Ilkeston Life Newspaper September 2016

New wheeled sports area opens in Kirk Hallam

20p where sold

SEPTEMBER 2016

A community publication for Ilkeston and the surrounding area Visit our website: ilkestonlife.com

Brilliant day Ilkeston’s annual Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show is becoming a magnet for proud owners and nostalgia enthusiasts. The latest show, organised by Erewash Partnership and masterminded by CEO Ian Viles, drew thousands to the town centre, where classic cars, bubble cars, bangers, motorbikes, lorries, tanks, steam engines and buses were on display. A sunny day ensured a massive turnout and a marvellous atmosphere.

The oldest exhibit was thought to be a 96year-old Foster General Purpose steam engine and not far behind in the age stakes was a 1926 Morris Commercial lorry.

Nobly standing on the Market Place where they used to pick up were the always popular Trent, Barton and Midland General buses. Behind them was an array of beautifully preserved old cars, constantly being admired

Thousands enjoy heritage show

by young and old alike. Ilkeston Brass played, and mingling in the crowd were Stig of Top Gear and characters from Star Wars.

Local groups had stalls and there was a large arts and crafts marquee to visit. Ilkeston Rotary Club’s barbecue stall was kept busy all day, as were surrounding cafes.

Best vehicles in various categories were awarded prizes, although one did not envy the judges having to choose from such an amazing collection of cherished exhibits.

Car of the show was Chris Buckle’s 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.

Event organiser Ian Viles said: “The show has become an established favourite in the Ilkeston calendar. Thanks to our sponsors and others the Partnership is delighted to put on a super show with so much for all the family to enjoy. This was the best yet.”

Little and large

HAPPY CHAP: Ilkeston Anglia owner Joseph Gabrielli was ’over the moon’ that his 1965 pride and joy ‘Penelope’ (a former Leicestershire police sergeant’s vehicle) was highly commended at the show.

Riders of BMX bikes, scooters and skateboards were delighted to try out a new facility in Kirk Hallam last month. The wheeled sports area (skatepark) is situated on the Windsor Crescent playing fields and cost about £130,000 to build.

It was funded by the borough council, the Lotteryfunded Big Local Kirk Hallam group and Wren, a not-for -profit business that awards grants to community projects.

The skatepark was attracting large numbers on the evening our photographer visited, and riders had to wait their turn to get on to the curvy course containing all the popular featuring such as ramps, quarter pipes, bowls, etc.

Waltzing on the Market: Memories of Ilkeston Fair in the 1960s

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s the days shorten and September moves into October, Ilkestonians look forward to Ilkeston Charter Fair which, along with Oxford St Giles and Loughborough Fair, is unique in England as one of our few remaining great street fairs.

This year’s event will be held between the 19th and 22nd October, 2016, and will celebrate the 764th granting of the Charter by Henry III in 1252. As a young person growing up in the town in the 1960s, my memories of the fair in those days are multi-faceted, one of these being as a ‘rite of passage’ or key aspect of growing up. For some of my mates their ‘rite of passage’ was daring to swing the cars as the Billy Williams Big Wheel rotated at full

KIRK HALLAM COTMANHAY SHIPLEY VIEW HALLAM FIELDS STANTON-BY-DALE DALE ABBEY WEST HALLAM STANLEY

STANLEY COMMON AWSWORTH COSSALL TROWELL SANDIACRE STAPLEFORD LONG EATON DERBY

Local

Independent Fresh Entertaining

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

STANLEY COMMON AWSWORTH COSSALL TROWELL SANDIACRE STAPLEFORD LONG EATON DERBY (Market Hall)

Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Tel: 07539 808390 Editor: Robert Attewell ilkestonlife@gmail.com or robert@ilkestonlife.com Staff feature writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Staff photographer: John Shelton john@ilkestonlife.com Advertising manager: Paul Opiah sales @ilkestonlife.com or paul@ilkestonlife.com Webmaster: Adam Newton adam@ilkestonlife.com © Copyright 2016 The material in Ilkeston Life is protected by copyright. If you wish to reproduce anything, please contact the editor.

While every care is taken to be accurate, we are only human and mistakes do occur occasionally. If you are unhappy with any of the content in the paper, please contact the editor in the first place.

We accept news and information from correspondents in good faith and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. We try not to include stories which may cause distress to anyone. If you have a view on any of the articles, please write and let us know. Your letters are always welcome, but we reserve the right to withhold or edit.

Anonymous letters will only be printed in exceptional circumstances.

Deadline for adverts and editorial contributions for next month’s paper: Thur. 15th September (unless by arrangement). Send to us by email if possible: ilkestonlife@gmail.com

2 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

pelt, bracing themselves for the stomachchurning moment when you went over the top, eyes level with the roof of the Town Hall, then thrown back and feet swinging level with your chest. For me though, it was a more social kind of ‘rite’…how many people could be accommodated in one of the Waltzer cars on the Saturday night of the fair? Before coming to the answer let me trace the antecedents of this moment via the rituals of Ilkeston Fair back then.

Looking back, the conversations in my family were peppered with discourses about the fair at this time of year. Early morning mist and spiders webs in the garden dripping with condensation would be met with observations about ‘fair weather’…’won’t be long now’. My Grandma told many stories about the Fair in the 1920s and 30s. She recalled Johnny Proctor and his great scenic ride the ‘Glittering Peacocks’ and the story of how her errant daughter when visiting the Lion Show, had succumbed to temptation when one the great beasts turned around in its cage and its tail momentarily protruded through the bars. The prospect of such a tantalising invitation was too much for a little girl and of course she tugged it. Neither the lion, or the show proprietor or my Grandma were very amused.

Grandma could also recite the formula for ascertaining the timing of the fair ‘first Thursday after the first Sunday following the 11th October’. Thus the event was firmly cemented in our minds.

Although some people resented the Fair in the 1960s and saw it as a rather tawdry, disturbance imposing a what they saw as a ‘dubious’ temporary travelling community in our town, most people welcomed the fair and the enjoyment it brought. Calls to relocate the fair from the streets were resisted and the records of the then Ilkeston Corporation show that great pride was taken in the planning the event, which was more akin to a military operation than something more impromptu. For us as young people the excitement started to build with the appearance of notices in the week before the event, advising the closure of streets and car parks to accommodate rides and living vans.

Coming back to the Waltzer and my rite of passage, casual observers on Ilkeston Market Place of the time may have been unaware that we were graced by one of the most historic and technically significant Waltzers ever to travel England at that time. It was travelled by James Patrick (J.P.) Collins and Sons who were tenants of Pat. Collins, the leasees of the ‘Top Market’ ground as it was referred by showmen. Its annual tour took it from its winter quarters in Wrexham to the fairgrounds of Lancashire, Birmingham and the Black Country before appearing in the East Midlands for the ‘back end run’ for Ashby Statutes, Burton Statutes, Nottingham Goose fair and finally Ilkeston.

Although the ‘Tilt-a-Whirl’ had a appeared in the USA previously, the origins of the Waltzer as a ride on the British fairground go back to the 1930s when Charles Thurston, the great showman of England’s eastern counties in conjunction of R. J. Lakin, ‘roundabout and scenic railway builders of Streatham’, London took out a joint patent in 1933. The ThurstonLakin patent masks the fact that the manufacturing was actually done as a partnership between Lakins and the Musselburgh-based firm of Maxwell’s who in turn contracted out the heavy engineering on the ride to Morrison’s of Leith. This Anglo-Scottish partnership produced a complex, sophisticated and scrupulously engineered ride for its time, enabling it to be assembled and dismantled many times over, rendering full mobility.

Thus, this Waltzer, the very first machine to be made in the UK, first opened for business at Bush Hill Park, Enfield on 28th July 1933. It was travelled by Charles Thurston until 1939 but remained out of action during the 2nd

World War before being sold to J.P. Collins.

The 1950s and 60s were its hey- day and both the ride and transport were immaculately turned out by J.P. During the 1950s the ride had been transported by a fleet of prime movers and trailers but this was rationalised in the 1960s to form a convoy of three loads.

A six wheel Foden flat lorry carrying the platforms towed the ride centre, an eight wheel Leyland box lorry towed the truck carrying the cars and finally a Mack tractor towed the magnificent 30’ Orton and Spooner living wagon and 2nd caravan. In common J P Collins pay box with other British Showman, Collins’ had taken advantage of the pool of surplus military transport at the end of the war and the Mack was transformed from its military camouflage into its fairground livery of crimson lake (the traditional showman’s maroon) with cream and gold lettering.

Given the strict requirements controlling the movement of vehicles for the Charter Fair, the Waltzer convoy came into town in a series of stages. The first holding point where all the transport assembled was Furnace Road at Gallows Inn on the Sunday before the Fair. On the following day the loads carrying ride transferred to West End Drive the final holding point before the 7am pull on to Ilkeston Market Place on the Tuesday. As a pupil at Kensington School at the time, I can vividly remember the sound of J.P’s transport labouring up Nottingham Road. It was instantly recognisable and distinct from the usual traffic noise…sadly the design of my classroom meant that the windows had opaque glass in the lower panes to detract from any distraction from outside. The upper panes were clear though…imagine the excitement as the words ‘J.P. Collins and Sons Waltzer De-Luxe’ which ran along the top of the car truck, momentarily came into view. The Mack and living van were the last loads into town pulling into the White Lion Square car park at the junction with Market Street – here they occupied a prime position, showcasing the big maroon living wagon. In my eyes it somehow had the air of ‘nob row’, accommodating the living quarters befitting the proprietor of one of the most prestigious rides on the Fair.

At the end of school on the Tuesday us kids could not get up the town fast enough to watch the build-up of the fair. The Waltzer was a monster to build up, mostly done by blood, sweat and the manual labour of a team of 6 men. By 4pm it had progressed to the completion of the bottom part of the ride with the platforms and centre completed. This is evidence of its extraordinary design and engineering and the machine would not be ready for opening until another full day’s work had been completed. Contrast this to its 21st century counterpart, which can be ready for opening in a matter of hours rather than days.

Following the civic opening at noon on the Thursday, Ilkeston Fair in the first half of the 60s was then open for three further days with a charity night being held for the British Legion on the Monday. For many fair-goers the peak moment arrived on the Saturday evening when the atmosphere would be electric, the contrast between the darkness of an autumn night against the warmth of the fair, acting as a big draw. The fair would be packed with people and back then the demand for outdoor entertainment seemed insatiable. The showman of course also registered this moment in the form

BY MAX BIDDULPH

More old fair pictures on Page 13

of a business opportunity, with a 2/6d ticket going up for each ride.

J.P’s Waltzer would be heaving on the Saturday night, people standing all around the edge, eagerly waiting for the ride to stop so that they could secure a car. When the ride got going the atmosphere was second to none, the rafter lights would flash as the platforms picked up speed. Initially the cars would not spin, an elaborate braking system operated by a manually controlled lever attached to each platform held the car stationary, making the loading and unloading of punters safer and easier. Once in motion though, the gaff lads who took the fares would release the lever and they of course, were the masters of ‘finger-tip control’ that positioned each car at the optimal angle on the run up to a hill to get the maximum spin as it went over the top. Actually, the word ‘spin’ does not adequately capture the bodily sensation experienced on the ride – extreme centrifugal forces pushed the body to the back of the car rendering any kind of movement impossible. I could never understand people who rode again and again, one ride per night was enough for me. So this brings me to my rite of passage and the social experience I described in my opening. I think the maximum number we got in one car, bearing in mind they were much bigger than contemporary ones, was…12! It would no doubt be seen a health and safety nightmare today but to us it was all part of the fun.

The fair is always ‘here today and gone tomorrow’. The last time I saw the Mack and living van convoy would be in the late 60s, when one Sunday lunchtime (the Monday British legion night had stopped by then), I watched the toad train slowly negotiating the traffic islands in White Lion Square before heading off down Nottingham Road. Although the ride stopped travelling in the early 1970s following the retirement of Kevin Collins, J.P.’s son, it’s spirit however lives on and some things in this story are constant to this day. Pat. Collins fairs remain the leasees of the ‘Top Market’ and each year they present their ‘Supreme Waltzer’ a much later twentieth century ride also made by Maxwells of Musselburgh.

If you have a story to tell about J. P. Collins Waltzer, why not share it at the Fairground Association of Great Britain annual Model Show and Exhibition on Saturday, 22 October 2016, 10.00am - 4.00pm at Erewash Museum.

This will be held in conjunction with the Musuem’s ‘All the Fun of the Fair’ Day and a book for writing memories will be available in The Hayloft.

I would like to acknowledge www.picturethepast.org (copyright uncertain) and the National Fairground Archive, University of Sheffield for their kind permission to use photographs.

Red Arrows photo wins Stephen top award

Shirley and sister, Eleanor were at the Mayor’s presentation.

Dee McKenna, the Bone Cancer Trust’s Community Fundraiser, said: “I myself am a The Mayor of Erewash for the last civic parent to a child who is in recovery from year, Councillor Val Custance, has present- primary bone cancer so I’m only too aware ed £5,165 to her chosen charities, the proof the utter devastation this disease causes a ceeds of fundraising events during her year family. Primary bone cancer is a rare and in office. brutal disease, and we’re working hard to raise awareness and improve the primary Councillor Custance presented cheques to representatives from CLIC Sargent, the can- bone cancer journey for patients and their families.” cer charity that helps children and young people and the Bone Cancer Research Trust. And Blaine Cooper-Jones, Clic Sargent’s Fundraising events during her civic year in- Fundraising Manager for the East Midlands added: “It’s been fantastic working with the cluded a Ghostly Gathering at Long Eaton Mayor of Erewash throughout the year. We Town Hall, a Charity Golf Day and the are so grateful for the support and the incredMayor’s official charity Civic Dinner. ible amount that has been raised in memory Councillor Val Custance said: “It is with enormous pride that I served as the Mayor of of Alex. It has been amazing to see the community of Erewash come together to rememErewash and I am so pleased to have been ber him through events such as the civic dinable to support these charities, which are ner and charity golf day. ” very close to my heart. I applaud and thank them for the incredibly important work they Photograph (left to right): Dee Mckenna, Community Fundraising Ofdo. My heartfelt thanks also go out to all ficer for Bone Cancer Research Trust; those people who so generously supported my events enabling me to raise the money.” Glenys Walmsley, Past Mayoress; Councillor Val Custance, Past Mayor; Councillor Custance raised money for the Shirley Read, Alex’s mother; two cancer charities in memory of Ilkeston schoolboy Alex Read who lived in her ward Eleanor Read, Alex’s sister; Nichola Doran, Regional Fundraising Manand sadly died from the disease. His family ager for CLIC Sargent. fundraise for the charities and Alex’s mum

Mayor’s charity cheque presentation

Steve (41) works a a freelance aeronautical journalist and has edited a number of aviation magazines during his career to date. He was also shortlisted for the Bill Gunston Aviation Judges in the Aerospace Media Awards Technology Writer of the Year award at the chose his image of the famous RAF Red Ar- same event. rows display team as the Aviation PhotoSpeaking after the dinner he said: "It is an graph of the Year and he was presented with honour to be recognised by your peers, espethe award by former Chief of the Air Staff, cially at such a high profile event. I was in Sir Stephen Dalton and TV comedian Fred complete shock when my name was anMaCaulay at a gala dinner held in Mayfair nounced. Growing up I was lucky to have a ahead of this year's Farnborough Internation- family that encouraged my passion for aviaal Airshow. tion and this award is a testament to the supThe award was sponsored by French-based port they've given me over the decades". aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation.

Steve Bridgewater, who lives in Dale Abbey, was presented with a prestigious award at a special ceremony at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London last month.

Young people to be proud of

It often seems like there are more takers than givers in life but, as these photographs show, Ilkeston can be proud of these young people’s groups who are happy to give.

Before breaking up for the school holidays, some of the Chaucer Junior Gardening Club

members (left) went down to Arena Church Food Bank and donated harvest from the school garden to them. Staff at the food bank which supplies emergency parcels to the needy were very grateful to receive the fresh produce from the children.

At their summer barbecue recently, 10th Ilkeston Scouts (below) presented a cheque for £4,913 to Tracey Jones representing Cancer Research UK. The Scouts raised the money with a pentathlon event: swimming, cycling, cross country running, fencing and target shooting all in one day.

They ranged from ten to 14 years old (boys and girls) and Scout leader Steve Bowmer was full of admiration, praising their commitment and stamina.

Two years ago 10th Ilkeston Scouts raised money for a sensory garden in Ilkeston with a long distance bike ride in the Peak District.

And last year they took part in a triathlon raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Accepting the cheque on behalf of Cancer Research UK, Tracey Jones thanked everyone for their efforts for the charity and congratulated them all on their determination and community spirit.

The Scouts were grateful to staff at Erewash Borough Council’s Victoria Leisure Centre for the their help, the staff at Drum Hill and the fencing and shooting instructors, as well as support crews and route marshals, drawn from friends and parents.

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

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

Britain doesn’t want to be dictated to With reference to Mr Robert Mee's letter, Ilkeston life, August 2016….

We have had a democratic referendum, I cannot say a fair one following all the lies and prophesies of doom laid down by Mr Cameron, George Osborne and the likes, all at taxpayer expense I may add, but the majority of the electorate saw through the plot.

The European Union in its present form is corrupt, dictatorial and is designed to look out for the boys at the top with no thought for the working man; it is self protectionism at its worst.

Yes, Britain wants to work with Europe, not be dictated to as to whom we can and cannot let into our community, who we can and cannot trade with and allow unelected and faceless people to dictate our every move; this country has sacrificed millions of lives in order to maintain our own independence.

Let us simplify the situation: would Mr Mee accept all his neighbours telling him who and who he must not allow in his home?

Would he accept them telling him just

where he must buy all his requirements? Of course not, the EU must radically change for it is living on borrowed time and totally failing the people who it purports to represent.

Following a short period of adjustment Britain will be free of the European yoke and shackles, free to resume our own place in the world, free to allow our businessmen and companies the scope to trade with the whole of the world and free to make our own laws and decisions and hold our own politicians to account.

Mr Mee, just what part of democracy is it that you do not understand? The electorate have had ample time in the run up to the referendum, it has been fully debated and a clear result has been reached, and before you come out with hoary old chestnut that 50% has not been reached, I would point out that democracy gives the right in this country to either vote or abstain. The nation has given their instructions to our elected parliament, that decision must be respected.

Alwyn Holmes, Ilkeston

Your country needs you—not the EU Please may I reply to a letter in the August edition of your paper. It was entitled ‘After the Referendum’ and it seems to have been written on behalf of the local Liberal Democrats, but that is to assume that all Lib-Dem supporters are of the same view, which I’m sure is not the case.

The article stated “a painful result for the nation.” But over seventeen million of us celebrated this joyous result, a truly democratic decision.

Many of us had been fooled in the seventies, voting for the single market, not realising the federal states of Europe were being hatched by a gaggle of unknowns in Brussels. Well, we have won our country back for our young people to put the ‘Great’ back into Great Britain.

To state that “our young have been robbed of their future” is utter nonsense, a typical comment by a bunch of losers. We need our youngsters for our future and after our

EU exit their talents and voices will be paramount.

Europe is in turmoil, an economic basket case, politically and culturally unstable with a growing number of economic migrants.

We are not immune, but we have won the right to stem the tide of immigration, subject to those we choose, but still show compassion to a genuine refugee.

We should quit the European Court of Human Rights and get on with Article 50 (negotiating our EU withdrawal agreement).

The self-proclaimed elite, the rich and the famous are dumbfounded that the rank and file, the poor and underprivileged, and the grass roots of our society have risen with a strong voice and an overwhelming majority to say “get the hell out of EU” so stop all the whining and moaning, let’s talk our country up and create a better Britain.

Colin Barratt

befriending role and also in taking them both out for fun days out because they weren’t leaving the house due to Joy’s anxiety. After only meeting a couple of times with the volunI work for a voluntary organisation called teers Joy was totally changed, she had started Safe Families for Children and we have reto feel more confident and had even taken cently been taking referrals from Ilkeston and herself to the doctors which she had felt unaWest Hallam. I wondered if you would be ble to do before. interested in hearing about it and maybe it Our volunteers are from all kinds of backwould be something some of your readers ground aged 18-80 and from all faiths and would be interested in. none. Safe Families are currently working Safe Families for Children is a Christian with 17 families in Erewash that needed supbased initiative to support families in a time port and currently have five families we are of crisis. Volunteers can provide support for looking for volunteers to support. If you feel parents on a weekly or monthly basis or over- you would be able to support a family for a night hosting for children in times of need. short period of time whether it is befriending or overnight short stay hosting then please Joy has a 3 year old child who she loves to check out our website bits but also has anxiety attacks. One of her biggest issues is that her 3 year old is unable www.safefamiliesforchildren.com or email us at to play outside because of abusive neighoffice.midlands@safefamiliesforchildren.com bours. Safe Families got involved and were or call us on 0115 922 7593 and ask for me. asked to help by getting alongside mum in a

Could you be part of a good news story?

4 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

Richard Dawson, Community Volunteer Manager

The tragedy of Madge Wheatley The photograph of a horse and cart and a group of three people brought back mainly happy memories of Mr Wheatley’s dairy and small holding which we were neighbours to.

Madge Wheatley was particularly kind to children, her taking on Marjorie Hosker for example who had learning difficulties helping deliver milk in cans. Her round took on Hallam Fields and the Triangle including the notoriously polluted Crompton Street with its orange coloured deposits of dust contained in the smoky issue from the blast furnaces and coke ovens, also the more pleasant village of Trowell.

During school holidays it was a delightful experience to join Madge in her beautifully painted milk float jogging along with Captain and singing usually old music hall melodies. I remember one cold winter’s day seeing the Erewash frozen over.

With such a domineering father Madge had a pretty hard life but she seemed to keep her spirits up and always was cheerful company.

As a very special treat she took us for a day out to Nottingham to visit the castle. One time we were taken to the Arboretum and

another day for a boat trip up the Trent. The highlight on each occasion was enjoying tea and luscious cakes at Joe Lyons Tea House near Victoria Station. We thought it highly amusing to see people using a fork to eat the cakes and for the first time in the Gents toilets seeing containers of liquid soap above each sink which I mistakenly thought was the equivalent of Brylcreem, which I generously covered my hair with .

Some years after another photograph appeared in the Advertiser of Madge with a horse and cart which they had gone back to using to deliver milk because she and her brother Fred thought it was preferable to a new van.

Madge had a tragic ending – some hooligans had started banging on the back door of number 69 and then running off when someone appeared and shouting abuse. One evening they left some milk bottle crates on the ground which she didn’t see and experienced a hard fall which resulted in her going into hospital. Sadly she never recovered from this injury.

Barry Everley, Sheffield

Open Morning at Ilkeston U3A Are you interested in making new friends; learning new skills; eager to make the most of life? Then why not come to the Ilkeston U3A Open Morning on Tuesday 4 October at The Arena, 1 Rutland Street, Ilkeston (opposite Tesco).

Ilkeston U3A is a friendly, active organisation aimed at retired or semi-retired people in the area. “Joining the U3A was the best thing I did after retiring,” says one of our members.

We will be open from 10.00am until 12 noon and will be showcasing our Interest Groups. We have over thirty five groups which are self-help learning groups, drawing on the experience and knowledge of our members.

Groups include Ramblers, Books, Music, Bridge, Photography, History, Members On Their Own, Art, Singing, Ten Pin Bowling and much, much more.

The leader of the German group says, “There is a mixture of skill – some people who have never done German, some who have done A-level and some in between.

Everyone works at their own speed doing as much or as little as they like.”

Other language groups are Spanish, Conversation French and French Topics Studies.

Or how about Maths for Fun? “I have

found it a delight to see members understanding for the first time mathematics they had learnt but not understood fifty years ago and it’s lovely to see members being able to share mathematics with their grandchildren,” says the leader of the group.

A keen member of the Bowls was enthusiastic about the newly formed group, “Through a brilliant instructor we are learning the techniques and there’s plenty of socialising as well.”

So if you would like to find out what Ilkeston U3A is all about, do drop in sometime during the morning – you’ll be very welcome. Refreshments will be available.

We look forward to seeing you.

Sue Daley, Ilkeston U3A —————

Article was appreciated I have been in Scotland for a while, so it was lovely to come back to find copies of Ilkeston Life safely delivered.

The layout and design of AND THEN THERE WERE THREE was perfectly done. Everything was in proportion, and the importance of the re-opening of the railway station merited the space. And I like the poetry page!

Godfrey Holmes, Withernsea

Are you a resident or business in the local to wider area? Let’s talk...

If you're interested in the Ilkeston community, social economic issues, local government and enterprise, why not attend our regular free informal "Linked4Growth" sessions held on the first Wednesday of every month at the U Choose Smoothie Bar? There's no sales presentations, no referral system and no need to dress up. What we do have is lots of laughs, chats and friendly faces that could become your next friend, business comrade or customer.

Because we don't have a strictly structured meeting agenda we're happy to chat and discuss whatever's on your mind in the clean, relaxed surroundings of the Smoothie Bar with the company of the proprietor Paul Opiah and his family.

We would love you to pop along between 4:30pm and 6:30pm to learn, share and connect. Just turn up at 1 Bath Street

and come inside. You'll find a bunch of us chatting and ready to warmly welcome any newcomers. If you are in business you can exchange business cards and contact details.

If you're wanting to sell your products and services in the next 5 minutes, this probably isn't for you as there is no hard sell.

Assuming you'd rather give others the opportunity to know, like and trust you over a period of time, it is exactly what you're looking for. Whether you're a retailer, consultant, resident or self-employed person you can tell us about your hobby or cottage industry or anything else not mentioned here. It'd be great to see and get to know you. Linked4Growth runs regular meetups up and down the country organised and hosted by volunteers. Regards, Darren Mudd, Small Biz Geek, Office 897, 109 Vernon House, Nottingham.

journey from Manchester to Milton Keynes (where I live now) and there were reports on the radio of problems ahead, so we peeled off I am James Goacher. I was born and bred in at Annesley to come down through familiar Ilkeston and was last there in about 1977-9. turf (as I explained to my colleague). But we My sister who linked up with me through got to Ilkeston and and I was lost!

Facebook sent me the July-August editions I think I turned right - down from Heanor of your publication. I have been devouring Road then left at the New Theatre, up somethem since. where, sliding to the left expecting to come The issues of Ilkeston Life which she sent out next to the Town Hall by the Scala. But me activated such nostalgia and also confu- no! After lots of retracing, my less than imsion because I could not identify some pressed colleague and I carried on to Staplethings. ford. Finding your way round can be diffiI attended Hallcroft School from 1956-1961 cult for ex-Ilkestonians who have been away (I think). The headmaster was Nash - we for a while.! called him ‘the doctor’ but I think it was just By the way, did you know that the medieval ‘mister’ with MA after his name. Wonderful pronunciation of Erewash was Err Wash. I headmaster. have no idea where I got that from. This is going to keep the spell-check busy!

I have passed through Ilkeston twice in the last goodness knows how many years. The James Goacher, Inaugural Liberal councilfirst time as I recall was when I was on a lor of Erewash Borough Council, mid-60s.

What a superb day we had for the Vintage Car show on Sunday 15th August. It was the first time I had been to the event and was amazed by the number of vehicles on site. Well done to everyone who turned out to support it on the day.

I was there as a volunteer f the Ilkeston Life newspaper. The feedback from the local people regarding the paper was 100% positive.

Even people outside of Ilkeston are now picking it up from our numerous outlets and enjoying reading it. This is wonderful and we thank all our volunteers who turn out every month to deliver it around Ilkeston. We would also like to thank those who offer up donations however large or small towards the printing of the newspaper. If you have it delivered free to your home every month and you can afford a donation towards the newspapers cost, no matter how small, it will always be appreciated.

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Great day out

Saturday 17th: Community Litter Pick at Mason Road, Shipley View (footpath to fields and industrial site), 10am.

Saturday 17th: Table Top Sale at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Wilmot Street, from 9.30am to 2pm. To book a table (£10), ring Saturday 3rd: Sandiacre and Risley Garden Dorothy 0115 930 6467.

Holders Assoc. Annual Open Show at CloudFriday 23rd: Live Musical Evening at the Cathside Junior School, Sandiacre, 3pm. olic Church Hall, Regent Street. Tickets £7 Saturday 10th: West Hallam Village Show in including refreshments or bring your own. the village hall. Viewing 1 till 5pm, £1 entry, Entertainers include Imari Ladies Choir. refreshments.

Saturday 24th: Macmillan Coffee Morning at Saturday 10th: Heritage Open Day at St Giles Church of Christ, Adam Street, 10 till 12.

Church, Sandiacre, Grade 1 listed medieval Thursday 29th: Macmillan Coffee Morning at church, 10 till 4.30pm.

Community Hall, Kenilworth Drive, Kirk Hallam, Thursday 15th: Sandiacre History Group AGM 10.30am till 12.30pm. and illustrated talk by Laura Binns, The Archae- Friday 30th: Free Cheese and Wine Evening at ology of the Tram, Methodist church hall, Butt Stanley Village Hall, 7pm. Come along with Street, Sandiacre. Admission £2.50. your Ideas for next year’s Stanley Carnival.

Saturday 1st October: Macmillan Coffee MornWe are always looking out for more volunteers how the day went. Everyone was smiling. It ing at West Hallam Methodist Church, 10 till in areas that are still not covered; if you could must be the biggest and best event held in Il12. just manage your own street that would be a keston coming in a very close second to the Tell us about your coming events: big help.

Annual Ilkeston Charter Fair. Long may it By email: ilkestonlife@gmail.com Whilst I was on the stall I spoke to many inter- continue on this path..

By hand or post: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston. ested and interesting local residents, some of Patricia Spencer, Ilkeston whom agreed to get back in touch with regard to speaking to me about articles about old IlFootball reunion keston characters. They can reach me via the Skegness cycling U Choose Smoothie Bar or my email address The Ilkeston and Heanor under 15 team of 50 I read with interest the exploits of Dennis the in the paper. years ago (featured in a previous issue of Ilkes- Chippie who cycled to Skegness covering 73 ton Life) had an absolutely fantastic reunion.

One person came to see me to ask if I could miles in some 3 hours and 32 minutes. This Eight of the team were present—me, Steve give a big thank you to the organiser of the works out at an average speed of almost 22 Tunstall, Richard Brookes, Mick Harriman, Vintage Car Show, Ian Viles. He is the Chief miles per hour and if this is the case despite his Richard James, John Housechild, George Executive of the Erewash Partnership. In her age I think that he should commence training Strutz and Alan Hill. We all decided to make words, “ Ian is a very modest local lad who as he could be a serious contender for next it an annual get-together....we loved our own went to Ilkeston Grammar School and if you Olympics. chopped his head off you would find Ilkeston company and remembered how great we I wonder if he put his level of fitness and great thought we all were! Alan Buckley has also written right through his body like a stick of performance down to eating lots of fish and promised to attend next year. rock.” chips?

I am sure he must have been very pleased with Arthur Severn, Knaresborough David Frost, West Hallam

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

Ilkeston has changed

Kiera competes in gymnastics World Championships in USA

Cotmanhay party in the park Heavy rain prevented this event from taking place previously, but last month the sun shone and a good day was enjoyed as Action4Cotmahay staged its fun day on land off Beauvale Drive. There was plenty to do and lots of space for families to have picnics and play ball games.

Attractions included bouncy castles, slide, ring the bell, tombola, circus skills and novelty stalls. The Superkitchen mobile van was on hand to provide refreshments for those who hadn’t brought food with them.

The money raised is going towards a Christmas party for local children.

An Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy student competed against gymnasts from all over the world at an international gymnastics competition in America.

Kiera Warhurst, 12, and three friends from Mickleover Gymnastics, in Derby, took part in the IAIGC World Championships in Florida.

The girls – Kiera, Ceri Amison, 13, Millie Thomas, 11, and Amelia Finnegan, 11, all competed in the Bars, Beam, Floor and Vault in the Women’s Artistic discipline in different categories which included Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Kiera, of Ilkeston, said it was an experience that she would never forget.

She said: “It was amazing, we were training and competing against gymnasts from all different countries. We trained most days but we did visit a water park and SeaWorld where we went on lots of rides.

“We all went to each others’ competitions to support each other. I competed in the silver all around and was pleased with my performance on floor and vault; there were 49 gymnasts taking part in those competitions.

I was really pleased for Millie as she was placed 3rd in the all around and went on to

KH sixth formers help Special Needs school Students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy have handed over more than £480 to help fund specialist playground equipment at Bennerley Fields School.

Sixth formers came up with fund-raising ideas which included creating a calendar of the Sixth Form football team and holding a cake sale.

They also took part in a sponsored row alongside other fund-raisers at Bennerley Fields, covering 874 miles, which is the equivalent distance from Lands End to John O’Groats The sixth formers decided they wanted to help raise the money following an assembly

by Abigail Evans, School Business Manager at Bennerley Fields School.

James Taylor, 17, said: “We had great fun fund-raising and it’s really nice to see the

results of that at Bennerley and the effect that it has on the young people there. We are really glad we could help. A lot of us live locally so it’s good to be able to do something for the community.”

10th and 11th September as part of 2016 Heritage Open Days – an annual festival celebrating England’s fantastic history, architecture and culture. The walks will start at the Bridge Inn, Cotmanhay. More information from the website, on Facebook The Heritage Lottery funded ‘Iron Giant’ or from Kieran Lee. exhibition at the Erewash Museum is com- Whether you visit the exhibition, attend a ing to the end of its popular and successful walk or talk, or take part in any other activirun on Tuesday 30th August. Like all good ty related to the Bennerley viaduct project, exhibitions it then goes on tour and can be your participation is vital to its success seen in Awsworth Village Hall in the first even if you have only read about the project week in September, followed by a spell in online or through email updates. By filling the Nottinghamshire village’s Primary in a ‘Beneficiary Form’ you can provide School. crucial evidence of community engagement During its nearly three months in Ilkeston which will support Sustrans in its funding the exhibition has been accompanied by a bid. Nobody likes form-filling, but please string of events that have captured the pub- take a couple of minutes to complete this lic imagination. Local people have turned one in if you’d like to see the viaduct reup in large numbers to hear talks about the stored and brought back into use as a cycle Bennerley viaduct and local railways, and and walking path. there have been heritage craft demonstraYou can play a more active part by coming tions, model railway exhibitions, art sesto the next viaduct workday on Saturday, sions, school projects and guided walks.

17th September – meet at the Bridge Inn at Early recipients of this issue of Ilkeston 10am, but please contact Kieran Lee beLife are reminded that there is still time to forehand. The next meeting of the Friends learn how to make your own Zeppelin at group will be at the Dewdrop Inn on Monthe museum on Friday, 26th August (drop in day, 26th September starting at 7pm. New between 10am and 4pm). And the DH Law- members will be made very welcome. rence-themed Bennerley Viaduct Walk will bennerleyviaduct.org.uk start at 2pm on Saturday, 27th, from the Kieran Lee, Community Engagement OfBridge Inn, Cotmanhay. No need to book. ficer.

Further details from Broxtowe Borough 07823 536941 or Council and its website.

Activities continue into September and be- kieran.lee@sustrans.org.uk Jeff Wynch yond, starting with two guided walks on The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct

The ‘Iron Giant’ goes on tour

6 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

the vault final where she won silver.

“The standard was very high. The American gymnasts were really good but they were also very supportive too. When I was competing they were shouting my name and cheering me on. I would love to take part in the competition again if I got chance.”

£1,000 flying start for roof appeal The Cantelupe Centre Roof Appeal got off to a great start with an eye-catching spectacle in the town centre.

Teddy bears flew through the air on a zip wire from the top of St Mary’s church tower to ground level into the arms of their excited owners who had paid £2 a time.

Photos were taken and bravery certificates awarded. In total around 70 teddy bears completed the challenge. Stalls, games refreshments and ice cream were also there to ensure owners had a good time too.

Organiser Helen Crisp said: “We were lucky to have a lovely day which enabled us to get our appeal off to an amazing start. Erewash MP Maggie Throup opened the event and we thank her for her support; also the councillors

who attended on the day. Thanks too to the intrepid climbers who took the bears up to the top – legs are still recovering! It was lovely to be able to explain to everyone about the huge fund-raising task we have in front of us.”

The estimated cost of re-roofing the centre is now £60,000.

On the day, takings from stalls and zip wire totalled £635 and donations added another £200. Then a huge surprise was the presentation of a cheque for £250 from Ilkeston Lions.

Helen added: “Thank you to everyone who helped us in any way. We’ve got a long way to go but the teddy zip wire event was a real morale booster.”

Above: “Here I come!” A teddy bear descends from the church tower to the garden where its owner waits anxiously.

Left: “Oh, I’m not so sure about this now.” A bear called Lotso, belonging to a boy called Brandon, gets ready for his turn on the zipwire.

Decline in UK Christianity 'halts'

By Antony Bushfield, Premier Christian Radio The decline in the number of people calling themselves Christians has halted, new figures suggest.

A small increase in the percentage of Brits who classify themselves as followers of Christ has been found in the British Social Attitudes Survey.

The report, which is published every year, has not been officially released but the Sunday Telegraph has reported some of its findings.

The amount of Brits who say they are Christian has increase in the past year from 42 per cent to 43 per cent, it says.

Such a small change is within the margin of error in surveys but if it is to be believed it shows a decade long decline in Christianity has levelled off.

Most of the increase in Christian numbers appears to have come from the 'nones' category, which includes people who had no faith. The number choosing that option fell from 49 per cent to 48 per cent.

Figures in the survey also suggest the number of young people with no belief is falling. Last year 65 per cent of under 25s identified themselves as not having a religion. Now it is 62 per cent.

The number of people saying they are Christian is now back at the same level it was in the survey seven years ago.  Dr Roger Allen of Ilkeston United Reformed Church, who has a background in research, comments: “My reaction is that the change is stated to be 'within the margin of error' in other words statistically it isn't significant. To put it another way, it is misleading to state that the figures suggest that the decline in the number of people calling themselves Christians has halted. It may have done, but the evidence isn't sufficient to support that conclusion.

“Locally Ilkeston URC has grown over the last few years but most of that growth has come by virtue of people joining us from other congregations rather than coming to faith in Christ. Nationally the URC is down to about 56,000 members as op-

One minute message

Relief from the sun Living in Britain, sunburn is not the problem it is in hotter countries. But a Brit holidaying in, say, Spain could easily be caught out by the sun’s scorching rays. Just a few minutes’ exposure could result in painful and damaging sunburn.

In the Bible, God is described as his people’s shade at their right hand. Residents of the Middle East knew unrelenting heat and needed to find shelter from it.

The psalmist uses this picture of the Lord as a shade in Psalm 121. Just as we take shelter from the sun under an umbrella, he forms a protective cover over us to keep us from harm.

Those who keep their focus on the Lord can find a safe place in times of sunshine or rain. He has promised us his gifts of protection, relief and refreshment. He is our refuge in times of trouble.

————

Table top sale St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Wilmot Street, is holding a car boot/table top sale on Saturday 17th September from 9.30 to 2pm. Anyone wishing to book a table to sell their unwanted but good quality items is asked to ring 0115 930 6467. Cost per table is £10. ______________

posed to 70,000 just seven years ago and by and large our congregations are getting smaller and ageing. On the other hand Ilkeston URC's age profile is probably a bit healthier than it was seven years ago!

“Numerically we, as a local congregation, are bucking the trend, and there are many people in the community who, though they are not members, still think of the URC as 'their' church. All that is positive but we are not seeing new people making a commitment to follow Jesus - yet!”

Church but not as you know it News from local churches Harvest service West Hallam Methodist Church (near the Bottle Kiln on High Lane West) will be celebrating Harvest at 10.30am on Sunday 18th September, when the service will be led by Andrew Whysall from Langley Mill. As in recent years, the congregation will be asked to bring items that are requested by the Padley Group in Derby who support homeless and disadvantaged people.

On Monday, 19th September, we shall again be holding our ‘Harvest Praise’ event – please note new time: 10.30am for about an hour. This is held in church ‘café style’ round tables with coffee etc. served midway and consists of harvest songs, readings and poems in a relaxed atmosphere and suitable for all, with those less able in mind. We have a large car park, toilet facilities suitable for the disabled, and no steps. A warm welcome to all – why not come along?

West Hallam Methodist Church will be supporting the Macmillan Great Coffee Morning Appeal with their event on Saturday, 1st October, 10am to 12 noon. Please come and

support this very worthy cause. A warm welcome to all. John Moorley

Sandiacre Messy Church There will be a Messy Church on Saturday 24th September 2016 between 4 and 5.30pm at Sandiacre Methodist Church on Butt Street. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Everyone is invited - young and old alike, come as friends, family or on your own! We will be exploring the life of John the Baptist and baptism.

Rev Ken Johnson

They’re now letting in men The Ladies Fellowship at St Andrew’s Ilkeston has decided to invite gentlemen to their meetings on Tuesday afternoons from this month. The group, now called St Andrew’s Tuesday Fellowship, meet at 2.15 to hear a guest speaker and enjoy fellowship and refreshments.  To include your news, events, etc., in this column, email ilkestonlife@gmail or post or hand in to us at 1 Bath Street. Ilkeston before our deadline, the 15th of the month.

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

here Saturday 10th September: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4—5.30pm Saturday 24th September: Sandiacre Methodist Church, 4 –5.30pm Saturday 8th October: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4—5.30pm Tuesday 25th October, St Wilfrid's Church West Hallam, 10 - 11.30 am If you like Messy Church, how about trying the Toddlers’ Service at the Green Spire church (URC). It's 'upstairs' (entry from Wharncliffe Road) and the next one is on Friday 2nd Sept at 10 am. It’s like Messy Church but much shorter (½ hour) and it’s specially for families with very young children. During the summer holidays older brothers and sisters are welcome too.

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

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

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Rotarians keep on serving You will often find members of Ilkeston Rotary Club at local events, and recently they were at our community hospital’s summer fair and the classic vehicle show with their popular barbecue.

Ilkeston Rotary Club at Ilkeston Hospital

Local lingo

SEEN AND HEARD

Sometimes when you’re walking through town you hear a bit of local dialect that really makes you chuckle. The other day, a mobility scooter rider playfully rode up to a bunch of friends with the gruff warning: Gerraht road!—meaning of course Get out of the way! However, Gerraht on it its own as an expression of surprise means Well I never!

We’re one year old

Would you believe it? Ilkeston Life has been going for a whole year now. Our first Welcome to Seen and Heard, an occasional issue appeared in September 2015 after round-up of local topics which may not be several months of planning by a small team big news but are nevertheless worthy of a intent on giving the town a boost with a mention, if only to give you a smile or new newspaper. The production team something to think about. We present them (writers, photographers, sales staff, etc., ) in a chatty, diary style reminiscent of colhad the dream of bringing out a paper reumns that used to appear in papers years flecting the good things happening in local ago. Remember the Advertiser’s Town life instead of the all-too-often-seen bad Talk and A Pioneer Diary? news: crime, cuts, closures, etc. We have given our community the opportunity to School’s presentation have their say on neighbourhood matters We had a great time at Kensington Junior and to write about what interests them. We School just before the holiday when the think we have progressed well since that children were showcasing their findings number one issue and we look forward to about 'Ilkeston' to parents and friends. continuing to bring you a good read in the Earlier they had visited the town centre to future. look at buildings, architectural features and Clanger types of windows.

Jessica Cauldwell and Layla Males said Did you spot the mistake in last month’s their favourite building was St Mary's issue? A person celebrating his or her church with its clock high up the tower.

100th birthday is, of course, a centenarian, Others had put together some 'then and now' not a centurion, as we stated! A handful of photos and made a picture quiz where you people were quick to spot the error, which had to say where a certain decorative feaat least gave them a smile. A centurion was ture could be found, for example the eagle an officer in the Roman army with comover the doorway on the old police station. mand over a hundred men.

The children counted 15 empty shops on One good turn deserves another Bath street and noted that there were lots and lots of estate agents and cafes. When What a nice gesture by a reader last month. asked to design a shop they would like to After reading the article about three local see, most of them drew a shop selling toys children who raised money for the When and games.

You Wish Upon A Star charity, he sent us a They also did a comparison between Ilkes- cheque for £30 to pass on to them — £10 ton and Long Eaton, looking at shops and each for them as a thank you for their efother things the towns had to offer. forts on behalf of others. We were delightAway from Ilkeston centre they visited Pot- ed to do this. ters Lock where they thought a souvenir and coffee shop would go down well. They made a lovely Lego barge going under a Lego bridge for their eye-catching display.

The new railway station currently under construction inspired them to show photographs, drawings, printed material and models. Ashley Robinson wrote an acrostic poem about the danger of playing near train lines (shown on the right).

Well, done Kensington children and teachers - it was a super presentation and the children showed off their findings with enthusiasm and politeness. See the pictures on P10.

8 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

Being a Rotarian is all about service to the community and new president Kevin Smith is keen to continue the good work of his predecessors. He is fairly new to the town, having moved up from Essex three years ago. He was soon struck by the friendliness of Ilkeston people and enjoys being part of the Rotary team and the opportunities that belonging brings.

“I really like being part of the Rotary Club.

It’s nice to be involved with something where the main focus is giving back to worthy causes,” he says. “We have our trusty and wellloved burger and hot dog stall which is always a draw wherever we go. We’ve raised thousands of pounds from it, and the money goes to groups or projects which need our help.”

Kevin, 56, lives with his wife Teresa in Ilkeston and works for the Co-operative Bank. He was formerly a member of member of the Round Table, a similar group for younger men, until he reached the maximum age of 41.

After a few years’ break, he joined the Rotary Club and has become more and more actively involved. His Ilkeston predecessor Chris Smith (no relation) enthusiastically endorsed his presidency at a dinner at The Seven Oaks which was attended by many visiting Rotarians from around the district.

On the same evening, three members also received Paul Harris Fellow awards, Stuart Briggs, Jeff Richardson and immediate past president Chris Smith.

Rotary Club membership is open to men and women, and they are often involved with

Ilkeston Rotary Club president Kevin Smith helping and fund raising for other groups or charities. Member Andrea Garlick recently took part in a sponsored abseil with her son Stephen to raise money for Forces in the Community, which helps ex-service personnel in a variety of ways, including helping to draft CVs for job applications, advice on housing availability and mental and physical well-being.

The abseil was from the top of Jury’s Inn Hotel in Derby, the tallest building in the city, with 11 floors and standing at 110 feet.

Despite a touch of the collywobbles when she looked down, Andrea managed the descent to play her part in the raising of two and a half thousand pounds in total from the abseil.

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

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West Hallam Amateur Saint-Gobain PAM UK (aka Stanton) active in the Gardening Society We were very pleased to welcome Gail and local community John Summerfield of Westshores NurserSaint-Gobain PAM have been recently actively involved in numerous local projects and community action groups within the Erewash Area - did you know that recent donations from their Benevolent and Community Fund have contributed towards the restoration of the Bells of St. Mary’s, the refurbishment of the Cantelupe Centre and rain jackets for the Under 10’s of Stanton Ilkeston FC as well as donations to St John Houghton and Field House Schools. These are just a few of the ways Saint-Gobain PAM have been helping the local Ilkeston community. As a local employer they offer a “Give & Gain” scheme to all their employees, whereby they are given 2 days paid a year to undertake volunteering work within a local group or charity. Recently a group of ten volunteers spent a morning at Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve in Kirk Hallam, collecting litter and making the Nature Reserve a nicer and safer place to visit.

Another employee contributed to a 9 week training course, undertaken one morning per week for 2 hours. The course run by Derbyshire County Council provided training on communication, education, play and Family Survival. This was beneficial as the employee is a parent of a child with autism.

After the successful course, the employee has become actively involved in the ‘Awareness for Autism UK’ Charity. At this year’s Charity Football match at Notts County‘s Meadow Lane Ground, with numerous soap stars, expro’s and celebrities playing, and as part of their fundraising, Saint-Gobain PAM made their contribution by sponsoring the Man of The Match awards. Pictured are James Hooton aka Sam Dingle (Emmerdale) and Sean Ward (Callum from Coronation Street) If you would like to know more about Saint-Gobain PAM UK and what they can do to engage in the local community, then please contact them on 0115 930 0781.

10 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

ies to the July meeting of the West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society. This, not least, because our booked speaker had to cancel at the last minute due to ill health.

Following our phone call, on the morning of the meeting, Gail and John loaded up their van with a good selection of plants: grasses, herbaceous and a range of scented geraniums that they brought with them for sale after their talk. They then travelled from their nurseries in Winterton, near Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire to give their talk entitled ‘Gardening at the Front’.

The talk began with a short history of their careers and their nursery followed by Gail explaining how she had developed the idea for the talk by sending John out to photograph front gardens in the area around their home. The inspiration for the talk came from a television series presented by Gay Search in the 80s where Gay said ‘a front garden should frame the house, be welcoming and look good from both house and street’. We were shown how, with some imagination, front gardens can be transformed to enhance both the house and area they are in. They are an area that people pass through every day but often do not spend much time in.

Many people want a low maintenance front garden but minimalist need not mean boring.

Two slides showing simple gardens of gravel and paving were very different with the addition of a few well-chosen plants to one of them considerably improving it. It should be remembered that pots containing plants are not low maintenance and require care to look good and must be regularly irrigated.

Restrictions may be in place of what is allowed in front gardens in a particular area for example the kind of paving permitted particularly in areas prone to flooding when drainage will be needed. Gail pointed out that although some new developments have to provide trees, often native, these are not always the most suitable and large trees can cause problems both to house owners and their neighbours.

There are a number of important points to consider when planning the design of a front garden and it is useful to look at other gardens and perhaps use ideas from them.

The aspect of the garden must be considered for planting to be happy. Materials used in the garden should link to those of the house and again we were shown examples of this.

However, with parking space at a premium in many towns and cities front gardens have often become little more than car parks and a place to put the wheelie bins. Examples of screening for these were also shown.

Other slides illustrated how the addition of structure within the garden can break the line of sight of, for instance, cars so that they don’t dominate. One slide showed an attractive front garden with a car parked beneath a pergola and hidden by the plants that grew over it.

Gail and John gave an entertaining talk with lots of ideas for our own gardens.

The West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society meet on the third Monday of each month at the West Hallam Methodist Church, High Lane west. The talk on the 19th September is entitled ‘The bulb year & unusual bulbs’ and there will be both bulbs and plants for sale.

Everyone is welcome.

Judy Pittson

Kensington children present their ‘Ilkeston’ findings (See P8)

Motorists

Your Space Poems plus Share your creative writing with other Ilkeston Life readers.

Email ilkestonlife@gmail.com or drop in/post to The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH.

A Soldier’s Prayer How is it that I came through, This hell on earth unscathed, When my friends and comrades, Were in mud and blood bathed?

I feel guilt, and wonder why, I was not injured or killed.

I did my best to save my mates, Who were in combat strictly drilled.

It seemed as though it was just fate, That bullets just missed me, And shells exploded somewhere else, Leaving me injury free.

Is someone looking over me?

It certainly seems the case, Am I left for some obscure reason, Within this crazy race?

They say old soldiers never die, They only fade away, But is it that they hope to live, To fight another day?

Grace

A Slice of Home

John Wright

A Soldier’s Fate Mortally wounded, here I lie, Decades of my life go flashing by, Such depth of pain never before known, Borne without tears, nor even a groan.

Comrades pass by me, I am beyond aid, I know I am dying, but I’m not afraid.

How long must I suffer, I do not know, When I am called, I am ready to go.

I am an old soldier, and I know my fate, Just to fade away, it is said of late.

Now my eyes stare to heaven, Where my soul should be, Eyes that once saw stars, But now, cannot see.

John Wright

To those who say thankyou without a word, They nod, smile and wave, their voices unheard, It’s the well-mannered motorist I’m talking about, They don’t raise their voices, gesture and shout.

They take time to give way and take heed, Think of each other and just kill their speed, Can’t you instill the good driving in others, Uncles, aunts, sisters and brothers.

Then Ilkeston may become renowned, For having the best drivers around.

Big people deep in conversation; complaints of ungrateful children preferring fish and chips to ackees and saltfish.

Green limes and red watermelons fighting for space on narrow shelves with orange passion fruit, purple avocados and red peppery scotch bonnets.

A riot of colour and fragrance impatiently waiting to be harmonised in the cook's work room;. anticipation spilling and filling the house.

The endless quest for remnants of home; friends sharing secrets on which shops had plantains, green bananas, sweet potatoes, breadfruit And who sold the best pumpkins and salted mackerel, Where you'd get the warmest smiles, where you'd get the harshest treatment . . . .

Small children, British born, desperate to understand their parents’ world.

Sonia Thompson

The Cricket A lone cricket started chirping from I don’t know where Somewhere in my garden in the balmy evening air His chirp was constant, he never let up

As I lay there feeling restless and picked up a book.

It was on impulse so I put it down For the cricket has stopped and there wasn’t a sound It paused for a minute then started again It was slower this time, was the cricket in pain?

By now it was dark and his chirp still clear But where was it from, was it here or here?

It got confusing from where it came The sound of the cricket did not wane.

It carried on for all of that night Till I finally fell asleep with not a cricket in sight.

Thomas Hosker

Dale Windmill An old windmill in our countryside, a landmark of the past Stands silent like a clock had stopped, its work was done at last Weathered and forgotten with just a glance from a passerby A part of English heritage that keeps our past alive.

In olden days when windmills worked early morn till dusk People came from miles around, fetching flour for their daily crust Today they’re seen in fairy tales like a castle in the sky With arms and legs that run and walk and sometimes starts to fly.

The enchantment of a windmill turns my thoughts back to a time When people worked upon the land in wind and rain and shine But now it’s all forgotten to a changing world we blame And people stop and wonder if its sails will turn again.

Thomas Hosker

Friendly bacteria There’s was a little bottle of something In the cooler on the shelf Twas full of natural protein And thingies for your health No ‘e’ numbers or chemicals Made of what it didn’t say With a promise of an active life If you just took one a day My wife was looking fitter Of that I can divulge But of the bottle on the shelf I think it grew a bulge A green mould had become visible And an ooze began to flow The stench was quite unbearable And it shone with an eerie glow I watched it with fascination As it slowly came to life It walked around the shelf three times I must inform the wife I thought I’d heard a rustling noise Then after another week I crept up to the cooler To take a little peek The bottle so much bigger now Inside the fridge a squeeze But what was really funny I couldn’t find the cheese About two weeks later After it all began The smell had become atrocious And there were teeth marks in the ham Now the pest control wouldn’t touch it I’m having none of that So a bomb disposal team were called With armour and tin hat With flamegun and bazooka They set about the beast And sent samples to forensics Who put it down to yeast Well, now this saga’s over We’re back to status quo But my wife has grown a little bulge And she shines with an eerie glow.

Sandy

ILKESTON WEST COUNTY COUNCILLOR MICHELLE BOOTH

Community Litter Pick —Please come and join us On SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER AT 10am AT MASON ROAD [FOOTPATH TO FIELDS AND INDUSTRIAL SITE] Supported by Pride In Erewash— Keeping our Town Tidy

Ilkeston West County Councillor Michelle Booth is seen here with volunteers Perry, Shirley and Paul who help run the Monday Lunch Club at the Flamsteed Centre in Albert Street with other volunteers. A Derbyshire County Council grant enabled the group to buy a dishwasher which will be a big help to get pots and pans squeaky clean again following dinner and a pudding at the bargain price of £4.50. New diners are always assured of a warm welcome.

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

11

Story in Ilson

The lads said, “Ar, way know, an’ way’d all ’elp ya to raise it, but way wa ’opin’ yo’d be in charge an’ run it for us.”

After a minute or tow, ar said: “All rayt, ar’ll dow it, and way’d all better start wokking on it rayt away.”

I ’ad achat wi Mr Vic Hallam, who yewsed to goo to our choch, an ay wa marvellous.

By Jim Sumner Ay ’ad a buildin’ firm at Marlpool before ay moved dern Langley Mill in bigger premises.

I explained ev’rythin’ tow’im an’ rayt away ay said: “Jim, of course I’ll ’elp you, you When ard got demobbed an’ comm back can cernt on may.” from dowin’ mi National service abroad, I Tow or three dees later, Mr Vic saw me again. Ay said: “Jim, ar’ve got some land eventually started a boys’ club at Marlpool Congs where I yewsed ta go as a lad. dern Shipley an’ one o’ the faylds theer’ll be just rayt to may into a football pitch. It’s Once a wick I yewsed to dow exercises, fairly flat for the most part – just a few ups keep fit activities an’ plee all sorts a and derns ‘ere an’ theer burra think it’ll bay games wi’em, an’ thi loved it. Ar did all rayt for you.” Then ay said: “Arm gooanall. in’ to put you a changin’ room on theer Ard bin dowin’ it for abert tow years when anall so yo’ve got someweer to change into one or tow on’em comm tow me an’ said: ya football kit.”

“Mester Sumner, way’d love ta ay a football Ar couldner believe me ears – ay’d bin marteam an’ plee on Sat’dees on a proper vellous. Ar thanked ’im a lot an’ then went grernd wi proper posts in a proper league, to tell the lads at the yewth club. an’ way’d call ussens Marlpool Congs.

Ar towd ’em all the good news. They all Way wa ’opin’ yo’d run it for us.” whooped in delight, kept pattin’ me on mi Ar said: “Arl think abert it, but tha knows back and thankin’ me. One on ’em wa that it’ll be a lotta ’ard wock an’ way s’ll ay ta ’appy ay started scratin’ for joy. raise some money from someweer to pay After ar left the youth club that nayt, I lay for it.” awake all nayt an’ started plannin’ what mi fost move wa gooin’ to bay – ar felt a very ’appy chap.

Even ar didner realise what marvellous achievements lay ahead an’ what enormous pleasure it gen to all the lads and to may. I wudner missed it for the wold.

dialect

Ar fost football team

One on ’em wa that ’appy ay started scratin’ for joy.

*** Ar’ll tell thee abert one o’ the matches in next month’s paper. It wara really ‘ard game against a dotty team who wa determined not to lose to us – but thi were in for a shock, an’ so was I!

PICTURE PUZZLE

by Roy Foulkes

George’s haircut aids Ben’s Den

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

12 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

Nipper then flew at Hippo and bit into his backside. Hippo ran off screaming blue murder. Everyone on the green was laughing and even Hippo had to join in, even though he had a tear in his breeches.

Ken Norton, who had a touch of class about him, bravely volunteered to answer to the Wheatleys. The older ones were quite willing to let him do the talking - they kept quiet!

The Wheatleys were business people. They ran a thriving milk round and as Ken walked into the yard he was met by a furious family,

By Geoff Hayes the elderly parents, sons Fred and Jack and May I take you on a little daughter Madge (who never said a word). trip back to the year 1927.

As they ranted at Ken, I looked at the large The scene is set on Shaw yard, the brick buildings and stable. At the Street green. It was a other end of the yard, there were sheds and a lovely Saturday afternoon door that I guessed led to the large field. in the summer.

The field ran from Greenwood Avenue to We were playing cricket on the back of St John’s church and it was at the green – old timers verleast 50 yards wide. The Wheatleys shouted sus the young lads. Charlie at us kids if we as much as stepped into the Grainger from Buller Street field so we kept out. But this was much was batting and our star bowler young Ken more serious than that.

Norton was running up to bowl. On this Ken, keeping calm and composed, listened occasion he delivered a much slower ball to the old man, then apologised on our bethan usual. half. He carefully explained that the winCharlie saw his chance. He took three steps dow would be replaced that very afternoon, forward, nearly tripping, then ‘whack!’ He also the floor would be cleared and swept. cracked the ball high, wide and handsome.

The Wheatley family were quietened, altUp it went, all eyes looking skyward. The hough Madge had never uttered a word. ball sailed over the tree, the tree that usually Fred, the family spokesman said: “Do you gathered the ball in its leafy branches. It honestly mean that?” kept going.

We watched in increasing horror as the ball Ken told him: “Yes, I know someone and descended, heading straight for Wheatley’s I’m going to fetch him now.”

He did so and that was that for the day. We window. all had to chip in to pay for the new window.

Soon we heard the tinkle of glass – I can hear it still! We knew we were in big trou- My mam gave me a shilling piece, saying, “Here, always pay your share, don’t let anyble. Everyone froze waiting to see what one think you’re a cheat.” would happen next.

I was actually leaving the green to go to the Jack Wheatley ended up working for Mr Aram, the butcher on White Lion Square. lavatory when this happened, and when Ken Norton was my all-time hero. He was a ‘Hippo’ Rogers (a giant of a man) saw me, he thought I was making a hasty retreat and fabulous guy. I called on his sister after his death at 75. I told her how I felt about Ken came after me.

“Where’s he going!” he shouted and raced in when we were young. She wept and I nearly did. my direction.

The Wheatley family and their horse and With Hippo gaining on me all the time, I cart milk deliveries have been in this paper jumped over our mongrel Nipper, flew quite a lot recently, and this is a memory I through the back door and shut it with a have of them. bang.

A Straight Six

with a splash), as for going underwater (they don’t insist that you do this), with my little one it really depends on his mood as to At the time of writing the Olympics in Rio whether he likes it. Some days he emerges are in full swing and Great Britain is in sec- with a big grin and other times if looks could ond place. The first gold medal was won by kill I don’t think I would be here to write the Midlands swimmer Adam Peaty. This got column. me thinking about my own little swimmer and the lessons we attend each week at Vic- After the class there is always time for a bottle (for him) and a cuppa and maybe a toria Park Leisure Centre. piece of cake for me downstairs in the café.

Me and my (now not so) little bundle have Followed by a post swim nap for the little been going swimming since he was about 12 one (swimming is exhausting work for baweeks old, (we originally went to classes bies). near Derby) after the initial fear of getting If you are interested in helping your baby my post baby body into a swimsuit and the fear of me accidentally dropping him whilst become the next Adam Peaty or just want to in the pool we really enjoyed it but the Der- help them feel confident around water then by classes were really expensive so I decid- I’d definitely suggest taking them to swimming lessons. ed to look for something more local.

P.S Don’t worry about the post baby body in The lessons at Victoria Park were nearly a third of the price of our previous classes and a swimsuit I’ve been assured everybody just as good. Every Thursday afternoon, the feels the same. little man dons his swim nappy and trunks Rebecca Slater for half an hour of gaining confidence in the water whilst having fun. Classes involve lots of singing, swishing, lifting in and out of the pool and helping him chase floats and balls around the pool. I like to think of it as a little work out for me as well (believe me half hour of lifting a 20lb baby in and out of the water and bouncing up and down, definitely constitutes a workout in my opinion.)

One of baby’s favourite pool activities is practising his kicks whilst lying on his back and he is also partial to splashing into the pool from the side to a rendition of Humpty Dumpty (when Humpty falls of the wall, the babies come from the side and into the pool

What Baby Did Next

Fifteen–year-old George Frith as had his head shaved for the charity Ben’s Den, raising well over £100.

His mum Rachel told us: “Tracey Parker is a teaching assistant at Kirk Hallam Community Academy where George goes, and she was chatting to him one day about her son Ben who died of leukaemia. It got George thinking and he decided he wanted to do something to raise money for her charity which gives caravan holidays to families affected by the illness."

The shave took place at Shelley's Barbers, Granby Street. George, who lives at Shipley View, reflected: “It’s a bit short but it will grow.” He has previously raised money for the homeless and dog charities.

The Way We Were

How well do you know your Ilkeston?

1. The Haddon House care home on Lord Haddon Road is situated where the New Theatre Cinema stood. What name did this cinema have previously?

2. Where was the White Croft, later known as Severn’s Yard?

3. Ilkeston’s first Tesco was opened in1961, Where was it situated? And what year did it close?

4. There was once a corrugated iron church that stood on the corner of Alvenor Street and Station Road. What was its origin?

5. Where was Robey’s Yard?

6. Most people remember where Woolworth’s stood before it closed – where did Wolworth’s first store in Ilkeston stand?

7. What building stood where the Cedars and

Larches care homes now stand?

8. Where was St George’s House and what was its purpose at one time?

9. The old Manor Ground served another purpose apart from football years ago. What was it?

10. Where did Field House stand and who lived there?

The answers to all these questions about Ilkeston can be found in the local history society’s new publication Years of Change, along with many accompanying photographs. But for now you can check your answers on Page 16.

BYGONE ILKESTON FAIR. Left to right: J P Collins Leyland vehicle, J P Collins Mack, Typical showman’s caravan, Top Market 1957. See article, P2

Ilkeston’s first Tesco store

Ladies of St Andrews Church, September 1953. Picture supplied by Brenda Matthews

Sunday School Anniversary at St Andrews, April 1976. Picture supplied by Brenda Matthews Above: Another page from the Trade Section of the Ilkeston & District Directory of 1965/66

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

13

Music Scene HELLO FOLKS !

DAVID POTTER TAKES A WANDER THROUGH THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS SCENE BOTH PAST AND PRESENT Hello again. As the evenings begin to draw in I thought it might be a good time to have another look at those nights in the 60s and 70s at the Co-op ballroom.

Meeting under the canopy outside before climbing up those winding banistered stairs was the start of many a fledgling romance (and we’d love to hear your stories and memories on that subject at Ilkeston Life HQ) I’ve had a steady stream of artists’ names from you since the last article about the ballroom and cropping up regularly were Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, no surprise this because they were frequent and popular visitors.

Brian Poole, Alan Blakeley, Alan Howard, Graham Scott and Dave Munden met at school in East London to form the original line up (pictured).

They quickly graduated from playing local gigs around Barking to becoming one of the top dance hall attractions across the country.

This, and regular slots on BBC Radio, led to a recording contract with Decca.

With the backing of such a major label it wasn’t long before chart success followed, initially with a cover version of the original Isley Brothers.‘Twist and Shout’ (also recorded by The Beatles) which reached no. 4 followed by ‘Do you love me’ reaching no. 1 in the charts and knocking the ‘fab four’ off top spot in the process.

The band continued to enjoy regular chart success before splitting in 1968, Brian embarking on a solo career and the rest of the band continuing as The Tremeloes.

ILKESTON ARTS AND CAMERA CLUB New members welcome!

If you are an artist who likes taking photographs, or a photographer who likes painting, this could be for you! With us, you have the opportunity to do both.

We are a friendly club and we welcome all ages and abilities. Beginners are very welcome. We meet on Monday nights from September to April at 7.30pm at the Elim Christian Centre, 4b Charlotte Street, Ilkeston.

For more details, contact 0115 932 8597 or 0115 919 4899.

The Intrepids on stage of the Co-op dance hall

Now take a look at the other larger picture.

It was taken at the Co-op in 1965 and features local band The Intrepids. Other bands from around the area at the time included The Decoys and Stratford Keene (a.k.a. David Potter!) and The Soundcasters.

If you have any memories, knowledge, or indeed if you were in any of those or other local outfits of around that time, I’d love to hear from you.

Next time we’ll pop up the road to Heanor, which for a time became an important part of King Elvis’s empire and recall another band who appeared at the Co-op on a wet Tuesday night which included two musicians who ended up as founder members of 70s super group Cream.

In the meantime just a mention that Derby Folk Festival is on between Friday 30th September to Sunday 2nd October.

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS SURGERY County Councillor for Ilkeston West

Michelle Booth Is holding a Councillor’s Surgery on

Saturday 10th September 2016 10.30am until 12 noon Brian Poole and the Tremeloes Set around The Market Place, Guildhall Theatre, The Old Bell Hotel and the Cathedral Quarter it features top national names such as Fairport Convention, Peggy Seeger and Vin Garbutt together with a host of local talent.

Info. at derbyfolkfestival.co.uk or contact me at 07971 899704 (note new number) or email davidilkeston@gmail.com .

PLEASE NOTE—NEW VENUE AND TIME

Ilkeston Library Foyer Market Place DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS SURGERY ILKESTON EAST AND ILKESTON SOUTH WARDS

Answers to Picture Puzzle, P12 Top: The metal bridge spans the alleyway between the Market Inn and the Eclipse hairdressers shop.

Below: The distinct red decoration can be seen above the entrance to the Scala cinema.

Councillors Glennice Birkin and John Frudd Saturday 10th September 2016

10am to 12 noon Ilkeston Town Hall Action4Cotmanhay

14 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

A big thank you to Cllr Michelle Booth and Derbyshire County Council for the grant of £660 which allowed us to buy our marquee, used for the first time at the Heritage and Classic Car Show. L to r: Michelle, Robert (editor), Patricia (feature writer) and Christine (sales).

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Thursday 15th September 2016 5.15—6.45pm at Bennerley Fields School, Stratford Street, Cotmanhay Please pass on to anyone who would be interested in coming.

Kind Regards Angie Young, Action4Cotmanhay 07746 534085 e-mail: action4cotmanhay@yahoo.co.uk

“

Well I never thought we’d make it,” said Win as we sat facing each other on the train. “We two actually going on holiday together.”

It was August 1951, my friend Win and I (both in our teens) were on the Derby to London train and then to Margate where we were to carry on to Cliftonville for one week’s holiday.

Erewash rEvive, (Arts in Empty Shops) is an award willing local initiative from Arts Erewash, funded by EBC and Arts Council, bringing arts events, exhibitions and displays into shops and shop windows which would otherwise be empty.

In June and July members of the Erewash community met in the Erewash rEvive Shop to ‘Write Something – Make Something’, led by writer Chrissie Hall in collaboration with artist/ maker Julie Genner.

The artwork was featured in two superb window exhibitions with eye-catching displays of the stories, and linen shopping bags on which participants had created unique images and designs linked to their stories.

The stories are great pieces of 20th century social and family history and will be preserved in a local archive.

On this page and the next are some of the stories written by participants. More next month.

Is that grey blur the sea?

Cliftonville was chosen because Win’s piano teacher spent her holidays there and had given us the address of the guest house where she always stayed.

Win handed me four half-crowns which her mother had sent. This boosted my spending money tremendously.

Our mothers had packed sandwiches for our lunch and we ate them before changing trains in London.

When we arrived at our destination it was pouring with rain. While waiting for the coach to take us to our accommodation I caught sight of grey water which was actually the sea.

It was six o’clock when we got to the house, a tall Victorian building in a street of similar houses. A ‘no vacancies’ notice hung in the window, proving to us it must be popular and highly recommended.

The landlady greeted us and took us to the bedroom we were to share. It was on the second floor and contained a double bed, a wardrobe, dressing table, two chairs and wash basin. The bathroom and toilet were on the floor below.

The other holiday makers were already seated in the dining room for ‘high tea’.

We were shown to our seats at a table for four, and plates of fish and chips were put in front of us. The couple facing us told us they came from Leicester. We never did find out their names but between ourselves referred to them as Mr and Mrs Lester.

“People from Derby are always last to arrive,” they said.

By Velmer Wisher

Velma and Win on holiday It was still raining after tea, but undaunted we put on our coats and set off to have a look round.

We were about five minutes walk from the sea-front where it was blowing a gale, the sea looking even more dismal, unlike the posters advertising the Great British sea-side.

Cliftonville being the residential area we walked down to Margate. It was dark by the time we got there, coloured lights along the promenade shone bravely in the rain.

Alongside other holiday makers we played on slot machines, looked at ‘What the Butler Saw’ (turned a handle to see pictures of half-dressed ladies we wouldn’t have been allowed to do that if we’d been with our parents). We went into a small cinema showing silent comedy classics.

When we arrived back at the house we crept upstairs to our bedroom, put our wet coats on the backs of the chairs, pushed paper into our shoes and went to bed.

The sun was shining when we woke the next morning. After breakfast we walked to the beach. The sea looked at its best and the sky was blue. We went back to the house for Sunday dinner at 1 o’clock. In those days ‘bed and board’ meant a cooked breakfast, three course dinner, (soup, meat and two veg, pudding, often jam sponge or apple pie with custard). High tea was either ham salad or fish and chips followed by fruit or cakes. We were given a hot drink in the evening and at 11pm the front door would be locked.

It rained every day, but that didn’t stop us from getting around.

We went to ‘Dreamland’, Margate’s pleasure beach and to the swimming baths.

“Where’s all the lads?” I asked Win one day.

“Must be away doing their National Service.”

“Well they get leave don’t they? You’d think some would come to Cliftonville.”

“Must have gone to Blackpool.”

We wrote postcards to our parents telling them we were enjoying ourselves, before queuing in the rain to see the film ‘Showboat’, sitting in the front row which was so near the screen the film stars’ faces were distorted.

We went on the bus to Ramsgate, Canterbury and Broadstairs where we saw the house in which Charles Dickens was reputed to have written part of David Copperfield.

Returning to our bus stop the conductor would laughingly shout “The Odeon!” which was in fact a bomb site where a cinema had once stood. If it was ever rebuilt it would probably have progressed to a Bingo Hall before becoming a supermarket.

The highlight of our week was a boat trip to France. We didn’t land! The boat went within sight of the French coast and turned round again, but we felt pleased to have glimpsed a country where a foreign language was spoken.

On Saturday it was time to leave. The weather was warm, dry and sunny.

However we weren’t going straight home, we were going to stay in London for the weekend with Win’s aunt and uncle. We were about to see the Festival of Britain.

ILKESTON MUSICIAN HONOURED Dale Forbes-Sutherland, Director of Ilkeston Academy of Voice and Piano, Heanor Road (formerly Musikuk) has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

He told us: “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined when I began my career that I would be elected as a Fellow to such an incredible organisation. Being born and bred in Ilkeston I have witnessed and experienced the social challenges and changes over the years and I am so honoured and excited to bring the ethos of the RSA closer to home. My mission is to create and develop Music education in Ilkeston and the East Midlands and to deliver my syllabus and to make it accessible to all who want to learn to sing or play the piano, not just the few that can afford it. Through online platforms and networks I plan to establish Music-hubs and online one to one and group lessons so students don’t have to even leave home, I can’t wait to get cracking.”

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

15

had, as she said that the weight of books pulled you down on one side. This was unfortunately not one of her better ideas as people who carried their satchels on their shoulder could over fill them and carry them with their hand holding them closed, of course I couldn’t with mine, it being on my back, so I had to close it when it was full and carry a carrier bag with the overflow of books.

By Jeanne White A friend of mine, who was quite fashion Things have changed. conscious even at eleven, deliberately When I was a child housework was a failed her 11+ because she said that she hard job. Mum was in charge of indoors, wasn’t wearing that uniform. I was raDad outdoors. Personally I didn’t have to ther shy then and was known as what do any housework. My mother said, “you was called, “not a good mixer.” will have to do housework till the day But I thought I’d be with my friends and you die, now is your time off.” But of it would be OK. That was my first course I did some small jobs. I was kept shock. There was 1a, b, c, and d and the out of the kitchen on Mondays because four of us from “National” were each of the danger factor, the copper for boilplaced in a different form. I was in 1a. In ing clothes, I might touch it and get the first year your form was not deterburnt, the ponch tub I could fall in, the mined by your ability, but just by ranmangle, obviously squashed fingers. In dom placing. summer the washing blew happily in the garden but in winter it was draped on Other shocks were to come. Pupils from the clothes horse, steaming away in front By Elaine other junior schools had done a year of of the coal fire.

French to prepare them, we hadn’t. In Jacklin Maths I talked about “share by,” “take In the background to all this the BBC In September away,” and “times.” The other pupils Light Programme would be merrily play1960 I began my talked about “divide”, “minus” and ing the music of the day. One unusual life at Long Eaton Grammar School or “multiply by.” My “nature study” was thing I remember was the steaming of L.E.G.S. as it was known as to the putheir “Biology.” It was like I’d been wool. Old knitted garments were unravpils. dropped on to another planet. Some of elled, tied into hanks and suspended My primary and junior school years had the teachers wore their black gowns and over steaming saucepans of water. The been spent at a little Church of England the whole atmosphere was so formal. kinks would come out and a brand new school known as “National.” This was garment could be knitted.

I did get friendly with a girl who had soon to be demolished and had been come from Grange School, another Another money saving idea was to do “running down” for some time. The num- school where not many pupils had with stockings. If one was laddered you ber of teachers had been reduced and passed to go to Grammar School. After kept the other till you had a good numthe Headmaster took a class.

I passed four days of trying to get used to things, I ber, boiled them together and they would my 11+ exam and so did three other pu- had to go into hospital to have my tonsils come out all the same colour. Hey presto, pils from “National,” two girl and a boy. I out. That meant that while I was off the new pairs of stockings. It still surprises was friendly with both the girls. I put on others had had a month to get acquaintme how strong fifteen denier nylon could my uniform that morning, a bottle green ed with the school. That put me back be. gym slip, a white blouse, a green and When I was a child we had a soap known yellow striped tie, a dark green cardigan quite a bit. I think today the hospital would have tried to accommodate me as “White Windsor.” It came in long and white socks and black shoes, I could more and had me in there in the school blocks and you cut a lump off as needed. have worn grey socks, that was the only holidays. But they didn’t bother about As a child I asked my mother, “Why does real freedom of choice we had at that that sort of thing then. our soap have corners? When I go to oth- time.

Eventually I settled down and found that er people’s houses their soap doesn’t My coat was a blazer with the badge on I enjoyed some lessons, History, Divinity, have corners.” the pocket. A badge had to be displayed English Language and English LiteraMum’s retort was, “White Windsor is the at all times when we were going to or ture. I didn’t mind French, German and purest soap you can get.” It was certainly returning from school. If it rained we Biology, but I hated Maths, especially versatile, not only could you bath in it, it wore a bottle green gabardine mac, and Algebra and Geometry, Geography, Physbrought up shirt collars beautifully. in order to accommodate the badge, a ics and Chemistry. The latter two might dark green beret with the badge sewn on have been in a foreign language for all I I remember my mother down on her to it. I had to have a satchel, my mother understood them. In a later year we had hands and knees polishing the parquet bought me one, but unfortunately she floor with lovely smelling wax. As we choices and I dropped Geography, Physdidn’t own a vacuum cleaner at that time decided to get one that had two straps ics and Chemistry. and was carried on my back, not on one the rugs had to be cleaned by hand. At strap on my shoulder like everyone else’s I was never very high up in the class listone time we had rag rugs (I see they ings because in the subjects I was good at I got good marks, but the ones that I such as drain covers.

Answers to How well do you wasn’t I got abysmal marks. So my 8. It’s the present Erewash Museum. It became marks averaged out not very high. So the a hostel for Michael House students after 1947 know your Ilkeston? (P13) 1. The New Theatre when first built in 1895 was when the school acquired the building. It was A renamed Dalby House when the council bought called Theatre Royal, later Vint’s Picturedrome memorable the building and gave it back its original name. and the Coliseum in its early days. day out 2. The Shopmobility area of High Street was built 9. It was also used as a cycle track, a very popular sport in Victorian times, and cricket was also at the entrance to Severn’s Yard /White Croft.

At the end of played there.

3. First Tesco was situated where SpecSavers June Joyce Batti10. Field House stood where the SE Derbyshire now stands on Bath Street. It closed in 1982. son, daughter of 4. It was St Mary’s Mission Church. Originally it College of Further Education was situated on Stanley Battison, was the first proper Hallam Fields church erected Field Road. It was formerly the home of model railway Matthew Hobson, one of the founders of Stanin 1880. engineer, took a 5. It was an area of land where the Health Cen- ton Road Cemetery and Francis Sudbury, the first coach full of famimayor of the borough of Ilkeston. tre now stands on South Street. It provided an ly and friends to area for the Charter Fair caravans and vehicles to Quiz compiled by Danny Corns Newby Hall near stay while the October fair was in town. Some Ripon to witness Latest publication showmen also wintered there. It was planned the return of the on sale now, £6. at one time for a bus station to be built there, 10” gauge miniabut it didn’t happen. ture steam enAvailable from vari6. Woolworth’s was built in 1923 on the site of gine ‘The Royal ous outlets includthe demolished Globe Cinema opposite where Scot’ built by her ing Ilkeston Library, the Albion Shopping Centre is now. It then father in the early fifties.

Erewash Museum, moved to its present location further down in Blinkinks, South St., Thanks to Joyce’s generosity of funding new 1937.

U-Choose café, top boiler, built at Cromford, the engine was able to Bath Street, The 7. The Rutland Foundry, formerly Hawkins return to steam for the first time in more than Coffee Bean, lower Foundry, built in 1854. It produced many iron five years running along the picturesque route Bath Street. products which can still be seen around town between the River Ure and through the award

Housework is work

seem to be in fashion again). One day, when aged about six on a sunny afternoon I sat on the rag rug, put down my hand to steady myself and was immediately stung by a wasp hiding under a rag strip. I was treated by my father with a dolly blue bag, a strange little article which was supposed to make the washing ultra white and for some reason it also reduced the effect of wasp stings.

Bed time would come around far too soon for my liking. So after a mug of Ovaltine and clutching my hot water bottle I trundled up “the wooden hill” to my rather chilly bedroom where I had a crafty read of my library book under the blankets.

——————

My Life with a Satchel

winning gardens.

16 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

In 1952 the engine was exhibited at the Model

second year found me in 2b. My friend was in there as well so it was Ok. I hated PE and most games and used to hope it would rain when it was hockey or netball. I didn’t mind throwing the javelin, that was an easy option, and I quite liked tennis, but this was spoilt for me because next door to the Tennis Courts was a house where a ferocious Doberman lived and if your ball went over there you had to fetch it and risk being chased by the dog.

In the first year we went to the local swimming baths. Since I’d slipped and gone under the water in the baths at junior school I was afraid of going in. There was a woman who worked at the baths and she pushed me in with her foot because I was sitting on the side when everyone else had got in the water. I grazed my arms badly and my mother wrote to the school and I didn’t have to go swimming again. So some good came out of it after all. I’d had one traumatic happening but at least I was spared any more.

We had a very old fashioned Head Mistress and our summer frocks were a dull dark green check, and when you knelt down the hem had to touch the floor.

Then they introduced two new materials for the dresses, they were the same style and length, but the material was quite a pretty green, either striped or seersucker.

I hade one of each made for me.

I proceeded up the school, always in the “b” stream. When we got to the 4th year, we were allowed to wear non-uniform coats so I had a brown quilted anorak off the market.

In the fifth year I took my O levels and I passed English Language and Literature, Divinity, French, German and Biology. I don’t know what happened to the History because I’d always loved it.

Now was the time to leave and I didn’t want to. (This was the girl who hadn’t always been happy at grammar school) I always was rather perverse. Anyway other people could stop on for two more years, why couldn’t I? My mother said that as I was nearly seventeen it was time I left and went to work because I didn’t want to go to University and I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

The weekend after my last day I kicked up such a fuss that my mother offered to go to see the headmaster and ask if I could go back. But I didn’t know what I really wanted so I said, “no, don’t do that” and I went into the Civil Service. I started as a “clerical officer” the second rung up the ladder in grade, and stayed a” CO” as we were called for thirty years, I never was very ambitious!

Engineering Exhibition in London and won a silver award. In the 1980s Sir Jackie Stewart, three times world racing champion, and a friend of the Compton family who own Newby Hall took control of the locomotive and drove it round the circuit. The Royal Scot Engine with a ‘Joyce Battison Express’ headboard will be running at Newby Hall and Gardens every Sunday and Bank Holidays.—John Morley

IOEA students fundraise for Treetops

Students at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy were inspired to fund-raise for a local hospice by a friend who lost her dad to a brain tumour.

by both groups was £285.76.

Evie said she was grateful to Treetops for the care they provided to her dad. She said: “In the last few months before he died, Evie Young’s dad Andrew, 52, received Treetops came round and they spoke to my care from Treetops Hospice, in Risley, in mum and dad and they really helped. the months before he died.

“They provided equipment for my dad and Treetops provides nursing care and emotion- they picked him up and took him to the hosal support for anyone affected by a lifepice and they would give him dinner and he limiting illness in Derbyshire and Nottingwould do bits of art there. I think it’s great hamshire. that we have been fund-raising for Treetops in school, it’s nice to be able to give someIn a show of support, Evie’s friends at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy de- thing back to them.” cided they wanted to raise money for Student Mehmet Gumussoy, 15, said: Treetops, which has to raise more than £3m “Treetops came into school and talked to us every year to run. about how much it costs to run the hospice and what they do. We all came up with the A representative from Treetops visited the academy to talk to students about the work fund-raising ideas in our groups and we were really pleased with the amount raised.” they do and how they could help.

Students split into two groups and were giv- Jo Watkinson, Assistant Principal for Incluen £50 each and asked to use it to make sion at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academore money. my, said she was proud of all the students involved. She said: “Year 10 students were One group held a car wash and a cake sale while the other group ran a raffle and a tom- very keen to take part to such an important bola, sold ice creams and held competitions charity. They came up with a range successful fund-raising ideas. We are really proud to guess the name of the teddy and how many sweets were in a jar. The total raised of their efforts.”

Coming events in West Hallam:

The Waggoner’s Tale and Wilfrid’s Wakes THE WAGGONER’S TALE: an entertainment that tells of West Hallam village life in the early 19th century as imagined by 21st century players. How did villagers learn of great national events and how did they react?

What was going on in our village? We tell the tale through the local Carrier, William Hunt in drama, music, song, dance and pictures and featuring our own Pigeon Pie folk group.

It takes place at Scargill School, Beech Lane on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October at 7.30pm. West Hallam Guiding will be providing light refreshments, donations to Guide funds.

WILFRID’S WAKES on Saturday 15th October will include family activities in St Wilfrid’s Church in the morning. Free entry and refreshments provided but all children must be accompanied throughout by an adult.

The very popular Playford Dance Workshop with James Stanton and the Greenwood Ensemble in seventeenth century period dress will be presented in the Village Hall in the 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. Come and join the fun along with your afternoon tea provided by West Hallam Guiding.

Tickets and prices: The Waggoner’s Tale £5 adults. £3 under16, including programme.

Wilfrid’s Wakes Dance and Afternoon Tea £5 inclusive All tickets can be reserved with Ruth on 07531 441256 or Alan on 0115 9321729 (e-mail adjcoop@btinternet.com)

Walking tall in the park.

A stilt man mingles with the crowd at the Summer Sounds event in Victoria Park.

The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct were recognised with Greenwood Community Awards on Monday 11th July at Swancar Farm in Trowell for their contribution to conserving the monument to Victorian railway engineering.

Greenwood Partnership Board Chair, Councillor John Knight presented the awards to community groups and individual volunteers, for outstanding contribution towards improving the environment. He praised those who give of their time freely in his welcome speech: “We are pleased to be able to recognise volunteers who work year in, year out to make ours such a beautiful county.”

Nominations had been received from groups and organisations for environmental work carried out over the last year. About 140 guests enjoyed a review of achievements by volunteers and organisations and fourteen awards were presented.

Rod Fillingham congratulated winners and said: “Tonight has shown how diverse volunteers can be, with many vital assets including vision, determination, knowledge, skill, experience, but above all humour.”

Friends of Bennerley Viaduct were Heritage Group Award Winners. Bill Tomson from Sustrans nominated them.

Those present heard: “They are a group of volunteers who have a shared passion for seeing the monument to Victorian railway

Viaduct Friends are recognised engineering that is Bennerley Viaduct conserved and given a new lease of life again.

This highly committed group have devoted much time already in supporting Sustrans with its project to create a walking and cycling route across the viaduct.

“The individual members of the group come from a variety of backgrounds including several heritage railway enthusiasts and a number of cycling buffs. What they all have in common is an appreciation of the viaduct, a vast bank of knowledge and a vision of how great an asset it could be in the future.

“The group take part in regular workdays both on and under the viaduct. Fifty years of neglect has created a jungle of dense thorns and scrub which has entangled the structure.

Clearance of this has been essential for inspections and repairs to the structure as well as creating a greater variety of habitats which in turn will increase the already rich biodiversity of the area.

“This group is not only helping to create an asset which will make the community proud of its natural and industrial heritage, but also a route for walkers and cyclists and what is truly a giant attraction in the Greenwood Community Forest.”

Friends of Bennerley Viaduct receive their award from Councillor John Knight, Chair, Greenwood Partnership Board

Katie’s column

YouTube video of the month: My favourite video this month is called Eat it or Wear it Challenge! Super Messy Dump Everything version.

To set up the challenge get 18 mystery items all placed in separate paper bags, and pieces of paper numbered 1 to 18 in a bowl. Put you hand in the bowl and pick a lucky number. Pick the same numbered bag and open it to see what’s inside. Do you eat it, or wear it? Want to see it for real? Look here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v+thgsJhb8ir8.

Hi, my name is Katie. I am 9 years old and I live in Ilkeston. I go to Kensington Junior School and I enjoy looking after my pets, watching my favourite YouTube Places to go in the summer holidays videos, playing Minecraft with my friends and Stuck for school holiday activity ideas? How riding my bike down the Nutbrook Trail. about these.

Go swimming—During the holidays I love going Pokemon Go—Yes or No? for a swim. It’s lots of fun and great exercise Everybody is talking about Pokemon Go—but too. This year Victoria Park Leisure Centre is is it a good game or bad? Here’s what I think. holding a swimming pool party which sounds Yes…. fantastic.

It makes you get out of the Play at the Park— I really enjoy going to my house. local park to burn off some energy. I normally Good exercise. take a picnic and something to play with like Good fun. my bike or a football. Shipley Park is my faYou can meet new people. vourite because the play area is massive and You can discover new places. there is a lovely café that sells cake and ice No…. cream—yum!

You might have an accident.

Visit a museum—I often visit Erewash MuseYou might get lost. um when the weather is not so good. During You might fall off a cliff. school holidays they put special events on and Stranger danger. you can do arts and crafts. I also like visiting You might walk into a lamp post.

Pickford House in Derby.

If you want to find out more, have a look at this Go on a bike ride—I love riding my bke down Pokemon guide—http://www.cnet.com/ the Nutbrook Trail, there are no cars, I get to products/pokemon-go-guide/ see lots of wildlife and I can cycle for miles.

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

17

The Diary of a Vicarage cat

Eat well on a budget

By Alison Horton (local nutritionist) How can I afford to feed my family a healthy nutritious diet on a low income?

I certainly asked myself this question many a time when my circumstances changed six years ago. I became a single parent, who wasn’t working at that point, to my four young daughters, who ages ranged between one and seven years old.

I had always eaten a balanced diet myself, and when I became a mum I prided myself on making fresh meals, from scratch, for my children.

To be suddenly put in a position where I was waiting for benefits to be processed, looking for employment, relying on family and friends for food parcels and using the services of a local food bank filled me with panic. It is so easy and cheap to go to your local freezer supermarket and stock up on budget meals, which I did initially. However I quickly discovered these meals had little nutritional value and that cooking from fresh raw ingredients was as economical as I could cook in bulk and freeze meals.

In the years since I have picked up other tips for eating well on a budget. I always plan meals and make a shopping list, this prevents impulse buys. I have found most supermarket economy ranges are usually great value and nutritionally there is often little difference to the standard or branded versions. Another money saving tip is to buy cheaper cuts of meat such as chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breast.

Also a whole chicken can be good value, especially if you use it for more than one meal.

Mince is also a popular ingredient, versatile and inexpensive – just remember to drain the fat off before adding other ingredients! Asking the butcher for cuts like shin of beef, lamb neck or pork chump can also save you money compared to the more expensive cuts. Cheaper cuts of

meat tend to need longer cooking times but can also be the tastiest!

Canned oily fish such as sardines and salmon can be cheaper than buying fresh fish. They are high in omega-3 fats which can help to keep the heart healthy, plus they are easy to prepare and have a long shelf life. Opt for ones in spring water to keep the salt content to a minimum.

Frozen fish is often good value and can be added to a range of dishes like fish pie or paella.

Check the frozen and canned fruit and vegetable section for cheaper items. Frozen vegetables tend to be cheaper than fresh varieties; they count towards your 5 a day and freezing preserves nutrients so that some frozen vegetables provide more of certain nutrients than fresh versions! You can use them when you want without them going off, which cuts down on waste.

Finally from a very early age I have encouraged my daughters to help with the preparation and cooking of meals. I have found this encourages them to try different ingredients and is also a great way to keep them entertained. Why not try making wraps or pizza for lunch during the summer holidays? You can use a variety of cheap fresh seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, peppers and courgettes which are not only nutritious but colourful, which helps engage children. Serve with sweet potato fries cooked in the oven and watch the plates empty.

When you are on a tight budget, meal planning and grocery shopping does have its challenges just like daily family life. I am not advocating perfection; I still have the odd takeaway or microwave meal when disorganised or running late. However eating well is the best insurance you can give your family. What we eat impacts enormously on both our physical and emotional wellbeing, so why not make small changes towards a healthier future.

Please check out my website www.nottsnutitionist.co.uk for more tips and recipes on feeding your family. Need any advice, please contact me at nottsnutritionist@gmail.com or follow me on twitter @nottsnutrition

Dear Diary, Oh dear, I don’t know where to start. It was so horrible. It was Monday morning and as usual the Vicar, my guardian, had taken some warm sausage rolls to the volunteers who keep the church yard looking so nice (and give me lots of fuss too). Well they smelt lovely (the sausage rolls, not the gardeners – they smell like petrol and cut grass) so I sneaked in behind her, hoping to cheekily eat the pastry crumbs that were left. She didn’t notice me and left. But I was now shut in the little porta cabin next to the church. So I enjoyed the bits of pastry but soon got bored, and thought I’d explore the room, deciding to run over to the window, so I jumped up on to the top of the filing cabinet and then it happened, whoops. Because I was so fast, I lost my footing and slipped. Down and down I fell, landing on my paws, but trapped between the filing cabinet and the wall, unable to turn round, or to jump up or even back out because of the corner. I couldn’t move. It was horrible; it seemed to go on and on. The morning turned to afternoon and the afternoon turned to evening. I thought by now my guardian and her husband would miss me, without me dancing between their legs how would they know when it was tea time? Why hadn’t they missed me? Obviously no one cared about me. My body ached from the pressure on it. But I couldn’t move, so I couldn’t relieve the aches. As evening turned to night I missed the big sofa that I can stretch out on and can roll over on while sleeping and getting my tummy tickled. The cabin was cold. I was thirsty and hungry. “Help me please,” I meowed but no help came.

It was in my desperation I started to pray. My guardian does it a lot, I’ve watched her. Well I couldn’t put my paws together, I couldn’t move a muscle so it just talked to God: ‘Loving God, please help me, my body aches, I’m hungry, thirsty and trapped. I know I don’t pray as much as I should but please help me and I will try to be better, not just praying to you, but nicer to the other cats. I’ll stop bullying little old Kitty, and ginger George on Belvoir Close, I’ll be friendlier to handsome black Archie and stripy Tyger-Angel. I’ll even stop hitting the pretty tabby Pippin. Please help me...’ And then I fell asleep – which is hard when you are standing up.

I could feel the cold metal wall of the porta cabin through my dense fur, reaching through my skin and making my bones ache more than I thought was possible. Then on my other side I could feel the cold of the metal filing cabinet pressing into me, again chilling me to the bone. Never could dawn be more welcomed than when I saw the sun rise that morn-

Skatepark letter As many people will know, Kirk Hallam's skatepark has recently opened. I walked down a few days ago and around 30 people were enjoying themselves. A wide range of ages, male and female, all mixing and showing off their skills. A place to hang out has been made and it is really well situated.

Some skateparks are built and often left alone, this one is definitely an exception. It’s a lovely open space by the side of the football field. It seemed that the only concern from the young people using it was a lack of litter bins, although this has now apparently been seen to.

Many people have been working hard trying to get this built for many years. We would like to thank them gratefully for their hard work. We would also like to thank Erewash Borough Council, WREN and Big Kirk Hallam for their funding for this amazing project. All

TASTY FUNDRAISER: Lucy Haywood (top right) organised a tea party in aid of Ben’s Den at Harper and Finch tea room. Food, games and a raffle helped swell the takings—the actual amount raised was unknown as we went to press. Lucy said: “I'm also doing a London to Brighton sponsored bike ride on 11th September for Ben’s Den so I am going to put all the money together.”

18 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

ing. Although the coldness went the aching stayed, who would have guessed not moving a muscle would have been so tiring. Then I felt fresh air, I’d felt it three times the day before but now I could feel the floor moving with the footsteps of the gardeners coming in for their coffee break, but they couldn’t see me. So I took a deep breath and meowed – I don’t know if it was loud as being deaf I can’t tell but I gave it all my strength, then I smelt Pippin. She was nearby, actually very near but oddly moving from in front of the cabinet to on top of it and then back again, she kept repeating it, it was like she was dancing and mocking me. Then it was like a miracle the gardeners saw me, trapped, and they moved the cabinet so I could escape, although leaving a lot of fur behind in the tiny gap. Oh I do love them, they picked me up and looked over me, gave me a saucer of milk. I was just so happy to be free; I shall never take my freedom for granted again. Then my guardian came running in and scooped me up into her arms, holding me tighter than normal, which despite my aching bones was so lovely, it felt safe and warm, and smelt like home. I was so happy. She did the same to Pippin, I’m not sure why, I was the one that was trapped, all Pippin had done was a dance in front of the filing cabinet, teasing me.

After eating breakfast, I went to my guardian in her office and decided to join her, sitting on her lap top. On the screen I saw the Facebook page for the church and read the messages – people had been looking for me! Lots of people, looking in their sheds and garages, some had even come to the Vicarage. Wow, posters had been put up and leaflets given to neighbours. I couldn’t believe it, I thought no-one cared, but is obvious how kind people were, all the local cats – well their guardians had been helping my guardian and also strangers I’ve never met – how kind, ‘thank you’ so much to everyone who helped. It turns out that my beloved guardian had been in the porta cabin looking for me –several times, but because I couldn’t hear her I didn’t meow. And Pippin, the gardeners are calling her a ‘hero’ apparently it was Pippin who got them to look at where I was stuck, rather than dancing and mocking me, she was getting their attention to find me. Oh what an eventful 24 hours of my life, looking back from the comfort of being stretched out of my settee, I realise how lucky I am and how loved I am and who would have guessed that God would answer my prayers through Pippin, I promise I’ll not bully her anymore.

Bye for now….Florence.

we can do is hope that the park remains damage and graffiti free. With this in mind you can report anything you see to the local council or community police.

If you wish to stay up to date with the skatepark, please search '#KHskatepark' Matthew Betesta (14) Kirk Hallam Community Academy Voting member of Big Kirk Hallam

The radio station just for Erewash Great songs, local news, sport, and interviews

Listen on 96.8FM and online

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS FOOT CARE

Heavenly Feet Julie Harvey, SRN, CFHP (Cert) Hons, DipBMec, MPS Pract julieharvey154@live.co.uk 07977 516086 General Foot Care, Diabetic Foot Care Insoles or Orthotics Drop in clinic at U Choose Smoothie Bar, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston commences Tues.13th Sept. 2016 , 10am till 2pm and then every second Tuesday in the month Home visits can be arranged. Ring Heavenly Feet on 07977 516086

SEWING

MOTOR SERVICES

Family and Personal Announcements IN LOVING MEMORY

LOST

Sheila Wilson

LOST on Critchley Street, Ilkeston, on 20th July at approx. 9.30pm: a silver Panasonic digital camera in case containing irreplaceable photos and videos. Small reward for its safe return, complete with SD card. Contact 07531 961624.

It’s been ten long years since I felt the warmth of your hand in mine. I remember the time we spent together and the things we used to do but the most wonderful memory of all is the day I met you. And when the morning mist is gone and a new day appears, I walk the lane of broken hearts again for another year. With all my love, husband John.

STITCH IN TIME

BIRTHDAY Anne Usher and Mary Wheatley, 12th September—Greetings and good wishes on your birthday from all your friends in the café.

Thank you to everyone who has helped

us reach our first birthday, whether you are a contributor, advertiser, deliverer, whatever, you have played your part and you are valued! - Ilkeston Life team.

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

GAS ENGINEER

Clothes alteration service

John Allen Plumbing and Heating

07951 066487 www.stitchintime07.co.uk Email: stitchintime07@gmail.com

ELECTRICAL

HANDYMAN

GARY PILKINGTON ELECTRICAL Fuse Box Upgrades Sockets, Lights, Showers, etc.

18 years with EMEB Part P Registered Free Quotes

PLASTERING

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

All aspects. Free quotes.

Tel 07863 274363 Tel 0115 808 9458

Tel. 0115 944 4128 Mob. 07723 016702 Small Jobs Welcome Your Local Electrician

Email richardmatthews87@hotmail.co.uk

NVQ/City and Guilds Trained

Local traders—this is a good place to be seen. Regular advertising brings results.

Get yourself noticed in the paper.

To discuss placing an advert, ring Paul on 07539 808390 or email sales@ilkestonlife.com

ELECTRICAL

 Gas servicing  Plumbing  Heating  Boiler breakdown and servicing  Free estimates

19th– 25th September

194293

Tel: 0115 930 9262 or 07910 871183

Walking groups

‘Autumn Footprints’ walking festival). Meet at Blind Lane, Breaston. Leader Sue Bates (SK461336).

Erewash Ramblers Sunday 4th September, 10.30am. 9 miles. Pars- Social Wednesday 21st September. 7.30pm.

“There’s more to Walls” A presentation by Treley Hay & Crowdecote. Meet at Parsley Hay P&D (SK148636, SK17 0DG). Leader Marilyn vor Wragg about dry stone walls. West Hallam Village Hall.

Brown (07865 346467).

Wednesday 7th September. 10.30am. Short walk. Thursday 22nd September. 10.30am. 6 miles.

Duffield Bank & Blue Mountains. (Part of the Long Eaton area. Meet at West Park Leisure Centre Long Eaton (SK479332). Leader Sandie “Autumn Footprints” walking festival.) Meet at Little Eaton Village Hall (SK361416, DE21 Jones.

5EA). Leader Brain Marshall.

Thursday 8th September, 10.30am. 5½ miles.

Cranfleet & River Trent. Meet at Trent Lock CP Monday 26th September. 10.30am. 7½ miles.

(SK490313). Leaders Fay & John Blackburn Ilam area walk. Meet at the Hall CP, P&D, Na(07580 510631). tional Trust members free. (SK131506, DE6 2AZ). Leader Barry Wallace (07546 236066).

Monday 12th September, 10.30am. 7 miles.

Locko Park & Dale Hills (Part of the “Autumn Wednesday 28th September. 10.30am. Short Footprints” walking festival). Meet at the Bluewalk. Stanton Gate, On road parking bell Ice Cream Parlour near Locko Park (SK482382). Leader Joyce Mold.

(SK406374, DE21 7BU).Leader Brian Marshall.

More details from Tony Beardsley, 0115 917 0082 Wednesday 14th September. 10.30am. Short walk. Church Wilne and Shardlow area. Meet at Ilkeston Rambling Club Orchid Wood car park Sawley Road Thursday 1st September: Club evening at The (SK455324). Leader Fay and John Blackburn.

Poacher, South Street, 7.45pm.

Sunday 18th September. 10.30am. 8½ miles.

Sunday 4th September: 9 mile walk from Friden Smalley & Morley (Part of the ‘Autumn Foot(lunch at Elton), leader Bill Greengrass. prints’ walking festival). Meet at Lay-By on A608 near Morley Hayes. (SK397423, DE7 Sunday 18th September: Mystery walk led by 6DG). Leader Brian Marshall.

Steve Palmer.

Wednesday 21st September. 10.30am. Short Sunday 2nd October: No walk (Holiday) walk. Macmillan Coffee Walk (Part of the More details from Jim Cresswell, 07747 419380.

Ilkeston Men’s Probus

A mate of mine used to run a dating site for chickens.....he was struggling to make hens meet.

- John Allen

Stuart Dixon was the guest speaker at the August meeting of the Probus Club. He gave a most interesting illustrated talk about Hebb’s Farmhouse, an 18th century property he bought 28 years ago.

He explained how much work was required through the years to both restore the farmhouse and also create a wonderful garden.

Stuart is a regular broadcaster on Radio Nottingham with his down to earth talks about horticulture.

Club member, David Jones, gave a vote of thanks for his entertaining talk.

Ilkeston Life, September 2016

19

Sport

JUST A THOUGHT Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I’ll remember.

Let me do it and I’ll understand—Kath Morris

ROBINS ARE LEFT BEHIND

ON THE

League suspension frustrates club and fans

SPOT

Ilkeston FC’s new season got off to a disastrous start with a ban on all football activities, imposed by the Evo-Stick Northern Premier League.

We meet some of the people involved in local sport

John Allen, community worker in Cotmanhay I am John Allen. I worked for many years for Erewash Borough Council and Three Valleys Housing as a plumber and gas fitter.

I worked on all the estates over the Erewash Borough before deciding it was time for me to work for myself. I still do work for many people that I once did for EBC and I enjoy meeting people from around the Ilkeston area.

I'm actively involved with Action4Cotmanhay, who are trying to change people's perceptions and opinions of the area. We are trying to get the community involved with events and persuading people to do voluntary work to get a more positive feel about the place.

Volunteering and helping to improve where you live is well worthwhile. Both the volunteer and the place benefit.

Action4Cotmanhay’s aim is to work with residents to improve services and quality of life in the area. We arrange various events to bring the community together, and recently we had the annual football match between Cotmanhay and Granby junior schools. We give both teams medals and cups.

It’s an event that takes up to three months to

The Friends of Straw’s Bridge When the Friends find somewhere they like they just can’t keep away. That’s why on July 16th you would have found them once again with their stall at West Hallam Well Dressings. This great local festival is a chance to raise funds and to talk to old and new acquaintances about the area’s newest Local Nature Reserve.

Two other events which have become annual fixtures on the FoSB calendar are the Butterfly and Dragonfly Walk and the Bat Walk.

Thankfully this year both were blessed with the right kind of weather and went off very well.

On the July 23rd a large group accompanied Jim Steele on a walk around the main pond at Straw’s Bridge and two adjacent LNRs: Pewit Carr (owned by Derbyshire CC) and Manor Floods (like Straw’s Bridge, owned by the Borough Council). Butterflies and dragonflies were plentiful. Sarah, Bill and Mark of the Derbyshire Bat Conservation Group led even more people round the site and along the Nutbrook Trail to Manor Floods in search of flying mammals on the evening of 8th August.

20p where sold

20 Ilkeston Life, September 2016

WIN OR LOSE Share your sports news in Ilkeston’s community paper. email ilkestonlife@gmail.com

plan. There is the pitch to get ready on the Pavilion playing field, making arrangements with the schools, the ordering of the trophies, the organising of food and volunteers to serve it afterwards.

The match is always well supported by parents and players and indeed the school staff.

A match like this definitely brings people together and it’s an opportunity to talk to them about what else they’d like to see happen.

I enjoy seeing people succeed in whatever they do. I have kids on work experience with me, and I'm hoping in the coming months that I can arrange for someone unemployed in the area to work with me doing repairs in Cotmanhay. By doing something like that, they’ll hopefully get the volunteering bug and get more of an appreciation for the area.

I’ve got plenty going off but I'm also going to be watching the Rams this season and hoping this time they’ll win promotion.

They were not disappointed, as their handheld detectors picked up the sound of at least five species: Common and Soprano Pipistrelle; Noctule; Daubenton’s and at least one other myotis species. There were possibly even more present, but the activity was so intense at times that even the experts could not separate the different sounds.

Learn more about bats by visiting derbyshirebats.org.uk The Friends were really encouraged by the number of children on the walks, who all had a great time, asked awkward questions and a learned a lot. The youngest butterflyspotter was about one month old! These are the people who will look after our precious green spaces in the future.

It was a busy week for the wildlife of the area, as on Thursday 11th the Sustrans Wildlife Champions held a “Bioblitz” on the Nutbrook Trail, basing their activities at Straw’s Bridge.

Green Flag sites such as Straw’s Bridge are checked every year to see if they still meet the criteria for this prestigious award. This year the site was visited by a ‘Mystery Shopper’ who went away very happy, and the flag still flies.

Observant visitors will have spotted the new noticeboard. The old one has been removed and replaced by something more in keeping with the interpretation board and other signage on the site.

The Friends’ next meeting will be held on Thursday, 13th October in the Community Room at Ilkeston Fire Station. New members are always welcome. As usual you can get more information and keep up with events on the website www.friendsofstrawsbridge.co.uk or on Facebook.

Email friendsofstrawsbridge@erewash.gov.uk Jeff Wynch

The club is currently trying to resolve the situation, but as we go to press they have missed their opening three matches against Stafford Rangers, Whitby Town and Stourbridge.

The suspension is due to a breach of the League's Rules and Regulations.

Ilkeston FC chief executive Nigel Harrop put out a statement saying that he cannot comment on the situation. He said: “I understand the fans’ frustration on the lack of information but our lawyers have made it clear that if I were to give details of the unfortunate situation we find ourselves in, I could be the subject of legal proceedings. On this advice I feel that for now it is best left to the lawyers to deal with the situation and hope that this can be sorted out to everyone’s satisfaction as soon as possible, so we can get back to playing football, which is what the club and fans want more than anything.”

The situation has already resulted in new star signing Liam Hearn leaving to join

Alfreton Town and hotshot Michael Williams moving to local rivals Matlock Town.

After six years at the New Manor Ground during which time he established himself as a great favourite with the crowd, Williams (22) said he felt sad to leave the Robins but added, “I think the move is right for me at this time.”

Matlock manager Craig Hopkins, delighted with his acquisition, said “Williams is just what we were after. He’ll be a fans’ favourite here for sure. He’s the type of lad who will give you 100 per cent every game, an old fashioned kind of player.”

Michael Williams has left the club