a trip to Brownsea. The customers’choice for 2nd place was ‘Friends of Brinsley Headstocks, Heritage and Nature Reserve.’ This money will help them produce a leaflet and Interpretation panels about the sites heritage and natural history. The customers choice for 3rd place was ‘Well Child’. This money will help children with health needs and limited mobility to go to a trip to Carsington Water Sailing club.
Lons Infants School in Ripley, with 90 students, who want to purchase a multi use games area. Mapperley Trinity Church Council. They have a dual hall which is used for worship, funerals, weddings and is a polling station as well as being used by the Village School 3 times a week for sports. They are fundraising for heating and lighting. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) are a The January/February round is over on 28th nationwide organisation, however, there are February so you haven’t got much time to local areas set up for bereaved parents and vote. their families who offer support after the death of a child of any age and from any Hoping for your votes are:
cause. Their funding would be used for an early bereavement retreat. Tesco have enabled 10000 groups to carry out projects adding up to £48 million and Tesco are encouraging more local groups to apply to Bags of Help by visiting www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp and completing the online application. Groundwork support this scheme and there is a local enabler assigned to the area who is there to support with any part of the application process. Angela Young, Tesco Ilkeston Community Champion
Babbington Rescue: Tony’s 14 years of looking after stray dogs and cats ony Sanderson took over the BabT bington Kennels, Westby Lane, Awsworth, 14 years ago. It was very run
too many strays, but this has been brought under control now. All the dogs are neutered, or spayed, and inoculated before they leave with a new owner. Sometimes a dog down and he has spent a lot of time and money building up the business. A wel- is not found suitable by the new owner and come addition came In 2010 when Tony are brought back. Some within a few days. installed a shop where owners can purBAD HABITS chase pet food, toys and more. Some may possibly have built up bad habits He now has ten staff to help run the busithrough un-caring owners and these can be ness, his wife and daughter included. The difficult to erase without kindness, care, and business stands on a 12 acre site which in- knowledge of the training required. To this cludes: play area and walk area for exercis- end, Tony has constructed a play tunnel, ing the dogs, plus a paddock where they can hopefully to be okayed by the council, in run free. his grounds, where his daughter hopes to The land is edged with woodland, which is train the rescue dogs before they are rehomed, this is to stop them from coming also used to walk and exercise the dogs in back. their care. Babbington takes in stray dogs and cats from most of the local councils This to-ing and fro-ing is obviously bad for including, Erewash, Gedling, Ashfield and the dog and stressful to all concerned. NoAmber Valley. one wants to see a dog put to sleep, simply because it has not been trained properly It is rare you see stray dogs on the street these days. This is probably because people from a puppy. are more aware, and if they see one they Babbington has lots of different blocks for inform the appropriate authority and it is different reasons. For example – a hospital collected straight away. block where new rescue dogs can be put if they come in with Kennel Cough. This is All the dogs are checked and if chipped they can be reunited with their owner very so they do not come into contact with any other dog. quickly. Any stray dogs that have to be boarded are treated for kennel cough. This They also have a quiet area for the little is a very nasty disease and is quickly passed dogs, so they are not overwhelmed. They on if not dealt with straight away, when the have areas for large families of dogs or ‘no stray dogs are picked up. touch dogs’. Any strays picked up are kept by the coun- All the kennels are inspected regularly and cil for a day, and if not chipped they are are fully licensed. One of the new blocks transferred to the rescue centre at Babbing- Tony has built cost £100,000, including ton for re-homing. levelling the ground. When Tony first took it over there were far They have a utility and shower area, and the
dogs are showered once a fortnight. They have now trained up several of their girls to do a grooming service, and are in the process of setting up a new room for this purpose. They also now take dogs for boarding, and the dogs get handled at least three times a day so they do not miss the human contact whilst away from home. Derby’s Scarsdale Vets school send their vets up to Babbington to do some of their training. GARFIELD When Tony first took over the kennels he received a call from the council to ask if he could take in 42 cats. He made the decision to take them, and only one had to be put to sleep because of ill health. This cat was pregnant at the time and they managed to save her kitten. They thought at first he would not survive, but the kitten had other ideas. After three days he was still alive, but struggling to move his back legs. Tony asked his daughter to manipulate his leap, and see if this helped. A few days later he
was up and walking. His name is Garfield and he is a big gorgeous boy. A few feral cats can be found running around the area. They are fed and looked after, and they keep the vermin away. They are all cats that have found a safe haven with Tony and his family. Outside the main block is a play area for children, with seating and tables for the walkers to take a break, and have a tea or coffee. They have many events to raise money during the year. They started out with 15 blocks and now have room for 70 rescue dogs. From 2011 to 2013, 750 dogs were re -homed, and 850 dogs passed through last year. Tony says there are 6,000 dogs out there still alive today that they have rehomed. The owners usually go in to let him know when their pet has passed away. Photo: Babbington Rescue Centre, home to many stray and abandoned dogs and cats.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
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After the War was over
M
y Mam’s brothers, and Mama’s sons served in the Forces during the war; two served together in the Army and one in the Navy. My Dad’s brother, Ken, served in the Navy also. He has recently been awarded the Legion de Honor by the French government for his part in D -Day and we are all very proud and pleased for him. He wanted no fuss though and it arrived by post and was quietly put away with his other medals. My Uncle, Bill Osborne or ‘Boss’ as his brothers called him because he was the oldest, served with his brother Ted in the Army and as ‘regulars’ they fought across North Africa and Europe with Boss rising to the rank of Sergeant Major by the end of the war. They tried to look out for each other as best they could in the circumstances. Mama was constantly worrying about all of them whilst they were away. It wasn’t for a few months they were away either, it was for years. I had my very first letter from my Uncle Ted the younger brother in the Army and I still have it to this day. I would lay in the bed I had shared with Mama from when I was born, and she would read it to me again and again. He said that he was lying in a foxhole in the desert writing the letter, with his mate, ‘Jock’, who was getting them something to eat. He told me to be a good girl and look after my baby sister. I never tired of having it read to me. After the war ended and they eventually came home on leave they sent strict instructions that the practice of
decorating the house with flags and banners to welcome them home was not to be followed or they wouldn’t even come in. But they did celebrate, big time. They were up town, going from pub to pub meeting old friends and comrades. Once, arriving back more than a little inebriated they carried Mama’s beautiful wind-up gramophone from the front room ignoring everyone shouting, “be careful don’t scratch it!” I can vividly remember both of them with lovely tenor voices singing Jerusalem along with the Great Caruso on Mama’s old 78 vinyl record. It was a very early version of karaoke, I suppose! Poor old Dad who had to be away to the pit early next morning looked very fed-up throughout their antics wishing they would all go to bed. However when they loudly started singing ‘Keep the Red Flag Flying’, Mama started to panic:“Oh stop it our sons! if the police hear you they will think we are all communists.” All too soon their leave ended and they had to return even after being away for so long. Thousands of young men who had signed up for the duration of the War, were being demobbed so being regulars they had to wait awhile before getting out of the Army. When they all came home for good we all lived together and it was great. Many children who were born while their fathers were away during the war found it difficult to accept this man who had suddenly appeared imposing discipline on them – some of whom were unruly children more
used to a lax regime with their Mam’s We were lucky enough to have no such problem and, in fact, we were positively spoiled. It was a sad day when soon After The War Was Over enough they were getting married and leaving our house. Uncle Boss married and became the Caretaker at Bennerley School but sadly died at a young age. He had one son who later emigrated to Australia. My Uncle Ted Osborne eventually opened a hardware shop on Cotmanhay Road opposite Richmond Avenue. It’s called Linda’s Mini Market now. I think half of Ilkeston knew my Uncle Ted! He was a great raconteur and always had a tale to tell and anything he hadn’t got in stock you could guarantee he would get for you. People would go into his shop to purchase something and by the time they had finished chatting and putting the world to rights they had probably missed their bus, forgotten what they had gone in for and left with an item that they hadn’t realised they wanted! I think they must have based Ronnie Barker’s ‘Open All Hours’ on Ted’s shop. Ted would also deliver paraffin all over the Cotmanhay area. He married Freda and had two boys and a girl and lived in the house which was part of the shop. He died in
2001 and like all of them is sadly missed. Ilkeston in the forties and fifties was awash with men like my uncles men who had served together, sometimes in both world wars. Most are sadly no longer with us. They experienced things together that civilians couldn’t ever really grasp. But they wouldn’t go on about war stories, and derring- do deeds - usually only funny stories of things that had happened to them or someone they knew. Now more than ever in today’s world such strength of character is needed and we can all learn so much from their legacy.
Painting and narrative by Betty O’Neill
Kirk Hallam School, 1940. This picture was sent in by Raymond John Mellor (back row, fifth from left, aged 7) who asks: Is there anyone in the photo able to contact me? I would be great to hear from you. rayjan1@virginmedia.com said. “Their hard work and dedication to bring a quality local radio service to Erewash is immeasurable”. Erewash Sound is always looking for Next month Erewash Sound celebrates new members to join the team for the following roles. 8 years of being the borough’s local radio station. Broadcasting on 96.8FM, Presenting Producing online at erewashsound.com and now on the Erewash Sound APP. It’s FREE News Reading to download from your favourite APP Marketing Admin store. There are some exciting opportunities The success of the radio station is based on its wonderful team of volun- at Erewash Sound. They are particularly looking for people with no radio teers, who have worked at the station experience. Ideal candidates with have over the past 8 years. strong people skills, a good team player “Our volunteers are the backbone to and some time on a regular basis. Mayour success,” Jeff Martin PR director
Ever fancied working in radio?
be someone who has retired but wants to learn new skills but positions are open to all ages. Ttraining opportunities are also on offer for young people with an interest in radio and media. Erewash provides full training for roles within the radio station. “Anyone interested is invited to join us for an introduction evening. This consists of a short presentation, question and answer session and a studio tour”. Jeff told us. Anyone interested or wanting more information should email recruitment@erewashsound.com or call 0115 888 0968
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Harry Sewell, Ilkeston's first Olympic athlete
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by Jeff Wynch
PART TWO
On the World Stage
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ut for the eruption of Vesuvius in 1906 Harry Sewell and other British athletes of a similar social background might never have competed in the 1908 Olympics. International athletics at the highest level was usually the preserve of ‘gentlemen’. Rome, the intended venue, would have been out of the question as there was no financial or other support for British participants. Jack Winfield, a local athlete from a slightly later period, was selected for two overseas Olympic games, but could not afford to take part. Attending even the London games was no easy matter for Harry Sewell as the Ilkeston Advertiser suggested: ‘He had not neglected his ordinary business for a single day prior to the race, and was pursuing his normal avocation the day before proceeding to London. His nightly practice on the Manor Ground was solely composed of flat running with never a solitary hurdle or water jump to make himself fit for the stadium course.’ (IA 24/07/1908). The Pioneer got it right when it said that ‘he indulges in no fancy method of training’ ! (IP 19/06/1908) Sewell’s event was the Three Thousand Two Hundred Metres Steeplechase over a course of five and three quarter laps with eight three-foot hurdles and a water jump. There were 24 runners in six heats, the first in each going to the final. ‘Heat 6. – H. Sewell, United Kingdom, 1; J.D.Lightbody, United States, 2; J.F.Fitzgerald, Canada 0; W. Grantham, United Kingdom, 0. The Canadian went off with a rush, but was soon left, while at the first hurdle after the waterjump Lightbody accidentally spiked Grantham. Over the last four hurdles Sewell and Lightbody were practically level, but on the flat, Sewell, with a yard or so advantage, finished strongly, and won by ten yards. Time 11:0:2.’ The official report, above, contains the bare facts and statistics, but the July 24th Advertiser, lifting its coverage from the athletic journals is more graphic. Sewell’s great achievement was to defeat ‘the American “crack”, Lightbody, who had come over to this country with the race in his pocket, so to speak, he having won it at Athens in 1906’. (There was a scheme to stage games in Athens halfway through each four year cycle. The idea was abandoned after the 1906 games.) ‘The best finish of the day came in the last heat of the...steeplechase. H. Sewell had made most of the pace and was passed by J.D. Lightbody of America in the last lap. The Americans cheered their man in characteristic style, and it seemed as if he must win. But Sewell was by no means done with, and, coming again, he got level at the last hurdle but one, and, in a desperate finish, beat the States representative amid a scene of terrific cheering from the English spectators…..In making such a splendid fight and thereby putting the Yankee nominee out of the running in such thrilling fashion, Harry Sewell fully justified his selection as an international representative in the greatest assemblage of athletes in
the history of international sport.’ Sewell could only manage fifth place in next day’s final, but ‘stuck to his task gamely all the way, and is sportsman enough to admit that he was squarely beaten. But when one takes into account the difference in facilities for training and other important advantages which did not fall to Sewell’s lot, it is easy to conclude that, though squeezed out of the first three places, he was in no sense a “let down”.’ As well as a Diploma of Merit Harry Sewell returned from ‘White City’ with an Olympic cap and a badge worn on the shirt. After the games Sewell continued to compete in a wide variety of events, with track in summer and cross-country in the winter. At the 1909 Hospital Sports he won the quarter mile handicap: ‘H. Sewell, the local “crack” runner, reached the final and won a splendid race. Conceding H. Johnson, a colleague in the D&CA&CC, 6 yards, he just managed to extract them from him in the straight for home, and broke the tape a few inches in front of hid rival, who fell prostrate in an exhausted state.’ (IA 16/07/1909) Back at the Nottingham Forest Sports he yet again won the 1000 yards steeplechase with ease. Other highlights were a first place in a half mile hurdle race at Ilkeston in 1912 and wins for his team in the two mile relays at Villa Park the same year, and again at Ilkeston in 1914. The 1911 census reveals that he was living at 4 Doris Road with his wife Ada whom he had married the previous year. In 1915 the family, now including two daughters, was at 42 St Mary Street, and it was here that Harry received his call-up papers. On enlistment his occupation was recorded as “Building Inspector and Road Foreman”, and the army made good use of his expertise by placing
him with the Royal Engineers Transport Branch. On Christmas Eve, 1916, orders came through from the War Office: ‘Road Construction Companies are being formed for service in France… Provided he is fit for service in that country he should be transferred immediately to Class W Army Reserve. When his services are required he will be called up and he should be given a railway warrant and instructed to report to Officer Commanding RE Railway Troops, Bardon Camp, Hants.’ This transfer was confirmed on January 3rd, 1917. On the 3rd of February he was promoted to Acting Corporal and the next day he embarked for France. In October, 1918, there was another promotion to Company Sergeant Major, and it was on this rank that he was demobilised in April, 1919. Before he was sent to France he was still competing on the track. This piece is from the “Sports Special Green ’Un” of 15th July, 1916: ‘The saying “an old dog for the gate” proved correct for Harry Sew-
ell won the obstacle race and J.H. Cruise the half mile hurdle. They were the oldest competitors at the meeting yet they could and did give start and a beating to the rest.’ Age did catch up with Harry Sewell, of course, and after the war he switched his sporting affections to tennis, hockey, and then golf. He was the captain of Ilkeston Hockey Club and the Erewash Valley Golf Club, served as President of the D&CA&CC and officiated at the Ilkeston Hospital Sports. In 1920 he formed his own business building houses, later branching out into public works including the Beeston Flood water scheme. His entry in Kelly’s Directory of Derbyshire reads: “ Builder, Road Contractor, Asphalter and Public Works Contractor.’ By the time of his sudden death, aged 70, he was a prominent man in the town, a Borough Councillor in the 1930s, a trustee of the South Street Methodist Church and master of both the Rutland and Hemlockstone Freemasons’ Lodges. For his funeral there was a Guard of Honour of more than 40 Freemasons
outside the Methodist Church and the list of mourners reads like a Who’s Who of Ilkeston and the surrounding area. The Rev. John Graham, who conducted his funeral service, summed him up in a personal tribute: ‘I always felt that Harry Sewell was a big man in character, and he fashioned his life on big lines.’ [He] ‘carried his sportsmanship spirit into his everyday life and activities. He had a keen mind and although attaining a high position in the business world he ever remained humble and was admired by all who knew him best.’ (IP 25/09/1953) (IA – Ilkeston Advertiser. IP – Ilkeston Pioneer) Once again thanks are due to Mike McWhinney for allowing me to photograph his grandfather’s memorabilia, and to John Hall for additional research.
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018
Athletics club makes final for house builder’s £200,000 prize
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ocal residents are being urged to get behind a regional youth sports group to help them win £200,000 in a national competition launched by a leading housebuilder. Persimmon Homes launched its Healthy Communities scheme last May, with the aim of giving £615,000 to support amateur youth sport in England, Scotland and Wales. Thirty finalists are now competing for the top prize with the winner to be announced at a gala dinner at York Racecourse on Thursday, March 22. One individual or group will scoop £200,000, while two runners-up will win £50,000 each. Each of the 27 finalists will win £5,000 each. Amber Valley and Erewash Athletic Club has been chosen to represent Persimmon Homes Nottingham in the final and it is now up to the public to decide on the winner with online voting under way for six weeks until March 16. People can vote for their favourite sporting group by visiting: https:// www.persimmonhomes.com/healthycommunities Julie Feeney, club secretary for Amber Valley and Erewash Athletics Club, said: “We were ecstatic to hear that we’d made it through to the regional finals, the news came at a great time as we were looking to raise funds for new equipment. “We have approximately 25 trained coaches and 40 volunteers who support our club with over 10,000 unpaid hours per year so that our athletes can train, compete and socialise. “We are now urging people to back us in this competition and take the time to vote as such a large amount of money would be a real
game changer for our group.” Since its inception in 1999, the club has built a reputation for developing world class talent such as Niamh Emerson, a member of the club who is the current Commonwealth Youth high jump gold medalist and under-18 British record holder in the heptathlon. Niamh, said: “It’s because of continued support and funding that I have been able to progress through my sport. “The early years of any young athlete is crucial to their development and schemes such as this one can support the volunteers who are vital to ensuring the development of the athletes.” Neil Follows, managing director of Persimmon Homes Nottingham, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the Healthy Communities scheme, and the incredible talent, expertise and dedication shown by all the organisations that entered. “The aim of the scheme is to help create a sporting legacy, and we believe Amber Valley and Erewash Athletic Club could do this if they win the £200,000. We would urge local people to get behind this group by adding their vote online, as the work they do is tremendous.” As part of the scheme thousands of groups and individuals applied for monthly donations of £750 to pay for kit and equipment. As part of their entry they had to say what they would spend the £200,000 on if they were lucky enough to win the top prize. Persimmon Homes Nottingham gave away £6,000 locally as part of this and nationally, Persimmon’s 30 businesses donated £180,000.
DINE IN STYLE: SEARCYS ST PANCRAS RESTAURANT Travelling to London? St Pancras International is an iconic venue. ‘Meet me at the Champagne Bar at St Pancras’, certainly says, “I have arrived!” This is where Eurostar trains arrive and depart. The shopping is quality retail therapy. Searcys St Pancras Restaurant is very impressive and their adjacent Champagne Bar, with heated leather seating and ‘press for champagne’ buttons, has 98m of serving space and is reputed to be Europe’s longest. Elegance and splendour is all around.
Regular train services from the Midlands and elsewhere, including south east England, arrive here. London underground and Thameslink services are fast and frequent, too. The upper level at St Pancras International has a 9m high statue titled ‘The Meeting Place’, depicting a couple embracing-celebrating romance and travel. Also, a statue of Sir John Betjeman commemorates the poet’s successful campaign to save the station, from demolition, during the 1960’s. The Searcys St Pancras Restaurant is very stylish, with pristine table settings and is located on the upper level at St Pancras International. Starters include Smoked Salmon, Scallops and Wild Venison Salami, amongst an array. Chicken Caesar and Gressingham Duck Salads are very popular. Shellfish choices include various, different Oyster selections, plus Crab and Lobster, for example. Mains of Lake District Beef Cheek and Loin of Lakeland Venison, along with Cornish Bream and Brixham Fish Pie, have regular ‘devotees’. Succulent, tender Steaks are further options and Sirloin, Rib-Eye, plus the House-Aged, Lake District Beef, are very much enjoyed, by many. The complementing flavours of the dishes are, truly, a genuine credit to the talented team of chefs and kitchen personnel. Desserts include Norfolk Treacle Tart with Devonshire clotted cream, and Warm Chocolate Cake accompanied by whisky ice cream. A most impressive wines/drinks list has something for all palates. Tasting events include champagnes and happen regularly. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus pre-theatre dining, are all available here, and, if time is of the essence, ‘express’ is no problem. All dietary requirements can be catered for, also private dining, parties and occasions, accommodated. Gift vouchers are available – perhaps surprise someone special?
Searcys St Pancras Restaurant & Champagne Bar Upper Concourse, St Pancras International Station, 58 Euston Road, London N1C 4QL As always, Tel: 020 7870 9900 Enjoy! Email: stpancrasreception@searcys.co.uk
Trevor Langley
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We asked, you answered...
WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT DAYS GONE BY?
Saturday night football papers Evening papers Youth clubs Children’s matinee at Ritz Ilkeston Co-op Co-op ‘divi’ Playing out on the street Milkman Respect County cricket on the Rec. Baseball Ground, Derby Going upstairs to children’s library Beauty Spot, Kirk Hallam Crossroads on TV New Musical Express Record shops Ilkeston Pioneer Broadsheet Advertiser Comics (Dandy, Beano, etc.) Old Manor Ground Ilkeston Grammar School Gladstone School Hallcroft School Cavendish School Bennerley School School milk Milk tablets Bourn Vita Pen friends Mobile Chip Shop
Stanton works Charnos Old work colleagues Radio Luxembourg Pirate radio stations Royal Scot biscuits Milk Tray chocolates in a bar Nux chocolate bar Lyons Nut milk chocolate Simpson’s mint rock Gunn’s toy shop The Coffee Pot café Big markets Bread toasted on an open fire Deep snow Train trips from Ilkeston North Salvation Army band playing in the street Neighbours looking out for one another Marks and Spencer’s on Bath Street McDonald’s on Bath Street Barrell’s menswear shop Ford’s shop Patti House Mail House / Post Office Walk-in surgeries at the doctors Buses on the Market Place PDSA van on the Market Place
Thanks for all your interesting replies
It’s written in the stars
LIBRA ~ 24 SEPT – 23 OCT The accent this month, looks to be on your feelings about home and family ~ Your roots. ARIES ~ 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Someone or something you re-visit could You could well feel the spotlight shining on your original and often insightful approach to trigger memories of yesteryear. Enjoy the trip, Libra! work, this month. Making time for your favourite kind of relaxSCORPIO ~ 24 OCT – 22 NOV ation, is very important too. Your natural talent for getting straight to the heart of the matter, serves you well this TAURUS ~ 21 APRIL – 21 MAY Community projects and goals look to be the month. Creative projects, both work and leisure, can main point of focus this month, Taurus. It may be your job or a part time interest you benefit greatly from your penetrating mind. share with others. SAGITTARIUS ~ 23 NOV – 21 DEC Important matters of care and service look to GEMINI ~ 22 MAY – 21 JUNE How best to help and serve others, or maybe be emphasised this month. Your determined approach, combined with one special person, customary motivation, should guarantee sucCould be your main concern, now. cess! And if it needs ‘Thinking through’ – You’re the ideal person, Gemini! CAPRICORN ~ 22 DEC – 20 JAN The way you handle relationships, of all CANCER ~ 22 JUNE – 23 JULY kinds, is especially important this month. Your natural concern to both cherish and protect those you love, is your main point of Your practical sense and drive should get you a positive result. focus this month. It’s always your priority, of course, but could AQUARIUS ~ 21 JAN – 19 FEB be especially important now. An issue from the past could well be the frame of reference you need to secure a new LEO ~ 24 JULY – 23 AUG deal. Your material wealth and possessions look to Remember – giving up is not an option. be centre stage this month, Leo! Good luck, Aquarius! Sharing your joy and light with others will be much appreciated. PISCES ~ 20 FEB – 20 MARCH Helping to solve a friend’s problem could be VIRGO ~ 24 AUG – 23 SEPT your main concern this month. Your knack of being able to put the feelings Using your gift for kind, intuitive thought, of others into words, could be your ace card and talking it through, looks like a winner, this month. Pisces! Getting certain influential people on your Richard Servante side, could help solve a problem.
Stars for March 2018 – Localised to Ilkeston area.
Sport Matchman’s roundup of Ilkeston Town games
Robins keep the show on the Road Sat 27th January 2018 - Midland League Div One
Nuneaton Griff 1 Ilkeston Town 1 On a gluepot pitch at The Pringles Stadium, Ilkeston found it difficult to play their normal passing game. Despite the difficult conditions they still dominated the first half but could only manage a solitary goal scored by Alex Marshall on 40 minutes. Marshall slid the ball past the advancing keeper after being put through by Micah Edwards. However two minutes later the main man had an identical opportunity to double Ilkeston’s lead. He was again one on one with Nuneaton’s sixteen year old keeper Aidan Jeynes but this time he lifted his shot over the bar. The Robins started the second half strongly with Tom Marshall and Montel Gibson both going close. Nuneaton’s attacks were infrequent but from one of them they got the equaliser. The ball seemed to stick in the goalmouth mud and Lewis Commins took advantage prodding the ball past Deakin. The goal gave Nuneaton a lift and they started to come more into the game. Charlie Jemson came closest to regaining the lead for Ilkeston with a header which skimmed the crossbar and at the other end Chris Mitchell fired over when well placed. In the final five minutes plus some generous stoppage time, Ilkeston exerted massive pressure on the hosts. The Nuneaton defenders had to survive a succession of corners but with great determination they managed to resist the onslaught. The winner Ilkeston desperately wanted just wouldn’t come and the game finished with two vital promotion points
lost. Griff’s young keeper, Aidan Jeynes was making his debut and was deservedly congratulated at the end for his courageous performance. Sat 3rd February 2018 - Midland League Div One
Ilkeston Town 4 Nuneaton Griff 1 The Midland Football League fixture list provided Ilkeston and Nuneaton Griff an immediate re-match. This time, on a better playing surface Ilkeston controlled the game throughout and ran out convincing 4-1 winners. It was something of a surprise when Brennan King put Nuneaton ahead on 15 minutes because Ilkeston had been on top. Jamie Walker, Charlie Jemson and Ben Morris all went close before Ilkeston finally equalised with a free kick from Tom Marshall after Micah Edwards had been impeded. Walker was then fouled in the penalty area and he scored from the spot although It was a close call as Griff keeper Lucas Bailey almost kept it out. Just before the hour mark Jordan Wheatley scored the goal of the game but a couple of minutes later Ilkeston were down to ten players. A frustrated Alex Marshall saw red after making a rash challenge. Unfortunately for Nuneaton, the home side’s player reduction had the affect of galvanising Ilkeston rather than giving Griff an advantage and the Robins domination became greater as the game went on. Walker and Morris were carving out chances attacking on both flanks and more goals seemed inevitable. Tim Hopkinson got Ilkeston’s fourth with a header from a Billy Bennett free
Support the Robins Football at the New Manor Ground, Awsworth Road this month: Saturday 10th March: Ilkeston Town v Pershore Town, NMG, 3pm. Saturday 24th March: Ilkeston Town v Racing Club Warwick, NMG, 3pm. Saturday 31st March: Ilkeston Town v Cadbury Athletic, NMG, 3pm. Letter
Grandson came all the way from Gloucester to watch the Robins We had a surprise visit from our 15-yearold grandson. Joshua popped in to see his grandparents on his way to meet his uncle Peter. They were going to watch Ilkeston play Heather St Johns. Josh caught the train from Gloucester—his home and birthplace—to Ilkeston station, a
30p where sold
240-mile round trip to support the Robins. Mostly, he and his dad David travel the country to watch Derby County, but Derby didn’t have a game this day. Living in Gloucester makes every match an away game for them! Michael Draper
Ilkestonlife.com March 2018 kick on 70 minutes. After that the Nuneaton goal had a charmed life as Ilkeston’s rampant forwards created numerous opportunities but failed to take them. Montel Gibson was a whisker away from making it five in the final moments after he rounded the keeper only to have the ball whipped off his toes by a brilliant last ditch tackle by Griff defender, Ryan Millerchip. Sat 17th February 2018 - Midland League Div One
Ilkeston Tn 3 Heather St Johns 1 After a goalless first half, three second half goals gave Ilkeston a double over high scoring Heather St Johns. The first period saw Ilkeston on top but not able to pierce the visitors defence. Montel Gibson twice went close for Ilkeston before Heather keeper McNulty did really well to save a powerful Ben Fairclough effort. There were times when Heather were hanging on but they did create a chance at the other end for Michael Bloore which Ian Deakin needed to save. Two minutes into the second half Gibson finally broke the deadlock with a measured 25 yard shot into the top corner. Five minutes later the lead was doubled with a close range header from Tim Hopkinson. There was a touch of fortune about this goal as Jamie Walker’s original shot ricocheted off a defender leaving the keeper stranded and Hopkinson with an unguarded goal to head into. Heather quickly recovered and Bloore pulled one back on 54 minutes with a well taken drive from ten yards out, bringing them back into the game. The Robins continued in the ascendency and the visitors survived a strong Ilkeston penalty appeal before Jamie Walker restored the two goal advantage on 70 minutes. There was then a second confident Ilkeston penalty appeal when Hopkinson appeared to be tripped but again it was rejected. Heather produced a desperate late rally during which defender Rudy Misam-
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bo headed against a post on 85 minutes and Deakin was then forced to save but In the dying moments Walker nearly made it four for Ilkeston. Tue 20th February 2018 - Midland League Div One
Leicester Road 0 Ilkeston Town 1 Both teams had identical records before this crucial fixture with just goal difference seperating them. Ilkeston’s hard fought win puts them just one point behind second placed Atherstone and three points behind leaders Walsall Wood. It was a really bruising encounter with both teams giving everything. Ilkeston included Jamie Hannis in goal for his first game. Right from the start the match was played at a very fast pace and with no quarter given. Chances were few and far between but on 20 minutes Walker saw Leicester Road keeper Hyland out of his goal and his shot from distance nearly caught him out. Five minutes later Wheatley made a tremendous driving run down the right but the keeper did well to cut out his cross. Downes had Leicester Road’s best chance when his shot was deflected wide. Ilkeston finished the half strongly but it ended goalless. The home side came more into the game after the break but defences remained on top. On the hour Hopkinson found the net but he was just offside. Eight minutes later though he scored what turned out to be the winning goal squeezing the ball into the net from close range. With nothing to lose the home side made a determined effort to rescue a point. Ten minutes from time Ilkeston had a lucky escape. Leicester Road thought they had equalised but the referee had already blown for an earlier free kick in their favour. Ilkeston had to defend their lead in the closing minutes but were worthy winners. Charlie Jemson was outstanding in defence.