Derby November 2019

COUNTRY

Derby Edition - November 2019

Steve Orme interviews

Rick Wakeman

Yorkshire

Sculpture Park IMAGES WALK

CARSINGTON PASTURE & THE HIGH PEAK TRAIL

Wales Rally GB

e n r u o b h s A the home of independent shopping

Autumnal feel Modern Collectibles

UK WW2 PROPAGANDA BOOKLETS

Pollyanna Pickering

… inspireby nature

Glapwell Hall

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Kitchens & Interiors

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Autumn hints W elcome to our November edition.

Inside the home is our focus this month. It’s the softer side of life that we need in winter and many of our advertisers have some tremendous offers. There’s also just time to order and get a kitchen or bathroom fitted too, and the kitchen companies have got some cracking deals this month.

Rock legend Rick Wakeman is our celebrity this month. If you’ve never been to one of his shows you’ve missed a treat. They’re full of great piano playing mixed with anecdotes from his very varied life with Yes and solo shows.

If you love mushrooms Amanda takes us through the whys and why nots of foraging and the joys it can bring if you get it right!

Brian explores the sculptures in Yorkshire while Maxwell digs deeper into the history of Glapwell Hall not a stones throw from Hardwick Hall.

If rallying is your pleasure then we feature the excitement of the Wales Rally GB. Mud, noise and lots of spills add to a most enjoyable weekend and, most of it is free to enjoy.

The thriving town of Ashbourne gets our attention as the businesses there gear up for a very busy few weeks.

We have a fantastic offer on Walk Derbyshire this month, visit www. walkderbyshire.co.uk for details.

Country

Unit 5 Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire. DE55 7FQ Tel: 01773 830344 info@imagespublishing.co.uk Editor: Garry M Plant. Advertisement Executives: Lisa O’Reilly, Carol Wilson, Lisa Johnson Editorial Features: Brian Spencer, Maxwell Craven, Steve Orme, Amanda Volley, David Clay.

Each month we produce over 30,000 copies of Country Images Magazine, which are delivered into homes and stocked in over 70 outlets across Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire, read online at www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk and downloaded from the Apple app store and Google Play. All editions are produced FREE to read and download.

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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 Design & Print Limited 01773 830344

Bedrooms

Kitchens & Bathrooms

ARCHWAY INTERIORS ESTABLISHED IN 1982

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Autumnal feel

Interiors can change with the seasons. We’ve found some new stunning ideas for the cooler season ahead.

New Fringes and Braids AW2019 by James Hare The curtains and pelmet are Connaught Silk, Morandi Grey.

Sofa covered in Beauchamp Velvet, Blue Grey. Cushions on sofa are Kashmiri Silk and Orissa Silk with braid details.

For local stockists visit www.james-hare.com

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COUNTRY TILES SPECIALISTS IN WALL & FLOOR TILES

Autumn

Offers in store

Featured Tile: Ca’ Pietra ‘Neapolitan Porcelain Yellow’

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Lewis Interiors

Celebrating 50 years

L

ewis Interiors are a well known family business, established 50 years ago in their hometown of Spondon.

Their friendly and efficient service has earned them an enviable reputation over the years. The publics taste for quality home interiors has grown and grown, and Lewis Interiors have always stayed very much ahead of the game. Starting with carpets and upholstery, they soon expanded to include beds and curtains.

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Free Home Selection Service Available

11-15 Chapel Side, Spondon Derby, DE21 7EE

Tel 01332 662450 www.lewis-interiors.co.uk

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Now the main focus of their business is the many varied types of flooring and soft furnishings. Dealing with many of the market leaders in both hard flooring and carpeting, their selection is extensive, and closely follows the latest market trends. Window dressing now encompasses much more than 50 years ago, with Roman, Venetian, roller and vertical blinds complimenting more diverse curtain designs. This has meant that the staff have all perfected new skills in their individual fields thus giving the customer the assurance of a highly professional finish. They also offer a free design service and quotations without obligation.

In an extremely competitive market, Lewis Interiors offer high quality at a very competitive price. Add to this the peace of mind that comes from a well established, local business dedicated to customer care and satisfaction, and Lewis Interiors will meet your expectations and more. Contact details Telephone: 01332 662 450 Lewis Interiors, 11-15 Chapelside, Chapel Street, Spondon, DE21 7JQ. www.lewis-interiors.co.uk email: sales@lewis-interiors.co.uk

Country

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Autumnal Feel 1. Atlantis by Villa Nova Designed for a demanding interior, Atlantis is a practical and immensely durable EasyClean chenille, that can keep up with whatever life throws at it and allows the toughest of household stains to be removed easily using just water. For local stockists visit www.villanova.co.uk

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2. Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan Annie Sloan Ombre bathroom, wall in Aubusson Blue Wall Paint and Chalk Paint™ in Provence. Bath painted with Chalk Paint™ in Provence.

For local stockists visit www. anniesloan.com

3. Alvar by Clarke & Clarke Spanning a fabulous range of 101 sumptuous colours, Alvar offers the ultimate in versatility. From the neutrals of biscotti to the jewelled tones of jade, kingfisher and midnight. This rich plain velvet can be used effortlessly around the home. For local stockists visit www.clarke-clarke.com

Suppliers & registered installers of Karndean floors

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Where History and Elegance Come Together......

Nestled on the borders of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, Long Eaton sits proudly as the UK Centre of quality upholstery.

It’s no wonder the town has earned this reputation. With over 50 companies and over 2700 people employed, it stands to reason that Long Eaton boasts some of the most recognisable names in the industry.

One of these names, Wade Upholstery, was founded by Frisby Wade in 1921 in a barn in Sandiacre. The name has become synonomous with impeccable quality and craftmanship.

Throughout it’s 97 year rich history, Wade Upholstery has produced some of the finest handcrafted furniture, producing leather upholstery in the 1920’s for famous cruise liners such as the S.S.Mauritania through to the brand Laura Ashley in the 1990’s.

the business grew. The showroom offers some fantastic examples of craftmanship all at discount prices. Each piece of furniture starts it’s life in our local wood mill, made using renewable timber that is sustainably sourced and manufac-turered with a combination of traditional methods and modern technology.

The Wade & Welbeck Factory Outlet showroom boasts over 100 pieces of furniture and all are available to take away. The York, Horsham & Ridley Sofa ranges can be “Made To Order” in a selection of fabrics along with the Jasper chairs and a selection of stools. The bespoke, made to order pieces are handmade locally in Long Eaton.

In 1999, John Payne bought Wade Upholstery and Wade Cabinet and in turn formed the JDP Furniture Group which is now the home of Welbeck House, amongst others.

Today, Welbeck House continues the time honoured skill of producing quality furniture upholstered and finished by hand. It’s Wade’s heritage that is deeply woven into the upholstery that is made to this day. The Welbeck site manufactures for Laura Ashley, Arlo & Jacob and The Cotswold Co, imploring high standards of excellence to give the perfect combination of comfort, style and durability.

In January 2018 the Wade & Welbeck Factory Outlet opened it’s doors for the first time to sell ex-display and ex-stock pieces to the public. Tucked away on Wellington Street in Long Eaton the showroom sits where Wade Upholstery had re-located back in 1928 as

York Grand sofa shown above.

14 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Above, Ridley Large sofa.

Left, Jasper Wing Chair.

Right, Bury Footstool.

The York collection (shown below) is a fine example of a piece of furniture that will provide a classic finish to any room. With it’s traditional style and buttoning, the York will provide the most sumptuous comfort. Whilst the Ridley (shown top right) provides classic elegance with it’s formal back cushions and has an option of a more modern twist with a scatter back. The Jasper wing chair provides elegance with it’s formal highback design, perfect for those fireside moments now the cooler weather is upon us. These are some examples of the array of items that are waiting for you to discover.

The showroom is open Monday to Thursday 9.30 - 4.30pm, Friday 9.30 - 3pm and Saturday 9.30 - 4.30pm, so why not take the opportunity to see what we have to offer. With great discounts on all items and the added bonus of the voucher below, there is sure to be something for all.

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 15

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1 1. Intelligent Finishes – by Little Greene This revolutionary water-based paint is suitable for all floors and interior woodwork within the busy home. Easy to apply and, unlike oil-based alternatives, low odour and dry within four hours, Intelligent Floor Paint is durable and washable, with a sheen level of 30-40%. For local stockists visit www.littlegreene.com

Autumnal Feel

2. Antheia Collection - Blendworth Curtains in Midsummer, blinds in Floribunda, cushions in Reflection and Midsummer, armchair in Heathland, fabrics all £34 per metre, all from the Antheia collection. For local stockists visit www.blendworth.co.uk

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3. Pizzazz by Prestigious In the vibrant Pizzazz story, upholsteryweight checks, stripes, ombré weaves and herringbone twills are brought alive through a fresh, new colour bank. Unexpected tonal combinations impart a contemporary spirit, with a tactile warmth assured by the woolsoft yarns. For local stockists visit www.prestigious.co.uk

MARTIN & PARKER Handmade Furniture

Independently producing quality, hand-crafted soft furnishings and sofas since 1980

Ascot Drive, Derby, DE24 8GZ Tel: 01332 361966 www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk www.martinandparker.co.uk | 17

All aspects of building work Ben Cooper making your furniture beautiful again.

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Individually designed kitchens at affordable prices

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Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern townhouse or a converted barn, we have a range of traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that will complement it perfectly. Our timber products do not stick, warp or twist, require very little maintenance, offer modern standards of security and significant energy savings.

At Timber Windows of Ripley, our collection has been carefully and sensitively tailored to complement the English home, with attention to detail at the centre of everything we do.

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Glapwell Hall

Glapwell Hall, Victorian entrance with the end of Samuel Hallowes’s Queen Anne range beyond and conservatory to right. [M. Craven]

G

lapwell Hall was a rather rambling stone house of later seventeenth century date,

made more rambling by Georgian and Victorian additions, producing, as one former owner put it, ‘a house of comfort rather than conformity’. The rooves were a right jumble from above. It was built of coursed rubble with Permian magnesian Limestone/ coal measures sandstone dressings, the earliest part being the west front, latterly stuccoed. This front consisted of two storeys with attics under three coped gables with ball finials, the wide centre one embracing all three bays of the seven bay façade, which was essentially flat.

The

Lost Houses of Derbyshire

by Maxwell Craven

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 21

Whilst it no doubt originally had mullioned attic windows and mullionand-transom ‘cross’ windows below, by the time it came to be photographed the windows had been replaced with glazing bar sashes of later eighteenth century type in the flat stone surrounds, those on the ground floor having been dropped to terrace level in the regency period.

The central entrance was crowned by a segmental pediment, and latterly served as the access to the gardens. The general appearance of this façade was not unlike that of Carnfield Hall at Alfreton, which hides a much earlier core, and indeed, this may have been the case at Glapwell, too.

Above: Glapwell Hall: the old (west) entrance with William Jackson and three friends, c. 1930. [M. Craven] Below: Glapwell Hall, the 17th century façade in 1890. [J. Darwin]

22 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

The house was a double pile building, consisting of two parallel ranges, their ends facing north and south, the latter boasting a fine set of triple stacks with an original two light mullioned attic window below to show what the main front must have boasted originally. Below again a recessed reserve held a stone carved armorial shield with the arms of Hallowes, the family latterly most associated with the house.

To the SE angler of this was added a mid-Victorian two storey range which ran round to the east from a full height

canted bay with round arched plate glass windows. To this was added a new single storey entrance range of two arched Serliana or Venetian windows, that on the right included the new entrance door, all beneath a balustraded parapet with further ball finials. This was top lit, forming a bright space which partly masqueraded, aided by aspidistras and exotic plants, as a conservatory. Here with stone was ashlared, too and led to a south facing conservatory to the right of the door. Rising two storeys beyond this was a range of Queen Anne date of two storeys under a steeply pitched roof with attics dormers behind a parapet, and of three bays of sashes to the east, but continuing across the north end of the original house for form a west wing (facing north-south). This was topped be a tiny cupola and bell, marking the presence of a former domestic chapel, the origins of which went back to the twelfth century.

There were extensive grounds including a small park, entered from the public road via a pair of Neo-Classical gate piers, today still surviving, listed grade two and supporting a pair of rather flimsy looking modern iron gates.

The site’s history is very ancient, a capital mansion there being known since the twelfth century, built by the descendants of Serlo de Pleasley, who held it as feudal under-tenant from Hubert fitz Ralph, Lord of Crich, one of a small number of Domesday tantants. Serlo’s grandson was Simon fitz Serlo de Pleasley, who left three sons. The eldest, Serlo de Pleasley III inherited an estate at Ashover, whilst the third son William came into the manorial estate of Pleasley. His second son, Hugh, came into the manor of Glapwell c. 1180, and took his surname from the place (surnames still being rather fluid at that date and still confined to the upper crust).

It was Hugh who probably built the first house on the site, and no doubt the domestic chapel, which needed re-roofing in c. 1260.

The family continued there for two centuries, before in 1481 the heiress married into the family of Woolhouse, from whom it eventually passed to Samuel Hallowes of Dethick, by marriage with Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of Thomas Woolhouse of Glapwell. It was probably Thomas Woolhouse who built the earliest range, which was taxed in 1670 on nine hearths indicating that it was a house of relatively modest dimensions. His prosperity was, however, being increased by the discovery of coal on the estate.

Samuel Hallowes, who no doubt added the Queen Anne range (perhaps on the site of a much earlier range) and probably re-ordered the original façade too, was the grandson of a Derby woollen draper, Nathaniel Hallowes, of a family from Youlgreave originally. He was a Presbyterian, keen supporter of the republican side in the Civil War, and was elected MP for Derby in the Long Parliament (sounds familiar!) replacing the deposed Cavalier MP William Allestrey, and served as Mayor of Derby in 1657. He was also a keen prosecutor of delinquents, as Parliament called the defeated Royalists, and his activities in this respect earned him three landed estates. So notorious was he that at the Restoration his Cromwellian grant of arms was annulled, albeit re-granted to his descendants in 1766.

and the conservatory, probably to designs by the Derby partnership of William Giles and John Brookhouse, who were building a new house in Ashover for one of his cousins; it is all very much in their style. The consequence of moving the entrance from the west to the east was that much interior re-modelling was required. The estate then ran to 2,852 acres, including Glapwell colliery, then going full blast.

His son, Brabazon Hallowes was vicar of Dyserth, Flintshire, and his son Thomas Richard Francis Brabazon on inheriting in 1892, decided to retire to Cadenham Manor, Hants. and let the house to one of the Barnes’s of Ashgate (now Lords Gorell).

After the Great War it was again let, this time to William Birkenhead Mather-Jackson (1865-1934), husband of one of Thomas’s

Hallowes coat-of-arms, uncoloured: the background colour should be blue, the crescents white and the roundels red. [M. Craven]

www.heritage-wood.co.uk

A mix between nature, celebration and reflection

Nevertheless, his grandson was well endowed with property, to which the Glapwell estate no doubt made a happy addition. The family did well from exploiting their coal deposits, which doubtless explains the various additions.

No doubt the domestic chapel was decommissioned, although the land to the south of the house was always called Chapel Yard, as the family’s tradition for the knobblier forms of Anglicanism continued. Samuel’s eldest son, Thomas married well, his bride being Lady Catherine Brabazon, daughter of Chambré, 5th Earl of Meath, by a daughter of Viscount Chaworth, a Nottinghamshire grandee also boasting an Irish peerage.

Please contact us for more details or visit our website

In 1861, Capt. Francis Hallowes, RN, inherited the estate from a cousin and, coming ashore, decided to make alterations. He it was who added the canted bay, the new entrance hall

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sisters, and a member of the Butterley company family of Jackson who had Stubben Edge Hall in Ashover. He was succeeded by Christopher, his second and eldest surviving son, who was appointed to the local bench in 1939, and was a director of the Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Company (which enterprise by this time included Glapwell Colliery) and the Yorkshire amalgamated collieries. He was High Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1951, but had moved back to Stubben Edge by 1956 having inherited the family baronetcy, dying in 1976.

Glapwell, the surviving gatepiers in June 2017.

[M. Craven]

Glapwell Hall, south view with Giles & Brookhouse’s canted bay, from a post card of 1905.

[M. Craven]

24 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Another Hallowes relation Benedict Hunt, who lived there briefly after the Jacksons, but the estate was ultimately broken up by sir Christopher Mather-Jackson 5th Bt. and sold.

The house lay, increasingly derelict, for some time before being demolished in the later 1950s. Only the fine gate piers, the eighteenth century and apparently unlisted stable block survive. A listed (grade II) summerhouse stood, classed as at serious risk in 1980, but seems to have vanished. Yet the old village remains, still relatively sequestered and attractive.

Below: Tomas Hallowes’s younger brother, Herbert Chaworth Hallowes (1857-1912) who lived at the hall until his marriage. [Private collection]

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 25

Time to Unwind

Gorgeous bedding needs to be accompanied by a really comfortable mattress. It is an area which you definitely should splurge on.

2 1

3 1

Urbis Bed Linen by Christy Urbis bed linen is the perfect complement to the modern home, with a honeycomb pattern in a stunning contemporary print, it is a nod to our Manchester roots and our city’s association with the worker bee.

For local stockists visit www.christy.co.uk

2

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J. Marshall by Vispring Celebrated British luxury bed maker, Vispring has launched J.Marshall by Vispring, a new contemporary lifestyle brand aimed at a younger design-conscious consumer. Presenting accessible design-led options that harness Vispring’s meticulous attention to detail and craft, J.Marshall by Vispring combines pioneering pocketsprung technology with the highest quality materials in an affordable and easy to navigate first collection.

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Prince of Persia by Clarke & Clarke Meander through the bustling streets of Marrakech and let the Prince of Persia show you the sights and colours of this enchanting collection.

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 29

e r i h s k Yor

A visit to

Sculpture Park

By Brian Spencer

A

short drive from Junction 38 on the M1, leads to the well-signposted way into the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP), where scores of massive, mainly metal, sculptures dot the landscape of the 500 acre Bretton Estate not far from Wakefield.

Well placed in an open landscape for the best effect, there is everything from Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Family of Man’, to Henry Moore’s massive bronzes, and quirky exhibits such as the larger than life sized man reading his mobile phone, this is called ‘Networking: uphill from this is the Chinese dissident Ai Weiwei’s group of animal heads apparently in conversation, then a rabbit headed woman’s body made from chicken wire made by Sophie Ryder; and just outside the café, is a life sized version of Albrecht Dürer’s Rhinoceros drawn in 1515. I found the piece called

30 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

‘The Cave’ by Mark Suvero the wittiest. It looks as though it is made from bits and pieces of cast off JCB machines, as it is quite likely, for Suvero was a construction worker at one time.

Bretton Estate was acquired by Wakefield Council and converted into the sculpture park in 1977, but the estate has a longer and fascinating history. Originally awarded to one of William the Conqueror’s knights for his services at the Battle of Hastings, lands in Bretton and West Bretton including the estate are listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, but by 1158 it was settled by the de Bretton family. Through changes of ownership following convenient marriages, the estate passed through three interconnected families, the Dronsfields, the Wentworths and the Beaumonts.

It was the Dronsfields who built up the estate on the banks of the River Dearne, living there until 1407 when it passed to Elizabeth Wentworth, wife of John Wentworth; she bequeathed it to her son Richard and the Wentworths lived at Bretton for the next four centuries, with the house passing through the male line until 1792.

The first documented house probably half-timbered, was built by Sir Thomas Wentworth around 1508.

The estate continued to prosper until the Civil War when its Royalist owner another Sir Thomas, was imprisoned after the Battle of Naseby. Following the Restoration of the Monarchy, King Charles II made him a baronet in 1664.

Main picture: Large Orchid ‘Wider shores of Desire’ by Marc Quinn.

This page 3 bronzes

by Henry Moore: top, ‘Reclining Connected Forms’ middle ‘Reclining Figure’ and right ‘Upright Motives’.

It was yet another Thomas, the 5th Baronet who by www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 31

employing the landscape gardener, Richard Woods, a talented contemporary of ‘Capability’ Brown to develop the gardens and park in the mid to late eighteenth century. Although Thomas never married, he had an illegitimate daughter, Diane to whom he bequeathed Bretton. Through her marriage to Colonel Thomas Beaumont an MP for Northumberland the estate became owned by the Beaumonts, later Wentworth Beaumonts for the next hundred years or so.

Like many estates before it, Bretton became a drain on its owner’s finances and gradually it was sold piecemeal, first to West Riding County Council, and eventually in its present form 32 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

to Wakefield Council. Around 1949, the house became Bretton Hall Teacher Training College, later merging with the University of Leeds, specialising in music, the arts and drama. While the mansion has been neglected to some extent and is currently in line to become a hotel, the rest of the park is now an imaginative open air sculpture gallery, with the added bonus of new buildings for the YSP Centre devoted to displays of individual artist’s work and restaurant and café facilities The 500 acre Yorkshire Sculpture Park is open daily throughout the year. Allow at least three hours to do justice to a visit.

Main picture and left: The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is set in the Bretton Estate.

This page top: ‘Rhinoceros’ based on Albrecht Dürer’s sketch dated 1515, and right: ‘Networking 2013’

by Thomas J Price.

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 33

34 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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Community comes together to make Ashbourne sparkle.

A

shbourne has a long history of hosting enjoyable events over the festive season. Many people have worked hard to organise these events over the years and the formation of the Committee two years ago has ensured that everything runs smoothly. Representatives from various town organisations formed an equal partnership in planning and organising the seasonal events. Of course the major event that many of us look forward to with excitement is ‘Ashbourne Late Night Shopping.’

The main event will take place on Friday 6th December, and as well as shops and cafés staying open late, there will be entertainments for all the family.

The Town Council says, ‘The Community Group consisting of representatives from Ashbourne Arts, Ashbourne Churches Together, Ashbourne Town Council and Ashbourne Traders Group are continuing their partnership to ensure that the event is a success again this year. The group is meeting monthly at rotating venues bringing different skills and fresh ideas to the table.

The Town Council invites local charities to attend the event and have a stall to promote and raise funds for their charities. The Council also submit a blanket application to Derbyshire Dales District Council for a Street Trading License to allow this to take place.

We are pleased to announce that Pick ‘n’ Mix Events are hosting a Seasonal Food and Gift Fair in the Town Centre. Ashbourne Market Place will be filled with an array of colourful stalls, showcasing a selection of unique and exquisite products you won’t find on the high street.

As in previous years Ashbourne Arts will be hosting a Lantern Procession. “It was many years ago that Ashbourne Arts first introduced lantern making and the Lantern Procession to Ashbourne”

The Ashbourne Traders Group is encouraging all retailers to stay open for late night shopping to offer visitors maximum opportunity to visit the shops. The group said, ‘We are pleased to have gathered a group of traders passionate about working together and boosting our town’s opportunities to benefit us all. We now have regular meetings that any tradesperson is welcome to join, the more the merrier! Please contact emmanuelle@ sallymontague.co.uk or chloeoptimumgifts@gmail.com for more details.

Late Night Shopping is not just about retailers trying to make extra money, it is about us embracing the community spirit and giving the people of our town a night to enjoy everything we have to offer.

We are hoping that, as much as possible, people will choose to buy their goods from local independent businesses rather than the big superstores, as by doing this their money will go directly into the local economy.

Ashbourne is a town full of outstanding independent shops offering a whole range of desirable items, we look forward to welcoming you over the festive season!’ Free Parking in Derbyshire Dales District Council car parks from 2:00 pm throughout December.

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Leading brands stocked in Ladies and Mens footwear visit our ladies fashion floor for and much more

Tel 01335 342884 18-20 St John Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1GH www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 39

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Law firm invests in Ashbourne office

Flint Bishop has long had a close connection with Ashbourne and its people, having provided a local and personal service to individuals, families and businesses for over 50 years.

Also advising clients further afield, the Ashbourne practice is backed up with additional support from the 170 strong team at the Derby office and is able to provide legal expertise across a range of disciplines, including commercial, corporate and finance, dispute resolution, employment and HR, family and matrimonial, licensing, property and wills, probate, tax and trusts.

F

lint Bishop has made significant investment in its Ashbourne branch with several new hires and key appointments following continued expansion. Recently promoted senior associate solicitor, William Harper, joins the Ashbourne practice having transferred from the large Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team at the law firm’s Derby head office. William specialises in later life planning for individuals, families and business owners with significant wealth, often involving large or complex estates. His recent cases include administering estates of business owners where there are crossovers between personal and business assets, administering insolvent estates, assisting with business and agricultural property relief claims to minimise inheritance tax exposure and setting up charitable trusts. William is supported by Abbey Alcock, who joins as a personal assistant from Ashbourne accountancy firm, Peak Management Associates.

Jasdeep Bagri, previously of Shacklocks LLP, joins the firm as a solicitor to lead the Residential Conveyancing team in Ashbourne. She brings with her expertise in various areas of property transactions including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, new build purchases, the Right to Buy scheme and re-mortgages. Supporting Jasdeep with residential conveyancing transactions is legal assistant, Katie Hargreaves, who has worked at the firm’s Ashbourne branch since 2001.

Property partner, Paul Sabin, will continue to be a key figure for commercial and agricultural property transactions within the Ashbourne area. He brings more than two decades of experience to the practice and has developed an excellent reputation and close working relationships with many of the region’s estate agents and local businesses.

Kerry Warrender, also transferring from the Derby office, will support the Residential Conveyancing and Commercial Property teams in Ashbourne and will be responsible for general day-to-day management of the office.

■ Stone fireplaces off the shelf or handmade, carved in a choice of materials ■ Brick or stone fireplaces built or rebuilt using a full time craftsman

Qamer Ghafoor, chief executive for Flint Bishop comments: “Our new appointments follow a period of continued expansion at the Ashbourne branch due to considerable year-on-year growth. Jasdeep and Abbey will be excellent additions to an already experienced team, and I wish them every success in their new roles. In order to support this growth, we have also invested in our office space, meeting rooms and client facilities, enabling us to expand our workforce and expertise, whilst maintaining our enviable location in the heart of the town. Flint Bishop is proud to have built up a close affinity with the town and its community over a number of years, and as a resident myself, I know first-hand that it is a great place to live and do business. We continue to support Ashbourne and its people through new hires and investing in our offices, as well as participating in and contributing to local corporate social responsibility activities. We do this to ensure that we consistently deliver high quality, trusted legal advice to provide individuals with solutions to complex legal issues and create opportunities for our commercial clients to grow their businesses. We look forward to welcoming new and existing clients to meet the team and visit our newly refurbished offices soon.”

(L-R) Abbey Alcock, William Harper, Katie Hargreaves, Kerry Warrender, Paul Sabin, Jasdeep Bagri

■ We will exceed your expectations with the QUALITY OF SERVICE ■ Clean, tidy, polite and trustworthy staff ■ Free quotation, all work done to building regulations ■ Certificate issued

Rob Archer Fires 42 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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Trusted legal advice For business, for life.

With offices in both Ashbourne and Derby, Flint Bishop is perfectly positioned to provide legal advice to people and businesses throughout Derbyshire.

Our teams of highly experienced professionals are renowned for their friendly approach and reliable advice. They have a wealth of legal knowledge spanning a wide range of areas of the law, including conveyancing; commercial and agricultural property matters; wills, probate, inheritance tax and trusts; family and matrimonial issues; employment and HR support; corporate and finance deals; commercial contracts; commercial debt recovery; and dispute resolution.

If you would like to speak to us about any legal concern you have, please call one of our offices.

Ashbourne

01335 342 208

Derby

01332 340 21 1

For regular legal updates, follow us on social media or visit our website:

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 43

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Sirloin Steak £18.95 28 day aged sirloin steak with triple cooked chips, roasted cherry vine tomatoes and field mushroom Rib-eye Steak £19.95 28 day aged rib-eye steak with triple cooked chips, roasted cherry vine tomatoes and field mushroom Sauces £2.50 each: Peppercorn, Stilton or Diane Cod and Chips £10.95 North Atlantic cod fillet, skinned and boned, dipped in real ale batter with triple cooked chips, fresh lemon, garden peas and tartare sauce Chef’s Pie of the Day (please check with your server) £10.95 with a choice of potatoes, gravy and fresh green vegetables Beef Burger and Chips £10.95 8oz prime beef patty served on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, red onion and burger sauce Brie, Mushroom and Cranberry Wellington (vegetarian) £9.95 served with buttered mash and a pesto sauce Butternut Squash and Red Onion Tagine (vegan) £9.95 with steamed rice

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Modern Collectibles

by Maxwell Craven

UK WW2 PROPAGANDA BOOKLETS Maude with her ambulance from Front Line [M. Craven]

W

hen I was quite small in the late 1940s, I recall leafing through some paper bound booklets of quite substantial length, packed full of pictures of the war at home, on land, on sea and in the air. I was riveted by them, fed by tales of how it all felt, for it was very green in the memories of my parents, grandparents and various aunts and uncles.

One, called the Battle of Britain August – October 1940 thrilled me, simply because aircraft thrilled me. Another, called Front Line 1940-1941 became a favourite because it contained a photograph of the lady who was then my nanny, called by me ‘Tatty’. In fact she was called Maude, and was recruited to the war effort in London because she could drive, not a universal accomplishment for women in those days. Thus with the blitz in full swing, Maude drove an ambulance. The auxiliary nurse who went with her as her crew was my grandmother, Margery, and their bond was strengthened by the horrors and fatigue of those grim months. Maude’s bachelor flat was soon bombed out and thereafter, at Granny’s suggestion she lodged with us.

Thus, inside the publication in question, one of the morale-raising booklets published by the Ministry of Information throughout the war, was included a photograph of Maude, complete with tin hat and gas mask, at the door of her vehicle looking anxiously up at the night sky, dramatically captioned ‘It was her business to get there.’ Pity they missed Granny, though! Their worst time, funnily enough was not in the blitz proper but during the V-1 bombardment in late summer and autumn 1944 which unleashed the worst devastation they ever saw and stretched them to the limit. When I was born, with the V-1 threat safely over, she stayed on as my nanny for four or five years before entering the family properly by marrying an uncle who worked at GCHQ in Chislehurst. Astonishing how the war brought people together.

46 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

What gives a book popular appeal was the question posed by the officials of the Ministry of Information’s Publications Unit during 1941. The way that it was answered led to the creation of these well-produced and well-written booklets and resulted in sales numbering in the tens of millions. By the end of the war, Ministry books were an established part of the country’s reading.

Indeed, by collecting every one of the fairly lengthy series, one might accumulate a complete history of the Second World War from the British point of view.

The Ministry’s internal discussion over popularity began with the publication of a book which proved to be its most successful. The Battle of Britain, written by the popular author Hilary Saunders, was revised by the Ministry after it became a surprise best-seller in March 1941. The Ministry-edition boasted a superbly designed illustrated cover, eye-catching diagrams and action photographs. It sold 4.8 million copies in Britain in the six months following its release. A version published by the RAF lacked pictures and although much rarer comes in at about the same price in top quality condition: £12-£18. The Front Line, one can buy in good condition for between £6 and £10, and indeed I paid £4 for a tatty copy just to scan Auntie Maude in to illustrate this article! At Bamfords we invariably sell them in groups or with other items, but as a rule of thumb about £2-£5 a copy would be the calculator, although retail for copies of most titles in good condition vary from £20 to £40.

Bomber Command, sold for £34

Battle of Britain, 1941 cover

The Battle of Britain’s success was followed by that of the 126 page Bomber Command. This paperback was based on interviews with returning aircrew and promised to tell the story of a battle unlike any ‘fought before in the history of mankind;’ it quickly sold 1.25 million copies. Today even a scruff y edition will make £5-£8, a good one £15-£20: 310 today. The rarest one was an unillustrated booklet called How Hitler made the War, which was a cleverly arranged collection of actual foreign office documents 19331939 published in extract which speak entirely for themselves. It showed how Nazi Germany reneged on its Pact with Poland, and the final chapter, written by Sir Nevile Henderson (the British ambassador to Germany), is on Hitler and Hitlerism, demonstrating that Hitler had ‘made this war’ and should bear full responsibility. The scale of suffering and sacrifices that civilians were likely to experience persuaded the Government in 1939 that, although the war that Britain had declared against Nazism was widely acknowledged as being inevitable, it would still require explanation, hence this booklet and two others along the same lines. Neither were there any pictures in these – W H Smith told the Government (incorrectly as it turned out), that nobody would want to buy it; How Hitler, was a snip at 3d (1.25p), but such is its rarity that a copy in pristine condition will set you back well north of £30.

The Battle of Britain like its successors, used a mixture of texts, maps and images to create a narrative. They were intended to be cheap, their content was to be ‘dramatic, human, [and] lively’, and they were to be heavily illustrated and drew inspiration from contemporary illustrated magazines like Picture Post and Illustrated.

Generically these tomes were and are called ‘Official War Books’. Titles like

Battle of Britain, 1941 cover Plain RAF version

Coastal Command, His Majesty’s Minesweepers (around £22 now), Roof over Britain and Transport Goes to War (which I loved, as it was mainly about trains, another enthusiast I enjoyed as an infant - £10 today) aimed to ‘tell the British war story’ by providing insight into particular parts of the war effort. Each book (of which in some cases there was more than one impression, sometimes with a different cover) was based upon at least one of the main themes of Ministry propaganda, eg. the laudable ‘the projection of Britain as a progressive, efficient, equalitarian democracy’; they were also regarded as a good way of influencing opinion abroad.

By 1943, the series had sold in excess of 20 million copies, and it was not unusual for individual titles to sell more than a million, hence the low prices today, making them a really accessible modern collectible as well as a rewarding one.

Sir John Reith, Minister of Information in 1940, perceptively declared on taking on the role, that news was the shock troops of propaganda, and that propaganda was the more effective when it told “the truth, nothing but the truth and, as near as possible, the whole truth”. As the war went on Official War Books were issued to various parts of the Empire to keep Britains only allies between June 1940 and December 1941 firmly on side and many were issued in a variety of appropriate local languages, too.

He was right, and so was the Ministry of Information. The publication of these fascinating paper-bound books did have the intended effect. Battle of Britain was read by over 75% of the population during the war, and the rest are thought to have averaged around 55%. There are still plenty out there, so get collecting!

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 47

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Gardening in November

Wow

I can’t believe a year has flown by. In last November’s issue of Country Images I announced I had a new job working for a plant wholesale nursery in London. It was sad making the decision to leave working in garden centres as I had, for so many years – but I realise now it was the right decision. The main part of my job is simply visiting garden centres and plant nurseries, and travelling to Italy (I know it’s a tough job). As I do my travelling I see the huge range of autumn and winter colour available now, you really must take a visit into the plant areas at the moment.

It’s that time of year again … and I have already recommended that if you have newly planted plants to give a good thick layer of bark around the base of the plant, normally twice as thick as you would for weed control. This acts as a good insulator against very hard frosts that kill very young roots, the frost penetrates the bark but no further. If you have a greenhouse try to keep as many tender plants as possible in there making sure the greenhouse is well insulated with bubble wrap. Make sure your terracotta pots are raised off the floor with pot feet or simply garden stones, this will make sure there is air flow under the base of the pot and help against it cracking in cold weather.

Allotment or Vegetable Patch: · Wrap grease bands around the trunks of fruit trees to protect them from winter moths, I tend to leave grease bands on all year round to stop any crawling pests.

50 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

with Mark

Smith

· Many varieties of apples and pears will still be cropping. · Now is the time to plant soft fruit including gooseberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants and blackberries. · Or you could take hardwood cuttings for your soft fruit instead of buying plants. · Spread a thick layer of homemade compost or farmyard manure and dig into your soil over winter. · Make notes about how well the grow-your-own did this year, this will help for planning vegetable and fruit crops for next year.

In the Greenhouse: · Insulate the greenhouse with bubble polythene, the large bubble wrap is best · Replace any old glass or polycarbonate with new panels. · Bring peaches or nectarines in pots inside the greenhouse for winter protection. Dispose of any old leaves around the base of the pot and remove any leaves still left on the tree. · Dispose of any capillary matting if it has seen better days and buy fresh as old matting can harbour disease. · Check heaters are working efficiently and buy fuel. · Check garden centres or nurseries to see if they have any special deals on greenhouses or cold frames, so buy one now ready for early next year.

General Garden Maintenance:

· Continue to spike lawns and brush sand and sulphate of iron into the holes to improve drainage, this greens up and also kills and prevents moss in lawns. Apply an autumn lawn food.

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Monday-Saturday: 9am - 5.30pm Sunday: 10.00 - 4.30pm www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 51

Gardening in November

· Remember it’s bonfire night this month so check bonfires carefully before lighting to make sure there are no sleeping hedgehogs underneath. · Wrap outside taps with insulation material to prevent them freezing. · Order bare root roses, and prepare the soil well with homemade compost or composted manure before planting. · Collect and compost any fallen autumn leaves. · Take hard wood cuttings from cornus, ribes, salix and roses. Please contact me for advice about certain plants and shrubs. · Now is the time to move shrubs, including conifers and evergreens, that have outgrown their position. Make sure you take as much root ball as possible and try to do this on a damp to wet day.

3 of my favourite plants for colour this month: Loropetalum Chinense “Fire Dance” (Chinese Witchhazel) An evergreen, compact growing, hardy shrub with incredible purple foliage and bright pink flowers. Prefers a full sun to part shade position, in well drained neutral to acidic soil. Great plant for a container, 3ft maximum height. Flowers mainly February to April but mine at home flowers randomly throughout the year.

Loropetalum Chinense “Fire Dance” (Chinese Witchhazel)

Abelia Grandiflora “Kaleidoscope” : An evergreen, compact growing, hardy shrub with bright lemon yellow variegated foliage throughout the year, but changes to a fiery orange/ red in autumn and winter. This plant also flowers throughout the year, again mine at home has flowered non stop this year. 4ft to 5ft height but is best kept pruned down to 3ft. Prefers full sun in a well-drained soil.

Cornus “Midwinter Fire” / “Winter Flame” Compact dogwood with extremely colourful yellow, orange and red stems which appear when it loses its leaf as it becomes cold. Can be pruned to shape, in the books it says to prune cornus in the spring, but I prune mine very hard mid-August to tidy it and it comes back beautifully, just in time to see the fresher, brighter stems in the winter.

You only need to do this when it’s established. Likes a sunny or part shade position in any kind of soil.

I should also mention ornamental conifers and winter (bud burst) heathers, both of which are extremely hardy, have interesting shapes and give much needed colour throughout the winter and spring.

Abelia Grandiflora “Kaleidoscope”

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IMAGES LEISURE TIME Celebrity Interview | Walk | Diary | Gallery | Food & Drink

“Audiences are pretty much the same everywhere you go. That’s the joy of being able to do what I do; you’re able to visit so many different places and meet so many nice people. I have very good friends in Buxton who I always look forward to meeting up with.”

Steve Orme interviews

Rick Wakeman

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 57

At

the age of 70 most people probably think about taking life a little bit easier. But not Rick Wakeman.

Even after three heart attacks because of an unhealthy lifestyle and at one point being given only 24 hours to live, the keyboard virtuoso is still going strong.

He’s just finished his first solo tour of the United States and Canada in 13 years and is now undertaking a 12-date tour of England to promote his latest album.

In 1968 Rick secured a place at the Royal College of Music with the intention of becoming a concert pianist. He left the following year to become a full-time session musician, playing on David Bowie’s Space Oddity.

It’s difficult to know how many albums he has to his name: the keyboard player, songwriter, author and television and radio presenter has released more than 90 as a solo artist as well as a number with contemporary rockers Yes. He’s also put out a few with his own rock band The English Rock Ensemble, which includes his son Adam on keyboards.

So why does he carry on? “It’s my privilege to be able to play on stage to people,” Rick told me during a break in his American tour which he said went “extremely well” and was “most enjoyable”.

Wakeman fans in Derbyshire will get the chance to see him in The Grumpy Old Christmas Show when it visits Buxton Opera House, a venue that Rick has played several times before.

He added: “I have the best job possible because the great thing is – it isn’t a job!”

Rick is one of the few people who can truly be called a legend. Wakeman fans in Derbyshire will get the chance to see him in The Grumpy Old Christmas Show when it visits Buxton Opera House, a venue that Rick has played several times before.

“I love playing there and I’m fond of Buxton too. I always try to arrive early so I can have a wander around.

“Audiences are pretty much the same everywhere you go.

That’s the joy of being able to do what I do; you’re able to visit so many different places and meet so many nice people. I have very good friends in Buxton who I always look forward to meeting up with.”

Rick officially became grumpy when he joined the conversational-style television series Grumpy Old Men in 2003. So it was fairly predictable that he called his trip to the United States The Grumpy Old Rock Star Tour.

“That was exclusively for America really and the Christmas show is called Grumpy Old Christmas to match my grumpiness! There’ll be elements of grumpiness as I talk about some of the things in the festive season that drive me nuts and I’m sure I won’t be the only one!

“Most of the music will come from the new album Portraits although a few other pieces will find their way onto the set as well as a few surprises.”

The new offering features 14 tracks made up of 22 classics. “I unashamedly have to say I’m thrilled with the finished product,” said Rick. “It’s just piano playing lots of melodies that everyone knows but in a totally different way. You’ll certainly recognise them all but I wouldn’t try to sing along!”

Richard Christopher Wakeman was born on 18 May 1949 in Perivale, London. When he was seven his father

58 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

paid for him to have weekly piano lessons which lasted for 11 years.

In 1968 he secured a place at the Royal College of Music with the intention of becoming a concert pianist. He left the following year to become a full-time session musician, playing on David Bowie’s Space Oddity among many other songs.

The money was good but he felt he wasn’t getting a chance to be part of the music. So he joined folk rock group Strawbs. After a couple of years he left when he faced “one of the most difficult decisions” of his career: whether to join Bowie’s backing band The Spiders from Mars or Yes. He thought the prog rock band would give him more career opportunities.

Altogether he’s been part of the group five times. Its latest line-up, known as Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman – otherwise known as ARW – will tour for the last time next year.

There are “so many reasons” why Rick has kept going back to Yes but “my fun with ARW will be the last.

Everything comes to an end and it’s reached that point for me.

“Travelling does tire you but I try to pace myself as best as I can and will continue to do so as long as my health hangs in there!”

Shortly after joining Yes, Rick also pursued solo projects. His first three concept albums, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Journey To The Centre Of The Earth and The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table, were his most successful.

His lifestyle, though, proved problematic. He suffered three heart attacks in his twenties due to smoking and heavy drinking. He quit smoking and in 1985, after being taken ill during a tour of Australia, he stopped drinking; he’s been teetotal ever since.

So what’s his health like now? “Not bad at all, to be honest. I continually struggle with my weight but apart from that I wake up breathing every day and long may it continue as I’ve got loads still to do in my life.”

Rick made a name for himself not only for his unmistakeable, highly complex music but also his long hair and his flamboyant capes. His wicked sense of humour, charm and geniality have led to his being signed up for programmes as diverse as Just A Minute on BBC Radio 4 and Have I Got News For You and

Watchdog on television.

Despite that, does the music come first? “I suppose it does really. But I love doing all the other stuff as well.

At the end of the day, I always end up sitting at the piano.”

Married four times and with six children, Rick lives with journalist, writer, director and actress Rachel Kaufman in Norfolk. They wed nearly eight years ago.

How big a role does Christianity play in the life of the man who learned to play a church organ and who was a Sunday school teacher?

“My faith is important to me but it’s a very private part of my life.” As you would expect from a man who always seems to be on the go – and who doesn’t like to divulge too much about his plans – Rick is destined to have a busy time in 2020.

“The year is almost totally planned and the best I can say is that it’ll contain more than a few surprises!”

Let’s hope a bigger tour is being pencilled in so that more fans can witness Rick’s side-splitting jokes and revealing career insights as well as his unique keyboard talent.

Rick Wakeman is at Buxton Opera House on Friday 13 December.

His album Christmas Portraits will be released by Sony Classical on Friday 29 November

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 59

IMAGES WALK

with Rambler:

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his walk combines popular routes by linking them with a little used path. Here the view across Carsington Water leads on across the north Midlands Plain, almost to Leicestershire.

Starting from Sheepwash car park, the way is first through Carsington village to Hopton. This is where the only serious climb in the walk follows a little used path up to the High Peak Trail. The trail is followed, parallel to the moorland road from Wirksworth to Brassington, until the two routes diverge. A sharp left turn at this point leaves the trail, then crosses the road to reach the popular path crossing Carsington Pasture. Its wind turbines now stand where our prehistoric ancestors once farmed, or later inhabitants delved for lead. This path eventually reaches Carsington village and its welcoming pub.

At Carsington a decision must be made, either to return to the car, or continue along the reservoir path into the Visitor Centre for a short stroll to Stones Island, and then walking back the same way, or perhaps catching service bus no. 110 Ashbourne to Matlock via Carsington.

The charming village of Carsington nestles in a sheltered valley above Carsington Water. The reservoir was opened by HM the Queen in May 1992, and contains when full, 7,800

between Ashbourne and Matlock calls at Carsington Water Visitor Centre and Carsington village every hour on weekdays and Saturdays.

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CAR PARKING: Accessed from the B5035 Cromford to Ashbourne road.

Sheepwash car park is opposite the

gallons of water, sufficient for the needs of three million people in the north Midlands cities. Carsington village’s tiny church though much ‘improved’ in Victorian times, actually dates from the 14th century, outdating its yew by more than three hundred years.

Hopton, the second village, more a hamlet with a manor house, passed through on the walk, surrounds the one-time home of Sir John Gell who led his band of locals on behalf of parliament during the English Civil War. One of the Gells fancifully named the road he created to link Cromford and the coach road at Newhaven, the Via Gellia. He did this in an attempt to make people think the road was Roman in origin.

Certainly the Romans inhabited the locality, basing their lead smelting on Lutudaron, a place yet to be discovered, but thought to be somewhere between Carsington and Wirksworth. Hopton Hall is famous for its snowdrops blooming every spring and the garden. The flower garden on the far side of the house from the snowdrop beds is sheltered by the delightfully named ‘crinkle crankle’ wall. Built in a wavy line for both strength and to create sun-arbours, you will pass it early on during the walk. There is an urn in the courtyard of Hopton Hall which Sir William Gell brought back as a souvenir from his Grand Tour visit to Pompeii in 1832.

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farm lane into Carsington village.

Alternatively, use Carsington Water Visitor Centre car park if planning a longer walk.

REFRESHMENTS: Miners’ Arms in Carsington village and café/ restaurant facilities at Carsington Water Visitor Centre’s New Leaf Restaurant.

THE WALK 1. Leave Sheepwash car park, and cross the main road. Walk up the narrow lane opposite and cross the Miners’ Arms car park in order to reach the road through Carsington village.

2. Turn right and walk along the minor road for a little under a mile.

3. Go past Hopton Hall and its crinkle crankle wall.

4. Continue to follow the road downhill and then up for another half mile. Keep going forwards by bearing right at the road junction in the dip.

5. Leaving the hall and cottages behind, the road cuts through woodland.

6. Where the road begins to bend sharply to the right in order to join the main road, do not go forwards, but turn left at the corner of the wood on your left.

7. Bearing slightly right and using stiles to keep to the right of way, begin to climb the hillside and enter the first of a series of fields by crossing the woodland boundary wall.

8. Cross the wall at the top right hand corner of the first field and immediately turn half right to cross into the third field.

9. Cross a walled farm track and then, still climbing, looking out for stiles or gaps in boundary walls, climb up through five fields.

10. Cross over a narrow minor road and walk through the last four fields by following their boundary wall on your right.

left to leave the latter. Go through stiles on both sides of the road in order to enter the vast expanse of Carsington Pasture.

11. Next to an old farm building, turn sharp left and walk up to the High Peak Trail.

14. With the wind turbines on your right, follow the boundary wall across the undulating and steadily descending grassy path.

12. Turn left along the trail. Follow it parallel to the Brassington road for around 1¼miles.

narrow lane past a series of cottages.

17. Bear left along the road through Carsington village and turn right at the Miners’ Arms pub.

18. From the pub follow the farm lane you used in the first part of the walk, this time gently downhill to the main road.

15. Keep to the path where it zig-zags down the steepening slope.

13. Where road and trail diverge, turn

19. Cross the road in order to reach Sheepwash car park.

16. Cross a stone stile and follow the

To Wirksworth

High Peak Trail To Brassington B5035 Miners Arms

Carsington Pastures

B5035

Hopton

To Wirksworth & Cromford

Sheepwash Carpark

To Ashbourne

Visitor Centre Carpark

Carssington Water Stones Island

A LITTLE BIT EXTRA TO THE WALK

interesting display by Severn Trent Water telling the story of how water is brought to our homes.

If you still have the time and energy to walk another mile or two, the waterside path from Sheepwash car park to Carsington Water Visitor Centre is a delight. Simply follow the well-made cycle and pedestrian path, away from the car park and down to the lake. Continue along the path until you reach the visitor centre. Either catch the bus back to Carsington village, or return along the same path after enjoying the facilities available.

Children particularly enjoy spinning the ‘kugel’ stone, a black granite ball supported by a thin layer of water that revolves at the slightest touch.

A couple of hundred yards into the reservoir beyond the visitor centre, Stones Island has an imaginative reproduction of a stone circle lined up to various features in the surrounding landscape.

There are a couple of features to see beside the path. The first is not

Mainsail Restaurant has an excellent menu on offer and there is an

Norma Gent Derbyshire Artist

far from Sheepwash car park. This is an odd-looking brick building which puzzles many who stop in order to explore its empty rooms. During the war, the area now flooded by the reservoir was a bombing range and the building was where range observers sheltered. Much closer to the visitor centre, the cosy bird hide makes an ideal place to watch water birds on CCTV screens. Finally and don’t tell anyone I said so, but if you look carefully to the side of the path, you might find a black cherry tree laden with fruit at the appropriate time of the year!

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

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Diary of Events diary@imagespublishing.co.uk Royal Centre Nottingham & Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 www.trch.co.uk NOV 1 The Magic Lantern Family Backstage Tour 1 Classical Music Sinfonia Viva 3 Marillion with Friends from the Orchestra 4 Secrets of the Bluestockings 5-7 Opera North: La Bohème - Set in the bustling clubs and cafés of early-60s Paris, Phyllida Lloyd’s vibrant and joyous production is back with a new international cast. One of the best-loved of all operas, Puccini’s tale of tragic romance is told through gloriously moving music that perfectly captures both the overwhelming rush of love at first sight, and the utter devastation of love lost.

6 Opera North: Giulio Cesare 6-8 Rob Beckett: Wallop 7 Adam Ant: Friend or Foe Tour 9 Opera North: The Greek Passion 9 Squeeze 10 Sunday Piano Series: Anna Tsybuleva 10 Russell Kane: The Fast and The Curious 12 James Morrison

13-17 Tom Gates Live On Stage!

13 Prague Symphony Orchestra 14 An Evening with Lenny Henry 15 &16 RSC First Encounters: The Merchant of Venice 15 Lighthouse Family 16 Whitney - Queen of the Night 17 The Music of Zimmer vs Williams 18The Third Stage - Jeanie Barton 19-23 Northern Ballet: Cinderella 19 Snow Patrol 20 Jools Holland 21 The Sensational 60’s 10th Anniversary Tour 22 Elvis Tribute Artist World Tour 25-30 We Will Rock You 30th November to January 5th Cinderella DEC 4 Craig Ogden & Manchester Camerata 6 The Australian Pink Floyd Show 7 Nottingham Harmonic Choir: Messiah 8 The Glenn Miller Orchestra Buxton Opera House & PavilionArts Centre.

01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org NOV 1 Royal Northern College of Music Larisa Piano Trio Coffee Concert 2-7 Abominable 2 Crooners 2 Justin Moorhouse 4-9 Fame The Musical 9 The Legends of American Country

10 Northern Chamber Orchestra with Tracey Redfern (trumpet) 11 The Simon and Garfunkel Story Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this 50th anniversary celebration also features a full live band performing all the hits including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound and many more. Get your tickets fast as this is an evening not to be missed!

13 Kenny Wayne Shepherd 14 James Acaster 15-16 Buxton Drama League - The Box of Delights 15 Sound of Springsteen 17 The Bowie Collective - A Journey Into The Mind Of The Rock ’n Roll Alien 19-23 An Inspector Calls 20 Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust - A Crash Course in Buxton’s History by Trevor Gilman Dates & Times 23 Houghton Weavers 24 Roy Wood Rock & Roll Band 24 Haydn - The Seasons 25 The Sensational 60’s Experience 26 Dr John Cooper Clarke - The Luckiest Guy Alive DEC 7 Cara Dillon 7 The Brighouse & Rastrick Band 10 Jenny Graham - Riding around the world in 124 days 12th Dec to Jan 1 Cinderella 13 Anella Quartet 13 Rick Wakeman 20 Adam Kay Derby Live. Box Office 01332 255800 www.derbylive.co.uk NOV 1 Carry On Screaming It’s Murder!

2 Bonfire and Fireworks Display 3 Fireworks Night & Fun Fair 2019 16 The Moon-Struck Philosophers Explore the hidden history of Derby and how the people who lived here influenced scientific, political and philosophical thinking.

22 Sam Callahan Live Peter Pan Sat 7 Dec - Sat 4 Jan Join us for an awfully big adventure. Brand new swashbuckling pantomime sets sail for Derby Arena.

Derby Theatre Box Office 01332 59 39 39 www.derbytheatre.co.uk 14 November - 16 November Murder, Margaret and Me - Agatha Christie turns Sleuth Starring Lin Blakley as Agatha Christie Agatha Christie and Margaret Rutherford, two of our greatest and most celebrated national treasures, should never have been friends.

But they were. Their paths crossed when they found themselves at the heart of one of British cinema’s most successful franchises. However,

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the Miss Marple films almost didn’t get made.

Agatha didn’t want Margaret to bring her precious spinster to life and Margaret was mortified at the thought of upsetting her fans with something as sordid as murder.

But this wasn’t her only reason for resisting the part. Margaret had a tragedy buried deeply in her past. One that she’d lived with for a lifetime.

Murder, Margaret and Me is a story of friendship, identity and the achievement of women in the long-lost world of the silver screen. As Agatha and Margaret play tug of war with Miss Marple, the Queen of Crime (being a woman who wasn’t without a secret or two herself) finally unearths the shocking truth buried in Margaret’s past.

Nottingham Playhouse 0115 941 9419 www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk NOV Assassins 30 October - 16 November.

Murder is a tawdry little crime. But when a president gets killed, when Julius Caesar got killed… he gets assassinated.

11 An Audience With Mark Billy Billingham 22 -11th January Sleeping Beauty 29 Becoming Electra DEC 11 to Jan 4 Pinocchio Palace Theatre Mansfield www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre NOV 2 Brighouse and Rastrick Band 5-9 Evita 10 A Christmas Carol 12 Shakespeare Schools’ Foundation Classical 17 Wizard of Oz (Ballet) - Join Ballet Theatre UK as we follow the yellow brick road and discover all the wonders of Oz. Enjoy Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin man, and Lion, (and yes Toto too) as they seek the Wonderful Wizard to find that there’s no place like home!

The Wizard of Oz is a two act, full-length, ballet adaptation of the iconic tale by L. Frank Baum, told through the magic of classical dance. Set to a classical score which brings the story to life, this production is family friendly and is the perfect way to introduce children to the classical ballet.

21 Letters From the Front (in Old Library Theatre) 21The Chicago Blues Brothers - Motown Mission 22 Buddy Holly & The Cricketers 30 Nov — 5 Jan Cinderella

Pinocchio

Nottingham Playhouse December 11 to January 4

Filled with music, dancing and plenty of chances to join in, this updated version of the classic tale is plenty of fun and packed with surprises. One day Pinocchio learns that he isn’t a real boy as he’d always thought. He’s actually made of wood!

Struggling to fit in, he sets off on an exciting adventure with his trusty sidekick cricket to find out how to become a real boy.

Along the way, Pinocchio makes friends with a whole host of larger-than-life characters. The only trouble is, he can’t help but tell lies and each one makes his nose grow! Can cheeky Pinocchio stop telling fibs? Will he find the secret to becoming a real boy, or can he learn to accept himself the way he is? Perfect for ages 3 – 8,

An Inspector Calls

Buxton Opera House Tuesday 19 – Saturday 23 November

Stephen Daldry’s multi award-winning production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller returns after a sell out West End season and US tour.

Hailed as the theatrical event of its generation, winning more awards than any other production in history, An Inspector Calls has thrilled more than 4 million people worldwide. When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation of theatregoers.

La Boheme

Royal Centre Nottingham November 5, 7 & 8

Can young love survive the winter?

Rodolfo and his friends are free-spirited artists, living in poverty amongst the garrets and cafés of Bohemian Paris. One cold Christmas night, Rodolfo’s neighbour Mimi comes to his door in search of a light. Their love will change his life, but can it survive until spring comes?

Set in the bustling clubs and cafés of early-60s Paris, Phyllida Lloyd’s vibrant and joyous production is back with a new international cast. One of the best-loved of all operas, Puccini’s tale of tragic romance is told through gloriously moving music that perfectly captures both the overwhelming rush of love at first sight, and the utter devastation of love lost.

And Then There Were None

Darley Abbey Village Hall Tuesday until Saturday, November 19 until 23

Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel turned play will be brought to the stage when the Marlowe Players perform And Then There Were None. Director Chris Davies says: “As a fan of murder mysteries I’ve long been drawn to Agatha Christie’s work. The concept of a hidden killer picking off victims while everyone else tries to find them and, more importantly to survive, has always thrilled me. “The challenge of bringing such a great story to life and hopefully doing it justice is daunting but great fun.” The plot involves ten apparent strangers being lured to and trapped on an island by the mysterious U N Owen. They find themselves accused by their unseen host of hiding guilty secrets. When one of the party is murdered, it becomes apparent that the remaining guests are all in danger from a killer who can seemingly get to them wherever they are. He begins to pick them off one by one. Every death follows the lines of the nursery rhyme Ten Little Soldiers. With a quick escape impossible, the survivors try to find the hidden killer before the rhyme finishes. For tickets call 07961 607372 or go to marlowe-players.co.uk.

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Birdwatching for Beginners walks at Carsington Water.

As autumn approaches we’ll see the passage of waders as they head to their wintering sites, ducks and geese return from their summer breeding grounds and hopefully, the return of the great Northern Diver. Why not join us on one of our free Beginners walks held on the first Sunday of every month? Booking is advisable as numbers are limited, contact Carsington 0330 678 0701. Future dates are, Nov 3rd and Dec 1.

Heanor Floral Art Group Monday 18th November flower demonstration

by Paula Routledge from Notts . Entitled By the Fireside, time 7oclock. Venue The Wilmot Street Welfare Centre, Wilmot Street, Heanor.

Everyone welcome, visitors £5. For further details Telephone 01332-880 Allestree Flower Group Tuesday 19th November 2019 Flower Demonstration by National Demonstrator Jonathan Moseley Entitled “Let’s Get Creative” 6.30pm for 7.30pm Venue: Robert Ludlum Theatre, Duffield Road, Derby Admission: £15.00 For further details telephone 01332 558540 Arts Society Derby December 3rd 2019 A talk by Imogen Corrigan. Meet at 7.15 pm at Landau Forte College, Fox St, Derby DE1 2LF. New members of the society are warmly welcomed; for details see https://theartssocietyderby.com/ membership/ or phone 01332 751574. Nonmembers may attend as guests for a charge of £5 per person.

The Derwent Singers 29th November A concord of Sweet Sounds.

A concert celebrating the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams performed by the Derwent Singers, joined by the Helix Ensemble and narrator Marcus Bennison. Works include the rarely performed ‘An Oxford Elegy’, ‘Serenade to Music’, Mass in G Minor and Fantasia on Greensleeves. Tickets are £15 on the door or £12 in advance for central seats, £10 for side/ balcony. Concert is being held at St Peter’s Church, Belper, 2 St Peter’s Close, DE56 1EB at 7.30pm Belper Musical Theatre in concert for Sight A fundraising concert by Belper Musical Theatre on 9th November in Allestree, Derby, The award-winning Belper Musical Theatre is in concert for local charity Sight Support Derbyshire on Saturday 9th November.

The group will be performing songs from the shows at St Nicholas Church Hall, Lawn Avenue, Allestree, Derby DE22 2PE from 7.30pm. This event will raise money for Sight Support Derbyshire’s services to help local adults and children face the everyday challenges of living with sight loss. Tickets are £8 and available from01332 292262 or online at www.sightsupportderbyshire.org.u Derby Chamber Music Society Friday 8th November A concert by the Artesian String Quartet Mozart: String Quartet No.15 in D minor, K.421 Shostakovich: String Quartet No.4 in D, Op.83 Beethoven: String Quartet No.9 in C, Op.59 No.3 ‘Razumovsky’ Tickets £15 and £14 (concessions) available at the door and online through WeGotTtickets at www.derbychambermusic.org at 7.30pm at the Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB or telephone 01332 830585 Loads of parking in Field Lane Car Park DE56 1DD. Poetry in Ashbourne 16th November. Poetry and Music. Free event at St. Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne 18.15 until 20.30 parking available.

Guest Poet, Angela Topping and open mic (pre-booking essential) Ashbourne’s unique Green Road Band plus individual musicians.

Darley Abbey Historical Group 15 November: ‘Stories behind plants’ by John Hawkins This will be followed by a Fuddle and informal discussion. All meetings start at 7pm and are held in Darley Abbey Village Hall, Abbey Yard off New Road, Darley Abbey, DE22 1DS There is a charge of £1.50.

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/ Derby RSPB Local Group Indoor Meeting on Wednesday 13 November at 7.30pm, we welcome a member of the RSPB Investigations Unit to talk about raptor persecution, “On a Wing and a Prayer”. Grange Banqueting Suite, 457 Burton Road, Littleover, Derby, DE23 6XX. Admission for members is £2.50, for non-members £3.00 and juniors £1.00. More details on the RSPB Derby local group website www.rspb.org.uk/groups/derby Also Derby RSPB local group invites you to join

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them on Sunday 24 November for a free Birdwatching Walk at Doxey Marshes, Stafford. Meet in the Pay & Display car park (free on Sundays) adjacent to Sainsbury’s in Stafford at 9.30am.

A wetland oasis near the centre of Stafford and one of the county’s best bird watching sites!

Toilets and café in Sainsbury’s. More details on the RSPB Derby local group website www. rspb.org.uk/groups/derby Spondon Historical Society Monday, October 14th at 7.30pm in Spondon Village Hall, Sitwell St., Spondon DE21 7FG. The speaker will be Dr. Ann Featherstone who will relate to us about a ‘Storm in a Teacup’. All are welcome, visitors £4 and members £2.50.

Folk And Acoustic Music

November 7 Thursday 8pm ‘Live at the Lion’. The Lion Hotel, Bridge Street, Belper DE56 1AX The Tannahill Weavers - UK Tour. Celtic music from one of Scotland’s premier Bands. A rare musical treat Tickets £15 Ticket Hotline 01773 853428 Music at Duffield Richard Jenkinson (Cello) Saturday 2 November 2019 at 7.30pm St. Alkmund’s Church, Church Drive (off Makeney Road), Duffield DE56 4BA Programme: J S Bach Cello Suites I Bach Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007 Bach Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011 Bach Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009 Richard was born and educated in Derbyshire and studied cello with Florence Hooton, Raphael Walfisch and William Pleeth. He won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music & Drama graduating in 1994 with Distinction and was awarded the Guildhall’s coveted Gold Medal for a performance of the Dvorak Cello Concerto in the Barbican. Richard has given recitals at London’s Wigmore Hall and South Bank Centre and made several recordings.

He has held the posts of principal cello with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and is the cellist of the Dante String Quartet.

Adult £15, Concession £14, Student £7.

Individual tickets are available at the door or from Caroline Morgan (Tel: 07977 091171) and also online at www.musicatduffield.com For further details about Music at Duffield and future concerts please visit our website www. musicatduffield.com

The freedom of flying

Diary of Events diary@imagespublishing.co.uk

SLACKS TRAVEL

A

light aircraft flying over Derbyshire gives you an unobstructed grandstand view of the fabulous natural environment in which we live. Experience the joy and excitement of flying, soaring above the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Take a bird’s eye view of your favourite landmarks – maybe it’s Carsington Water Reservoir, Dovedale, Froggatt Edge, Chatsworth House, Ladybower Dams or your own home area. Taking hold of the flying controls, you can really experience the freedom of flying.

Derby Aero Club offers a wide range of flying services including tuition for the Private Pilots Licence. Flying from its home base at Derby Airfield, Egginton, the club caters for all ages. Recently a number of our younger students have achieved their first solo flight at the youngest legal age of 16.

Luxury coach travel with guaranteed seats & local boarding points

BRITISH COACHING CHRISTMASTIME IN WINCHESTER . . . . . . . . . 25-28 Nov (HB) £260 WARNERS BODELWYDDAN CASTLE . . . . 29 Nov-02 Dec (HB) £252 WESTON SUPER MARE TURKEY & TINSEL . . 02-06 Dec (HB) £317

Derby Airfield is also the home of the Comet Racer restoration project. A team of volunteers are working hard restoring Comet Racer G-ACSP that was originally flown by Amy Johnson and husband Jim Mollison in 1934, in the air race from England to Australia.

LLANDUDNO HOLLY & MISTLETOE . . . . . . . . . 07-11 Dec (HB) £375

Why not come along to the airfield on a fine day and sit with a cup of tea, watching the aeroplanes come and go, or purchase a ‘trial lesson’ as a gift for someone special or even for yourself ?

SCOTLAND INVERNESS ALL INCLUSIVE . . 29 Mar-02 Apr (AI) £407

A trial flying lesson makes an ideal present, gift vouchers are available from the Derby Aero Club.

WALES CRICCIETH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 Apr (HB) £352

CHRISTMAS IN CUMBRIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-27 Dec (FB) £528 BOURNEMOUTH SPECIAL OFFER 99p BAR10-14 Feb 20 (HB) £199 MYSTERY WEEKEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08-09 Feb (HB) £114 LUDLOW & SHREWSBURY AT EASTER . . . . . . 10-13 Apr (HB) £265 SPRINGTIME IN KENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 Apr (HB) £408 EASTBOURNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Apr-01 May (HB) £285 YORK & YORKSHIRE COAST . . . . . . . . . . . 27Apr-01 May (HB) £367 VE DAY 75 YEARS CONCERT ROYAL ALBERT HALL* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08-09 May (BB) £212 MARY POPPINS (LONDON)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04-05 Jun (BB) £194

EUROPEAN COACHING HOLLAND TRAMS, BOATS & BULBFIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (HB) £504

DAY EXCURSIONS EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE

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BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT XMAS MARKET

SAT 09 NOV £22

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SAT 23 NOV £22

HARROGATE KNITTING & STITCHING SHOW*

SAT 30 NOV £33.50/£33.50/£29

HARROGATE TOWN ONLY

SAT 30 NOV £22

BEVERLEY FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS

SUN 08 DEC £22

BURTON CONSTABLE AT CHRISTMAS*

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World Animal Day

O

ctober 4th was designated as world animal day; a day to celebrate the diversity of our planet’s animal species, all creatures whether they are great or small.

The human bond with animals begins at an early age; sometimes with the family pet as a newborn, or winning that first goldfish at a fair, or going to a zoo or aquarium on a family outing or school trip.

Going further back in time, early man formed an alliance with dogs to mutual benefit; man would feed their canids in return for helping to hunt and protect. Horses were also used as a way to travel greater distances and to carry possessions in early civilisations. In wars as recent as World War One, horses were used to move cannons and machinery to the Front Line. Cavalrymen relied on the courage and strength of their steeds to carry them into the noise and chaos of the battlefield. Although the bond between horse and rider was strong, and men told stories of their equine partners’ bravery and sacrifice, it is only recently that these four-legged heroes have officially been recognised and honoured.

This close relationship has continued in recent times and up to the present day. In developing countries and communities that shun modern technology, such as the Amish people, horses are still used as a means of transportation. Equines are still used to pull ploughs through fields as are their oxen counterparts.

On my travels once, when I visited Mauritius, I witnessed an ox in harness being used to turn a pressing machine that compressed raw sugar cane in order to release its juice. This juice (a raw form of sugar) went on to be processed and used in the production of rum. Now, I’m not sure I’d fancy the

taste of the cane juice, but the end result, rum, was pretty tasty I seem to recall!

Another Sphere In Which Many Animals Excel Is That Of Assistance.

Think of the Guide Dogs that help the blind, the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) horses, Hearing Dogs for the deaf, and the medical detection dogs that can sense the presence of tumours, an impending epileptic seizure, or low blood sugar levels in diabetes sufferers. I think (as do the rest of the Saint Leonard Veterinary Centre team) that all these incredible animals deserve to be celebrated for the marvellous service they give.

There are some creatures that I think also deserve some recognition and praise; ones that you wouldn’t ordinarily think of and ones that would make a lot of people recoil from their presence. As a veterinarian I can appreciate the beauty and skill in all things medical and surgical, and so I want to pay my respects to the humble leech and maggot.

“What!” I hear you say, “Are you mad?” Bear with me as I explain why. Leeches have been used in modern medicine to promote blood flow to tissues (they inhibit blood clots forming), and maggots remove dead/necrotic tissue in wounds so that healthy new tissue can emerge and start the healing process.

But Let’s Not Forget The Everyday Companions; They deserve to be applauded too. On every continent and in every country there are animals who mean the world to their owners, furry or feathered. Indeed, for those clever birds that have learned simple phrases, their “conversation” can bring joy and company to those who may feel a tad lonely or isolated. Imagine the happiness that those

folks feel when they’re greeted with a chirpy (no pun intended!) “Good Morning, sunshine” first thing in the morning.

The whole SLVC staff love their collective broods immensely and my own furry family members are my pride and joy; they may be a raggle-taggle bunch, but to me they’re perfect and I love ‘em! I can’t wait to see their reaction when baby Underhill arrives in late October (hopefully); I’m sure there will be many adventures to be had for them as their tiny human sibling grows up. There have been lots of scientific research studies done that demonstrate the beneficial impact that interaction with animals can have on our health and well-being – lowering blood pressure and alleviating anxiety and depression to name just a couple. I don’t know about you, but I find that watching fish swim in an aquarium has a lightly hypnotic effect that is very soothing and relaxing to me.

Social media platforms have also allowed animal stars to shine; not a day goes by with the hilarious antics of the animal world shared. There’s also some great footage showing human acts of kindness to their fellow inhabitants of the earth. My favourites include fishing nets being cut from ensnared whales, drinking straws being removed from a turtles’ nostril, and a human chain being formed to rescue a pooch trapped in a deep gulley. There are numerous heart-wrenching examples of neglected cats and dogs being rescued from the streets and nursed back to health in re-homing centres too.

Don’t forget that we are always available to watch over the health of your beloved animal here at Saint Leonard Veterinary Centre, whether it’s for routine vaccinations or for more in-depth health improvement. I think it’s safe to say that animals make this world a better place to live in, wouldn’t you agree? So I hope we all clapped, cheered and celebrate the great diversity of animals around the globe on World Animal Day. (October 4th.)

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Norma Gent

T

here is still time to commission a bespoke watercolour from Norma Gent, working from good quality photographs. A selection of black and white mugs decorated with Norma’s sketches of local scenes and dogs are also available, alongside original, framed works of art.

Norma Gent , The Studio, No 2 the Galleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

Richard Whittlestone Wildlife Artist.

W

ildlife Artist Richard Whittlestone is proud to present his Winter Exhibition inspired by the beauty of his surroundings of the Peak District and particularly the Chatsworth estate.

Over twenty new paintings will be shown to the public for the first time from November 16th - December 8th in his well appointed gallery, just a stone’s throw from the Chatsworth farm shop (AA signposted).

do”, says Richard, “My aim is to convey the beauty of my subject in paint and bring to life the animal or bird in front of the viewer’s eyes”. His paintings sell all over the world now and carry his trademark tiny fly, often hidden somewhere in the composition. “It began as a point of interest in earlier pictures but since 1990, all paintings have one. “I do get customers who bought work from me in the 1980’s - pre fly - who want me to paint one on!”

It has been a busy year for Richard, with invitations to exhibit in Scotland and Italy, plus a full refurbishment of the gallery which now provides more wall space for his larger paintings.

Well worth a visit, the exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm (11am - 4pm Sunday) and together with the originals are a wide selection of limited edition prints, greetings cards and 2020 calendar. www.richardwhittlestone.co.uk

Richard began painting aged five and sold his first paintings at 13. “I love and live what I

WILDLIFE SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

By EDDIE HALLAM

A breathtaking range of life-size bronzes from mighty gannets to tiny wrens.

Talks and demonstrations daily.

A Country Craftsman

E

ddie Hallam is the archetype country craftsman having lived and worked all his life in the countryside. He was the assistant curator at Chester zoo before starting the wildlife park at Riber Castle. After 25 years he moved on to become an award winning Nature Reserve warden.

Secretly Eddie always harboured the desire to be a sculptor of wildlife subjects. Still living and working from his “interesting” workshop in Riber, in the hills above Matlock, Eddie has built a big reputation nationally for life size sculptures of British wildlife, which are cast in bronze.

All his sculptures start life as sketches completed from life before being cast in bronze using the ancient, lost -wax , method which is 5500 years old.

Visitors are welcome to visit Eddie’s gallery and he is happy to discuss any aspects of sculpting, or wildlife subjects in general. Please telephone if outside exhibition times to avoid disappointment, his visitors book is a joy to read. Tel 01629 583108, mobile 07714418174.

68 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

November 9th to 24th 10.30 to 4pm Riber Art Gallery, Greenways Farm, Riber, Matlock DE4 5JU

T: 01629 583108 or 07714 418174 www.wildlifesculptures.co.uk Always a friendly welcome outside these times, just phone to check Eddie is about.

RICHARD WHITTLESTONE Wildlife Gallery

You are Invited to an Exhibition in Celebration of the work of

Pollyanna Pickering Inspired by Nature

16th – 24th November

.

10 am – 6pm (Admission Free)

WINTER EXHIBITION Sat 16th November – Sun 8th December 10am – 5pm

(AA signposted) Broomes Barns, Pilsley, Chatsworth DE45 1PF 01246 582720 www.richardwhittlestone.co.uk

The Gallery Brookvale House Oaker Matlock DE4 2JJ (AA signposted) 01629 55851

www.pollyannapickering.co.uk

Work also available from: Richard Blunt, Craig Davison, Paul Oz, Kealey Farmer, Mark Curryer, Jack Vettriano, Darren Baker, Paul Horton, Kimberley Harris, Alexander Millar, Simon Gudgeon, Ronnie Wood and Jonathan Truss.

Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington DE65 6DW Open: Monday - Saturday 10am -5pm, Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm.

T: 01283 204753

info@bluebirdfineart.co.uk

www.bluebirdfineart.co.uk

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 69

Pollyanna Pickering

… inspireby nature

P

ollyanna was widely recognised as one of Europe’s foremost wildlife artists.

Driven by the beauty and intricacy of the wilderness, she was renowned for her travels into some of the most remote and inhospitable parts of the world, where she studied and painted endangered species in their increasingly fragile habitats.

However throughout her life she drew inspiration from the beauty of the British Isles, and especially the Peak District of Derbyshire, where she made her home. For fifteen years she also ran a sanctuary to care for and rehabilitate injured British Wildlife.

This close contact with her subjects is reflected in the realism and vitality of her artwork .

Every winter Pollyanna opened her private gallery for an exhibition inspired by her love of British Wildlife. The Inspired by Nature exhibition will celebrate her life and the work inspired by her love of the natural world. Visitors can view over fifty original paintings on display to the public for the very first time, in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Pollyanna’s daughter and business partner AnnaLouise will be on hand throughout and

70 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

will be pleased to chat to visitors about the artwork.

She told us “Although Pollyanna travelled across seven continents to study and paint endangered species in their natural habitats, I believe that she could have found enough inspiration to keep her painting forever within a few miles of her own front door. She loved to walk in the area and always carried her sketch folder!

She could often spot a fox, badger or black fallow deer from the windows of our old stone farmhouse. Her studio was on the third floor, and she had a wonderful view of the farmland around her, providing a constant source of inspiration”.

During the summer Anna-Louise opened the doors to Pollyanna’s private gallery for the first exhibition of her work since her unexpected passing last year. “I was very apprehensive” Anna-Louise commented “but we were absolutely overwhelmed by the response. The event was extraordinarily well attended and there was such a positive and uplifting atmosphere in the gallery. The worst thing would be for Pollyanna’s artwork to sit in plan chests gathering dust – she wanted people to be able to see it, enjoy it and live with her paintings in their homes. And most importantly her beautiful work will continue to raise funds for the wildlife she so loved”.

Anna-Louise was delighted to welcome Born Free Founder Virginia McKenna OBE on a private visit to the summer exhibition – along with actor and conservationist Dan Richardson– one of Pollyanna’s fellow patrons of The Born Free Foundation. Following his visit Dan said “I strongly recommend a visit to the gallery. It is easy to get lost in the sheer depth, beauty and mystery of Pollyanna’s extraordinary world-renowned art”.

Among the other familiar faces to be spotted among the visitors to the event were actor John Altman – best known as Eastender’s ‘Nasty’ Nick Cotton – and former Dr Who actor Colin Baker.

Earlier in the year Pollyanna was honoured with a posthumous award in recognition of her Outstanding Contribution to Arts and Culture at a glittering gala ceremony in New York. Pollyanna’s daughter AnnaLouise was very honoured and moved to be invited to attend the Masters of Contemporary Art Awards at the New York Museum Of Art and Design in New York. (She is pictured accepting the award on stage at the spectacular gala event.) The evening opened with a performance by dancers dressed as Golden Angels. Following the opening ceremony and speeches, a minutes silence was held in memory of Pollyanna – a deeply moving and emotional tribute.

Anna-Louise was invited on stage to accept the award which takes the form of an angellike figure, representing inspiration rising.

The statuette was created in Italy. Painted Ferrari red, it is finished with 24 carat gold.

environmental conservation wanted to create a caveat, and an appeal to the world as a whole to save the injured, orphaned, and endangered species continuously threatened by extinction.”

Presenting the award, Viviana Puiello Editorin-Chief the ArtTour International Magazine said “Celebrated UK artist and activist Pollyanna Pickering was an acclaimed name in the realm of animal and wildlife artistry who illustrated the remote wilderness and fragile habitats with unparalleled accuracy and perfection in her lifetime. Each of her gleaming works is representational of her tireless campaign to restore the world’s violated Ecosystem. With immaculate attention to details, this champion of

“Pollyanna drew her inspirations by exploring the most inhospitable parts of the world.

The eye-catching, sharp realism exhibited in her wildlife portfolio is due to the real-life interaction, and exchange between Pollyanna and the wild animals she sheltered in her lifetime. Her work was a mirror of their beauty, and a message that they too have a right, and purpose in this world.”

Pollyanna’s original artwork was included in an exhibition which ran at a New York

“T he eye-catching, sharp realism hibited in her wildlife portfolio is due to the real-life interaction, and change between Pollyanna and the wild animals she sheltered in her lifetime.“

gallery to coincide with the awards ceremony.

The following day Anna-Louise appeared on a Manhattan Arts TV show – ArtTour International - filmed at the MNN studios to speak about the award, Pollyanna’s life and work, and her amazing legacy. The spectacular trophy will be displayed in the gallery during the forthcoming ‘Inspired by Nature’ exhibition.

Visitors to the gallery will also be able to browse at leisure through the latest additions to Pollyanna’s extensive ranges of greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints, and a wide variety of gift ware featuring her work - including signed sets of her postage stamps issued internationally, and first day covers for the Royal Mail alongside an exclusive display of gift ware commissioned by Harrods. All of her exquisitely illustrated books will be available, as well as the latest brand new card and paper crafting kits and printable DVDROMs - as launched live on television in a series of regular and popular programmes featuring Anna-Louise live in the studio on the Create and Craft channel!

There will be over 150 card designs to choose from, including the latest charity cards featuring designs by Pollyanna for the RSPB, Guide dogs for the Blind, The Born Free Foundation, Blue Cross, The Dogs Trust and Marie Curie among many others.

New fine art calendars of her work will be available for 2020, along with a range of ecofriendly wrapping paper and cards, and even a brand new series of decorations featuring Pollyanna’s images!

A minimum of ten percent of all sales throughout the exhibition will be donated to worldwide conservation projects through the Pollyanna Pickering Foundation.

Find full details and directions to the gallery at www.pollyannapickering.co.uk The work of the late Wildlife Artist Pollyanna Pickering will be celebrated in an exhibition to be staged in her private gallery at Brookvale House Oaker Matlock Derbyshire DE4 2JJ (AA Signposted) from 16th – 24th November. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 71

JJ Adams After opening their door just over 18 months ago and with several successful artists events hosted at the gallery, Bluebird Fine Art are delighted to be welcoming one of the UK’s most talked about artists ‘JJ Adams’ to the gallery on Saturday 2nd November.

JJ Adams will be exhibiting his ‘Rule Britannia’ collection of limited editions and originals along with a brand-new release.

The son of a Baptist preacher, JJ Adams emigrated as a child from Plymouth in the UK to Cape Town in South Africa in the early eighties. Adams spent much of his youth around the studio of South African contemporary landscape artist Derric van Rensburg, where he discovered his love of bright colour and graphic art. JJ Adams studied graphic design at Cape College whilst working as an apprentice in `Wildfire Tattoos` a busy tattoo studio in central Cape Town.

He returned to the UK in 1998 where he furthered his study in commercial printing at the Plymouth College of Art and Design. He has worked as a freelance graphic designer and sign maker before finally breaking into fine art. JJ Adams uses a range of mixed media in his work from spray paint to hand painting acrylics, screen printing and digital matte painting as well as photography.

Bluebird Fine Art, Mercia Marina, Findern Lane, Willington, DE65 6DW

Soap and Kids TV stars in this year’s Derby panto

F

rom Emmerdale, Coronation Street and the West End, Bill Ward will take to the stage in Peter Pan as the dastardly Captain Hook.

Tinker Bell will be played by Katrina Bryan from CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons and Molly & Mack.

Peter, Tinker Bell, Wendy and a very odd looking woman, who refuses to grow up, are in for a high-flying action-packed adventure.

The lost boys and musical mermaids will take on some very potty pirates and the most dastardly villain of them all – Captain Hook!

From Saturday 7 December to Saturday 4 January Derby Arena will be host to Derby’s pantomime spectacular from Derby LIVE and Little Wolf Entertainment.

Bill has been a professional actor across Theatre, TV and Film for 20 years. Best known for his work on two of the country's leading Soaps, Coronation Street as Charlie Stubbs and Emmerdale as James Barton, in which he appeared for over 700 episodes, and for which he won numerous awards.

Bill Ward, said: “"Hook is one of those iconic parts for an actor and I'm really looking forward to playing him. I properly love panto and am very much up for the challenge of getting an entire arena to boo me! I’m also looking forward to spending time in Derby and having a good look round the City, plus after the last few months of ‘Everybodys talking

72 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

about Jamie’ in the West End it'll be nice to hang up my heels.

Katrina Bryan is best known for her roles on the much loved CBeebies Channel. She played Nina in the award-winning series Nina and the Neurons which began in 2007 and is now shown all across the world. Katrina currently plays the role of Alice in another hit show, the light-hearted CBeebies drama, Molly and Mack. Katrina Bryan, said: "I've always loved panto ever since I left drama school.

Happily for me, my work with CBeebies which I absolutely love - has given me a profile across the whole of the U.K meaning I get the opportunity to perform in these bigger pantos. Peter Pan is one of my favourite pantos to watch and to perform in. I’m very much looking forward to bringing the special mischief that is Tinker Bell to a venue as spectacular as the Arena” Second star to the right and straight on till morning! The team behind Beauty and the

Beast and Jack and the Beanstalk are back to fly audiences to magical Neverland. With spectacular effects, barrel loads of laughs, jokes that grab you hook, line and sinker, and more than a sprinkling of fairy dust, this promises to be the perfect PAN-to.

Littlewolf Entertainment, said: “Peter Pan is set to be our most spectacular panto to date, and we’re so excited to have brought together such a talented team of performers to bring our gangs of lost boys, pirates and mermaids to life.

Both Bill and Katrina are hugely experienced pantomime performers who are going to bring something really special to the arena this Christmas. We’re busy creating an amazing spectacle with spectacular flying sequences, bucket loads of jokes and one very large crocodile! Some performances have already nearly sold out so it’s never too early to Hook your tickets.”

Peter Pan will be on stage at Derby Arena from 7th December 2019 to 4th January 2020, tickets priced from £14.75 with concessions, group, school and family tickets available. It’s never too soon to get tickets for this festive family treat, audiences can book now for the best seats in the house at great prices with our panto early bird rate. Call the Sales and Information Centre on 01332 255800, pick seats online at derbylive.co.uk, or in person at Riverside Chambers.

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| 73

Food & Drink

Providing customers with quality and tasty produce.

Order Your Christmas Turkey Now!

Keep food miles low,

visit Robin Maycock Family Butchers and Bakers Famous for their fresh, locally sourced meat, bakery and deli counter.

Christmas Poultry Orders

Locally reared Turkeys, Free range Geese, Fresh English Ducks, Fresh English Chickens, Local Pheasants, Mince Pies.

Set in beautiful Derbyshire countryside with free parking outside AWARD WINNING HOLLOWAY VILLAGE BUTCHERS Lea Shaw Road, Holloway, Nr Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5AT

01629 534333 www.robinmaycockbutchers.co.uk

We are now taking orders for our popular free range turkeys which are home reared throughout the summer and autumn months ready to purchase fresh before Christmas.

Our extensive Farm Shop and Cafe is also open for Tasty Breakfasts, Lunches, Teas and Coffees.

Telephone: 01159 309099

Opening Daily: 10 am – 4 pm Oakfield Farm, Belper Rd, Stanley Common, Derbyshire DE7 6FP email:info@oakfieldfarm.co.uk Facebook: oakfieldfarmshop

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Stockists of the perfect produce for the

Festive Season…

Delicious range of seasonal meats locally sourced from farms in and around the Peak District. Stockists of tasty cooked meats, homemade meat pies, quiches and pork pies including 2lb and Gala pork pies made to order. A full range of jams and chutneys also available, the ideal gift idea.

ORDERS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR CHRISTMAS FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS FAYRE AND TRIMMINGS R.G

. Stafford Ltd ,

72 Western Road, Mickleover, Derby.

T: 01332 514087 Qu

ality Butchers

74 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Christmas Menu Festive menu available throughout December serving lunch and dinner Parties catered for See our Facebook events page for a complete list of all our seasonal events Yeaveley Arms, Rodsley Lane, Yeaveley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2DT. TEL: 01335 330700

The porcini remained elusive

F

oraging for food in the Derbyshire Peaks may sound idyllic but, when the clouds are ominously heavy with rain, there is only one thing in nature’s larder which could drag me from my bed on a Sunday morning. In short, you can leave sweet chestnuts and sloe berries to the birds and bees. I want mushrooms.

In spite of severe weather warnings, it seems I am not the only one answering the magical, mystical call of the wild mushroom.

It warms the cockles to see fellow hunters and gatherers shuffling along in head-to-toe waterproofs waiting at the designated meeting spot; a car-park in the High Peak village of Hayfield.

A total of nine hardy souls have ventured to take part in a ‘Funghi Foray’ – a four-hour adventure combining fresh air, al fresco dining and fascinating facts with Bengt Saxmark and his wife Deb Hampson of New Mills; self-confessed fanatics who run a wild mushroom business called Get Funghi. The couple are eminently qualified to help people like Jayne Fowler and husband Rob find out how to spot the good (edible and delicious) from the bad (edible but tasteless) and the down-right Bengt with the Birch bolete - edible but best dried

ugly (poisonous enough to wage a deadly war on your internal organs).

“Rob and I go walking a lot with our dog and we’ve seen loads of mushrooms and often wondered if they’re edible,” says Jayne, of Chapel-en-le-Frith. “Our daughter bought us the event as a Christmas present as she thought it would be a good starting point for us.”

Fortunately, our little party could not be in safer hands. Bengt, who hails from Gothenburg, has been keen on foraging for mushrooms since he was a boy and qualified as a mushroom consultant from Sweden’s Umeå University in 2006.

“People are right to be cautious but it’s better if we encourage them to learn rather than scare them away,” he says. “Most of the ‘poisonous’ mushrooms aren’t fatal but will make you feel awful or give you dreadful stomach ache. If you are not 100 per cent sure, leave it for the maggots.”

Two of the UK’s deadliest mushrooms belong to the amanita family; for this reason, Bengt begins every session by pointing out their common features which can include white gills below the cap, a ring on the stem and a sock or vulva at the base.

“We will concentrate on beginner’s mushrooms which are almost impossible to mix up with anything else – unless you are colour blind,” Bengt explains while directing the group over a stile and into an open field. “A good beginner’s mushroom is the bright yellow chanterelle. Underneath the cap are ridges, not gills. There is no poisonous mushroom that looks like this.”

My suggestion that poisonous mushrooms look dangerous – red and covered with white spots - is quickly dismissed. While there is a red, spotty mushroom (the fly agaric), Bengt insists nature’s warning signals don’t always help when it comes to mushrooms.

“For instance, there is a mushroom with blood red sponge that turns blue when you cut it that is actually delicious,” Bengt says.

“I took out a group of Italians who were convinced a mushroom is safe if it tastes good. Not true. The best way to start is to go out with an expert, do your homework, buy a book (Bengt and Deb recommend ‘Mushrooms’ by Roger Phillips) and make sure it is up-to-date. Mushrooms are often being re-classified.”

It is only fitting that the first ‘spot’ of the day – a field mushroom on a field too far away to pick - belongs to Pete Camp and son Scott, of Congleton, who are attending their third foraying day.

Self-confessed ‘foodie’ journalist Amanda Volley showcases all that is great about food and drink in Derbyshire. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 75

“My friends might say I’m becoming a mushroom bore,” Pete laughs. “Last year, I found a crop of porcini in Eyam, enough to make a nice starter for four on a crostini. Another time I came across what was almost certainly an edible scarletina bolete mushroom. I was 90 per cent sure but there was a ‘what if ’ so I didn’t eat it.”

At the start, our biggest problem seems to be distinguishing mushrooms from leaves. The first edible mushroom close enough to pick, a crop of waxcaps, are rejected as old and slimy.

Undeterred, one of our intrepid bunch, Jameela Mian of Ashby, clambers over to a fallen log to investigate what looks to be brown ears growing on the bark.

“Honey fungus – it is edible but not pleasant to eat,” says Bengt.

“It’s often found at the base of trees and it attacks wood and plants so it’s not a friend to the gardener. It sounds sweet but the taste is slightly bitter and can upset the stomach.”

Just when it looks like our baskets will remain empty, novice mushroom hunter Tara McGuirk strikes edible gold.

“It’s called a hedgehog mushroom because it has soft spines under the cap,” says Bengt. “It has a firm texture, tastes slightly peppery and is very aromatic and it’s absolutely delicious. If it’s creamy white coloured and has spines instead of gills so it can’t be confused with anything else. It’s a beautiful mushroom.”

Tara, who has travelled from Birmingham to take part, is clearly thrilled; “Do I get a certificate?” she laughs.

Amazingly, the mushrooms, both edible and extra-ordinary, just keep on coming. In the next field along, Scott and Pete find a maitake; an edible mushroom also known as ‘hen of the woods’ because it resembles the feathers of a sitting hen. This find is followed by a flock of other mushrooms including one with the appearance of a filmy eye-ball.

“A parrot waxcap,” Deb says. “Lovely to look at but far too slimy to eat.”

As Bengt’s basket begins to fill, someone asks if there is a limit to the amount of mushrooms a forager can take.

“Picking a mushroom does not damage it as 100 per cent of the mushroom’s mycelium (root-like fibres) is underground. We

Bengt with the tools of his trade; a sharp pocket knife and a 'mush brush' to clean the finds

pick the fruiting body so it’s much the same as eating apples from a tree,” explains Bengt “Leaving them in the ground is not necessary for their survival, but it’s polite to only take what you need.”

Divesting the countryside of every edible mushroom is not even an issue when it comes to my ‘haul’. So far, I have discovered what I thought to be mushrooms only to find out they are rabbit droppings, moss-covered acorns and a sheep’s skull. As we continue our romp into the hills, Deb tells me how she came to share Bengt’s passion for foraging mushrooms.

“I’ve always foraged fruit to make cordials, jams and puddings – even spirits,” she explains. “I met Bengt years ago in Sweden when I was there as part of my language degree. Then, in 2003, Bengt contacted me to say he was coming over to the UK and asked if we could we meet up. As we got to know each other again, we spent lots of time walking in the forest and he taught me everything he knows about funghi; more or less. The rest, as they say, is history. We were married in 2006.”

While Deb and Bengt have day jobs – she is a translator from Swedish to English and Bengt is a joiner – the couple’s passion for mushrooms saw them setting up Get Funghi in 2010. Their endeavours to sell only the very best wild mushrooms (they forage for funghi in West Sweden every Autumn) saw their dried porcini win a coveted product of the year award from The Guild of Fine Food in 2015.

The couple’s expertise in foraging for mushrooms led to them being asked to take out a group as part of the New Mills Festival in 2012.

“It was so successful, we started taking groups out every year throughout the mushroom season which starts in September,” says Deb. “Not only are people fascinated by foraging, there is also a growing trend for people to buy experiences rather than things these days and our events are always fully booked.”

Two hours into the walk and the heavens finally open. Deb reveals there is a gazebo waiting for us back at the car-park.

Spurred by the promise of lunch, we use the last half hour to visit a field which, says Bengt, can be packed with porcini.

In spite of all our best efforts – people scampering over walls

Parasol mushroom - edible and good to eat.

Basket getting full

Jameela Mian with the honey fungus mushroom

Parrot waxcap - lovely to look at, but not to eat

76 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

and braving a river of rainwater coming down off the hills – the porcini remains elusive.

“What we find varies from year to year, depending on the weather,” says Bengt with a shrug. He perks up considerably when a group member uncovers another ‘wonderfully edible’ mushroom. “This is one of my favourites but it is not a beginner’s mushroom because it has white gills like some dangerous members of the amanita family. What sets this one apart is the smell.”

Bengt invites us all to have a sniff. ‘My trainers’ I offer to general amusement. Someone else gets ‘cucumber’ and another can detect ‘beef ’.

“No, no – it smells of wet flour,” Bengt laughs. “Hence it is known as ‘The Miller’ and it’s very good to eat.”

Our hike ends with a dash to the gazebo for a funghi feast – our mushroom finds fried on a barbecue in butter, parsley and garlic – served with sausages, home-made cordials and followed by Deb’s homemade carrot cake.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the day foraging. I like eating mushrooms but had no idea they are so interesting,” says Tara as we huddle together under the tent. “Deb and Bengt made the world of mushrooms so accessible to new foragers – I can’t wait to go out again.”

Hedgehog mushrooms - one of the tastiest and great beginner’s mushroom

Hearing this her companion, cousin Matthew Thomas, confides a secret; “This outing was an early Christmas present. Don’t say anything but, as we both enjoyed it so much, there’s every chance she’s getting the same again next year.”

Postscript: On a short break in Norfolk, I came across a crop of pure white, spongy mushrooms in the sand dunes. After seeing my photographs, Bengt and Deb kindly confirm my find would have been edible but, as I’m back in Derby, driving back is not an option; not even for a puffball. Top marks go to Jayne and Rob Fowler who found lots of meadow caps on one of the dog walks and - after confirming the identification with Deb and Bengt – ate them for their lunch and pronounced them ‘delicious’.

A full list of Get Funghi stockists and events can be found on the website www.getfunghi.co.uk

Fly agaric - it is poisonous but not deadly

Bengt cooking up his day's finds in spite of torrential rain

Meadow waxcap www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 77

Coxbench Hall Residential Home www.coxbench-hall.co.uk

A busy Autumn for Murray’s Funeral Directors.

M

urray’s have been busy in the community at their Findern branch helping with planting at Findern Cemetery. Sue, Joan and Angela spent time with the parish team adding landscaping to a previously bare area. Hard work but great fun.

Family run home providing quality care since 1984 Permanent, short term and day care offered 1st day visit complimentary

WINTER FAYRE

23rd November 2.30 - 4.30pm

Contact us

01332 880200 office@coxbench-hall.co.uk Alfreton Road, Coxbench, Derby DE21 5BB

On September 27th they also held their Memory Walk with the help of “Findern Footpaths” community group. 60 people attended the walk. An apple tree was planted and dedicated to the memory of passed love ones, then all went back to Murray’s office in Findern for coffee and cakes provided by Bees tea rooms. Proceeds totalling £274.00 were donated to Alzheimer’s society.

Murray’s are pleased to announce their first Inter Denominational Memorial Service at St Mary’s Church Stretton, Burton upon Trent on 30th November. For details and to book a place, contact Murray’s or pop in to one of our branches.

Contact Findern on 01332 425022, Burton on 01283 562299, Swadlincote on 01283 819933 and Barton on 01283 713714.

Seen here; Angela who manages the Findern office with Sue Barke owner of Murray’s. Joan is hiding taking the pictures.

We’re here for you in your time of need, day or night…

Murray’s

Located in rural Derbyshire, just 2 miles from Mickleover and 4 miles Located in rural Derbyshire, justonly 2 miles from Mickleover only 4 miles from Derby City from Derbyand City Centre.

Centre. in rural Derbyshire, just 2 miles from Located

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We aresince very proud be celebrating our service service 1984toand are devoted to since 1984 and are devoted to providing ‘Care, providing ‘Care, Comfort Security’ Comfort and Security’ all ofand our residents.

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For information, contact us on 01332 82 46 00 or For information, contact us on email info@wheathillshouse.co.uk For information, contact us on 01332 82 46 00 or email info@wheathillshouse.co.uk or email Wheathills House, Brun Lane, Derby, DE6 4LU www.wheathillshouse.co.uk Wheathills House, Brun Lane, Derby, DE6 4LU www.wheathillshouse.co.uk

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Wheathills House, Brun Lane, Derby, DE6 4LU 78 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 79

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I

nspirational collections to fill your winter days with style and personality, and the warmth of new textures and autumn shades in the exciting fashions now at Que Women, 13 Church Street, Ripley DE5 3BU.

T

his Ditsy Lichen Shirt is the perfect, classic shirt your wardrobe needs this Autumn.

The button up shirt has a gorgeous, all-over abstract print. With its v neckline, and square mother-of-pearl buttons, this shirt from Mistral is an Autumnal musthave. Available now from Clarkes, 8-18 Grosvenor Road, Ripley and 30-32 King Street, Belper.

T

he Alphabet Gift Shop based in Burton Upon Trent and Mickleover, Derby is bursting with ideas to help make your family festivities truly memorable with their range of personalised baubles, ornaments and decorations. From the 16th to 23rd of November head down to either of their stores or online to get yourself a bauble personalised for free! For more information check out their website www.thealphabetgiftshop.co.uk or follow them on social media @thealphabetgiftshop

80 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

QUE WOMEN

Beautiful Winter gifts and accessories

13 Church Street, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3BU T:01773 742459

New Season - New Brands - New Look!

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

Footwear – Accessories Lingerie- Gifts Linens- Homewear Menswear & Coffee Shop.

Joules White Stuff Seasalt Weird Fish

Olsen Tigi Mistral Pomodoro Soyaconcept

Luca Vanucci Viz a viz Joe Brown

8-18 Grosvenor Road, Ripley Tel: 01773 742151 Ladies Fashion at our Belper store includes Mistral, Esprit, Red Cuckoo, Luca Vanucci, Weird Fish and more 30-32 King Street, Belper, Telephone 01773 525358 www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 81

STEP INTO

n m u t Au

A

s a reward for shopping locally Wiglesy Shoes in Ashbourne are taking £5 off the following items Masai Clothing - Fly London Boots - All Ladies Long Boots - Bogs Boots & Mens Boots Valid until November 30th 2019 Call in to Wigley’s Shoes 18-20 St John Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

N

ew Autumn/Winter boots now at Emma May. As shearling continues to be a hot trend, these casual boots will be a style essential. Made from premium leather with a cosy faux-shearling lining, they feature decorative lacing entwining up the back. Orliath boots - £110. Visit emmamayonline. co.uk to see more stunning and stylish winter boots. Facebook: / emmamayonline Instagram: @ EmmaMayOnline Emma May, 4 Market Street, Draycott, Derby, DE72 3NB, 01332 944 945

J

illian Hart would like to invite you to an exclusive fashion event by Joseph Ribkoff on Thursday the 7th November 2019.

The event is a great opportunity to view the fabulous Joseph Ribkoff 2019 collection and be inspired for the Autumn/Winter season. This popular annual event will have seated fashion shows at 11.30am and 2.00 pm with guests receiving 15% discount off Joseph Ribkoff on the day. Please telephone the shop to reserve your place, Jillian and her staff look forward to welcoming you! Jillian Hart Fashions, 40-44, Babington Lane, Derby.

Telephone 01332 347647

S

tacking bracelets and layering necklaces have been a key trend this year and one that looks set to stay! Optimun in Ashbourne have an amazing variety of ranges in store at all price points to help you get the look. Gents leather bracelets are always a popular choice for the guy that’s got everything along with our fantastic collection from Gingko Electronics. Alessi always raises a smile with their quirky festive ideas and you can be sure it won’t be anything you’ve seen before!

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NEW

at The Fabulous

Leather Shop

New Cocktail and Evening Wear

of Belper

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

Now In Stock 40-44 Babington Lane Derby Tel: 01332 347647 Opening Times: Monday Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

THE IZAAK WALTON HOTEL

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR IN THE BEAUTIFUL DOVEDALE VALLEY

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES AT THE IZAAK

The cold winter months and the festive season’s inevitable excesses presents the perfect opportunity to get out and visit the beautiful Dovedale Valley. If you wish to experience the magic for yourselves, we still have, with advance booking only, limited availability for: Tuesday 24th to Friday 27th December Come and celebrate Christmas with us at the Izaak Walton, 1-3 Night Christmas Package stays are available.

New Years Eve Join us for our New Years Eve Gala Dinner Dance! 2 Night breaks are available starting either 30th or 31st December.

For more information or to view our delicious menus please visit our website www.izaakwaltonhotel.com or call 01335 350 981 The Izaak Walton Hotel is a charming 17th Century building offering comfort, history and views of outstanding natural beauty. The hotel, named after the famous author of ‘The Complete Angler’, is privately owned and situated in an idyllic setting and with modern facilities offers a unique combination of warm hospitality, tranquillity and a traditional outlook whilst maintaining high levels of service.

The Izaak Walton Hotel is an AA 3 Star converted 17th Century Country House Hotel offering comfort, history and views of outstanding natural beauty, so why not come along and join in with our Christmas festivities. Limited availability still available for: Christmas Party Nights - Join us for your Christmas Party Nights including a 3 Course meal followed by evening entertainment! Dates available throughout December.

Christmas Lunches - Enjoy a delicious 3 Course Christmas Lunch for just £25.00 per person! Served Monday to Saturday, 12pm to 4pm, throughout December.

For bookings, more information or to view our delicious menus, please visit our website (where you can also download our 2019 Christmas brochure). Alternatively contact us on the below. reception@izaakwaltonhotel.com

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

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 83

Skin Academy has just launched the UK’s most eco-friendly beauty range, Skin Academy Zero.

S

kin Academy Zero is the first mass market, 100% natural, 100% recyclable / recycled packaging and sustainable skincare range that is set to shape the future of the beauty industry.

The innovation sets a new environmental standard in the beauty industry, creating a product range which champions green, ethical practices in both how the products are made and how they are packaged, whilst not compromising on their quality and benefits to the skin.

The range of six products feature; a night cream, a day cream, an eye cream, facial scrub, facial wash and hand cream, which are all made from 100% natural ingredients. There are zero artificial ingredients, fragrances or preservatives, zero parabens and zero

SLES / SLS. The brand really is Zero by name and zero by nature and the entire product range is Vegan friendly too.

Holly Wagman, NPD Manager for Skin Academy who is behind the pioneering launch said: “The concept comes from extensive research in to the sustainable beauty industry which we found to be practically non-existent!

The formulation has taken us years to perfect but we are thrilled with the results of Zero. We are bringing to market the ultimate nourishing and deeply hydrating formula packed with 100% natural and sustainably sourced actives, all packaged in reusable, recyclable tubes made from sugar cane ethanol and cardboard boxes.

luxury of natural, premium skincare at affordable prices, without damaging the environment. Our tagline for ZERO really is our brand ethos; we want our consumer to feel beautiful and confident in his or her own skin, recognising the importance of selfcare whilst still helping provide an environmentally friendly future for all.

“It’s ‘’Your Skin, Your Planet’’, so why can’t we care for both at the same time? We feel confident we can help customers make the conscious choice to drive sustainable skincare and protect our planet at the same time.”

“Our intention was to create a stand out range that allows consumers the For more information visit www.chantecaille.com

Zero Day cream This comes in a beautifully designed and recyclable jar. I love the fact that it’s 100% natural and although it felt a little greasy as soon as I put it on, give it a minute and it’s soon absorbed leaving your skin really soft. I liked it a lot. JP

Fiona’s Foot Care Fiona Taylor DipCFHP, MPSPract

Professional foot care in the comfort privacy of your own home Nails Trimmed Ingrowing Toenails Corn Removal Thick Nails Reduced Callus/Hard Skin reduction Tel: 07814 171269 fiona.taylor19@btinternet.com Member of the Accredited Registrar of Foot Health Practitioners

H

ardwood Logs launch their new shop selling hand-made candles from ‘On a Wick & a Prayer’, beautifully crafted wooden sculptures, fire baskets and log stands alongside unique, quality, locally made items. The Barn, Hardwood Logs, Holly Grange Farm, Lea Moor, Lea Matlock, DE4 5RA.

84 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Eye Cream A nice, light, easily absorbed eye cream. This leaves the eye area feeling soft and smooth. A nice every day cream. VP

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Fine Diamond Jew e s l l t Celebrate life’s occ Fine Diamond e s r i y l y a r i e c l e l Jewellery e p F s in asionTsF e w x Je h e e w e el le -oinR o ww ry w e itn n ed hp i R ore s ialists ueJ ol rd nec ex sigdesigns n h esp o d u se e s o d u e o si h e g Ce r n leb s in rat p r e ld lif u e’s o e te life’slife’s occasions with our in house s o oc ca d h sio ns n it wi ThCelebrate thug ouhtr in htesa bo ncshisiw used designs ougtch sioatqu estebwa oitcceawEx anho d sol a Celebr Exquis

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D JEW ELL ER Y RE PA IRS URCHASE | WA TC H RE PA IRS & BA TTE RIE S RE PLA CE D | & GOLD P Y R E L L UN WA E NT E WJEW ELL ER Y & GO LD D JED PU RC HA SE D NWANTE ACED | U L P E R S IE R E T T 2A, GL UM AN GA TE CH A & B S DE IRD E P AIEL RB YS HIR E S40 1TP H RERF CEST TEL : 012 46IR270 W A| TINF S |706 A O@ P JO E HN R STE VEN Y R SO NJ EW ELL ERS .CO M E L L FAC E EBO OK .CO M/J SJE WE JEW LLE RS

JEW ELL ERY REP AIR S S40 1TP | WA TCHR B H IR Y SAIR SE& BA TTER O MLAC ED | UN ASED E REP D S REP S .C D L L E RIE IE F D PURCH WA NT ED JEW ELL ERY O LLD PA IR S | W A Y && GGO ONJEWEL CHESTER R S E E N L PU T E L RCH A V E AS E G ED W T TC N E AA IR S H EP JOHNS NTED J O@ &6B| AIN 2 A , G L URM TTFER D | UNWA 0 E 7 IE C 0 A S 2A, 7 L R GLU 2 P EP MA E 6 NG LA ATE E R SSTE S R C ED RFI EER IE ELD| DER U N BYS TTE T E L : 0 1 2 4 TEL : M E W E L LCHE HIR BAT N S J270 /J46 1TP DS40 012 JE W IR S & W 706 | INF EL LE R Y EPA R O@ O O K .C OREPAIRS HREPAIRS JOH B C NS T E TEV C A ENS G O LD PU R C JEWELLERY & GOLD PURCHASED A ON W F JEW | JEWELLERY | WATCH & BATTERIES REPLACED | UNWANTED ELL S FAC EBO ERS .CO M & TE C H ES TE IR A OK .CO P H A S ED E M/J R SJE WE LLE RS Y R FI ELW R E L L D E D ER B E

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Y S H IR E S 40 6 | IN FO @ JOJ 1T P H N S TE V EN S O N JE W EL 40 1TP JS JE W EL LE LE R S .C O ML D D E R B Y S H IR E S RS OM IE F E L L E R S .C R E W T E S J 2A, GLUMANGATE DERBYSHIRE E CHE V E N S O N S40 1TP E G A TCHESTERFIELD T N S A N M H U O L , G 2 A01246 270706 | INFO@JOHNSTEVENSONJEWELLERS.COM TEL: | IN F O @ J 6 270706 RS TEL: 0124 FACEBOOK.COM/JSJEWELLERS JEWELLE S /J M K .C O FACEBOO

When I mentioned to someone that I was going to meet John and Ben Stevenson, owners of John Stevenson Jewellers, their immediate reaction was, “Ah, a real jeweller!” That’s a fine accolade to have in business, one of being at the top of your profession and being well respected as such.

A Reputation Built on Experience

J

OHN Stevenson Jewellers’ success and reputation have been built on the highest standards of integrity, personal service, product knowledge and technical expertise. They are quite rightly recognised as jewellers ‘of distinction’, ‘bespoke’ jewellers and quality diamond merchants.

An official Omega service store, they also repair and service such prestigious watch-maker names as Rolex, Cartier, Breitling, Longines and Tag Heuer.

On approaching the shop, it is soon apparent that John Stevenson seems to know everyone who passes by. Always offering a friendly and warm greeting to passers-by and customers alike, John is the epitome of a gentleman in business.

John’s son, Ben, is every bit as friendly and charming as his father, and it’s soon easy to understand why their family-owned business is synonymous with quality and excellence of service. John’s experience covers a staggering fifty-nine years in the jewellery industry, a career which started originally as a sales representative.

This early experience helped him considerably when he initially opened his first shop.

Ben, who used to come into the shop from being just twelve years old, explained that their three main areas of business consist of new jewellery sales, repairs and the purchase and sale of pre-owned Rolex watches. But, there’s much more to these categories than meets the eye. For instance, sourcing stones for bespoke items takes Ben all over the world.

Above: Above: Ben (left) and John Stevenson at BaselWorld, the world’s largest jewellery exhibition.

“When I see a stone, whether it’s a sapphire, ruby, emerald or diamond, I can immediately visualise how to use it to best effect,” says Ben. This kind of vision can only come with experience, an attribute that Ben has in abundance, having spent over twenty years in Bond Street in London.

If he comes across the right stone, he will buy it, knowing exactly what cut and setting are best for it. Very soon, the latest, original piece of jewellery will appear in the shop window.

If someone is looking for a piece of jewellery for a special occasion, John and Ben are only too happy to design a bespoke and original creation. This makes the item personal, unique and the perfect gift.

The most recent addition to the shop window is a beautiful range of limited-edition bronze sculptures. “We work with the finest sculptors in their field,” says Ben. “These highly-skilled craftsmen produce works such as Country Pursuits, British Wildlife, Birds and Stags. This is a group we call ‘The Derbyshire Stags.’”

“What about the pre-owned Rolex and Omega side of the business?” I asked. Basically, if a customer wants a new or pre-owned Rolex, he can simply ask Ben and he will scour the market, however rare the edition. “But,” says Ben, “that’s just the beginning. Once the item is found, wherever it is in the world, the exchange rate has to be taken into account. That rate can be critical to getting the right price for our clients.” John and Ben monitor the foreign exchange market constantly and then strike when the rate is best.

Servicing and repairs are an important part of the business, and all makes and models imaginable can be restored to perfect working order and back into pristine condition.

John and Ben are passionate about what they do and that shines through.

Blending enthusiasm with a relaxed, genial approach puts customers at ease, and creates a thoroughlyenjoyable shopping experience. This gives John Stevenson Jewellers the edge and the right to be called ‘Jewellers of Distinction’. GP

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

86 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Facial Aesthetics at Glendair

T

he Glendair Facial Aesthetics team have always worked hard to deliver a fabulous, great value, facial rejuvenation service carried out by fully qualified, advanced facial aesthetics practitioner Cate Maunder and experienced beautician Heather Gregory.

As a dental practice, Glendair adhere to very strict guidelines in regard to hygiene and cleanliness.

Treatments are carried out in a medical environment, ensuring the highest standards of safety and sterilisation. Cate is also a dentist of 20 years with many years experience working with the anatomy of the face, meaning you are always in safe hands.

Glendair’s extensive range of treatments use wrinklerelaxing injections and Perk™

by HydraFacial treatments to deliver effective results.

Treatments can reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead furrows, neck wrinkles, blackheads and excessive sweating. Dermal fillers can help restore volume and fullness to the skin and lips or to disguise bumps or dips on the nose or chin area.

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All Aspects Of Plastering

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Call 01773 830344 for great series advertising prices including a free artwork design service B & T HOLBROOK

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88 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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Motor Bike Frames, Garden Furniture Collection Service Available for a small charge

North Wales Police warned competitors in Wales Rally GB to

“adhere to the rules of the road”

A

fter reading that headline on the Web I felt quite sorry for the Welsh rally competition drivers. I think all of us need to take heed of that warning after watching the F1 or a Rally because we have the propensity to become Lewis Hamilton, Elfyn Evans or Ott Tanak.

Having watched the drivers setting off for the Gwydir Forest Shakedown stage just outside Llanrwst I climbed back into my car and was immediately transformed into Seb Ogier as I flew over the bridge, handbraked left onto the high street narrowly missing the lamp post on the right and pushing though a crowded street past the chippy and onto the long straight, quickly moving round the undertakers and through the puddle, wetting shoppers through. As I got out nobody bothered to interview me but the flashing blue light really hurt my eyes! If only life was so much fun.

A true spectator sport Many sports work hard at keeping spectators away from the drivers and action, but rallying truly encompasses the fan as we experienced watching the cars come in for service where we were able to mingle with the drivers as they started off to the next stage. Dads used their kids as an excuse to get a selfie with their favourite

driver! Cars arriving back from each stage covered in mud with many bits missing were quickly repaired and transformed into pristine condition. The engines never sounded smooth but then why would they?

These beasts limited to 380bhp are hyped up to perform under incredible duress, are capable of speeds exceeding 200kph (125mph). Getting this performance out of a 1600cc car is something to admire.

Although they are based on standard road cars and are identifiable with the type of

However I was very impressed with the rally drivers as I watched them leave the Service area on Llandudno’s promenade and weave through the streets to the starting point where their cars were registered for the run down the main road to Penmachno for the next stage. We followed one of the main competitors and enjoyed it as his engine growled and popped its way along behind a small car complete with Bert and Doris off on a little run at 45 mph out into the country.

Goodness knows what they were thinking as they were sandwiched between the Rally Ford and Citroen breathing fire. It wasn’t their average run out. Like all good rally drivers the guys in the beasts stuck to the limits even though they probably wanted to floor it and flash past a few cars. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 89

…a chance to mingle with the drivers before they started the next stage

car that you buy in your local dealership, that is where the similarities stop because these WRC rally cars can go sideways at incredible speeds too!

the stages with the Welsh crowd firmly on his side. Some even waved to him as he sped by but I’m not sure that he waved back!

How rude!

Up around LLyn Brenig, with fans togged up to withstand the battering, the rain hammered down and visibility was pretty poor as Elfyn Evans, previous winner of the Wales Rally GB event, and part of the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team, having had a poor Friday, forged his way through

I’m hoping that Wales retains this stage of the Rally Championship next season as it’s a true spectacle and worthy of a visit by all the family. If you missed it then I’m sure you can catch up as BT Sport had tremendous coverage with many hours of exciting footage.

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*0% APR Representative only available on new retail orders of Corolla between 1st October 2019 and 31st October 2019 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 31st March 2020 on a 42 month AccessToyota (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. ^Payment shown is based on a 42 month AccessToyota (PCP) contract with £7,002 customer deposit and Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment. Toyota Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 5UZ. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Indemnities may be required. Finance subject to status to over 18s. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. Offer may be varied or withdrawn at any time. 8,000 miles per annum, excess miles over contracted charged at 8p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance through AccessToyota (PCP). Terms and conditions apply. Model shown is Corolla Hybrid Design 1.8 VVT-i £26,625 including optional Pearlescent paint at £795. Prices correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km): combined 55.4 (5.1) – 57.6 (4.9). Combined CO2 83 g/km. Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and CO2 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (post-registration), driving style, conditions, speed and vehicle load. All models and grades are certified according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which replaces the New European Driving Cycle test procedure (NEDC). All CO2 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the CO2 figures are based on the new WLTP test procedure but calculated (using a standard European calculation method) to allow comparison with the NEDC test procedure and will be used to calculate vehicle tax on first registration. All mpg figures quoted are full WLTP figures. More information can be found by visiting: www.vehicle-certification-agency.gov.uk/fcb/wltp.asp

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