Derby April 2018 by Alistair Plant

Country

Derby Edition - April 2018

A friend dropping in

Steve Orme interviews

Steve Delaney aka Count Arthur Strong

Spring Blossom Derbyshire

Antiques & Collectibles

UK COMICS

Berlin

Beyond Checkpoint Charlie bathe in

Luxury

Darley Dale

Spring

interiors

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ Your Complimentary Lifestyle Magazine â&#x20AC;˘ Est. 1994

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Welcome to

Country

The April Edition

Unit 5 Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire. DE55 7FQ Tel: 01773 830344 info@imagespublishing.co.uk www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk Editor: Garry M Plant. Advertisement Executives: Lisa O’Reilly, Carol Wilson, Alison Gent Editorial Features: Brian Spencer, Maxwell Craven, Steve Orme, Amanda Volley. Download the Country Images FREE APP from

e are delighted this month to welcome to our writing team Amanda Volley who will, over the coming months, be delving into the ‘food and drink’ available in Derbyshire. This month she investigates the misshapen vegetable market! This month also sees the launch of our fourth edition of ‘Walk Derbyshire’ featuring fourteen beautiful walks in and around the County. It is available along with issues 1-3 to buy online now at www.walkderbyshire.co.uk The month wouldn’t be complete without our regular contributors Steve Orme, Brian Spencer and Maxwell Craven giving us insight into the history and events in our area.

“This product is printed on responsibly sourced paper and printed using only vegetable based inks” Images Publishing Limited is a totally independent publishing company and is not connected with any other newspaper group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is strictly prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, or statements made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claims made by any advertiser which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising deemed unsuitable for any reason. All material submitted is done so at the owner’s own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for its return. Copyright Images Publishing Limited, Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ. Origination by Images Publishing Limited 01773 830344

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Despite sharing the same DE4 post code, most of Darley Dale’s inhabitants prefer to think of themselves as living separate from neighbouring Matlock. Attempts to build on the small ‘green belt’ next to the DFS warehouse on the A6 between the two are met with furious objections. Darley Dale is, to them, still as it always has been, an independent village in its own right.

DARLEY DALE BY BRIAN SPENCER

owadays, the village is mainly a residential enclave on the border of the Peak District National Park, dominated by three large housing estates, where at least one them has a high proportion of bungalows popular with those preferring to live on the flat rather than hilly Matlock. Those estates and adjoining smaller developments link a chain of little hamlets strung along the spring-line on the eastern side of the Derwent valley – Hackney, Farley, Two Dales (formerly the less attractive sounding Toadhole), Hillside and Northwood. These together with Churchtown in the valley bottom make up what has become to be known as Darley Dale. The oldest remaining dwellings linking the past to the present are in those one-time hamlets. Dating from the 12th century, St Helen’s the parish church and spiritual focus to the area, stands oddly enough, just above the flood plain of the Derwent. It is probably the oldest building in the district, but the yew tree standing close to the church door is probably older still, making links to a pagan pre-Christian era. Although nothing remains other than the name of nearby Abbey Farm, it is likely that the church began as an oratory of a nearby small abbey whose monks preached beneath the yew’s spreading branches. 8 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

South-west facing Hillside once had a number of specialist nurseries, although they no longer grow plants for sale – there is even a Darley Dale heather developed by one of them. Changing gardening fashions led to their demise and nowadays, domestic gardeners in the area buy their plants from Forest Nurseries, a perfect link between old and new. A rarity amongst garden centres, it is one of the few places where experienced advice can be given in answer to an amateur’s problem. The old pack horse way across the valley came by way of the river crossing at Darley Bridge below Wensley, and then climbed steep Sydnope Hill beyond Two Dales, or Toadhole as it then was, over the moors along Jagger’s Lane to Chesterfield. The old school for the district is on this road just before it reaches the original houses of Two Dales. With high windows to prevent wandering eyes, where pupils once had the ‘3 Rs’ hammered into their minds, the school has since been a bakery but is currently being converted into a house. ‘Jaggers’, or packhorse drovers, would have stopped for refreshment at the Plough Inn that stands on what is now a side road. Some carriers thankful at not having to climb the hill, would have turned off along Ladygrove Road

Darley Dale

Whitworth Park towards the village mill. In the sixteenth century it became a flax-spinning factory powered by three reservoirs further up the narrow valley. Owned by the Dakeyne family, a dynasty of bankers and engineering inventors, it prospered for at least two centuries. In 1793 Daniel Dakeyne patented a machine known as the equilibrium, which he used in the mill as a more efficient way for preparing and spinning flax. Later, his brothers Edward and James, patented a hydraulic engine. An early version of a turbine engine, there is no record of its success, so one must assume that this innovative machine, though ahead of its time, was a failure. When the mill stopped spinning flax, it was taken over by S and E Johnson (East) Ltd for the preparation of animal feedstuffs, but since its closure, parts of the mill have been used by a variety of small industries, such as one making timber furniture.

Mile Marker

High grade pink gritstone was quarried by the Stancliffe Stone Company in Hall Dale Quarry on the hillside above Two Dales and carried by a narrowgauge railway into the valley bottom. Most of the stone used to build the grand houses that sprang up along the valley sides and the A6 came from there. CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 9

During Matlock’s hey-day as a Victorian spa, it became popular for businessmen to build their homes nearby, handily convenient to the numerous mini-spas that followed those started by John Smedley. With the demise of the fashion for immersion in cold water, one of them became a minor public school for daughters of the clergy. Known as St Elphin’s it moved to Darley Dale from its original site in Warrington to escape a cholera epidemic. One of its pupils (although she had left before the school moved to Matlock) was Richmal Compton, author of the famous Just William stories. Since the sudden and unexpected closure of the school in March 2005, the building has been steadily expanded into a high class retirement home. One of the businessmen who made Darley Dale his home was Sir Joseph Whitworth, engineer, inventor and philanthropist. He came to the area in 1854 when he bought Stancliffe Hall. By this time he was well established as an engineer based on his company in Manchester, specialising in making machine tools. One of his many inventions and innovations was to advocate a standard and uniform screw thread – until then every implement and machine had its own uniquely threaded screws. He also designed a measuring device that was accurate to a millionth of an inch – a bass relief of this machine is featured on Sir Joseph Whitworth’s memorial in Darley Dale Park. His philanthropy covered such things as a scholarship for graduate engineers studying at Manchester University, but he also helped the village where he had made his home. The Whitworth Hotel and adjacent Institute are the most tangible effect of his caring nature. Probably the biggest ‘village

10 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

hall’ in the country, it provides space for public meetings, conference and lecture halls, theatrical events, indoor sports, mother and baby meeting space. Despite its grandeur, the Whitworth Institute as it is officially known, is about half the size of its original plan, something the presentday management committee must be grateful for, in the face of ever rising heating and maintenance costs. Joseph Whitworth as he was when he first came to live at Stancliffe Hall, did not have the luxury of travelling into Manchester by train – had to travel by way of Ambergate and Sheffield. This came later when George Stephenson’s railway that had been steadily making its way through the Midlands from London made its way up the Derwent Valley. For years the line had ended at Rowsley, prior to its intended routing under Chatsworth Park to link with the Sheffield to Manchester line at Grindleford. It was only after a lot of negotiating by the Duke of Rutland, that the line took the more difficult route through Monsal and Miller’s Dale. A large marshalling yard was built near Rowsley, providing employment in the area – the sturdy stone-built terraced houses near Broadwalk in the centre of Daley Dale, were initially the homes of railway workers and their families. Not only did the railway bring work to the area, but it led to changes to the names of the tiny hamlets surrounding Darley Dale, along with the name of the village itself. All this came about as the result of the local vicar, the Rev. Daniel Vawdry’s plan to put the place on the map as an inland holiday resort. No doubt Whitworth had a hand in it, but the station was a rather

grand affair for such a small place. At that time the village was simply known as Darley and Mr Vawdry decided that in order to attract visitors, the word Dale should be added in order to publicize its position in the Derwent Valley, and so Darley Dale it became. At the same time he tidied things up around the district by suggesting that the name ‘Toadhole’ be altered to the more attractive ‘Two Dales’. With its park endowed by Sir Joseph and the station still used as a stopping place on Peak Rail’s line from Matlock, Darley Dale is still a popular place from which to start many of the long or short walks in the area, or simply walk the dog on a sunny day.

Whitworth Measuring Device Darley Dale Station

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Spring

interiors

With the sun starting to shine a little more and the Spring flowers popping their heads up out of the ground this is a great time to look at our soft furnishings. Maybe update your sofa with some new cushions or freshen up a room with some new curtains.

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The Lost Houses

of Derbyshire by Maxwell Craven

Spondon House Lithographic view of Spondon House, when a school for young ladies 1840. [The late Mrs. Tom Fraser]

pondon House was a ﬁne Georgian mansion, in reality a secondary seat on the Locko estate of the Drury Lowes. Yet it was not without presence, and its history not without interest.

All accounts of the house, the building records for which are absent from the Drury-Lowe archive at the University of Nottingham Library, aver that it was built as a dower house, and its plain, wellproportioned appearance suggest that this event took place in the last quarter of the 18th century.

The surviving walls and gate piers, a recent view [MC]

The house itself, as built, was of brick, a single pile with three bays and two and a half storeys, gable ended with prominent kneelers, with a central arched entrance under a broken pediment, standing in landscaped grounds. By the time of the first known illustration of it – a lithograph of c. 1840 – the ground floor windows flanking this door had been modified with canted bays under perfunctory hipped roofs, part of a Regency makeover which included the addition of a lower, two bay matching wing on the SE angle, still of two and a half storeys. The north side, too, apart from (probably) two ground floor tripartite windows, was quite devoid of fenestration. In the mid-Victorian period, the house was extended yet again by a two storey wing with service accommodation on the NE side. This included the provision of the second staircase and the moving of the main entrance from the centre of the original range to the angle of that and the Regency SE addition, making way for CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 19

The Lost Houses

of Derbyshire by Maxwell Craven

Postcard view of Spondon House when a prep school, c. 1904 [MC]

a conservatory, very like that of Spondon Hall, along the south front. The new staircase was lit by an octagonal, conical top-light with a shallow roof topped by a jaunty ball finial, sitting a little awkwardly on a flat section of roof where the two additional ranges met, at the east end of the main range. The first Lowe of Locko, was John (1704-1771), eldest of the four sons of Vincent Lowe of Denby by Theodosia, a daughter of John Marriott of Alscot, Gloucestershire. John married his mother’s niece, Sydney Marriott, herself the sole heiress of the family’s Gloucestershire estate, but they had no issue. His next brother, Vincent, had pre-deceased him unmarried, whilst the next, Stead Lowe, migrated to America, leaving a son, Stead. The youngest brother, Richard (1716-1785) therefore succeeded John at Locko in 1771. Most genealogies sanitise the family history at this point, having him die unmarried but, late in life, he did marry, his bride being his long-standing maîtresse en titre, Ellen Leyton, previously mother by him of three daughters. On Richard’s death, however, the estate reverted,

Spondon House, north front & Victorian wing, c. 1935. [the late Mrs. Tom Fraser]

20 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

not to the American Stead Lowe, junior, as one might expect, but to William Drury, a Nottingham-born London merchant, whose grandmother had been Vincent Lowe’s sister, and in 1790 he assumed the additional surname and arms of Lowe by Royal Sign Manual. He then set about greatly enlarging the reasonably modest provincial Baroque Smith of Warwick Locko Hall, but died in July 1827 leaving only a daughter and heiress, Mary Anne, who had run away to get married at Gretna Green in August 1800. Why the skulduggery – which drew down the displeasure of her parents – is unclear, because her swain was entirely suitable: Robert Holden of Nuthall Temple and Darley Hall (1765-1844). Indeed, the Holdens were of rather more distinguished lineage than the Drurys, and just as well off ! Spondon House, being so plain and simple, was probably built for the widowed Ellen Lowe and her three daughters, which would suggest a building date of 1785, which looks entirely right. Possibly William Drury wanted nothing much to do with poor Ellen, and Spondon House would have been provided with the minimum of ornament and a lowish cost, probably built by the Locko estate foreman using a plan and elevations from one of the many well-illustrated builders’ manuals then available. The rooms inside, according to a late friend who was educated there, were quite plain and the staircase (albeit moved, as noted above) was typical of the period, being timber with mahogany rail and stick balusters.

doubt, was the NE extension built, resulting in the new entrance, conservatory and moved staircase with the accompanying strange roof arrangements at the east end of the house. Yet in the event, she died only five years later, in 1849, leaving Spondon House (as it was once more) vacant. In 1854 a new lease was acquired by Revd. Thomas Gascoigne, who founded a prep school called ‘Spondon House School for the sons of Gentlemen’ there. He was joined in 1874 by Revd. Edward Priestland, who married his

daughter and later took over as proprietor and headmaster of what, under his enthusiastic guidance, was to become one of the best schools of its type in the area; the Australians even played their cricket team in 1898! So much so, that following Priestland’s retirement, and under his successor, C. H. T. Hayman, it amalgamated with Winchester House School, Deal, Kent (which had been founded by a relative of Priestland’s) in 1912. Spondon House was not empty for long, for it was requisitioned in 1914 as an auxiliary hospital,

It is not clear when Ellen Lowe died but, by 1801, runaway Mary Anne and Robert Holden were in residence, and they not only re-named it Aston Lodge (after the Aston-on-Trent estate from which these Holdens sprang) but set about enlarging it. They appear to have put in the windows either side of the entrance and also added the substantial, but slightly lower range to the right of the entrance. However, by 1814, Aston Lodge, as it now was, became vacant yet again, which must suggest that, with the then recent improvements wrought to Locko by John Dodds and William Lees of Derby, there was room for two households there. Thus in that year Spondon House was let to Miss Edwards who founded an ‘Academy for Young Ladies’ which flourished there until 1844. That was the year Robert Holden died, and Miss Edwards was obliged to re-locate to Derby, so that his widow Mary Anne could move in, her son William Drury Holden (thereafter Lowe) having succeeded to Locko. For her, without

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The Lost Houses

of Derbyshire by Maxwell Craven becoming vacant again early in 1919. The headmaster and managers of the over-crowded neighbouring Spondon ( Junior) school had the vision to realise that here lay an opportunity to expand without the expense of building, and in 1920 the LEA accepted that the idea was sound, and two years later, a new County School was founded at Spondon House (later absorbing the nearby early 19th century villa called The Croft, latterly home of the Lillys) which flourished

mightily. It became a County Secondary School in 1945, but closed in 1964, to move into new premises at West Park, Spondon, on the site of Field House, then recently â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and sadly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; demolished for the purpose. If Field House, the long empty seat of the Devas, Arkwright and Osborne families, had to be demolished to enable Spondon House School to move, it was a straw in the wind, for Spondon

House itself, the freehold of which the County had acquired from the Drury-Lowes in the 1920s, was also rapidly demolished; a serious loss, for it was in good repair, and would have easily converted into three or four excellent dwellings. Yet it was heedlessly cleared away in 1965 and the site sold. All that remains is the substantial brick wall surrounding the still wooded site (although altered to accommodate changes to the street pattern in places) and the gates.

Cricket, c. 1960 with the SW angle of the house behind. [The late Mrs. Tom Fraser]

Revd. Edward Priestland, shortly after taking the school over. [Spondon Historical Society] Spondon House, summer term study in the garden with the NE wing and a glimpse of the former stable block behind, c. 1960. [The late Mrs. Tom Fraser]

22 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

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Derbyshire

Antiques & Collectibles by Maxwell Craven

Collectible UK Comics

can still recall, aged ﬁve or six, being taken out by my nanny to catch a train for a visit to the Science Museum at London - a favourite destination of mine at that age. On the way to our suburban station was a newsagent’s shop, with current titles and the day’s papers displayed at the door. One item caught my attention immediately: a coloured comic, most of the front page of which was covered with a superbly painted disintegrating spaceship. Apart from the fact that the presentation was streets better than anything else in my experience, the impact was immediate. I duly expended fourpence of my very limited pocket money (6d = 2.5p) on a copy and was hooked. I read it, later supplemented by the Beano (founded 1938), thanks to my parents’ forebearance in adding it to the newsagent’s delivery, until I was sent away to prep school four years later.

The reason it was so superior was that Eagle was printed in colour photogravure (aided by Eric Bemrose) on good quality paper with artwork of superb quality by Frank Hampson. The founder and editor was Revd. Marcus Morris a Lancashire parson and Christian values informed the content without being either apparent or tiresome. This content was itself pleasing to me: PC 49, the bumbling Harris Tweed and his piratical oppo, Capt. Pugwash (later of TV fame), Luck of the Legion, not to mention Dan Dare, Pilot of the Future (flying through space quite effortlessly in the year 2000 which I felt perfectly plausible) pitting himself against the Venusian tyrant Mekon on his flying potty, not to mention Vora King of Space and other implacable adversaries, all supported by Spaceman Digby and Spacewoman Peabody. I also like the wonderfully well drawn cutaway version of transport wonders in the middle, especially when they dissected a Southern Pacific and put it in the original livery, three years after nationalisation!

The Eagle, launched in 1950, was by no means that early a starter, for my second choice, the Beano (which gave me a more light-hearted view of the world), began in 1938, and I preferred it to its rival the Dandy, a year older, despite my enjoyment of Desperate Dan and his cow pies. The former survives, the latter which ended in 2012. Not for me, though, the Boys’ Own Paper, however (a little too earnest), which lasted from 1879 to 1967. Later after having to go and live with my seven cousins in the early 1960s, I was reintroduced to Eagle (much reduced in quality), along with its stablemates, Girl, Robin and Swift. Space precludes any attempt to adumbrate upon the virtues or otherwise of Beezer (1956-1993), Lion (1952-1974), Valiant (1962-1976), Knockout (1939-1963), Rover (1922-1973), Tiger (1954-1985), Topper (1953-1990) or indeed a poor thing called TV Comic (1951-1984) but back numbers of all (and others) are collectible and have a (generally modest) value. Funnily

This page, left to right: Valiant comic 1965 £2.50-£5 Eagle front page, January 1951 £3-£5 Early Eagle – PC 49 art work.

26 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Left: Eagle Annual No. 2 (1952) in used condition, £12-£15. Above: Beano No. 1 (with mask) 1938

Above: Early Eagle – cutaway of Bristol Brabazon (projected airliner but only prototype built)

Far left: Dennis the Menace – first appearance, 1951 Left: Dandy No. 1 (with Express Whistler) 1937

enough the Eagle attracts less money than some of the others, mainly because of its quality and popularity. It sold well (no. 1 sold out, 900,000!) and quality paper meant that it is far more durable than most. No. 1 would go today for around £150, later issues of the first volume (1950-51) around £70-£90 in mint condition but less than £10 in average state. Contrast this with Beano and Dandy: both were published by D C Thompson and the first one of each came with a (very modest) free gift, with Dandy a whistle and with Beano the following year a mask. Both, I might add, have been copied to deceive. Their appeal, magnified during the war, was irreverence and slapstick. Over ten years ago the former, complete and in good condition made £20,350, whereas one has to go back near 20 years to find a price for a first issue Beano, when one (with pressie) made £6,280, although you could comfortably double that figure today. In 1951 Dennis the Menace was introduced and the relevant issue might fetch £350 -£400 at auction, although by the time he had been promoted to the cover, his value in mint will have dropped to around £15. Dandy’s early issues vary (through condition) from £40 to £300, but the first four issues again can reach four figures, with later pre-war issues £1-20 and later still, just pence up to £5 and more recent ones no higher than £2. There are websites devoted to all the minutiae of these comics’ publication history, which one does need to have to hand to enjoy collecting them, but unless you have found a landmark issue in a vile state, just look out at your local car boot or general sales (such as we run fortnightly at Bamford’s) for editions in decent condition, from very fine to pristine. Most of these publications also produced annuals, and these too are highly collectable. Eagle’s first, in 1951 will make over £1000 in mint condition, although £40 should buy a worn copy, with declining values for subsequent issues, none of which are that rare due to the quantity published. Beano started its annual in 1940 with the war on and whilst a tatty one might be

had for under £500, a near-mint one would be worth nearer £4000 and the remaining wartime issues tell a similar story, although with slightly diminished values. The variety of published comics is such that collecting old issues can be quite rewarding, especially if you really enjoy browsing the content, an inclination often exacerbated by an affliction called nostalgia. The only thing to say is, do your research first and then seek out the very earliest (or best landmark) issues you can and where possible in the very best condition. You should not have to pay too much on the whole, and buying miscellaneous bundles often reveals better condition copies (or rarities) within, which can be a good way of proceeding. Then one can extract the items one wants and put the remainder back into auction or onto e-bay.

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| 41

Berlin

Beyond Checkpoint Charlie By Brian Spencer It

came as a bit of a shock to be woken by four year-old Lotte impatiently jigging up and down crying ‘die Toilete ist kaputt’. With visions of the apartment flooding and drowning us, I staggered out of bed ready to use my nonexistent plumbing skills, only to find that the toilet seat had come off its hinges, something even I could fix. We were staying with friends in Spandau, one of Berlin’s many suburbs, known to us mainly as the place where Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy was held after the Nuremberg trials. Like many parts of Berlin, the town is built around an ancient citadel, but today is mainly devoted to industry. The big attraction to us is that it is served, as most places do in and around Germany’s capital, with an efficient rail and bus network. Armed with a three-day pass we were able to travel far and wide, even on the ferries cruising along Berlin’s surrounding network of canals and lakes. Most visitors to Berlin are mainly on popular short breaks and concentrate on attractions close to the city centre, such as Checkpoint Charlie. This is where the Russian and American sectors came face to face, and became a flashpoint where Word War 3 could have started following some minor stand-off. The Brandenburg Gate is the city’s focal point where the ancient thoroughfares meet, and during the height of the Cold War was where visiting American presidents affirmed their support for Germany’s struggle; this is where President Kennedy inadvertently called himself a doughnut when he said ‘ich bin ein Berliner’, a local delicacy.

Television Tower, Alexanderplatz

42 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Charlottenburg Palace. Most of the wall that separated east and west has gone, apart from a short section covered by graffiti of a high standard. Visitors looking for Nazi memorabilia are likely to be met by shrugs, locals try to forget their unhappy past and look towards the future. The only remaining link with Nazi-ism is the uncovered dungeon area of the Gestapo headquarter; Hitler’s bunker is appropriately lost under a car park. Since re-unification on 3rd October 1990, Berlin has been transformed into a vibrant city, the nation’s capital, with national government once again based on the rebuilt Reichstag.

Ceckpoint Charlie. Hot spot of the cold war, now a tourist attraction.

Chinese Tea House.

Berlin citizens prefer visitors to come and spend their money in and around its most famous street, the Kurfürstendamm, or Ku’damm where the K.D.W store, Berlin’s Harrods completes three kilometres of boutiques, bookstores and restaurants. It was originally a riding path to the Grunewald hunting lodge, laid out by Elector-Prince Joachim II in the 16th century. The most lasting memorial to the horrors of war stands a little to the side of the top end of the Ku’damm. This is the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church dating from 1895. Badly damaged in 1945, it like its associate twin, Coventry Cathedral has been restored as a symbol of the horrors of war. The badly damaged spire and central section has been made safe, leaving it looking rather like a rotten tooth and like Coventry, a modern church has been built around the ruins. Made entirely of glass blocks with a bell tower to one side of the ruins, and the octagonal nave on the other. One has to admit that the result might not appeal to everyone, and in fact the resulting building is known as the ‘lipstick and powder compact’. It is only when one goes inside that its beauty becomes apparent. Light streams through coloured glass in ever changing patterns matching the sun’s passing. As a memorial built to a Kaiser, the modern church remembers those Germans who stood up to the cruelties of the Nazi regime and in a darkened corner, the Stalingrad Madonna is a memorial to soldiers who were forced to hold out against impossible odds. Drawn by Surgeon/Pastor Kurt Reuber, it is a simple charcoal sketch on the back of a Russian military map, of mother and child and was placed near the entrance to a front-line hospital at Christmas 1942. Whilst Reuber didn’t survive captivity somehow the poster’s touching beauty was saved by other prisoners held for decades in Russian prison camps. It isn’t necessary to move far from the centre of Berlin to find interesting alternatives. Charlottenburg Palace is a matter of minutes ride by bus from the memorial church and is where Berliners can enjoy their most accessible piece of countryside. Built in 1695-99, it was where Prussian kings had their summer residence. A smaller version of Versailles, it was expanded during the course of the following decades and can even boast its own ‘Hall of Mirrors’. A large garden laid out in the English style runs down to the river and the Schinkel Pavilion, which Friedrich Wilhelm III built as a summer house. Inside is a collection of delicate historical Meissen porcelain. CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 43

Brandenburg Gate

still as good as in earlier times. No doubt it has since recovered its former glory. Wansee, a lake to the west of Berlin is a long stretch of a widened part of the River Spree. It was popular with wealthy businessmen who built their houses there in earlier times and one of the houses is where the ‘Final Solution’ conference was held, consigning hundreds of thousands of Jews to their deaths. Rather than destroy it the unmarked building is now a children’s holiday home. Instead of travelling all the way to the coast, Berliners use Wansee as an inland seaside resort. Sailing boats looking like butterflies flit up and down the lake and an artificial beach gives children somewhere to build sand castles. There are also ferries up and down the lake, such as the one to the aptly named Pfaueninsel - Peacock Island, with its oddly shaped castle built by Friedrich Wilhelm II for his lover, Countess von Lichtenau in 1793.

Many of the royal hunting lodges now serve as first class hotels and restaurants. Twenty-odd years ago were fortunate in being able to explore the Brandenburg countryside surrounding East Berlin during the spring following re-unification. Then, everywhere people were still coming to terms with the new found freedom. We went out to Köpenick, a pretty satellite town built around an ancient castle a sort way to the east of Berlin. Though attractive, it was once the headquarters of the feared Stasi, the DDR’s secret police. We had been told to make our way to a spot in the middle of a dense forest, where, we were told, we would find an interesting restaurant. After a struggle involving a bendy-bus with a changed route number, we did find it and it turned out to be where the party faithful met, pre and post 1945 beneath a cluster of stag and boar’s heads. With the loss of its earlier clientele it was a rather sad place, but the service and food were

Ferries passing beneath Glienicker Bridge (the Spy Swap Bridge), go as far as Potsdam where the Cecilienhof Palace is kept as a museum of the post war conference leading to the division of Europe. The modern town still has links with the garrison town designed for the Prussian King Friedrich 1st, the Soldier King, but it was is son Frederich the Great who, by spending his wealth wisely and with taste, built Sanssouci Park a short walk from his father’s garrison church. Rather than build a copy of over-the-top Versailles, his garden was and still is a place to stroll and enjoy. Starting by the heavily gilded Chinese Tea House, terraced paths climb to his attractively designed palace where this popular king was eventually buried as a symbol of German re-unification. Fulfilling his wishes made two hundred years ago, his remains lie alongside the graves of his dogs. He is buried not in an ornate tomb, but beneath a simple slab of stone, just like his dogs. There is no flamboyant inscription, just his name Friedrich der Grosse and still in accordance with his wishes, flowers are not left on it, just potatoes!

Wansee Lake. Just a short ride from Berlin. 44 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

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Gardening April 2018 with Mark Smith

I wouldn’t say that the Winter has been particularly bad, looking back on my gardening diary we had 7ft snow drifts in 2014 in South Derbyshire but I do think it has been a long one. For the first time in 20 years we had snow early in December so after stop - start with the Gardening we are now getting some clearer, warmer days. This month sees the start of the “grow your own” season, again with many new varieties of vegetables. I can’t wait to start on my own allotment and I’ve already planted my potatoes and onion sets – but I also had great success with carrots so I’m going to try the heritage varieties. I sprayed less insecticide last year because of the companion planting I used (blackpepper mint and basil) to keep away greenfly and whitefly. Also another tip, using white alyssum (the summer bedding plant) planted in containers near plants or vegetables, thrips are attracted to the alyssum and not your plants or veg. Once the alyssum are swamped with thrips simply dispose of them in the green waste wheely bin.Look out for the N.G.S Open Garden booklets. The reason I love the open garden scheme is because these are “real” gardens that easily relate to our own gardens. So pick up a yellow booklet for dates and locations from any good plant nursery or garden centre and also look out for the yellow posters – the open gardens are a great source of inspiration.

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Call today 01335 370491 or 07850 028212 46 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

• Fertilise spring cabbage with a high nitrogen feed • Plant new asparagus “crowns” • Potatoes, shallots and onion sets should still be available to buy • Feed fruit trees and bushes with sulphate of potash • Crops to sow directly outside or under cloches are peas, mange tout, mixed salad leaves, radish, cauliflower, turnip, lettuce, carrots, beetroot, cabbage, Brussels, broad beans, leeks, rocket, Swiss chard and spinach. • Also sow in your vegetable plot tagetes and poached egg plant to attract beneficial insects.

In the Greenhouse: • Protect any seedling from cold • Water any seedling trays or pots with copper fungicide to help prevent damping off disease. • Remember to increase ventilation on warm days • If too hot, put up shading to protect plants • Buy plug plants to grow on for pots, bedding displays and baskets. • Sow French and runner beans in pots. • Sow melons, cucumbers, marrows and courgettes in a heated propagator • Check plants regularly for signs of pests or disease • Plant tomatoes in grow bags or large pots.

General Garden Maintenance: • Repair or sow new lawns with grass seed. • Apply moss killer to lawns – or sulphate of iron which is the active ingredient in moss killers. • Rake out any dead grass from lawns. • Start to feed the lawn with a suitable lawn fertiliser. • Prune out any green shoots (reversion) off any variegated shrubs. • Check that stakes are not rubbing against trees or tree ties are not too tight. • Cut away any “suckers” growing around the base of trees and shrubs. • Last month’s top shrubs forsythia and ribes (flowering currants) prune back after flowers have finished.

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Gardening April 2018 with Mark Smith

• Sprinkle a handful of sulphate of potash around tulips to improve flowering • Sow sweet peas outside around the base of cane supports, obelisks or even try a hanging basket for them to trail down. • Give camelias, rhododendrons, azaleas and pieris a good handful of ericaceous (acidic) fertiliser. • Now is the ideal time to start to spray roses as a preventive for mildew, rust and blackspot. • Keep topiary in check by giving a light clip now.

Look out for new varieties of trees and shrubs this month but here are some that are old favourites. Japanese Maples: My most favourite of all shrubs, these stunning shrubs / trees are ideal in containers and make a great feature plant in the garden. The choice of varieties is vast, with red or green, finely cut or palmate leaf. Pick a variety like Acer Palmatum Sango Kaku and you also get colourful stems in winter. Acers like a moist but well drained, neutral to acid soil in a non exposed windy position. Despite what you read in some books, Acers with sensible care are easy to grow. My personal favourites are … Acer

Palmatum `Sango Kaku` (coloured stems) , Acer Palmatum `Bloodgood` (the best upright red leaf maple) Acer Palmatum Dissectum `Greenlace` (very finely cut, green leaf maple), Acer Palmatum Dissectum `Garnet` (very finely cut, red leaf maple) and Acer Shirasawanum `Aureum` (bright yellow leafed maple). Spiraea x cinerea `Grefsheim`: or “bridal wreath” currently mine at home is full of flower bud so this will look fantastic at this time of year, long flower racemes of pure white hang down almost weeping. Very easy to grow it likes most soils in full sun to part shade. I wouldn’t recommend this for a pot but planted in a border or a informal hedge makes a good feature. The R.H.S has given this plant the Award of Garden Merit. Cercis chinensis `Avondale`: Might be a bit hard to find this one but worth hunting it out. This is a beautiful species which is native to China, Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’ has bare stems which are studded with pretty, rich purple-pink flowers in late April or early May before the foliage emerges. This variety is grown mainly for it’s striking flowers but there is also Cercis canadensis `Forest Pansy`which has beautiful deep plum red leaves and new this year Cercis canadensis `Hearts of Gold` which has large bright yellow leaves.

Please keep contacting me with your gardening problems. If you can, please include a photo or as much detail as you can think of. garden.guru@virginmedia.com

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Images Leisure time

Celebrity Interview Walk Diary Gallery Food & Drink

Steve Orme interviews

Steve Delaney aka Count Arthur Strong

he voice on the other end of the telephone is conﬁdent and assured. It’s soon evident that Steve Delaney is a businessman as much as an entertainer. You hear only occasionally a trace of Steve’s alter ego: the bumbling, pompous, delusional, malapropism-uttering Count Arthur Strong.

The character came to light in the early 1980s when Steve was at drama school. But Count Arthur existed only in Steve’s head for the next 15 years until he and a friend started running comedy evenings. Steve opened up the shows as Count Arthur who has been with him ever since. CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 51

Count Arthur has seven radio series, three television series and more than a dozen tours behind him. He is preparing to take his new show, Count Arthur Strong is Alive and Unplugged, on the road. He will be appearing at Buxton Opera House – “one of my favourite theatres” – for the sixth time as well as Derby Theatre during a three-month trek around the country. It follows previous tours which had more exotic names, such as Somebody Up There Licks Me in 2015 and The Sound of Mucus in 2017. If you haven’t come across him, you won’t know what to expect from the septuagenarian Count Arthur whose trademarks are his trilby hat, bow tie, darkframed glasses and pencil-thin moustache. Steve reckons it’s hard to explain exactly what one of his shows entails because it unfolds on the night and he doesn’t want to give anything away. “I always find it extremely difficult to comment on live shows. You’ll see all the traits that Arthur’s known for: delusional traits, the notion that he’s always succeeding when he’s actually failing. But I can’t really go into specifics.” He says fans can expect “more of the same” – although that doesn’t mean there won’t be any new material in the show. “Arthur’s Arthur – he couldn’t do anything wildly different. Hopefully it’s the writing that makes each show different.” When I spoke to Steve he was taking the week off to finish his new show. “It’s all pretty much written but some of the words aren’t necessarily in the right order, as Eric Morecambe might say. “I enjoy the craft of writing. It’s quite a challenge reproducing the same thing and giving it a freshness night after night.

I enjoy the craft of writing. It’s quite a challenge reproducing the same thing and giving it a freshness night after night.

“I like the discipline of reproducing things pretty much verbatim. I also enjoy being able to pause and go off at a tangent if I want to. But that’s never the modus operandi – that’s just a happy occurrence, really.” Steve Delaney who this year turns 64 was born in Leeds where his father was a foundryman and his mother a seamstress. Steve became a carpenter before he went to the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, graduating in 1982. He appeared in television dramas including Juliet Bravo, Casualty, The Bill and All Creatures Great and Small, returning to carpentry during lean times as an actor.

An oddball ﬁve-minute sketch He explains how the idea for Count Arthur came to him while he was at drama school. “It was just for an exercise to show something to the rest of the year, something that everybody had to do. I came up with an oddball five-minute sketch and it was a very embryonic version of Arthur. But it went down very well – a lot of people laughed.” When he resurrected Count Arthur for the comedy evenings, people immediately liked the character. “I got instant feedback and I thought ‘this is better than auditioning’ which I wasn’t really suited for. I didn’t have the right temperament for it. So I packed 52 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

acting in and just concentrated on bringing Arthur on at my pace.” Five months after Count Arthur Strong was unleashed on the unsuspecting public, Steve took him to the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe. His Edinburgh shows increased his popularity, although he has not played the festival for several years. “When I went to Edinburgh it was to get people from arts centres along to see the show and book a tour on the back of Edinburgh. Even if you were at a good venue, you still tended to come away with eight or nine thousand pounds worth of debt.” In 2004 Count Arthur Strong was given his own BBC Radio 4 show. Five years later it won the Sony award for best radio comedy. Fifty episodes have now been broadcast including a Christmas special last year. Another special has been recorded which should hit the airwaves in eight months’ time.

The television series was a great bonus Almost five years ago Count Arthur’s facial oddities were revealed on the small screen when BBC2 transmitted the first series of a new sitcom. Steve cowrote it with Graham Linehan who had penned shows such as Father Ted and The IT Crowd. Three series were produced, with the second and third transferring to BBC1. But last year the BBC announced that no more would be made despite the show being voted fourth-best sitcom of the 21st century by the Radio Times. Steve refuses to criticise the Corporation although he admits it was unfortunate that transmission dates and times were moved around. The general election meant two shows in the second series were put back by a fortnight and others were delayed because of tennis at Wimbledon. “The television series was a great bonus. You just have to take the decision and move on. “If you look back and analyse these things, we were shunted around quite a bit for the entire three series. You live and die by the ratings and we just didn’t get enough people watching it. “Graham and I felt that with every series we were almost starting from scratch, which was frustrating. I’m quite philosophical about it – I’m very busy with the rest of the stuff I do with Arthur.” Like many people who work in show business, Steve says his career has had a fair amount of fortune.

The live shows are my favourite “I’ve been lucky to be able to perform live, to be on the radio and to be on TV. I’ve enjoyed every one of them. If my life depended on anything I would say probably the live shows are my favourite because that’s where I kicked off with Arthur. And it’s where you get the instant feedback. I enjoy touring, oddly.” Why does Steve think so many people have a fondness

for Count Arthur, the variety entertainer who was never as famous as he thinks he was? “I suppose when you start out in the comedy clubs of London you’re thinking of the metropolitan, 30-yearold audience all the time. But through the radio series we’ve started getting family audiences on the tours and that’s fantastic. There are generations of the same family there – it’s brilliant.

They like to see an old bloke behaving disgracefully “The appeal to younger kids is they like to see an old bloke behaving disgracefully. They also like to see an old bloke trying to conceal the fact that he’s wrong. There’s quite a lot of humour in that, the bare-faced way in which Arthur tries to get out of something whilst digging himself into a deeper hole.

“A lot of people have said to me ‘you’re just like my uncle’ or ‘you’re like my granddad’. I think a lot of families have an elderly relative somewhere that has a little bit of an Arthur trait. “He tends to be bits I’ve remembered from people that I knew when I was growing up. He’s made from real people.” After the tour Steve aims to take a holiday before he starts work on his next projects with Count Arthur. “We’ve got stuff in development, both TV and a radio idea. But I can’t really go into specifics. “I don’t have an idle day with Arthur and it’s been my living since 2003. There’s plenty of work to do, so I’m happy.” Graham Linehan describes Count Arthur Strong as “one of the funniest creations in British comedy history”. And on his new tour Steve Delaney will again be aiming to demonstrate his finest trait: making people laugh.

Count Arthur Strong is Alive and Unplugged visits Buxton Opera House on Saturday 21 April and Derby Theatre on Sunday 29 April

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 53

Walking with the Aristocracy

Tissington I

had visions of Michael Fish, the man whose forecast about there being no danger of hurricanes, went as his Scots forebears would have put it; ‘gone aft a’gley’. In my case it was a completely wrong interpretation of the forecast. According to a weather map in the Guardian a day or so before the planned walk, the weekend weather should have been dull at first, then sunny. Perfect I thought but after the first hour’s walking, instead of sunshine, we had snow, not much, but enough to make us wonder if we had done the right thing, but by then we were well into the walk, and had to plod on regardless.

This walk rather than be between two grand houses, aims for just one, Tissington Hall as its high point. Starting from the little known village of Parwich, the way is across the valley of Bletch Brook, then by way of a short length of the Tissington Trail to the estate village of Tissington. The return follows a more northerly route, across fields and then over Bletch Brook once more. It then travels back to Parwich where Robinsons’ a renowned Stockport brewery supplies the Sycamore – their ‘Old Tom’ was a warming respite at the end of a bitterly cold and damp walk. The two villages visited on this walk are built on ancient foundations. Parwich can almost be classed as a hidden outpost. Its secluded stonebuilt cottages sit around a pleasant village green filling a sunny hollow and can claim to be one of the least known Peakland villages. The church is built on Saxon and Norman foundations, but like many of its kind was ‘improved’ during the Victorian zeal for modernisation. Its hall though dating from 1747 is not built from the plentiful local stone, but from bricks that were made on site in temporary kilns. Standing on a southfacing terrace overlooking the village, the house

and its gardens are only opened to the public on advertised days. To the south on the opposite side of Bletch Brook valley, Tissington is an estate village clustered around its Jacobean hall. Both have been owned by the Fitzherbert family since Elizabethan times. Although not on the route of this walk, the village is entered by a side road off the Buxton/Ashbourne highway, along an imposing avenue of lime trees. With its attractive duck pond at its centre, Tissington is popular with visitors throughout the year. Some may come just to sight-see, or picnic beside the pond; others seeking more energetic pursuits make for the old station car park on the Tissington Trail in order to cycle or walk along the all-weather track. Whatever it is that brings visitors to Tissington, the majority will be arriving in May around Ascension Day when Tissington is the first Peakland village to dress its wells. Tissington Hall is open to the public at advertised times and fulfils everyone’s idea of how an ancient house can still be a pleasant family home. Cream teas are usually on offer and the rose garden is a must throughout the summer months.

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Walking with the Aristocracy Tissington

• From the village green in Parwich, follow a side lane southwards towards rising ground. • Look out for a shallow cave on your right and go through an awkward squeezer stile next to a farm house. • Follow the line of a hedge, down to the slopes leading into Bletch Brook valley. • Walk down four fields into the valley bottom where it can be muddy. • Cross the stream by a footbridge. • Climb uphill, following the route indicated by a Limestone Way signpost, crossing stiles in the walls of three fields until you reach a farm lane. • Cross the railway bridge and, on its far side, turn sharp left and go down to the track bed of Tissington Trail. Turn right and follow the all-weather trail. Tissington Trail follows the Ashbourne/Parsley Hay stretch of the old railway from Uttoxeter to Buxton via Ashbourne. Never economical, it was closed following the Beeching report. • Walk along the trail for about ¾ mile (1.2km), as far as Tissington Station car park and picnic site. • From the car park, go left into the village, then right opposite the duck pond. • Go past the café and then Tissington Hall on your left. The attractive Hall Well on your right opposite the hall entrance, is just one of the Tissington wells dressed each year. • Turn right at a road junction and a group of cottages beyond the hall at the far end of the village. • Turn left by the last cottage and follow a signposted, waymarked field path across five fields, crossing walls by stiles, or go through field gates. Low ridges in the fields crossed by this section of the walk are the remains of medieval field systems when ploughs were hauled by teams of oxen.

Useful Information

• Keeping to the right of Crakelow Farm, cross a railway bridge over the Tissington Trail. • Keeping slightly to the right, walk downhill into the valley by a pathless route crossing four fields. • Keep to the right of an old field barn. • Cross Bletch Brook (muddy on either side) and climb the hillside by following a boundary hedge. Cross two more field boundaries along the way. • Drop into and follow a sunken track. • Go through a squeezer stile, moving away from the sunken track and over a field. • Aim to the right of a ruined barn, then climb over another stile in a boundary hedge. • Walk downhill towards the bottom corner of a field. Go through two gates and then join a minor road. • Turn right and follow the road back into Parwich village.

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3¾ miles (6km) of moderate field path walking. Gentle climbs on either side of the Bletch Brook valley. Some muddy sections in the valley bottom. Recommended map: Ordnance Survey: 1:25,000 scale Outdoor Leisure Sheet 24, the White Peak. Refreshments: Tissington café. Sycamore Inn, Parwich. Public transport. Although the Derbyshire Connect service could be used; telephone bookings, (01332) 342951, there is no regular bus service to Parwich. However, the High Peak Buxton service from Ashbourne could be used to connect the walk half way round at Tissington. Parking. Roadside in Parwich village – please make sure you do not block private access.

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Diary Of Events Royal Centre Nottingham & Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 www.trch.co.uk APRIL 3-7 Cilla - The Musical 10-14 This House 10 Gregory Porter 13-14 The Magic Lantern Family 13 National Youth Girls’ Choir: Girls Make The Music 14 The Hallé: Movie Thrillers 16 Roy Orbison In Dreams 17-21 The Jungle Book - An exciting new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s family classic, The Jungle Book, comes to life in this colourful new show brought to you by the team behind Goodnight Mister Tom and Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild. 17 European Union Chamber Orchestra 19720 55+ Creative Writing 19 Sheridan Smith in Concert 20 Whitney - Queen of the Night 22Martin James Bartlett 24 Onstage & Backstage at the Theatre Royal 24-28 Derren Brown: Underground 25 The Hollies 27 Queen - A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular 28 Verdi Requiem 29 Remembering Fred 30 to May 5 ART MAY 1-5 ART 2 Dan & Phil World Tour 2018 - Interactive Introverts 4 The Waterboys 5 The Hallé 5 After Hours: ArkEnsemble 7-12 Flashdance Derby Theatre Box Office 01332 59 39 39 www.derbytheatre.co.uk 8 Red Riding Hood and the Wolf Little Angel Theatre Time for bed. Tuck yourself in. This is where Robyn’s story begins. How can they expect her to sleep at a time like this? She takes a book and starts to read. But she can’t relate to Red Riding Hood, sugar and spice and all things nice. Enjoy a new spin on this classic story – about two misfits who just want to fit in. April 17-21 Monty Pythons Spamalot Funnier than the black death! Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the illusive Holy Grail Derby Live. Box Office 01332 255800 www. derbylive.co.uk APRIL 10-14 Summer Holiday 15 Sporting Futures Derby 10k 20 Absolute Bowie – 50 Years of Bowie David Bowie’s evolving image has mesmerised 56 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

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fans since the early 70’s and for the first time ever Absolute Bowie will take audiences on a trip that presents all his best-loved personas in all their glory. Performed by a world class fivepiece band (six with added saxophone!), this brand new and unique concert features three sets and more costume changes than any other show. A true extravaganza of the wonder that is Bowie’s work. 20 Ed Byrne 23 Kris Drever Scottish songwriter Kris Drever (Lau) celebrated a decade of critical and commercial success by winning BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer. 24 The Fureys 25-29 Moscow State Circus 2018 26 Talon: The Acoustic Collection MAY 4 Shappi Khorsandi 9 Russell Brand 10 Bob Drury’s Viva Neil Diamond Buxton Opera House & PavilionArts Centre. 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org APRIL 1 A Tribute to George Michael 2 A Spoonful of Sherman 3-7 Great Expectations 6 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club - April 8 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, the world’s finest tribute to Fleetwood Mac, returns to the stage in 2018 with a brand new show celebrating 40 years of the iconic Rumours album. Encompassing nearly five decades of legendary music and channeling the spirit of Fleetwood Mac at their very best, Rumours of Fleetwood Mac offer a unique opportunity for fans, both old and new, to rediscover the songs and performances that have ensured Fleetwood Mac’s place as one of the most loved bands of all time. 11 The Waters of Buxton 11 John Beatty Adventures in the Wild 11 Jon Richardson The Old Man 12 Macbeth 12 The South 13 The Drifters 13-19 Swallows And Amazons 14 The Carpenters Story 15Milton Jones is Out There 16 The Lady Boys of Bangkok 19 Judie Tzuke 20 Kim Wilde 21 Count Arthur Strong 22 The Bootleg Beatles 27 Wuthering Heights The Music of Kate Bush 28 Jason Donovan 29 That’ll Be The Day MAY 1 Dara O Briain 2 Fine & Bracing Climates 2 Joe Lycett 3 Danny Baker

4 David & Rowena Hammond Piano Recital Maksim Kinasov 4 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club - May 5 Daliso Chaponda 6 Manon 6 The Magic of Motown 10 Tim Vine Nottingham Playhouse 0115 941 9419 www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk MARCH 31 to April 22 Holes: Holes is a multi-awardwinning novel that went on to have box office success on the big screen. APRIL 7 People of the Eye 14 Leaf Family Friendly: A warm, intimate and playful new piece for under 3s inspired by nature and the seasons 21 The Sea Show 24 John Robins: The Darkness of Robins himself. 25 Joe Lycett: 27 Motionhouse - Charge 28 King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys are celebrating a remarkable 30 years on the road. 29 Richard Herring MAY 2 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 3 Daliso Chaponda: What The African Said... 4 Balletboyz - Fourteen Days 2-12 The Last Ship - The UK premiere of Sting’s personal, political and passionate musical. Palace Theatre Mansfield www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre APRIL 8 The Searchers in Concert 10 Alice in Wonderland 11 Rhythm of the Night. An Audience with Ian Waite & Oti Mabuse 12 The Roy Orbison Story 12 Magic of Motown 14 Ultimate Buble - Mark Daniels as Ultimate Bublé performs the biggest hits of Michael Bublé in this stunning live tribute show featuring his increadible live band.The show’s big band sound, along with Mark’s mesmerising likeness to the modern day Canadian crooner, will appeal to fans of traditional big band music and Michael Bublé alike. 15 Fairey Brass Band 18-19 Wading 19-21 Boogie Nights 20 Martin Simpson Alan Bearman. Folk Music 25 Apr Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers 28/29 Chapter 4 Youth TheatreYouth MAY 2 Cilla and the Shades of the 60’s 8-10 Thumbelina 9 Sarah and Duck 10 The PantaloonsModern Drama

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ew 18 N 20 r fo

Lifestyle

CUMBRIAN ADVENTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-27 Apr (HB) £352 BANK HOLIDAY MYSTERY WEEKEND . . . . . . . 05-06 May (HB) £108 SPRINGTIME IN SUFFOLK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07-11 May (HB) £326 LITTLE TRAINS OF NORTH WALES . . . . . . . . . 07-11 May (HB) £389 CORNWALL PENZANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-16 May (HB) £502 GLASSHOUSES & GARDENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13 May (HB) £282 BOURNEMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 May (HB) £331 THE COTSWOLDS & ENGLISH CASTLES . . . . 20-24 May (HB) £411 SIDMOUTH DELIGHTS OF DEVON . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 May (HB) £378 WALES, LLANDUDNO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-31 May (HB) £360 ISLE OF WIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 May-01 Jun (HB) £297 SCOTLAND A BONNIE REGAL TRAIL . . . . . . . 04-08 Jun (HB) £413 BABBACOMBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07-11 Jun (HB) £302 WARNERS SINAH WARREN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15 Jun (HB) £396 POOLE & THE JURASSIC COAST . . . . . . . . . . . 18-22 Jun (HB) £379 GREAT YARMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 Jun (HB) £386 CORNWALL LOOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-29 Jun (HB) £392 WEST COUNTRY RAIL & SAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-29 Jun (HB) £424 BRIDLINGTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Jun – 02 Jul (HB) £231 SIDMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01-05 Jul (HB) £386 EASTBOURNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05-09 Jul (HB) £333 HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW . . . . . . . . . . 07-08 Jul (HB) £168 SUNDERLAND TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL . . . . . . . 09-13 July (HB) £352 ROMANTIC JOURNEYS OF NORTHUMBRIA . . . . 12-16 Jul (HB) £376 BOURNEMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-20 July (HB) £346 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE COAST & TENBY . . 16-20 Jul (HB) £352 LANCASHIRE COAST & COUNTRYSIDE . . . . . . 26-30 Jul (HB) £341 KENT WHITE CLIFFS COUNTRY . . . . . . . . . 30 Jul-03 Aug (HB) £441 YORKSHIRE RAIL & SAIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Jul-03 Aug (HB) £400 WORLD WAR 2 NOSTALGIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03-06 Aug (HB) £305 CLASSICAL SPECTACULAR ROYAL ALBERT HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-26 Nov (BB) £158

EUROPEAN COACHING

Golf Membership

IRELAND WESTPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16 Jun (HB) £591 SWISS ALPS & THE BERNINA EXPRESS . . . . . . . . . . . .21-28 Jul (HB) £786 THE ITALIAN DOLOMITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Aug-03 Sept (HB) £856 AUSTRIA TRAINS & BOATS OF THE TYROL . . . . . . . 15-24 Sept (HB) £836 IRELAND KILLARNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-22 Sept (HB) £625 BELGIUM BRUGES CHRISTMAS MARKET. . . . . . . . . . 02-05 Dec (BB) £326

DAY EXCURSIONS

EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE

Flexible Golf Membership Packages from only - £295.00* Unlimited Golf Membership Packages from only - £695.00** Memberships run from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 • No joining fees

A ll y e a

SAT 14 APR SUN 22 APR SAT 28 APR SAT 05 MAY SUN 20 MAY SAT 02 JUN SAT 09 JUN

Adult / OAP / Child

£20 £29 £40.50/£40.50/£22 £29 £23 £22 £37.50 £35.50

AIR HOLIDAYS

Available ire

ro u

• Online Tee Time Booking system

Buggy H

• Official CONGU handicap*** • Club Competitions all year round

Admission included*

HULL LAKE DISTRICT MYSTERY TOUR HARROGATE SPRING FLOWER SHOW* LONDON YORK CHESTER RHS SHOW CHATSWORTH* - FROM DERBY - AFTER ALFRETON

• 18 Hole Championship Manor Course • 9 Hole Tower Course • 5/7 Day memberships * Price based on 5 Day Lifestyle Membership Package ** Price based on Premier 5 Day Lifestyle Membership Package *** Official handicap subject to payment of DUGC affiliation fees

Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire DE7 6DG • www.morleyhayes.com • 01332 782 000

JERSEY FROM EAST MIDLANDS . . . . . . . . . . VARIOUS DATES FROM £459 GUERNSEY FROM EAST MIDLANDS . . . . . . . VARIOUS DATES FROM £469

“2018 BROCHURE OUT NOW”

Telephone 01629 582826/584192 K.V & G.L SLACK LTD, THE TRAVEL CENTRE, UPPER LUMSDALE, MATLOCK, DE4 5LB

Website: www.slackscoaches.co.uk Email: enquiries@slackscoaches.co.uk

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 57

Diary Of Events Birdwatching for Beginners walks at Carsington Water. Sunday 6th May 2018 10.00am. The Beast from the East cancelled the March walk, but Ospreys were the target bird for April. And in May there is an even better chance of seeing Osprey at Carsington on our monthly walk. The Great Northern Diver should still be around, looking very smart and in breeding plumage. As the weather improves, why not join us on a Beginners walk, which is held on the first Sunday of EVERY month. Book by contacting Carsington or for more information, 01629 540696 or just drop in to reception. If you don’t want to miss the birds, binoculars are essential!! Future dates to slot in your diary app, May 6; June 3; July 1, and August 5. Happy Birding.” Allestree Flower Group Tuesday 17th April AGM and Social Event 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm at: The Evergreen Hall, Cornhill, Allestree. Admission: Members free. Nonmembers £7. For details telephone 01283 702601 Dethick, Lea & Holloway Horticultural Society Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday - 12th May 2018. Florence Nightingale Memorial Hall, Yew Tree Hill, Holloway, near Matlock, DE4 5BD. There will be a good selection of plants for sale, bedding, hardy perennials, tender perennials, salad, herb and vegetable plants, plants suitable for wildlife as well as some plants from specialised growers. Refreshments and homemade cakes will be available. Entry is free – doors open at 10am until 12noon. Music at Duffield Astaria String Quartet Saturday 21 April at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) main hall Ecclesbourne School, Duffield, Derbyshire, DE56 4GS. Programme Turina: The Bullfighters Prayer Bloch: In the Mountains (Two Sketches) Haydn: The Seven Last Words of our Saviour on the Cross (complete) Inspirational and innovative, the Astaria String Quartet were awarded an ‘Arts4All’ Grant from the National Lottery to study with the distinguished chamber musician Gábor Takács-Nagy in Geneva. They have recorded their first album, ‘Fiesta’, a celebration of Spanish and Latin American music, which includes compositions by Turina, VillaLobos and a first recording of the ‘Tango Ballet’ by Piazzolla for string quartet. Most recently they have also recorded music by Clement Jewitt. Ticket prices:Adult £15, Concession £14, Student £7 Individual tickets are available at the door or from John Norreys (Tel: 01332 841503) and also online at www.musicatduffield.com For further details please visit our website www.musicatduffield.com Little Chester Local History Group April 19th at 7.30pm in Chester Green Community Centre, Old Chester Road, Derby, there will be a talk by Geoffrey Marshall entitled, ‘Bethlehem Past and Present’, - personal thoughts and experiences to recall memories for anyone who has visited that part of the world. Admission non-members £2. For further information Tel. 01332 559615. Little Chester Heritage Centre St. Paul’s Church

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diary@imagespublishing.co.uk

Mansfield, Derby. Starting on Sunday April 1st and every first Sunday of the month until October, we shall be open 2-4pm. Visit us to find out more about your ancestors in Chester Green and the growth of Derby from Roman to recent times. Free admission. Refreshments available. Tel. 01332 363354. Heanor Floral Art Group Demonstration by Jean Fordham entitled All Saints. To be held at Wilmot Street Welfare Centre Wilmot Street Heanor on Monday April 16th at 7 O’clock . Everyone most welcome. visitors £5. Further details contact 01332 880179 . Ashfield Harmony Kirkby-in-Ashfield’s 50-member, mixed voice choir, warmly invite everyone to ‘A Night At The Oscars’ for their Concert on Saturday 12th May 2018 at the Ashwood Centre in Kirkby. The singing group, accompanied at the piano by Chris Lawry, will perform a host of popular melodies - from the early success of Judy Garland and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ to hit-making Sam Smith and ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’ from the ‘Spectre’ film - all of which have won the coveted Oscar Award. Special guest will be Nick Martin, BEM, playing the Technics organ. ‘A Night At The Oscars’ starts at 7.00pm on Saturday 12th May at The Ashwood Centre, Portland Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Tickets are £8 from Secretary, Carolynne, on 01773775176. Everyone welcome to Kirkby’s very own red-carpet event!’ Pentrich Historical Society Pentrich Historical Society meet on the third Tuesday of each month from September to June at Pentrich Village Hall from 7.15 pm. £3 with light refreshments. Talks on various historical subjects. Derby Chamber Music Society Friday 20 April 2018 ‘Darley Ice House Excavation Results’ by Laura Binns All meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in Darley Abbey Village Hall, Abbey Yard off New Road, Darley Abbey, DE22 1DS. There is a charge of £1 for members of the Historical Group and £3 for visitors. For further information contact Maria Gibson on 01332 552837 https://darleyabbeyhistoricalgroup.wordpress.com Crich Glebe Field Centre Sheesham and Lotus & ‘Son in Concert a “Live & Local” show at Crich Glebe Field Centre on Sunday 29th April 2018 – 7:30 pm Using a host of vintage instruments, this Canadian trio serves up wondrous, high stepping, sepia-tinted old-timey string-band music, with roots in the vaudeville and juke joints of the American South. Oozing authenticity and dynamism this is hugely entertaining, and all in all a lovely, must-see treat. This is the music of the Wild West frontier settlements, where the men were wild and the women wilder! Suitable for those aged 10 and over. Derby Concert Band Friday 20th April at 7.30pm at the Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby,Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB A concert by Martin Cousin (piano)

Bach: English Suite No.6 in D minor BWV 811 Chopin: Sonata No.2 in B flat minor, Op.35 Brahms: Sonata No.3 in F minor, Op.5 Tickets £15 and £14 (concessions) For further information ring 01332 830585 or visit www.derbychambermusic.org Derby French Circle April 2018 Verdun – La bataille la plus longue, a talk by John Dixon. Our programme of evening events will then recommence in October 2018) Talks, social and cultural events. All levels of French spoken. Students £3 & Visitors £7 per meeting. www.derbyfrenchcircle.org.uk Venue: Fraser Hall, Leylands Retail Estate, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1AY on the Friday evening from 7.15pm. Derby RSPB 11th of April at 7.30pm. Derek Niemann author of “Birds In A Cage”. shares an inspiring true story of how a passion for birds enabled four young men to escape the horror of internment in a German PoW camp. Grange Banqueting Suite, 457 Burton Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 6XX. Admission for members is £2.00, for non-members £2.50 and juniors £1.00. More details on the RSPB Derby local group website www.rspb.org.uk/groups/derby Folk And Acoustic Music Narthen In Concert - Friday 20 April 8Pm Nailers Football Club Concert Room, Bridge Street Belper Barry Coope, Lester Simpson, Fi Fraser & Jo Freya makes up this exciting new line-up. Original and traditional songs on piano, melodeon and fiddle, not forgetting their wonderful four voices in harmony. Derbyshire’s latest offering to the National Folk Scene. Tickets £12 from Ticket Hotline 01773 853428 Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings 28 April 8 Pm Winding Wheel, Holywell Street, Chesterfield S41 7SA. Jon Boden, former leadsinger of Bellowhead, will head out on a major tour with the amazing Remnant Kings featuring the talents of former Bellowhead band-mates Sam Sweeney and Paul Sartin, plus Leveret’s Rob Harbron and Ben Nicholls and Richard Warren from Kings Of The South Seas, as well as string and brass sections. After a successful November tour, they are back on the road with groundbreaking music from Jon’s new best selling album ‘Afterglow’. A post-show of tunes and songs session will take place in the venue bar led by the man himself, Jon Boden. Open to ticket holders only (limited capacity). Tickets £22.00, u16s £18.00, Box Office 01246 345222, www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk, www.gigantic.com, or Ticket Hotline 01773 853428 Derby Wine Circle 6th April – “Life As A Young Wpc” guest speaker Cas Bailey 19th April – Skittles And Supper at The Bridge Inn, Burton. Meetings unless otherwise stated are held at The Evergreen Club, Allestree – 7.15pm for 7.45pm. Details of Derby Wine Circle and the events listed julie@thebelks.plus.com / 0115 9328217 or illlian.wall@NTLworld.com / 01332 551447

Spamalot

Derby Theatre 17th to 21st April Is this the definitive Spamalot? A sharp, smart, scintillating production”The Reviews Hub As part of a major nine month tour, Derby Theatre is thrilled to present Selladoor Productions and Mercury Theatre Colchester’s brand new, even ‘Spammier’, production ofMonty Python’s Spamalot as part of their spring 2018 season. Lovingly ripped off from the hugely successful 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a riotous comedy full of misfit knights, killer rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious Frenchmen. Join King Arthur as he travels with his hapless Knights of the Round Table on a divine mission to locate the illusive Holy Grail –with uproarious consequences.

Great Expectations at Buxton Opera House

One of Dicken’s best known classics comes to Buxton in this exciting new adaption. Tilted Wig Productions, who delighted audiences here with Travels with my Aunt in 2015 and Our Man in Havana in 2016, are back with Great Expectations. The classic tale of self-improvement and social class, contains some of Charles Dickens’ most vivid scenes and memorable characters. Following a terrifying encounter with an escaped convict, young Pip is given an unexpected chance to better himself by visiting the reclusive and mysterious Miss Havisham. In the decaying grandeur of her house, Pip falls in love with Estella and helped by an anonymous benefactor, he moves to the bustling city to pursue his dream of winning Estella’s heart and of becoming part of the educated elite. Taking on the iconic role of Miss Havisham is Olivier Award-winning actress, Nichola McAuliffe. Nichola is best known for her role in the long running TV series, Surgical Spirit, the films Tomorrow Never Dies and Chéri and her many stage appearances including Kiss Me Kate for the RSC, The Night of the Iguana in the West End and Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van. This stunning new version is a powerful and theatrical telling of Dickens’ universally loved masterpiece. Great Expectations is here Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 April. Tickets are priced at £22-£26. Discounts are available. To buy tickets contact Buxton Opera House Box Office, Tel: 01298 72190 or visit: www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

The Sea Show Nottingham Playhouse

Saturday 21 April 2018 at 11am and 1pm Neville Studio Tickets: £8. Ages: 5+ - Run time: 50 mins

The Sea Show is a quirky and hilarious mix of puppet show, natural history and comedy cabaret. Meet crazy characters like Morwenna the ‘beautiful’ mermaid, Ruan the reformed seagull and salty seadog Captain Pemburthy, as well as a cast of mischievous sea-squirts, anemones, limpets, crabs and pilchards.Come and celebrate the sea with tall tales, silly slapstick, fantastic facts, live music and songs – unmissable fun for children and adults of all ages! The Sea Show is the creation of Craig Johnson, an actor, musician and puppeteer, and long-standing member of Cornwall’s renowned Kneehigh Theatre. For children aged 5+ and their families.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters Friday 15th June, Royal Centre Nottingham

With four albums in the Rolling Stone ‘500 Greatest Albums of all Time’ list, Elvis Costello is a true song writing legend. Returning to the stage at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham on Friday 15 June and reunited with The Imposters for a show that promises to satisfy all. Performing new songs and old. A show not to be missed. No support.

Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers

25th April Mansfield Palace Theatre Duration: Approx 2hrs 5mins Join Les on a nostalgic ride back to when the world turned tartan in the mid 70’s and re-live those teenage wonder years as he recounts story’s behind the Rollers dramatic rise to fame and fortune. Les and his fantastic 4 piece band The Legendary Bay City Rollers perform songs that influenced the original group as they were forging there way in the music business, as well as all the Roller hits including Bye Bye Baby, Summer Love Sensation, I Only Want To Be With You and Shang A Lang to name just a few! CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 59

2018 Ashover Show The 87th Ashover Show will be held on Wednesday 8 August 2018. The Show is very proud of its reputation as one of the finest traditional agricultural shows in the country. This figure was down for the 2017 show due to 36 hours of torrential rain which eventually subsided at 10.00am on Show morning. This year we are very excited to welcome the Ridgeside Falconry and Terrier Display Dogs to the Centre Ring along with the very popular parade of hounds by the Four Shires Blood Hounds and The Barlow Hunt. Following the successful introduction of the Shire judging to the Centre ring this will be continued again along with the Tug of War in the afternoon.

Gallery

We have livestock rings showing the finest cattle and sheep in the area. We are very proud that all our sections now have classes for the young people, something vital for the continuation of the Show. At 3.00pm the Livestock Grand Parade takes place in the Centre Ring; visitors will see the champion Shire Horses, Cattle and Sheep parade with their colourful sashes and rosettes to be presented to the President, Mr Roy Wright. The Light Horse Section will run throughout the day. This year championships from the local Ashover Riding Club will be held for horses and riders. There will also be the Junior Handler classes. The highlight will be the Fancy Dress Class which will be judged by the President, in the Centre Ring. There will be both affiliated BSJA and unaffiliated show jumping. The Poultry Section continues to grow and the extended marquee will host the ever expanding number of classes in what is an extremely colourful display. Next door will be the very popular and well supported Dog Show with classes for both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs. This year the crowds will be entertained by the Animal Magic Dog Display Team. The Vintage Tractor ring will once again showcase around 150 of the very best local vehicles and will be joined by the Vintage Car Display, which is kindly put on by a local vintage owners club. Visitors will be able to relax in the expanded Village Green area whilst listening to the Ashover Brass Band. The children can watch the traditional Punch and Judy Show. The Horticulture Marquee is an absolute must for visitors with its absolutely stunning displays which just get better every year, as does the Appetising Ashover Marquee which will have over 30 of the very best of local food producers from around the area. A visit to the Craft Marquee is also not to be missed with over 50 exhibitors displaying the fantastic range of local talent on show. On the showground there will be approximately 200 trade stands and many food outlets around the ground. For information on the show visit our web site at www.ashovershow.co.uk. Advance tickets and programmes are available to purchase on line at a reduced price .

The 87th

WEDNESDAY 8TH AUGUST 2018 A TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW WITH ENTERTAINMENT FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY The Rectory Fields, Ashover, Chesterﬁeld, Derbyshire S45 0BA 9.00AM UNTIL DUSK Telephone 01623 811545 E Mail ashovershow@aol.com www.ashovershow.co.uk ASHOVER AGRICULTURAL & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY LTD WORKING IN AID OF THE ASHOVER SHOW

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Painting by the renowned artist James Preston. Duffield Art Gallery celebrates it’s 45th anniversary! Their opening hours are Thursday - Saturday 10.30am - 5pm and Sundays 11am - 3pm. 3-5 Town Street, Duffield DE56 4EH

Duﬃeld Art Gallery Original paintings by renowned artists

James Preston Colin Halliday Paul Raymond Gregory Kim Sharratt

and other local artists. Limited edition prints & cards.

3-5 Town Street, Dufﬁeld DE56 4EH Open: Thurs to Sat 10.30-5pm & Sun 11-3pm

Tel: 01332 840845

Start the year by developing a new hobby or advancing an existing talent with watercolour classes or a special day workshop run by Norma Gent, watercolour artist. Contact Norma on 01773 836907, or call in to The Studio, No2 The Galleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

Magazine collage art, using no paint by Derbyshire artist Kirstie Adamson. You can meet Kirstie along with eight other artists during the Derbyshire Open Arts event at Banks Mill Studios, 71Bridge Street, Derby, DE1 3LB from 26-28 May. www.banksmill.co.uk/ whats-on

Norma Gent Derbyshire Artist

Lynn Smith at Out Framed. Lynn is a local artist who many will recognise for her beautiful floral water colours. Recently Lynn has ventured into more abstract work, using acrylics and oils. She has found inspiration whilst walking locally in Swanwick with her dog. Illustrated is an acrylic piece entitled ‘jumping for joy’. Other examples of her work can be seen at Out Framed, Market Place, Ripley.

◆ Pets, Portraits, Scenes, Still Life, Executive Caricatures, Victorian Life.

SPECIAL DAY WORKSHOP Saturday 14th July 2018

WATERCOLOUR CLASSES Tuesday mornings and evenings & every Thursday 9am - 10.45am St Thomas’s Community Centre Somercotes Framing Now Available

The Studio, No 2 The Galleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

01773 836907

Opening Easter at Mercia Marina Work available from: Hamish Blakely, Scarlett Raven, Peter Smith, Richard Rowan, JJ Adams, Sarah Graham, Craig Davison, Alex Echo, Ronnie Wood, Bob Barker, Paul Oz, Paul Kenton. Mercia Marina, Findern Lane DE65 6DW Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm OPEN Easter Monday 10.30am - 4.30pm T: 01283 204753 info@bluebirdfineart.co.uk

www.bluebirdfineart.co.uk CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 61

Fox & Hounds at Coxbench If it’s just a drink and a bag of scratchings you want then grab the paper, pull up a pew and enjoy your ‘poison’.

If you want to dine then our Award Winning kitchen is open to cook your food individually to order. It really is home made here in the Fox and Hounds kitchen, so give us a try. Sunday lunch last orders 5.30 pm | Light snacks served lunchtime Food to Go Tuesday-Friday 5-7 pm

Open: Tuesday - Thursday 12.30-2.30 & 5-8.30 Friday & Saturday 5.00-9.00pm Sunday lunch served 12noon – 5.30 Closed Monday and Tuesday lunch

www.foxandhoundscoxbench.com

Fox & Hounds, Alfreton Road, Coxbench, Derby, DE21 5BA

TEL: 01332 880 835

Fine Dining Indian Restaurant Willington

A warm inviting welcome awaits you at the Kinara. The best ingredients with attention to detail and ambience for fine dining.

EXTRA

SPECIAL

A WARM WELCOME

OFFER* Enjoy a

2 course meal for £19.95 per head inclusive of your 1st drink

A NEW WAY OF EATING

Available Sunday- Thursday (*excludes sea food)

Tel: 01283 704444 Open Monday - Sunday 5pm - 11pm

www.kinara-restaurant.co.uk

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EXPERIENCE FINE DINING

taste

derbyshire

In 2009 we were delighted to bring the book taste derbyshire to the food discerning Derbyshire public. taste derbyshire was dedicated to showcasing the best food, restaurants, suppliers and producers. The continued success in 2010,11, and 12 of taste derbyshire and subsequent exposure in Country Images ensured it a place in the history of Derbyshire food. We are delighted to continue this success with the introduction of our new self-confessed ‘foodie’ journalist Amanda Volley who will be showcasing all that is great about food and drink in Derbyshire.

Amanda Volley

It’s mid-morning in a Derby city centre eatery and Holly Faulkner is talking all things twisted, wonky and with knobbles on. olly, who owns the Wonky Table on Sadler Gate, is about to get a delivery from the deliciously named Twisted Turnip; a local company which specialises in saving perfectly imperfect vegetables from the supermarket scrapheap – and that means there’s a possibility of getting the odd weird looking specimen in her box of veg.

“Getting a few wonky vegetables is a highlight of the order,” she laughs. “It’s part of our ethos. I love the fact the vegetables can be a little quirky and interesting; it’s what we’re about. The other week they delivered an enormous Jerusalem artichoke which looked just like a dolphin – I almost couldn’t bear to cut it up. Wonky vegetables have more character and they’re even more delicious.” The excitement level in the restaurant rises further when Clare Hadway and Ian Ball, the Allestree couple who founded the company, arrive with the veg box. While the beetroot, cauliﬂower and broccoli look innocent enough; the parsnips are definitely a little crooked and the leek is so big, it could have your eye out. “We have a monthly veggie night and we were looking to find a new, local supplier,” Holly explained. “I even approached a couple of local allotment holders including one which is down the road from my home. We’re always looking for ways to make our restaurant more unique and interesting. The allotment holders couldn’t help but an email from the Twisted Turnip arrived a few days later. What could be better? Wonky vegetables for the Wonky Table, it’s a match made in heaven.” Holly’s enthusiasm is typical of the reactions Clare and Ian have been receiving since setting up the company in June 2017. “I did a degree in food ten years ago and have worked in the industry both on the manufacturing side and in business development,” explains Clare, 32. “For the last five years, my job has involved working with farmers and growers helping them sell to new markets. This is important as a quarter of the crops grown in this country get rejected by the supermarkets for aesthetic reasons. Before we set up Twisted Turnip, we spent about six months talking to farmers and the public and everyone said they’d be happy to buy misshapen or mixed sized vegetables – they just don’t get the choice.” It’s not just the supermarkets which impose strict criteria. “We’ve had delicious beetroot in our boxes for the last few weeks which was rejected by the wholesalers for having the wrong coloured leaves which is strange because people don’t even eat the leaves,” Claire says. CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 63

“W

hile people want to know how far the food has travelled – it’s all from farms within 15 miles of Derby - we’ve never had anyone mention anything negative about the shape of the produce or colour of the leaves. Some of our customers are amazed to see leaves on vegetables, they are so used to seeing them chopped and trimmed for the supermarkets.”

Ian and Clare, who have a 16-month-old son Max, have always wanted to run their own business. After discussing a few ideas, they decided they wanted to do something which would harness Clare’s knowledge of the farming industry with their mutual desire to raise awareness of food waste. They both know that the veg boxes will not be a solution to a global problem but they are proud to be small-time saviours of twisted turnips, curious carrots and parsnips which look like ET. “There is a lot of focus on food waste at the moment,” Clare explains. “Some supermarkets have started selling wonky veg but this often highlights it as different when it tastes the same. It’s just normal food.”

Often, it’s not that they are ‘wonky’ vegetables but they are not the right size for the packaging.

According to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the amount of food – wonky or otherwise - sent to landfill amounts to 7.3m tonnes a year. A recent report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee criticised supermarkets for discriminating against foods which are fit for human consumption but do not ‘meet artificial cosmetic standards’. It recommended retailers relax their quality standards and begin selling wonky

vegetables alongside their main fruit and vegetable lines. These recommendations, published in April last year, have done little to change the amount of food waste according to Clare. “Tonnes of vegetables are still going into food processing or animal feed because the alternative is to leave it in the ground or send it to a landfill site,” she says. “These are perfectly good vegetables which don’t meet the supermarkets’ criteria. Often, it’s not that they are ‘wonky’ vegetables but they’re not the right size for the packaging. I’m not knocking supermarkets, they have an important part to play in the retail market, but Ian and I wanted to provide a new route to market for unwanted vegetables grown by local farmers.” Clare says that many of the farmers had given up on trying to meet the strict size and shape criteria imposed by the supermarkets. “One of our main suppliers used to grow lettuces for supermarkets but he gave it up because there was just too much pressure on him to increase yields,” she explained. “He now sells vegetables on farmers’ markets. We visit him once or twice a week and we’re always amazed by the variety, quality and the taste of the vegetables.” Ian (34), an audit manager for PKF Cooper Parry accountants, says the new venture has had unexpected benefits in that it has broadened their social life - and their eating habits. “We have a network of collection points where people can come and collect our boxes including the Abbey Pub in Darley Abbey,” he says. “The regulars are always so excited to see us. When we arrive it’s always ‘Oh here come the veggie people’. We get regular customers telling us what they’ve done with the veg. One of the most surprising was veggie haggis with swede, oats, carrots and spices. We’ve made so many friends. It’s like a community and we’re always swapping and sharing recipes.” The couple are not vegetarian but, unsurprisingly, their vegetable consumption has increased dramatically. “Before we set up Twisted Turnip, we had the same meals mostly revolving around meat,” Ian admits. “We went completely veggie for February. You just have to do a lot more research and preparation. For instance, we had vegetable biryani which took forever to prepare and cook – but it was awesome.” Clare laughs; “Yes, I even had shepherdless pie when I went out to dinner the other week. It’s made with puy lentils and chestnuts instead of meat and I didn’t miss it one bit. “In fact, I have a friend who always says you can test the standard of a restaurant by looking at the selection of vegetarian food. I think restaurants have to try harder when vegetables are the star of the show.” This is certainly something Holly from the Wonky Table can confirm; “We’re not a vegetarian restaurant but we started the veggie night because we felt there was a growing market for it,” she says. “It was a slow build at first but it’s become one of most popular events. We love experimenting and our customers like to know that we use local suppliers like Clare and Ian.” Holly has received nothing but praise for the vegetables. “Why would you discriminate against a vegetable because it’s not beautiful?” she asks. “It tastes exactly the same, if not better, so we want to do something amazing with it.” For inspiration, Holly recommends vegetable-lovers

64 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

turn to the ‘The Flavour Thesaurus’ by Niki Segnit. “It’s a book which suggests putting certain ﬂavours together,” she explains. “For instance, we had a delivery of a Jerusalem artichoke and Niki’s book suggested teaming it with lemon and mint which led to the creation of our arancini risotto balls (featured). On the February menu we combined it with spinach to make a souﬄé which was served with sautéed garlic and rosemary leeks.” What is clear talking to restaurant owner Holly – who says her staff have also started ordering veg boxes - is that support for Ian and Clare’s business is growing and the couple are edging closer to the goal of making it a full-time job for one of them. “Everyone has been incredibly supportive,” says Ian “My firm has even offered to become a collection

point. It’s open to staff only but they’ve been amazing. There’s even a story about us on the website.” For now, they are enjoying their busy lives; successfully juggling jobs and parenthood with the veg box deliveries – fuelled by ﬂasks of homemade vegetable soup and the glowing customer feedback. “We have never had any complaints about ‘wonky’ vegetables,” Clare laughs. “Although much of the veg is perfectly shaped, people love the funny ones. We took a parsnip to the Abbey which looked a little as though it had ‘eyes’ and everyone was fighting over it. My personal favourites include the potato shaped like a love heart. “How could anyone reject that?”

Recipe from Holly Faulkner at The Wonky Table

Jerusalem Artichoke, Pea and Mint Arancini with Lemon, Black Pepper and White Wine Sauce. This recipe is easy to adjust to make it vegan and/or Gluten-Free Ingredients for the Arancini 250g fresh Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and finely Chopped 500g risotto Rice - Carnaroli or Arborio 1 shallot or half a Spanish onion, finely chopped 1- 2 garlic cloves finely chopped or minced 30g butter or vegan butter Salt and pepper to taste 1 litre of vegetable stock 1-2 tablespoons of garden peas; frozen is fine. 2 teaspoons of finely chopped mint 175ml dry white wine (optional) 1 litre vegetable oil for frying. Pane (coating) 2 beaten egg yolks - or tinned chick pea brine 200g finely chopped breadcrumbs – Glutenfree bread 100g plain flour - or Gluten-free flour Sauce 300g fresh Jerusalem artichoke, peeled and roughly chopped 1 shallot/ half Spanish onion roughly chopped 1-2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 1 lemon 175ml dry white wine Salt and pepper to taste A cup of water or veg’ stock Truffle oil garnish (optional) Tip: After peeling your artichokes, keep them in lemon water or they will go brown very quickly.

For the Arancini Place butter in a large pan over a low heat and add the shallot /onion and minced garlic. Fry until onions are translucent and soft but not coloured (approximately 10 mins).

For the Sauce Place your butter in a large pan and cook your roughly chopped artichokes for 5 - 10 minutes until they start to go brown and caramelise a bit.

Whilst onions are cooking, brown your finely chopped artichokes in a separate pan along with more butter and salt and pepper.

Cook your onions and garlic in separate pan until translucent /soft. Add these to your artichokes.

Add these to your onion mix.

Turn up the heat and then add your white wine. It should crackle and burn off immediately.

Turn the heat up to medium and pour in the risotto rice, stir for a few minutes until every grain is coated (add more butter and more salt and pepper to taste).

Add enough water /veg stock to cover your artichokes.

Pour in the wine and stock and let the rice simmer away.

Zest your lemon into the liquid and add a squeeze of the lemon juice.

Allow for the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This should take around 15 mins – the rice should be slightly underdone. Add your peas in the last few minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste; we recommend lots of pepper to give it a kick.

Spread out your rice evenly on a tray and allow to cool. Evenly distribute the chopped fresh mint.

Make sure your artichokes are cooked through, your liquid may have reduced down by this time. Blitz in a liquidiser until it appears like a thick sauce /soupy consistency; if it is too thick - add water/stock.

Scoop up the rice - about 1 1/2 table spoons worth - and roll into balls.

Heat your oil in a deep pan over a high heat. To test it is ready, drop in a few breadcrumbs.

To pane (coat with breadcrumbs)

Carefully, drop your arancini in the hot oil with a slotted spoon, they will take about 8 minutes.

Place the ﬂour, beaten egg yolks and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls. Carefully dip each ball into the ﬂour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg and, finally, the breadcrumbs. Set aside ready for frying.

To serve Pour your sauce over your arancini along with a few drops of truﬄe oil and serve with crunchy greens.

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Breakfasts, Brunches & Lunches at The Alphabet Gift Shop

The Alphabet Gift Shop based in Mickleover, Derby and Burton upon Trent have welcoming and relaxed coffee shops offering a range of tasty breakfasts, brunches, lunches and homemade cakes. Their special afternoon tea and champagne breakfast menus (booking required) are the perfect way to celebrate any occasion and will be loved by all. For more information visit their website at www.thealphabetgiftshop.co.uk or www.facebook.com/thealphabetgiftshop

INSPIRING... IDYLLIC... IRRESISTIBLE.

THE IZAAK WALTON HOTEL

PICTURE PERFECT AND LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE DOVEDALE VALLEY Springtime is the perfect time to get out and visit the beautiful Dovedale Valley and what a setting to enjoy an afternoon tea! Nestled within the spectacular Derbyshire Peaks, The Izaak Walton Hotel is a charming 17th Century building offering comfort, history and views of outstanding natural beauty. The hotel, named after the famous author of ‘The Complete Angler’, is privately owned and situated in an idyllic setting and with modern facilities offers a unique combination of warm hospitality, tranquillity and a traditional outlook whilst maintaining high levels of service.

The Izaak Walton Hotel is an AA 3 Star converted 17th Century Country House Hotel offering comfort, history and views of outstanding natural beauty, along with: 38 well-appointed bedrooms. Fishing rights on the River Dove. Fine Dining in our 2 AA Rosette awarded Haddon Restaurant. Drinks, freshly prepared bar food and light snacks in our cosy Dovedale Bar, available throughout the day from 11am to 9pm, open all year round for both residents and non-residents. We are fully licensed for Indoor & Outdoor Weddings and Civil Ceremonies and also cater for conferences, group bookings, parties, family gatherings and luncheons. reception@izaakwaltonhotel.com

01335 350981 www.izaakwaltonhotel.com Dovedale, Ilam, nr Ashbourne, DE6 2AY

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The Hotel’s Dovedale Bar (open to both residents and nonresidents) is open daily, all year round, from 9am to 11pm (food served until 9pm and afternoon tea between 12pm and 4pm) and with the hotel being located just 5 minutes walk from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones, is the perfect place to stop and rest those weary legs, whether it’s simply for a drink or a bite to eat with breakfasts, cream teas, light lunches, bar snacks and Sunday lunches available.

Country

PRIZE CROSSWORD

Win a copy of ‘Walk Derbyshire 4’

This week 3 winners will each receive a copy of the latest Walk Derbyshire book. 2

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27 29

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Down: 1 Bedroom 2 Examination 3 Larger inside than it appears 4 Live 5 Forgive 6 Boring person 7 Socially embarrassing 8 Distance down 11 Highest part 14 Encourage 15 Two 17 Experienced person 20 5 or 6? 22 Listening device 25 United in short 26 Opposite result 29 Thin fibre 30 Sailors jacket 32 Leaves out 33 In Time! 37 Unfasten 38 Book number 42 Doctor 43 Pertaining to

March answer: Litton. Winner. Angela Whitehead, Ashbourne.

40 41

Across: 1 Explosion 4 Left behind 9 Organ of a cow 10 D shaped piece of metal 12 Hang down 13 External 16 Long player 18 Put to use 19 Rugby Union 20 Not you 21 Collect 23 Higher position 24 Training 27 Humour 28 Unsure! 29 Lowest rank soldier 31 Unpleasant smell 34 He was little! 35 Adult male 36 Fixed way 39 Small 40 fe fi -- fum 41 Be heard 42 Relating to the stomach 44 Tear

Just find the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire village in the crossword below and send the place name on a postcard to: Crossword Comp. Country Images, Unit 5, Office Village, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbys DE55 7FQ. Or to competitions@imagespublishing.co.uk Entries to reach us by April 15th 2018 First correct entry drawn wins the prize. Terms and conditions apply.

Residential Care | Nursing Care | Dementia Care | Respite Care | Day Care

ashmere the

family

Codnor Park The Firs Kidsley Grange King William

Flexible Care... a few hours a few days a few weeks ...to suit your needs

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Smalley Hall Valley Lodge West Hallam

Main Road, Smalley, DE7 6DS Bakewell Road, Matlock, DE4 3BN 8 Newdigate Street, West Hallam, DE7 6GZ

Telephone: 0845 602 2059 | Web: www.ashmere.co.uk | Email: derbys@ashmere.co.uk CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 67

National Care Home Open Day Saturday 21st April | 10am – 4pm Richmond Aston-on-Trent, Richmond Drive, Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE72 2EA Explore what Richmond Aston-on-Trent Retirement Village has to offer: • Talk to the teams to find out about Richmond Villages’ aspirational lifestyle

Come & find out more about: • The Village Facilities

• Take a guided tour of the care home & retirement village

• The Wellness Spa

• Fitness demonstrations and spa treatments will be given by the Wellness Spa team

• Activities & Recreation

• Enjoy activities & entertainment including a tea dance

• Health & Wellbeing

• Meander through our lifestyle & craft stalls

• Care & Support

• Complimentary refreshments available throughout the day

For more information, please contact:

01332 895702 www.richmond-villages.com/aston

Richmond Aston-on-Trent, Richmond Drive, Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE72 2EA

• Hospitality

Care and health in the community This year’s Care Home Open Day will be held on 21st April 2018 and is all about Linking Communities. It's a chance to celebrate all the different people, cultures and relationships in your area and show your community that care homes are friendly, happy and exciting places to be in. It’s a great way to get to know local organisations, schools and groups in your community and establish meaningful friendships along the way. This year’s event is a combination of CommonAge, NAPA and aligned Care Home Open Day with International Care Home Open Day. Both organisations make a huge difference to older people across the globe and have a wealth of excellent ideas to help you connect with care homes around the world and find out how they are celebrating across different nations. A big part of Care Home Open Day is about bringing the community together. From BBQs and morning teas to fetes and fancy dress parties there’s a lot happening at your local care home.

Coxbench Hall Residential Home

For people in their later years Quality care in a Grade II listed Georgian mansion set in 4.5 acres of parkland, 7 miles from Derby.

Alfreton Road – Coxbench – DE21 5BB Family-run since November 1984

Gardens in the National Garden Scheme · Own Minibus Superb home cooking · Highly Trained Staﬀ Entertainment and Activities · Most rooms en-suite

COXBENCH IS ABOUT CARING

Champion for

Dignity in Derbyshir

Call for a brochure and DVD or visit to view

(T) 01332 880200

(W) www.coxbench-hall.co.uk

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 69

Derby Heights Opens New Kedleston Suite Having successfully established the first three phases of residential and dementia care, Derby Heights in Littleover has just opened the fourth and final stage of this beautiful care home. It offers the best in care and community in quality surroundings for both residential and dementia care; it’s competitively priced too. The Memory Care suite at Derby Heights perfectly reflects progressive and sector-leading care for people living with dementia. The highly trained staff work together with a resident and their family to provide skilled support, ensuring that the focus is always on maximising a person’s remaining cognitive abilities as they continue to live their life well, in a calm environment that reflects the most up to date dementia care research. Derby Heights provides restaurant quality dining with menu choices from 5-star EHO rated professional kitchens, freshly prepared using locallysourced produce. There are comfortable lounges, light and airy bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms, a dedicated cinema, private dining room and landscaped gardens; there are even suites for couples. From the General Manager through all of the staff, the feeling of genuine care is what sets Derby Heights apart. This isn’t just a care home, it is a home-from-home. Call 01332 484488 or Search ‘Derby Heights Care’ online or on Facebook.

The World’s Lightest Portable Mobility Scooter! The only Lightweight Micro Scooter with all the features of a full size Mobility Scooter • So small and so light, that it travels on any plane or ship • All models fold flat to fit in any car boot • Can be used indoors or outdoors • Spare battery options available • A few models available at pre-increased prices • Demonstration models available at vastly reduced prices • Part exchange welcome Find out more call us today for a Free No Obligation Home Demonstration

Feephone 0800 413 567 Spires Croft, Back Lane, Tibshelf, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 5LN

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Derby Heights Care Home A Real Home From Home A care home of unrivalled comfort and quality, Derby Heights is located in the village of Littleover, on the edge of Derby and adjacent to the Nuffield Private Hospital. The best in care is provided in beautiful surroundings, and is a welcoming home-from-home for both residential residents and those living with dementia. Our approach is to nurture an atmosphere of care and community, all delivered in a luxury lifestyle. Your well-being is our primary concern, and we will ensure that you have the highest quality of support for your mind, body and soul. Derby Heights is rated as ‘Good In All Categories’ by the Care Quality Commission, assessing that the home and its staff scored consistently highly throughout all the services delivered.

Call 01332 484488 Search ‘Derby Heights Care’ online or on

Derby Heights Care Home Rykneld Road Littleover Derby | DE23 4BU

Spring Blossom

Here at Face Up, we celebrate you looking amazing for the age that you are, rather than the age that you aren’t. Changing the way we think about ageing starts with changing the way we talk about ageing.

We go to the gym to stay in shape, but you know one session wouldn’t be enough for the shape you want to be. It's the same with your skin, one facial will make your skin look refreshed, radiant and hydrated but it needs to be maintained. Look upon us as your Skin Gym!

Lovely Range of glitz wedding outfits from £135 available at Jillian Hart Fashions. This stunning collection is perfect for weddings or any special occasion. Jillian Hart also offer a super range of accessories, matching hats, fascinators, handbags and shoes to add to your outfit. Call into the shop at 40-44, Babington Lane, or telephone 01332 347647

faceupforbeauty@gmail.com or facebook message us @faceupderby

Pay a visit to Frox this Spring- The shop sells pre-loved designer ladies clothing along with a great range of scarves, accessories, jewellery, handbags and these newly arrived bags which are perfect for spring/summer. For more details contact Frox 01332 875572 www.froxshop.com

• Hair cutting

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Bespoke Hair offers a wide range of professional hair service, designed to pamper, relax, and refresh. Also if you are preparing for a special occasion, or want to spoil a friend. Experience the tranquility and idyllic surroundings that Bespoke Hair offers. Chevin Green Farm | Chevin Road | Belper | Derbyshire | DE56 2UN

Telephone: 01773 820360

72 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

FABULOUS RANGE OF PRE-LOVED DESIGNER LADIES CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FOR EVERY OCCASION.

Stunning Collection of Dresses For All Occasions Now in Stock

40-44 Babington Lane Derby Tel: 01332 347647 The shop you don’t want your friends to find...

DERBYSHIRE’S PREMIER DRESS AGENCY Est. 2006

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

Tel: 01332 875572 www.froxshop.com

New Season - New Brands - New Look!

Friendly personal service from assistants who care, in a truly independent store that’s big enough to stock the quality brands you want.

Footwear – Accessories Lingerie- Gifts Linens- Homewear Menswear & Coffee Shop. Joules White Stuff Seasalt Weird Fish

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30-32 King Street, Belper, Telephone Tel: 01773 525358 CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 73

SpringBlossom Above: Environ DF11 Ionzyme Collagen Power Facials and products now available at Prestige Hair & Beauty Belper Environ advanced skin care and specialist DF11 Ionzyme facials were devised by well renowned plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes for people who are serious about the health of their skin. The clinically tested formulations are packed with powerful anti-oxidants and active vitamins to help turn back the aging process. It reduces pigmentation, fine lines, and repairs and protects against photo-damage and pollution. Environ can help you maintain a healthy, youthful beautiful skin for life. Call the salon to book your free consultation. Above: BULAGGI’s aim is to celebrate all the unique characteristics of a woman with a bag that’s always the perfect match. A woman is never one dimensional; she may be a professional, a mother, a partner and a party girl, as well as a friend. Exclusively available only at The Leather Shop Belper 2A Chapel St, Tel: 01773 822794

Above: Bo Peep Luxury Baby is a sumptuous blend of the purest Falkland Island Wool and finest Nylon - perfect to wrap your favourite little people in, it’s wonderfully soft and cosy against the skin because only the best will do. Pattern and yarn available from U-Duit Creative, Church Street, Ripley. Left: Lavender stripe print tunic! A flattering style, perfect for wearing as the months start to get warmer. With capped sleeves, scoop neckline and waist band, this dress can be worn with a matching coloured Pretty Pointelle cardie. Available from Clarkes, Grosvenor Road, Ripley and Clarkes, King Street, Belper. 74 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

BEAUTY CLINIC HAIR STUDIO

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IPL for permanent hair removal, pigmentations, thread veins, scarring, skin rejuvenation | Body massage using Environ A, C, E body oil Lipomassage perfect treatment if you want to firm, lose inches, re-sculpt, smooth | Other Clinics include Dermal fillers and Reiki treatment | Environ skin care | The scientific solution for all your skin’s needs

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NEW FOR SPRING 2018 We are now proud to be a training academy We can offer the following training: Hair extensions | Nail extensions Lash extensions | Beauty treatments | Waxing; just to mention a few. If you want to enter the beauty industry, we can train you to get your qualifications.

8 Market Place, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1FZ Tel: 01773 820000 www.prestigebelper.co.uk CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 75

For more information and stockists visit www.dr.hauschka.com

Regenerate with Regenerating Hand Cream 50ml £19 Regenerating Hand Cream treats you to silkysoft feeling skin and effective protection against environmental influences – instantly and sustainably. The composition with rich olive and avocado oils as well as silky cocoa butter supports the skin’s strength and elasticity. Medicinal plant extracts of dynamic red clover, bryophyllum and quince seeds furthermore stimulate the skin’s moistureactivating ability. This strengthens the skin’s natural resilience right to the fingertips and, with regular use, stimulates its regenerative abilities.

Regenerating Eye Cream 15ml £51.50

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Regenerating Eye Cream refines the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This rich cream invigorates skin while supporting natural skin regeneration. Formulation: Quince seed, birch leaf and borage refine pores and balance moisture. Acerola berries and sea buckthorn join red clover to enhance skin tone and elasticity. Shea butter and botanical oils replenish, soften and protect. Precious botanical extracts offer the eye area renewed vitality. Skin condition: for mature skin.

Regenerating Day Cream supports the skin’s natural processes of renewal to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Skin looks and feels vital, rejuvenated and smooth. Formulation: Red clover, acerola berries, raspberry seed oil and shea butter protect and support natural skin regeneration. Jojoba, avocado, sweet almond and olive oils replenish and smooth. Kalanchoe and marsh mallow balance moisture and promote skin resilience. Skin condition: for mature skin. • Truly 100% NATURAL and organic cosmetics, certified to NATRUE standards • FREE FROM synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives,

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Regenerating Eye Cream This cream really felt as though it was nourishing my skin and yet it definitely wasn’t either oily or greasy. With no heavy perfume and with an impressive list of natural ingredients this is a product that I will definitely use long term. JP

Regenerating Day Cream I really love this face cream. A little of the cream goes a long way, it quickly absorbs into your skin and it looks fresher instantly. It evens out your complexion and helps to smooth away fine lines. Would recommend this face cream highly. CB

Step into Spring with the new

Syon Park bags now available at...

The Fabulous

Leather Shop

Quality Yarns, Large Variety of Needle Work supplies and accessories

of Belper

2a Chapel Street, Belper, Derby DE56 1AR Tel: 01773 822794

76 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

U-DUIT

CREATIVE CRAFTS

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This is Sylvia

Love the skin youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in at Face Up for Beauty

Every week Sylvia has her hair washed and blow dried.

IPL Hair Removal IPL Skin Rejuvenation Electrolysis Microdermabrasion Guinot Advanced Skin Treatments lightfusionTM LED Skin Treatments Dermal Needling Elizabeth Arden PRO Peels Lycon Hot Waxing

Every fortnight she has her hair and nails done and treats herself to an Afternoon Tea Sylvia comes to Strutts Salon Sylvia is smart and pampered.

Be Like Sylvia Book an appointment for your free consultation Tel: 01332 368195 Strutts Salon is located at Mackworth House Farm , 67 Lower Road Mackworth Village, Derby, DE22 4NF T: 01332 385476 W: www.strutts.com

Face Up for Beauty 48 Babington Lane, Derby DE1 1SX

www.faceupforbeauty.co.uk

Aesthetic Skin Care and Beauty Specialists

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 77

RICHARD BOOTH UPHOLSTERY

*Re-Upholstery *Loose Covers *Bespoke *Wide selection of fabrics 1 New Road, Heage, Derbyshire

Directory Call 01773 830344

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Property Developments (Belper) Ltd • New Build • Extensions • Loft Conversions • Refurbishments • Garages

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Holiday Apartment

The Tower, Sandy Close, Crantock, Cornwall

Luxury S/C Holiday Apartment for 4 (Couples/Families Only) Outstanding Atlantic and Country Views Glorious Beach and NT Coastal Footpath (4 minutes walk) Parking, Dog Friendly and No Passing Trafﬁc

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New life for Old Kitchens!

UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY • REPAIRS All work carried out by our own skilled craftsmen with over 20 years of experience. Home visits a pleasure for a Free Quotation for re - upholstery or furniture repair.

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BOOK 4 ON SALE NOW

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW 14 carefully selected walks around Derbyshire Walk Derbyshire 4 will be available through selected outlets around the County from April for only £2.99!

Just replace the doors and worktops It’s so easy! Not only will a Dream Doors makeover save you £1000s, but you will not have to suffer the stress, upheaval and mess that comes with a traditional reﬁt.

DREAM DOORS NEW LIFE FOR OLD KITCHENS

Call Steve for your FREE survey & quote on 01332 290600 Showroom Now open at 20 The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BE www.dreamdoors.co.uk 78 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

or Pre-order for April Delivery on-line at

www.walkderbyshire.co.uk

WEATHERSEAL

Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire’s Best

TRUSTED TRADERS To advertise call 01773 830344

Windows, Doors and Conservatories

Your 5 Star Piece of Mind…

• Full Insurance Backed Guarantee • Shoot- Bolt Locking With Push Button (Autolock Handles as Standard) • High Security Internal Glazing Bead as Standard • A Rated Energy Efficient Windows As Standard • Hook Bolt Door Locks as Standard All kinds of repairs undertaken. Replacement Handles,Hinges and Door Furniture Including Double Glazing Repairs and Misted Up Glass Units

No High Pressure Sales – Guaranteed • Each Quotation Attended by the Proprietor • Our own Fully Experienced Installers, No Sub-Contractors • 20 Years’ Experience in the Window Trade

Tel: 01773 747265 Mobile: 07967 419 504 Email: weatherseal01@live.co.uk

A Local Family Run Company

SUNSET WINDOWS

The Area’s Favourite Window Company

WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES FASCIAS & SOFFITS REPAIR WORK Head Office/Showroom 28 Church Street Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3BU

Tel:01773 513339

www.sunset-windows.co.uk

WE MAKE All Our Own Furniture

WE FIT With Our Own Craftsman

WE DELIVER Complete Peace Of Mind

Dove Bow Top Double Gates 4ft high 6ft gap only £399 4ft high 12ft gap only £705 6ft high 6ft gap only £580 6ft high 12ft gap only £1038

Dove Flat Top Double Gates 3ft high 6ft gap only £303 3ft high 12ft gap only £600 6ft high 6ft gap only £484 6ft high 12ft gap only £932

20 Disco% Supp unt l y onl y

t. 01332 650400 email: sales@orchardkitchens.co.uk www.orchardkitchens.co.uk Orchard House, Lower Granby Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8DJ

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 79

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per month

GC2017

*Hire purchase example based on Sun Living S75SL cash price £46983. Monthly payments of £299.00 Agreement Term 120 Months. Deposit of £17207.00 SHOP, Admin cost £0.00. FROM FACTORY amount of credit £29776. Option to Purchase fee £1.00 total amount payable £35880.PURCHASES Representative APR 3.9% HOMESTORE AND EMPORIUM

APPLY CONDITIONS TERMS AND Don’t forget that all ﬁnance is subject to terms and conditions, and dependent on your status. Terms may vary according to the vehicle you wish to Excludes selected sale items. Valid until 31.12.17 purchase. Written quotations are available on request

Administration and purchase fees may vary. Geoff Cox is registered with the FCA, our registration number is 622785.

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2 0 17

80 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

DEALER OF THE YEAR

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Geoff Cox Showground T: 01332 781562 W: www.geoffcoxleisure.co.uk

or Adria erts f and exp Su

2018

2017

Adria Motorhomes Geoff Cox Leisure

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New Award winning 2018 ADRIA MATRIX PLUS M 670 SC now at Geoff Cox Denby Pottery Showground

e announce with great pleasure, that a motorhome Matrix Plus 670 SC has recently become Motorhome of the Year 2018 in the United Kingdom. The prestigious award was handed over to the Adria Concessionaires team by the Scottish Caravans and Motorhomes magazine. If you want to see it or other similar models then why not come down to our showroom at Denby Pottery Centre and

have a coffee or tea and see for yourselves why the Adria range have won so may awards, and while you are down, why not ask us about our finance options on all our motorhomes. On display is the new 2018 Matrix Plus M 670 SC boasting 5 belts, 5 berths, an island bed with en suite plus a front drop down bed. Save £3580 on the recommended retail price with this NEC demonstrator.

The Matrix Plus is the motorhome that does everything well. With a new contemporary interior design and an ADAC safety-award, the Matrix sets the new benchmark for crossover motorhomes. Features on this model include: Fiat 6 2.3 130 HP 35 L manual, white. Extras: (Pack 2) Cabin air conditioning, passenger airbag, cruise control, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ESP and traction+ with hill descent. Extra: (Luxury Pack) Alloy wheels, central cup holder, Fiat 6q9 high level DAB radio with satellite navigation. Spare wheel with holder, rear view camera, roof rack, ladder and awning. Panoramic window polyplastic with lining and panoramic window 400X700 behind the liftable bed. Sliding rear bed, electric fold down slatted frame and sprung mattress. USB sockets in the living area and bedroom. Cooker; 3 flame electric ignition with cover and extractor fan, fridge 150 L and oven/grill combination. Gas/electric heater Truma Combi 6E with boiler and Digital control panel.

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DERBY & ALLESTREE PRACTICES 134-136 OSMASTON ROAD, DERBY, DE1 2RF TEL: 01332 345119 367A DUFFIELD ROAD, ALLESTREE, DE22 2DN TEL: 01332 55396 WWW.SLVETS.CO.UK

Alabama Rot: what we know so far Alabama Rot is a new disease that is spreading panic and confusion amongst dog owners and vets alike. It appears to show no preference for age, weight or breed and most worryingly, we still don’t know what the cause is. New cases appear to have increased in the early months of 2018 so it is important owners are aware of the signs.

want to eat, vomit and be very lethargic. How Alabama Rot affects your pet is very specific but these symptoms can be seen in many diseases so it is important to consult your vet if you notice any of these signs.

What exactly is Alabama Rot?

Is my dog at risk?

Alabama rot is also called Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy, or CRGV for short, and it only appears to affect dogs. It is described as such due to the way the disease affects the patient. Symptoms start as skin (cutaneous) lesions and then progress to kidney (renal) failure. Currently we do not know the cause. It is suspected to be bacteria that infect the skin and release toxins which result in kidney disease. Since the disease was first recorded in the UK, there have been 135 recorded cases. In 2017 there were 37 cases, the worst year so far, this year 13 cases have been confirmed.

Potentially any dog that is walked in muddy areas could be at a low risk of catching the disease. The good news is there have been no reported cases of Alabama Rot in Derbyshire. The closest cases have been recorded in; Sutton Bonington near Loughborough in 2013, Cheadle near Stoke-on-Trent in 2015 and only last month in February a case was confirmed in Blidworth near Mansfield.

What are the signs?

Owners should wash their dog’s legs when returning from muddy walks. It is important to check your pet for any skin lesions below the elbows and knees. If you see any signs it is important to remain calm and contact your vet for advice. Alabama Rot is still a rare disease and the signs are seen in many other diseases. If your dog is showing symptoms, your vet will be able to run blood tests to ascertain the underlying cause.

The disease has been recorded in dogs that have previously been on a muddy walk. The first signs owners may see are skin lesions. They are often found in areas of the body close to the ground, from paws to the knees or elbows. Patches of the skin appear red and sore and can be swollen or ulcerated. The lesions are not caused by a known injury. A couple of days to a week after the skin lesions are seen, dogs will often develop signs of kidney failure. Dogs will not

What can I do to help my dog?

Envi Lawns Artificial Grass Installers

Comfortable, secure accommodation for your dogs and cats Daily exercise sessions, playtime and lots of love from our knowledgeable, experienced staff

Fed up with muddy paws and a muddy garden? Before

After

To book or arrange a viewing please call us on

01332 862770 or visit our website at

www.coppice-kennels.co.uk Blackwell Lane, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8EL 82 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

For a no obligation on-site quotation give us a call

01773 716999 | 07525 334363 | www.envi-lawns.co.uk

AT A FABRIC PRICE A stylish blend of luxury and innovation makes Stressless the world’s most comfortable recliners and sofas. Order any Stressless recliner or sofa in our Batick grade leather and pay our fabric grade price.* ®

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*Terms and Conditions apply: Order cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion. Choice of leather colours between leather grades may vary. Offer applies to all orders placed between 26/03/2018 and 30/04/2018. Available at participating retailers. Paloma and Cori leather grades available at Batick grade price. Noblesse grade of leather is excluded from the offer.

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