EREWASH MAYOR’S AWARD WINNER A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area
MAY 2018 ilkestonlife.com
Tributes to a much loved teacher and church worker S
tion with Chaucer schools, taking Assemblies where she was known for her captivating Bible stories. She was also noted for her ability to remember pupils’ names years later. Darren Parr wrote on Facebook: “So sad. I knew her all through my childhood as I was at Dorothy Haywood was known to hundreds of Chaucer and was amazed a few years ago local families through her life-long involvewhen she called me by my first name, and I’m ment with Chaucer Nursery, Infant school and nearly 50.” Junior school, also her church work at St An- Chaucer school staff Christine Wojtania and drews. Angela Crawford told us: “Dorothy trained at Even after retiring, she continued her associa- Waverley College, Nottingham as a Nursery
ocial media has been flooded with tributes to a well-known Ilkeston teacher and church worker who has died. Words such as lovely lady, legend, gentle, kind and caring were often used.
Nurse and worked at the former Chaucer Infant and Junior School. She then worked at the newly built Chaucer Infant and Nursery School which opened in 1975, up to her retirement at 60. “She will be fondly remembered by many colleagues, pupils and their families for her honesty of opinion, wit, kindness and continued jollity throughout her life. “Even after retiring she still supported our school by continuing her fantastic renditions of Bible stories once a month in Assembly. She will be missed but never forgotten.” Mid Derbyshire Methodist Circuit minister Rev. Stephen Pratt: said: “On Saturday morning I popped my head round the door of the prayer room at St Andrew’s, the room in which Dorothy would lead her friends in Bible study every Saturday. The room was full. All had come to remember Dorothy and to comfort one another following the sad news of her passing. Her loss has come as a shock to so many of her friends at Ilkeston Methodist Church and she will be sorely missed. All will miss her energy and encouragement, her commitment and devotion that she has given through the years: to her church, where she has contributed so much; to the friends that she has so richly encouraged and to her Lord. We are left with the question: ‘Who will keep us in order as only Dorothy could?’ and as she leaves us, we are comforted in the knowledge that she is embraced in the loving arms of our Father in heaven.” St Andrews Ladies Group leader Marina Charlton told us the group had held a ‘memories meeting’ where a number of Dorothy’s favourites songs were listened to or sung, including I’ll go in the Strength of the Lord, words which she lived by. Dorothy’s niece Dianne Raynor said: “My aunt was an Ilkeston legend who will be sadly missed. She made a real difference in lots of children’s lives, mine included, as I too attended Chaucer and St Andrews Sunday school.
Dorothy Haywood
Photo: John Shelton
“Dorothy had been unwell over Easter and was admitted to Derby Royal Hospital on Tuesday 3rd April 2018. Her illness was short but very aggressive and she died at 11.55pm on Wednesday 11th April 2018, peacefully and with no pain – she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. “Dorothy’s family would like to express their thanks to all those that have posted comments on Facebook, phoned and sent condolence cards. “Due to the circumstances of Dorothy’s death the coroner has been involved but has now confirmed that the funeral can be arranged. The committal at Bramcote Crematorium will take place on Friday 4th May at 11am, to be followed by a service of Thanksgiving at St Andrews at 11.45am.”
Patricia Spencer Local
Independent Fresh Entertaining
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Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, DE7 8AH Tel: 07539 808390 Editors: Robert Attewell 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.
COPY DEADLINE 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 Ilkeston Life is registered with the British Library. ISSN 2515-1231 Current circulation: 10,000 copies
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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Local branches of The Royal British Legion are planning a special Remembrance visit
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am writing this article on behalf of the Ilkeston and Stanton By Dale branches of the Royal British Legion, including the Women’s section. They are trying to raise funds to send a Standard Bearer with Wreath layer to Ypres from all three branches, but also representing Ilkeston Town, and Stanton Village. If you read my last article on the Royal British Legion you will know that money raised from the Poppy Appeal cannot be used for this purpose. The Poppy collection can only be used to help serving and ex-service men and women and their families who are in need, financially or otherwise. All British Legion members are responsible for supporting themselves in any remembrance activities, that they wish to take part in. This is why they need your support on this occasion. This event will be the largest membership event in the history of the Legion, and presents a huge opportunity for branches to work together within their communities. Hopefully it will raise the profile of their branches and inspire the commitment of their current membership and encourage the recruitment of new members. Each branch will take with them a wreath containing a Remembrance message. They would like this message, to be written by ordinary people from our community. They would like the local schools and the children to get involved. It will be a great opportunity for our youngsters to learn about our history and the part Great Britain played in both World Wars and why the Poppy Appeal is so important. These wreaths will be collected as the parade marches towards the Menin Gate (see picture) and subsequently will be built into a display within the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Grounds, which surround the Memorial. They will then be able to be viewed
School pic My friend Vivienne Meigh has dug out this Ilkeston Grammar School class picture taken some time between 1958 and 1962. She is on the front row, second in from the left. Among the faces she especially remembers are: Michael France, Colin Lee, Angela Hill, and Lyn Beardsley. All the three girls went to work at Stanton Offices. I know this because I worked with Angela and Lynn. Vivienne would love to hear from any one in the photograph.
by the public. There will be a National Commemorative Service event, which will be led by the Last Post Association. This is the body founded in 1928 that began The Last Post Ceremony, and is still responsible for the daily Commemoration at the Memorial. The Legion are inviting two members from every legion branch to take part in GP90. The cost per branch will be £1,000. This is to cover all transport, food, accommodation, and travel insurance. The Legion, are hoping that the Standards and wreaths of all the Counties and their branches will be on display at the Menin Gate next year, each one of them representing the history and contribution of those from their communities who gave so much in war and in the years that followed. The British Legion is the nation’s custodian of Remembrance: They have played a leading role in all recent commemorative activities, including, The Centenary of Jutland—the Somme and Passchendaele. The 70th Anniversary of D Day, VE day and VJ day The unveiling of the Iraq/ Afghanistan monument. In November 2018 the eyes of the world will be on London for the Centenary of the end of World War
One, including The Festival of Remembrance, Cenotaph Parade, There will be planned national events and the Legion’s 2018 “Big Idea”. The GP90’s “Great Pilgrimage” Ambitions for the Membership are as follows: To deliver a Remembrance focused on events for the Legion’s membership in order to: Develop a greater understanding of Remembrance. Create a dynamic, participative role for members Raise the profile of branches within local communities Aid ongoing recruiting and rehabilitation initiatives Develop collaborative relationships with local cultural communities, groups. Schools and cadets based on Remembrance. The Royal British Legion are hoping that all the branches (2800) in total will be represented on the parade to the Menin Gate on the 8th August 2018 and that the GP90 tour will visit key CW GC and historical sites on the Somme and Ypres on two adjoining days. They would like to see two delegates funded from each branch at a cost of £1,000 for each branch. There will be a self- funding parallel tour available to other branch members who wish to attend. The 8th of August is important be-
cause this is the date when the British Armies turned the tide and began rounding up the German Forces. This date was chosen by Lord Haig, as being the one, on which, the Pilgrimage should commemorate the last 100 days of the war. As you can imagine this pilgrimage will present many physical challenges to those involved. The Legion will deliver a national level commemorative event at the Menin Gate on the 8th August to mark the centenary of the start of the last 100 days. A member of the Royal Household will be invited to attend, plus a diplomatic and cultural representative reflecting the WW1 participating nations. This will be the UK’s only national commemorative event, which contains a broad representation of the UK and Ro1 communities that gave up a generation of their men folk to fight for their country. GP90 commemorates 90 years since the first Great Pilgrimage, which took place ten years after the end of the war. So in fact GP90 is commemorating the full 100 years. The Royal British Legion would like me to say that any donations to this cause will be welcome. Please make cheques payable to Ilkeston RBL and send to the Treasurer, Mr Roy Cox, 12 Hallam Fields Road, Ilkeston, Derby’s DE7 4AZ.
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
3
Students transform neglected area of land at Cotmanhay Junior School H
orticulture and Arboriculture students at Derby College’s Broomfield Hall in Morley have brought an outdoor area at Cotmanhay Junior School back to life for the benefit of local children. The students have surveyed and cleared the overgrown area behind the schools and created a woodland walk to an outdoor reading and study area as well as creating a series of willow sculptures. Cotmanhay Junior School headteacher Simon Robinson said: “The students have done an amazing job on this piece of land behind the school – transforming it into something far more useful and aesthetically pleasing. “They have created a lovely outdoor reading and study space for our children with a wonderful path which makes the area acces-
sible to everyone. “We are extremely grateful for all their hard work to create this area for the benefit of all our staff and students.” Horticulture lecturer Mike Baldwin who led the project said: “It has been a very busy few months for the students who have been gaining valuable work experience on projects that build up their CVs and also enhance the local environment. “As well as the Cotmanhay Junior School project we have been doing cultivating and seeding work in Horsley Woodhouse for the Parish Council and creating a tree feature in Vernon Gate in Derby.” Broomfield Hall offers various land-based opportunities for students including farming, animal care, sport, land and wildlife management, forestry,and floristry.
Death of former town centre pub landlord The death has occurred of Robert Hunter, who used to be the land-
Derby College Horticulture lecturer Mike Baldwin (left) and Cotmanhay Junior School headteacher Simon Robinson with Horticulture students in the newly created outdoor reading and study area.
lord of The Round House pub from 1992 to 1998. He passed away on 1st April 2018, aged 79. Grand-daughter Kirsty Pat Llewellyn told us that her grandfather was known to a great many people through his running of the town centre pub, later renamed The Harrow Inn. Robert grew up in Scotland and moved to Ilkeston 40 years ago.
For a time he worked at Domestic Industrial Pressings in Cotmanhay. He was an active member of the Enterprise bowls club and the old Harrow pool team. Robert, of Larklands, Ilkeston, was the husband of Marion Hunter, father of Robert Hunter and Darlene Llewellyn, and grandfather of Kirsty Llewelyn, Amber Llewellyn and Robert Hunter.
Two hundred people paid tribute to the deceased and shared memories on our Facebook page. Most spoke of a ‘lovely man’, ‘true gentleman’ and ‘best landlord’. The funeral was well attended by family, friends, former colleagues and customers. A wake followed at The Davy Lamp.
Ilkeston Hospital to get endoscopy unit
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aggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash has welcomed the announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care that over £6m has been allocated to the Royal Derby Hospital for the development of orthopaedic and endoscopy services, with some of this being invested at Ilkeston Community Hospital.
surgery to be carried out, helping to more efficiently manage demand as well as improve access for my constituents. “Overall, well over £6m has been allocated to the Royal Derby Hospital for it to develop its services at the city site and at the Community Hospital in Ilkeston. This is really good news for Erewash residents as more of them will be able to be treated closer to home in a timely manner.”
Maggie said: “The extra funding for the Photo: Nursing staff, Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of Derbyshire STP will help to establish a State for Health and Social Care, and Erewash MP community endoscopy service at Ilkeston Community Hospital and allow orthopaedic Maggie Throup chatting to a hospital patient.
Ilkestonlife.com
Have your say Letters to the
Editor
Get in touch with your views — Email: letters@ilkestonlife.com Post: The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH
There were rows of sweet bottles before the snacks However, my Father, Frank Stokeley, beBefore Doug’s Snack Bar (on Ilkeston Market Place), there was a sweet shop on cause he’d lived there and had all the facilities at his disposal became Derbyshire the premises – run by my Grannie. As a small child in the early 1950s it was always a delight to visit my paternal grandparents, to see the rows of jewel-coloured hard boiled sweets stored in their big glass jars. The chocolates displayed on the shelves behind the long wooden counter which was located on the left side of the shop floor. Shiny scales atop the counter waiting for sherbet lemons, humbugs, rhubarb and custards and many more to be weighed and carefully tipped into crisp white paper bags. I believe a young child’s memories are like bits of torn paper, swirling around in the wind. Sometimes you manage to catch a tiny piece, then at others something more substantial. So these are some of my recollections of Ilkeston Church Institute while under the management of Beatrice and George Stokeley. Behind the counter was a door into my grandparents’ living room, and then through the back door into the yard where the outhouse where. Perhaps some were used as storage space but I vividly recall Grannie doing her washing there and my small fingers helping to “ponch” some items. When Grannie was busy I would accompany Grandpa, always wearing his dark grey coverall, through the door leading from their home into the black and while tiled floor of the Institute’s foyer. Up the wide stairs where, on the first landing, there was the table tennis room. I was too small so didn’t venture in there very often.
County Table Tennis Champion during his teens. At the top of the stairs was the snooker hall, complete with three full size tables and a smaller one. Leather banquettes around the walls, wood score boards with their brass markers, cue racks, the glittering trophy cabinet and the twenty two balls nestled ready in their wooden triangles. In those days the green baize had to be ironed to keep it flat and my Grandpa used a large flat iron to accomplish this. Sometimes he would position a robust stool against a table and I was allowed to iron the few inches that I was able to reach. While Grandpa George was busily cleaning and making the snooker hall ready I would wander into the card room to find the tower of National Geographic magazines so I could explore the paper worlds of exotic peoples and places. The other fragment of memory I hold dear, is remembering some of the members of the Institute (men only in those days) who always had a Polo mint to offer or sat with me if I was watching my Father play. The pools of light over green felt, the click of balls, the rows of bonbons and sherbet lemons, the sumptuous colours of boxes of Terry’s chocolates. These are the fragmented but sweet memories of part of my early childhood.
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Time to move from my home of sixty years lowed at side of field to the pond. Just before the edge of the pond was a farm gate going into the farm yard, You can still see the two fir trees that stood in front of the old farm house. I played Cowboys and Indians or Army in the woods with Kevin Henshaw, John Cashile, Ian Bradley, Bob Caulishaw and Trev Bowley. They all lived in this row of council houses. I went to Trinity Infant School and then Granby Junior School and My dad worked at Mapperley, Shipley, then Bennerley Secondary School. – Kev Woodside and Stanley mines and my first home was a pit house for the Mapperley mine. went to Hallcroft , John Cashile went to John When he moved to Stanton Ironworks (where Houghton. By the time I was nine, 12 year old Trev they made pipes and old men!) we had to Bowley took me fishing in Nutbrook stream come out of the house. A farmer called Woodward had three cottages and Nutbrook Pond, long since gone. We caught gudgeon & perch, then put them back. at the top of Shipley Common Lane to the Nutbrook stream started life as a canal to rear of Walker’s Farm, and we moved in there. It had a tin bath hanging on a nail, two move coal from Squire Miller-Mundy’s pits to bedrooms and an attic bedroom for my sister Stanton Iron works. The canal had Shipley Pat. She had to take a candle to bed with her Lake to feed it. Then the railway came along and the canal became disused and overgrown up a short dog-leg stairs. Once a week the men came to empty the toi- but perfect to fish. The railway went down to Stanton Gate, running where the cycle path is let. There was a black lead range in the today that goes from Shipley visitors centre to kitchen. In 1959, we first moved into Shipley Com- Trent Lock. In the late 70s Shipley Lake became part of mon Lane. To the front of the house was the new Britannia Park which then became farm land. It had been opencast mined the the American Adventure theme park. In the years previously, and then put back to farming. To the rear was Shipley Wood. I had the 70s they opencast mined the forest at the rear smallest bedroom because I was five and my of our home and when they had finished they sister had the second biggest because she was re-planted trees; you can tell where this is because of the age of the trees. There are 11, and mum and dad had the biggest bedsome older more established trees closer to room, but best of all was the bathroom after taking baths in front of the fire in the cottage. Ilkeston New Hospital and about this time (the month of May) you will find blue bells By the age of six I was playing in Shipley growing, and rhododendrons from the time of Wood. I took a footpath at the side of Bob Bradley’s and Kirby’s garden, down the back Squire Miller Mundy. Peter Harper of Walker’s farm and then the footpath fol-
After nearly 60 years in one house it’s about time for a change. I arrived at this address at the age of five with my parents and sister. I will be 65 in June. But before you sell a house everyone tells you to clear the clutter! It’s going to take forever because every time you open a cupboard or a drawer memories come flooding out.
Sue Daley (nee Stokeley)
Ilkeston history event at St Mary’s The Ilkeston and District Local History Society will be hosting a free event, in conjunction with St. Mary’s Church, on 5th, 6th and 7th May. Opening times are 10am to 3pm on Saturday and Monday, and 12.30pm to 3pm on the Sunday. The exhibition will be held inside St. Mary’s Church in the Market Place, and will contain all aspects of Ilkeston’s history, displayed to give you a glimpse of many opportunities to find something you may want to research for yourself. Guided walks of the church will be available, old Ilkeston voices on audio, and films of Ilkeston. Dependent on weather, Market Place history walks will be on offer. Refreshments will be available in the Cantelupe Centre. Why not come and share in Ilkeston’s history, and see if there is anything you would like to get involved in with the History Society. Looking forward to seeing you there. Paul Miller
May 2018
***** A pittance to pay I agree with everyone I talk to who says what a great newspaper ‘Ilkeston Life’ is and how it’s so nice to have a newspaper with Ilkeston and the close surrounding areas’ interests at its heart instead of reporting about things from other areas of Derbyshire. On the whole, Ilkeston Life is free or, at the very least it’s 30p, which is a pittance of a price to pay. So, because I believe this to be a bit unfair to those who give their time to work on the newspaper, I pop into the editorial office (U Choose Smoothie Bar) every so often and put a donation into the little red double decker bus that’s sat on the counter and think it would be nice if other people felt the urge to do this also. Best regards (Name withheld by request)
Left: l to r: Peter, Dad, Grandma (Hannah Bridges) and Leon Henshaw; Above: sister Pat and Peter at Mapperley Cottage; Below: Peter planting beans in his greenhouse, 2014.
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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My WW2 experiences I was sorry to read in last month's paper that Ernest Turner had passed away, and I express my sympathy to his family.
while I was stopped by a member of the Guards Armoured Division, who told me that if I had gone a further 100 yards, I would have been in the German lines. Now, have you ever had to do a three point turn with a 10 ton truck, on a narrow country lane, in the dark, whilst half asleep? Well, I did, but I don’t know how. Our main fear was of land mines because the only protection we had was sand bags, on the cab floor, and beneath the driver’s seat. I was very lucky and managed to avoid them, but not everyone was so lucky. When things eased we were sent to help the Americans to clear Omaha beach. However, out of respect for our American cousins, I’ll tell that story another time. After the army broke out of the bridge head and began to advance rapidly, our situation changed. We became employed ferrying loads from the stocks in the Bridgehead, up to the front line. This resulted in convoys travelling at 110 MPH (plus), in order to keep up. However, sometimes we stayed the night in a French town. On one such occasion, we were in “Douai”, where my friend and I were approached by a Frenchman, who invited us to supper. This was too good to refuse. We were welcomed by the family and feasted on a delicious meal of roast rabbit (lapin roti), with all the trimmings. During the meal we were asked many questions, which were sometimes embarrassing. They asked where we preferred, and how we set out our wine glasses! Well, I ask you. There I was, the son of a coal miner who at 21 years of age had never had a bottle of wine, let alone wine glasses. I forget how I replied. We still enjoyed their hospitality, but it was an uplifting experience. On another occasion I was sent to pick up a load from the ‘Mulberry Harbour’. This was a floating platform, out at sea in deep water where ships could dock. It was accessed by pontoon bridges, which are bridges laid across a series of small boats. However, when a heavy lorry starts to cross, the bridge starts to undulate. So the lorry had to be driven up and down the hill. Which, for the driver, is a hair-raising experience. I finally got to the platform and was loaded with steel tubes, for use on “Pluto”, the fuel pipeline. When loaded, the return journey was worse, but I finally made it to dry land. Never again! On another occasion we were in Belgium, off-loading aviation fuel. It was night and we looked into the next field, only to see a German ‘tiger tank’ sitting there. We couldn’t move fast enough. We learned later that the Germans had counter attacked, but had run out of fuel and had to abandon the tanks. So we needn’t have worried. Afterwards, we continued to run through France, Belgium, Holland and then into Germany. By then I was a Platoon Sergeant, which, may indicate how high our losses had been. There after we had a short break at Haltern, and then on to Lippstadt. There one day I was given a silver topped, regimental swagger stick, and told to take the company parade. This I did, as acting C.S.M. I don’t think I made any mistakes (but who cares!). It took place on the town square, with local spectators. Shortly afterwards I returned to England, given 2 weeks leave, and then spent the next two years as a platoon sergeant, not on base. In Egypt and Palestine. I was demobbed on the 21st April, 1947.
Like Ernest, I am a Hallcroft Old Boy having left the school in 1937, just as Ernest was starting. At that time the teachers were: Mr Beecroft (head master), D. Macintyre, Jones, A. Nash, B. Noon, T. Ball, Clarke, V.K. Mann and Sol Smith. I am now 95 years old and served in the army, in France and onwards, in WWII. This is just some of my story. Early in 1944 I was a lance corporal driver in no. 378 Co. Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.). Our vehicles were 10 ton American Mack trucks and we were based in the coast guard barracks in Harwich. We had been employed constructing the fake ammunition dumps in order to fool the Germans that Essex was to be the starting point of the invasion. In early June we were ordered to travel, under cover of darkness, to a town on the South Coast. I never knew what town. On our arrival there we found all the streets were packed with military vehicles of various countries, i.e. America, Canada, and France, then us. We waited for several days, during which I slept on the grass in the grounds of a private house. No resident came out to see me, which I thought was rather strange. Eventually we were ordered to proceed so we drove down to the docks, each vehicle carrying a “York trailer”. Not knowing what or where our destination was. We soon found out, for the next morning we landed on the beach at Arromanche, Normandy, France. It was D12 – 16th June, 1944. We were rapidly shepherded inland, where the trailers were offloaded, never to be seen again. I often wonder what happened to them. Maybe, some French farmers are using them to this day. They certainly wouldn’t have been much use on the narrow country roads. We were set to work immediately at the loading bays, which were located near to Arromanche. This was where the DUKWs were offloaded by cranes. The stores were then dealt with by men of the pioneer corps, on to the lorries. The DUKWs were vehicles that could travel over land or sea. They also ferried all stores from the ships, at sea, to the loading bays. It was a very dangerous job for the drivers, who often worked in heavy sea conditions. From then on we worked twenty four hours a day, taking loads to various depots in the surrounding countryside. We got to the stage when we were exhausted and we were driving, half asleep at the wheel. At this time we were living on ‘COMPO rations’ which were excellent, unlike the American food, which I will deal with another time. Unfortunately there is no bread in ‘COMPO rations’, only hard tack biscuits. But one day, one of the Navy ships sent over a batch of fresh bread, and this was rationed between us. My share was half a slice, and it tasted like nectar from the gods. But we were soon back on the biscuits. We were so tired that it gave rise to several incidents. Once, when I drove into an ordinance depot, I managed to reverse over their very elaborate fire point display, flattening everything! At this stage a warrant officer threatened me with all the punishments under the sun. So, I just told him in suitcase army language, what he could do and where he could go. I then fell fast asleep. When I was unloaded they woke me up, but by then the officer had disappeared. Another Harold Webster, Ilkeston time when I was returning, empty, to the coast, I took a wrong turn. After a short
Rescue dog had a good life Does anyone recognise this dog? He was picked up by a dog warden about 14 years ago. My brother lived in Ilkeston and got him as a rescue dog. He had him chipped when he got him.
and nearing the end of a long and happy life. He would like the original owner to know that their lost dog has had a good and full life and has been well cared for. Two years later my brother emigrated to the If anyone knows the original owner, can USA and took the dog with him. To get the you let them know. Thanks. dog on a flight he had to get a letter from a Den Newell vet saying he was fit to travel and he had to confirm the chip was working. When the vet scanned him (the same vet who'd chipped him) it picked up TWO Ed: Den later meschips. So, the dog warden and the vet had saged us to say the dog neglected to check him properly. As my had been put to sleep brother had owned him for two years he to save any further went ahead and took him to the States. suffering. My brother messaged me yesterday [2nd May 2018] to tell me that the dog is very ill
Star musicians came this way The letter in March’s Ilkeston Life from Hilary Knight, regarding seeing Monty Sunshine at the Co-Op in 1961, took me back to my Army days during the 1950’s. I saw Chris Barbers’ jazz band at The Queens Hall in Barnstable, Devon with Ottilie Patterson his vocalist, along with Monty Sunshine, whose recording of ‘Petite Fleur’ is still one of my favourites. His banjo player was Lonnie Donegan, before he branched out on his own. Hilary mentioned the Dancing Slipper in West Bridgford where she saw Terry Lightfoot. Terry Lightfoot and his New Orleans Jazz Men I first saw at Butlins at Filey, during the 1950’s. I also went to the ‘Dancing Slipper’ during the 1950’s where the best jazz bands of the day came to play.
It seems like Ken Clarke (the MP) and a big jazz fan also, spending many evenings there. I remember seeing Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball and Humphrey Lyttelton perform. His Bad Penny Blues is one of the great recordings, in my opinion. It’s not too many years ago that Kenny Ball and Terry Lightfoot brought their bands to perform concerts at the Albion Centre. The 1950’s were also the early days of the tribute acts. I remember seeing Billy Fury, an unknown, then perform as Elvis Presley. Ilkeston was very lucky to have the Co-Op and even the Town Hall where top acts of the day performed. They provide us oldies with happy memories.
Danny Corns
I was in scouting picture My sister sent me picture cuttings from a part time job delivering bread to local colliery canteens (Shipley and Mapperley), couple of previous issues. I am in the one showing scouts on a mapping exercise, standing in front of the flag. The year was 1952. I was 15 years old and at aged 16 started work in the National Provincial Bank on Bath Street. Aged 18, I went into the Royal Navy on National Service. In the other picture I recognise Syd Vallans and also John Smith (third from the left) as fellow scouts in our group. Syd’s Mother was employed by Skelston’s Bakery (off Station Road). My Sister was the firm’s secretary and at that time I had a
also shops and houses. I moved with my job in the bank from Ilkeston in !960. I am in retirement (now aged 81) and live with my wife in Church Stretton, Shropshire .. Finally my thanks to Tony Buck for the scouting memories. I endorse his remarks regarding Clifford Dyke, so inspirational, a good and true friend to us all.
Stan Fox
More letters on other pages
6 Cash-stricken charity faces closure of base for vulnerable adults unless it receives help Ilkestonlife.com
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CHARITY that is a lifeline for people with mental health issues may have to close in months because of a cash crisis. As well as depriving service receivers of vital support the closure of Erewash Mental Health Association's Touchwood Centre in Ilkeston would also mean the loss of four jobs. The association, which was formed 30 years ago, used to have another centre in Long Eaton but that closed in April because of lack of funds, leaving just the one which caters for up to 40 people with mental health issues. The Ilkeston centre, in Charlotte
Street, offers a welcoming, safe and supportive environment where adults can have a meal, take part in various activities including learning life skills and computer training, recreation and sport, and receive help and support. The centre, which is open from 103.30pm each weekday, is overseen by a board of directors. One of them, Lesley GrandScrutton, said: “There have been drastic cuts in Derbyshire to funding mental health services by both the county council and the clinical commissioning group. “The cuts have moved the goalposts so that instead of providing longterm centre-based support, as we do,
what is offered is short-term support within the community by a national mental health charity. We are providing a vital service which is not the same as the alternative offered. “Our service receivers are happy with what we do and don't like change. They are vulnerable and we are their lifeline. If we don't get sufficient help within months we will have no option but to close the centre which will impact on the lives of the less fortunate in this area.
derneath the viaduct, the construction of a ramp at the western end, steps at the eastern and installation of decking. The results of this work will then be subThe Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, Railway mitted to the Railway Paths Limited Board and Sustrans Executive to seek approval for Paths Limited and Sustrans have recently the implementation of a project. held a productive meeting to start the process of identifying possible options for a Ongoing support from the community for project, or projects, to achieve the aim of the viaduct is integral to its future and all opening up the viaduct for public access three organisations would like to and creating a link across it between the acknowledge the value of the time and efErewash and Nottingham canals. All three forts that local people have invested, and organisations remain committed to seeing hope that this partnership can continue. the viaduct brought back into use as a walk- Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, RPL and ing and cycling route, but recognise that Sustrans. this may take a number of years and that it will need to be achieved in an incremental way depending on the availability of suitable funding. Over the next few months the partners will explore the options that were tabled at the workshop, and assess their feasibility. These options include critical repairs to the structure, the creation of a path and the enhancement of the area un-
Statement regarding Bennerley Viaduct
“There has been a lot of high profile, including royal support for mental health issues, but in our experience this does not filter through to grass roots level.” The association received a grant of more than £100,000, but that stopped on March 31. It costs £8,000 a month to run the Ilkeston centre. Manager Lynn Orchard said: “We are managing to continue by using our reserves at the moment but we estimate that we can only continue
Hearing support group
May 2018
to do that for another six months. “We would appeal for any business, charity or philanthropist who could offer their financial support to contact us.” Comments from service receivers include: 'Staff offer appropriate advice and a friendly welcome', 'The centre allows members not to feel isolated when symptoms are scary', and 'Activities have made me happier and self-assured'.
demonstration such as television loop systems, flashing doorbells and conversation amplifiers, we will bring along different In April CamTAD Hearing Support products each month for people to try. launched two new hearing advice clinics in Ashbourne and Ilkeston which were very At our Ilkeston session last month we had 16 well received. These new sessions are for people attend for support, many spoke to our anyone who is affected by hearing loss in the Manager, Simon Keeling about equipment local area, we offer advice and support as that they would like to see at future sessions. well as an opportunity to socialise. We also had a colleague from Scrivens, one As a charity supporting people with hearing of the local NHS hearing aid providers in the town drop in for a chat and she brought bisloss in Derby and Derbyshire for over 33 cuits for the group to enjoy. years we are aware that many people with hearing loss struggle with feeling isolated CamTAD’s Hearing Clinic Plus sessions in and we have clients who would come and Ilkeston take place at The Flamsteed Centre see us each month regardless of whether on Albert Street on the first or second their hearing aids needed servicing. We also Wednesday of each month, 2pm to 4pm, for found that as people moved onto the high more information please contact CamTAD street for their NHS aids they were not acon 01332 258143 or camtad@camtad.org cessing our services, limiting where they In June we will launch our third Hearing could get support. Clinic Plus session at Long Eaton. At these sessions we will invite guests from These sessions are funded by Derbyshire other agencies to have a chat with our clients County Council via a Derbyshire Trusted as well as have a range of equipment for Befriending Network microgrant.
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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Local Church News Some coming events at All Saints Kirk Hallam Church: Saturday 12th May at 7pm in Church, Pye Hill Male Voice Choir will be providing an evening of entertainments, £5 for adults, £3 children, includes refreshments and nibbles. Saturday 19th May - to celebrate the Royal Wedding from 2pm to 5pm there will be a traditional street party of the Church Driveway, with competitions for 'Best Children's Fancy Dress' and 'Best Adults Fancy Hat & Cap Competition', plus Trifle Eating Competition, free cakes and sandwiches and an old fashioned Sing Along too! Everyone welcome. Saturday 30th June from 11am to 3pm: Summer Fete at the Big Kirk Hallam Community Centre on Kenilworth Drive. Cake stalls, games, tombola, hook a duck, raffle and a fantastic auction at 12noon! A fun time is guaranteed.
The Good Friday Procession of Witness through Ilkeston town centre.
The Lord’s Prayer Traditional version
This is a cool illusion. Relax and stare at the four small dots in the middle of the above picture for about 30 seconds. Then look at a plain wall or ceiling near you. You will see a circle of light developing. Blink a couple of times and you will see a figure emerging. What o do you see? Moreover, who do you see?
Motoring Comment by Ken Calder No 5, “The Car Song”
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ne of these days I am going to compose a song; an “Auto Anthem”, written especially for motorists. It would be sung, early morning, during those frantic moments, when, late for work, one gulps down a mug of tea, grabs a piece of toast, then frantically dashes from room to room searching for the `holy grail` - the car keys! The song`s refrain will be, “Where Are my Keys?” The rhythm will alternate from fast and cheerful, when expectations are high, to a slow wailing, dirge, if the search is long and unfruitful. Of course, `tidy folk` will have no use for my song. With them, everything is in its place; a niche for this and a hook for that! In the morning they just reach out and the keys are there, no panic, no fuss. I, too, long to be more systematic when charging, furiously, around the house looking for my
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. keys! My sentiment is also shared by my family. Still, they do try to be helpful, “Where did you leave them last?” Well, if I knew that I would not be doing the `four-minute mile` up and down the stairs, and even if I could remember I doubt the keys would still be there. But, then, it is a tame bunch of keys that just stays put. Now, mine are adventurous, guaranteed to play `hide and seek`, anywhere in the home; they will lurk in a coat pocket, skulk behind a curtain or hibernate down the side of the sofa. All this reminds me of the religious leaders in New Testament times. They had been entrusted with a very special key – that of opening the door of knowledge so ordinary people would understand the Will of God. But the key was misused and finally mislaid. (Perhaps it fell down a theological drain into the mud of man-made tradition?) Consequently, both the people and the religious leaders found themselves locked out of a true understanding of faith. At that time Jesus appeared! His Divine Authority eventually opened wide the door of faith to all humanity. He gathered a band of disciples, established His Church and cut the keys to the kingdom of heaven. I am so glad those keys were never lost!
Local church news, events and Christian comment
Concert Imari Ladies Chorus and guests The Torkard will be entertaining at the Ilkeston United Reformed Church, Wharncliffe Road,Ilkeston DE7 5GF on Sunday 13th May 2018, 2 till 4pm. Tickets are £6 each, refreshments included. Children under 16 are free when accompanied by an adult. For tickets an information contact Carol Rigley on 0115 932 5412 or Carol Harrison 0115 930 8726. All proceeds in aid of The Salvation Army and Padley Centre, Derby.
Photos: John Shelton
The Diary of a Vicarage Cat Dear Diary, Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. Fantastic! For me there is nothing better than finding a safe, sunny spot and having a little cat nap, or even a long cat nap, except for having squirty cream straight from the can. Well in addition to the longer warmer days, I’ve noticed something else that seems to happen more often at the Church when the weather gets warmer. Now this special worship usually happens on ‘Cat-urday, but not always. My guardian goes to open the church, and various people start to join her, I don’t recognise these people but generally they are friendly to me as I slink inbetween them, getting a bit of fuss from a few standing around. A ‘pawful’ of them stand around putting some sort of stick thing into their mouth then taking it out again, and they keep repeating this activity; really they should make their minds up if they want it between their lips or not! Now I do need to keep a watchful eye for those women in high heels, they often are a little wobbly and I’m scared of those pointy heels treading on my little paws. Then the smartly dressed people go inside the Church and leave my guardian waiting outside as a shiny, clean car arrives with ribbons on its bonnet, I love playing with ribbons, but even I sense I’m not allowed to these ribbons.
Then out of the car steps a beautiful lady, accompanied by several other friends. The woman generally wears a bright white stunning dress – I think they are honouring me, and trying to copy my bright white fur, after all imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Why else would she wear such a special dress? Well the woman in her ‘Florence dress’ follows my guardian into the Church with her friends following her. Everyone looks so happy, it’s such a lovely occasion. After a while, long enough for me to have a short cat nap, they all come out again, lead by the woman in white and a smartly dressed man. They look so overjoyed, they often forget to notice me. At each service there is a different couple, but each time the woman wears a special dress, that seems always to be white, I’ve never seen a woman coming out in a dress that’s the same colour as Pips’ fur. Then lots of people gather round the couple on the grass and throw lots of tiny pieces of paper at them, but they miss and it flutters around in the wind, that looks such fun to chase them but the couple just stand in the middle smiling with the paper fluttering past them. People are strange! Bye for now – Florence.
Church but not as you know it Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children
Saturday 12th May: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4pm Saturday 26th May: Sandiacre Methodist Church, 4pm Subject: Pentecost
Wednesday 30th May: IMC @ Nottingham Road, 10am If you like Messy Church, how about trying the Toddlers Service at the Green Spire church (URC). It’s always the first Friday of the month, 10am. It’s like Messy Church but only half an hour and specially for families with very young children. Drinks, biscuits and toys to follow.
Ilkestonlife.com
It’s the way it is
That's arrived much too soon. Working and sweating, Depression, anxiety and this thing we call Old bones turned to dust, stress To survive in this world, Are all symptoms bought on from our world That we do at a push. in a mess To pay rent or mortgage, Grandfathers and fathers who fought in the A roof over our heads, last wars Cash for a big T.V, Would all turn in their graves if they knew New mattress, old bed. what for A loan that we'll pay, Our crumbling health service now hangs in Till we're one hundred and five, threads That job, occupation, And hospital wards are quickly running out That eats us alive. of beds Wishing our life's away, This once Great Britain ruled the world in its One day at a time, prime At the foot of the hill, But now struggles to cope with its own But a long way to climb. mounting crime Yet we continue to do it, Before poverty calls, Fraud and child abuse is becoming part of Rushing like lunatics, our culture Since the world is now run by the formidable Just look at us all. computer © Steven Michael Pape 2018 Life as we knew it will never be the same again As the computer and phone take over from the brain I am not an artist, Our democratic vote that takes place every My hands don't drip with paint, five years I don't use a canvas, Turns false promises to quarrels amidst all What I see, I write, collate. the sneers Our ancient laws are then changed to suit the It's pure observation, It's in everybody's head, few It wakes you in the early hours, Bringing religion into conflict with their As your brain is still in bed. different points of view It's confusing and there's no answer, We all can’t be a President, Church Leader There is no right or wrong, or Prime Minister It's a film you may have seen, But just a name written down in the electoral Or in the lyrics of a song. register It's fingernails on a chalkboard, Through all walks of life problems arise we As thoughts escape from a dark mind, don’t understand Thinking about world peace, But the answer may finally come when God But knowing it will forever be unkind. plays his hand. A Eulogy that you've written, An oak coffin for the dead, Thomas Hosker A vicar in a dog-collar, As the sentences are read. I don't feel as though I've earnt it, With the word artist as a title, Scrawled words on creased paper, Look at us all, A hoarse voiced, nervous recital. Rushing about, I don't need a handshake, Off out to work, Or a friendly pat on the back, Putting the bins out. I don't need club membership, Driving like maniacs, To remind me of the fact, To get to a place, That I am not an artist, That if we died tomorrow, So don't confuse me for one, We'd soon be replaced. I am just a deep thinker, Clocking into factories, When all is said, and done. With impending doom, Starting a new week, © Steven Michael Pape 2018
I am not an artist
Look at us all
Letter
Message on driftwood was a reminder to support campaign to cut sea litter We found this piece of driftwood whilst on holiday this March, at Runswick Bay, in North Yorkshire. We logged it, as requested, on the internet. The driftwood is part of a larger project by the University Of Oldenburg, Germany, in attempt to further understand the serious impacts litter is having on our oceans and marine life. We are all aware of the issues surrounding plastics, particularly waste build ups in our oceans, after watching The Blue Planet. Discovering this driftwood while on holiday was entirely unexpected, making the story behind it even more poignant. It was interesting to see just how far this piece of driftwood had travelled, since being put into the sea as part of this environmental project. It really shows that we must work together, so we can try and make our oceans cleaner and safer, for all. The block is also 100% bio-degradable!
Georgina Rudd
May 2018
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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.
Death for a postcode Death for a postcode, Knifes in young people's hands, The papers print their headlines, The public struggles to understand. Killed for a territory, Maimed for life for drugs, The young with no conscience, A prison sentence, a shoulder shrug. And six stabbings in one day, Down in London Town, The figures then show us, That Police numbers are down. Hooded youths are running wild, Bricks aimed at those in authority, The people wearing black, Outnumbered by the majority. Can we blame unemployment?, Or a lack of things to do, Should we blame their upbringing?, I really don't have a clue. A wall sprayed with gang graffiti, Police tape wrapped like a shroud, Fresh blood on the pavement, As the sirens are ringing loud. The young killing the young, With death for a postcode, A knife, a fashion accessory, None of them growing old. © Steven Michael Pape 2018
Sunday swings Sunday swings towards the quiet, The car-washers with buckets, The dog walkers, the bikers, Soap suds in the roads, Washed down the drain, The smell of people's dinner, It's always the same. The lunch-time drinkers, With their hair of the dog, A few swift pints, To help rid the head fog. The atmospheres so different, From the day before, The resident's are still sleeping,
Behind every locked door, But anticipating the next day, When the working week starts, Leaving the warmth of a bed, To commute in the dark. Sunday has a silence, Unlike any other day, As it swings towards the quiet, It's always been this way. © Steven Michael Pape 2018
Chains A short poem describing heavy news I have recently received that I can’t tell anyone about.
Chains I drag around every day Weighing me down Hindering me From seeing the joys of life Iron Massive, black iron weights I pull them wherever I go I have to cope with them But no one can know Shackles Keep me from laughter Keep me from joy Keep me from singing And everyone assumes I am just sullen, morose Cuffs Can’t tell anyone Not my closest friend That the reason I am crying Is because of something Deep Dark Buried within my heart Pounding Begging to come out But I Cannot Tell Anyone. Chains
Isla Jacobs
Pretty Woman Does Rehab Ilkeston Theatre Company’s adults-only show Pretty Woman Does Rehab is being performed later this month at The Seven Oaks Marquee, Stanton by Dale DE7 4QU. Performances are Thursday 31st May, and Friday 1st June, 8pm. Rachael Flewitt plays Frankie, a tart with a heart, who unexpectedly falls in love with upper class Ken (Ryan Pound). Their whirlwind romance comes crashing down when he discovers her secret. See how the story unfolds in this tragic yet heart-warming comedy written by local writer Sam Green. Tickets are £7.50. Info/tickets: 0115 932 3189.
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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Mystery bus driver gets over 500 likes on Facebook
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Ilkeston man’s Treetops Lottery win
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ny Acorn Windows and there were 19 cash prizes up for grabs with the top prize being £2,000. The Lottery win came as a complete surprise to Mr. Hill as he explained: Mr. Hill supports the local charity as the hospice has cared for several of his friends “I went into shock! I have a go on a lot of in the past. Treetops provides nursing care charity raffles and I’ve never won. This is the first time and it’s amazing!” and emotional support for adults with life limiting conditions living in Derbyshire and When asked what he planned to do with his Nottinghamshire. winnings, Mr. Hill said that he will be taking a long-awaited trip to New York to visit Every year the Treetops Lottery holds a his daughter and grandchildren, one of bumper draw and increases the weekly prize pool for one week only. This year the whom he has never met. Super Draw was sponsored by local compa-
n Ilkeston man has won £2,000 in the Treetops Lottery Super Draw and plans to visit New York to meet his newest grandchild with his winnings.
late night bus driver has been hailed a hero on our Facebook page.
Denise Young got in touch to tell us about the TrentBarton driver who went above and beyond the call of duty. The story was read by nearly 9,000 people and was commented upon favourably by over 500. Thirty-eight people shared the post. Denise wrote: “Last night on the last bus from Nottingham a young lady fell asleep. The driver managed to wake her up outside Ilkeston town hall. She burst into tears when she realised she was on the wrong bus and needed to get to Beeston. So what do you think happened next ... the driver (who incidentally deserves a medal for putting up with the behaviour of some passengers) and a young couple rang round until they located a taxi willing to take her home. “The bus waited until the taxi drove onto the market place then escorted her safely to the taxi. Only then did the driver carry on with his journey. They were fantastic and it shows there are good people out there, especially in the light of recent events. I hope TrentBarton appreciate this driver as there aren't many like him.” It is thought the driver’s first name is Martin. Anyway, we echo the thoughts of everyone else: “Well done driver for getting this young lady safely on her way home.”
A new look on the way for NMG clubhouse
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he clubhouse at the New Manor Ground, home of Ilkeston Town Football Club, is set to get a £30,000 makeover. Chief operating officer Anthony Redwood believes it will make the clubhouse a premium environment for activities and entertainment on a par with any other facility in the town. It is hoped it will be used not only by football supporters but by the wider community. The Ilkeston Football Supporters Group voted unanimously to donate £15,000 from its funds to the project and this sum was matched by owner Alan Hardy, who rescued and reformed the club last year. The work to refurbish the building will hopefully commence this month or next and be completed in time for the start of next season. There will be a special ceremony to mark the re-opening. Due to bad weather postponements, the Robins’ season has been extended—last league matches being played on Saturday 5th May.
Ilkestonlife.com
School pupils complete construction skills challenges
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Park School pupils lifted all three prizes with Joshua Freestone first, Cory Vallis second and Rooney Dhillon third. The Painting and Decorating competition was judged by Bob Godfrey and Richard Pupils from Merrill Academy, Murray Park Beaufort-Eaton from the Bell Group. George Community School, Ormiston Ilkeston En- Arnold from Murray Park came first with terprise Academy, John Flamsteed Commu- Charlie Shelton from John Flamsteed second nity School, and The Royal School for the and Justin Sims from Murray Park third. Deaf Derby, competed in Brickwork, Paint- Derby College Construction Team Manager ing and Decorating and Plastering challeng- Tracey Hutchinson said: “The competition is es. designed to showcase the school pupils’ The competition was organised by Derby skills and to highlight employment opportuCollege’s pre-16 team who coordinate voca- nities, apprenticeships and full time study tional programmes for school pupils at the programme opportunities that are open to College as part of an extended curriculum them after leaving school.” offer and the Construction academy. Dave Kehoe from British Gypsum is a judge They were supported by College staff and in the prestigious World Skills competition full-time students – many of whom had com- programme for College students and apprenpeted in the challenge as school pupils in tices across the UK. previous years – and were judged by repreHe added: “This is the first time I have heard sentatives from businesses involved in the of a skills challenge of this kind for school different trades. pupils and shows just how progressive Derby The prizes were donated and presented by College is. Daniel Tilbrook from Tilgear which supply “Competitions such as these are an excellent equipment tools and materials to schools and way of honing technical skills and I have colleges. been very impressed with the high standards The Brickwork competition, judged by Alan of work completed.” Poplar from KR Brickwork, was a clean sweep for John Flamsteed School with Max Pictures show bricklaying competitors at work and the winners and judges at the SkillBowler first, Bradley Pearson second and build competition for schools at Derby ColKieran Sanders third. lege. The Plastering competition was judged by Dave Kehoe from British Gypsum. Murray
upils from local schools competed in three different construction skills challenges organised by staff at Derby College.
The Winning Artists: The Alec Shaw Trophy for Figure/Portrait— Carol Purdy The Jack Barker Trophy for oils/acrylics— Joan Pochin Les Clarke Award for Other Media— June On Thursday 12th April 2018 Ilkeston Arts and Wallbank Camera Club held their Annual Presentation Sir Robertson King Trophy for Watercolour— Night at The Erewash Museum in Ilkeston. Christine Grace The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hop- The Bill Grayson Trophy for Soft Chalk Pastel—David Mallard kinson, carried out the presentations. The John Lally Trophy for Local Scene— June Mayor of Erewash is also the President of IlWallbank keston Arts and Camera Club. The Alan Webster Trophy for Mayors CompeThere was a total of thirteen trophies presented, tition— Joan Pochin. together with certificates for Commended and Highly Commended entries. The Winning Photographers: The Mayor said that the whole of Erewash had The T W Smith Trophy for Best Landscape— S Morecroft. lots of hidden talent in many areas of the arts, and that carrying out the duties at such events The W V Roache Cup for Best Local Scene— was a privilege. Every entry in the competition T Raven was a winner to the mayor, and she is glad that The Limb Cup for Best Portrait— S Morecroft she didn’t have to make the decisions of who The Hunt Challenge Shield for Best Print— J the winners were. Hutsby The H Walker Trophy for Most Points in The Art Exhibition is on display until 19th Year— S Morecroft April, and the Photographic Exhibition from 21st April until 4th May at The Erewash Muse- The Barbara Mallard Trophy for Mayors Competition—J Hutsby um.
Ilkeston Arts and Camera Club Annual Presentation Night of Art and Photographic Trophies
I've applied to join the local scrabble club ..my mate says he'll put a good word in for me. John Allen
Above: The Mayor with trophy winners; Below: The Mayor with Joan Pochin and Carol Purdy.
May 2018
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Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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Rotary Club steps in to help four local organisations
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tion to the Club at the Stanhope Arms and received unanimous support for his project. President Norman (R) is seen presenting the cheque to Paul Jones below. What is Rotary? What do they do for their local communities? The Rotary Club of Ilkeston are just one of a number of Clubs in this area, all of whom are Following the meeting, Rotarian Roger Sisdedicated to the work of fund-raising for the sons walked into Bright Street Laundry, part communities, whether local, national or interof Community Concern Erewash, and innational. formed Elaine Scoggins, Manager, that they are to receive some funding. Elaine had a Rotary Clubs in this area include Long Eaton, “shopping list” of urgent requirements needed Long Eaton Dawnbreakers, Church Wilne, for both the laundry and grounds which she Heanor, Beeston, Stapleford, Eastwood, Nothanded to Roger. Subsequently, and to the tingham and Wollaton. great surprise of Elaine, the Rotary Club deThis year’s motto is: ‘ROTARY SERVING cided to purchase the items listed: a hedge HUMANITY’. trimmer, leaf blower and vacuum, and an inMichael Perry dustrial steam iron. The Ilkeston Branch of the Royal British Legion received a cheque for £500.00. This was presented to Arthur Norman, a veteran of Flanders, at the Club meeting on 2nd April 2018. President Norman expressed congratulations and good wishes of the Club to the British Legion for the good work they undertake (photo left). The A.T.C. and the Radhuni Restaurant Nepal Appeal will both receive cheques in the very near future.
t a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Ilkeston at the Stanhope Arms, Stanton-by-Dale, decisions were made that will have positive and lasting effects on four local organisations in the Ilkeston area who work for the betterment of the community.
Letter
10th May—my special day
It will be our 4th wedding anniversary this month—on the 10th May, a very special date! We got married on 10th May because of my grandfather’ s Sunset runner beans. The first time I met my husband Peter I took him home to meet my dog,. You see I only ever left him for 4 hours and we were talking so much it was time to check on him. Anyway I realised I had brought home a man I had only meet four hours previous so thought perhaps we should be in the garden where the neighbours could see us, so I suggested showing him my grandfather’s beans, because they have been in my family for so long. My grandfather married 10th May 1920 and in the morning before the wedding he planted his runner beans. At the end of the season he collected some beans for the next year, which he also planted on 10th May. My mother always planted her beans on 10th May and so the tradition started. I was standing in my garden with Peter telling him about security measures around the beans because of slugs. After growing my beans for 40 years, I moved into this new house and did not know about the slugs. They wiped me out in one night! I was so very upset that my Auntie Barbara let me have some of hers which she had got directly from her father. So the beans she gave me where 92 years old. Peter loved the story and asked if he could have some of my beans, and it was then on our first date that I decided if he asked me to marry him I would want it to be 10th May.
He asked me at Christmas 2012 and gave me his mother’s engagement ring, and we married in 2014. During 2013 I moved into no.17 Shipley Common Lane and made some of my best friends: Pat Henshaw (Peter’s sister) who lived at no.16 Shipley Common Lane. After years of living on my own it was like heaven to have family across the driveway. Imagine Pat marrying the boy almost next door, then next to them was a niece and then Leon’s brother Barry at number 14. He did marry the girl next door. So much family in one row, it was fabulous. My beans grew at the side of Pat and Leon’s garage and in the greenhouse were tomatoes and cucumbers. In Peter’s garden there was lettuce, potatoes carrots, cabbage, etc. You could just walk out the back door and pick everything you needed for lunch or tea, and always be welcome for a cup of tea and a chat. Evening meals were often shared, one night at Pat and Leon’s, another they came to us. We collected up tea sets and Peter drilled holes in plates to make cake stands. Maria Henshaw (Barry’s wife) made scones and cakes, Peter baked his own wedding cake and Anna Marie iced it for us. Pat organised her friend Cheryl to decorate the hall, another friend lent bunting. Pat’s friends also made tea and looked after all the guests and the washing up! We had afternoon tea in Shipley Community Hall with everyone we love and hold dear.. Sheila Harper
Wedding day, l to r: Tom, Karen and Evie Smith, Sheila and Peter Harper, Pat and Leon Henshaw
Children’s Hospice in Nottingham The Club have also sponsored President Paul Jones of Nottingham who personally is cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End in aid of the Children’s Hospice in Nottingham, considered by the members to be a very worthwhile cause. Paul gave a short presenta-
Maggie backs ‘Dying to Work’ campaign
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n Tuesday 17th April in Westminster, Erewash MP Maggie Throup made a commitment, by signing the TUC ‘Dying to Work’ charter, to support and protect any of their employees who become terminally ill. Since its launch in April 2016, The TUCs ‘Dying to Work’ Voluntary Charter now protects over half a million employees with companies such as Legal and General, Santander, Co-Op, Carillion, Rolls Royce, Bombardier, Weetabix and the Royal Mail joining E.On and signing up along with a number of public sector bodies including NHS trusts, police authorities and many local authorities. The Dying to Work campaign was set up following the case of Jacci Woodcook, a 58year-old sales manager from Derbyshire, who was forced out of her job after being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. The campaign is calling for a change in the law to prevent the same thing happening to other working people. Speaking about the campaign, Maggie said: “It is shocking to think that if people with terminal illnesses are dismissed or forced out of their jobs that their loved ones will lose the death in service payments that the employee has planned for and earned through a life-time of hard work.” “That is why I am proud to have signed the TUC ‘Dying to Work’ charter to protect my employees and I will be encouraging businesses in my constituency to follow suit and sign up to the TUC’s voluntary charter. “In addition, I hope something will soon be done to
ensure that every individual with terminal illness will receive the protection and support they deserve.” The campaign has also been endorsed by a number of trade unions and charities, including The National Council for Palliative Care, Hospice UK, Breast Cancer Care and Second Hope. TUC Deputy General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “Serious illness is tough enough without having to put up with extra hassle at work. Everyone can surely agree that terminally-ill workers deserve protection. “That's why unions, MPs, employers and charities are coming together to ensure that workers get the support and protections they need when times are toughest.” This broad support was demonstrated in a recent Survation poll of over a thousand people which found that 79% of respondents support a ‘protected period’ for terminally ill workers where they could not be dismissed as a result of their condition with only 3% opposing it.
12 Students take part in new physical and mental health workshops Ilkestonlife.com
Acorn Corner
A page for younger readers
Learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle
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tudents at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy were urged to consider how their actions impacted on the environment during a theatre company workshop. The whole of Year 8 took part in a programme called Waste Watchers, which is led by theatre company We Are Gibber and funded by Derbyshire County Council. The session started off with all students watching a play which follows the story of three Year 8 students all with differing knowledge, attitude and opinions about environmental issues. Students then took part in a workshop during which they learnt the importance of the 3Rs and considered what actions they could take to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste to help protect the environment for themselves and future generations. They were also asked to guess how long it takes for different objects to decompose such as a mobile phone and a plastic bottle. Students were also given a bag of clean rubbish to sort through and decide which objects they could reuse and which would need to be sent to landfill. Judith Robertson, Head of Year 8 at OIEA, said students thoroughly enjoyed their session
with We Are Gibber. She said: “The students had a fantastic morning and so did and although I thought I was pretty good at recycling, it turns out that I'm not as efficient as I thought I was. We learnt so much. Hopefully now I'll be better." Student Leah Thomas, 12, said she thought it was important that everyone learnt who to reduce, reuse and recycle. She said: “We had a talk about how we can reduce, reuse and recycle more. We also learnt how long certain items took to decompose and I think the longest was a mobile phone which an take up to 1,000 years. It’s important that we think about how we can cut the amount of waste we produce so that it can really benefit the environment.” Eilish Stout-Cairns, from We Are Gibber, said students were surprised by how long it took certain objects to decompose. She said: “They were shocked when we told them it took 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose and 1,000 years for a mobile phone. We had a great response from the students and they really took on board the idea of reducing, reusing and recycling.”
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tudents took part in a new physical and mental health workshops run by Erewash School Sport Partnership. Motivational speaker Ruth Cooper-Dickson, from Champs Consulting, led the session which was attended by students from Friesland School, The Long Eaton School and Wilsthorpe School. She started by telling students about her own background and how she was bullied at school before going on to university, working for Rolls-Royce and then starting her own business. Ruth talked about the link between being active and mental health as well as encouraging students to take part in a series of activities. She said: “I wish I had started running at school as I picked it up in my late 20s and I’ve ran marathons and done lots of extreme sports. I wish I had know how important it was for my mental health to be active and I’m not talking about being the best it’s just taking part in exercise. It’s all about mindfulness and building a healthy brain. If you even take one thing away from this session then that’s my job done.” Students were asked to clear their minds and focus on their breathing for one minute. They were then asked what they noticed about themselves during that minute and how they felt after they had completed the exercise. Ruth said: “This is a great exercise to use if you are about to go into an exam or if you are annoyed or stressed at home or have fallen out with someone. It really gives you time to just stop and focus on your breathing and
May 2018
acknowledge how you feel.” Students were asked in groups to write down what it meant to them to be active and what barriers they faced when trying to be active and how they could overcome them. Ruth talked about the link between being active and mental wellbeing as well as discussing anxiety and self-esteem. Kym Bird, school sport co-ordinator at The Long Eaton School, brought Year 11 students along to the workshop, which took place at Friesland School. She said: “I think this was a great opportunity for students to discuss any issues that they have as I think we take for granted the pressures that young people are under. Just by attending this session we are creating an open dialogue about mindfulness and mental health and students know that it is ok to talk about it. I hope this gives them the confidence to continue the discussion and we will take what we have learnt here back into school so that even more students can benefit.” Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partnership strategic director, said: “Young people today are facing a variety of pressures and as a partnership we want to provide them with the tools to help them deal with those pressures. We had some fantastic feedback from the workshop and hopefully students went away with some strategies which will help them cope with stressful situations. We also want to encourage them to talk about their mental health and to know that they are not alone.”
Head teacher of Saint John Houghton CVA to spend two weeks in South Africa helping to improve education he head teacher of Saint John T Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy is set to spend two weeks helping to improve education for children in South Africa.
Joan McCarthy will be returning to South Africa with Mellon Educate after her first trip with the charity last year. This year, she will be joined by Fiona Molumby, Religious Studies teacher .” at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby. Mrs McCarthy and Mrs Molumby, who worked together for five years when Mrs McCarthy was a teacher at Saint Benedict CVA, will work in schools, supporting teachers and finding out more about the country’s education system. Last year Mrs McCarthy spent much of her time at Siversands High School, teaching and supporting teachers. She described the trip as a ‘lifechanging’ experience and was keen to return. She said: “It was what I was expecting
portunity. I’ve volunteered at sporting events abroad before but I’ve never done anything like this. I’ve always wanted to do some volunteer work with CAFOD so this my chance to do something similar.” Mrs McCarthy needs to raise £2,700 to fund her trip while Mrs Molumby’s target is £3,200. Visit their JustGiving pages here: https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joan -mccarthy2www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/fiona-molumby They are looking to take basic teaching supplies out to South Africa with them including pens, rulers, glue sticks and Post-it notes. If you would like to donate items please take them to Saint John Houghton CVA, in Abbott Road, Kirk Hallam, and Saint Benedict CVA, in Duffield Road, and more, it was so humbling. You “There were 55 children in one class and they believe that education is the Derby. think you know what real poverty is and often there aren’t enough desks key.” With support from 25,000 volunteers, until you actually see it, you just don’t for them all. They also live in a town- Both teachers will travel out at the end Mellon Educate has built houses for realise. ship where there is a massive problem of July 2018 and Mrs Molumby said 125,000 homeless people in South with gangs and violence. “Although teachers out there have she was looking forward to joining Africa’s poorest townships and the their qualifications they don’t have “But South Africa is a country of Mrs McCarthy and helping to make a charity has pledged to provide better much teaching experience so we were great hope, it’s a country where peo- difference. education for more than 100,000 Afrirunning workshops with them. ple believe they can achieve anything She said: “I think it’s just a great op- can children.
The Way We Were
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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Briggs's Fish and Chip Shop at the top of Nottingham Road, Ilkeston in the early 1980's. In those days you took a basin with you. If you didn’t bring something to put your chips, etc., in, they were wrapped in greaseproof paper and newspaper. Photo: Ilkeston and District Local History Society
Above: Another page from the Trade Section of the Ilkeston & District Directory of 1965/66
Ilkestonlife.com
How Well Do You Know Your Ilkeston?
Sign of the times
Answers on P16
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Wayne’s world of
entertainment
An occasional quiz by local historian Danny Corns 1. Who was Catherine Avenue named after? 2. A member of the Royal Family visited Stanton Ironworks on May 1933 – who was that member? 3. The Scala Cinema opened in 1913 – what stood on the site previously? 4. Where was Washmeadow Recreation Ground? 5. Where was Ilkeston’s first relief road? 6. What was the name of the Iron mongers situated on the corner of Gladstone St. and South St., during the 1950’s? 7. Buckminster Road, situated on the Stanton part of Kirk Hallam Estate – why was it called that? 8. Where was Ilkeston’s first purpose built car garage? 9. Where did Eyre’s Gardens get its name from? 10. There were two shops standing next to each other at White Lion Square for many years, next to the Travellers Rest pub. What were their names, and what did they sell?
May 2018
The preservation of historic cast iron street name signs continues, with Erewash Borough Council working to refurbish original signs in and around our town centres. The council is keen to preserve as many of these signs as possible, many of which date back to the 1900s or earlier, as they are an important part of local history. Most signs of this style are attached to private buildings and permission is needed from the property owner before any work can be undertaken. Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says: “We are delighted to have restored and reinstated a number of historic street signs already and it is the council’s policy to always retain street name signs that have historic importance to the borough and will continue to do so with the help of property owners.” If anyone has a cast iron street name sign attached to their property that is in poor condition, they are asked to email the Green Space & Street Scene Team at parks@erewash.gov.uk and provide a photo of the sign so that it can be considered for refurbishment. A consent form will then be forwarded.
Local Nature Notes
smaller animal life in our ponds, ditches, rivers and canals. May is a wonderful month for enjoying the The Four-spotted Chaser (pictured) is one of our commoner species locally, taking its natural world around us. The last of the Summer Visitor birds arrive and settle down names from the spots on its wings, and it emerges in May and flies for just a few to breed, and Garden Warblers, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps sing from our ver- short weeks. Two years are spent living and dant woodlands and hedgerows that are now growing in the water, then the nymph crawls out onto waterside vegetation, atin full leaf. The first of the dragonflies usually appears taches itself to a plant stem, and as if by in mid May, when the adult, winged insect magic, the familiar dragonfly hauls itself from within its erstwhile shell and breathes dashes around our ponds and hedgerows with amazing agility. Dragonflies, and their the air for the first time - through its skin. The four wings are gradually expanded by smaller cousins the Damselflies, in fact being pumped with fluid through tiny vesspend most of their lives underwater as sels, and, after drying out, the young or nymphs and breathe using their gills; they 'teneral' beasts take to the air to feed, mate are voracious predators feeding on other, and lay eggs in the water bodies from whence they came. Dragonflies have been around for millions of years, perhaps representing a pinnacle of evolution, and their powers of flight are indeed remarkable. A dragonfly has independent control of each of its wings, powered by large muscles in the central part of its body known as the thorax, giving it great control and speed. They don't bite us, and yes, they do occasionally fly backwards - if you watch them for long enough!
Jim Steele
Ilkeston Arts and Crafts Exhibition The fifth Ilkeston Arts and Crafts Exhibition is to be held at the Cantelupe Centre, Ilkeston on Sunday 13th. May 2018 from 11a.m. until 4pm. (See advertisement in this paper). The event is organised by the Smoothie Art Group and attracts a lot of interest. Over 30 artists and crafters will be displaying examples of their work including water colours, oils, photographs as well as craft items, all of which will be for sale. The artists who created the works on show will all be in attendance. The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson, has kindly agreed to open the exhibition. Admission is free and light refreshments will be available to purchase.
CINEMA PICK I’m starting this month’s reviews with a good old-fashioned British horror called GHOST STORIES, starring Martin Freeman, Paul Whitehouse and Andy Nyman. A paranormal disbeliever makes his money by proving that mediums, psychics and fortune tellers are fake. When he is given the task of investigating three different cases he realises that everything is not what it seems. The film is split up into the three cases as three different stories, but they are all linked together by an overarching storyline. The three cases are different in tone, one is quite tense, one is quite funny and the other is shocking, but all are extremely well acted and it all makes sense when you reach the final reveal. If you like to be scared without your films being gory then this comes highly recommended.
don’t really work. The acting is fine although Chris O’Dowd (better known for The IT Crowd) is a bit of an odd choice. I did enjoy The Cloverfield Paradox but I’m not totally convinced that we need an explanation for the first two films. There is a fourth on it’s way too, this time set in World War II.
ONES TO WATCH There’s only one film at the cinema that I could pick for this month’s One To Watch and it’s AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR. This is the film that the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe has been building up to over the last few years. It promises to be huge and will probably be the biggest film of this year. The question is though, will it be too big? Will it have too many superheroes fighting for screen time? I think it’s going to be immense. STREAMING PICK On the small screen there is a reboot of a cult My streaming pick this month is THE CLO- TV series, LOST IN SPACE. This is being VERFIELD PARADOX on Netflix. Origi- streamed on Netflix and looks really interestnally this film was due to be released in the ing. For those that don’t know, Lost In cinema but in a surprising move Netflix got Space is about a family of space pioneers the rights to the film first and on the day they whose spaceship has some sort of malfunction and they get…lost…in…space. Basirevealed the first trailer they released the cally, it’s the Swiss Family Robinson does movie for everyone to watch. Sci-Fi. This is the third film in the Cloverfield “universe”, following on from the 2008 Clo- You can read more of my reviews on my website at www.crapornotcrap.co.uk and you verfield and the 2016 10 Cloverfield Lane. can get in touch with me on twitter This time the film is a sci-fi horror and attempts to explain what caused the monsters @ilsonfan. Please let me know what you to appear in the first place. It’s a bit hit and think and what films/tv you have been enjoymiss. When it attempts to be tense it works ing. well but there are moments of comedy that Wayne
Let me introduce myself, my name is Lewie and I am a Chihuahua Dog living in Ilkeston all of my five years and my abode is at Shipley View. Our household consists of four adult humans and four other dogs who I refer to as my siblings. We all live harmoniously under the same roof, sharing various comfy beds and favourite cushions, sort of in a rotational kind of way, the unwritten rule being that if the bed is occupied, move onto the next available resting place. With my favourite sibling, another Chihuahua named Elsie, I take regular sprints up and down the garden to shoo off the feeding birds and then I have to find some little resting place in the house to sleep after all that exertion, but my ‘proper’ walks are limited due to a medical condition that I will tell to you about on another occasion. The larger dogs who live at ours are a Papillion dog named Rock Star Dez, a Lhasa Apso dog named Ken and a Shih Tzu dog named Benji, we get along famously and our main human carer named Ona [Our Owner] has agreed to type my stories up for the telling. Dear Reader, I hope that you’ll enjoy some of my Doggy Tails and perhaps you’ll identify with some of them-if you own a dog too? Puppies are cute but ooh crikey, what a job it can be to train a puppy! Ona [ our human] knows only too well that there are enough puppies around so she has taken to adopting pre-owned dogs for many years now, hence, our full home, and Ona says that the commitment to adopt an older dog is generally less work, more rewarding and helping other humans and animals out, all at the same time! What a bonus that Ona thinks this way, this is how I came to stay here a few years
ago and I am very happy and settled in this forever home. So- when I first arrived here, handed over to Ona, I was a bit dazed as to what was going on, it was good to know that my lifelong companion, Elsie, had joined me on this short journey to Shipley View-we arrived as a pair and we cuddled up to each other on a large, fluffy floor cushion and we spent a few days watching the busy household go about its tasks, while we learnt the essentials and that is what the feeding times were and where the water bowl was We quickly learnt that there were several wild bird feeding stations in the garden and that if we ran up to them very noisily, it would cause a commotion to scatter the birds and make them take refuge in the trees. We enjoy playing that game daily. Before I knew it, we had settled into our new, forever home and after a check-up at the vets too, me and Elsie were part of the Doggy Clan Indoors! Enough for my introduction, while Ona has been typing this up for me, I have been busy chewing up a cardboard toilet roll tube and Ona will need to come off the computer to pick up the pieces from the floor! To be continued………
Ilkestonlife.com
German Shepherd Dog Rescue – Open Day
Kings Corner, Stanley DE21 4RG, on Saturday May 12th (10-30am to 3pm). The GSDR are holding their next open day to raise money for these noble animals. With huge amounts of clothes, books, furniture, musical instruments, dog related goods and general bric- a- brac, there will be something for everyone. Refreshments will also be available.
West Hallam Animal Charities Afternoon Tea
Saturday May 19th, 2 to 4pm, Stanley Village Hall There will be cakes, books, jigsaws, and bric- a - brac as well as a raffle and general fun and games. All money raised at this event will be divided between Hillside Animal Sanctuary and the Animal Accident Rescue Unit based in Burton Joyce, Nottingham. The Animal Accident Rescue Unit is a small charity which has one team of volunteers on a phone rota, taking emergency calls from the public, and another team with cars who go out to collect animals in distress. They also have fosterers who care for animals needing new homes (they always have cats waiting for a new start in life). Ann Straw, who was a founder member of WHAC, (now sadly too ill to be involved), was a big supporter of this charity. Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk now care for more than 3,000 animals. They recently took in 50 pregnant mares all due to foal this summer. They report “We need thousands of bales of hay and straw every week to feed and bed our horses, ponies and cattle, in addition to all the supplementary feed we provide for them”. We are grateful that Mel Harrison and family will be helping us at this event. Admission is £1 which included unlimited Drinks.
Sandiacre Probus Club
Monthly Meeting – Wednesday, 21st March 2018 Sandiacre and District Probus Club held their monthly in meeting St.Giles’ Church Hall on Wednesday, 21st March 2018. After a welcome from President Peter Barber and conducting the official business of the day, member Peter Sheylane deputised for the unavailability of the speaker, and gave a splendid talk entitled ‘Changes in a Lifetime’. Initially Peter gave a brief insight into his upbringing in Tunstall near Stoke-on-Trent and later a number of years spent in the Northeast. His illustrated talk gave an insight into the way society has changed from the 1940s to the present day. The community spirit experienced in the 1940s with Ration Books/Identity Cards, marriage statistics to the present day/dress, all were shown with local photographs and seaside photographs (Stoke families tended to go to Blackpool whereas Nottingham families went to Skegness). Differences in the washday equipment, television (8” screen), travel changes (trolley bus queues in 1940, no bus conductor now) and bus journeys replaced by the car. Small shops have been replaced by the supermarket and now the internet and local pictures showing this in Stapleford and Nottingham created much interest to the members. Facts and figures of the change during the period, football (£20 max. wage in 1961), no factory smog nowadays, changes to the Education Act 1944 and N.H.S. in 1948 were all covered, with the average age increased from 64 years to 79 years now. A vote of thanks was given by Stewart Graham referring to his excitement on receiving his first banana as a child and congratulating Peter Sheylane for an excellent talk. Sandiacre Probus Club is a friendly club which welcomes applications from retired gentlemen living in the local area (not limited to Sandiacre itself). The club meets at 10am on the third Wednesday of each month at St. Giles’ Church Hall, Sandiacre for coffee and a presentation from a wide variety of speakers. In addition there are social events and lunches to which our ladies are invited. For more information about the club please contact our secretary Anthony Taylor on 0115 877 8669 or anthony.taylor10@ntlworld.com or just come along to one of our meetings without obligation. Maureen Dumelow
Probus Club of Ilkeston
Meeting - April 2018 Our meeting this month had a record number of members attending with yet another guest who hopefully will join and swell or membership. The presentation this month was provided by Alan Tumber from Sutton Coldfield. The Arena Church once again provided us with an excellent warming meal on this damp, misty day, and surprised us with mini chocolate eggs with our coffee. Alan Tumber is a retired head teacher with over 35 years experience in primary education. He has been head of two Birmingham primary schools and has performed in folk clubs and venues around the city for many years. Over the past few years Alan has mainly worked with U3As, W.Is. Townswomen’s Guilds, Probus and other independent groups and organisations using ‘Grandadssongs’ presentations specially adapted for adult audiences or for children. 'Rhyme nor Reason 1', was Alan’s presentation today. A collection of comic poetry and song. With live music, pictures, recordings and film clips. The work of Flanders and Swann, Marriot Edgar, Stanley Holloway, Pam Ayres, Les Barker and others. This was a very professional Powerpoint presentation and Alan came fully equipped to be able to perform in any club environment. His presentations contained songs, stories and poetry accompanied on guitar, with lots of audience participation, and many of our members expressed praise for the quality and enjoyment provided. The Probus Club of Ilkeston is open to all retired / partly retired men who have a professional background and business men who would like to meet once a month, and for other organised events during the year. Partners of our members may attend any of the presentations and are warmly welcomed to our other trips and events. Our aim is to provide a convivial atmosphere, in pleasant surroundings, to meet for conversation and the development of friendships. We also provide an excellent lunch and a diverse range of presenters. If you wish to learn more, please contact Michael Slater, our Secretary, on 0115 932 6185 or email slater.kg8@btinternet.com. David Jones
Meet me on the corner
“Meet me on the (Co-Op) corner”. A familiar
phrase to many an Ilkestonian as a prelude to a night out on our town back in the 1960’s and 70’s. As like as not that night often included a visit to the two main dance halls of the Premier or the Co-Op ballrooms(later known as the Regency Rooms.) Many a budding rock and roll musician and vocalist first made those tentative steps from bedroom to public stage, some with more success than others, at those well loved venues but it wasn’t just local artists and disco’s on offer. Stars of the time and stars of the future thrilled those audiences who packed in to see them. Gene Vincent (who once played Ripley and Ilkeston in the same evening and who’s backing band included future Deep Purple guitarist Richie Blackmore)), Shane Fenton (a.k.a Alvin Stardust), and Johnny Kidd and the Pirates were amongst the many names that roll off the tongue but it wasn’t only the front men who were worthy of note. For instance how many realise that tucked away in the Graham Bond Organisation were the likes of Ginger Baker on drums and Jack Bruce on bass guitar, both later to achieve massive world wide success with Cream and Blind Faith. Billy Fury was backed by the Blue Flames including Georgie Fame. The Pirates Matlock born guitarist Mick Green pioneered a unique style copied and envied to this day and drummer Clem Cattini was the go to session man on literally hundreds of recordings and many hit records of the era. Posters advertising those names were displayed around the town and one young man well remembers furtive expeditions to remove some of them from their billboards to decorate his bedroom wall ( later confiscated by his parents). I am hoping to take some time out from a current band re-union tour to be on hand to share some memories with you at one of the upcoming three day Ilkeston Historical Society Exhibition days over this May Day bank holiday. David Potter
The West Hallam Art & Earthenware Pottery 1922-1932
The Peak Pottery 1932 -1934. A book is due to be published on the pottery produced at The Bottle Kiln, written By Kerry Fisher (nee Black.) Blacks (taxis) were a well known West Hallam family, descendants remain in the area. Any information is welcomed prior to publication about the workers or about the pots produced at the factory. It rarely has a factory mark making it difficult to identify. It is always on brown terracotta clay, and hand turned. Early art ware already identified might feature the following -
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West Hallam Well Dressing Festival (40th Anniversary) Act of Remembrance Saturday 14th July 2018
Prior to the official opening of the 40th Anniversary of the West Hallam Well Dressings, West Hallam will remember the fallen, named on its two War Memorials. For those wishing to purchase a poppy wreath for the occasion please order your wreath before Monday 14th May 2018. Supplied from our Poppy Appeal Organiser June Thornton Sailing boats at sea. Tel: 0775 2837 084. Moonlight scenes with owls, cows, rabbits. Many types of birds, butterfly, fruit, flowers on Individual wreaths cost £20. June will be prea background of yellow, brown or blue. sent from 12.15p.m. on the day at the “Phillip Windmill on blue. Ernest Faloon” Memorial Seat (located near Shiny dead black. the Church Gates). ‘Scandy’ a leafy abstract design usually with a Poppy Crosses will also be available from hand written motto. These art pieces were usually on vases or jardi- June, for placing in the memorial sand boxes at the time of “Remembrance” 12.45p.m. nières or dressing table sets/items, teapots. Later wares became more utility pieces sold in Official Opening of this, our 40th Woolworths. Teapots, coffee pots, milk jugs Anniversary Well Dressing will sugar bowls. Wares also resembled the utility then commence at 1.00p.m. range from Langley mill and Denby potteries. On Sunday 15th July 2018 a Songs Later pots relied on glaze effects rather than of Praise Service will be held at the hand decoration sometimes marked ‘Terraton’. Punch Bowl at 5p.m. Followed by a If you have any information about pots or the procession in the village to Bless the workers please do not hesitate to contact Tom Wells. Everyone Welcome. Fisher 07768317346, Fishers911@aol.com .
Stalls include plants, cakes and produce and books and jigsaws. Refreshments include Afternoon Tea. There is also a Grand Prize Draw, Bottle Saturday, 12th May 2018 Tombola and other games and attrracfrom 2pm - 4.30pm. tions. Admission is 50p for adults and This takes place in and around the Church Hall on Church Drive, Sandiacre from 2pm - accompanied children are free. 4.30pm on Saturday, 12th May 2018. Ma- Disabled access and free parking nearjor attractions are a Classic Vehicle Display by. For more information contact 0115 939 8057. Maureen Dumelow and music from the Long Eaton Silver Training Band.
St. Giles' Church, Sandiacre Spring and Plant Fair
of music, from Bach to Queen, from Gershwin to The Last of the Summer Wine, from pop to African Sanctus. We would love you to join us for a feast of The New Greasley Singers are a mixed voice choir based in Eastwood We will be music beginning at 7pm. For tickets or coming to Ilkeston’s St Mary’s Church on enquiries please ring 0115 932 6835. Saturday 16th June. We sing a wide variety Ceril Little
Musical Concert at St Mary’s Church
It’s written in the stars Stars for May 2018 – Localised to Ilkeston area ARIES ~ 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL Your sharp tongue and quick wit can be two of your best friends or cause you hassle. Clear Communication is the name of the game this month, Aries. TAURUS ~ 21 APRIL – 21 MAY Your natural sense of organization, coupled with your practical insight – should serve you well this month. Your hard work and resolve could also be well rewarded. GEMINI ~ 22 MAY – 21 JUNE Your unselfish regard for others and natural sense of values could keep you very busy this month. Finding time to relax, with friends, is just as important! CANCER ~ 22 JUNE – 23 JULY You could find yourself helping someone to understand a problem or to accept a particular situation in their lifeThey, in turn, could also help you. LEO ~ 24 JULY – 23 AUG Wearing your heart on your sleeve, and coming across in a warm hearted, confident way, is always a winner, Leo. An important meeting, business or social, looks set to show you in a particularly good light around the 20th of the month. VIRGO ~ 24 AUG – 23 SEPT Your talent for getting sound, productive ideas, up and running in the real world, could be your big plus point this month, Virgo.
by Richard Servante
LIBRA ~ 24 SEPT – 23 OCT Communication of all kinds, thoughts, ideas and conversations look like keeping you very busy this month. Just the way you like it, Libra. SCORPIO ~ 24 OCT – 22 NOV Your natural talent for counselling could be sought out by someone who needs your common sense, practical advice. The fact that you enjoy helping others should make this a special time. SAGITTARIUS ~ 23 NOV – 21 DEC A creative project of some kind looks to be your main point of concentration this month. Could be the start of the success you’ve dreamt of and worked so hard to achieve. This includes sporting activities you may be involved with. CAPRICORN ~ 22 DEC – 20 JAN With ‘Action planet Mars’ now in your sign, you could feel motivated to complete an important task. Separating the proverbial wheat from the chaff could be an important part of this. AQUARIUS ~ 21 JAN – 19 FEB A relationship issue of some kind looks set to keep you busy this month. Being highly motivated, particularly from around the 17th of the month, should help to make this an enjoyable time. PISCES ~ 20 FEB – 20 MARCH Choosing to see the best in a situation should serve you well this month, Pisces. Getting down to the nitty gritty as you take care of business, is one of your strengths.
Ilkestonlife.com
A quality performance Footloose, Duchess Theatre , 4th April 2018 Footloose is one of those shows that I’ve never got round to seeing, but I am so glad that the performance I got to see was the “Kristian Thomas Company” version. Ren McCormack moves from Chicago with his mother, Ethel to the small town of Bomont and he soon finds himself with the community there which is basically run by the local Minister Rev. Moore. Ren cannot believe that dancing is against the law. He later learns that the reason for this is due to a tragic car accident that killed four teenagers from the town, one of them being Rev. Moore’s son. Ren makes it his mission to take on the Town Council and Rev. Moore to let the town hold a dance. He meets all kinds of opposition along the way including “vote fixing” and eventually goes straight to Rev. Moore to plead to his better nature and conscience. Eventually, Rev. Moore announces in one of his sermons that he has changed his mind and is willing to allow the dance to go ahead. I truly don’t know where to start with this one. I was blown away right from the very beginning with the quality of voices, dancing, acting the whole thing! If I didn’t know better I would have said that this was a Professional show. Congratulations must go to the Director Alysha Gomes, Musical Director Tom Bond and Kristian Cunningham Producer/Choreographer. You would have thought there was a large band to accompany the show but in fact there were just three band
members, Matt Henderson on the keyboard, Jeff Widdowson on Bass Guitar and Tom Bond on the drums. The quality of the music was second to none and the Sound Operator Harry Greatorex managed to get the volume just right. The Lighting, operated by Stephen Greatorex worked in unison with the rest of the cast to enable scene changes to happen smoothly and effectively, mostly done by the cast members. The songs were uplifting with some wonderful harmonies. I always measure a good, powerful vocal as to the amount of goose bumps I get. I can tell you, I’ve never had son many! The dancing was full of life and energy and actually made you feel as you wanted to get up and be part of it. What was really nice to see was that it was a mixed age cast and not one person looked or sounded out of place. If you didn’t get chance to see this production then you really have missed a treat and you should definitely look out for whatever they do next. I know I will be! The Cast: Tom Simpson (Ren McCormack), Shannon O’Donnell (Ariel Moore), Phil Stanley (Rev. Shaw Moore), Deborah McPherson (Vi Moore), Joe Millward (Willard), Beth Denham (Rusty), Jack Draper (Chuck Cranston), Anna Cousins (Urleen) & Shona Manderson (Wendy-Jo) Ensemble: Alison Bond, Alistair Berry, Benito Preite, Claire Collishaw, Danielle Stanley, Emily-May Corner, Laura Powell, Lucas Young, Lydia Thacker, Mia Slack and Sinead Parkin. Congratulations to everyone involved,
Excellent comedy timing
May 2018
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Local Performing Arts Scene by Lindsey Rice
Local theatre groups—if you would like me to come along and review your show for the paper, please get in touch. Lindsey Rice. Email: lindsey@ilkestonlife.com
Coming in July... Snow White and the Seven Dates, The Ilkeston Studio Players
Having been postponed initially due to the snow at the beginning of March, this Panto was finally able to take place at Friesland School, Sandiacre from 16th – 18th March. It is said that the Writer and Director of the Panto, Sophie Tilley based it on her own experiences of the dating world! What colourful experiences she must have had! I personally really enjoy pantos and this one was no exception. They are the very epitome of what a family show is all about and suitable for an audience of any age as proved to be the case when I saw this one. Having a large cast comprising of very young children through to adults didn’t seem to prove a problem for the choreographers Julia Tilley, Lauren Cox and Emily Pritchett who managed to get it just right. There were some lovely dances with plenty of songs that were full of fun with lots of smiles and enthusiasm all round. Production support was provided by Julia Tilley (who was also responsible for costumes), Joanne Goff, Jo Raven and Mandy Weatherall. Lighting by Liam Astill and Sound by Lewis Reid were both very well done to a high standard. Scene changes were done quickly and
smoothly throughout. It was obvious from the start that a lot of hard work and passion had gone into this panto which shone through from beginning to end. There were some terrific performances with some excellent comedy timing from the main characters including Megan O’Sullivan (Snow White), Natasha Burton (Mirror) Lily Potter/Abbie Radforth (Lady in Waiting), Liam Harkin (Maitre’d), George Farrey (Queen Elspeth), Jordan Cobb (Bob), Jade Grundy (Director), Karen Moore (Fairy Fortuna), Lauren Cox/Vicky Langford (Jill), Matt Taylor (Eric), Jamie Binch (Prince Charming), Brad Walker (Best Man), Maia Smith (Aurora), Julia Tilley (Hook), Sophie Tilley (Genie) Thomas Hopkins (Gordon the Huntsman) and Shona O’Sullivan (Jasmine) Ensemble: Callie Baines, Carliah Stevenson-Harris, Cerys Martin, Christopher Dunford, Emily Pritchett, Evie Smith, Harriet Lee, Honey Booth, Kalma Stevenson-Harris, Kirsty Gregory, Leonie Langley, Libby Greenhalgh, Maisie Batley, Romy Walsh, Ryan Vaughan & Sophia Stagte. Thank you Studio Players for a lovely afternoon which I thoroughly enjoyed (nearly as much as the 40 cubs/ scouts that were there) and I look forward to seeing what comes next.
REVIEW OF WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND ON PAGE 21 6. Hall & Deatons was the Ironmongers. During the 1980’s and 1990’s it became Cimarec, who sold wallpaper and (from memory) tiles – 1. Catherine Avenue was most likely named note the photograph taken in 1996. after Catherine Day, daughter of Robert Day, a 7. Buckminster Road was named after BuckLittle Hallam farmer. When he died his lands minster Iron Stone Quarry in Leicestershire, bepassed to his two daughters, one of whose name longing to the Stanton Ironworks. was Catherine. 8. Hickman’s on Wharncliffe Road, built 2. The Duke of York, later to become King around 1914. Later, in 1936, to become KenGeorge VI. He was president of the Industrial ning’s. Welfare Society and was on a visit to see other 9. Eyres Gardens takes its name from the Rev., Derbyshire industries. St. John Francis Nash Eyre (1827 – 1886). He was 3. The Burns Street chapel graveyard. A num- vicar of St. Mary’s church, from 1873 – 1886. ber of Scala employees felt it was haunted in my 10. The two shops standing next to each other younger days. at White Lion Square, where Bramley’s pot shop 4. Washmeadow Recreation Ground is called and Taylor’s chemist stood. Johnnies nowadays. It stands just below Tesco They were two of the properties demolished to and is named after its owner, John George. The accommodate the Relief Road. land was previously divided into three parts allotment gardens, a clay-hole and a field used by Picture right: I remember this particular shop on John George for selling coal. South Street as Hall & Deatons during the 1950s. 5. Oakwell Drive, opened in 1927, in many There were four Ironmongers in the town at the ways to cater for the new Rutland Recreation time - George Andrews on Bath Street, David Ground opening on the 6th May 1925. Also to Johnson on Station Road., Hall & Deatons and give better access to the nearby new housing Greenhough & Johnsons on the Market Place. development taking place. As well as relieving Danny Corns the town centre of future traffic problems.
Long Eaton Operatic Society Youth Group present HONK! Jr. from Thur. 5th July to Saturday 7th July 2018 at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton HONK! Jr. is a delightful adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson beloved fable, The Ugly Duckling. Adapted for young performers, it is a heart-warming celebration of a story that is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its humour, charm and inspiring score - witty and funny, but also deeply moving. It is a story about Ugly who looks quite a lot different from his duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm also notice this and, despite his mother's love and protection, he feels rather insecure about himself. Ugly then decides to go on an adventure of self-discovery and one which leads him to meet a whole group of unique characters, finding out for himself that being different is not such a bad thing to be. Following on from their successful February 2018 production of Guys and Dolls, the group are well into rehearsals for HONK Jr. with their usual commitment and enthusiasm. Everyone involved with LEOS Youth Group would really appreciate your support so, if you have an evening free, please do come along. Tickets are on sale now priced £8 & £7 (concessions Saturday Matinee only) and are available from: www.duchess-theatre.com booking fee applies (Ticketsource) LEOS Youth Group Box Office Mobile No. 07864 033663 Duchess Theatre, West Gate, Long Eaton on Saturday mornings
Answers to the How well do you know your Ilkeston quiz (P14):
Corner of Gladstone Street and South Street, 1996
Ilkestonlife.com
Local Walking Groups Where they are going this month Erewash Ramblers Visit website for more details or contact Yvonne Ashby, 0115 930 4054. Wednesday May 2nd. 10.30am. Short walk. Bramcote Hills. Meet at the main car park, SK500384. Leader Sandie Jones. Thursday May 3rd. 10.30am. 6½ miles. Sence Forest Park. Meet at Sence Forest Park lower car park (SK401113, LE67 6NW). Leader Steve Tunstall. Sunday May 6th. 10.30am. 5 miles. Ticknall to Melbourne. Meet at Ticknall village car park (SK352241, DE73 7JX). Leader Brian Bennett. Monday May 7th. 10.30am. 7½ miles. Sence Valley. Meet at Sence Valley Forest Park (SK401113, LE67 6NW). Some gradients. Leader Brian Bennet. Wednesday May 9th. 10.30am. Short walk. Breaston. Meet Blind Lane, Breaston, SK459335. Leader Brian Marshall. Sunday May 13th. 10.30am. 10 miles. Winhill. Meet at Hope car park (SK171835, S33 6RS). Leader Dennis Salisbury. Wednesday May 16th. 10.30am. Short walk. Nutbrook Nature Reserve. Meet at West End Drive car park, SK458417. Leader Tony Beardsley. Wednesday May 16th. Evening Social: Saxophones. A talk on Saxophones and demonstration on how to play, by Mick Brown. West Hallam Village Hall. 7.30pm. Thursday May 17th. 10.30am. 7 miles. Churnet Valley Area. Meet at Ramblers Retreat CP (SK063432, ST10 4BU). Leader Barry Wallace. Saturday May 19th. 2.00pm. 5 – 6 miles. Elvaston circular. Meet at car park Elvaston Castle P&D (SK412332, DE7 3EN). Leader Sandie Jones. Monday May 21st. 10.30am. 6½ miles. Brian Ainsworth Memorial Walk. Meet at Risley Park Pub, rear of car park (SK458356, DE72 3SS). Leader Brian Marshall. Wednesday May 23rd. 10.30am. Short walk. Strelley. Meet at Strelley Hall. Leader Sandie Jones. Sunday May 27th. 10.30am. 8 miles. Whittington & the Handleys. Meet at High Street, Old Whittington. Street Parking (SK384749, S41 9JZ). Leader Michael Throup (07711 971448). Wednesday May 30th. 10.30am. Short walk. Stanley. Meet at Stanley Village Hall, SK420407. Leader Brian Bennett. Thursday May 31st. 10.30am. 6 miles. Thorpe/Dovedale Area. Meet at Narlows Lane car park, Thorpe (SK163504, DE6 2AT) Leader Brian Marshall.
Ilkeston Rambling Club Thursday May 3rd: Club evening at the Prince of Wales, South Street, Ilkeston, 7.45pm. Thursday May 10th: A short evening walk, details to be announced. Sunday May 20th: An eight-mile walk. Park in the village car park at Winster. Lunch will be had at the Hollybush Inn at Grangemill. Walk to be led by Steve Palmer. Thursday May 24th: A short mystery evening walk in the local area to be led by Mick Brown More details about Ilkeston Rambling Club from Jim Cresswell, 07747 419380.
Long Eaton Rambling Club Sunday 6th - Old Sawley Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9.30am Long Eaton Town Hall. Sunday 13th - Bonsall Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9am L E Town Hall. Thursday 17th - Zouch Circular, 7 miles. Meet 9.30am West Park Leisure Centre. Sunday 20th - Rowsley Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9am L E Town Hall. Sunday 27th - Muggington Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9am L E Town Hall. See website or phone John for more information on 0115 849 5813 .
May 2018
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Will you marry me? The story of some of the Non-Conformist Churches in Ilkeston By Ruth Allen Proposal in a Sunday Schools U pawn shop
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video of man proposing to his girlfriend in an Ilkeston pawn shop has gone viral. ‘Ritchie’ bought his girlfriend ‘Donna’ a wedding ring at Cash Monkey on Station Road - and then proposed to her in the store. The ring was originally worth £19.99 but was offered to Ritchie for £15 if he agreed to be filmed during the proposal. The video has become a big hit on social media, having been watched and liked by well over a million people. Facebook have shared it on their ‘It’s Gone Viral’ page. Director of Cash Monkey, Grant Redfern, said: “The man in the video is a local gentleman and he is a good client of ours. He uses the business quite a lot and he is a great customer. “He came in and asked if there was a diamond ring on sale because he wanted to seal the deal with a woman he was with. “I brought him out a ring that was only £19.99 but I said to him that if he proposed right then and there to her on camera so that we could put it online, I’d give it to him for £15. “So he took the ring and got down on one knee. We’re very happy for them.”
‘Big Griff’ entertains Erewash Voluntary Action is hosting an afternoon of musical entertainment at its home in Granville Avenue, Long Eaton NG9 4HD on Wednesday 13th June. Afternoon tea and entertainment by David Griffin is between 1.30 and 3.30pm. Entry is by ticket only (£5), available by ringing 0115 946 6740.
Next month Wednesday 5th June 1918 was the day of a great local mystery. A man descended into the depths of Mapperley Pit and was never seen again. Mystery still surrounds his disappearance. We look back at the tragedy one hundred years on.
Swans come up to say hello to ramblers along the Erewash Canal
ntil the Education Act in 1872, there was no provision for children to be educated. In the early years of the 19th century, led by Revd Richard Raikes of Gloucester, there grew a strong and thriving movement to rectify this, and provide education for children. It is reckoned that four years later, no fewer than 250,000 poor neglected children were being taught, with 5,000 in Manchester alone. By 1909 there were at least 800,000 Sunday School teachers nation-wide, teaching around 7 million children. The Sunday School movement was very strongly espoused by the Nonconformist churches of all denominations, and very many churches built in those days have large halls and classrooms to accommodate goodly numbers of children. The Ilkeston Independent Church’s Sunday School cost £200 to build, in 1808, and within a short time, 80 children were being taught on the premises. The many Methodist chapels which were built in the town in the 19th century also had large and thriving Sunday Schools, as did the Baptist church. In Reverend Shaw’s time, the Independents also set up a Sunday School at Lewcote Gate in West Hallam, to provide for the education of 140 miners’ children. In 1910 it was teaching 292 children, with 22 teachers and an
The memorial to Richard Raikes in Gloucester Cathedral adult Bible class. This unfortunately attracted a deal of opposition from the squire and the parson, and it was closed down in the 1840s.
Ilkestonlife.com Hello Gardeners… Well it has not been the best spring on record, has it? Unfortunately the weather has been against us gardeners this year with much cooler temperatures and significant rainfall, but hopefully as we move into May we should see signs of improvement. We hope!! The soil has remained very wet and cold and the Spring flowering plants have been a couple weeks of weeks behind and we found this out on our day trip to Harlow Carr In March. Check out how we got in the report in this months article also details of our next day trip which is to The Dorothy Clive Garden. To kick start you off a few jobs to keep you busy in your garden throughout May. Happy gardening everybody. Harden off half-hardy plants by leaving them outside during the day and bringing back under cover at night Plant out Brassicas and leeks to their final positions Trim back spreading plants such as aubrietia, alyssum and candytuft after they have flowered Don't rush to cut down or tie up the foliage of spring-flowering bulbs, let them die down naturally To reduce the spread of forget-menot, lift the plants now to prevent them self-seeding
There is a tearoom situated in the heart of the garden selling a range of mouth watering light lunches and a selection of teas, freshly filtered coffee and other soft drinks. It’s then on to Bridgemere Garden World, Bridgemere is one of the largest garden centres in Europe, and receives around 1.8 million annual visitors. The garden centre sells over five thousand plant varieties, most of which are grown locally, as well as garden furniture and accessories. Display gardens dating from around 1985 are open to the public free of charge. Designed to inspire amateur gardeners, the area is composed of more than twenty separate gardens, including English country, Victorian, Mediterranean, woodland, water, rose and patio gardens. The display also includes recreations of prize-winning gardens from the Tatton Park and Chelsea Flower Shows, as well as the garden in which the 1993 television series Gardener's Diary was filmed Facilities include a restaurant and coffee shop so lunch or afternoon tea can be taken here. With a full day ahead of you, your day starts off with a breakfast roll and a hot drink from the Seven Oaks Inn, Stanton By Dale which is where the coach will depart. Cost for this trip is £30.00 price includes DAY TRIP TO THE DOROTHY breakfast and entrance at Dorothy CLIVE GARDEN & BRIDGEClive. For more information or to MERE GARDEN WORLD book your place, You can call the Saturday 12th May booking line on 07413408751 or Dorothy Clive Garden is intimate, email me informal and inspiring. Located in at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk plac the woodland quarter of Staffordes are limited and very popular so shire close to both the Shropshire early booking is advised. I look and the Cheshire borders, this love- forward to welcoming you on our ly garden has delights and surprises next outing. whatever the season. There are many areas of diverse SUCCESS AT TREETOPS interest within this 12 acre, hillside OPENING garden. These include an edible Despite a cloudy cool day, woodland, a woodland quarry with Treetops Hospice care welcomed waterfall, an alpine scree and pool, over 130 visitors to its open day rose walk and amazing seasonal with the National Garden Scheme. borders. The garden has several Throughout the day guests could notable collections of plants includ- explore the 12 acre site in Risley ing: Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Ca- where there was the wonderful mellias, Sarcococca and Hydranwoodland walk, landscaped beds geas. around the hospice buildings and Spectacular displays of Rhododen- Daffodil walk. drons, Azaleas, Laburnum and Al- The volunteer gardeners at treetops liums can be seen throughout May held a plant and preserves stalls
ILKESTON LIFE
A number of articles were received too late for inclusion in this month’s paper. Please note our deadline is the 15th. Email news@ilkestonlife.com
DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
County Councillor John Frudd Member for Ilkeston South will be holding a Members Surgery on Saturday 12th May 2018 10am—12 noon At Ilkeston Town Hall, Ilkeston, DE7 5RP
May 2018
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Life in the Garden with Steve Walton and gardening raffle raising over £250 and the refreshments on the day over £200, The colder than normal spring weather this year certainly delayed the daffodils coming into flower, especially in the woods, but there were still many thousands out around the grounds, and some early tulips, hyacinths, hellebores and some cowslips and primroses all helped to create some early spring colour. Well done to the volunteer gardeners and keep up the amazing work that you all do. OUR DAY TRIP TO RHS HARLOW CARR On Saturday 24th March our monthly gardening trip headed north and to the Royal Horticultural Societies Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate North Yorkshire. After a drizzly start the skies cleared to leave a dry and fine day. With a colder than usual Spring we have experienced this year I found the gardens at Harlow just that little bit behind the Daffodils were sitting tight and waiting for some warmer weather! Even with the slower start this year there was still plenty of interest through out the gardens with the winter walk still looking fabulous with the coloured stems of the Dogwoods, the Heather, miniature Irises and Hellebores. Another highlight was the Alpine house and displays of many species of alpine and miniature bulbs were really interesting to see. To represent the Yorkshire Rhubarb triangle there were a selection of traditional Rhubarb forcers in the vegetable garden for some lovely early sweet Rhubarb. Throughout beds and borders there were early flowering bulbs, carpets of Heather and Willow sculptures all adding to our wonderful visit to Harlow Carr.
During our visit most of us took a well earned break at the famous Betty’s tea shop and restaurant and on our departure from Harlow the heavens opened and rained most of the way home so we were very lucky indeed! After a brilliant day our usual thanks go to Colin at Harpers Coaches for a great journey and To Ryan, Kelly and the team at the Seven Oaks for our great start to the day. If you enjoy visiting gardens, flower shows, botanical gardens, stately homes, garden centres and meeting new friends and wanting a great day out why not book on our next coach trips which is to… Dorothy Clive Garden & Bridgemere Garden World on Saturday 12th May. See main article for more information. NATIONAL OPEN GARDEN SCHEME Broomfield Hall, Morley Sunday 20th May 10am—4pm Broomfield Hall is the land-based campus of Derby College and there is 25 acres of constantly developing educational gardens/ woodlands maintained by students and volunteers. Within the Victorian gardens there is a large walled garden divided into themed areas such as the 47m long herbaceous border. Through out the campus you will find the rose garden, a tropical garden, tufa
Gardener Steve
Broomfield
tion, we should not forget hedges of flowering shrubs like Berberis and Forsythia can make spectacular sights when in flower. Whatever is selected for hedging, after planting the new At our March meeting the speaker was Jeff hedge should be cut to slightly less than the Bates with a very informative and lively talk on height of the shortest plant and the sides should 'Lawns, Hedges and Topiary'. We looked at the also be cut back to encourage bushiness. value of these in garden design and layout as Jeff explored the skill and the fun elements of they provide foreground, background – and in topiary which involves pruning shrubs into parthe case of topiary – it can introduce striking ticular shapes. The earliest topiary (1695) can be statements and 'fun' elements into a garden. In seen at Levens Hall on the edge of the Lake Disearlier times, when there was a more limited trict. Topiary can be achieved by three methods choice of plants than we have today, lawns, grown inside a frame, trained on wires or cut to Hedges offer many benefits - as boundaries, hedging and topiary predominated in gardens. shape. It can be cut very formally eg spires or windbreaks, screening, privacy, a beautiful backWe were asked about the many aspects of lawn balls or as fun shapes eg snails or squirrels! ground for plants, a haven for wildlife and can be care that many of us expect to do annually and used to lead the eye to a distant view. A few of the gardens that Jeff mentioned as we came up with a large list. Jeff, however, had offering great examples of hedging and topiary Yew was recommended as the best form of just three key principles of lawn care – cut as include Levens Hall, Sezincote, Wollerton Old hedging. It is not as slow growing as people high as you can ( take only a maximum of one Hall, Castle Bromwich, Biddulph Hall, Lanhythird of the height off ), mow as often as you can think! It also can be cut back very severely if in drock, Hampton Court Castle, Powis Castle and need of rejuvenation and only needs annual and leave the clippings on ( apart from the first cut of the year) He explained that the first reduc- pruning (in February) as do Beech and Hornbeam East Ruston Old Vicarage. For those of us travel(in August), whereas Privet and dwarf Box ideally ling further afield one of the most spectacular es stress on the grass, the second encourages formal gardens in Europe is Het Loo Palace in the thick growth and the clippings act as both mulch need trimming 4 to 6 times a year to ensure Netherlands. bushy, tight knit growth. In view of the number and, as they break down, natural fertilisers Our next meeting is on May 21st when Anthony of pests and diseases currently associated with (nitrogen for growth and potassium for hardiness). Worms pull down the grass blades into the Box, Jeff advised against using it for hedging and Norman with talk on Planting up Containers with Hardy Plants. Demonstration and plants for topiary but rather to use Ilex Crenata, which is ground, digest it so releasing goodness into the soil as well as aerating it. Thus, with this regime similar in appearance but much hardier. In addi- sale. June Hartley
West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society
there is no need to fertilise, aerate or scarify the grass! He also advised against the use of combined 'Weed and Feed' as this combination is actually incompatible. (For those of us who feel we must use apply these, – he recommended feed then apply weed killer after a couple of weeks). Jeff also highlighted that lawns do not need to be Wimbledon standard, there is beauty in more natural lawns. So, no need to worry about some flowers in them, and indeed that in larger scale areas, flower meadows are a delight and good for wildlife too.
rock garden, winter garden, parterre and woodland walks brimming with many beautiful tree and shrub specimens. Light refreshments will be available in the garden café and will be providing garden tours so that you don't miss any of the history and gems. There is wheelchair access, Dogs on leads welcome and the plant centre will be open. Admission: Adult: £3.00 Child: Free Broomfield Hall, Morley, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6DN 4m N of Derby. Remember please keep getting in touch with your stories, photos, events, general gardening advice and help with plant identification just email me at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk Look forward to hearing from you and see you all in June.
Ilkestonlife.com
ELECTRICAL
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GARY PILKINGTON ELECTRICAL
Robert Hunter (Bobby) Passed away 1st April 2018, aged 79 years. Husband of Marion Hunter, father of Robert Hunter and Darlene Llewellyn, and grandfather of Kirsty Llewelyn, Amber Llewellyn and Robert Hunter. Burial took place at Park Road Cemetery 17th April. Loved and missed by all the family.
Tel. 0115 944 4128 Mob. 07723 016702
Mavis Kibble (Nee Slaney) Passed away on the 13th April 2018, at her home in Ilkeston. 91 years of age. Mavis was one of 9 children. She was born 2.1.1927 and had four sisters and four brothers, with the family home at No. 11 Park Avenue, Ilkeston. Her main working life was at the Andriesse Factory on Stanton Road, Ilkeston. She leaves behind Les, whom she was married to for 68 years. Also son Simon and grandsons Oliver ,William and James. Along with her remaining younger brother Malcolm and sister Rita. She was a wonderful lady and will be sadly missed. All our love Les, Simon, Oliver, William and James. Funeral is at Bramcote Crematorium, Thursday 10th May at 5pm followed by a wake at the Gladstone Lodge.
Small Jobs Welcome Your Local Electrician
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We specialise in • Traditional Thai Massage • Sports Massage • Hot oil massage • Full body relaxation massage Tel: 07490 890082 1A Pelham Street Ilkeston DE7 8AR Email: sagwangriffith@gmail.com ELECTRICAL
Dorothy Haywood Passed away at Royal Derby Hospital on 11th April 2018, aged 81 years. Loved and missed by family, friends and all who knew her at Chaucer School and St Andrews Church.
Orchid Thai Massage
IN MEMORIAM
For sale: Dyson Cleaner, £100 o.n.o. Telephone 0115 854 7235 (evening) Last few Ilkeston Life promotional trucks now in stock at U Choose café. £7.50 each.
CIVIL ENGINEERS
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Family and Personal Announcements DEATHS
Fuse Box Upgrades Sockets, Lights, Showers, etc. 18 years with EMEB Part P Registered Free Quotes
May 2018
Christine Maltby To my loving wife Chris, four years have now passed since I lost you. 11th May 2014. The pain in my heart gets no easier. Love you always. Joe xxx
BIRTHDAY MEMORIES
Eileen Ancliff
17 years, 20th April Ours hearts are full of memories, With love we speak your name, Though life goes on without you, It will never be the same, Miss you so much. Love Dot, Sean & Family xxx
Dean Craig Wildgust 27th April. Dean, we can only bring you flowers on this your special day. But every petal is full of love, forever and a day. Happy 47th Birthday, Dean With all our love always and forever, Love Mum, Dad and Family xxxxxx
IN MEMORIAM
Richard Shaw 6-12-1965 to 29-5-2013
The time slips by and life goes on, But from our hearts you’re never gone, We think about you always, We talk about you too, We have so many memories, But we wish we still had you. Love and miss you—Mam, Dad, Wendy, Jade, Tom, Connor and Joe.
Don Peck
7.5.2012 My wonderful husband, It’s been six lonely years without you by my side. It broke my heart to lose you and God knows how I’ve cried. But I have wonderful memories deep inside my heart, and these have been my anchor since we have been apart. All our wonderful travels around the world, these are the happy times, I’ll remember forever. Love you so much. Babe, Natalie and grandchildren
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
Betty Bonsall Many Happy Returns on your 70th Birthday 23.4.18. Kelvin and all the family xxx
For Sale – Trailer Fully galvanised with ladder racks No rot, spare wheel. Ideal for builder or gardener. Length: 6ft. 9ins. Width: 4ft. 6ins. Depth: 1ft. £895 Telephone: 0115 932 7160
Ilkestonlife.com
And here’s to you, Mrs Robinson... Ilkeston born time trial star By Jeff Wynch Marion Robinson was one of the trio of time trial riders from the Nottingham Wheelers Cycling Club who won the British Best AllRounder team award in 1950 (Ilkeston Life, April, 2018). At the start of that season the Nottingham Evening Post asked: “Who are the men and girls who will emerge as the season progresses?” In a long article there is a brief reference to the “girls”: “Janet Gregory and fellow club girl Marion Robinson, dominate the picture.” (NEP 22/02/50). This was about halfway through Marion’s racing career when she was already 27 years old. At least by the time she was featured in the Ilkeston Pioneer in 1956 she had been allowed to grow up – into a “housewife”, even though she had a full time job as a comptometer operator at Snook’s warehouse in Nottingham. Marion, born in Ilkeston on 23 August, 1923, was the eldest daughter of Hubert Spiby, Superintendent Groundsman at the Rutland Recreation Ground. She attended Chaucer, Gladstone and Grammar schools and began riding a bike when she really was a girl, at the age of 14, just to get around. Three years later she joined the Ilkeston Amateur Athletic Club for its cycle touring activities. Here she met future husband (and trainer/mechanic/back-up team!) Dennis Robinson. Once she became interested in racing she joined Nottingham Wheelers Cycling Club. In her first attempt at the distance she came second in the Wheelers’ 1945 open 50 miles event in a time of 2 hours: 37 minutes: 22 seconds. She and Mary Wake, the club general secretary, helped the Wheelers to win the team event. Mary married Norman Aldred of the local baking family, and some readers might remember her working in the shop at the top of Park Road. In 1946 Marion began to make her mark in the new Central District Ladies’ Cycling Association (CDLCA) covering Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. She won its Best All-Rounder award for the year based on combined best times for three distances: 10, 25 and 50 miles. Her aggregate time was 10hrs: 25mins: 50 seconds, an average speed of almost 21 mph. Along the way she won the individual prize and was part of the winning Derbyshire Road Club Ladies’ team in the 10 miles race (time 27:46), came first in the Melton “25” (1:14:51), the East Midlands Clarion “25” (1:14:23) and the CDLCA “100” (5:25:55). As if 100 miles was not
enough she also won the Broad Oak 12 hours race by covering 204 miles 688 yards in the allotted time. In every event – all distances and the 12 hours race – she set new club records. She thought her best performance was in the 25 miles event over the hilly Melton course in which she punctured, changed her tyre and carried on to win in a time “which would not have discredited many male riders”. (NEP 14/10/1946). Not bad for a girl! After an easy win in in the 10 miles race on the Nottingham course in April, 1947, she was set for victory in the district 50 miles race in July when the absence of a marshal at the turning point meant that she overshot and lost time, finishing third. In July she won the CDLCA “mountain time trial” over a 33 miles course on the Derbyshire/ Staffordshire border in 1:34:01. She again demonstrated her superiority at 10 miles in the Derby RC race and in the CDLCA 10 mile at Gunthorpe, with a winning time of 28:14, helping the Wheelers to another team prize. 1948 was a lean year by her standards with only one victory reported in the press – the CDLCA “10” on a Derby course. However Margaret Slater, Marion’s half sister, has a cup engraved “CDCLA Track Champion, 1948”. This is the only evidence I have seen of her competing on the track rather than the road. The following year Janet Gregory joined the club, and the two became great friends, team-mates and individual rivals. After some early defeats by Janet she turned the tables in the CDLCA 25 miles at Long Eaton with a winning time of 1:11:12. Marion, Janet and Mary took the team prize. After that Marion did well at 10 and 25 miles and at 100 miles (breaking the CDLCA records for the two latter distances). At Long Eaton she won the 10 miles event in 26:58, putting up a time faster than many of the men. She was also first in “25”s at Eckington (1:09:04) and Doncaster (1:08:32). Her distance covered in the year’s “12 hours” was a whopping 237 miles. The Wheelers ruled the roost in team performances, and took the local ladies’ Best All-Rounder prize. Marion’s times earned her 2nd place in the individual District Best All-Rounder competition (won by Janet) and 9th at the national level (20.91 mph). Marion continued to post very good times in 1950 at all distances, especially 10 miles, including the Leicestershire course (28:10) and the East Midlands Clarion race (27:32), and 25 miles at Gunthorpe (1:08:03), the CDLCA event (1:09:38) and Bath CC (1:08:55). She also won a 50 miles in Yorkshire (2:19:20). When she didn’t win it was usually Janet Gregory who denied her the honour. She and her two club-mates took many team prizes over the year culminating in that national Best All-Rounder team award.
Marion’s best individual national achievement was third place in the 100 miles event at Twickenham in 1951, with a personal best time of 4:45:55, a mere two minutes off the winner. “I was leading at the halfway stage,” she told the Pioneer,“but I was too tired”. (IP 13/04/1956). No wonder, as she had cycled the 140 miles to the event the previous day from Ilkeston. Her prize was a weekend for two in London, enabling her to show her appreciation for Dennis’ work behind the scenes. This was a very good year for Marion. The cycling press listed two wins at 10 miles, five at 25 and two second places at 50 miles. Her consistently good times led to a fourth place in the national Best British AllRounder competition with an overall average speed of 27.792 mph and a top ten place for fastest rides at 25 (7th), 50 (6th) and 100 (2nd). For the next three years she went on scooping up more victories especially at 10 miles (Coventry Meteor, De Montfort and CDCLA in 1953), 25 miles (Chesterfield and Meersbrook, 1952, and the Muriel Hunt Trophy, 1953) and 50 miles (CDCLA, 1954) as well as many second and third places. She managed thirteenth in the BBAR rankings this year with an average speed of 21.04 mph, and was still in the top ten fastest times for 50 miles (third fastest with 2:21:33). By the time she retired from racing in 1955 Marion had, according to the Pioneer, taken part in over 400 principal races over a ten year career, receiving more than 300 awards in the shape of cups, prizes, medals and certificates. Margaret Slater still has five of her trophies. Like many sports stars of the past Marion Robinson might have gained more fortune and fame in a later era. She was hit by a triple whammy: time trialling was a truly amateur sport; it had few attractions for spectators or the media; and she was a woman. Even the great Beryl Burton, who came on the scene just as Marion retired, had to work on a rhubarb farm to make ends meet. Marion and Dennis lived at Rose Cottage, Stanton Road, a house which no longer exists as it was demolished to make way for the car park at Toll Bar House. The couple then moved to Trowell. After Dennis’s death Marion married Sid Plummer and they lived in Wollaton, where she could be seen cycling in the park well into her eighties. She died in 2004 (not 2011, as I wrongly stated in last month’s article) and is buried in Trowell churchyard.
Next month: Janet Gregory (Joy). My thanks to Margaret Slater, Brian Spiby, Janet and Wendy Joy and John Hall for their help.
Engaging reports from all the Robins’ matches appear every month in Ilkeston Life. It’s like being there. Follow Matchman on the back page. Honest— entertaining— enthusiastic—fair ONLY IN
ILKESTON LIFE
May 2018
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Ilkestonlife.com
Moving portrayal of ‘The Man’ by Adam Daniels “At times you were left wondering whether he was actually Jesus”
10 – 14 April 2018 This Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical is based on the book by Mary Helen Bell, and later the film produced by Richard Attenborough. Whistle Down the Wind is a story based around a poor farming family. Boone and his family have recently lost their mother and are still struggling to come to terms with their loss. As Christmas is fast approaching and it looks like the family will not be receiving any presents or luxuries, they are desperate to find something to hold onto and more importantly, believe in. Swallow, Boone’s oldest daughter, finds an injured stranger hiding in their barn. His first words to her lead her to believe that he is Jesus. News spreads quickly amongst the children of the town and they promise to protect him. Meanwhile, the rest of the town are looking for a convict who has recently escaped from prison. This production was Kathryn McAuley’s first show as Director. What a way to make a debut! Well done Kathryn, your hard work has certainly paid off. The Fifteen piece Orchestra were under the watchful eye of experienced Musical Director Tom Watkins, we knew we were in safe hands, who was ably assisted by Rob Upton who has worked extremely hard with the children in the show. Choreography was Laurie Trott’s department which again, was very successful engaging both the audience and the performers. Stage Manager, John Woolley along with his crew made sure scene changes were done seamlessly throughout and the scenery itself was something to see. The lighting by Tom Olding was particularly impressive especially during the scene where the barn burns down. Sound was done by Andrew James. A good job all round with the Orchestra complimenting the voices on stage. I’ve seen quite a few shows with live animals in them but never live snakes! Louise Watkins (Snake Preacher) and Jack Woolley (Earl) made it look very easy whilst playing their parts with conviction and great vocals. Eleanor Carty (Swallow) is studying A level Lindsey Rice
TWO senior politicians and a high-profile figure in the building industry have joined the board of enterprise agency Erewash Partnership. The new directors are councillors Carol Hart and Tony King and Ian Hodgkinson, director of builders Hodgkinson based at Pride Park, Derby, who started his business in Ilkeston. In May last year Councillor Hart became the first female leader of Erewash Borough Council taking over from Councillor Chris Corbett who had stepped down after 10 years and is now deputy mayor. A resident of West Hallam, she has been a member of the council since 2001 and represents West Hallam and Dale Abbey. She has also been a member of Derbyshire County Council since 2005, representing the Breadsall and West Hallam Division and serves as the cabinet member with responsibility for health and communities. A fellow Conservative, Councillor King, who lives in Ilkeston, joined the county authority in May representing Ilkeston West. He is the cabinet member responsible for economic development and regeneration. Career-wise, he was initially involved in engineering, including at board level for a public company. He worked for the former East Midlands Development Agency as innovation manager for transport equipment and also for Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership. As a freelance, he works for Innovate UK. Ian Hodgkinson's business supplies skilled
bricklayers for a range of projects, locally, nationally and internationally. His business has been a driving force behind the newlycreated National Construction Academy. That centre, dedicated to encouraging young people to join the construction industry, was officially opened by television presenter Nick Knowles of the BBC's DIY:SOS programme. Ian has also been involved in projects featured on television. Ian is involved in a project to transform a hall at St Martin's Methodist Church in Allenton, Derby, into a vibrant community hub after creating a community space at Derbyshire County Cricket Club's 3aaa ground in Derby. Ian Viles, Partnership chief executive, said: “The board is delighted to have welcomed three new high-calibre directors. They bring a wide variety of top-level experience coupled with strong local knowledge and a passion for helping the Partnership deliver regeneration and enterprise projects.” The Partnership, whose headquarters are in Long Eaton, helps boost the economy of Erewash by various activities, particularly helping people start a business and then nurturing them to grow. In the last financial year it helped entrepreneurs set up 55 businesses, organised 370 advisory sessions and gave practical support to more than 100 established businesses. It also arranges networking and advice meetings, the next one of which will be at Trent Lock Golf Centre, Sawley, on Wednesday April 25, at 6.30pm when a panel of experts will answer questions on a range of topical issues. Experienced trio of directors Left: Councillors Carol Hart and Tony King; right Ian Hodgkinson
ACROSS— 1. Bath Street shop (8), 6. Short sleep (3), 7. Ilkeston church (5) , 9. Not on time (4), 11. Part of a flower (4), 12. Boy’s name (4), 14. Adam and Eve’s garden (4), 16. Colourless gas (5), 18. Lubricant (3), 19. Give it your — — (4,4). DOWN— 1. Lake District lake or a steep drive in Kirk Hallam (8), 2. A fruit (5); 3. Something you’ll see in a butcher’s shop (4), 4. Indicating maiden name (3), 5. Be unsuccessful often (5,1,3), 8. Character in Allo Allo (4), 10. Prayer ending (4),
Our Crossword Puzzle
13. Bible character (5), 15. Hollow in a surface (4), 17. Number (3). Answers Across: 1. Chapmans, 6. Nap, 7. Arena, 9. Late, 11. Stem, 12. Neil, 14. Eden, 16. Ozone, 18. Oil, 19. Best shot. Down: 1. Coniston, 2. Apple, 3. Meat, 4. Nee, 5. Fail a lot, 8. Rene, 10. Amen, 13. Enoch, 15. Dent, 17. One.
Drama and Theatre Studies and it certainly shows. She is on the stage more often than not and this role is quite demanding. She portrayed this role with the compassion of a young person trying to come to terms with losing a loved one and the wilfulness of a young woman wanting to be treated as an adult. Lilly Simons-Clark (Brat) and Jude Yellop (Poor Baby) - A wonderful pairing as the younger siblings of Swallow. They lit up the stage with their performances, bouncing off each other particularly with their comedy timing. Martin Mould (Boone) - This was Martin’s fortieth show with LEOS and what a great role to be cast in for that occasion. Jack Draper (Amos) and Katie Macdonald (Candy) - Jack has played many roles previously and his experience on stage shone through during this performance, he also has a lovely singing voice. Katie again, has played various roles with LEOS and although she said that this role took her out of her comfort zone, she hid that very well and gave a very convincing performance. Adam Daniels (The Man) - Adam says that this is one of his dream roles. You could tell. Fantastic vocals, acting and he actually made you feel as if you were right there in that barn with him. He pulled you into his character and at times you were left wondering whether he was actually Jesus. There was some terrific acting and vocals throughout this performance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The rest of the cast consisted of:Children: Polly Barton (Vikki), Martha Bertram (Ramona), Holly Brownhill (La Vonne), Aiden Carson (Louis), Matthew McAuley (Clarence), Robert McAuley (Jack) Phoebe Mellor (Charity), Alice Patton (Louise), Issy Smales (Elizabeth), Billy Stewart (Winston) and Dominic Wood (Curly). Ensemble: Emma Collins, Ali Langton, John East, Alison Prodger, Eleanor Harvey, Lydia Thacker, Rob Holsman, Melissa Vickerstaff, Carol Newby, Mandy Walker, Kheenan Jones, Angela Walters and Lilli White. Well done to everyone concerned in this show.
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Three join board of Erewash Partnership By Kevin Palmer
Long Eaton Operatic Society, Whistle Down the Wind th th
May 2018
Ilkestonlife.com
Bostock’s Off-Licence
Future First: the empowering short is a love letter to black women and their hair This short film is an artistic interpretation of a black girls response to cornrows being renamed as ‘boxer braids’. The film encourages black girls to reclaim their time, as society often tries to steal from us then decline us. It shows how our hair is deeper than just hair- it is a common thread that unites women across the world and is deep rooted in our culture. The film is being released by LAMBB, a collective of creative individuals who have come together to redefine the images of people of colour in media. They are a group of boys and girls, across cultures that seek to uncover the politics behind the beauty. The film projects they work on tackle conversational issues, and the aim of all our projects is to push the culture forward. They are passionate about making an impact with our work, and creating memorable content. The topic of cultural appropriation has been spoken about a lot over the past year, and it is time to address the issue. We exist in a unique time - we are witnessing a slow shift away from a patriarchal society which structure has been upheld for so long. We are moving towards a time where individuals would be able to stand unapologetically in their truth. Black culture has historically been treated with a blind ignorance by appropriators. In his SS17 Collection, Marc Jacobs had his models wear colourful dreadlocks, a direct reference to the Rastafarian culture, yet only featured three black models in the show. When asked about the politics behind the decision and whether he thought it was appropriating a culture, hairstylist Guido Paula, responded “No, no at all.”
LAMBB Co-founder and director, Naomi Grant says: “The film also has a prominent feminist angle which was driven by the idea: “what if we allowed black women to rule everything?” - This has never been done before, and only recently are we seeing black women spearheading movements, productions and companies. “Black women have throughout history been silent leaders - leaders who built mansions from bricks but were denied credit. Today though, women are no longer asking for a seat at the table, we are demanding it.”
Come and find out more about
Wellbeing Erewash Wellbeing Erewash is a new approach to improving health and wellbeing. It involves the people of Erewash, the local NHS, Social Care and the Voluntary Sector. Come along to our participation event to find out more.
Tuesday 22nd May 9.30am - 11.30am Arena Church, 1 Rutland Street, Ilkeston, DE7 8DG Please contact us to book on: 0115 9466740 or email: lee@erewashcvs.org.uk
empty sterilised milk bottles with wire snap tops to be filled! Some pubs would also have a little room, often with a little sign hanging over the counter saying ‘Jug & Bostock’s ‘Beer-Off’, (as an offBottle’, where people could have licence was commonly known in their jugs filled to take home. They this area) was alongside the gas were incredibly popular with the works on Rutland Street in Ilkeston. older generation in the neighborIt was very popular with the work- hood especially women who ers from the Gas works and Town wouldn’t go into the tap room and Station at the top of Rutland Street in those times would not always for whom Mrs Bostock would have been made welcome if they make sandwiches or filled cobs. had. The Bostock family were wellPerhaps some pubs still have that known to the people of Ilkeston. little room or a counter with a winMr and Mrs Bostock’s son, was the dow that opens into the bar from caretaker at Bennerley School for the passage… I really don’t know many years. Their grandson, Philip, but I can’t imagine there would be worked at Ilkeston North Goods much call from ladies who liked Depot and was tragically killed on their draught beer enough to go out the railway line off Derby Road in with a jug now! With the advent of 1965 in a crane accident whilst cheap alcohol in supermarkets and working overtime one Sunday. ladies embraced fully into the pub They were a lovely and very hard- scene, I think that generation has working family. probably died out! Beer-Offs were normal shops with Once people’s jugs had been filled a licence and counter to serve alco- with beer, and if it was a fine evenhol. They could be found all over ing, they would go home and drink towns, often situated on street cor- it sitting perhaps on their doorsteps ners. Proper beer pumps would be talking with neighbours. This was behind the counter, and the shopquite common in the summer keeper would pump the beer from months as there was no TV to keep barrels situated in the cellar into anyone indoors and people mixed jugs people brought to be filled. with their neighbours in a comThey would place a large funnel pletely different way to nowadays. into the neck of bottles if they had Some though liked to stand and no jug and I even saw people taking
Royal Erewash Remember when Princes Diana visited Ilkeston? This and other Royal occasions in Erewash will be showcased at a special exhibition at Erewash Museum which opens this month. The Royal Erewash exhibition takes place from 21 April to 1 September and will include fascinating facts and a timeline - dating back to 1252 - of all of Erewash’s Royal
links. On display will be lace, made in Erewash, similar to that used on Kate Middleton and Princess Diana’s wedding dresses. The exhibition, which opens in the lead up to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on 19 May, will include photos, information and even a selfie station. Councillor Mike Wallis, Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says: “The Royal family holds a special fascination for many of the people of Erewash. In the past, Royal weddings, events and visits have been a way for the people of Erewash to come together. “Through big civic events like Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the heart-warming community parties
May 2018
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drink in the entry alongside Bostock’s ‘Beer-Off’. The shop was always very popular when the pubs closed (which in those days was at ten o’clock) and groups of older men would buy their beer from Bostock’s, and congregate in the entry and street alongside the shop, reminiscing and telling tales from work or times past. Their chats and laughter could sometimes get rather noisy, much to the disgust of those walking by. Walking down Rutland Street late evening with my Mam after we had been to the pictures at the New Theatre we would sometimes call into the chip shop on Rutland Street. With our fish and chips wrapped in newspaper we would walk down to cross over ‘Johnnies’ (Wash Meadow) to Blake Street. She would put her arm around my shoulders and hurry past the group of men in the entry alongside Bostock’s casting a disapproving eye at the group who were noisily roistering, their laughter echoing around us. The laughter would end abruptly and they would soon hurriedly disperse though should they see the local ‘bobby’ or - even worse – Sgt. Moon approaching on his bike down Rutland Street!
Painting and narrative by Betty O’Neill
of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and the personal touch of Princess Diana’s visit, this exhibition looks at some of the great occasions in the history of our borough and the way people have celebrated their relationship with the Royal family.” Erewash Museum is in Ilkeston town centre, a short walk from the Market Place. Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Admission is free. Contact 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk or visit the Facebook page / erewashmuseum Picture: Flags decorate lower Bath Street, Ilkeston—event unknown.
Ilkestonlife.com
May 2018
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Ilkeston couple make travel dreams a reality By Rebecca Slater
W
hen Sarah and David Banks came back from a holiday to New Zealand in 2007 they were desperate to not only return but to get out and see more of the world, but with them both having full-time jobs and a baby arriving just a year after their return it seemed it would remain just a dream. Now several years and two children later they are about to make that dream come true. This summer they, along with daughters Molly, 9 and Sophie, 5 will embark on a mammoth expedition which will involve taking 13 flights, two train journeys, some exciting road trips and living part of the time in a motorhome as they visit Bangkok, Penang, Kuala Lumpar, Singapore, Sydney, Tasmania and New Zealand. It was no easy task getting to this point, but the couple decided that if they really wanted to make this trip happen they would have to make some changes, and this included their careers. Sarah explains: “Before the arrival of our second daughter I was working at Nottingham University. Once Sophie arrived I realised that I wanted to spend more time with my children and have more flexibility about how and when I worked. One day I was having a conversation with another mum about self-employment and that’s when I decided to set up Banks’ Business Solutions my virtual assistant business. It was nerve wracking and a huge leap of faith, but the business has brought me so much freedom and in the past four years it’s gone from
Enjoying the view: left to right Molly, Sarah, Sophie and David Banks strength to strength. Self-employment is partly what is enabling us to take this trip as I am able to do my work from anywhere as long as there is wi-fi, so will be doing work mornings and evenings whilst we are away, and the growth of the business means I now work with team of associates who will be supporting me.” With the business now doing well talk of the big trip arose again. Sarah and David discussed trying to fit in travel around school holidays but what they really wanted was a big trip with lots of quality time together, but with taking children out of school during term time being such a contentious issue it looked like it would be impossible.
Then three years ago over dinner they made the decision that come July 2018 they would take the plunge and make the trip a reality and they also had a plan as to how to deal with the schooling issue. At the time David was a lecturer at Central Nottingham Colleges, it was decided that he would retrain as a primary school teacher so that he could teach the children whilst they travelled. Sarah continues: “After retraining David is now a long-term supply teacher at Cotmanhay Junior School. We have organised it so that part of the trip takes place over the school holidays, so while they will be missing the first six weeks of term with David’s teaching skills, knowledge and experience he
The Banks Family enjoy a break in Aberdaron in north Wales will be able to support the girls with their learning. Plus, I truly believe that travel will give them a wealth of knowledge and new skills that will be invaluable such as using different currencies, languages, geography, history and a greater appreciation of other cultures and the wider world.”
Shipley branch is marking centenary of the WI
Glenys says. “We want to share it with local people so we are issuing an open invitation . We are a small , friendly , motivated WI appealing to women from all backShipley Women’s Institute is celebrating grounds and ages. We are always pleased to 100 years of the WI Organisation this year welcome new members . We organise a and on Saturday 16th June from 2pm until wide variety of events, outings and activi4pm members are inviting local people to ties, fund raise for local charities and take help them mark the occasion. pride in our friendly welcoming style. We Publicity officer Glenys Stevenson says meet in the Shipley Hall on the first Tueseveryone is invited to join them at the Ship- day of the month at 7 15pm. Examples of ley Village Hall, The Field, Shipley for our activities include craftwork ,walking afternoon tea with homemade cakes. Visigroup, book and luncheon clubs. Currently tors can browse a number of stalls selling we are making regular visits to local historibric-a-brac, crafts, books and more. Also cal sights.” on display will be memorabilia from the Anyone wanting further information past 100 years . about Shipley WI can ring Lyn Reeve “This is a really special event which we on 07973 726952. share with the end of the 1st World War,”
EASTER BONNETS. The Cedars and Larches care home in Ilkeston held its own Easter bonnet parade. Pupils from Chaucer Infants school year 2 visited with their colourful hat creations. The occasion was a real success, says activity co-ordinator Alison Richards, as all the residents interacted, admired the bonnets, spoke about the meaning of Easter, and joined in with modern day Easter songs. The residents presented trophies and medals to all the children in appreciation of their hard work.
Sport
Ilkestonlife.com
Matchman’s roundup of Ilkeston Town games
Robins are aiming for a top 2 finish But they can’t catch the runaway champs Walsall Wood er. Malachi Lavelle-Moore then headed against the bar but a few minutes later his Ilkeston Town 3 Racing Club War- powerful near post header found the net to wick 2 give Ilkeston the lead. On 40 minutes Ilkeston were awarded a generous penalty but After all of the build up and the record Walker’s kick was saved by Parsons. The crowd, the match lived up to expectations with five goals and a nail biting finish. Ilkes- second half was much more comfortable for ton needed to win because Racing Club, alt- Ilkeston and Walker doubled the lead with a hough 8 points behind them, had four games sensational 25 yard curler into the top corner. in hand. Racing Club started like world beat- Six minutes later Walker scored again from close range after hesitancy in the Cadbury ers and created two decent chances in the defence. Deakin did really well to keep out first couple of minutes. Wade Malley and Trea Bertie in particular were causing prob- Deon Colstock’s effort but Ilkeston had the lems for the Ilkeston defenders. The visitors last word when Lavelle-Moore got his second and Ilkeston’s fourth in the 88th minute, were playing really well and Ilkeston were under pressure but on six minutes it was the Robins that took the lead following a fumble by the Hinckley keeper which allowed in Easter Mon 2nd 2018 - Midland League Divi1 Alex Marshall to open the scoring. The goal Paget Rangers 1 Ilkeston Town 4 settled Ilkeston but Warwick were still a This match on a 3G pitch was the only one in threat going forward. Ilkeston did well to stop them from levelling and things got bet- the league to survive the heavy overnight and morning rain. A block buster into the top ter right on half time when Alex Marshall scored again to give Ilkeston a flattering two corner by Malachi Lavelle-Moore in the second minute gave Ilkeston a dream start. Five goal lead. An all out assault by the Racers minutes later the same player produced a was anticipated after the restart but it was repeat but this time the linesman’s flag was Ilkeston who took control and Ben Morris smashed in a third on 70 minutes. It was then raised and the wonderful effort didn’t count. all Ilkeston as the visitors seemed to tire and Ross Dempster had two attempts for Paget as the Robins created numerous opportunities to they tried to get back into the game but Ilkeston were always in control. in the 37th migo on and win by a big score. There were many near misses but Racing Club kept it at nute Ben Fairclough headed home from Billy Bennett’s excellent cross to double Ilkeston’s three. Then in the 89th minute the Racers lead. Then right on half time Fairclough pulled a goal back through Sean Kavanagh but it didn’t seem to matter. However when struck again when he pounced on a defensive mistake, raced towards the goal and fired they scored again a minute later through past the advancing keeper. Paget started the Luke Church, Ilkeston were in danger of second half with more determination and undoing all their good work. As the Robins tried to slow things down there was a hand- were unlucky not to score. Hannis was forced to make an important save which was bags moment near the corner flag but there followed by Paget having a shot blocked on were no further scares. It was a cracking the line. The next real opportunity fell to game and the astonishing 1889 crowd went Ilkeston and Levelle-Moore took advantage, home happy. making it 4-0 on 57 minutes. The goal deflated Paget and as both teams made several substitutions the game lost it’s attacking inSat 31st March 2018 - Midland League Div 1 tensity for a period. Ilkeston’s defence was Ilkeston Town 4 Cadbury Athletic 0 strong throughout but Rangers found a conAfter a slow start Ilkeston eased to their 5th solation goal in the final minute when substistraight win with two goals each for Malachi tute Zach Brown scored with a powerful shot Lavelle- Moore and Jamie Walker. Cadbury into the bottom corner. started strongly and created a couple of chances before Ilkeston’s first opportunity fell to Alex Marshall. Romario Rose had an Thu 5th April 2018 - Midland League Div 1 excellent chance for Cadbury but blasted over. Minutes later Rose had another oppor- Coventry Copsewood 1 Ilkeston tunity but this time he was denied by a brave Town 3 Deakin save. Ilkeston then survived a strong Ilkeston were severely tested in a physical penalty appeal as Cadbury pushed forward. match which at times threatened to get out of Jamie Walker hit the crossbar and at the oth- control. The first half was fairly even without er end Deakin saved Lewis Cosgrove’s head- too many opportunities but two well taken Sat 24th March 2018 - Midland League Div 1
Price 30p
Robins striker Tim Hopkinson. Photo: Craig Lamont
goals in the 34th and 39th minutes by Jamie Walker gave Ilkeston the edge at half time. Before that Copsewood thought they had scored through Lawrence Rawlings but the effort was disallowed for a foul on keeper Jamie Hannis. Copsewood were always in the game and didn’t allow Ilkeston any time on the ball. On 53 minutes Ashley Piper drove home a low free kick from a central position just outside the Ilkeston area and it was game on as the hosts sensed a comeback. The next goal was vital and it was Ilkeston who scored it on 62 minutes. Tom Marshall sent over a lovely in-swinging free kick into the crowded Copsewood goalmouth and brother Alex managed to bundle it over the line. Strong challenges and yellow cards were becoming commonplace for both sides towards the end as tempers flared. Charlie Jemson clashed with Andre Yerou while Alex Marshall was receiving treatment and the linesman had to intervene. in the closing stages Ben Morris nearly made it four and Hannis had to make a brave save at the feet of Rawlings but the Robins held on for a seventh consecutive win which consolidated their second place in the league table.
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looking to score and Deakin had to race out to block a shot before Hopkinson was denied twice in quick succession at the other end. Littleton keeper Brendon Bunn was having a fine game but he was unfortunate on 84 minutes when he slipped and let go of the ball leaving Hopkinson with an empty goal to score Ilkeston’s second. Deakin preserved his clean sheet when he did well to stop a close range shot before the end. Tue 17th April 2018 - Midland League Div 1
Racing Club Warwick 4 Ilkeston Town 2
Ilkeston's nine match winning run finally came to an end at Warwick after conceding two penalties. Racing Cub tend to save their better performances for the big matches and this was the case tonight when they deservedly took the points. Ilkeston received a double blow just before the half time when they were leading by 2-1. Keeper Ian Deakin was injured in a collision with Warwick forward Sean Kavanagh and had to be replaced by Jamie Hannis. The outcome was a penalty award and Warwick went in level after Martin Slevin converted. Cole gave the Racers the lead after only six minutes but Jamie Walker equalSat 7th April 2018 - Midland League Division 1 ised on 14 minutes. Things got better for Ilkeston Town 1 Studley 0 Ilkeston ten minutes later when Alex MarIlkeston were keen to avenge a defeat at shall took advantage of a goalkeeping error Studley earlier in the season but they had to to put them ahead. Ilkeston held the lead wait until ten minutes from time for the until the 5th minute of first half stoppage goal that gave them the points. Studley time when Slevin scored the first of his two were reduced to ten players after only 20 penalties. After the interval Warwick minutes when Bret Fellows received a gained the upper hand and Trea Bertie put straight red for a foul on Chris Shaw. Ilkes- them ahead on the hour mark. Bertie was ton almost scored in the14th minute when involved again in Warwick's fourth goal Alex Marshall beat the out rushing Studley when he was brought down in the area. keeper to a high ball near the penalty spot Slevin stepped up again to give Warwick a and headed it towards the empty net. It two goal lead on 74 minutes. Ilkeston went looked certain to go in but Studley defend- close near the end when Tim Hopkinson er Kieran McCalla raced back and brilliant- had an effort cleared off the line but Warly cleared the ball off the line. The next wick deservedly ran out winners and put a best chance also fell to Marshall and this dent in Ilkeston's chances of claiming the time his header crashed against the crossrunner up spot. bar. Studley were happy to reach half time without conceding. Despite having to withstand almost constant pressure for the Thur19th April 2018 — Midland League Div 1 whole of second half the Studley ten almost Heath Hayes 2 Ilkeston Town 3 hung on for a point but on 80 minutes Ilkeston finally broke the deadlock. When it Heath Hayes were the first team to inflict a came it was a rather scrappy goal from Tim defeat on the newly formed Ilkeston Town back in August but goals by Tim HopkinHopkinson who bundled the ball in via a defender from a right wing corner. Immedi- son, Jordan Wheatley and Ben Clark enaately after the goal Hopkinson nearly got a bled Ilkeston to comfortably win the return second but was denied by an excellent save fixture. It only took seven minutes for Hopkinson to put Ilkeston ahead and a Wheatby Ryan Young. Ilkeston had a scare in added time when a Studley shot cannoned ley thunderbolt 20 minutes later doubled off a defender to safety. This was Ilkeston’s the lead as the Robins controlled the first fourth match in eight days and remarkably half. Heath Hayes made a better fist of it in the second half but Conor Green nearly they’ve won all of them and picked up made it three on the hour. Five minutes maximum points. later Heath Hayes were awarded a penalty when Billy Bennett was adjudged to have fouled James McGready. Luke Holmes Sat 14th April 2018 - Midland League Division 1 took the spot kick but Jamie Hannis did well to save. The hosts were not to be deIlkeston Town 2 Littleton 0 This was Ilkeston’s final home game leav- nied though and McGready pulled a goal ing five away games to complete the season back with a well placed header on 68 minutes. Ben Clark then restored Ilkeston's and a goal in each half gave Ilkeston their two goal advantage with their 100th league 18th home win out of 21. Littleton made the better start and the lively Jerrel Hylton goal of the season on 75 minutes, this moalmost put them ahead with an early oppor- ments after coming on as a substitute. tunity. Robins keeper Ian Deakin then had Clark was denied a second goal by keeper Mark Wiggins as Ilkeston controlled the to make a smart save from Jordan Jones before Ilkeston went ahead against the run final stages but just as they appeared to be cruising to a comfortable 3-1 win Heath of play when Jamie Walker found Alex Hayes were given a second penalty three Marshall whose shot went in off the post. The goal settled Ilkeston and gradually they minutes into added time and their leading scorer Regan Smith made it 3-2. started to assume control. Littleton were still making chances though and only a last Top positions: Walsall Wood P37 W32 D2 L3 GD118 Pts98 ditch goal line clearance by Billy Bennett prevented the Tonboys equalising on 39 Ilkeston Town P39 W28 D4 L7 GD57 Pts88 minutes. Seconds before half time Ilkeston Leicester Road P37 W24 D6 L7 GD37 Pts78 nearly scored a second but this time it was Hinckley AFC P36 W24 D5 L7 GD 68 Pts77 a Littleton defender who headed off the Atherstone Tn P37 W24 D5 L8 GD61 Pts77 line. Tim Hopkinson was introduced on remaining games: 24th Apr: Walsall the hour and he almost made an immediate Ilkeston’s Wood away; 28th Apr: Chelmsley Town away; impact when he broke through but his shot 1st May: Cadbury Athletic away. Updates on our was diverted for a corner. Both sides were Facebook page.