North July 2018 by Alistair Plant

Artist: Sandy Hillyer

Country

North Edition - July 2018

A friend dropping in

Alfreton

The Lost Houses

Ripley

of Derbyshire

Melbourne Castle

Yorkshire’s

Dangerous Coast Queen’s Park took Tom to their hearts

Out & About SUMMER NIGHTS Walks from Grand Houses

Elvaston Castle Thee Sisters

Spic

Steve Orme interviews award winning local writer

Stephen Booth

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk • Your Complimentary Lifestyle Magazine • Est. 1994

Solid Hardwood Floors Parquet Woodblock Mosaic Engineered Floors Laminate & Veneer AmticoDesign Floors

Kitchens & Interiors

‘Quality Bespoke Custom Made Furniture, Bedrooms and Home Studies Designed to Your Requirements’

t 10 The Firs oked s Bo Kitchen Further a e iv Rece count is D % 5

Visit our showroom or view online www.hardwoodfloors.uk.com

Three easy steps to enjoy over £20,000 worth of beautiful, handcrafted custom-made solid wood kitchens of the highest quality for less than £3,950, direct from us to you… Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

The Hardwood Flooring Centre

Unit 2 Prospect Court Nunn Close, Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire NG17 2HW

t. 01623 555337

FREE FREE FREE

PHONE 0800 7317351 No Obligation Quotation/ Design/ Home Visit From Expensive Retailers, Middlemen and Overheads

www.allwood-kitchens.co.uk Kitchens | Bedrooms | Home Study | Custom Made Furniture

DALE INTERIORS of Jacksdale Ltd

kitchen and bedroom specialists

From 20% to 50% off some of our most popular ranges including gloss and painted kitchens.

Tel: 01773 687757 Email: sales@daleinteriors.co.uk Web: www.daleinteriors.co.uk Free customer parking

2 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Sale Time At

After Dark

Su m Sa me le r

FIREPLACES

ntinues!

Clearance Sale Co

At Least 50% OFF s for a Discontinued Item ly Limited Period On d of Line Many Fantastic En Bargains! 19-21, Babington Lane, Derby

Over 100 contemporary and traditional ﬁreplaces, stoves, gas and electric ﬁres, many on live display in our showroom.

www.peakfireplaces.com Tel: 01246 865062

Tel: 01332 344424

10-12 Broadleys, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, S45 9JL

www.afterdarklighting.co.uk

Free Car Park

Open: Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 10am - 4pm

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 3

Reach the heart of the community with Country Images Magazine.

Country

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, Mark Dowthwaite. Editorial Features: Brian Spencer, Maxwell Craven, Steve Orme, Amanda Volley.

Since 1994 our policy has been the letterbox distribution of top quality magazines which we still maintain today thereby reaching in excess of one million potential readers each year. Over time technology has advanced at a rapid pace and we embraced it to the extent that Country Images Magazine digital editions reach even more readers giving our advertisers the added opportunity to do more business in our area as their web sites can be accessed through our digital pages. Our dedicated Country Image App gives easy access to the latest editions and back copies of the magazines which each month include specific editorial features on: walks, local events, history, celebrities, antiques, health, fashion, gardening, motoring, and the most up to date ideas for the home. Derbyshire

Yorkshire’s

Dangerous Coast

Due to stormy weather or engine failure, many ships have failed to gain the safety of Whitby’s harbour. One of them was the Rohila, a WW1 hospital ship that was on its way south to collect wounded. Due to engine failure it missed the entrance to the harbour and drifted on to the rocks at Saltwick Nab below the abbey. Even though it was a matter of yards from the harbour, violent seas prevented the Whitby lifeboat rescuing more than a handful of survivors. Due to the strength of the gale, many of the rockets ﬁred from the tantalisingly close beach, failed to reach their mark, but eventually rescue from the land did take place once the tide had dropped suﬃciently.

Most of the visitors who flock to Yorkshire’s coast every summer, do so without realising that it has a history of marine tragedy reaching back over the centuries and it is hard to realise that an average of two shipwrecks a week have taken place along the North East coast since records began in the 1500s. Brian Spencer investigates the sinking of just a few of these ships, ranging from a First World War hospital ship, to the wholesale sinking of a fleet of colliers, whose wrecking led to a major safety device designed by a Derby M.P.

More recently, in 1976 a trawler, the Admiral von Tromp ran aground in a thick fog and heavy seas not all that far from where the Rohila foundered. Here again the Whitby lifeboat tried to rescue its crew and in fact came within touching distance of the vessel, but the rescue proved too diﬃcult and two men drowned. At low tide the jagged remains of the once proud ship are exposed like some futuristic artwork. St Mary’s church stands against the elements high above Whitby harbour and within its walls there is a memorial to a lifeboat tragedy in 1861. During a severe storm, and after saving many lives in full view of a crowd watching from the pier, the Whitby lifeboat was ﬂipped over and 12 men were drowned. Henry Freeman, the only crew member to survive did so because he was the only one wearing the then experimental cork life jacket.

The Abbey at Whitby

ature has decreed that Yorkshire’s coast will provide few, if any natural harbours, lining it instead with jagged rocks waiting for unwary craft. Bridlington, Scarborough and Whitby are the only places where it has been possible to build safe anchorage. In other places, only small inshore craft can be used and they must be drawn up on to local beaches, well above the high tide mark. Robin Hood’s Bay is unique, because here fishing boats, the traditionally designed cobles, rest at the bottom of the village street.

Robin Hood’s Bay with boats on the village street.

Staithes, where storms have washed away some of the harbour houses.

Southwards from Whitby along Yorkshire’s all too frequently tragic coast, Robin Hood’s Bay and its street-end beached cobles, high ended like Viking ships to cope with rough waves, marks the start of a line of high cliﬀs with limited sea access. It was around here that in early geological times, rocky strata was twisted throughout ninety degrees, leaving long jagged fang like dykes that run far out into the bay. The parent rocks of these dykes are rich in alum, a chemical used to

Walks from Grand Houses

Elvaston Castle

Download the Country Images FREE APP from

his walk, around the parkland of Elvaston Castle, is one of my occasional excursions from some of Derbyshire’s grand houses. Unfortunately it could almost be described as from one of Maxwell Craven’s ‘Lost Houses’. Financial constraints on its present owners, Derbyshire County Council, make it impossible to fund the necessary £6.1 million needed to restore the building’s fabric; something that has put it very ﬁrmly on the list of ‘Buildings at Risk’ register. As a result of the house being unsafe, it means that it has been closed to the public since 2008, but the 200 acres of parkland around which this walk goes, are still freely accessible. There is also a programme of events in the park throughout the year, ranging from an Easter egg trail, to a night time guided nature walk – for further details check www.derbyshire. gov.uk/countryside events. Until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, the estate was owned by Shelford Priory, after which it was sold in 1538, to Sir Michael Stanhope of Rampton, Notts. Following his death in 1611, the whole estate, including Elvaston, was inherited by his second son, also called Michael. He became High Sheriﬀ of Derbyshire and died in 1638, but not before he built the Elizabethan-styled house at Elvaston on the outskirts of Derby in 1633. With little change, Elvaston passed steadily through generations of Stanhopes until the 19th century. This was when Charles Stanhope, 3rd

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

Earl of Harrington employed the architect James Wyatt to extend and re-develop the castle in the then popular Gothic Revival style. During this time a new wing and the great hall were added. Further modiﬁcations on the Elizabethan-styled south front were carried out in 1836 by the architect Lewis Nockalls Cottingham, leaving the building very much as we see it today.

several cottages and gate houses, along with an ice house plus a boat house. Ideally the property could be owned by the National Trust, but by conﬁning their interest to acting in as a Consultancy Body, even they baulk at the thought of funding the £6.1 million required to restore the fabric of Elvaston Castle.

Vacated by its original owners, Elvaston Castle became a teacher training college until 1950, after which it remained mostly empty, slowly declining through intervening decades right through to the present time.

In 1969 following the Countryside Act the previous year, the estate including the castle was sold to Derbyshire County Council by the 11th Earl of Harrington. The council opened the estate to the public in 1970 as a Country Park under the terms of the Act. Since then it was used for country fairs and other major events, but latterly lack of funding has meant that even such things have been abandoned. Nevertheless the park is popular with up to 350,000 visitors a year, oﬀering a wide range of activities alongside self-guided walks and cycle rides, or just for a day out in the popular children’s play park. .

Elvaston Castle Gardens Probably still the only truly cared for section of the estate, the gardens were laid out in 1830 for Charles, 4th Earl of Harrington by the relatively unknown gardener, William Barron. The earl had caused something of a scandal by marrying the actress Maria Foote who was seventeen years his junior. Very much a love-match, the couple kept the gardens for their private retreat while Barron spent the next twenty years building their now Grade 2 listed Gothic paradise. Following the 4th Earl’s death in 1851, his brother Leicester Stanhope became the 5th Earl. It was he who opened the gardens to the public for the ﬁrst time. Along with the castle and its gardens, the estate covers some 200 acres of parkland, including

Antiques & Collectibles by Maxwell Craven

Beswick Pottery Figures

Mould no 1377: rare Canadian mounted cowboy: sold for £540 [Private collection]

SUMMER NIGHTS

An important change came in 1939, when The pottery was chiefly known for producing Wolstanton-born Arthur Gredington (1906high-quality porcelain figurines such as farm Summer has finally arrived. the was most of the appointed chief modeller and the firm animals and Beatrix Potter characters and haveMake1976) sunshine and light evenings in your garden began producing farm animal figurines which become highly sought in the collectables market. quickly became widely collected. Gredington's The Dartington owned brand will still sell range of no less than 190 rearing horsemen is you items from a range of their classic pottery one of the largest (and most popular amongst animals at prices ranging from around £16 for a collectors) ever produced by the company. Not seated piglet to £65, which sum will buy you an that the number 190 is anything but a notional impressive-looking red stag. one, for it is made up of minor variants of the Based at the Gold Street works in Longton basic 150 or so of Gredington’s horse figures. (Stoke-on-Trent), Beswick originally There were, for instance two versions of model produced tablewares and ornaments such 868 (a racehorse, jockey up), one with the jockey as Staffordshire cats and dogs. Yet when James in an orange or scarlet jacket cut away at the Wright Beswick died in 1921, the company waist sitting bolt upright. In the second version continued to expand under his grandson, John introduced in 1952 horse and rider have greater Ewart Beswick. In 1934 the introduction of high animation, the rider flung back by the motion of fired bone china meant they could produce highhis steed. quality figurines, such as famous race horses and champion dogs. The company was made a limited The commonest model of version two with a brown horse can be found for around £175. Yet company, John Beswick Ltd, in 1936. these have fallen in price from around £250 a few Currently offered by Bamfords at an estimate of £40-60: Ch. Wallboy & two friends.[Bamfords Ltd.]

years ago, although colour does make a difference, for a version two 868 in grey can sell for £650, whilst one in chestnut with damage to an ear sold for £2,124 in January, and yet a third, in rocking horse grey, the most sought-after colour, sold for £2,588. Version one is harder to come by, but the price for one with a brown horse rarely exceeds £500. The rarest of all Beswick wares is Spirit of Whitfield, a pony, modelled after the pit pony Kruger. An example of this item sold for £9,500 in London fifteen years ago. Under decorating manager Jim Hayward, there was a shift towards lifelike animal pieces, including cats, dogs, farm animals, fish and wild animals. Continued expansion enabled the acquisition of the adjoining factory in 1945 to accommodate offices, warehousing and new potting and firing facilities. In 1947, Lucy Beswick suggested bringing to life the illustrations in the Beatrix Potter

Introduced 1952, six piece Disney cartoon set: sold February 2018 for £260. [Bamfords Ltd.]

Elavaston Country Park

The Future Threatened with closure due to lack of funding, the council would like to remove its immediate ﬁnancial liabilities amounting to around £500,000 a year simply to keep it open. Since closure of the main building to the public in 1990 when it was deemed unsafe, the castle and estate have attracted the interest of golf club developers, but this could well restrict the sort of access currently enjoyed by the public at large.

Idbury Fire Pit by Garden Trading Create a relaxed warm atmosphere outdoors with the Idbury Fire Pit. The heavy gauge Cast Iron bowl is deep and sits low to the ground on the Powder Coated Iron frame and legs. The bowl is designed to rust once placed in the garden yet we feel this adds a rustic appeal. For local stockists visit www.gardentrading.co.uk

Even more unique is that as a free magazine we have annual subscribers who enjoy the excellent reader content each month through the post, along with our extensive letterbox distribution. Our advertisers have the benefit of targeted distribution under our own control into areas that are carefully selected, to get our advertisers message right into the heart of the community. Adverts cost from a little as £35 per month representing great value for money in a quality A4 lifestyle, editorially based local magazine. For more details contact our sales team on 01773 830344

“This product is printed on responsibly sourced paper and printed using only vegetable based inks”

4 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

June Crossword Winner

Answer: Ashover Winner: Paula Lewis, Mickleover

COUNTRY TILES SPECIALISTS IN WALL & FLOOR TILES

With Our Professional Staff & Years Of Experience In The Industry We Offer Quality Products With The Aim To Create A Living Space As Individual As You.

Lewis’s FREE home consultation service can help bring your ideas to life. Visit our showroom: Chapel Side, Chapel St, Spondon, Derby DE21 7JQ T:01332 662450 www.lewis-interiors.co.uk

Kitchens

Take the inside… out

The Barn, Ridgeway House, Ridgeway Lane, Nether Heage, Derbyshire DE56 2JT

T: (01773) 857 184 Email: info@countrytiles.co.uk

www.countrytiles.co.uk

ARCHWAY

YEARS

of excellence in tile retailing

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

INTERIORS ESTABLISHED IN 1982

Archway Interiors are a Derbyshire based company, who operate in the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire region. Established in 1982, we have more than 35 years’ experience in supplying and installing kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms. In that time we have built up our reputation for providing high quality products and services, and are committed to full customer service satisfaction.

sales@archwayinteriorsltd.co.uk • Tel: 01773 608365 • www.archwayinteriorsltd.co.uk CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 5

SUMMER

SALE! UP TO 50% OFF!

Six ways we’re different to the big chains… • We’re an independent local family business with 30 years’ experience • We offer expert service (no gimmicks, pressure-selling or sales commission) • We select the best sofas from leading brands (such as Parker Knoll, G-Plan, La-Z-Boy and Rom) • We offer our own FK range of handcrafted, custom-made sofas – so you buy direct from the manufacturer • We ensure competitive prices, better service and aftercare (not to mention free delivery) • We genuinely care that you’ll enjoy your perfect sofa for many years!

Discover the difference with Frank Knighton…

www.frankknighton.co.uk

6 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Ilkeston

FACTO RY OUTLE T

Wood Street, DE7 8GE. Tel: 0115 9329 590

Nottingham

Castle Boulevard, NG7 1FJ. Tel: 0115 9475 362

Derby

Ascot Drive, DE24 8GW. Tel: 01332 758 758

FREE PARKING OPEN SEVEN DAYS

0% interest-free credit and part exchange also available on request CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 7

i51 Artstone by Contura Artstone is a stained white cast stone, unique to Contura. The insert is easy to position in the home: It takes up very little space and can be placed against a combustible wall. Supplement with a black painted steel log box. For local stockists visit www.contura.eu

Boulangerie by Fired Earth When choosing this soft muted palette we were drawn to the rolling wooded hills of Provence with the scent of lavender hanging gently in the breeze. Listening to the clink of champagne flutes, quaffed whilst dancing under a starlit cloudless sky. For local stockists visit www.firedearth.com

Coffee Machine by Bodum Since the very beginning, coffee has been BODUMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great passion. And this coffee machine is no exception. Slow coffee is about both taking time to brew the coffee, but also letting the water filter through at a suitable rate. Using this new coffee making method, we are setting new standards for careful coffee brewing, getting the full taste without using paper filters or capsules. For local stockists visit www.bodum.com 8 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Car pet | Laminate | Wood | Kar ndean | Amtico

Unit 6, Derby Trading Estate Stores Road, Derby DE21 4BE Tel: 01332 986261 www.floor-factory.co.uk

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 9

SUMMER NIGHTS Summer has ďŹ nally arrived. Make the most of the sunshine and light evenings in your garden

MILES FURNITURE LTD Established over 90 years

NOBLE

KITCHENS BATHROOMS & BEDROOMS

BUILT ON REPUTATION

Summer Sofa Sale

Quality Materials and Interiors | Extensive Choice Full and Complete Service | Quality Workmanship

Many Sofas reduced ready for quick delivery

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN IN CRICH…

Pocket sprung beds starting AS LOW AS £279 for a 4`6 double bed

NKBB.CO.UK

160 Somercotes Hill Somercotes DE55 4HU

Tel: 01773 602255

Open Monday to Friday 9.30 - 5.30, Saturday 9.30 - 5.00 Summer Holiday Shut Down-closed 16-22 July

T: 01773 852554 M: 07980 096146 www.nkbb.co.uk noble.kbb@gmail.com

Enjoy Summer

with luxury and affordable summerhouses, garden ofﬁces, log cabins and quality outdoor buildings…

Come and see our extensive range of garden buildings, garages and green houses at our purpose built show site in Hucknall. With our on site manufacturing facility offering a bespoke service to virtually any speciﬁcation and our friendly and efﬁcient service why not pay us a visit? Whilst browsing enjoy a coffee and cake in our new coffee shop!

Telephone: 0115 968 0003 The Aerodrome, Watnall Road, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 6EN sales@keycraft.co.uk www.keycraft.co.uk Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 11

Winchester by David Hunt Lighting Winchester outdoor wall light in Black jesmonite stone effect. IP44 rated, complete with dedicated 11w 2 Pin low energy lamp. For local stockists visit www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk

Murano by Neptune We designed our classic Murano wicker chair to have an unimposing silhouette, because the texture created by wicker weave is more than enough. It’s completely at home in the garden (or garden room), where it picks up on the colours of stone and timber. And, just like fences and plant supports made from hazel and willow, it adds organic texture to your outdoor space. It’s a versatile collection too: these pieces can be combined into any sofa conﬁguration For local stockists visit www.neptune.com

Blue Calico Picnic by Burleigh Burleigh’s Calico design celebrates it’s 50th birthday this year. To mark this milestone, there are ‘Osbourne’ mugs available in three traditional Burleigh colours along with four new colourways of Burnt Orange, Teal, Burgess Blue and Moss Green. For local stockists visit www.burleigh.co.uk 12 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Untitled-2 1

21/06/2018 10:45:52

Cockerel Collection by Vanessa Arbuthnott Cockerel Collection was the ďŹ rst collection Vanessa designed over seventeen years ago. It was initially hand printed on an old ping pong table whilst her four children played beneath! They collected the feathers from guinea fowl, pheasants and hens outside our kitchen door, which were the inspiration for these designs For local stockists visit www.vanessaarbuthnott.co.uk or call 01285 831 437

Ceramics by Cath Kidston Selection of fun wildlife ceramics. For local stockists visit www.cathkidston.com

14 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Exterior Paints by Little Greene Little Greene is the last independent, British paint manufacturer still making a complete range of traditional and modern paints for domestic use. Potting Shed: Juniper Ash 115, Bench: Atomic Red 190 For local stockists visit www.littlegreene.com or call 020 7935 8844

FASTRACK BLINDS We have hundreds of window blinds to choose from including; roller blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds, Venetian blinds, conservatory blinds, Velux blinds, perfect fit blinds, awning and wooden shutters - all made to measure and installed to perfection!

Unit 1, Buxton Road, Chapel-en-le-frith, High Peak, SK23 OPJ Tel: 01298 814247 Mob: 07875 327960

156 Derby Road, Swanwick DE55 1AD T: 01773 607118 M: 07718 589439

Visit our site for more details www.cjfullwood.co.uk craigfullwood@mac.com

UPVC • Timber • Aluminium • Composite

FASCIAS AND SOFFITS • BI-FOLD DOORS • SLIDING SASH • WINDOWS & DOORS • ORANGERIES • CONSERVATORIES • LANTERNS

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 15

Made to Measure Wardrobes Direct from the Manufacturer

we’re thinking for you MEASURING AND FITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE.

Typical Savings 40% less than high street made to measure outlets. Wardrobe kits start from £404 to over £3000 Design your own wardrobe online using our easy to use design tool. Typical delivery is 2 weeks for supply only kits and 2 - 3 weeks for our full design and install service.

Call 01773 600040 www.gliderobes.co.uk Showroom open hours: Weekdays 9am-5pm. Saturday 10am-4pm.

Unit 4, Hill Top Road, Amber Business Centre, Riddings, Derbyshire, DE55 4BR

• RF&O are a family run independent agent. • We pride ourselves on offering a reliable and efficient service to all of our clients, always recognising the importance of customer care. • We deal with a wide variety of properties in all price ranges, with specifically tailored services to suit your needs in both our Sales and Lettings departments. • For Landlords we offer our fully managed service at (subject to a minimum charge of £35)

...all your property needs, under ONE roof! Landline: 01773 609 446 Mobile: 07530 298 948 Email: enquiries@rfoproperties.co.uk

www.rfoproperties.co.uk 16 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

ALAN DOXEY Fireplace Specialist

Suppliers and fitters of gas and electric fires and gas stoves. Wide new range of marble and wooden mantles. Suppliers of all leading manufacturers.

Special Summer Offers

on selected fireplaces,electric & gas fires

COME VIEW AND SU OUR

MMER

PROM OTION S

Our world is at your feet! DELAMERE PLUS. 70% net efficiency. 4.4kw output. 5 year guarantee

ALL OLD CARPET IS CAREFULLY UPLIFTED, FURNITURE METICULOUSLY MOVED AND RETURNED, AND NEW CARPET FITTED BY PROFESSIONALLY-TRAINED, EMPLOYED FITTERS

Visit our 4 large showrooms or ring for a free home selection service

SENIOR CITIZENS DISCOUNT WEDNESDAY ONITEMSSELECTED

Centre

40 Hassock Lane North, Shipley, Nr Heanor DE75 7JB (A6007 Ilkeston-Heanor Road). Opposite Shipley Garden Centre.

Telephone 01773 717066

www.alandoxeyfireplaces.co.uk

43-47 High Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9DX

OPEN: May Bank Holiday - Monday 7th May and Spring Bank Holiday - Monday 28th May Normal opening hours Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm Other times by arrangement.

TELEPHONE: 01246 863148 FREE CUSTOMER CAR PARK www.nutt.co.uk

FITTING & DELIVERY SERVICE. Est 28 years

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 17

Yorkshire’s

Dangerous Coast

Robin Hood’s Bay with boats on the village street.

The best known wreck was fictional and featured the way novelist Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula came ashore at Whitby, in the shape of a huge black dog. As the story goes, Dracula reached England from Eastern Europe on the ship Demeter that foundered on rocks outside Whitby harbour, which only Dracula survived. Due to stormy weather or engine failure, many ships have failed to gain the safety of Whitby’s harbour. One of them was the Rohila, a WW1 hospital ship that was on its way south to collect wounded. Due to engine failure it missed the entrance to the harbour and drifted on to the rocks at Saltwick Nab below the abbey. Even though it was a matter of yards from the harbour, violent seas prevented the Whitby lifeboat rescuing more than a handful of survivors. Due to the strength of the gale, many of the rockets fired from the tantalisingly close beach, failed to reach their mark, but eventually rescue from the land did take place once the tide had dropped sufficiently. More recently, in 1976 a trawler, the Admiral von Tromp ran aground in a thick fog and heavy seas not all that far from where the Rohila foundered. Here again the Whitby lifeboat tried to rescue its crew and in fact came within touching distance of the vessel, but the rescue proved too difficult and two men drowned. At low tide the jagged remains of the once proud ship are exposed like some futuristic artwork. St Mary’s church stands against the elements high above Whitby harbour and within its walls there is a memorial to a lifeboat tragedy in 1861. During a severe storm, and after saving many lives in full view of a crowd watching from the pier, the Whitby lifeboat was flipped over and 12 men were drowned. Henry Freeman, the only crew member to survive did so because he was the only one wearing the then experimental cork life jacket.

The Abbey at Whitby Staithes, where storms have washed away some of the harbour houses.

Moving northwards away from Whitby, the coast is littered with the poignant remains of shipping that never reached safe harbour. A little way oﬀ the shore at Kettleness, between Whitby and Runswick Bay, the boiler of the Wolfhound a Humber trawler that ran aground in 1896 can still be seen, kelp covered and colonised by limpets and mussels. Another wreck is of the 1932 sinking of the Belgian trawler Jeanne, and it is commemorated in the cliffop churchyard at Lythe, where three of its crew are buried. Southwards from Whitby along Yorkshire’s all too frequently tragic coast, Robin Hood’s Bay and its street-end beached cobles, high ended like Viking ships to cope with rough waves, marks the start of a line of high cliﬀs with limited sea access. It was around here that in early geological times, rocky strata was twisted throughout ninety degrees, leaving long jagged fang like dykes that run far out into the bay. The parent rocks of these dykes are rich in alum, a chemical used to CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 19

‘fix’ red dyes once popular in Tudor times. Small coasters laden with barrels of human urine would carefully thread their way between the dykes, using them as a ready-made natural harbour, to unload on what passes as a beach. The urine was used as a chemical in the process of separating the alum from its parent rock which would be carried back to London dyeworks. As navigation was a rather hit-and-miss affair, it is quite likely that many of the chemical-carrying coasters foundered amongst the maze of sharp rocks running out to sea from the foot of places like Ravenscar where alum processing was a major industry. The remains of a modern vessel which came to grief on these fangs still lie out to sea about half way along the rocky shoreline between Robin Hood’s Bay and Ravenscar. This was the Sarb-J, a Grimsby trawler that ran aground in 1994 after its propeller got tangled with a rope. The successful rescue of all its crew became a major operation involving a helicopter. The hulk now sits forlornly upright on its keel hard beneath the cliffs. Scarborough has an all-weather harbour. It stands at the foot of the castle and probably owes much of its origins to the time when the castle and the expanding town was the major port on this part of the coast. While the harbour has offered safe refuge to both inshore and small coastal traffic, the town, along with Hartlepool and Whitby was severely damaged by bombardment from the sea during the Great War. On 16th December 1914 a battle-cruiser squadron under the command of Rear Admiral von Hipper systematically shelled the totally unprepared North East coastal towns, causing great loss of civilian life and extensive damage to property. For many years after the end of that war, a German cruiser, held as part of post war reparations, became a tourist attraction while moored in Scarborough harbour. Walkers and bird watchers strolling along the cliff tops of Flamborough Head on their way to Bempton maybe stop to admire the apparently calm sea gently washing up against the cliffs far below. Gentle though it may seem, the prevailing current is deceptively strong and many ships have ended their days dashed against the cliffs. A clue as to sea conditions can be gained from the number of cobles winched well above the tide-line at North Landing, one of the few access points along this section of coast. During the American War of Independence, in 1779 an American man-of-war watched by a large cliff top crowd as it battled with the British ship, Serapis. The American was forced on to the rocks by the tide, but bizarrely its crew managed to board the Serapis and, following a short hand-to-hand skirmish managed to capture the British ship. The remains of a more recent disaster, this time by a Royal Navy ship, the SS Rosa that went aground on the far side of North Landing in 1930, can be traced by the still recognisable riveted steel plates of its boiler. 20 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Still today underwater rocks present a hazard

Staithes Bridlington is still popular as a family ‘bucketand-spade’ holiday resort and it has a handy little harbour where inshore ﬁshing boats can gain shelter in all weathers. In February 1878, a ﬂeet of colliers on its way to London from Tyneside was overtaken by a severe storm. Several foundered before they could reach the safety of Bridlington harbour, but most managed to reach its shelter. They stayed there until they thought the storm had abated, but no sooner did they reach the open sea than they were attacked by an even more violent storm. At that time unscrupulous ship owners were in the habit of grossly overloading their vessels, safe in the knowledge that their insurance value more than covered their costs.

With most of the ﬂeet of colliers in trouble, the Bridlington lifeboat, assisted by shore-based volunteers tried to rescue survivors. Scores of sailors died, along with six lifeboat men – the parish records for that disaster cover two pages, with most victims recorded as ‘unknown, drowned’. The direct result of the Bridlington collier ship disaster came about when the reforming radical Derby MP, Samuel Plimsoll (1824-1898), fought against vested interests to bring about an act ensuring the correct loading of ships. The Plimsoll line as it became known shows safe loading on all deep-sea ships and is his lasting memorial.

The south shore of Whitby Harbour

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 21

DERBY’S LARGESTAND ANDMOST MOSTEXCITING EXCITING DERBY’S LARGEST DERBY’S LARGEST AND MOST EXCITING

bathroom showroom bathroom showroom bathroom showroom

NOW NOW OPEN OPEN NOW

OPEN MON - SAT

8.30am - 5.00pm 8.30am - 5.00pm MON - SAT

8.30am - 5.00pm MON - SAT

• Massive 6,000 sq ft showroom

up to

70% 70% discount up to up to

discount 70% discount

• Massive 6,000 sq ft showroom

• Unbeatable internet prices - guaranteed

• Unbeatable internet prices - guaranteed Massive 6,000 sq ft showroom Over 100 bathroom show • Unbeatable internet settings prices - on guaranteed

• Over 100 bathroom settings on show

• Vast product stock for immediate despatch

Over in-store 100 bathroom settings on service show ••FREE bathroom planning

FREE in-storestock bathroom planning despatch service Vast product for immediate ••Trade enquiries welcome • Trade enquiriesbathroom welcomeplanning service FREE in-store

• TradeDE1 enquiries FIND US: Canal Street, Derby, 2RJ welcome

FIND US: Canal Street, Derby, DE1 2RJ FREEPHONE: 0800Derby, 772 0773 FIND US: Canal Street, DE1 2RJ

FREEPHONE: 0800 772 0773 baths • showers • toilets • shower enclosures • basins • furniture • suites • taps • heating FREEPHONE: 772 0773 baths • showers • toilets0800 • shower enclosures • basins • furniture • suites • taps • heating Brands include: Conran, Hudson Reed, Kudos, Laura Ashley, Rak, Roper Rhodes, Ted Baker and many more.

baths • showers • toilets • shower enclosures • basins • furniture • suites • taps • heating

Brands include: Conran, Hudson Reed, Kudos, Laura Ashley, Rak, Roper Rhodes, Ted Baker and many more. Brands include: Conran, Hudson Reed, Kudos, Laura Ashley, Rak, Roper Rhodes, Ted Baker and many more. 22 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

The Lost Houses

of Derbyshire by Maxwell Craven

Melbourne Castle

The 1602 survey drawing of the castle, possibly from the north. [The National Archives]

ome castles grew from purely Norman military motte-and-bailey castles, constructed by William the Conqueror’s knights to keep a firm hold on England. Others are later affairs, fortified houses built later in the middle ages or even in the Tudor Age more as symbolic castles than effective defensive buildings. Later still, houses like Elvaston or Bretby had ‘castle’ added in lieu of ‘hall’ for effect. If one was a member of the medieval elite, with a largish house built around one or even two courtyards, adding defensive works was sometimes felt advisable, as during the barons’ wars in the mid-13th century, or during the wars of the Roses in the mid-fifteenth century. In that case one applied to the King for a licence to crenellate, or to put it simply, to adapt one’s house to make it to some extent defensible. Such houses are usually termed defended manor houses rather than pure castles, and locally included Codnor, Bretby and Melbourne.

The exposed exterior wall footings at Castle Farm on an open day. [Private collection] CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 23

The Lost Houses

of Derbyshire by Maxwell Craven There never was a Norman castle at Melbourne. The King had granted Melbourne to the Bishops of Carlisle, a place often made too hot for comfort by marauding Scots, hence the epic scale of the Norman church there. Yet it was not until 1246/1248 that we have evidence for a manor house at Melbourne. In the very beginning of the fourteenth century Sir Robert de Holand, held a manor house there under the ambitious Thomas, Duke of Lancaster of whom he was a leading conﬁdant. He duly obtained a licence to crenellate in 1311 and in 1314 the mason Peter de Bagworth is recorded and undertaking extensive works there, ‘there’ being the area on the SE side of Castle Square at Melbourne, although this work was being done for Lancaster, not Holand himself, that year created a peer by writ of summons.

George Hastings, 4th Earl of Huntingdon and his son Henry. [Leicester Museums]

Jean I, Duc de Bourbon and Auvergne. [Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris]

Indeed, whatever arrangement there was between Lord Holand and the Duke, it was clearly intended to enable the former to reap the fiscal benefits of ownership whilst his master retained control of the site. Indeed, this was the year of the disaster at Bannockburn and for the next four years Lancaster was effectively in control of the government. In 1322, however, the King had his revenge, defeating the Duke at Boroughbridge, although, strangely enough, Holand had deserted to the King just prior to the encounter, thus saving his neck. What Holand created was a fortified manor house and he was later confirmed in his possession of the manor of Melbourne, held this time from his former mentor’s younger brother, Henry, Earl of Lancaster, again raised to a dukedom in 1351. The Castle is specifically referred to as such in the documentation generated by his death ten years later. The manor and castle passed by marriage to John of Gaunt, also created Duke of Lancaster, and when his son became Henry IV, his possessions were made into a separate principality, called the Duchy of Lancaster which still owns much land in England and especially in Derbyshire.

Two black and white views of the 1970s excavations. [The Late Howard Usher]

24 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

By this time there was an extensive park, now attached to the Melbourne Hall estate, surrounded by a pale – an earthen bank designed to stop the deer jumping out - still extant in several sections, and equipped with two lodges, one (moated) situated at SK392241 and recorded as in existence from c. 1262 until the late 15th century. There was also a moat and bridge. After Agincourt the castle was developed into a palace-like residence and became the very luxurious PoW camp of the captured Jean, Duc de Bourbon and other notable French prisoners. Poor Duke Jean was there for no less than nineteen years; clearly no one at home was in any hurry to raise his ransom! Their gaoler and the Constable of the Castle was local landed magnate Nicholas Montgomery of Cubley, the younger. It was later granted to Henry V’s French queen after his death in 1422. A drawing of 1602 in the PRO (subsequently rather well engraved in 1733 for the Society of Antiquaries) shows it to have been embowered with something like a dozen round and square section towers, all embattled, the external walls having plentiful slit windows but high up, one or two elaborately traceried Gothic ones too. A pedimented lantern visible in the midst of the pinnacles seems to indicate the position of the great hall and there was an impressive elaborate door with a crocketed ogee moulding above it in the outer wall, compared by Anthony Emery with that at Mackworth (see last month) and presumably the main entrance, reached by the bridge over the moat. Emery also suggests that it must have been built, like Haddon and Wingﬁeld Manor, around two courtyards and points out that the original drawing (rather than the engravings taken from it) clearly suggests this. In its time it must have been most impressive. Yet its apogee was brief and, with the French wars at an end, it swiftly became a white elephant although exactly what it was used for in the later ﬁfteenth and earlier sixteenth centuries is not at all clear, but it was still in good repair when the itinerarist John Leland saw it in the early1540s, writing that it was ‘Prety [pretty] and yn meately [very] good reparation.’

This description would suggest that, at some point in the later Middle Ages, the curtain wall around the castle had been demolished and that the ward surrounding the main building had gone

out of use. In the event, Mary was never moved to Melbourne and the castle ceased to be a residence. A survey of 1597 reported that it was used as a pound for stray cattle and in that year the park was sold to Francis Needham, a man who was to be knighted in 1617 after having bought an East Anglian estate, and who had already purchased Melbourne Hall and the rectory. The castle itself was sold by the Crown to four speculators, probably to defray the cost of the coronation of James VI and I. They sold it on to the Ashby magnate, George Hastings, 4th Earl of Huntingdon for £4,700; quite why he wished

Images

Bathrooms, Kitchen & Bedrooms

“Awash with ideas” Bathroom Images of Leabrooks. 44a Charles Street, Leabrooks, Derbyshire DE55 1LZ

To Somercotes

Main Road B6016 LEABROOKS

To Swanwick

Greenhill Lane B6016

Yet under Elizabeth it appears to have become completely redundant. Hence it was referred to in 1576 when it was reported that the castle was in a fair state of decay though the stonework was good. In 1583, it was recommended by the Privy Council that the queen move her cousin, the imprisoned Mary, Queen of Scots, to Melbourne, and a description of the castle was provided which throws interesting light on its appearance

at the time in that it was said to be constructed of lead-covered ashlar, had large spacious rooms that would need to be partitioned, ﬂoors of earth and plaster, walls that appear to have needed repointing and rendering since they were described as being too easily scaleable, and no paths or wall about the house ‘so as being out of dors you are in the myre, for it is verie foule and unpleasaunt to walk round about...'.

tre

rle

a Ch

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.

E: bathroomimages@btconnect.com T: 01773 608531 CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 25

The Lost Houses

of Derbyshire by Maxwell Craven to acquire it though is a mystery – perhaps he wanted it as a replacement for his castle at Ashby. Clearly his son, Henry (5th Earl succeeded 1604) didn’t agree: he instead set about demolishing it, selling its building materials, and indeed, much of the 17th century buildings of Melbourne seem to include stone from it, including, it is said, the hall. Castle farm was already on the site by 1630 according to a survey of that year and certainly incorporates much of its stonework, in some instances, still in situ.

Castle Farm, showing the remaining wall section. [Private collection]

Lord Huntingdon clearly did a very thorough job of pulling it down, precious little remains, most of them in the grounds of Castle Farm (largely built from its fabric as with the farmhouse at Codnor Castle), including a substantial (80 feet long) wall revealed in the later 19th century, but long robbed of its outer skin of fine, ashlared Keuper sandstone. Extensive cellarage was discovered in 1843, recorded as `subterranean apartments' beneath Castle Farm and `considerable foundation walls...in many parts of the garden' were recorded by Joseph Deans in 1843 but were back-filled and built over soon afterwards; furthermore, in 1889 W DashwoodFane excavated more footings. Indeed, the only clue we have that it was built of such fine dressed stone was in the PRO drawing, until excavations and in the 1960s, 1971 and 1973 and again in 1989 (when Castle Mills and cottage to the south of Castle Farm and orchard were demolished for housing) revealed substantial footings of a tower and other parts still encased in ashlar. Excavations, carried out in Castle Orchard, revealed a complex of ashlar-faced battered, or sloping, wall plinths, extending southwards from the upstanding wall, which appear to represent the remains of projections or towers and may belong to more than one phase of building. Architectural features include the base of a flight of steps leading up to a robbed-out level, parts of string courses designed to protect walls from rainwater, the respond (supporting column) of a stone door jamb, drainage holes and some 38 mason's marks. In 1987, the need to disassemble and reconstruct the east end of the lean-to cart-shed on the north side of the upstanding medieval wall led to the discovery of a possible floor and a north-south running wall while, in the same year, the curving stone foundations of a tower or bastion were also found beneath the lean-to, some 32ft to the west where they are now sealed beneath a concrete floor. Some of these were left visible by the then owner of the Farm, John Blunt, and open days are still occasionally run to allow people to see them. 26 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Castle Farm from Castle Square, 1980s. [Late Howard Usher] The foundations of the 80ft wall had been noted during the construction of Castle Mills in 1857 when they were reported to be 12 feet thick and were exposed in one of the knitting shops. A second massive east-west wall was identified in 1989, 39ft north of the first wall, together with some less substantial foundations and a possible robber trench. To the east, beneath the 1960s extension of Castle Mills, where mill footings are recorded as having cut through medieval foundations to a depth of 15 feet, a layer of medieval lead-glazed roof tiles was found. A medieval stone-lined well was also found when Castle Mill was constructed and was used subsequently to supply its boiler until it was covered over in 1928. Much of the site is protected as a scheduled ancient monument. Survey papers from the late fifteenth century in the PRO make it clear that the castle was used as the administrative HQ of the Duchy of Lancaster

in the Midlands. Emery states that ‘Melbourne Castle was a key building in the development of late medieval residences in the Trent valley. Its size, maintenance and extension show that it was more than an administrative centre for the Duchy lands in Derbyshire. Its loss therefore represents a serious gap in our knowledge of the area.’ Indeed, considering the importance of the east Midlands as a forcing ground for early experiments in high-built elite residences, one can only concur. Melbourne Castle as developed in the 15th century clearly has a place in the sequence of such buildings with Prior Overton’s Tower at Repton Hall, Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, the High Tower of Wingﬁeld Manor and Eastwood Hall, leading on to old Chatsworth, Hardwick, Worksop Manor and Bolsover. Not bad for a lost house.

M�� D�� F�� L�� I�…

New Oak

Developments

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS

DOORS STAIRS JOINERY

“New Oak Developments did a superb job of supplying and installing oak doors in our home. They were friendly, honest and professional. The job was completed on time in full and they did an immaculate job of tidying up once the work was completed. Couldn’t have been better. Thank you.”

Worktops

Fireplaces

Flooring Suppliers & Installers Of Quality Doors & Joinery Products

Opening Times: Monday-Friday 8.30-5.00 Saturday 8.30-12.00

www.mandalelimestone.com

Tel: 01773 821531 Mobile: 07920014535 Email: sales@newoakdoors.co.uk Web: www.newoakdoors.co.uk

Email: info@mandalelimestone.com Old Station Yard, Rowsley, Derbyshire, DE4 2EJ

Telephone: 01629 735 507

KEDLESTON HEATING

Monday-Friday 9.00 - 5.00, Saturday 9.30 - 4.30

Tel: 01332 200303

kedfires@btconnect.com • www.kedlestonheating.co.uk

Summer Specials! Log Burners, Electric and Gas Fires, Mantles, Mirrors, Cast Iron Hearths & Panels & Fireplace accessories – ex display and new!

34 Duffield Road, Five Lamps, Derby, DE1 3BH CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 27

Affordable Beautiful Kitchens “Thousands of satisfied customers can confirm Holtams supply the best value for money kitchens and bedrooms in this area.”

SALE NOW ON Save 20% off our top twenty

kitchen ranges ordered in July 18 *

SUMMER SALE now on Bedrooms

www.holtams.co.uk *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY, SEE IN STORE FOR DETAILS 28 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Kitchen & Bedroom specialists Established 1985

Leading *

dealers in the area

FREE

Slide & Hide oven with kitchens ordered in July 2018 *

VAT free fitting

WHY CHOOSE HOLTAMS?…

“A trusted family business built on a solid reputation”

• Best value for money • Free design and planning service • Quality 18mm colour co-ordinated cabinets • Extensive door styles to choose from • Granite, solid surface and laminate worktops • Latest CAD 3D design software • No pressure selling • Large car park • Experienced friendly designers

www.holtams.co.uk

Random Ridge, Pickard Lane, Heage, Nr Ripley, Derbyshire, DE56 2BD

T: 01773 852683

Open: Monday to Friday - 9am - 5pm Saturday - 9am to 4pm, Sundays - Closed CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 29

Derbyshire

Antiques & Collectibles by Maxwell Craven

Beswick Pottery Figures

Mould no 1377: rare Canadian mounted cowboy: sold for £540 [Private collection]

ohn Beswick Ltd, formerly J. W. Beswick, was a pottery manufacturer, founded in 1892 by James Wright Beswick and his sons John and Gilbert, in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. The firm survived until in 1969 when it was sold to Doulton & Co. Ltd. They closed the factory in 2002 and the brand name John Beswick was sold on in 2004 to Dartington Crystal, which outfit resumed production. The pottery was chiefly known for producing high-quality porcelain figurines such as farm animals and Beatrix Potter characters and have become highly sought in the collectables market. The Dartington owned brand will still sell you items from a range of their classic pottery animals at prices ranging from around £16 for a seated piglet to £65, which sum will buy you an impressive-looking red stag. Based at the Gold Street works in Longton (Stoke-on-Trent), Beswick originally produced tablewares and ornaments such as Staffordshire cats and dogs. Yet when James Wright Beswick died in 1921, the company continued to expand under his grandson, John Ewart Beswick. In 1934 the introduction of high fired bone china meant they could produce highquality figurines, such as famous race horses and champion dogs. The company was made a limited company, John Beswick Ltd, in 1936.

An important change came in 1939, when Wolstanton-born Arthur Gredington (19061976) was appointed chief modeller and the firm began producing farm animal figurines which quickly became widely collected. Gredington's range of no less than 190 rearing horsemen is one of the largest (and most popular amongst collectors) ever produced by the company. Not that the number 190 is anything but a notional one, for it is made up of minor variants of the basic 150 or so of Gredington’s horse figures. There were, for instance two versions of model 868 (a racehorse, jockey up), one with the jockey in an orange or scarlet jacket cut away at the waist sitting bolt upright. In the second version introduced in 1952 horse and rider have greater animation, the rider flung back by the motion of his steed. The commonest model of version two with a brown horse can be found for around £175. Yet these have fallen in price from around £250 a few

Currently oﬀered by Bamfords at an estimate of £40-60: Ch. Wallboy & two friends.[Bamfords Ltd.]

30 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Introduced 1952, six piece Disney cartoon set: sold February 2018 for £260. [Bamfords Ltd.]

Early Beswick Mark [Private collection]

Modern Beswick, mould no 1037: racehorse with jockey up. [Private collection]

books. In 1948, John Beswick secured the right to reproduce a range of 10 Beatrix Potter earthenware characters, the ﬁrst of which was Jemima Puddle-Duck, modelled by Arthur Gredington. In 1952, Beswick began manufacturing a range of Disney characters, including Snow White, Mickey Mouse and Bambi. Along with the designs of James Hayward, the high-quality pieces they produced have become quite desirable. A Beswick model of a running hare, 5 inches high, model no. 1024, issued 1945-1963 was sold by us at Bamfords for an impressive £330 a decade ago now. Arthur Gredington retired in 1968 and the following year the company was sold to

Gymkhana Queen: sold for £100 in 2009 [Bamfords Ltd.]

Royal Doulton and although animal figures continued to be produced, by 1989, the Beswick backstamp was dropped in favour of the Royal Doulton Royal Albert DA one. The popularity of the Beatrix Potter characters was a factor in re-introducing the range in 1998, specifically for the collectors’ market. But by the end of 2002, Royal Doulton ceased production of all Beswick products and in 2003 the Gold Street works were sold. In 2004 the Beswick name and product design rights were also again sold. The John Beswick name is now owned by Dartington Crystal, which continue to produce animal figurines using some original production moulds from the Gold Street works; they also produce vases

under the John Beswick name. The Snowman and the Gruffalo figures are just some of the nursery figures still being produced. Yet if you want to collect, you should ideally be looking to buy items from the Gredington era (1939-1968) and the earlier the better. As usual, check for damage and wear. There is also a published price guide by Harvey May (no relation!) last republished in 2014, which gives some idea of current prices (which appear pretty stable at present) and mould numbering. Buying new is best avoided, as it will take decades before your purchase reaches the sum you paid, and there is always the danger that the manufacturer will over-produce, which always hobbles future prices.

Right: Mould no 2694: Rupert Bear, part of a Daily Express commissioned set, est. £150-200. [Bamfords Ltd.]

Ecclesbourne Valley Clocks

Antique Clock Restoration & Repair Personal, qualiﬁed & experienced repair service Please contact us to arrange a visit to your home for a FREE evaluation and quotation

07772 411663

evclocks@gmail.com Based just outside Belper

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 31

Local Stockists

No VAT on Fitting Costs Plumbing or Electrical Costs

Still beating our competitors quotations! Even during their sales!

Keeping prices low all year Here at Kitchen Solutions we are looking forward to our 12th year of trading. Over that time we have fitted and supplied 1000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of kitchens to properties in the local area and gained an excellent reputation along the way. As a result of that we have become proud members of CheckaTrade and are Nottinghamshire County Council and Trading Standards Approved. All our kitchens are fantastic quality as we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use flat pack furniture and only use talented and experienced tradesmen.

Call in at our showroom where we can discuss your kitchen project.

WWW.KITCHEN-SOLUTIONS.NET

32 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

* fitted kitchens only

Individually designed kitchens at affordable prices

Over 100 genuine reviews on Checkatrade

Our modern showroom offers a wide selection of high quality kitchens and appliances to suit a small budget through to state-of-the-art appliances and superior bespoke kitchens.

A610

• Free no-obligation design and quotation service • We only use fully trained, experienced tradesmen • Fully colour co-ordinated rigid units 18mm solid backs and enclosed wall fixings • Blum soft-closing doors and drawers as standard • Clever storage ideas available to look at in the showroom • Proud members of Checktrade.com • Fully project-managed installation service or ASDA supply only! To Heanor To Eastwood • Solid Granite, Quartz Stone, Timber, St Andrews Laminates Church • Family run business WE ARE HERE

Kitchen Solutions (Langley Mill) Ltd

St Andrews Court, 96 Station Road Langley Mill, Nottingham NG16 4BP Open: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm and Sat 10am-4pm. Closed: Sunday & Wednesday

www.checkatrade.com/KitchenSolutions

Telephone 01773 716465

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 33

IAN FOSTER PLUMBING, HEATING

& BUILDING SERVICES

Ian Foster Kitchen Installation Kitchens, Bathrooms, Boilers Log Burners, Ufheating, uPVC Doors & Windows

01773 829603 • 07966 403265

www.ianfosterplumbing.co.uk • ianfoster3@me.com

facebook.com/Ian-Foster-Plumbing-Heating-Building-Services

“This kitchen was installed by ourselves from start to finish. By that I mean that we knocked through into the outhouse, we removed the flat concrete roof and put on a pitch roof. Bricked up the existing doorway, then cut a new one and installed the uPVC door in the photo. The external walls were rendered, while inside we carried out our own plumbing, gas, plastering, tiling and joinery. Please visit my Facebook page @, Ian Foster Plumbing, Heating & Building Services. Here you will see the complete package of works we carry out.”Ian Foster 01773 829603 or 07966 403265

Let Total Home Improvements make your house a better home by providing the kind of service that you deserve

T: 01773 714 970 T: 0115 930 5858 info@totalhomeimp.co.uk | www.totalhomeimp.co.uk

We supply and install a large range of products WINDOWS & DOORS IN: - UPVC - ALUMINIUM - TIMBER TRIPLE GLAZING UPGRADE NOW AVAILABLE

COMPOSITE WOOD GARDEN ROOMS, FENCING, DECKING, BALUSTRADES & RAILINGS

FASCIA, SOFFITS, GUTTERS CONSERVATORIES CONSERVATORY UPGRADES CANOPIES & CARPORTS VERANDAS

THE ALL NEW FLUSH CASEMENT WINDOW

34 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Innovative Aluminium Designs

Architectural Windows and Glazing

Innovative Aluminium Designs

Innovative Aluminium Design Visit our Visit our showroom showroomat: at: Old Hall Old Hall Mill Mill Business Business Park, Park,Little LittleEaton, Eaton,Derby DerbyDE21 DE215Ej. 5EJ.

Call 01332 Call 01332835212 835212 www.architecturalwindows.org.uk www.architecturalwindows.org.uk

Open Monday Weekends by Open Monday –– Friday Friday 9am 9am –– 5pm. 5pm. Evenings Evenings and and Weekends byappointment. appointment.

SUMMER SALE PREMIER INTERIORS of Langley Mill

have a fabulous showroom in Langley Mill which has recently been fitted with six brand new kitchen displays. Premier Interiors offer a most professional service for their high quality fitted kitchens. Here is what their customers say:

“

We love our new kitchen and the service from start to ﬁnish has been amazing. We’d recommend anyone looking for a kitchen to give Premier a try.

36 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

* E T O U 6 Q H MATCE FOR BRAND NEW NY LIK EN

A LIKE QUOTE

KITCH DISPLAYS

“

• OUR KITCHENS HAVE FULL SOFT CLOSING 18 MM UNITS • SOLID FULL HEIGHT BACKS • COLOUR CO-ORDINATED • 200 DIFFERENT STYLES AND DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM

FREINEG *

FitIhTthTis advert w

WITH UP TO

75% OFF SELECTED KITCHENS

Paul Depadova said, “From the initial visit to the showroom to the ﬁnished product we couldn’t be happier. For anyone looking for a hassle free experience and quality products and surprisingly low prices,my advice is don’t waste your weekends trawling round the usual places, go straight to Premier.”

PREMIER INTERIORS Quality Fitted Kitchens

Telephone: 01773 252090

Showroom: 227 Station Road, Langley Mill, Notts, NG16 4AD

Mon - Wed - 9am - 6pm | Thur - 9am - 7pm | Fri - 9am - 6pm | Sat - 9am - 5.30pm | Sun - 10am - 4pm

T: 01773 252090 | W: premierinteriorsnottingham.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. *Not in conjunction with any other offer.CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

| 37

Hurst Opticians

BUY ONE

Alfreton

HALF FREE eye exam voucher

5 / 7 H i g h S t r e e t R i p l e y 01773 748112/744333 FREE Sight Tests for over 60s and children under NHS *Conditions apply, when you order selected frames and lenses to include single vision.

Ripley

Retail therapy, local shopping, craft and art shops...our towns have it all.

GET THE SECOND

PRICE

There is something for everyone in the Amber Valley and you will discover a wide selection of shops along with tearooms and restaurants in the area. The market towns offer a wide range of independent and speciality shops, unique gems nestled in the streets together with markets for those wanting to pick up seasonal produce. These characterful towns enjoy an elevated position with beautiful views over distant green fields and villages. Both towns are centrally situated and easy to reach with excellent transport links easily accessible from the M1 and A38 and arterial road network. The Amber Valley offers many excellent places to eat, from small cafes and village pubs, to a la carte restaurants and hotels with a diverse range of international cuisines. On these pages too you will see companies that are bursting with ideas to help you create a better home, live healthily and enjoy the area.

Save money on your energy bills with A-rated windows – from Bowfield Attractive, high security, energy efficient window system helps keep your home warm and comfortable all year round – which will save you £££s in the long-run!

Established for 20 years, we operate with long serving, mature employees, capable of consistently producing quality domestic windows, doors, porches and conservatories along with large scale commercial installations.

Unit 1, Yew Tree Farm, Deep Lane, Hardstoft, Derbyshire S45 8AE

For more information, or to request a quote, call:

01246 855 960 38 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Members of FENSA and have a 10 year insurance backed guarantee on all installations

f: 01246 856 248 e: bowfield@googlemail.com www.bowfieldwindows.com

Que Women, have a passion for fashion and a clear eye for style. This family team continues to introduce exciting new labels to sit alongside their popular and well loved brands. Visit Que Women, 13 Church Street, Ripley or check out www.quewomen.co.uk.

Hallam Whittle are a family owned business with many years of experience in home furnishings. From lighting, mirrors and beautiful accessories to beds, upholstery and carpets, their extensive showrooms have many displays to browse. They continue to value caring, personal service. Visit them on 16-22 High Street, Ripley.

STOCK CLEARANCE SALE CONTINUESâ&#x20AC;Ś Massive savings throughout the store.

Hallam, Whittle & Co Ltd 16-22 High Street, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3HH

Tel/Fax: 01773 742369 Lighting Tel: 01773 742288 FAMILY BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1952 AMPLE FREE PARKING

Alfreton M.A.D.E @ No 18

is the place to come to discover arts and crafts, develop your own creativity, see original theatre, enjoy a film. At the same time you can enjoy scrumptious freshly made breakfasts, lunch or tea in our Cafe Bistro or eat Alfresco on our terrace and cottage style garden. MADE @ No 18 also offer venue room hire for parties or small weddings.

Ripley Derek Hairstylist, Codnor, Derbyshire for all your hair

requirements. Giving professional advice with many years experience. Create your style in this Olaplex salon. Derek’s hairstylists are educated in all the latest colouring techniques; Balayage/ombre/colour melt. Telephone 01773 743371.

On the 21st July

happiness will spread across our town of Alfreton in the form of music, theatre, comedy, art and family events. Several of the amazing independent shops in Alfreton are joining forces (like the Avengers) to make this incredible event happen. We thought that Alfreton deserves cool stuff too! Kid friendly

& most others

WHITE PEAK GOLF TROLLEY SALES & REPAIRS Quality servicing and repairs by authorised service agent using genuine parts. Pick-Up & Drop-Off service at the following golf clubs… • Ormonde Fields Golf Club (workshop) • Cavendish Golf Club • Buxton & High Peak Golf Club • South Chesterﬁeld Golf Club • Sickleholme Golf Club • Erewash Valley Golf Club • Shirland • Alfreton

JOHN WHITE

J.B England and Sons Ltd are one of the longest established skip hire and coal merchants in the area, Scott the Managing director goes on to say “ We are a local family business and have been established in the area for many years, and are very proud to offer our services to the local community.”

Transform the Outside

with our driveway solutions • Driveways • Forecourts • Paths • Car Parks • Slabbing and Block Paving • Dropped Kerbs • Patio • Fencing • Concreting

Joe Brown Contractors Ltd Domestic and Commercial Tarmac and Paving Specialists

01773 528468 07970 288992

40 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

01773 834455 info@joebrowncontractors.co.uk

www.joebrowncontractors.co.uk

All our work is guaranteed for 2 years

Alfreton

Ripley

Create Your Dream Bathroom

Derwent Sash Windows and Doors Ltd is a family run business that has been serving the East Midlands and surrounding areas since 1994. Derwent Sash Windows do not believe in the 'hard sell', they offer a free, no-obligation quotation and consultation. A visit from one of their specialist advisers means no high pressure selling. They do not offer fake unbelievable discounts, just a fair quoted price. Visit their impressive show room in Ripley Derbyshire.

CLEARING THE GARDEN? WANT TO GET RID OF RUBBLE? DIY PROJECT WASTE

Call Englands Ltd Affordable skip hire

Quality Bathrooms, Fully Guaranteed Installation, Expert Design, Personal Service

DISTINCT • Affordable skip hire • Prompt delivery service • Environmentally friendly recycling • Competitive rates • 2, 4 & 8 cubic yard skips available • Domestic & commercial • Free initial consultation

J.B. England & Son Ltd Telephone: 01773 836 008 2a Lydford Road, Meadow Lane Industrial Estate, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7RQ

BATHROOMS

Visit our showroom on Wellington Street, Ripley DE5 3EH Visit our website: www. www.distinctbathrooms.co.uk Contact us on : 01773 749291 Email: enquiries@distinctbathrooms.co.uk

OPENING 7TH JULY: Dig Street, Asbourne, DE6 1GF Tel: 01335 418081

Open: Mon to Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat 8am - 12pm

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 41

Enhance t beauty of y Visit our amazing new showroom to view the ﬁnest selection of Windows and Doors.

www.derwentwindows.co.uk

‘Enhance the value and beauty of your home with real timber windows and doors’ Our collection of engineered timber windows and doors has been carefully and sensitively tailored to complement your home with styles and designs to suit both traditional and modern properties, offering unrivalled quality, beauty and performance.

‘The UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium Bi-folding Doors, Windows and Blinds’

Origin’s products combine high grade aluminium with precision engineering to create functional and elegant products which are designed to last.

OFF

ALL TIMBER WINDOWS & DOORS ‘The perfect low maintenance timber alternative sash window’ If you believe, like us, that original sliding sash windows are the most beautiful window style of all time, you’re sure to appreciate our elegant yet pioneering sash wind designs from an award winning manufacturer.

SA LE

‘The UK’s best composite doors’

Solidor is the nation’s favourite manufacturer and supplier of composite doors. Fitted and installed via a nationwide network of approved installers, the extensive Solidor range of composite doors are widely admired for their stunning design, and unparalleled security.

UNTIL 31 ST JANUARY 2018 BESPOKE WINDOWS & DOORS

“Exquisite, Handcrafted Timber Alternative Windows & Doors” Individually designed to adhere to Evolution’s exacting principles, our luxury, bespoke windows blend specialist knowledge with the finest materials and craftsmanship to realise the ultimate next generation window.

42 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk Winter Sale Ripley advert - country images.indd 1

“Absolutely delighted with our new sash windows from Derwent. The products are first class. The fitting team were brilliant, preparing each room with plastic sheeting before fitting. Outstanding service all round highly recommended.”

W V c o s

P b a e

See the

Quality for yourselves

Visit our Ripley Showroom

Tel: 01773 747456 Email: info@derwentsashwindows.co.uk Web: www.derwentwindows.co.uk Showroom: The Old Church, 31 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3AS Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 4:30pm CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 43

AILEENS CATERING

Fresh hot and cold food made daily Buffets and outside catering available A choice of menus starting from £4.95 per head. Childrens parties, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and wakes.

Delivery service available on orders over £10. 07493 931913

40 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3DJ

TUMBL WASH E Same day washing/drying for duvets Free pick up / delivery service (within a 3 mile radius is free) Full wash / dry / ironing service We wash football /rugby kits Open 7 days a week Free tea/coffee while you wait

42 Nottingham Rd | Ripley 01773 745122

Alfreton

Ripley

tumblewashripley@hotmail.com

Nevaeh Design & Interiors is a family business based in

the heart of Ripley, Derbyshire. Husband and wife team Adam and Kenley Keightley have been working hard for over 20 years supplying and fitting bespoke kitchens for hundreds of clients. In March 2015 they decided to put all of this experience to use and further extend the business by launching their first showroom for high quality, bespoke kitchens. They supply and fit stylish cabinets, beautiful work surfaces, splash-backs, lighting and many more essentials that go hand-in-hand with making your kitchen and bathroom heavenly.

Quality Yarns, Large Variety of Needle Work supplies and accessories

U-DUIT

CREATIVE CRAFTS

22 Church Street, Ripley DE5 3BU Tel: 07497 523 821 uduitcreativecrafts@gmail.com

They also personally design your kitchen with your specific needs in mind with exciting features, clever storage and lighting solutions, your kitchen will be equally appealing and practical. Whether you prefer a modern or traditional style, let them create the kitchen of your dreams that fits around you.

More than just a cafe bistro

Gin Tasting

wine tasting & cocktail making

Venu Hire

See website and facebook page for more details

Unique 30 seater Cinema

opening September.

Want to learn how to act? Then join ‘M.A.D.E.@No.18 presents’ theatre company.

Try our famous Afternoon Tea www.madeatno18.co.uk 18 Church Street, Alfreton DE55 7AH T: 01773 279112

Bistro Nights

see facebook for details

Live Music

and open mic nights

Open for Breakfast Monday-Thursday 9.30-11 and 9-11 on Friday and Saturday Lunch 11.30-2.30 • Coffee and cake all day

44 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Tudor Jewellers is a family business that offers expert watch and jewellery repair, cutting edge styles, fair prices, and fabulous customer service. Here at Tudor, you can find the perfect engagement ring, wedding bands, or just a little something special for that special someone.

Derek

Hairstylists 15 Market Place, Codnor, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 9QA Tel: 01773 743371

“Now proud

installers of Masterclass Kitchens – stunning quality, bespoke made kitchens which range from ultra modern to traditional classics.”

A family run business that specialises in all aspects of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom design. Offering a full installation service we can take care of the whole project for you, we’ll design your new space using our specialist 3D design software, we can even include any building or remodelling of your home. With over 16 years experience in the industry you can be sure of the quality of service.

‘award winning kitchens - recently on at the main Miele stand at Grand Designs NEC’

British made kitchens that come with a full 10 year Warranty

Call us for a free no obligation design visit and let us help you to create your very own piece of Heaven! 36 Grosvenor Road, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3JF Tel: 01773 741130 Email: info@nevaehdesign.com

www.nevaehdesign.com

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 45

Dining at

The Sanam Tandoori Restaurant

Cooking in a traditional way has always been the priority at the Sanam on King Street Alfreton, and for the past 25 years they have stuck to that premise. Over that period of time they have seen restaurants come and go, some change hands. Their philosophy of providing quality food at a fair price has stood the test of time and they are immensely proud of their track record. The chef was trained in the art of blending spices by a leading international chef which explains the extensive and mouthwatering menu on offer at the Sanam. There’s everything on the menu you’d expect but straying onto the ‘chef ’s specials’ section if you fancy something a little more exciting will really excite your taste buds. The sauces at the Sanam are rich in flavour and there’s plenty of substance to them. The Mirch Masala dish is full of strips of stir fried chicken with peppers, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and a subtle tweek from the chef to add that special zing. The ginger is delicate in flavour and doesn’t overpower the meal. The blend of spices ensures a very balanced flavour. We always feel that you get what you pay for where food is concerned and the Sanam has that fine balance of quality food at a very reasonable price. Having dined regularly and had numerous takeaways from the Sanam it can be diﬃcult to pick something new from the menu and not default to old favourites and so it was good to be able to chat to a chap who had come to fetch his takeaway and find out what he enjoyed. It was annoying to find that he had ordered the same as me! So no help there. I’m not a fish fan but the fish dishes at the Sanam are very popular and having taken the grandchildren

along for an evening meal one the chef prepared a delightful salmon dish which they polished off with aplomb. Oh, they did have some fries too! The starters at the Sanam include regular favourites such as: Chicken Pakora, Daryayi Bazran served with a delicate mixed nut chat, fresh salmon marinated in fresh dill yoghurt, garlic and chefs special spices and roasted in a tandoor. Adraki lamb chops, juicy slices of lamb chops, marinated in garlic and spices, cooked in a tandoor and served with salad and sauce. Mains include:Jalfrezi Chicken a firm favourite of mine, the characteristic of this dish is the puree made of tomatoes, green peppers and onions which is then poured over the curry. Perfect. I’ve said this before in write ups on Indian restaurants that proper naan bread makes a lot of difference to a meal, and the Sanam specialise in them. They are cooked in a proper oven and are head and shoulders above the anaemic ones that are often passed off as naan. So we go to the Sanam confident in the knowledge that we will get what we enjoy and it will be well cooked, nicely presented, quality food. All in all a cracking night out is assured. Advanced booking is always a good idea.

Sanam Tandoori Restaurant The

46 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Call 01773 830690

Authentic Indian food served in a lively warm and friendly atmosphere

50 King Street, Alfreton Telephone 01773 830690 Opening Times Sunday to Thursday 6.00pm to 12.00am Friday & Saturday 6.00pm to 1.00am

Alfreton

A stunning collection of Wedding Rings

Ripley

designed just for your special moment

Your Local Independent Jewellers for Over 45 years

Glendair Dental Practice started life in 1910, founded by Albert Bancroft. The name comes from the Scottish word ‘Glen’, a long valley that appears to vanish into the air. It’s also the name of the house on Mansfield Road where the practice originally opened. After Albert Bancroft retired, Glendair had many owners including Ian Hesketh, Liam O’Flynn in 1955, Arthur Michaelson and Denis O’Sullivan. Liam sadly passed away and in 1981, Roger Jenkinson bought out Arthur. Glendair continued to grow with Bev and Matt joining over the years. Roger Jenkinson and Denis O’Sullivan decided to expand, opening the practice on High Street, South Normanton in December of 1985. Following Denis’ retirement, the Mansfield Road practice closed. In 2013, the team moved to a former doctor’s surgery on Limes Avenue in Alfreton. Bev and Matt became the proud owners, taking us to new state-of-the-art premises which now offers our dental patients cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, dental crowns, veneers, adult orthodontics, clear braces and dental implants, that can deliver a confidence boosting smile transformation.

Buy any two and receive a

20% DISCOUNT from

Tudor Jewellers…

81 High Street, Alfreton DE55 7DP Tel: 01773 835990 47 South Street, Ilkeston DE7 5QT Tel: 0115 930 3004

LIVE WELL

Dental implants replace missing teeth allowing you to eat and smile with confidence. Nervous patients welcome. Call us now to book your FREE consultation. * Interest free credit available *

Glendair Dental Practice Limes Avenue, Alfreton, DE55 7DW

01773 832164

www.glendairdental.co.uk CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 47

Alfreton

Ripley

Established in 1914, Clarkes department store is an independent family run store based on Grosvenor Road in Ripley. Over two floors they offer their customers a range of products from homewear and linens to quality menswear and an extensive ladies department.

Tumble Wash on Nottingham Road, Ripley is the place to go for all your washing needs. On offer is everything from a full wash/ dry/ironing service to a same day washing/drying for duvets. Open 7 days a week with a free pick up/ delivery service (within a 3 mile radius) and free tea/coffee while you wait. Telephone 01773 745122.

Norma Gent is a well

-known Derbyshire artist who specialises in commissions. From your favourite pet to a well- loved object, Norma will create a lasting memory in water colours. Visit Norma at The Studio, 2 The Galleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

NEED YOUR AIR CON CHECKING AND RE-GASSING? ✔ • MOT for cars and bikes ✔ • Air-con service & repairs ✔ ✔ • All makes and models • Servicing and repairs • Fuel injection engineers ✔ • French Car specialists since 1994 ✔

automotive Ltd

Tel: 01773 748333

19 Wellington Street, Ripley. book on-line at www.cxauto.co.uk

automotive Ltd Established in 1995 CX Automotive Ltd is a friendly family run business based on Wellington Street in Ripley. For all your motoring needs from MOT's, repairs, servicing, aircon, diagnostics etc contact Colin on 01773 748333.

Bespoke Handmade Kitchens

…of the finest quality Show homes wanted in selected areas. Substantial saving for qualifying homes.

THE

Real Kitchen CO LTD

Brooklyn Business Centre, Peasehill Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3JG

Telephone 01773 252110 48 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Every commissioned kitchen cabinet is lovingly hand crafted from design to finish in our workshop. The units created are tailor made just for you to suit your personal tastes and requirements. Built out of solid wood – oak, ash, maple or walnut with dovetailed drawer boxes they are built to the size you want and painted or lacquered to your individual choice.

Independant and proud Glass Balustrade & Staircase Specialists

eing selective and individualistic is something we all aspire to. The local high streets pride themselves on offering products that are suited to individual taste and not you ‘follow the crowd’ type things that the multiple chains push out. Being situated locally these privately owned companies are readily available to offer a personal bespoke service. They compete well with the internet as you can actually touch and feel the item that you wish to purchase and negotiate a price too. In the distribution area of Country Images Magazine these businesses flourish and as time progresses more will appear as we become keenly aware of being an individual. In our purchasing.

PH & MTO Property Maintenance and Landscaping

Ideas to transform your garden

• No job to small. • Brick & stone work pointing. • Repairs, cleaning or replacement of guttering. • Decking and landscaping work. • All types of improvement work undertaken. • 40 years in the building trade. • Trusted and local.

Give me a call on 07855 798194 on at home 01773 832249

Tel: 01629 820030 www.elysion.uk.com service@elysion.uk.com Elysion Ltd, Willowbath Mill, Water Lane, Wirksworth, Derbys DE4 4AA

Take a walk around the workshops and factory showroom and you will see not only beautiful timbers and sumptuous paint finishes, but also, the cabinet making skills and attention to detail that sets ‘The Real Kitchen Co’ far apart from any of the High Street or retail park furniture brands. Sturdy 5 piece doors, hung within hardwood door frames using rebated butt hinges; beautifully veneered cabinets - strong enough to hold the heaviest of stone worktops and solid timber – dovetailed drawer boxes on soft close drawer runners are hallmarks of ‘The Real Kitchen Co.’ brand. Add to this cabinet size and shape, bespoke manufacturing flexibility and you then have something truly special; kitchen furniture solutions that are a perfect fit for architectural dimensions and the needs and tastes of the customer. The quality of construction and finish means that the furniture will last for generations of use. In years to come, when many kitchens would be well past their prime, a ‘Real Kitchen Co’ commission will only require a fresh coat of paint and possibly a change of worktops to bring it up to date – the furniture itself will be as good as the day it left the workshops. Showroom Manager commented, “It really is a home owner’s and designer’s dream; any furniture style is possible from the period town house or country kitchen look through to more contemporary designs with colour pallets and finishes to suit. The only limit is your imagination.” The Real Kitchen Co Ltd, Brooklyn Business Centre, Peasehill Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3JG Telephone 01773 252110

TRADING INDEPENDENTLY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

Joy Clarke Soft Furnishings

Made to Measure Curtains and Blinds including Roman, Venetian, Roller and Vertical Full Decorating Service NOW available – call for your FREE quotation

Tel: 01773 530985 07985 160176 www.joyclarkesoftfurnishings.co.uk info@joyclarkesoftfurnishings.co.uk

The Real Kitchen Co, based in Ripley, Derbyshire offers the levels of design and manufacturing flexibility coupled with the levels of craftsmanship and quality to satisfy discerning homeowners and design professionals alike.

Fine bespoke architectural metalwork in steel, stainless steel, brass, copper and glass.

All projects considered

A and A Building Services

Renovation works • Extensions Kitchens & Bathrooms Loft and Garage Conversions and much more! Free estimates given for all projects Family run business

Call Andrew 07702 857918

30% OFF for Summer!

Prevention and treatment of lines/wrinkles, lip enhancement and excessive underarm sweating

07793 541323

lydia@lraesthetics.com

@doctoroulston

LR.Aesthetics

FREE CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 49

Queen’s Park faithful took stylist Tom to their hearts by John Shawcroft

TOM GRAVENEY gave a wry chuckle at the suggestion that our interview should concern, in the main, his matches against Derbyshire. “Ah, Derbyshire,” he said. “Well, I’ve got plenty of good memories, certainly from when I played at Queen’s Park. But it was never easy when I batted against their bowlers.” So let’s set the scene. Thomas William Graveney, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and England. Born Riding Mill, Northumberland, 16 June 1927 but brought up in Bristol. Tall, rosycheeked elegant right-hand batsman who made 47,793 first-class runs in his flowing style, average 44.91 with 122 hundreds. In 79 Tests he scored 4,882 runs, averaging 44.48, with 11 hundreds, the highest of which, 258, was made at Trent Bridge in 1957 against the West Indies. Served in Suez with the Gloucestershire Regiment in 1946, achieving the rank of Captain. Became the first former professional cricketer to be elected President of MCC in 2004. Died 3 November 2015, aged 88. Those are the bare facts. What they cannot convey is the majesty of Graveney’s batting, a predominantly front-foot player whose aesthetic qualities belonged in the picturesque setting of grounds like Cheltenham, New Road at Worcester or Chesterfield’s Queen’s Park. He was also a delightful man with phenomenal recollections of matches from long ago, the kind of strokes he played in a certain innings and a memory for statistics that was usually spot on. “Derbyshire always had good bowlers. When I started they had George Pope and Bill Copson along with Les Jackson, Cliff Gladwin and Bert Rhodes, Harold’s dad. Then along came Derek Morgan, Edwin Smith, Harold Rhodes and Brian Jackson. They were always diﬃcult, particularly on some of the green pitches in the county. The problem was that they could get you out at any time. You’d feel set, get to 30 or 40, and then something would happen. If they didn’t get you they could nearly always keep you quiet. Les 50 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

A study in elegance. Tom Graveney in full flow.

was an exceptional bowler. I faced the world’s fastest in my time: Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller, Wes Hall, Charlie Griﬃth, Roy Gilchrist and the South Africans Neil Adcock and Peter Heine. England had Frank Tyson, Fred Trueman and Brian Statham and although Les wasn’t as quick as these, he had a nasty break-back that came at you. Whenever I saw him I used to rub the inside of my thigh in anticipation! They also had good captains, Guy Willatt and Donald Carr and later on Charlie Lee and Morgan. I first came across Donald at an Oﬃcers’ Cadet Training Unit in Wrotham, Kent but I really got to know him very well when we toured India, Pakistan and Ceylon in 1951-52. He was vice-captain and skippered the team in the final Test against India at Madras.”

Graveney made Derbyshire’s acquaintance early in his career, at Bristol in July 1948. He had been doing just about enough to retain his place, partly because Jack Crapp and George Emmett were sometimes with the England team against Australia. Derbyshire made 207, Gloucestershire being all out on the second morning for 202, Graveney caught Pope bowled Gladwin 0. Derbyshire were then bowled out for 210 and with 15 minutes left the Gloucestershire captain BO Allen sent Graveney in first with the fast bowler George Lambert to preserve his best batsmen. “I wasn’t expecting to go in and I was out first ball, caught Dawkes bowled Jackson 0. It was the only time I bagged a pair – and on the same day, too. Derbyshire won, I was dropped and only got back in again when Emmett was summoned

to Headingley for the Test only be made twelfth man.” There was a measure of revenge when his brother Ken took all ten wickets in the second innings at Queen’s Park in 1949 and Tom made 95 at Bristol a year later and 89 at Gloucester in 1951. But these were as nothing when compared to his performance at Queen’s Park on Wednesday and Thursday 4-5 August 1954.

By now Graveney was in the England team and would tour Australia under Len Hutton’s captaincy the following winter. During that wet summer, Derbyshire pressed hard for the Championship and Gladwin soon had Gloucestershire’s openers back in the pavilion. When Jackson bowled Arthur Milton three wickets were down for 32. Graveney – who came to the crease at 2-1 – and Emmett added 82 before Emmett was bowled by Jackson for 50. With the score 114-4, the veteran Crapp joined Graveney and a tense struggle developed between the past and present England batsmen and the home attack: Jackson, Gladwin, Morgan, Bert Rhodes and Smith. “I had to be careful at the start because we were in a bit of a fix but gradually Jack and I got on top of the bowling. After tea, we were able to open up a bit.” In the last two hours of the day, Graveney increased his score from 94 to 204, he and Crapp adding 205 in 202 minutes before Crapp was caught at the wicket off Arnold Hamer for 95, with two sixes and 11 fours. By the close, Gloucestershire were 366 for six, a big score in a three-day match and next morning they batted until noon, declaring at 399 for nine. Graveney

made 222 (four sixes and 26 fours) before being caught by Rhodes off Gladwin.

A personal memory might not come amiss. On that Wednesday, I sat in teenage misery, fully appreciative of the majesty of Graveney’s batting but wishing it could have been played in circumstances less damaging to Derbyshire’s Championship hopes. An elderly man nearby noted the dejection. “Never mind, lad,” he said. “The result of this match won’t matter in time (Gloucestershire won) but you’ll never forget Graveney’s innings.” More pertinent are the memories of the then 20-year-old off-spinner Edwin Smith “It was magnificent. I think I went for about 50 in 19 overs and apart from Les and Cliff we were all under the cosh. I remember he hit me back for a tremendous six straight over the pavilion and into the house behind it. But I got him for a duck in the second innings, although they were chasing runs for a declaration. The ball struck the top of his pad and went on to hit his wicket.” This was one of six occasions when Edwin – elected Derbyshire’s President for 2018 – took his wicket – three at Chesterfield and once at Derby, Bristol and Worcester, where he held on to a brilliant caught and bowled. “He was one of the finest batsmen I bowled against and I would bracket him with Peter May and Colin Cowdrey as the best English batsmen in that era. Tom was a mainly front foot player but Peter was strong everywhere, a brilliant batsman who hit with exceptional power. Tom was a lovely bloke. In May 1956 I played for MCC against Yorkshire and Surrey at Lord’s and stayed in London for about ten days. I shared a room with Tom and we got on very well. The funny thing was that a week after his double-century at Queen’s Park, we bowled Gloucestershire out for 43 at Cheltenham and we were 44-0 at lunch. People coming on to the ground late thought we had been batting all morning for 44. But Tom wasn’t playing in that game.” At Derby in 1959, Graveney, now captain of

Gloucestershire, injured his arm when he fell on the stairs and when Milton was also hurt Derbyshire allowed their opponents the use of their twelfth man, the young spinner Gordon Beet. He held four catches three in the second innings when Derbyshire, chasing 229 against the clock, were all out for 174. A delighted Graveney gave Beet £5. Graveney made another hundred at Queen’s Park in June 1960, when he shared a partnership of 256 for the second wicket with Tom Pugh, an Old Etonian who was to succeed him as captain and, although popular with the players, was not worth his place. This was Pugh’s only hundred in first-class cricket, 137 with one six and 16 fours, but how he remained at the crease was a mystery. It was easy for the crowd to see the frustrated expressions on the faces of the Derbyshire fielders and some of the players recalled it as the only time they saw Les Jackson lose his rag. He could deal with being hit for four by a batsman of Graveney’s class but Pugh was a different matter, as Smith recalls. “It really was remarkable. There was endless playing and missing, top edges going over the slips and mistimed shots going for four. We missed him when he was on 26 and I think Graveney was as baﬄed as we were. But give Pugh credit, he stuck it out and made a century.” Similar views were expressed by Tony Brown, who was in the Gloucestershire team: “There was Tom Graveney at one end with his eloquent batting, and Tom Pugh at the other, hitting it here, there and everywhere. Pugh was a champion rackets player and batted accordingly. He was used to a high, bouncing ball, so when they pitched short, like that day at Chesterfield, it played to his strength. Instead of three slips, they should have had three third men.”

Pugh was a flamboyant character, suave and good looking with Etonian poise. He dabbled in acting and was on a short list of six for Dr No, the first Bond film. The part went to Sean Connery and this was the closest Derbyshire came to playing against 007.

Graveney was run out for 135 and this was one of only three hundreds he made against Derbyshire, the other being 100 at Worcester in 1963, and his overall record against the county, some 1,700 runs, average 43, reflects consistency rather than total dominance (Geoff Boycott, for example, averaged 67 for 2,693 runs.)

However, in the mind’s eye, it’s the beauty of that cover drive and the sheer elegance which remains, as opposed to the scoreboard. Graveney enjoyed his most successful seasons after he left Gloucestershire and when he arrived at Chesterfield with the Worcestershire team in June 1970 there was genuine regret that this was to be the last occasion he visited the county as a player. He made 64 and 46, both not out, which was appropriate because even the most partisan supporter did not really want him to get out. Gerald Mortimer, the Derby Telegraph’s cricket correspondent, captured the moment: “Graveney added a new dimension to the game. Of all the batsmen produced since the war, none can have given such universal pleasure. Graveney has taken the arts of batting to such a peak of perfection that it is hard to believe that there has even been a player who so typified the beauty of cricket…Bob Taylor could have stumped him for 28 (in the first innings) but it would have been in a way sad to have denied Chesterfield spectators what may be their last glimpse of Graveney.” Since then other stylists have graced England’s cricket fields – David Gower and Ian Bell, while Joe Root’s all-round game can have today’s spectators purring with pleasure. Graveney cut across the generations. He would have flourished in cricket’s Golden Age and white-ball’s modern reverse sweeps, scoops and ramp shots would have taken on a touch of elegance should he have felt it necessary to play them.

Edwin Smith, the Derbyshire off-spin bowler who took Graveney’s wicket on six occasions, three of them at Queen’s Park.

Tom Graveney heads for the pavilion after being caught at the wicket by Bob Taylor off the bowling of Harold Rhodes for 49 at Chesterfield in 1965. CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 51

Gardening

July 2018

with Mark Smith

Anyone who knows me knows that this is one of my favourite times of the year. Some of my top 10 best plants start coming in season this month but the highlight has got to be the National Plant Show; sadly not open to the public but a trade show of some of the new varieties of plants that will appear in garden centres and plant nurseries next year. As something of a change I will do a show “Special” in next month’s Country Images so you will be the first to see all the must haves for next year. Remember there are lots of National Garden Scheme Open Gardens this month so go and visit some; you may be inspired to open your own garden next year. Look out for yellow posters in garden centres and nurseries. Allotment or Vegetable Patch: • Spray apple trees and gooseberry bushes with a fungicide to help prevent mildew – “Fungus Fighter” is very good. • Keep looking out for woolly aphid as the recent weather has been “perfect” for them. Spray with an insecticide. • Start to “lift” early potatoes. • Sow a late crop of peas between the start and middle of July. • If you haven’t already, thin out heavy crops of apples, pears and plums by removing any weaker looking fruit. • Feed fruit trees and bushes with liquid sulphate of potash, such as a tomato feed. • Feed tomato plants every time you water with a suitable tomato fertiliser. • Water celery plants regularly if the weather suddenly becomes hot and dry. In the Greenhouse: • Water tomatoes regularly to help prevent fruit splitting. • Use calcium with your tomato feed to prevent blossom end rot. • Replace new hanging sticky traps (found in all good garden centres) over plants to catch any whitefly. • Thin out weaker looking bunches of indoor grapes. • Take out side shoots of developing tomato plants. • Place pots of tagetes or pots of basil near greenhouse doors to deter whitefly. • If going on holiday this month, set up a watering area using a growbag tray and some capillary matting. • Water down the greenhouse floor each morning on hot days to increase humidity. • Open all vents and prop doors open on warm days to improve ventilation. • Pick tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other greenhouse crops regularly to encourage further flowers to develop. General Garden Maintenance: • Feed the lawn with a suitable lawn fertiliser; ideally one that also has iron. • Keep mowing the lawn regularly, but don’t cut too short if weather stays warm. • Remember to water newly planted trees and 52 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

shrubs well if there is a lack of rain. • Apply a deep layer bark mulch around newly planted or established trees and shrubs to retain much needed moisture and help suppress weeds. • Feed hanging baskets and patio pots with a liquid fertilizer every week. • Top up bird baths regularly with fresh water. They are drying out very quickly in the hot weather. • Turn over and refill compost heaps to help composting process. Plants that are a must this month: Verbena bonariensis: Very popular herbaceous perennial with tall green sparsely-leafed stems and flat lavender purple flowers which will attract butterflies and bees. Ideal for the back of a border as it will reach about 150cm (5ft) if this is too tall try Verbena Rigida, this will reach 60cm (2ft), both are classed as half hardy but planted in-between other plants should give winter protection. TIP: Buy this now as when it comes into flower it is usually sold out. Heuchera (Coral Flower ): Fantastic herbaceous perennial with brightly coloured, compact foliage and neat flower spikes which appear from June to September. A good plant for borders or containers which will give you colour all year long as it keeps its leaf in winter. There are now hundreds of varieties but some new varieties are Midnight Rose, Jade Gloss and Mahogany. Agapanthus: Great herbaceous plant that does best in a container when the roots are restricted. Large round blooms of pure white or to the deepest blues appear now till late August. Expect agapanthus plants to be more expensive than most herbaceous perennials. Dahlias (herbaceous): A great herbaceous plant that gives weeks and weeks of stunning colour, most people pick the fabulous dahlia Bishop of Llandaff but many other varieties are equally stunning Bishop of Canterbury, Caribbean Fantasy, Fascination, Karma Choc, Moon Fire, Procyon and Swan Lake are well worth a look. These are very easy to grow for border or container but do require winter protection in exposed areas. TIP: Buy this now as when it comes into flower it is usually sold out.

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@hotmail.com or tel: 07817 651216 or search on Facebook Mark Smith – Garden Guru

Felley Mill Fencing

Felley Mill Fencing are skilled in the erection of a variety of fencing including: Domestic | Security | Close-board | Agricultural | Equestrian New for 2018 - Tree Surgery Work

LAWN COUTURE Is now the time to own one of the ﬁnest mowers in the world? Hayter rear roller lawnmowers are designed to cut and create beautiful stripes on any size lawn. Find out more at your nearest Hayter dealer: Belmont Mowers, 68-70 Alfreton Road, Alfreton, DE55 2AS

BELMONT MOWER CENTRE

12 Main Road, Underwood, Nottinghamshire, NG16 6GF

Tel: 07821 422 046 www.felleymillfencing.co.uk

86 39 39Alfreton, DE55 2AS 68-70 Alfreton Rd, South01773 Normanton, www.belmont-mowers.co.uk/

Tel: 01773 86 39 39 Open: Mon - Fri 9am-5pm | Sat 9am - 1pm

Email: felleymillfencing@live.co.uk

Country Images Magazine.indd 1

Made from recycled plastic waste, our garden furniture will last a lifetime, with very little maintenance as they do not require staining or treating each year. They will not rot or splinter and are very tough.

MA N

STAINI

HERPRO

LED WA

PA I NTI

T E I N BRI

ACTURED F UF

Bespoke Stoneware Carving

IN BRIT

MA D

Huge Stocks of Reclaimed and New Stone

17/05/2018 11:42:47

Alfresco Dining Furniture MA

QUALITY NATURAL STONE SUPPLIES

HERPR

Denby Outdoor Dining Table

Our extensive range includes: l Seats, benches & memorial seats Valley Dale Garden Set l Picnic tables l Nature range - including bird tables and nest boxes. l Children’s range of seats, benches and tables l We even have profiles of all sizes so you can make your own products. Visit our showroom or website for full details:

www.tdp.co.uk Don’t forget to bring your boots!!! Newhaven, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 0DU Call Liam on 01298 84173

www.penninepaving.co.uk | sales@penninepaving.co.uk

Showroom open: Visit our 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday SHOWROOM (Weekends by appointment) Phone: 01629

820011

Tea for Two

or Email: info@tdp.co.uk

TDP Limited, Derby Road, Wirksworth, Derbyshire DE4 4BG

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 53

BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018 winners.

The Made in Birmingham Garden by Paul Stone won Best Show Garden at BBC Gardeners’ World Live 2018 BBC Gardeners’ World Live announced all the winners of its prestigious annual awards, honouring a garden based on the history of the host city, Birmingham, with its highest accolade, a Platinum Award plus Best Show Garden. Designed by Paul Stone, the ‘Made in Birmingham Garden’ features a fullyfunctional steam locomotive set along a railway embankment, featuring a prize-produce allotment, cut-flower garden and, in a nod to the region’s brewery culture, a hops and barley patch. Also in the Show Garden category, the ‘Wyevale Garden Centres’ Solution Garden’ designed by David Stevens scooped a Platinum award. The spectacular garden which was built to illustrate the best practice, and stylish, solutions to common garden challenges such as planting in dry shade, acid soil or boggy areas. The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) returned to the show with five Show Gardens on APL Avenue, created by APL accredited landscaping companies. Two of the gardens picked up Gold Awards – Keyscape

Design & Construction made a stunningly private space to relax in the aptly titled ‘Breath of Fresh Air’ garden; and Peter Cowell from Living Gardens expertly displayed how a garden for children and for adults can work in harmony, in his ‘Inspiration in the Raw’ garden. Elsewhere in the show, the talented duo Jacob Botting and Laurence Senior won the inaugural Young Landscapers Award for their build of a Diarmuid Gavin Show Garden design, and Nikki Hollier’s Platinum-awarded design ‘The Jar of Life’ was crowned as the Best Beautiful Border. Derby College was chosen as the space which best interpreted a theme, for its ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ Beautiful Border, with the Gold award winning

‘Tesco Every Little Helps Garden’, by Owen Morgan, being recognised for Best Construction. Paul Stone, winner of Best Show Garden, said: “With the calibre of gardens at this year’s show, I think any number of Show Gardens could have won this award. The standard is always high, but to have two platinum awards in the same category is testament to the designers. It’s an honour to have won.” Bob Sweet, horticulture director at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, said: “Paul’s garden displays incredible imagination and ambition. To put a working steam train in a show garden in the middle of Birmingham is quite outstanding.”

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS FOR PVCU WINDOWS, DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES • • • • • • • • • •

High security ‘A’ energy rated windows Sliding sash windows Wide range of colours and styles Installed by our own experienced fitters High security PVCU doors Sliding patio doors and French doors Solid laminated timber cored composite doors (not foam filled) Wide range of colours and styles Individually designed, quality conservatories Replacement PVCU fascia boards, soffits and guttering Secondary glazing, sealed units replaced, window and door repairs

Fully insured for:

Tree Surgery, Hedge Cutting, Hedge Removal, Pruning, Landscaping Free Quotes

Local, Reliable, Professional and Mature Businessman Home Improvements Ltd

Unit 2A, Ravenstor Road, Wirksworth, DE4 4FY T:01629 824733

www.ﬁnesse-doubleglazing-derbyshire.com

GATES UNBELIEVABLE LOW PRICES

Free Measuring Service. Fitting Service Available. Various designs and weights available

Please call Steve for advice and a free no-obligation quotation.

T: 01773 856602 T: 01629 828101 M: 07739 834553 www.clipemandfellem.co.uk

For All Your Garden Machinery Requirements E FRE ction

Colle ry & Delive

Service • Sales • Repair Low Cost • Fixed Price

Blade & Chain Sharpening Available

ORNAMENTAL ENGINEERING

Easy Service & Sales

Let Us Quote On your New Garden Machinery

Tel 01773 533393

Call Steve 01773 599628 or 07789 393254 www.easyserviceandsales.co.uk

Call Now For the Best Prices!

www.ornamentalengineering.com

Wrought Iron Gates – Railings – Fencing – Security Grills

Uni1 1a, Taylor Lane Industrial Estate, Loscoe, Derbyshire DE75 7TA 54 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

WALVINS TIMBER HEAVY DUTY TANALISED FENCING PANELS Any size made to order

Split Seasoned Logs

• Kiln dried available • Delivered by the load • Any quantity for collection

Walvins Timber Ltd,Unit 1, Greenhill Lane, Riddings, Derbyshire DE55 4AT

Tel: 01773 528858 07971 301027

PROFESSIONAL TREE SURGERY Hedge cutting | Logs Stump grinding and strimming From pruning apple trees to large dangerous dismantles, we offer a full range of aerial tree work.

To get a free quote, please contact us at your convenience

07711 934377 - 01773 448639 www.jttrees.co.uk

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN WORK UNDERTAKEN Maintenance, Grass/Hedge Cutting, Rockeries, Paving, Fencing, Ponds, Planting (various) Including all types of DIY jobs you never get round to doing

Full Garden Makeovers No Job Too Small • Free Quotations No Obligation • Special Rates for OAPs COMPLETE GARDEN SERVICE/DIY

For an affordable, reliable service Ring Steve on

01773 607993 or 07778 200200 • Chemical Free Rotary Cleaning • All Types of Flat Surfaces Est • Block Paving, 2004 Slabs, Decking • Printed Concrete • Resin Weather Sealing Tarmac Recolouring (Black or Red) • Free Quotations No job too big & Advice or small Any Genuine Find us on Quote Beaten! Facebook

Tel: Martin 01246 865537 or 07970 482956

www.premierpowercleaning.co.uk

R.M. TREE SURGERY & HEDGE SPECIALIST SUMMER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE • TREE FELLING • HEDGE CUTTING • TREE PRUNING & TOPPING • LANDSCAPING WORK • CONIFERS REDUCED OR TAKEN OUT • FENCING WORK • GUTTERING CLEARED

Quality Service & High Standard Assured

Fully Insured For a Free No Obligation Quote

Call Rob on 07841 422 310 or 01773 607409

WAYSIDE Garden Services

‘For all your gardening needs’ (RHS level 2 qualified)

Seasonal pruning • Hedge trimming Advice, design & planting schemes Regular maintenance For a free no obligation quote

Call Steve on 07752 650588 or 01773 856318 10%DISCOUNT DISCOUNTFOR FOR ALL 10% ALL REPAIRSAND ANDSERVICING SERVICING REPAIRS WHENMENTIONING MENTIONING THIS WHEN THIS ADVERT ADVERT

WINTER SERVICING SERVICING WORK WINTER WORK AND AND ONGOING MACHINERY MACHINERY REPAIRS ONGOING REPAIRS

10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL 10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL REPAIRS AND SERVICING REPAIRS AND SERVICING WHEN MENTIONING THIS WHEN MENTIONING THIS ADVERT ADVERT

ATCOMPETITIVE COMPETITIVEPRICES PRICES WITH WITH A AT A PERSONAL PERSONALSERVICE SERVICE

WINTER SERVICING WORK AND WINTER SERVICING WORK AND GOODSELECTION SELECTION OF NEW MACHINES AAGOOD OF NEW MACHINES ONGOING MACHINERY REPAIRS FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL USE ONGOING MACHINERY REPAIRS FOR DOMESTIC AND USE AT COMPETITIVE PRICES WITH PERSONAL SERVICE SPECIAL WINTER DEALS ONASTIGA MACHINES AT COMPETITIVE PRICES WITH PERSONAL SERVICE SPECIAL WINTER DEALS ONASTIGA MACHINES

A SELECTION OF COLLECTION AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE A GOOD GOOD SELECTION OF NEW NEW MACHINES MACHINES   COLLECTION AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF PETROL AND DIESEL MACHINERY FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL USE   ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF PETROL AND DIESEL MACHINERY FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL USE SERVICE AND REPAIRS SERVICE AND REPAIRSDEALS ALL 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE ALL DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WINTER ON STIGA MACHINES • SPECIAL MAKES AND MODELS OFIN PETROL AND DIESEL MACHINERY SPECIAL WINTER DEALS ON STIGA MACHINES  30GROUNDCARE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN ALL DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL MACHINERY • COLLECTION AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE  GROUNDCARE LARGE RANGEMACHINERY OF SPARES, LUBRICANTS AND PROTECTIVE • SERVICE AND REPAIRS - CHAINSAW CHAINS SUPPLIED & SHARPENED COLLECTION DELIVERY AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT  LARGE RANGEAND OF SPARES, LUBRICANTS AND PROTECTIVE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE • 35 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN ALL DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL GROUND ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF PETROL  EQUIPMENT ALL MAKES AND MODELS OF PETROL AND AND DIESEL DIESEL MACHINERY MACHINERY MACHINERY CARE SERVICE AND REPAIRS  SERVICE AND REPAIRS 30 YEARS’ IN AND • LARGE RANGE EXPERIENCE OF SPARES, LUBRICANTS AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 30COUNTRYWIDE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN ALL ALL DOMESTIC DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL DEPOT, OFF COMMON LANE, GROUNDCARE GROUNDCARE MACHINERY MACHINERY DEPOT, OFF COMMON LANE,  COUNTRYWIDE LARGE RANGE OF SPARES, LUBRICANTS AND PROTECTIVE STANLEY COMMON, NEAR ILKESTON DE7 6NZ  LARGE RANGE OF SPARES, LUBRICANTS AND PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT OPEN WEEKDAYS 8am 4pm STANLEY COMMON, NEAR ILKESTON DE7 6NZ EQUIPMENT

TEL: 01159 305515 sales_cwderby@btconnect.com OPEN EMAIL: WEEKDAYS 8am - 4pm www.cgm.sx TEL: 01159 305515 EMAIL: sales_cwderby@btconnect.com

COUNTRYWIDE OFF www.cgm.sx COUNTRYWIDE DEPOT, DEPOT, OFF COMMON COMMON LANE, LANE, STANLEY COMMON, NEAR ILKESTON DE7 STANLEY COMMON, NEAR ILKESTON DE7 6NZ 6NZ CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 55 OPEN OPEN WEEKDAYS WEEKDAYS 8am 8am -- 4pm 4pm

TEL: 01159 305515 EMAIL: sales_cwderby@btconnect.com

Transform the look of your home with a new resin drive from

Buffalo Driveways Buffalo Driveways are the area's local leading installer of porous resin bound driveways, patios and pathways Buffalo will transform your driveway, old or new. As well as laying resin on a new base, in many cases we can overlay existing surfaces (subject to survey) which means less mess, and a faster result.

Before

Local Testimonials: Thank you for your time, patience, help & advice. You told me to trust you - and I’m so glad I did! You said it would look amazing and it certainly does!

After

no obligation survey • We also supply the trade • Training courses available 56 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Needless to say I’m thrilled with my drive and look forward to enjoying it for many years to come. I could not recommend your Company highly enough. - Jo, Toton (Notts) “Thank you for the great driveway that your team has just laid for me, I’m really pleased with it” - Mr Dence, Matlock “We are very pleased with our new drive, The installers worked exceptionally hard and took pride in their work, we can recommend any one to contact Buffalo Driveways for a quotation” - Mr Moorley, West Hallam

Do you have an old tired driveway? Do you want to have the latest premium drive in as little as 24 hours? Did you know that if you already have a drive, we can use it as a sub base? This means that we may not have to excavate your current driveway, we simply prepare the existing drive and overlay on top!

Why Choose Buffalo? • Hard wearing • Anti-slip surface • Completely porous-no more puddles

A wide range of colours and textures

Our friendly designer John, will work with you to design your perfect driveway, path or patio. We have plenty of colour choices, ideas and a huge selection of edgings Chooses the style which suits yourself and home. Our range of edging has a style to suit all properties from traditional round top edge to ultramodern aluminium

• Weed resistant • UV protected-won't fade or discolour • In most cases, we don’t have to excavate your current drive • Value for money-you may save money on your water bill • Complete the transformation in as little as 24 hoursincluding preparation and overlay • All of Buffalo’s work comes with a minimum 5 year guarantee • 10 year guarantee on full sub-base work

Before

After Unit 1 Amber Drive, Bailey Brook Business Park Langley Mill, Derbyshire NG16 4BE TEL: 0800 031 9050 (Head Office) 01773 712288 sales@buffalodriveways.co.uk

www.buffalodriveways.co.uk

SPEC

IALISTS IN RESIN SURFACES

CLEEVE JOINERY A DIVISION OF H.A.BRIDDON LTD

Building | Construction Conservation | Bespoke Joinery Welcome to Cleeve Joinery, a division of H.A.Briddon Ltd, which is located next to our head office in Tansley, Matlock. At Cleeve Joinery we work regularly for a wide range of domestic, commercial & industrial clients. The company is recognised as resourceful, highly competent & innovative contractor with the resources & expertise capable of tackling any project, regardless of size, complexity or speed. As well as more prestigious projects, Cleeve Joinery also undertakes successful development work for smaller scale, commercial, domestic & industrial projects. The consistently high standard of our specialist joinery work has won us the confidence & continued support of many local clients. We offer a full design and bespoke build on any project to your requirements; please contact our Joinery manager Ben Summers for a no obligation quote.

e fo w R r 20 ang 18 e

Mobile: 07392870388 Office: 01629 583202 Email: ben@habriddon.co.uk

Live The Dream in the Stunning Village of Matlock Thornberries, Harron Homes’ development of 4 and 5-bedroom homes presents an opportunity to own a luxury newbuild property in the stunning location of Matlock. The development is well placed in stunning countryside, with just a fiveminute drive away from the town centre, which is home to high-street shops, quirky boutiques, several bistro’s and a new M&S Food Hall. With great links to Derby and Chesterfield, the development is also located directly opposite Matlock Golf Club and perfectly placed for outdoor activities with Lumsdale Falls, Heights of Abraham and The Peak District National Park just a short drive away. Potential buyers can now view the stunning Charnwood Show Home – a classic four-bedroom detached family home. Featuring a high-specification kitchen with a dining area perfect for entertaining, as well as a separate utility room with access to the garden and integral garage. Harron Homes have a number of schemes to help you purchase your new home, including their 100% full value Part Exchange Scheme which guarantees a cash buyer for your existing property, no estate agent fees and no property chain. Help to Buy is an alternative scheme which allows the purchase of a home with only a 5% deposit, this is available for all homes up to £600,000 for both first time buyers and those who are purchasing a home for the second or third time.

Envi Lawns Artificial Grass Installers

Get That Summer Feel All Year Round Before

After

Maintenance Free

No More Muddy Paw Prints

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

Before

After

Children Can Play All Year Round

01773 716999 | 07970 121226 | www.envi-lawns.co.uk 58 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

HARRON HOMES

LUXURY HOMES IN MATLOCK WITH STUNNING VIEWS 100% FULL MARKET VALUE PART EXCHANGE NOW AVAILABLE

Thornberries M A T L O C K

THORNBERRIES, CHESTERFIELD ROAD, BENTLEY BRIDGE, MATLOCK, DE4 5LE 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £351,995 to £443,995 Showhomes open 7 days a week, 10.30am to 5.30pm (Monday, 11am to 5.30pm)

Help to Buy available

Harron Homemover scheme available

Part Exchange

www.harronhomes.co.uk

Part Exchange considered

we do degrees... we do hnds... we’ve got low fees there’s no need to go to notts, derby or sheffield... we’re the

bee’s knees Part time, flexible and low-fee university-level courses on your doorstep. Apply online and start in September.

Visit www.chesterfield.ac.uk

Images Leisure time

Celebrity Interview Walk Diary Gallery Food & Drink

Steve Orme interviews

Stephen Booth

he Peak District’s beauty and charm are undeniable – but the area can also be full of dangers and mystery. Especially if you live in Edendale, a place that has experienced almost as many murders as the picturesque yet doom-ﬁlled Midsomer. Never heard of Edendale? It’s where writer Stephen Booth sets his crime novels which sell in impressive quantities. It can be as hazardous living there as in the ﬁctional county of Midsomer where Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby has been solving dastardly crimes on television for more than 20 years.

tephen’s 18th book featuring the double act of detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, Fall Down Dead, will appear on bookshelves in hardback next month.

His latest work showcases Stephen’s knowledge of the hidden dangers lurking in the Peak District in general and Kinder Scout in particular. “There are lots of cases where people go out onto those hills totally unprepared, unable to read a map or a compass. They’re putting their lives in danger. “In Fall Down Dead a party of walkers get lost on Kinder Scout in the fog and have to be rescued. One of them doesn’t make it alive. That location, as with many of my books, is absolutely central to the story. The story couldn’t happen anywhere else because the landscape is so specific and influences the way people lead their lives. I think it’s just a fascinating place to write about,” says Stephen who lives in rural Nottinghamshire with his wife Lesley. Stephen ventured into the Peak District's dark subterranean world for his 17th thriller Dead In The Dark which came out in paperback a couple of months ago. The landscape has always been an integral part of Stephen’s stories, going right back to his first book, Black Dog, in 1998. He was a huge fan of crime fiction but noticed that the central character was nearly always a “world-weary, middle-aged, alcoholic loner”. He wanted to do something different. “I decided to make my characters young and junior police officers. So Ben Cooper and Diane Fry are both in their twenties at the start of the series and they’re both detective constables, giving a different perspective on a police investigation because they’re not in charge. They’re on the bottom rung of the ladder.

Dead In The Dark came out in paperback a couple of months ago.

“I wanted one of them to be a local boy. That’s Ben Cooper who grew up in the Peak District. He’s from a farming family and knows everybody. I wanted the other character to be an outsider from the city. So Diane comes from Birmingham and moves into Derbyshire. That gave me two very different pairs of eyes to explore the setting. “Those two characters see the Peak District in very different ways. Really that was all I knew about them when I started to write the first book. Immediately when I began to write about them they came alive

62 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

off the page. It was quite an experience that hadn’t happened to me before. “I’d written other novels. But those two characters just seemed to take on a life of their own straight away. Everything else about them, their background, their personalities, their families – I discovered all of that as I was writing about them. “I decided to give those two characters their freedom. They drove the story. I was very lucky that they came to me in that way.” The pair have proved so popular that Stephen has sold two-and-a-half million books all over the world. The novels sell well in the USA and Canada and have been translated into 16 languages including Russian and Japanese. “One of my books sold more copies in Russia than it did here just because it’s such a big market,” says Stephen. “And Scandinavia too. Although the populations are small, they read huge numbers of books in places like Sweden. They love crime fiction and my books do very well over there.” Despite that Stephen still gets a thrill when he sees his work in print. “I think no matter how many books I published it would still feel the same. Every time I pick up a new book it’s wonderful.

“The hardback is a rare thing these days. I know a lot of people read ebooks. In America about 95% of my sales are ebooks. But here so many readers say to me ‘I still like the feel of a proper physical book in my hand’. There’s nothing like it really.” Stephen Booth was born in 1952 in Burnley, Lancashire. He wrote his first novel when he was 12 and knew he wanted to be a writer. But first he became a trainee teacher only to leave the profession after a terrifying spell at a big comprehensive school in Manchester. He moved into journalism, working for the Wilmslow Advertiser and other local papers before becoming deputy editor of the Worksop Guardian. Eventually the business changed so much that he wasn’t enjoying the job any more. So he single-mindedly set about achieving his ambition of getting a book published.

“I came home every day from work and wrote in the evenings. Every single night, religiously. I was very disciplined about it. When you have a limited amount of time to write in, it’s surprising how well it concentrates the mind. “I produced that first Cooper and Fry novel in about four months, just writing in the evenings and a bit at weekends. It was there waiting to come out, I think. So I actually feel quite embarrassed about the fact that it takes me a year now (to write a book).”

Black Dog and Dancing With The Virgins Black Dog won an award for best British crime novel in 2001 and the follow-up, Dancing With The Virgins, picked up the same accolade.

they’re real people. They get so involved; it’s magic.” Fall Down Dead is the last novel that Stephen is contracted to write for his current publishers. He now wants to take a breather after being committed to write a book a year for the past 18 years. “I’ve got so many ideas for other books that I’d love to write but I haven’t had time. It’s come to a point where I think I’d like to take a break from Cooper and Fry, do something different and surprise readers a bit. “I can’t pick up a newspaper in the morning without seeing ideas for half a dozen crime novels.” His previous books prompted the Sunday Telegraph to call him “one of our best storytellers” while the Guardian considers him “a modern master of rural noir”. Whatever Stephen Booth does next will no doubt be sure to please readers and critics alike.

Fall Down Dead will be published by Little, Brown in August.

Stephen was still a working journalist while his writing career was taking off : “I was very lucky that Black Dog did so well and my publishers loved the second book when I delivered it. I was able to give up the day job before the second book came out. “I was really lucky to be making a living from the books straight away because lots of writers don’t. It’s very hard work. You’ve got to be dedicated and give it a priority. Lots of other things in my life had to be put aside while I concentrated on this thing that I was determined to do.” He has this advice for budding writers: “Sometimes I hear people say ‘I haven’t got time to write’. All that means to me is that there’s something else that’s more important than writing. Rather than sitting watching TV for a couple of hours in the evening, turn the TV off and get writing.” Strong words from the author whose fourth book Blind To The Bones won the 2003 Dagger In The Library award, presented by the Crime Writers’ Association whose membership includes writers at all stages of their careers. One of the reasons why readers keep coming back to Stephen’s books is because of the complex relationship between Cooper and Fry. “I like to keep the dynamics of the relationship changing: one will get promoted above the other so the relationship isn’t static. Readers get very involved in that. “Ben is the one who readers sympathise with the most because he’s such a likeable character, has a great sense of passion and humanity. Readers get very involved in his life. On the other hand I find that for some readers Diane has become the woman they love to hate: she’s a rather more brittle, hard-edged character and some people don’t like the way she treats Ben. “I love it when readers react to the characters as if CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 63

Walks from Grand Houses

Elvaston Castle

his walk, around the parkland of Elvaston Castle, is one of my occasional excursions from some of Derbyshire’s grand houses. Unfortunately it could almost be described as from one of Maxwell Craven’s ‘Lost Houses’. Financial constraints on its present owners, Derbyshire County Council, make it impossible to fund the necessary £6.1 million needed to restore the building’s fabric; something that has put it very firmly on the list of ‘Buildings at Risk’ register. As a result of the house being unsafe, it means that it has been closed to the public since 2008, but the 200 acres of parkland around which this walk goes, are still freely accessible. There is also a programme of events in the park throughout the year, ranging from an Easter egg trail, to a night time guided nature walk – for further details check www.derbyshire. gov.uk/countryside events. Until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries, the estate was owned by Shelford Priory, after which it was sold in 1538, to Sir Michael Stanhope of Rampton, Notts. Following his death in 1611, the whole estate, including Elvaston, was inherited by his second son, also called Michael. He became High Sheriff of Derbyshire and died in 1638, but not before he built the Elizabethan-styled house at Elvaston on the outskirts of Derby in 1633. With little change, Elvaston passed steadily through generations of Stanhopes until the 19th century. This was when Charles Stanhope, 3rd

Earl of Harrington employed the architect James Wyatt to extend and re-develop the castle in the then popular Gothic Revival style. During this time a new wing and the great hall were added. Further modifications on the Elizabethan-styled south front were carried out in 1836 by the architect Lewis Nockalls Cottingham, leaving the building very much as we see it today.

several cottages and gate houses, along with an ice house plus a boat house. Ideally the property could be owned by the National Trust, but by confining their interest to acting in as a Consultancy Body, even they baulk at the thought of funding the £6.1 million required to restore the fabric of Elvaston Castle.

In 1969 following the Countryside Act the previous year, the estate including the castle was sold to Derbyshire County Council by the 11th Earl of Harrington. The council opened the estate to the public in 1970 as a Country Park under the terms of the Act. Since then it was used for country fairs and other major events, but latterly lack of funding has meant that even such things have been abandoned. Nevertheless the park is popular with up to 350,000 visitors a year, offering a wide range of activities alongside self-guided walks and cycle rides, or just for a day out in the popular children’s play park. .

Elvaston Castle Gardens Probably still the only truly cared for section of the estate, the gardens were laid out in 1830 for Charles, 4th Earl of Harrington by the relatively unknown gardener, William Barron. The earl had caused something of a scandal by marrying the actress Maria Foote who was seventeen years his junior. Very much a love-match, the couple kept the gardens for their private retreat while Barron spent the next twenty years building their now Grade 2 listed Gothic paradise. Following the 4th Earl’s death in 1851, his brother Leicester Stanhope became the 5th Earl. It was he who opened the gardens to the public for the first time. Along with the castle and its gardens, the estate covers some 200 acres of parkland, including

Elavaston Country Park

The Future Threatened with closure due to lack of funding, the council would like to remove its immediate financial liabilities amounting to around £500,000 a year simply to keep it open. Since closure of the main building to the public in 1990 when it was deemed unsafe, the castle and estate have attracted the interest of golf club developers, but this could well restrict the sort of access currently enjoyed by the public at large.

The Derby Less than 50 yards from the promenade Removal of all traces of grease, fat and nasty built up layers from ovens, hobs, extractors or microwaves. No aerosols, no mess, no fuss…

CALL NOW!

National availability… local service. Spectacular results, 3 hours between appointments

64 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Derbyshire Special

Monday to Friday special b.b e.m £125.00 pp (min 2 in bedroom) with a £20 bar Voucher per room.

3 star AA

Bed and Breakfast and 2018 AA Breakfast award The Derby, North Shore, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 2JF 01253 623708 | 07809 143248 | www.thederbyhotel.co.uk

Derby Hotel

The Walk with Rambler

Elvaston Castle

This walk follows rights of way around the estate as far as the River Derwent and back by way of the gardens and woodland surrounding the castle. • From the car park off the Borrowash/Elvaston road, follow the woodland track to the left of the children’s play park. Within sight of the lake, turn right. The huge mound of white rocks, an imaginative adventure playground, is made of tufa (naturally reconstituted Derbyshire limestone). The rock was used extensively throughout the park to decorate William Barron’s garden lay-out. • Cross the bridge over a narrow neck of the lake and make your way up to the courtyard at the back of the castle. • Bear left from the courtyard and then right into the ornamental gardens. • Work your way up to the lodge and boundary wall. • Join the tree-lined formal drive for about 50 yards and then angle left away from it and on to a path heading towards modern houses in Thulston. • Bear right past the newish housing estate and on to a road passing the Harrington Arms. • Turn left to join the Borrowash road for a few yards. • Cross the main road and bear right on to a side road, bearing right again where it forks. This is Ambaston Lane, follow it for about a mile into Ambaston village. n.b. although this is a minor side road, it can be busy at times, so walk on

the right-hand side, facing oncoming traffic. • At the ‘T’ junction turn left on to a side road through Ambaston. • At the road end turn left past the last houses and follow a grassy field path over a series of fields and as far as the river. • Walk along the river bank until the path reaches the Borrowash road. • Climb up to the road and bear left along it for about 100 yards. • Drop down a side track on your right and regain the river bank. • The path here is part of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way running upstream to Bamford and the Derwent Dams. Across the river to your right is the British Celanese factory. • Where the path forks beside a weir, turn left on to a field track dog-legging for over a quarter of a mile until it reaches the western access drive into Elvaston Park. Turn left and follow the drive up to the castle. • Go to your left around the castle and then half-right to walk down grassy terraces to the wooded lake-side track. Follow this to the right, back to the Country Park car park, which is to your right through the trees. You will pass more tufa structures; one of them makes a perfect arch, framing a view of the lake. Other features seen from this section of the walk

THE BIKE SHOP DERBY Not too hard to ﬁnd but hard to beat – phone for directions

Derby’s largest bike shop Electric bike specialists 100-102 Monk St (off Abbey St), Derby DE22 3QB Tel: 01332 382227

www.thebikeshopderby.co.uk also in Nottingham

are an ornamental pumping station worked by a now abandoned water wheel, and a fine Cedar of Lebanon tree.

Useful Information

5½ miles (9km) of level parkland, back roads, riverside and country park walking. Muddy sections after rain beyond Ambaston village. Recommended map: Ordnance Survey Explorer, 1:25,000 scale Sheet 259 (Derby). Public transport: Skylink (Leicester direction), from Derby. Refreshments. Café in castle kitchen. Pub, the Harrington Arms Thulston is passed on the walk. Car parking near entrance to Elvaston Country Park, via Borrowash/Elvaston road.

Glen Wragg Plumbing & Heating 52837

• Gas Servicing And Repairs • Gas Boilers Fitted

52837

• Bath Out Shower In • Central Heating • All Plumbing Work • Landlords Gas Safety Inspections • Bathrooms Supplied & Fitted

Telephone 01773 836460 or 07973 765869 Smaller Jobs

• Outside Taps • Toilet or Tank Overflowing •New Tap Tops • New Pumps • Small Leaks • Drain Downs • New Radiators • New Cylinders

Telephone 01773 836873 or 07976 365233

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 65

Diary Of Events Royal Centre Nottingham & Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 www.trch.co.uk JULY 2 - 7 Titanic - The Musical 5-7 The Wedding Reception 7 The Magic Lantern Backstage Tour - July 2018 11-15 Gangsta Granny - It’s Friday night and Ben knows that means only one thing – staying with Granny! There will be cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake and Ben knows one thing for sure – it’s going to be sooooooooo boring! But what Ben doesn’t know is that Granny has a secret – and Friday nights are about to get more exciting than he could ever imagine, as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own Gangsta Granny! From the acclaimed producers of Horrible Histories comes the award-winning West End production of this amazing story by David Walliams, the UK’s best-selling author for children. 13-14 Sarah Millican 17-18 Peppa Pig’s Adventure 20 The Gipsy Kings 20-21 Cinderella in Hollywood 20 Jul - 21 Jul 2018 23-28 An Officer and a Gentleman 25 Del Amitri 31 to August 4 Sleighed to Death AUGUST 6-11 This Is Elvis 06 Aug - 11 Aug 2018 7-11 A Touch of Danger - When Max Telligan, a popular novelist, returns to his London apartment from a business trip to Munich, he finds his evening newspaper contains a report of his violent death. As the evening ensues, Max is greeted by a parade of mysterious visitors as it becomes increasingly clear that he has, it seems, unwittingly become embroiled in the activities of an international terrorist group! This Classic Durbridge thriller will keep you guessing until the final scene. 11 The Magic Lantern Backstage Tour 14-18 The Scarlet Pimpernel Derby Live. Box Office 01332 255800 www.derbylive.co.uk JULY 1 Sarah Millican 4-7 Whodunnit?! - It is 1925. The body of renowned explorer, Hector Washington, is found dead the morning after an eventful cocktail party. But WHODUNNIT?! The young wife? The best friend? The personal secretary? The clothes designer? Or did the butler do it? This brand new musical from murder mystery experts Big Adventures Theatre Company puts you, the audience, right in the heart of the action! In every performance, 5 lucky audience members will get the chance to come up on

66 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

diary@imagespublishing.co.uk

stage and work alongside the show’s detective - the plucky Esther Morstan-Eyre - to try and solve the mystery. At the end of the show the ENTIRE audience gets to vote on who they think the culprit is! Think Cluedo meets the Generation Game and you’ll be on the right lines! 6 Schools’ Public Speaking Competition 7 Bubble Rush 8 The Derby Charity Classic Car and Retro 8 8 Razzle Dazzled 10 England vs New Zealand 13 Sunrise City 5k 15 Derby Caribbean Carnival 19-22 RHS Tatton Park Flower Show 19 Little Mix 21 July -to Aug 28 Derby Beach Come and enjoy the Derbados beach! 21 Splendour in Nottingham 22 Colour Rush 5k Fun Run It’s back and it’s bigger than ever! Join the colourful fun at our Colour Rush 2018! More 22 Alvaston Park Family Fun Day 24-26 Romeo and Juliet Oddsocks are delighted to be breathing new life into Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet by giving it a musical Mods & Rockers twist! 27-31 A Wild Walk 30 Summer Musical Theatre Workshops 2018 AUGUST 4 The Roundhouse Street Feast 8-19 Funfair 9-11 Stones and Bones Derby Theatre Box Office 01332 59 39 39 www.derbytheatre.co.uk July 25 to August 2nd - Holiday It’s not fair. What to do? We’ll play at going on holiday! Join Gabi and Jaz as they gather up their things, and with the magical power of their imaginations, head to the beach for an adventure - without leaving the comfort of their home. Buxton Opera House & PavilionArts Centre. 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org JULY 6 Buxton International Festival to include: Jesse Norman - Adam Smith: What He Thought and Why It Matters Joanna MacGregor John Suchet Verdi: The Man Revealed Ashley Solomon - Father, Son & Godfather – Telemann, JS & CPE Bach Eugenia Cheng The Art of Logic: How to Make Sense in a World that Doesn’t Charles Maxtone-Smith One Man Show: Hitler Alone The Daughter of The Regiment Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) The Jam Experiment The Fitzwilliam Quartet Buxton International Festival PANTS!

David Pilling - The Growth Delusion: The Wealth and Well-Being of Nations One Man Show: Of Willie Maugham The Fibonacci Sequence: Part 1 - 3 Herding Catz Big Rocking Blues Night Perspectives - Prime Movers and Prime Times Madeleine Mitchell Gavin Francis Shapeshifters: On Medicine and more 18 - 20 Scenes From An Opera: Alzira 18 Rafe’s Dilemma 19 Nicholas Shakespeare Six Minutes in May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister 19 Gill James and The Cafelit Writers 21 The Reluctant Dragon 23 Levellers Acoustic Support from Ginger Wildheart 24-25 Learning and Participation Craft and Creation 25 An Evening With... Natalie Merchant 29 Sarah Millican 31 National Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company 31 to Aug 5 The Pirates of Penzance 1-5 Ruddigore 2 Princess Ida 3 The Mikado 4 Trial by Jury & The Sorcerer AUGUST 6-15 A Very Peppa Pig Trek 7 Little Women 8 Romeo & Juliet 10 Rhythm of the Dance 12 The James Bond Concert Spectacular 18-19 Peppa Pig’s Adventure Nottingham Playhouse 0115 941 9419 www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk JULY 11 Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright Comedy: Mark Steel is back with a new show, guaranteed to make the world seem even more mental than it is. 14 Journeys: A Collection Of Drama, Dance And Song Drama: A varied programme of drama, dance and song performed by young people from firstSight Performing Arts and Rollo Academy. 14-15 Legally Blonde 15 Stand in the Spotlight 21 You’ve Got Dragons AUGUST 18 Disney’s Aladdin JR 24-25 Blood Brothers (Play Version) Palace Theatre Mansfield www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre JULY 4-7 Made in Dagenham - The musical SEPT 6 Amen Corner 12-13 Peppa Pig’s Adventure

SLACKS TRAVEL Luxury coach travel with guaranteed seats & local boarding points

BRITISH COACHING

Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter Clive John presents

SUNDERLAND TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL . . . . . . . 09-13 July (HB) £352 ROMANTIC JOURNEYS OF NORTHUMBRIA. . . . . 12-16 Jul (HB) £376 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE COAST & TENBY . . 16-20 Jul (HB) £352 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 ISLE OF WIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04-09 Aug (HB) £407 SUFFOLK COAST & COUNTRYSIDE . . . . . . . . . . . 06-10 Aug (HB) £370 SECRETS OF SURREY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06-10 Aug (HB) £391 THAMES TALES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13 Aug (HB) £323 PORTSMOUTH & SOUTHSEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 Aug (HB) £372 FROGMORE & CLARENCE HOUSE . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Aug (HB) £185 LAKE DISTRICT STEAM & CRUISE . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 Aug (HB) £399 PAIGNTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-25 Aug (HB) £360 BANK HOLIDAY MYSTERY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-27 Aug (HB) £205 ROYAL SANDRINGHAM & THE ENGLISH SHIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-31 Aug (HB) £358 DEVON DELIGHTS BIDEFORD . . . . . . . . . . . . 03-07 Sept (HB) £317 SCOTLAND ORKNEY ISLES & THE CASTLE OF MEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .05-10 Sept (HB) £545 WALES LLANDUDNO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .06-10 Sept (HB) £360 AUTUMN FLOWERS AT KEW & RHS WISLEY .08-09 Sept (HB) £167 BOURNEMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-14 Sept (HB) £332 CHARMING COTSWOLDS & THE WELSH BORDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-17 Sept (HB) £364 REMEMBERING DIANA, KENSINGTON PALACE & WINDSOR CASTLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23 Sept (HB) £173 SIDMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-27 Sept (HB) £390 EASTBOURNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-28 Sept (HB) £313 BARNSTAPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01-05 Oct (HB) £356 LOOE CORNWALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01-05 Oct (HB) £312 LONDON THEATRE THE LION KING . . . . . . . . .30-31 Oct (BB) £169 WARNERS LITTLECOTE HOUSE. . . . . . . . . . . . 17-21 Dec (HB) £249 SPECIAL PACKAGES CHRISTMAS AT SOUTHPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-27 Dec £529 CHRISTMAS IN THE WEST COUNTRY . . . . . . . . . . 23-27 Dec £535

Sold out shows across Europe

‘His resemblance is uncanny’ Rosanne Cash

As seen in London’s West End

TORQUAY SPECIAL OFFER. . . . . . . . . . . 18-22 Feb 2019 (HB) £176

EUROPEAN COACHING 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

Thursday 13 September 2018 Buxton Opera House

Show: 7.30pm Tickets: £20.50, £22.50 (Discounts available)

Box Office: 01298 72190 buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Admission included*

SOUTHPORT STRATFORD-UPON-AVON TATTON PARK RHS FLOWER SHOW* NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM SCARBOROUGH CLEETHORPES BUCKINGHAM PALACE* HARROGATE AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW* MALVERN AUTUMN FLOWER SHOW*

SAT 07 JUL SUN 15 JUL SAT 21 JUL SAT 28 JUL SAT 04 AUG TUES 07 AUG SAT 01 SEPT SAT 15 SEPT SAT 29 SEPT

Adult / OAP / Child

£23 £23 £45/£45/£21 £15 £25/£25/£12.50 £22/£22/£11 £50.60/£48.80/£41.20 £39.50/£39.50/£22 £39

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

For more information go to www.johnnycashroadshow.com

Telephone 01629 582826/584192

‘Smooth and every bit as dark as Cash himself’ York Mix ‘Gold Standard Fire cracking entertainment’ Hall for Cornwall ‘Energetic and entertaining 5 Star show’ What’s on stage

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 | 67

Diary Of Events Birdwatching for Beginners walks at Carsington Water. Bird Watching for Beginners – Sunday 1st July 2018 10.00am If you want to see and hear, all the breeding summer warblers that have come to Carsington, July is a good time, with adults actively collecting food for the young. And nests everywhere. Foliage will soon make it harder to spot birds in the trees, so come and join the experts to help you identify and enjoy the birds even more. The next Beginners walk, which are held on the first Sunday of every month, is on Sunday August 5th. Book by contacting Carsington for more information, 01629 540696 or just drop in to reception. If you don’t want to miss the birds, binoculars are essential!! Future date to slot in your diary app, September 2nd. Derbyshire Dales Woodcraft Club Meets in Wyaston village hall (DE6 2DR) on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 2:00pm. We have a mixed programme of visiting demonstrators, hands-on sessions under the guidance of more experienced members and a monthly competition. 7th. July 2018 - this is a hands-on meeting and visitors may come along and have a go at woodturning, woodcarving etc. under the guidance of an experienced member. For more information go to www.ddwc.co.uk where you can see reports with photos on previous meetings, including competition results, and read past newsletters. If you would like to know more about the club, email your query to info@ddwc.co.uk or phone James Sharpe on 01335 344933. Darley Abbey Historical Group ‘St. Chad’ by Jonathan Oates. 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 To find out more about the Historical Group, take a look at their blog: https://darleyabbeyhistoricalgroup.wordpress. com/ Ashbourne & District Flower Club Monday July 16th Di Singleton will provide a demonstration entitled Summer Celebrations. Monday August 20th a workshop will show you how to arrange a mixed bunch of flowers from the supermarket. Visitors welcome Meeting to be held at St Oswald’s church hall Ashbourne 7:30pm. Bestwood Male Voice Choir Summer Harmony Concert. Bestwood Male Voice Choir are delighted to be joined by special guests Tideswell Male Voice Choir for a Summer Harmony Concert at St Mary Magdalene Church, Hucknall on Saturday 23 June at 7.00pm. Based in the beautiful Peak District village of Tideswell, the guest choir has a well-deserved reputation for its excellence in choral singing. Founded in the 1950’s, the choir members were

68 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

diary@imagespublishing.co.uk

originally drawn from the villages of Tideswell itself. However, today men travel from all around to be part of this exciting group, now numbering 40 members, enjoying rehearsals which continue to be held in Tideswell. Tickets are priced at £6.00, available from Colin on 01159 794842 or on the door. So come along.

theatre company Babbling Vagabonds take us on a Wild Walk outdoor adventure to discover the rascal who has been stealing the King’s golden apples. Pit your wits against riddlers, puzzle makers, and a useless wolf ! See if you can discover who the Golden Thief is!

Charity Horse Ride Charity Horse Ride at Shottle, Belper on Sunday 15July. A beautiful 10mile ride in central Derbyshire on land not normally available for horse riding. Raising money for local charities - for full info - Paul.millership@yahoo.co.uk OR www. rotary-ambervalley.org.uk Heanor Floral Art Group Demonstration by Jane Pugh entitled Dance the Night Away. At the Wilmot Street Welfare Centre. Wilmot Street Heanor . On Monday July 16th at 7oclock. Visitors £5 everyone welcome. For further details contact 01332-880179 . Little Chester Local History Group Little Chester Heritage Centre, St. Paul’s Church, Mansfield Road, Derby. We are open on Sunday July 1st 2-4pm, when you are invited to view our collection of original newspapers from the Napoleonic Wars to recent times. Read ‘Forces’ and other newspapers from the Two World Wars. Free admission. Refreshments available. For further information Tel. 01332 363354 Allestree Flower Group Tuesday 17th July 2018 Flower demonstration by Di Singleton TIme: 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. Venue: The Evergreen Hall, Cornhill, Allestree Admission: Members £3.00. Non- members £7.00 For further details telephone 01332 558540 Derby City Photographic Club Derby - Celebration of a City’ 3rd May to 28th July venue Deda, Chapel Street, Derby An exhibition of 40 framed photographs and an audio visual by members of Derby City Photographic Club celebrating Derby as it is now, 40 years after attaining City status. Showcasing its buildings, commerce, industry, sport and leisure. The exhibition is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and entry is free. For further information visit www. derbycitypc.co.uk Derby Wine Circle Friday 13th July – A “Russian Banquet” with speaker. Meetings are held on the first Friday of each month at The Evergreen Club, Allestree – 7.30pm for 7.45pm. for further information contact Julie@Thebelks.plus.com / 01159 328217 Gilllian.wall@Ntlworld.com / 01332 551447.

A Wild Walk: The Golden Thief by Babbling Vagabonds. Saturday 18th August 11:00 am and 2:00 pm at Crich Glebe Field Centre (DE4 5EU) Explorers, wanderers and daring adventurers – we want you! Join us at Crich, as professional

This is a ‘for all the family’ event, but it is an outdoor theatrical walk, and will take about an hour to complete. Please come prepared with good walking shoes, a rain coat and other outdoorsy things. Be warned – you may need to be brave, quick thinking and definitely ready for adventure! The show lasts an hour, and takes place near The Crich Glebe Field Centre, and on and around Crich Recreation Ground. There will be 2 performances, starting at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Meet at the Glebe 15 minutes before the start. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Everyone will need a ticket. They are free for those aged 3 and under, and £5.00 for everyone else. Wirksworth Antiques in the Streets 2018 Sunday the 15th of July 10am-4pm The beautiful little town of Wirksworth is yet again opening it’s doors to a fabulous Antiques and Vintage market scattered around the town. Antique dealers , flea market goers, people moving house, Aunty Mable clearing out her garden shed, they all turn out for a fabulous day with a difference. If you want a wonderful free day out wondering around the quirkiest town in Derbyshire then come along, you will not be disappointed. If you want to escape the hubbub of the crowd then venture into church walk or the puzzle gardens and enjoy a quiet minute or two. Of course you can also enjoy fantastic street food, award winning restaurants, cafes, micro breweries, old fashioned pubs serving the best local real ale and the famous “Yorkshire pudding wrap” at the Sizzling pig , the best fair trade shop in the county, fabulous gifts, gallery and framers, organic foods and so much more all in our historical little town. Don’t forget to bring your valuables for a free valuation from Bamfords Auction house and the big indoor antiques and flea market at the Memorial Hall on the main road. Visit our Facebook page Wirksworth Antiques in the streets 2018 or call 01629 820191. marsdensgifts@gmail.co.uk

The Marlowe Players present All My Sons

ne of Derbyshire’s oldest established theatre groups will pursue its aim of presenting plays that other companies shy away from when it performs Arthur Miller’s All My Sons.

John Freeman and Chris Davies will direct the family drama for the Marlowe Players. For John, it represents an opportunity to tackle a very different type of play from the ones he has previously been involved with. “Up to now all the plays I’ve directed have been comedies or at least relied heavily on comedy scenes. Five years ago I directed Lucy Bennett’s A Piece of Cake and there was a scene that was a bit more emotional. “I really enjoyed the challenge of the different approach that was needed and I realised then that I wanted to direct a ‘serious’ play. But I changed jobs and moved house, so I’ve had to wait to fulfil this ambition.” John added: “All My Sons is considered a classic and with good reason. It’s a play that’s been frequently staged for more than 70 years. It’s still hugely popular, largely due to Miller’s style of writing, his development of characters and storytelling which make it an incredibly moving piece of theatre, one that still resonates with audiences today.” All My Sons is the story of successful businessman Joe Keller who lives with his wife Kate and son Chris in 1940s suburban America. Their only sadness is the loss of their other son Larry, who went missing in World War II. Kate still clings to the hope that her son is alive. When an unexpected visitor arrives, deep wounds are opened and the family

have to confront the truth behind their comfortable lives. The play also appealed to American studies graduate Chris Davies. “Having been directed by John in other plays I felt confident we could work well together and I’m pleased to say that this has been the case. “We have very similar visions of what the play should look like and it’s been a pleasure bringing those visions to life with our exceptional cast. “The play and its author are well loved and we intend to produce something special.” The Marlowe Players will present All My Sons at Darley Abbey Village Hall from Tuesday until Saturday, July 24 to 28. For tickets call 07961 607372 or go to marlowe-players.co.uk.

Cover artist Sandy Hillyer will be exhibiting with the Matlock Artists Society 30th July -5th August at the Gothic Wharf Gallery, Canalside, Cromford.

DERBY FOLK FESTIVAL

4 - 7 October 2018

his year the Festival ranks as one of the most popular weekend Folk Festivals in the UK with an unrivalled guest list of over two hundred musicians, singers and dancers. Ticket sales are at record high levels and it looks like attracting even more people to the city for a fantastic weekend celebration of folk music. Owing to its popularity, this year’s festival has been extended with a special Thursday evening concert featuring Gary Stewart’s “Gracelands Show” featuring an incredible 7-piece band, coming together to recreate the iconic Paul Simon “Graceland” Album in all its glory. Plus the exciting music and dance from the Zulu Tradition, making a great party night to kick start the Festival. Tickets are available at the Derby Live Box Office 01332 255800 / www.derbylive.co.uk or in person at the Derby Tourist Information, Market Place, Derby.

Well known Derbyshire artist Norma Gent is a versatile artist with a wide range of subjects and styles. You can visit her at her delightful studio in New Lane, Alfreton where you can see her working on her latest painting as well as a display of her original works. No 2 The Galleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

Norma Gent Derbyshire Artist

◆ 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

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 69

e l y t s Life

Brand New for 2018

Golf Membership at

Flexible Golf Membership Packages from only - £295.00* Unlimited Golf Membership Packages from only - £695.00** ANYTIME ANNUAL! Get a 12 month golf membership with no fixed start date • No joining fees

• Online Tee Time Booking system

Available ire

ro u

• Club Competitions all year round

Buggy H

• Official CONGU handicap***

A ll y e a

• 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 70 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Out & About

Open Daily 11 am – 4 pm • Exhibitions • Events • Family Friendly

Bakewell OLD HOUSE

Museum

Summer Season at the Bakewell Old House Museum. There is so much for families to enjoy at the Old House with RAT trails, courtyard activities, Lego station, dressing up box and items to handle. New evocative exhibitions, The Memory House – “The Mysterious Peak District” featuring artworks and photography of ancient sites and standing stones. Glamorous 1920s gowns are on display alongside workaday clothes. Join us for a “Lazy Summer Sunday” on the 29th July. Sun, songs and saxophone with Samantha Jade Sax. Licenced bar and refreshments. Tickets available from 18th June.

Discover Explore

TICKETSR VALID FO 1 YEAR • Fun for families • • Courtyard games • Rat Trail • Dressing up box •

01629 813 642

www.OldHouseMuseum.org.uk Old House Museum, Cunningham Place, Bakewell Derbyshire DE45 1DD

See www.oldhousemuseum for further info or email bakewellmuseum@gmail.com

Every Rose Has A Story Every rose has its own individual and exciting story to tell. The Luxembourg rose breeders Soupert & Notting produced Madame Jules Gravereaux in 1901 to honour the man who, having made his fortune at the Bon Marché department store in Paris, purchased land at L’Hay for the first garden dedicated solely to roses: containing 1,600 different plants. While some Derbyshire estates have replanted with David Austin roses, other rose gardens include examples of plants produced by breeders from France, Germany, Denmark, the USA, England and Northern Ireland. Some of these firms have been breeding roses for more than 250 years. The summer is the best time to admire the roses and to hear their stories. We organise regular visits to enjoy the history behind local rose gardens. www.offthederbyshirebeatentrack.co.uk

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

Off the Derbyshire Beaten Track A series of half-day tours a 40 mile journey of discovery lead mines great & small Sir George Watt & the Delhi Durbar 1903 June, July & August The History behind Local Rose Gardens the stories of the people who originally bred the roses December Derbyshire & the '45: a Scotsman’s Tale The minibus leaves Ashbourne @ 1.30pm

Booking essential

phone: 01335 345239/07771667097 or email frances@franscript.co.uk For further information see www.offthederbyshirebeatentrack.co.uk

ASHOVER AGRICULTURAL & HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY LTD WORKING IN AID OF THE ASHOVER SHOW

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 71

Out & About A Great day Out For All The Family

Matlock Farm Park are open all year round and hope to give you a wonderful visit in the fresh air and tranquillity of the countryside. There is plenty to do for children, with lots of animals to see and feed, as well as smaller cuddly animals to pet in the barn. You'll find so much for families to do, including the special events they run throughout the year. Be sure to visit the animals this summer, for an amazing time and tremendous fun!

MFP_advert_132x190mm_2018.qxp_Layout 1 15/12/2017 14:13 Page 1

Come and hand feed and pet our wide range of animals.

Great Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parties including guided tour, animal feed, small animal handling, private party room and buffet. Add on a pony ride. WATCH out for Mr. Doodle Doo

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY Daily Activities for Spring and Summer 2018: see please details for website

n Bottle Feeding of Lambs

n Sheep Racing

n Small animal handling

n Short pony rides at weekends

n Meerkat feeding

and school holidays

n Wallaby Encounter

INCORPORATING - Ridgeway Riding

School & Trekking Centre

Fully trained instructors are available for group or private individual lessons. If you would like a lesson or to go pony trekking, then booking is essential.

72 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

n Ferret Racing

Call 01246

590200 or email info@matlockfarmpark.co.uk

JAGGERS LANE, NEAR TWO DALES, MATLOCK DE4 5LH

www.matlockfarmpark.co.uk

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

Tel: 01457 868011 glossopcaravans.co.uk E N D

O F

M 6 7 ,

M A I N

A 5 7 ,

B R O O K F I E L D ,

G L O S S O P,

D CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk E R B Y S H I R E , S K 1 3 6 J| F73

taste derbyshire hen it comes to curry, I adopt a relaxed ‘Jamie Oliver’ approach and simply chop, chuck, dice and drizzle the contents of my entire store cupboard into a pot until I have something runny enough to stick on some rice.

I draw the line at using the nine-year-old tin of fruit cocktail. I stopped putting fruit in curry after realising tangerine was no substitute for lemon and that banana curry does not appear on your average takeaway menu for a reason. My husband still goes the colour of an unripe banana at the thought of it, 35 years on. Veena Gost and her spice sister Nilam Wright are behind the Curry on Cooking spice kit - formulated to give British ex-pats their curry fix. They promise that just one masterclass will banish my ‘throw it in and pray’ approach to Indian cooking for good.

It was Veena and Nilam’s flair for cooking – and sense of fun – which made them such popular guests at BBQs in the Murcia region of Spain where Nilam and her family now live. Veena and Nilam would take along things like pakoras and bhajis and curry-starved ex-pats would grill them about where to buy the spices. One ‘light bulb’ moment later and sisters came up with the idea for the ‘curry kit’ – a spice mix with ‘no hidden nasties’ (chemicals or colours) which comes stapled to a recipe card.

Self-confessed ‘foodie’ journalist Amanda Volley showcases all that is great about food and drink in Derbyshire.

Thcee Sisters

Spi “It was funny we ended up launching a food business as Nilam and I didn’t want to learn anything about cooking as children,” laughs Veena. “My mum is one of the best cooks I have ever come across. The house was always full of people and mum would spend hours preparing a feast inspired by her Northern Indian heritage. Friends and family were always asking mum for recipes but Nilam and I were focussed on education and careers. From the age of nine, I

wanted to become a journalist – not a housewife.” Veena says she and Nilam sometimes felt selfconscious about eating different food from their schoolfriends. “Nilam and I were only talking the other day about our trips to Skegness when we’d often be the only Asian family on the beach,” she recalls. “Mum would be up at 5am to make the most amazing picnics. She’d make things like spicy

pickles and stuffed parathas but Nilam and I wanted to eat fish and chips like everyone else. Now we appreciate how hard she worked. Spices and other Indian staples were so hard to get in Derby in the 70s – we’d often go to Birmingham or London to stock-up. If anyone offered to bring something from India, mum would ask for something ‘exotic’ like a mango.” Mum’s cooking was the first thing Veena missed

after starting work in Southampton; “I lived on Derby Road which is fitting because I was always running to the phone box on the corner to ring home,” she recalls. “If I wanted a make a tarka which is a mixture of spices fried in ghee or oil – I’d have to ring my mum and she’d talk me through the processes. Mum couldn’t read me a recipe because she has never written anything down. There’s no teaspoon or tablespoons, just a case of a ‘sprinkle of this, a sprinkle of that’.” Whatever she says, an instinct for cooking is in Veena’s DNA. As I begin my chicken curry, Veena whips up ‘the best and quickest’ vegetable side-dish of courgette fried in spices. It’s made before I have time to chop a pepper. But what’s truly fascinating is watching Veena ‘fine-tuning’ the flavour. There’s no recipe or measuring; Veena simply stands over the dish holding her spice tray like an artist’s palette - adding the odd pinch or two – until the masterpiece is complete. Small wonder Veena’s cooking skills were often required when her sister Nilam, husband Darren and son Josh (14), emigrated to Spain in 2009. “After a short time living in Malaysia, they finally settled in Murcia,” Veena explained. “I was working for the BBC at the time but would visit them a few times a year. As spices are hard to get in Spain, I’d have to pack a load in my suitcase. For years, all my holiday clothes smelled of curry. We’d cook Indian food for our ex-pat friends and they’d tell us how much they really missed it. People started asking us to cook dishes for them.” Although the number of Indian restaurants in Spain has increased in the last five years, Veena says they are often too expensive for ex-pats. As for home-cooking, while the Spanish supermarkets and shops stock saffron, paprika and cinnamon; things like coriander, cumin and fenugreek are much harder to get because they are not traditionally used in Spanish dishes.

The sisters suddenly realised that - instead of cooking for friends – they could formulate a few spice mixes to help them cook popular Indian dishes. “Inspiration struck while house-sitting for someone who had the most fabulous kitchen. Nilam and I don’t travel anywhere without our spice trays and we couldn’t resist the urge to cook” recalls Veena. “As we started cooking we decided to create a spice mix which could be used by ex-pats to make dishes like Balti and Aloo Gobi. We did little packs of spice, wrote the recipes out in long-hand on a A4 pad and gave them out to our friends for feedback.” The feed-back was so encouraging, the sisters started to approach traders. “I don’t think the irony hit us at the time but we were Indian girls from Derby looking for ‘English’ corner shops in Spain,” she laughs. “We also gave a korma curry kit and our instructions to all the foodie friends of ours and

said we wanted totally honest feedback. One of the most useful comments came from my nephew Josh, who was ten at the time. He did our ‘Bombay potato’ blend and the chunks of potato were far too big and he didn’t wash them. Quite rightly, he said there was nothing about preparing the potatoes in the instructions. We took all the feedback and spent months refining the ingredients and the branding.” Veena and Nilam both agreed to go easy on the cook – no complicated recipes or hours of preparation required. “Mum would often spend all day in the kitchen but our motto is ‘KISS’ which stands for ‘Keep it simple sister,” she laughs. “That also applied to our brand and packaging. Nilam and I grew-up in Stenson Fields in Derby. We didn’t want traditional images of women, elephants or swirling paisley patterns on our packaging. We wanted it to be modern and fresh – no gold or pink. Our logo features a crown for our Britishness, on top of a wok which represents our love of Indian food.” The only thing Veena is strict about is the ordering of the kits. “I have been known to reorganise shop displays as our curries go from mild to medium hot which means the kits should start with Korma and end with Madras,” she laughs. “Just as Ant and Dec always stand in name order – so do our curries.” Veena admits the venture wasn’t without risks. She’d already put money into an organic food delicatessen, while she was living in Manchester, only to see it fail in 2001 due to pressures of the recession. “After we sold the shop, I did some freelance radio work including part-time shifts at Radio Derby which meant I divided my time between Manchester and my mum’s house in Repton,” Veena explains. “Nilam was breaking into more outlets in Spain and, as we were getting approached by businesses in the UK, I decided to make the curry kits my full-time job. I put my house in Manchester up for rent and moved in with mum. People sometimes ask how I could bear to give up journalism. I tell them I have had two loves in my life; food and the media. I’m currently working on a cookery book with Nilam which combines both my passions.” Veena certainly puts her journalistic talents to good use when she’s promoting the products. “I do the press releases, I write columns and recipes in magazines both here and in Spain,” Veena says. “I recently did a feature on afternoon teas with an Indian twist for the Women’s Institute magazine. I did things like ‘salmon masala’ and ‘chai tea loaf ’. We do like to put a bit of fun into our business and even put little messages like ‘that’s a bit saucy’ on our labels. I think that’s why a friend of ours recommended us to a TV company making a reality show in Spain.” The friend was fitness instructor Anthony ‘Ant’ Horadada, a regular on Channel 5’s reality programme ‘Bargain-hunting Brits in the Sun’. The programme follows various ex-pats who have made a new life in or near Benidorm. “Nilam lives about an hour down the coast from Benidorm but we knew Anthony as he used to live nearby and we’d drive over to his aqua classes when I was in Spain,” Veena explained. CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 75

“Ant is one of our biggest supporters and he told us we had ‘got to do’ the programme. The TV company interviewed us for one day and then filmed us going about our business over three days. The main story thread involved some of Ant’s Fat Fighters coming over to make a curry and some chapatis. It was funny because one of Ant’s ladies said she couldn’t stand hot food – and she had to be dragged away from the table in the end.” The programme, which was screened in March, gave the sisters’ business an unexpected boost. “For 48 hours after the screening our on-line sales went through the roof,” smiles Veena. “We were also approached by bars and restaurants in Spain to do cookery demonstrations. The tikka masala masterclass sold 40 tickets straight-away. It’s odd because people keep approaching me to ask for a photograph. The last time I went to see Nilam, I was even asked to pose for a ‘selfie’ on the plane coming home.” The surge in interest inspired the sisters to expand their business. They are currently adding two new products – Pakora mix and Biriyani rice – to their range. Talking from Spain, Nilam says she is rushed off her feet; “We are getting some amazing feedback and reviews about our ‘currilicious’ kits,” she laughs. “I am doing a lot of markets and I have great fun myth-busting about curry being unhealthy and fattening. There can be a lot of hidden sugars and fats in the ready-meals, jars and take-aways so it’s rewarding introducing people to a ‘proper’ curry mix which contains no additives, gluten, sugar and certainly no oil slick.”

instruction from Veena, my curry is a world away from my usual ‘nice but bland’ dish. But, as good as it is, Veena’s five-minute curry is the real star of the show. It has that enviable mix of experience, instinct and indefinable ‘magic’ which turn ordinary ingredients into something quite special. “My dad used to believe in ‘mood food’ which meant eating things to improve your health and well-being and that’s how I cook today,” Veena says. “Take garlic, did you know it is an aphrodisiac? It will put the va va voom back into your love life.” “What did you learn?” my husband asks when Veena finally manages to escape from my kitchen.

I avoid all talk of garlic and tell him about how ridiculously easy chapati is to make. I also tell him I ‘may’ invest in my own spice tray. Or maybe not. Making two curries (Veena always prepares a wet and dry curry), raita, lemon chilli pickle and flat breads might be a fun way to spend an afternoon. But, on reflection, popping one of the spice sisters’ mixes onto some meat and adding it to a pan of tinned tomatoes is a much smarter move by far. For more information about cookery courses and stockists, visit www.curryonccoking.com Email; keepcalm@curryoncooking.com or ring 07884188764

Chicken Curry This is a basic Punjabi style curry – quick and easy for a midweek meal. The cream can be replaced by yoghurt.

This November, the sisters will host their first ever week-long cookery retreat at the up-market Akinon Spa and Resort in La Nucia, near Alicante, Spain. They are also keen to offer cooking demonstrations to groups, private parties and keen individuals. I can heartily endorse the classes. Although Veena does like to keep her chapati rolling pin in her hand – it’s not used for chastisement; her classes are fun and relaxed. She doesn’t even disapprove of my ‘throw it all in’ and see what happens approach to cookery. “We all adapt recipes to our own taste,” says Veena. “The curry I love will be different from my mum’s and my sisters. Also, our spice trays will be personal to us too. Most contain seven spices we love but three or four we cannot live without – mine are black pepper which I often use instead of chilli, fenugreek, my blend of garam masala and halde or turmeric. It’s important to cook with the things you love – although perhaps not tangerines.” Which is why – other than frying a base sauce from onion, ginger, chilli, garlic and spices and plopping it in a pan with some tomatoes – Veena turns the refining process over to me. “What is it missing?” she asks repeatedly after urging me to keep tasting, tweaking, perfecting and ‘layering’ the sauce. The answer is – not much. After a couple of hours 76 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

TIME: 30 -40 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 750g chicken, diced 3 tablespoons oil 2 garlic cloves finely chopped 2 medium onions chopped 1 inch ginger chopped (optional) ½ can of chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon of garam masala 2 chopped chillies (optional) 8 tablespoons of single cream 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice Chopped fresh coriander to garnish

Instructions In a large saucepan heat the oil until hot. Fry the onion and garlic until golden brown, add the fresh ginger along with the tinned tomatoes. Mix and cook for a couple of minutes. Next stir in the spices, turmeric, salt, garam masala, black pepper and chillies. Cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken, turn the heat low, mix well and cook the chicken until it turns white and can be shredded with a fork. If using, stir in the cream and mix well. Add the lemon juice and cook for a further 3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with coriander and serve.

Country

PRIZE CROSSWORD

Win a Family Pass to Matlock Farm Park. Open all year round. Enjoy a wonderful visit in the fresh air and tranquility of the countryside. Pass valid until 2019. T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apply. 2

12 13

18 21

20 24

27 29

28 31

34 36

Down: 1 Fearlessness 2 Malicious burning 3 Worship 4 Way in 5 Place of learning 6 Scrutinize 7 Tool 8 Small amount 11 London police 14 Alcohol 15 Provoke 17 Fabric 22 Drink 25 Personal Protective Equipment 26 A bow 29 Grassland 30 Circle 32 Space round a page 33 Proverb 37 Small 38 Store 41 Ball of lead 44 Metal container

JUNE answer: Ashover

Across: 1 Spasmodic contraction 4 Outgoing 9 Sudden rise to power 10 Pierced 12 Make merry 13 Truce 16 Eton pupil 18 Three way joint 19 Public relations 20 Egyptian god 21 Outline clearly 23 Anno Domini 24 Short overcoat 27 Kip 28 Knock Out 29 Bike bag 31 Sacred enclosure 34 Climbing vine 35 Make of appliance 36 Ledge 39 Mean 40 Fuel 42 Open out 43 Type of bend 45 Mount? 46 Packing case 47 Single

Just find the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire village in the crossword belowÂ 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 July15th 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

88 Glass House Hill, Codnor, DE5 9QT 90 Glass House Hill, Codnor, DE5 9QT 160 Heanor Road, Smalley, DE7 6DX Lowes Hill, Ripley, DE5 3DW

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 | 77

Do you have questions about your Pension? *How much tax free cash can we have? Can we now get more from our annuity? Can we reduce our existing pension charges?

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

RIC H MOND ASTON-ON- TRE N T RE TI RE M E N T VI L L AG E

Richmond Villages Resident

The Very Best in Retirement Living and Support Richmond Aston-on-Trent is a new luxury retirement village set within beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a choice of exemplary accommodation and facilities. Buying a one- or two-bedroom Village Suite at Richmond Aston-on-Trent means more than just a new home – it means enjoying life in a safe, caring and socially active environment. All of our Village Suites come with a hotel-style package including all meals, daily maid and laundry service leaving you free to enjoy your retirement to the full.

Try Before You Buy From £99* Call our Village Advisors to find out more * Terms and conditions apply

Tel: 01332 895702 www.richmond-villages.com/aston Richmond Aston-on-Trent, Richmond Drive, Aston-on-Trent, Derbyshire DE72 2EA

FACILITIES INCLUDE • Fun, caring & friendly community • Restaurant, bar & café • Wellness Spa & pool • Activities & events team • Landscaped gardens & croquet lawn • Transport service • Care team on site 24 hours a day

Styles

to see you through

the season

Salsaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wonder Jeans are the number one jeans on the market with the ultimate push-up effect, combined with a wide variety of washes and available in a variety of styles. Visit Que Women, Church Street, Ripley.

The latest style of dresses, tunics, knitwear, tops and t-shirts from Mistralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UK design team. Beautiful eye-catching prints for your summer wardrobe. Available from Clarkes of Ripley and Belper. 80 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Ideal for warm days, Emrico cool summer tops available at Jillian Hart Fashions and now reduced in the Summer Sale with 25% -50% off. For more information regarding the Emreco collection call into the shop at 40-44 Babington Lane, Derby. Telephone 01332 347647

QUE WOMEN

Summer Sale STARTS 2nd JULY

SALE NOW ON Up To

75% OFF

Bargain Rails in all departments, including wedding outﬁts and evening wear. Summer Tops from £14.99.

40-44 Babington Lane Derby t: 01332 347647 13 Church Street, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3BU T:01773 742459

THE

Summer Sale Starts Thursday 5th July 2018 Doors open at 9am

Preview Event Wednesday 4th July. 12pm - 6.30pm

RIPLEY STORE: 8-18 Grosvenor Road, Ripley Tel: 01773 742151

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

Two ﬂoors of bargains Celebrating over 100 Years

up to

70% off BELPER STORE: 30-32 King Street, Belper DE56 1PS T: 01773 525358 CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 81

Styles

This Iconic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional chronograph men's watch is an excellent representation of the brand's adventurous pioneering spirit. Fastened with a black leather strap, this beautifully made watch features a 42mm stainless steel case with a black bezel with a tachymetric scale. Domed and scratchresistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment inside protects the black dial, graced with a small seconds sub dial, 30 minute recorder and 12 hour recorder, as well as baton hour markers. Water resistant to 50m, this Omega watch is powered by the famous manual-winding chronograph movement that was worn on the moon, featuring a 48 hour power reserve. Having been a part of all six lunar missions, the legendary Speedmaster is the world's most famous chronograph.

to see you through

the season

From the extensive pre-owned watch collection at John Stevenson Jewellers.2a Glumangate Chesterfield S40 1TP 01246270706 Johnstevensonjewellers.com

Redfox’s mission in life is to give you a semi permanent makeup solution that not only looks amazing but is affordable too. Sam the beautician goes on to say “I love giving clients, natural-looking, fine hair strokes that leave them with beautifully symmetrical, realistic-looking brows - ‘Foxy Brows.’” redfoxbeauty.com

Nike glasses are expertly crafted, using well-fitting designs in sporting styles with the iconic Nike tick. They are available with a superb range of designer frames all at competitive prices from Hurst Opticians, High Street, Ripley.

Sirdar No1 is an unbelievably soft double knitting crepe yarn, in an amazing palette of 18 shades. It is a double knitting yarn that is perfect for a whole host of knit and crochet projects, and Sirdar have a great range of patterns and designs for each of these. Yarns and patterns from a wide selection of hand craft products at U-duit Creative, Church Street, Ripley. 82 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

I opened Cheeky Bambini in May to bring you quality brands of clothes and gifts for babies and children 0-5 years. Since opening I have met lots of lovely people and their little ones and I’m absolutely loving bringing a splash of colour to Bridge Street! Thanks for all your support. Cheeky Bambini, 122 Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1AZ

Watch Servicing & Repairs for all fine Swiss made watches including

Official OMEGA Service Store We also repair jewellery from sizing a ring to remodelling an older item with our designs

‘Regal Ice’ A perfect 7 carat azure blue aquamarine with ﬁne diamonds and sapphire shoulder stones set in 18ct white gold. Fit for a Princess…

Fine Jewellery

Celebrate life’s occasions with our in house designs

The pre-owned Rolex specialists Exquisite watches bought and sold

JEWELLERY REPAIRS | WATCH REPAIRS & BATTERIES REPLACED | UNWANTED JEWELLERY & GOLD PURCHASED

2A, GLUMANGATE CHESTERFIELD DERBYSHIRE S40 1TP TEL: 01246 270706 | INFO@JOHNSTEVENSONJEWELLERS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/JSJEWELLERS

Soothe and protect sensitive skin with Almond

Almond Sensitive Skin Body Lotion 200ml £16.95 The range is specifically formulated to soothe very sensitive skin, calm skin prone to irritation, provide long-lasting moisturisation and reduce that uncomfortable feeling of tightness. Plant oils from seeds and kernels are precious gifts from nature. The fine almost transparent oil absorbs fast, leaving no feeling of greasiness. Almond oil is renowned for being well tolerated by all skin types, and has a calming, healing effect on skin. The high content of unsaturated fatty acids improves the skin’s barrier function and protects skin against moisture loss. Soothe, protect and nourish your skin with Weleda’s new bodycare trio: Almond Sensitive Skin Body Lotion (rrp £16.95 200ml) Vegetarian. NATRUE-certified Organic. This fast-absorbing lotion calms skin prone to irritation and helps reduce redness. It provides long lasting moisturisation. Protective organic beeswax sourced from Africa helps strengthen the skin’s own natural barrier, leaving skin with a beautiful soft sheen.The range is free from synthetic ingredients of any kind, mineral oils, artificial additives, preservatives, parabens.

Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion 200ml £16.95 The genuinely natural cleansing agents are made from sugar and coconut, quickly and entirely biodegradable and ecologically-sound even for aquatic life. Free from artificial preservatives or additives of any kind. This refreshes and hydrates skin with organic aloe vera, coconut oil and sesame oil. This cooling lotion is bursting with freshness and moisturisation for supple, beautiful skin, whilst the zesty fragrance of sun-ripened lemons awakens the senses and invigorates the spirit. The warmth of the Mediterranean sun and the nutrient-rich volcanic Sicilian soil produces a truly top quality citrus oil for a top quality lotion.

Evening Primrose Age Revitalising Body Lotion 200ml £24.95

(92% organic Vegan) – evening primrose oil helps smooth and nourish skin, while organic olive and sesame oils protect, and replenishing shea butter helps soften skin. Centella asiatica extract boosts cell regeneration. For local stockists call 0115 944 8200 or visit www.weleda.co.uk TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED Age Revitalising Body Lotion. This is rich but not oily, and I liked the hint of sandalwood fragrance which diminished the shea butter. A great pump applicator which is very user friendly. Made my skin feel soft and hydrated especially after being outside in the garden. JP

Almond Body Lotion This glides on easily and absorbs quickly. It left my skin feeling pretty much hydrated for all day which is great. The scent is subtle. I really like this. VP

Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion Weleda Citrus Hydrating Body Lotion has a beautiful fresh scent perfect for spring and summer. It quickly absorbs and is great as a cooling after sun moisturizer. CB

TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED ● TRIED & TESTED

Based in Belper

Cheeky Bambini

Clothing and gifts for babies and children 0-5yrs

WANT TO THROW AWAY YOUR EYEBROW PENCIL?

Various clinics throughout Derbyshire,including Prestige Beauty Salon, Belper. Get in touch today!

122 Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1AZ Open: Tues-Sat 9am-5pm www.cheekybambini.com email:cheekybambini@outlook.com

84 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

Styles

to see you through

the season

2 King Street, Belper (opp. HSBC) Open Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5pm

SUMMER SALE

Who doesn't love a bit of animal print!? New to This Boutique in Belper, gorgeous new season pieces arriving from Dutch label Sandwich, including this stylish leopard print blouse, £59.00 in sizes 8 to 16.

Situated in the beautiful market town of Ashbourne, Derbyshire is the smart woman’s choice when shopping for great clothes. Second Chance Dress Agency is packed with pre-owned designer labels at a fraction of their original price. At Second Chance Dress Agency you will find everything from ball gowns to handbags by Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo shoes and Moschino Jackets to Valentino cocktail dresses and many exclusive designers from the high street. Sewing Corner is a highly recommended specialist tailor. Established many years ago this talented team can offer everything from bridal wear, evening wear to curtains and replacement zips etc. For the very best expertise and service visit 135 Dale Road, Matlock or telephone 01629 760299.

Throughout July Up to

50% OFF Spring /Summer 18 collection

Tel 01773 824192 www.thisboutique.com

Second Chance Dress Agency Established 1977 Designer labels at bargain prices Day wear, occasional wear and accessories stock changes daily No appointments necessary Wed 10-1. Tues,Thur,Fri 10-4. Saturday 10-5.

SEWING CORNER Margaret Ryder

Sewing Corner, 135 Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3LU Tel: 01629 760299 Bridal Wear • Dressmaker • Evening wear Curtains • Male and female alterations ETIQUETTE FORMAL HIRE FOR MEN Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm Thursday, Saturday 9.30am – 2.00pm. Closed all day Monday

19 Church Street Ashbourne Tel:01335 343025 CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 85

DERBYSHIRE’S BEST

TRUSTED TRADERS To Advertise Call 01773 830344

COLIN GREEN **ROOM REVIVAL**

From Papering a Wall to Total Room Refurbishment A Complete Service

• Decorating • Joinery, Coving, Dado etc • Laminate Flooring • Kitchen Fitting To discuss your requirements and for a free quotation

DON’T LIMIT YOUR COMPANYS POTENTIAL

Tel 01773 605947 or Mobile 07779 291577

Country Images Magazine is delivered to

OVER 30,000 HOMES across Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire.

To explore your many advertising options call us now on 01773 830344 J H JOINERY SERVICES LTD

Over 25 years’ experience

All joinery work undertaken

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

Bedrooms fitted UPVC windows doors & conservatories Loft Conversions Kitchen Installation Specialist For a free quotation call Justin on

T:01773 775166 M:07815 287092 www.jhjoineryservices.co.uk

Amber Valley Driveways For a professional finish on: Blockpaving • Fencing Tarmac drives & paths laid Patios & slabbing • Excavation • Power jet cleaning for drives, patios, block paving etc.

Phone Brendan on

01773 857341 07521 516272 86 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

www.andrewrevillglazing.com AVVM0907 (Andrew Revill Q Advert).indd 1 AVVM0907 (Andrew Revill Q Advert).indd 1

13/02/2017 14:43 13/02/2017 14:43

TRUSTED TRADERS A.Eley & Son

Furniture Restorers ■ French Polishing ■ Upholstery ■ Spray Finishes ■ Cane Seating ■ Kitchen Repolishing ■ Repairs

16 Heanor Road, Codnor, Ripley

Telephone: 01773 742103

DEREK STAPLETON

All types of work undertaken, Kitchen Work Top Replacements, Kitchens, Joinery & UPVC work undertaken Over 45 years’ experience (Time served City & Guilds) For free quotations please call

01773 836145 07800 928564

TO ADVERTISE Traditional and modern slating, re-bedding chimney pots and ridges, industrial and residential roof & Guttering cleaning, ﬁbre glass roofs. Groundwork Fencing, paths, patios. Flagstones, slabbing Building Repointing walls and chimneys, windows doors fascias & Sofﬁt, extensions, conservatories. Insurance work undertaken For your free quotation please call Darren Hutsby on

07912 691958 01773 522927

IN OUR

TRUSTED TRADERS

SECTION

CALL 01773 830344

BLACK’S

WEATHERSEAL

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

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

A Local Family Run Company

COLLEDGE AERIALS Established 1965

Digital Aerials Freesat and Sky Multipoint

LOCAL TRUSTWORTHY INSTALLERS FREE QUOTES ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

T: 01773 742387 M: 07973 676799

Family Business

PLUMBING AND GAS For a friendly, reliable service call Ian for all your plumbing needs including:

• Central heating installation & repair • Boiler servicing & replacement • Gas fires & cookers • Bathrooms & showers fitted • Landlord certificates

CALL 07870 583666 Worcester Credit Installer 10 Years Warranty on all Worcester Boilers

CONTRACT PLANNING SERVICES Established 1979

‘530247’

• Why move? Extend your property and invest in your home • Plans drawn to your requirements • Plans and forms completed to council standards • Free estimates

Please call Phil Lingwood

on 01773 742936 or 07811810761

www.contract-planningservices.co.uk

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 87

M Scott Joiner

Directory RICHARD BOOTH UPHOLSTERY

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

01773 853338

out our Ask ab

F 20% OF s r doo

• All aspects of Internal & External Joinery • Staircases • Windows & Doors • Flooring & Skirting • Kitchens • Decking

Tel: 01773 602446 Mob: 07960 222298

New life for Old Kitchens!

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

Visit our Derbyshire showrooms or call to book your FREE survey and quote: 20 The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BE T: 01332 290600 197 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 7JQ T: 01246 888786 www.dreamdoors.co.uk

We have over 20 years experience – you can be assured of quality work

All aspects of heating and plumbing including New Boilers • New Central Heating Service and Repairs • Landlord Certiﬁcates

209764

PAUL HASLAM

Builder Bricklayer 07974 272103 01773 821943 BELPER BASED

All Aspects Of Plastering Re-Skimming • Dry Lining • Rendering • Artex Removal •Small Repairs to Full Renovations

Patrick O’Neill Plastering Tel: 0780 701 6747 or 01773 434258

ELECTRICAL SERVICES LIMITED

* Very competitive rates * Underﬂoor heating * Extra sockets to a full re-wire * Showers and extractor fans * Security garden lighting * All work undertaken REGISTERED ELECTRICAL INSTALLER ‘Part P’ Qualiﬁed

01773 608278 Mobile 07817 591686

JOHN’S SOFA STUDIO UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY REPAIRS All work carried out by our own skilled craftsmen with over 20 years of experience.

Clean Reliable Service

Home visits a pleasure for a Free Quotation for re-upholstery or furniture repair.

Free No Obligation Quotations

Mobile: 07960 849642 Tel: 01773 856082

Get your boots on and get paid!

Worcester Bosch Accredited Installer Fully Insured Based in Dufﬁeld we are polite, friendly, clean and tidy

Please call 07974 314280 martynyoung.heating@sky.com www.martynyoungheating.com

All projects considered

A and A Building Services

Renovation works • Extensions Kitchens & Bathrooms Loft and Garage Conversions and much more! Free estimates given for all projects Family run business

Call Andrew 07702 857918 88 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

We require distributors for Denby, Ockbrook & Little Eaton Contact Country Images 01773 830344 garry@imagespublishing.co.uk

ʻThe Friendly Professional Local Company With Over 25 Years Experienceʼ

14 carefully selected walks around Derbyshire Walk Derbyshire 4 is available through selected outlets around the County for only £2.99!

• • • •

All Types of Garage Doors Supplied & Fitted Up & Over, Sectional, Roller and Side Hinged Remote Control Operation to New or Existing Garage Door Repairs Competitive Rates, NO CALL OUT CHARGE Guarantees All Installations & Repairs Fully Guaranteed

Visit our website for examples of our work and call us for a free quotation

or buy on-line at www.walkderbyshire.co.uk

Call Today 01332 609445 or 07583 031427 www.ockbrookgaragedoors.co.uk

DKJ Ltd Sawmills Garage MONTHLY

from just £150.00 plus vat. Improve your vehicles performance and economy!

Tyres • Servicing – 24 hours Diagnostics • Air con re-gas Recovery – 24 hours Welding • 4 x 4’s , Vans, Cars Diesel Particulate Filter maintenance unblocking • Engine and gearbox repairs

MONTHLY

• • • • •

VEHICLE RE-MAPPING

REMINDER

27 Ripley Road, Sawmills, Nr Belper, DE56 2JQ 01773 689 072 or 07971 530 069

BOTTLED MILK in the following areas: Swanwick, Somercotes, Alfreton, Selston, Belper, Heage, Nether Heage, Crich, Fritchley, Lea and Holloway. Or collect here at Sawmills Garage.

‘FAMILY RUN BUSINESS’

KEEPING UP FAMILY TRADITIONS at DKJ Keeping up family traditions has been a priority in the life of Julie Hodgson, being in business for over 35 years. Nothing could be further apart than a doorstep milk delivery business and a garage, but none the less they are both here to see at Sawmills Garage!. Following on from her late father, Julie has made considerable changes to Sawmills Garage to accommodate almost every motorists needs with all work carried out by her son David, and Andrew a family friend of 27 years; together with part time help from older son Kenneth who has recently taken over some of the milk deliveries in Belper, Ambergate and Heage. From general servicing and repairs, clutch, gearbox and engine fitting to computer re-sets and diagnostic fault fi nding; you can also have tyres fitted, wheels balanced and aligned while you wait! Air conditioning these days is a must for most drivers and all repairs and re-gas are carried out here. Welding is another special service provided. The latest PRIORITY service is the modern DPF fi lter maintenance unblocking. These fi lters are very expensive to replace and it is a MUST for motorists doing short journeys to ensure preventive maintenance of the fi lters is regularly carried out. All this can be done by our experts. Don’t forget your vehicle’s health check from just £30 Please don’t hesitate to contact Julie or her team for any enquiries or advice you may need on 01773 689072 or 07971 530 069. A true family business for your motoring needs and Doorstep Milk Deliveries.

DKJ Ltd, Sawmills Garage, 27 Ripley Road, Sawmills, Nr Belper, DE56 2JQ

CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk | 89

Blooming success! Rare Fabergé flowers smash through estimates to fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction

wo rare Fabergé flowers said to showcase ‘the very best of Fabergé genius’ sparked a strong bidding battle at auction on Monday (June 11). And now the flowers, made thanks to the inventiveness and skill of Russian goldsmith Peter Carl Fabergé, are heading to a new home after being purchased by the same phone bidder.

A Fabergé barberry bush sold for £160,000 while a morning glory blossom went under the hammer for £180,000 making a total of £340,000 for the pair. Both flowers exceeded their estimates of £100,000 to £150,000 each. Three phone bidders battled it out to own the botanical studies, which sparked strong interest from Russia. The flowers have been bought by an anonymous buyer. Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons London, which sold the flowers at its saleroom at the Normansfield Theatre, Teddington, said: “I am thrilled both for our client and bidder who has secured some of the rarest masterpieces of the goldsmith’s art ever to be offered at auction. “Right from the start, there was great excitement and interest in these two flower studies, which came from the late Lady Juliet Duff’s personal collection.” Mr Hanson, 40, a familiar face on TV’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, called the discovery of the two rare Fabergé flowers his most significant find ever. The jewelled ornaments were taken along to Hansons London’s valuation office in Hampton Court Village after their owner saw a Fabergé flower, valued at £1m, uncovered by TV’s Antiques Roadshow in March. Mr Hanson said: “A lady came along carrying a humble cardboard box. Inside, wrapped in an old tea towel, was the holy grail of what an auctioneer can expect only in their wildest of dreams - not one, but two, Fabergé flowers. The two botanical studies, created by Fabergé in Imperial Russia, were crafted in the early 20th century, circa 1907-1910, and are six inches long. These are ‘objects de fantaisie’, simply made for guests to admire. Only about 80 of Fabergé’s botanical studies are known to have survived with the majority in the Queen’s Royal Collection. One of the flowers, a Fabergé barberry bush with purpurin berries and jade leaves, demonstrates breathtaking luxury. It’s chased and engraved gold stem sits within a carved rock crystal vase appearing to be half full of water. It is extraordinarily delicate with rich, soft red berries so real they could drop any time on ripening. The other flower takes the form of a highly naturalistic morning glory blossom on a jade jardinière and aventurine quartz stand. The gold flowers, enamelled white with shades of pale pink and lilac, are inset with ‘dew drops’ of diamonds. A bud is bursting to open and flower. The leaves are carved Siberian jade nephrite. Fabergé’s creations are truly still-life jewels. The flowers sold by Hansons were once the property of Lady Juliet Duff (1881-1965). Her mother, the Marchioness of Ripon (1859-1917), was a notable customer at Fabergé in London. Owing to her noble heritage Lady Juliet was a well known figure in royal, artistic and music circles. She was a friend to playwrights Oscar Wilde and Terence Rattigan, the poet Maurice Baring, the author Hilaire Belloc and the Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. Lady Juliet was also a familiar face at court and was a close friend of King George V and Queen Mary. The two Fabergé flowers were sold on June 11 at 7.30pm at Hansons London saleroom, the Normansfield Theatre, 2A Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS. To find out more about the sale, email enquiries@hansonslondon.co.uk. Hansons London holds free valuation days every Saturday at the Normansfield Theatre, from 9.30am-12.30pm and at its offices at 77 Bridge Road, Hampton Court Village on Wednesdays, 11am-3pm, and Fridays, 10am-4pm. . To find out more, email enquiries@hansonslondon.co.uk. Fabergé is a name renowned throughout the world for quality, craftsmanship and ingenuity. Peter Carl Fabergé, a Russian jeweller born in 90 | CountryImagesMagazine.co.uk

1846, crafted items that were so ingenious they dazzled and delighted royalty in Russia and around the world. He is universally renowned as the greatest Russian jeweller and goldsmith of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Such was the creativity and intricacy of design, the astonishing use of the finest materials and gem stones, no one had seen anything like them before. Moving away from traditional jewellery, he created ‘Objects de Fantaisie and, of course, the famous Faberge eggs. In 1885 Russian Tsar Alexander III wanted to surprise his wife, Empress Marie Fedorovna, with something special. At Easter, he presented her with a deceptively simple-looking egg that started, the Hen Egg.

The two Fabergé flowers sold by Hansons.

It cracked open to reveal a golden yolk. Inside the yolk nestled a pure gold hen, giving the Hen Egg its name. Within the hen was a tiny diamond replica of the royal crown and a miniature ruby egg pendant. Thrilled by her reaction, he subsequently presented Marie with another egg every year thereafter. Their son, Tsar Nicholas II, continued with the tradition, giving eggs to his mother and his wife every Easter. But after 32 years, the glittering gifts stopped abruptly with the murder of Nicholas II and his entire family during the Russian Revolution.

Fabergé Flowers Bloom Two Fabergé flowers uncovered in a shoe box realised £400,000 in our recent sale

Entries invited for our Autumn Jewellery & Fine Art Auction Thursday 27, Friday 28, Saturday 29 September & Monday 1 October

Closing date for entries: Friday 7 September Please contact: Adrian Rathbone BA (Hons) Associate Director arathbone@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk 01283 733988 The Auction Centre, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6LS www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk Regulated by RICS

UP TO 75% OFF IN OUR

SUMMER SALE

6 QUOTE MATCE FHOR BRAND NEW NY LIK EN

A LIKE QUOTE

KITCH DISPLAYS

FREINEG

FitIhTthTis advert w

PREMIER INTERIORS Quality Fitted Kitchens

T: 01773 252090 | W: premierinteriorsnottingham.co.uk Mon - Wed - 9am - 6pm | Thur - 9am - 7pm | Fri - 9am - 6pm Sat - 9am - 5.30pm | Sun - 10am - 4pm Showroom: 227 Station Road, Langley Mill, Nottinghamshire, NG16 4AD www.premierinteriorsnottingham.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. *Not in conjunction with any other offer.