North December 2019

COUNTRY

North Edition - December 2019

on a

wick a prayer

Artist: Richard Whittlestone, Chatsworth Through the Trees

& Steve Orme interviews

Les Dennis EXPLORING

The Isles of Scilly TEGG’S NOSE AND THE UPPER BOLLIN VALLEY

Measham Hall A quick glance at

Duffield Cruising gently along

the Rhône

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

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

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Natural Cut Stone is the connoisseur’s choice for: • Fireplaces • Staircases • Entrance halls • Repairs • Restoration • Worktops 2 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

• Cladding • Roofing • Interior design • Tiles & slabs • Memorials • Flooring

MILES FURNITURE LTD Established over 90 years

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COUNTRY TILES SPECIALISTS IN WALL & FLOOR TILES

Winter

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

www.peakfireplaces.com Tel: 01246 865062 10-12 Broadleys, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, S45 9JL The Barn, Ridgeway House, Ridgeway Lane, Nether Heage, Derbyshire DE56 2JT

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 3

Welcome to the last edition of 2019

T

ime flies as they say.

Much has happened during the year to challenge businesses, and yet with great resilience people in the community have all risen to the task once again to provide us with goods and services of the highest order.

Les Dennis

Our hearty thanks to all our loyal customers, readers, distributors and last but not least our dedicated team of employees all of whom work together to produce Country Images, County Golfer and Walk Derbyshire.

This edition champions the high street at its busiest time of the year. If we all support local business then our communities will continue to thrive with smiles on all our faces.

Please enjoy this issue. We look forward to seeing you in 2020.

Lighting

Candles

Duffield

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.

Country Images Magazine is conceived, written, designed, printed and delivered in Derbyshire 4 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Images Publishing Limited is a totally independent publishing company and is not connected with any other newspaper group.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is strictly prohibited.

The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, or statements made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source.

No responsibility is borne for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claims made by any advertiser which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising deemed unsuitable for any reason. All material submitted is done so at the owner’s own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for its return.

Copyright Images Publishing Limited, Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ. Origination by Images Design & Print Limited 01773 830344

Made to Measure Wardrobes Direct from the Manufacturer

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we’re thinking for you

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Kitchens SALE STARTS JANUARY

ARCHWAY

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

INTERIORS ESTABLISHED IN 1982

(See In Store For Details)

Archway Interiors are a Derbyshire based company, who operate in the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire region. Established in 1982, we have more than 37 years’ experience in supplying and installing kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms. In that time we have built up our reputation for providing high quality products and services, and are committed to full customer service satisfaction.

sales@archwayinteriorsltd.co.uk • Tel: 01773 608365 • www.archwayinteriorsltd.co.uk Over the Festive Period: We close Saturday the 21st December and re-open Thursday the 2nd January 2020 www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 5

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6 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Ilkeston

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

1

3

4

Drawn in nights cause for cosy lighting.

Here are some lovely ideas.

1.Peyton Light Pendant

3. Kew

A large industrial style pendant with a prismatic glass shade and diffuser with satin nickel detailing. A modern fitting that is perfect over a kitchen island or dining area. For local stockists visit www.darlighting.co.uk

A gold tinted glass lamp complimented by a mink faux silk shade. Supplied with an inline switch and suitable for use with LED lamps. For local stockists visit www.endon.co.uk

2. Hampstead Floor Light

4. London Wall Light

by DAR Lighting

by Garden Trading

2

8 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Add a Scandinavian touch to a vacant corner of the home with the Hampstead Floor Light. The Carbon coloured tripod style legs have been juxtaposed with the oversized handmade shade. For local stockists visit www.gardentrading.co.uk

by Endon

by David Hunt Lighting

A classic single wall light in solid brass with an antique brass finish; matching arm and back plate. For local stockists visit www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk

DEPLEDGE & WOOD Centrally located at Depledge & Wood we seek to offer an unrivalled & extensive range of classic & contemporary design for the home & garden. With an ethos to support British manufacturers, we have sought to create an exciting collection of British made products which highlight the talent, skills & originality of design to be found in the UK today.

Stockists of Arran Aromatics, Ashleigh & Burwood, Blue John Jewellery, Burgon & Ball, Cartwright and Butler, Dartington Crystal, Emma Bridgewater, Glen Appin, Grays, John Partridge Clothing, Johnstones of Elgin, Le Toy Van, L’Occitane, Merrythought, Moulin Roty, Orange Tree Toys, Ortak Jewellery, Portmeirion, Richard Cooper Bronzes, Sheaffer, Robert Mackie, Royal Brierley, Smeg, Sophia Allport, Steiff, St Eval, Viyella, Wesco, Wrendale Designs, Artisan Gins, Wines and Spirits plus stationery, greetings cards, books and a large selection of British made woollens, jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves and much, much more…

After Dark Lighting brand partner with

Get Christmas all wrapped up with Derbyshire’s Premier Lifestyle Store 7 Church Street, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3BU T: 01773 743764

Paradise Carpets Family run business with over 30 years experience in flooring.

Visit us for all your flooring needs ‘Thank you’ to our customers old and new for their loyal patronage over the years. We trust 2020 brings you good health and prosperity.

19-21, Babington Lane, Derby DE1 1TA

Tel: 01332 344424 Suppliers of luxury vinyl flooring

Available in store

1, The Walkway, Grosvenor Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3JF 01773 746318

Please visit our new and improved website – many brand new products

www.afterdarklighting.co.uk

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 9

1 2

CLASSIC 2.0 BY BORA Bora classic is a combination of a highquality extractor and various powerful cooktops.

For local stockists visit: WWW.BORA.COM TWILIGHTY BY PRESTIGIOUS TEXTILES The sleek and sumptuous twilight range from prestigious textiles is the perfect way to get that all important relaxing feel in the home this season. For local stockists visit: WWW.PRESTIGIOUSTEXTILES.CO.UK

10 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

1 2

WINTER

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orders

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

complete home furnishers beds | upholstery | dining | carpets | lighting & accessories www.hallamwhittle.co.uk *Except carpets. **On items from stock.

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 11

3 4

CERALSIO OATMEAL TEXTURED WALL AND FLOOR TILING BY CRL STONE A timeless, natural-looking surface that stands out for its delicate blend of creamy beige with gentle brown flakes.

For local stockists: WWW.CERALSIO.CO.UK ODYSSEY FLOORING BY KERSAINT COBB For local stockists visit: WWW.KERSAINTCOBB.COM

12 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

3 4

SHUTTERS

by

D E C O interiors

ALAN DOXEY Fireplace Specialist

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

SALE on Selected Gas & Electric fires while stock lasts INTRODUCING QUALITY TO THE WINDOW SHUTTER INDUSTRY…

... WITH A UNIQUE AND DISTINCTIVE PRODUCT THAT IS UNRIVALLED WHEN IT COMES TO STYLE Fashionable and practical, the shutters at Deco Interiors are elegant yet affordable. A revamped colour range is also now available with white and cream options complementing a stunning selection of on-trend greys and a full palette of pastel colours. There’s also opportunity to create bespoke colours, whereby any colour imaginable can be matched.

The portfolio of shutter options

is most impressive too, and includes full height, tier-on-tier, café style or a track system.

Louvre sizes available are 63mm, 76mm and 89mm. The newlyintroduced style option also allows for greater light reduction.

As a Which? Trusted Trader supplier of shutters locally, Deco Interiors has developed an enviable reputation for providing an unrivalled quality of service, products and installation.

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM

D E C O interiors 130 Saltergate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1NG

t: 01246 766340 w: www.deco-interiors.co

Telephone 01773 717066 www.alandoxeyfireplacesltd.co.uk Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm Other times by arrangement.

CLOSED 21st December RE-OPENS Sat 28th DECEMBER FITTING & DELIVERY SERVICE. Est 28 years www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 13

Cruising gently along

the Rhône

PART ONE - ARLES TO VIENNE Brian Spencer takes a cruise up the River Rhône, one of the major waterways of France.

T

ravelling with Midland Mainlines meant we arrived at St Pancras in good time for the midmorning Eurostar to Paris, Gare du Nord. What should then have been a quick ride to Gare de Lyon seemed to take an age; Parisian traffic was as bad as I remembered it from my last visit decades ago. What it did do was to give us plenty of time to spot ‘Frexit’ signs everywhere! What have we started?

I had never travelled on one of France’s TGV super-fast trains and I must say I was impressed. The only difference between them and our proposed HS2 trains is that the French system runs mostly through open countryside. What seemed a blink of the eye, or maybe because I slept

14 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

most of the way, the journey from Gare de Lyon to Avignon was the quickest, most comfortable train ride I have ever experienced.

Our water-borne home for the next week, MV Lord Byron, was moored about a hundred yards, or should I say metres downstream of Avignon’s famous broken bridge where for some reason ‘l’on y dense tout en rond’. (‘Everyone is dancing in a circle’). The story behind this ancient bridge is that it was half demolished in a flood and when no one bothered to repair it, it became a tourist attraction, helped no doubt by a children’s song. Known officially as the Saint-Bénézet Bridge or Pont d’Avignon, originally the bridge was 899 metres long with 22 arches; but in 1226 it was almost totally destroyed by Louis VIII,

The Pont du Gard is an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge built in the first century.

The Palais des Papes is a historical palace in Avignon, Below: The MV Lord Byron.

and many subsequent floods. Attempts at restoration failed and the bridge has been a ruin since the 17th century.

The city was by a Gallic tribe and later settled in turn by the Romans, Goths Saracens, Franks and the Holy Roman Empire. Avignon’s 15th century city wall still keeps traffic to a walking pace, protecting the sumptuous remains of the Papal Palace.

Commissioned during the so-called Avignon Papacy when a total of seven popes reigned from Avignon, far away from trouble in Rome, it combines two buildings – the old Palace of Benedict XII which sits on top of the impregnable Rocher des Doms, and the ‘New’ Palace of Clement VI. After the death of Clement VI, the papacy eventually after much www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 15

Vincent van Gogh’s Yellow Café: The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum.

The Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon, is a famous medieval bridge in Avignon

Two-tiered Roman amphitheatre is probably the most prominent tourist attraction in the city of Arles

argument, reverted to Rome. Remains of brightly coloured frescos adorn the chapel walls where musicians and singers are still attracted by the perfect acoustics. The rest of the medieval city is immaculately preserved within the surrounding walls; pavement cafes, restaurants and colourful shops selling lavender-based products will tempt even the most blasé visitor, for here is a town designed for strollers.

An evening cruise took us downstream to Arles. Here we were following in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh. He came to this Provençal town, seeking its better light than Paris, using the region for many of his well-known works. He started almost immediately with ‘Starry night’, the riverside view he spotted on leaving the train. All around Arles it is easy to imagine him sitting outside places like his favourite ‘yellow’ café, or enjoying the tiny walled garden hidden away behind another of his watering holes.

Hopefully he soon found the light he was after, but he wouldn’t have been so lucky if he came with us – it rained cats and dogs, fortunately the only serious rain for the whole trip.

Part of the almost complete Temple of Augustus and Livia in Vienne.

16 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Mental problems led to the eccentric earsevering incident and he spent time in the local hospital. Learning of plans to put him in an asylum he took himself off to nearby Saint-Rémy-de-Provence where he continued

to paint. It was here that he produced some of his most renowned outdoor pictures, such as the ‘iris’, or his sunflower studies and mountain views of les alpilles, the bauxite limestone ridge above St Rémy.

Long before van Gogh came to Arles, the Romans made it the administrative centre for the lower Rhône Valley. The town has an open-air Roman theatre still capable of accommodating thousands of spectators in the remarkably well preserved auditorium, and close by almost hidden amongst narrow back streets, the arena can still be used for bull fights. In the Provençal form of bull fighting, the bull is not killed and has a number of rosettes tied to various parts of his body. These must be snatched before the bull can attack the participants, who often come off rather badly for their efforts.

Coaches took us a few miles to the west, beyond the Rhône to the Pont du Gard. This amazing feat of Roman engineering carries water across the River Gard carrying water from the Fontaine d’Eure to the city of Nîmes 20 km away. Although this city which had over 60,000 citizens was only 20 km away, due to the rough terrain the aqueduct had to travel about 50km. Even so, the difference between the start and finish was a mere 2.5 centimetres, in order to allow the water flow gradually into the wells and fountains of Nîmes. The three tiered aqueduct was built without mortar with each stone interlocking like pieces of Lego,

miraculously without any significant loss of water.

From the Lord Byron moored overnight back at Avignon, coaches took us into the Ardèche Gorges, a deep-cut ravine cut by a 30km meandering stretch of the River Doux to the west of Tournon, a small riverside town above Valence.

The Doux has cut its way through massive layers of limestone, not unlike a series of cliffs like our High Tor as it towers above Matlock.

Starting at the village of Lavas the river runs east in sharp twists and turns, flowing downstream until it comes to Aiguèz. A scenic motor road making even more torturous meanders, runs hundreds of feet above the river, following the line of the gorge, with view-points colonised by feral goats waiting for hand-outs.

During the war, resistance groups created hideaways in the impenetrable shrub-covered moorland plateau, at one time hiding Jews fleeing from persecution. During much earlier times, ancient Cro-Magnon peoples made their homes in many of the caves lining the cliffs. One of the caves used by these early settlers, now called the Madeleine, is within easy access of the Nature Reserve Information Centre, about half way along the gorge. It serves as a good introduction to the reserve, and an interactive display shows how the gorge was formed and describes the impact of human

beings on the area. Stunning views of the ravine can be enjoyed from an easily accessible observation deck. Further upstream and close by the road, the river has carved its way through the rock to form a natural arch known as the Pont d’Arc. Following a night moored at Tournon we passed through three massive locks, travelling upstream along the Rhône as far as Vienne. This ancient Roman stronghold was established by the famous Julius Caesar, but even before his time it was the capital city of the Allobroges tribe, whose chieftain’s sons were described by Caesar himself as ‘men of outstanding courage’. Like its ex-Roman sister cities, it still has a steeply tiered theatre, the setting for countless plays and displays.

Unfortunately it was closed during our visit, with the French equivalent of JCB diggers helping repair the ravages of time.

From the solid remains of palatial Roman villas dotted around Vienne’s back streets, it is easy to imagine the place in its hey-day. One of the best remains stands in the centre of a quiet square just off the Rue Joseph Brenier; this is the almost complete Temple of Augustus and Livia, the deified Roman Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. The temple is open on three sides; originally there was a statue of the emperor in front of the closed rear side.

Slightly away from the north side, a modern sculpture of a metal cow makes the hint of a sacrificial offering. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 17

IAN FOSTER PLUMBING, HEATING

& BUILDING SERVICES

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Boilers Log Burners, Ufheating, uPVC Doors & Windows

01773 829603 • 07966 403265

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

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

JANUARY SALE Starts 2nd December Why pay internet prices for your furniture and beds when you can see what you’re buying and pay less in store.

Park at the door, meet the Boss & do a deal!

BIG NAME BRANDS: Cintique Celebrity Sherborne Glenwood Old Charm Casa Bella Cotswold Global Buoyant Devonshire Vale Bridgecraft Yeomans Lebus Furniture Link Silentnight Rest Assured Hypnos Myers MII Bed

Thorpes of Ilkeston

38-44 South Street, Ilkeston DE7 5QJ

01159 325 733

www.thorpesofilkeston.co.uk & on facebook Thorpes Of Ilkeston Furniture

18 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

LOCAL BUSINESS

T. Nutt & Sons Flooring Centre T. Nutt & Sons Ltd in Clay Cross are celebrating…they’ve recently been awarded a highly sought-after accolade from consumer champions, Which?

SA

LE

ST MO AR DE ND TS CE AY 9 ON MB TH ER

Our world is at your feet!

T

HE flooring centre, which has a long-standing history in the town going back over 150 years, has been awarded a Which?

Trusted Traders’ Certificate of Distinction. Becoming a Trusted Trader is, in itself, not an easy process – the business has to be carefully assessed by trading standards professionals.

The Certificate of Distinction, however, represents a much higher level of achievement!

This new award is presented only to the top performing Trusted Traders: “The Certificate of Distinction gives customers confidence that this is a business they can count on.”

Which? is a brand that consumers trust. They’ve earned a reputation since 1957 for championing the cause for consumers and raising standards. They’ll only associate their name with businesses they can 100% trust and are happy to endorse.

In order to gain the Certificate of Distinction, T. Nutt & Sons had to fulfil a number of criteria including: receiving very few

ALL OLD CARPET IS CAREFULLY UPLIFTED, FURNITURE METICULOUSLY MOVED AND RETURNED, AND NEW CARPET FITTED BY PROFESSIONALLY-TRAINED, EMPLOYED FITTERS complaints but demonstrating outstanding complaint resolution and handling; receiving a steady stream of customer reviews highlighting customer satisfaction; demonstrating outstanding fulfilment of the ongoing requirements of Which? Trusted Trader.

Managing Director David Nutt explains: “We are extremely proud of being awarded the Which? Trusted Traders’ Certificate of Distinction as, although we know we always work hard to make sure our customers are thoroughly happy with our products and service, this shows that we’ve come out as one of the top performing companies in the Trusted Trader scheme. That means a lot!

Visit the showroom at 43-47 High Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9DX to view an outstanding range of top quality flooring from leading manufacturers at competitive prices. For more information call 01246 863148 or visit www.nutt.co.uk.. MS

Visit our website at www.reflections-magazine.com

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

43-47 High Street, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9DX TELEPHONE: 01246 863148 FREE CUSTOMER CAR PARK www.nutt.co.uk Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fr: 9am - 5pm | Wed: 9am - 12.30pm Sat: 9am - 4pm | Sun: Closed.

2 Reflections November 2019

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 19

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*Harron Homes terms and conditions apply subject to availability. Offer available on selected plots only. Part Exchange available on selected plots only & offer subject to Part Exchange Manager inspection & valuations within 7 days from reservation. Harron Homes reserve the right to amend / withdraw this offer at any time. Images typical of Harron Homes.

Joseph Wright’s portrait of Edward Abney (1751-1827), the second owner of the hall, painted by Joseph Wright. [Philip Mould]

Measham Hall

Measham Hall from the SW, 1860s, possibly by Father Abney. [J. Darwin]

W

ell informed readers might be tempted to say, on seeing the subject of this article, that Measham is not in Derbyshire at all, which seems all wrong in view of the fact that we try to present histories of lost Derbyshire houses. All it not quite as it seems, however, as Measham was until 1897 very deďŹ nitely part of Derbyshire, one of a number of enclaves entirely surrounded by Leicestershire, which tidy-minded legislation of 1889 set out to resolve. Furthermore, the church of Measham was originally a chapel-of-ease of Repton parish church.

The

Lost Houses of Derbyshire

by Maxwell Craven

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 21

Above left: Revd.

Canon Edward Abney, photographed by W W Winter in the 1880s.

[Private collection] Above right: Sir William Abney KCB, FRS photographed by Winter. [M. Craven] Left: Measham Hall from the SW, c. 1855, probably photographed

by Revd. Edward Abney.

[Private collection]

These enclaves were formed in the tenth and eleventh centuries by assarting (clearing of woodland for cultivation)

by Derbyshire people in land that had not at that time been fully shired in the wake of the unification of re-conquered Mercia with Wessex to form the Kingdom of England. The southernmost was Ravenstone; others included Chilcote, part of Donisthorpe, Oakthorpe, Packington, Snibston, Appleby Parva and part of Magna, Stretton-en-le-Field and Willesley (the hall at which we have already dealt with). We lost Clifton Campville and part of Edingale to Staffordshire and received both Seals, Over and Nether, in return.

The ancient manorial estate was from the Conquest with the de Measham family, but in 1308 it passed via an heiress to the Bereforts and thence to the Blounts of Barton Blount, Lords Mountjoy, from whom it came in the Civil War to the 22 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Sheffields, Dukes of Buckingham and Normanby, then the Wollastons, who sold much of the land, long heavily mined for its coal, to Robert Abney in 1730.

The Abneys probably originated from the village of that name in the Peak, the first known representative being William son of John Abney of Hope, not so far away, living 1310. Just over a century later they inherited Willesley, where they remained until 1858. George Abney of Willesley who died in 1579 left three sons. The eldest continued at Willesley, whilst the second Edmund was a Leicester merchant, married a daughter of a mayor of the place and their son Dannatt Abney was also mayor there. A descendant, Paul, served in the navy on the frigate HMS Josiah and died in Virginia, where his posterity remained and flourished mightily as prominent landowners and attorneys.

The youngest son settled on an estate at Newton Burgoland, and his great grandson was Robert, whose elder surviving son became a mill owner at Oldbury, Staffs., in the Black Country (then a lot less black, of course) whilst the younger, William (1713-1800) was given the land at Measham to develop the coal.

This must have proved rewarding, for in 1767 he resolved to build a house on the land, and indeed seems to have spared little expense in so doing, being aided in this by his wife, Catherina, who he had married in 1743 and who later inherited an estate at Little Canons, Herts. from her father, Thomas Wootton. By 1767, they had four young sons and two daughters and probably needed a house of sufficient size, commensurate with their status, and to build it at Measham was probably the ideal site.

The Palladian building which resulted is not fully understood as there seems to be no proper survey surviving, but it was a two and a half storey brick house, seven bays wide on the main (south) front with the central three bays breaking slightly forward under a pediment. This contained a round carved stone cartouche set unusually low down on the cornice containing the family crest (a demi-lion issuant or holding between the paws an ogress) flanked with palm fronds. The ground floor end bays had each a tripartite window set in rusticated surrounds, whilst the rest of the windows had gauged brick lintels. There was a sill band at first floor level and a plat band between the first and second floors with rusticated quoins at the angles, all topped by a rather perfunctory cornice supporting a hipped roof with central light well. The side elevations were of three bays, where the fenestration was set in stone surrounds and the windows on the first and ground floors were embellished with triangular pediments, whilst the central top-floor window was octagonal. The entrance was to the east.

The interior was apparently of some pretension, with a mahogany staircase rising through the height of the house in the central well with three turned balusters per tread. Unfortunately, little detail has survived otherwise, although the portrait of Jedediah Strutt by Joseph Wright, now in Derby Museum, hung in the house from the mid nineteenth century, where it was recorded in 1907.

In true Palladian style, the house was flanked by two smaller pavilions joined to the main building by short single storey links. These were on one and a half storeys three bays wide under a pyramidal roof.

The ground floor windows were set in a blind arcade and a first-floor sill band extended under a panelled parapet over the links. In all, it made a very satisfying ensemble. The well-wooded park extended to thirty acres.

The eldest son, Robert Abney, died without surviving issue, when the estate was inherited by his next brother, the Revd. Edward Abney from whom it descended to the grandson, Capt.

William Wootton Abney (1807-1866), who also died without surviving issue, leaving everything to his brother, another Edward.

This Edward (1811-1892) was a parson, living in a grand Regency house on Burton Road outside Derby called The Firs (still extant, albeit altered). He was long the vicar of St. Alkmund’s church, having been instrumental in its rebuilding

by Henry Isaac Stevens in 1847-48. He

had married Katherine, daughter of the younger Jedediah Strutt in 1833. He was also Dean of Derby and a close friend of the neighbouring Mundys of Markeaton Hall, where he met their brother-in-law, W H Fox-Talbot, who interested him in photography and, in the 1840s, he taught his élève, the young Richard Keene the art, too.

On inheriting, he seems to have added the canted bay onto the garden window of the drawing room, rusticated to match the end bays and probably also the work of Stevens. He also partly reglazed the house with plate glass (to its detriment in my view). His son was Sir William Abney KCB FRS (1843-1920), a pioneer of scientific education and also

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The architect of the house is not known for certain, but in the 2001 third edition of The Derbyshire Country House I opined that it might have been William Henderson of Loughborough, a close contemporary of Joseph Pickford. Now I know more about Henderson, I do not think he was involved, but instead would suggest William Harrison (c. 1740-1794).

He started in Derby, son of a joiner and was styled ‘architect and surveyor’ by the time that Measham Hall was begun.

He was building the Clergy Widows’ Almshouses at Ashbourne at that same period. It is possible that working for the Abneys brought him in contact with potential clients at Leicester, for he settled there soon afterwards. His magnificent Leicester Asylum has stylistically much

in common with the somewhat more elaborate Measham Hall

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 23

of photography, presiding over the first steps towards polaroid photography and colour printing. His wife’s sister married Revd. Canon J C Cox, FSA, a notable Derbyshire antiquary.

It was Sir William’s son, Lancelot who moved away, selling the house to the Measham Colliery Company, in an echo of the similar and contemporary sale of the hall at Shipley to the local colliery company. From thereon, its fate was sealed.

Nevertheless, it was lived in by the colliery manager and partly used as offices, but nationalisation of the coal industry led to its being instead crudely divided as flats. The fact that the company had extended workings beneath the house from 1928 was one thing, but in the virulently egalitarian post-war world, with the well-remembered class warrior Emanuel Shinwell as Minister for Fuel and Power, it was felt that, as at Shipley, Stainsby House, Erddig in Denbighshire (and more so at Wentworth Woodhouse), to mine away the coal left beneath the house would be acceptable. Inevitably, the building soon began to suffer subsidence problems with the result that in 1958 it was evacuated.

In 1959, therefore, this fine house was cleared away in the name of progress: a serious loss in terms in landscape and heritage, things we now tend to value much more than in the age of austerity.

Measham Hall prior to demolition in 1959.

24 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Capt. William Wootton Abney, by an unknown artist.

(1807-1866) [Kate Jarvis]

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

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ver 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).

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(AA signposted) Broomes Barns, Pilsley, Chatsworth DE45 1PF 01246 582720 www.richardwhittlestone.co.uk 36 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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

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A quick glance at

Duffield

By Maxwell Craven

C

oming in to Duffield towards Derby on the A6 - over the railway bridge just past Moscow Farm and a little short of the turning to the Chevin golf club - it takes quite ten minutes (allowing for traffic lights, panda crossings and general hold-ups) to reach the southern boundary of the parish marked by the turning to Burley Hill, a quarter of a mile short of the lodge to Allestree Hall: that’s how extensive Duffield is. Before 1847, when its limits were rationalized, though it was a great deal larger, for the parish included Belper, Windley, Turnditch, Milford, Makeney and the whole former Royal Forest of Duffield.

Even today it has three centres: the northernmost is mainly an estate of spacious Victorian villas clustered around the site of the Norman castle (demolished entirely after the fall of the last Ferrers Earl of Derby in 1268) with a modern estate to the east on the other side of the A6; the present centre of the village, roughly from King Street to the lodge of the hall opposite a fine late 18th century house called The Meadows and the last, another clustered but discrete settlement stretching from the Baptist Chapel to the parish Church and the bridge over the Derwent. Then, as you proceed nearer to Derby, you pass the junction with Broadway, the latter a 1927 private bypass which arose from the re-development of the Hall’s estate, linked up by the County Council to join the Wirksworth Road in 1962, followed by a longish row of ribbon development called Flaxholme before one reaches Burley Meadows and the southern limit of the parish.

In medieval times it was even more puzzling. The Castle, north of the village, was the third largest in England, after Dover and the White Tower, stood guarding the way north up the Derwent Valley, with Horsley Castle further East doing a corresponding job

The Meadows: the roofline (hipped at the right and gabled to the left) suggests that the builder originally intended to erect a semi-detached pair of large villas, which never went fully ahead.

Duck Island: the Mill House from the Bridge.

Some Victorian cast iron palisading which miraculously survived the war, Town Street. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 37

for the de Ferrers, who also controlled the Royal Forest.

The village may be presumed to have grown up around the southern flanks of the castle to service the requirements of the household of a great Norman baron.

Yet the church is three quarters of a mile away south, by the river (and since 1840, the railway) at the foot of Duffield Bank, which itself morphs into Eaton Bank going south. Historians have always been at something of a loss to explain this, but one must remember that the castle had a domestic chapel which would have been used by the entire community of the fortress, whilst the Frith (forest) and its scattered communities did not necessarily require a centre in the castle’s shadow. Furthermore, the church could then have been reached by boat without danger prior to the drastic climate changes of the 1340s, which saw the weather get much wetter, winters strikingly colder, summers wetter and rivers much more prone to flood – just like today really. Not for nothing was the medieval crest of the local Bradshaw family a hart with its attires tangled in a vine.

Tamworth House. The acroteria (‘bunny ears’ at the angles) are a Regency addition.

Archway House: the part to the left, called Ivy House underwent a Victorian re-build.

Not only that, but the de Ferrers’ hundred or so manorial estates fell, after their disgrace, to the Duchy of Lancaster, the wide bounds of which hereabouts were not finally privatised by the Crown until the 1630s, when the Duffield Hall and Duffield Park estates were created, to go with the existing rectoral manor estate, centered on Daypark, and the lay proprietorship of the church, held by the Pindars (later Lygons, until 1977 Earls Beauchamp).

Thus, by the end of the Civil War, there were a number of resident grandees, and a thriving agricultural community, re-inforced by the passage of Wirksworth lead through the village en route to Derby and points south. This is why the village became so prosperous; after all, it’s almost a small town rather than a village, with a wonderful core embellished dozens of (listed) stone built cottages and small houses ranging from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries, when prosperity continued to increase, thanks to the coming of the railway, supplementing the turnpike road of 1759.

You can hardly do justice to so interesting a place in a short space: it took Bill Watson, whom I had the pleasure of knowing, two hardback volumes to write up its history, and to do it to, say, VCH standard, would require more.

Pevsner hardly does it justice either, bar the account of the church. For our recent visit we parked by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway station in Chapel Street (take a trip on it to Wirksworth - most satisfying), named after a boxy 1840s chapel close to the railway. What we really wanted to do was to get to grips with the core of the historic village. First, though, we travelled along a footpath with the railway close by to the NE and the Ecclesbourne to the SW, the latter being in considerable spate. This took us through the rural east of the village, and enabled us to visit the delightful nature reserve and see Eye Meadow.

Thereafter, we finally debouched onto Town Street just south of the junction with Wirksworth Road.

Opposite us was an array of really good village houses as estate agents jargon them: slightly to the right, almost on the corner of Wirksworth Road, a Neo-Classical house striving to look like the work of Robert Adam: Gervase House of c. 1780. But looking south was the arched centerpiece of Archway House, once two houses, the northern part formerly a notable butcher’s and now extended very tactfully as apartments. Excellent railings with gadrooned finials.

Duffield Hall, June 2013, prior to restoration as a private house.

38 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Beyond again, the best of the lot, The Ferns, in the style of Francis Smith of Warwick with rusticated stone dressings and a simple pediment. Unfortunately, its

exterior condition is atrocious with three window key-blocks cracking, one, part missing, the other two moving south relentlessly. As all the houses in Town Street, it is divided as flats, which is never the best solution for such modest houses, but one supposes that the A6 traffic would put off the single occupier. Not that a single occupier has been put off living in The Meadows, opposite, of c. 1790, old fashioned in style for its date, with Joseph Pickford-style blind arcading separating the bays.

Even more so, the Hall, back on the west side, which has now been triumphantly returned to its original role as a private house. Of the 1660s, but with an earlier core, it was long St. Ronan’s School before falling into dereliction and then being saved by the Derbyshire Building Society, but at the cost of scattering the grounds with hideous concrete buildings. Now, mercifully, these have been cleared away after the Society put too much loot into a dodgy Icelandic Bank and was forced to sell.

Walking back north along Town Street, there is much to enjoy, despite a wide variety of building types, the only solecism being the decision in 1960 to demolish another gem, Duffield House and replace it with quite the most unforgiving Co-op shop, especially in this context. This is in contrast to The Gables next door, seventeenth century and splendidly irregular, betokening many ad hoc alterations.

What struck us was that, apart from the Co-op and the newsagent’s, there was a kitchen shop, no less than two bridal shops and quite three hairdressing/beauty salons; we could only assume that the ladies of the village must be amongst the best presented in the County!

We turned up Tamworth Street, which enabled us to enjoy two fine houses: on the left the porticoed Regency north front of Duffield Park as rebuilt c. 1815 by Bryan

Crown St, WI: the portico with its carving and Latin motto

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“We’re not satisfied until you are” www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 39

Balguy (the other side is much earlier although much mutilated) and on the right, as the street turns to cross the Ecclesbourne, Tamworth House, probably by Francis Smith of Warwick for Robert Shirley, son and heir (styled Viscount Tamworth) of 1st Earl Ferrers, built sometime after 1711. After years of institutional use this house, too, has been wonderfully restored as a single residence. Beyond, as you cross the river, a fine brick façade presents itself: three storeys and three bays. It looks mid-eighteenth century but is probably late seventeenth and originally had smaller cross windows, as the ornamental string courses had to be interrupted by the gauged brick lintels of the present sashes when they were inserted.

From the Makeney Road looking NW: the Hall to the left and the Meadows right of centre.

Town Street: ‘Rosslyn’ and its adjoining properties: a delightful ensemble.

Left again, it is worth re-crossing the stream to enjoy Duck Island, once the town mill, an island because the race lies on the south side. The surviving mill house is c. 1800 and handsome. Holloway Road and Snake Lane both have lots of decent stone built cottages, and the north side of the stream affords access to the 11 mile footpath to Wirksworth, the Ecclesbourne Way, and also to the much longer (25 miles, Ilkeston to Ashbourne) Centenary Way. For the less energetic, it is best to turn up Crown Street, which is notable for the Arts-and-Crafts Patternmakers’ Arms, probably by Duffield’s tame architect, Richard Waite of Greystones, in Chapel Street, a former collaborator of W R Lethaby. A little further up and probably also the work of Waite, is the astoundingly pretty single storey Working Men’s Club and Women’s Institute, dated 1893 with verandah and beautifully carved portico tympanum of leaves, flowers and branches above the motto Ad Marjoram Dei Gloria (To the greater glory of God). This was built at the behest of the Misses Miles in order to improve the lives of Duffield’s surprisingly large working class population, Christian values not being then at such a discount as today.

Crown Street leads you to King Street, notable for a large, very red, brick Methodist chapel by John Wills of Derby, ironically facing a grim stone-fronted Masonic hall of 1905.

Returning to Town Street, one encounters the King’s Head, a good 18th century building with Richard Waite designed extension, past the south side of which the main road ran prior to the railway line forcing a change in the 1860s.

Beyond, a delightful group consisting of a brick house of 1894 (‘Rosslyn’) with a wonderful curly gable, a lateRegency cottage containing Bradman’s Wine Cellar, where you can taste the wares, and another late 19th century gabled house built as the Duffield Club in 1894.

Mention of the King’s Head and the Wine Cellar merely acts as a reminder that there was plenty of choice for refreshment. Town Street hosts the much-improved White Hart inn, old-fashionedly Arts-and-Crafts, despite having been barely finished when the war broke out, and on the other side, in a nice stone fronted late 18th century building, the Town Street Tap, an agreeable micro pub, handily next door to the vet’s.

The Gables: its setting has been spoilt by the erection contiguously of the 1960s Co-op.

40 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

There’s so much more you could see. Hazlewood Road, with its variety of impressive villas, one or two quite early. Going south, of course, one might instead opt for the tranquility of the church (the tranquility subject to railway scheduling, mind you) which is especially impressive, notably the chancel and the Bradshaw Chapel, all best approached on foot via Church Walk, the lane leading to it via a railway footbridge. Beyond, across the river, lies another large friendly pub, the Bridge Inn, presaging the delights of some memorable villas on Duffield Bank. The handsome bridge itself is an 1803 rebuilding by County Surveyor Isaac Marshall of an earlier one by Thomas Sykes. The view of the village across the meadow from Makeney Road can be stunning in the right conditions, and neatly sums up the attraction of the place.

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Gardening in December with Mark

Smith

R

egular readers to my article will

know at this time of year I like to look back on the year. Well it’s been a mixed selection of weather for gardening, we had extremes of heat and long dry periods to the recent rain, rain and more rain, which has affected large parts of the county. The expected comment from customers was “at least you don’t have to water!” most people forgetting that usually there are a large quantity of plants under cover.

And how can I remember all of this ?

My ‘Golden’ tip – invest in a note book to record all your successes but also note the weather too as this does play a big part if crops or ornamental plants are going to succeed. If you don`t really like writing things down use a digital camera, I’ve started using a lot more pictures in my notes.

Allotment or Vegetable Patch:

If you haven’t done so already, wrap grease bands around the trunks of fruit trees to protect them from winter moths, I tend to leave grease or bands on all year.

42 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Finish any winter pruning of apple trees.

Now is a great time to lift rhubarb crowns and divide them, using a sharp spade, into equal parts and re-pot or re-plant until they grow again.

Get ready for planting asparagus crowns in spring, removing weeds and dig over the soil, enrich it by adding homemade compost.

Now is the best time to plant new fruit trees, bushes and cane fruits, as the selection of varieties in nurseries will still be good.

In the Greenhouse:

By now you should have insulated the greenhouse with bubble polythene, the large bubble wrap is the best.

Check weather forecasts closely to ensure you’re setting greenhouse heating accurately, and open vents on warm days.

Remove any late falling leaves and wash glazing inside and out to let in more light - and remember to compost those leaves !

General Garden Maintenance:

Bring all watering equipment indoors, including hoses and sprinklers etc, and wrap insulation around outside taps.

Check garden birds have water to drink, especially on frosty days when it might be frozen and remember to top up seed and nut feeders.

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3 plants that will look fantastic over the winter months: Skimmia rubella: A slow growing, compact evergreen shrub. Bright scarlet flower buds from late September to late January, it then comes into flower until mid March.

Likes a full sun or partial shade position in light to heavy (clay) soils.

Ideal for a small garden or great in a container. 3ft x 3ft.

Skimmia rubella

Viburnum tinus “Eve Price”: A compact growing evergreen shrub that is pink / red in bud opening to pure white flowers in late winter and spring, followed by blue / black berries in autumn. Can be used as an informal hedge or as a great container plant, clipped to shape. 4ft to 5ft high x 4ft wide.

Sarcococca confuse: Fantastic shrub that’s evergreen with white scented flowers – ideal for a container so you could bring it closer to the house.

Gets to about 5ft and grows best in part to full shade.

Please keep contacting me with your gardening problems (If you can please include a photo or as much detail as you can think of as this will help a lot).garden. guru@virginmedia. com

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Ricky Gervais offered him a part in his series Extras. “People kept saying it was a brave move but it gave me a chance to show that I’ve got a sense of humour about myself. I took it with both hands and it’s opened me to a whole new demographic.”

Steve Orme interviews

Les Dennis

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

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 51

“Jack of all trades, master of some.”

That’s how serious actor, soap star, comedian and gameshow host Les Dennis sees himself after almost 50 years in showbusiness.

A

fter an amazing year in which he made his Royal Shakespeare Company debut, the all-round entertainer is preparing for a season in panto and he can hardly wait to return to Nottingham, a city that has so many fond memories for him.

Les is relishing coming back to Nottingham where he will appear in the Theatre Royal’s festive feast Cinderella.

When we spoke on the phone Les held nothing back as he told me what made him go into the business in the first place, how he credits Ricky Gervais with reviving his career and how he’s determined to return to Stratford to do more serious theatre.

Les is relishing coming back to Nottingham where he will appear in the Theatre Royal’s festive feast Cinderella.

“I know Nottingham really well. I did panto at the Theatre Royal in 1987, Babes in the Wood. I was also there not long ago when we did The Addams Family musical and then of course I did Family Fortunes from Lenton Lane (Central TV’s studios) for many years. I used to spend at least three weeks a year in Nottingham.

“I love the city. I love the atmosphere there. It’s a beautiful theatre to work, intimate and lovely.”

In Cinderella Les will be reunited with his Coronation Street nemesis Connor McIntyre. In the soap Les played former convict Michael Rodwell while Connor was Pat Phelan, regarded by some people as “the ultimate soap baddie”. They will team up again in Cinderella as the Ugly Sisters, with their characters renamed Phelina and Michaela.

“It works great,” says Les. “The Uglies aren’t dames – it’s men in dresses but they’re the villains. Of course when you get two villains there’s always one badder than the other one and that certainly has to be Phelina.”

The pair were in Cinderella in Manchester last year.

Now the same show is coming to Nottingham. The only difference is that Sooty and Richard Cadell who plays Buttons have been added to the bill.

52 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Photo by Helen Maybanks (c) RSC Les can hardly wait to work with Connor again: “When we were in Corrie we shared a dressing room and when I knew that the end of Michael was going to be at Phelan’s hands, I was delighted. I thought I would rather that than go off in a taxi to the airport.

“Michael was his first victim. In a way it was crueller than the others because he didn’t kill me – he let me die, which is in some ways sadistic and weird. But it was great to work with him.”

Last year’s Cinderella was Connor’s first panto: “He said ‘I’m completely in your hands’,” says Les. “He let me explain exactly how a gag will work. Once he started he took to it like a duck to water. I should imagine this year he’ll be teaching me a few things.”

Les agrees with my assertion that panto is really hard work: “It’s two shows a day every day. I’ll have a holiday in January.

“You have a responsibility in panto because the kids are seeing theatre for the first time. You’ve got to get it right and you’ve got to make them want to come back again.”

Leslie Dennis Heseltine was born on 12 October 1953 in Garston, Liverpool. When he was 17 he went on a school trip to Stratford to see Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and thought “Oh, I really want to do this.”

But he’d already started playing working men’s clubs as a comedian and an actor’s life seemed out of reach when he won the ITV talent show New Faces.

He joined Russ Abbot on his television show before forming a comedy partnership with fellow impressionist Dustin Gee which ended with Gee’s unexpected death in 1986 at the age of 43.

Les then hosted Family Fortunes for 15 years. He’d been divorced from his first wife and during the quiz show’s run he married actress Amanda Holden.

While they were separated Les appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. Although he finished runner-up he had what the press perceived as a breakdown live on television.

Afterwards the phone didn’t ring for a while. Then Ricky Gervais offered him a part in his series Extras

Photo by Helen Maybanks (c) RSC as a washed-up, middle-aged television star who is cuckolded by a younger man.

“I play an ageing clairvoyant. We shot it in three weeks in Bristol on a very low budget but it looks amazing.”

“People kept saying it was a brave move but it gave me a chance to show that I’ve got a sense of humour about myself. I took it with both hands and it’s opened me to a whole new demographic.

Les is now looking forward to Cinderella which will be watched by all his family. He has a grown-up son from his first marriage as well as 11-year-old Eleanor and Tom who is eight. He married their mother Claire Nicholson in 2009. “They’re a total joy,” he says.

“There was a poll recently about which was the best episode of Extras and I’m in the final. Which is amazing when you consider you’re knocking out Kate Winslett, Samuel L Jackson and people like that.”

He worked with Gervais again on the series Life’s Too Short with Warwick Davis, Keith Chegwin and Shaun Williamson. Then, in 2014, it was announced that Les was joining Coronation Street where he stayed for twoand-a-half years.

“It was brilliant and I loved it. But it got to the stage where I wasn’t allowed to do other things that I wanted to do because you’ve got to commit to Corrie. In the end I thought it was time to move on.

“When I did leave I went straight into The Addams Family and then into other theatre jobs that I really enjoyed.

“I think if you’ve got a name before you go into a soap, you’re not defined by that soap when you come out.”

In the future he wants to return to Stratford: “I did consider going back next season but I just want to do some other things first. I haven’t done Shakespeare yet but it’s something I want to do.”

He’s also in talks on a “really exciting” project. “I can’t reveal what that is at the moment but it’s something that’s close to Nottingham’s heart and maybe we’ll bring it here.”

By this time I’d worked out that Les probably wouldn‘t be offended by anything I asked him. So my final question was a bit facetious: did he regard playing alongside Sooty in Cinderella as the pinnacle of his career?

He took it in the spirit it was intended: “I’m so excited to work with Sooty. And Sweep. It is a pinnacle. It’s on my bucket list.”

Cinderella is at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham from 30 November until 5 January

In 2014 Les showed his acting prowess at Derby Theatre when he played Victor Smiley in Peter James’ play The Perfect Murder.

Then earlier this year Les was cast by the Royal Shakespeare Company in two Restoration plays in its smaller Swan Theatre. He played a corrupt senator in the tragedy Venice Preserved by Thomas Otway, acting alongside his niece Jodie McNee. He was also in John Vanbrugh’s comedy The Provoked Wife.

“It was a real bucket list job,” says Les. “I had a ball there and worked with some amazing directors and actors.

It’s like a kitemark – suddenly you’ve got ‘RSC actor’ behind you. It kind of makes you more legitimate.”

He’s also thrilled to have played the lead in a new film, Sideshow, which the producers are hoping will be released in cinemas next year. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 53

IMAGES WALK

with Rambler:

TEGG’S NOSE AND THE UPPER BOLLIN VALLEY 5 MILES (8km) of moderate to strenuous walking on well-defined footpaths and by-roads. 492-foot (150m) descent and ascent.

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BUS SERVICES: High Peak number 58, hourly on weekdays and twohourly on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays.

RECOMMENDED MAP: Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale, Outdoor

CAR PARKING: Pay and Display Tegg’s Nose Country Park REFRESHMENTS: Tegg’s Nose Car Park Café and also Leather’s Smithy on the road between Langley and Macclesfield Forest.

F

or this walk we are going over to the western edge of the Peak District, into the Cheshire Highlands. This region unexpectedly is one of the few places where a real peak can be found in the Peak District National Park. The district’s highest point is Shutlingsloe, the 1660 foot (506m) true peak whose graceful slopes can be seen over to the south west of the A537, Buxton to Macclesfield road.

The area is quite historical in its way, as discovered for example, when exploring the footpaths on either side of Wildboarclough, one of the many places where the last wild boar was supposed to have been killed. There are several friendly pubs along the way, many of them gaining high renown for the standard of their catering. In fact, Leather’s Smithy the pub half way round this walk has gained several awards and acclaim.

Another feature is Forest Chapel just a little way off the route of the walk. This tiny stone moorland place of worship is one of the few places in the British Isles where the floor is spread with fresh rushes on the nearest Sunday to the 12th August each year.

The walk just touches a small part of an area better known by walkers and cyclists coming from east Cheshire and Greater Manchester. Having once lived in that area, we developed a love

Norma Gent Derbyshire Artist

and knowledge of the moors and valleys surrounding Shutlingsloe, and are still tempted back every now and then to renew our memories of times past. This walk is just one of the many we know and have enjoyed. It starts and finishes at Tegg’s Nose Country Park; its car park is accessed from Buxton Old Road – leave the A537 at Walker Barn and turn left (if coming from Buxton) and drive down the old road; Tegg’s Nose Country Park car park is signposted about half a mile further along the narrow road.

Tegg was a mythical giant who inhabited these high moors. The name is possibly a corruption of Tegga, a pre-historic local chieftain who was buried on the Naze, or

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Nose, again a corruption, in time gone-by.

Early on in the walk allow time to explore the collection of restored old quarry machinery displayed in the hill-top sandstone quarry.

From the quarry the walk follows part of the Gritstone Trail, a long distance footpath from Lyme Park near Stockport to Mow Cop on the outskirts of the Potteries. Dropping into the headwaters of the River Bollin, a left turn at the first of four reservoirs begins the climb back by way of Macclesfield Forest. The mature plantation of pine forest, along with the reservoirs has been claimed by wildlife, ranging from badgers and foxes, to semi-rare water fowl such as crested grebes.

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THE WALK

old farm now restored as a modern house.

1. Leave the car park by walking back towards the road, but do not join it.

Turn left along a wide well-made path leading by way of two kissing gates, to the rear of heather-covered quarry spoil heaps.

10. Climb over the stile and go diagonally left across the road to another stile on your left of the large house.

Cross this and walk down the field, then across the heads of two shallow side valleys. Climb with the path, half right away from the second and furthest valley.

2. At the second gate, go through it and turn left to climb the stoneflagged steps, uphill.

At the top of the climb, pause for breath in order to admire the view by way of Macclesfield Forest to Shutlingsloe and beyond. A nearby outdoor exhibition on the old quarry floor displays a collection of stone-cutting machinery, together with examples of stone walling and masonry techniques.

A yellow boot waymark superimposed by a brown letter ‘G’ indicates that the path is part of the Gritstone Trail.

Pause at the crest of the last valley and use it as an excuse to admire the view. Tegg’s Nose is in front and slightly to your right, with Langley Reservoirs in the valley bottom. Beyond and to your left is Sutton Common and its strangely adorned telecommunications tower. In the far distance you can probably make out Jodrell Bank telescope as well as Mow Cop further on into Staffordshire. The prominent little hill of Mow Cop is topped by a folly built in the shape of a ruined castle.

3. Turn left away from the main path and following Gritstone Trail waymarks, go down a flight of stone steps and follow the path steeply through woodland, downhill to Tegg’s Nose Reservoir.

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8. Turn left at a four-way signpost and go past an old barn. Follow the forest path downhill.

BENEFITS

14. Turn left away from the A537, on to the Old Buxton Road, following it back to the car park,

7

7. Follow a set of waymark arrows uphill and into the forest.

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13. Follow the path to the sharp bend in the main road, here marked by the one-time Setter Dog Inn, now a private house.

A53

6. At a small car park, turn left through a narrow belt of trees and then bearing right, walk uphill along a forest access track.

9. Look out for a sign pointing to Walker Barn, low down by a gap in the wall. Turn right here and follow the path uphill until you reach a wall crossed by a stile in order to reach the access lane to Ashtree Top, an

12. Heading for Walker Barn Farm, go over a steep stile and turn right along the lane passing the farmhouse, then left through the farmyard.

To Macclesfield

4. Go through a kissing gate and bear right to cross two adjacent dam walls. Turn left on reaching the valley bottom road.

5. Walk along the road as far as Leather’s Smithy pub and then take the left fork in the road. Follow this side road for about a quarter of a mile.

11. Keep to the left of the farmhouse at Warrilowhead Farm and walk away along its access drive until it reaches a sharp right-hand bend. Bear left here, going down towards a group of farm buildings.

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Diary of Events diary@imagespublishing.co.uk Royal Centre Nottingham & Concert Hall 0115 989 5555 www.trch.co.uk NOV 25-30 We Will Rock You 30th November to January 5th Cinderella DEC Coronation Street’s Les Dennis and Connor McIntyre will swap the cobbles for clutch bags as the Ugly Sisters, alongside Pop Idol star Gareth Gates as Prince Charming, with Richard Cadell and Sooty starring as Buttons.

Jack McNeill will be playing the role of Dandini.

Jack will be returning to the Theatre Royal following his star turn in last year’s pantomime as Peter Pan. Hannah Grace Lawson will make her pantomime debut as Cinderella after recently starring in the West End as first cover for Cosette in Les Miserables.

With mischievous comedy, jaw-dropping special effects and plenty of boos and hisses, Cinderella will be packed with festive fun for all the family from those aged 3 to 103. So polish off your pumpkins, grab your glass slippers and get ready to head to the ball!

4 Craig Ogden & Manchester Camerata 6 The Australian Pink Floyd Show 7 Nottingham Harmonic Choir: Messiah 8 The Glenn Miller Orchestra - The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McVay, will be dusting off the Maestro’s original arrangements of your favourite Miller numbers together with a selection of wonderful seasonal specials.

14 Dr Hook 50th Anniversary Tour 16 The Bootleg Beatles 17 The Hallé Christmas Concert 17 Dec 2019 20 Kate Rusby 22 Sunday Piano Series: Dina Duisen & Martin James Bartlett 31 Sinfonia Viva New Year’s Eve Gala JAN 5 I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue - BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games returns to the stage in 2020 with its sell-out touring show. Join Tim Brooke-Taylor, Tony Hawks, Miles Jupp, Rory Bremner and host Jack Dee for an unmissable evening of inspired nonsense. Colin Sell provides piano accompaniment.

6 National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain: 8-12 Moscow City Ballet Buxton Opera House & PavilionArts Centre.

01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org 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 Buxton Opera House’s pantomime is a real family favourite, so don’t miss out. The palace clock’s counting down to midnight and tickets are selling fast, so book now

13 Anella Quartet 13 Rick Wakeman 20 Adam Kay - Following the million-selling success of This Is Going To Hurt, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious peek behind the blue curtain at Christmastime.

31 New Year’s Eve Gala Concert JAN 2 Russian State Ballet of Siberia - Sleeping Beauty 3 Julian Liu - Coffee Concert 3 Russian State Ballet of Siberia - The Nutcracker 3 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club - January 4 Russian State Ballet of Siberia - Swan Lake 4 All About Eve By Joseph L Mankiewicz 12 The Kinder Chorus Sings Your Favourite Choral Classics 17 Lost In Music The ELO Experience 25 The ELO Experience are the world’s foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra.

With a sensational string section, a stunning light show and large screen projection to further enhance the experience, why not come along and enjoy this incredible show which accurately reproduces the songs and sounds and takes you on a magical musical journey through time.

The ELO Experience have been bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra to the live stage for over 12 years.

Derby Live. Box Office 01332 255800 www.derbylive.co.uk Dec 7 to Jan 4 Peter Pan Back by popular demand, Best Dame nominee Morgan Brind, Emmerdale and Coronation Street’s Bill Ward as Captain Hook and Katrina Bryan from CBeebies’ Nina and the Neurons and Molly & Mack as Tinker Bell. Read more here. 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!

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 you to magical Neverland. With spectacular effects, barrel loads of laughs, jokes that grab you hook, line and sinker. The croc is ticking.

Hook your tickets now!

Derby Theatre Box Office 01332 59 39 39 www.derbytheatre.co.uk Little Red Riding Hood 4 December 2019 - Saturday 4 January 2020 Grandma… What big eyes you have!

Its Christmas Eve and Grandma is not feeling too well…luckily, Little Red has a basket of supplies to save the day. Just keep to the path, don’t stop to pick the flowers, don’t talk

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to strangers and don’t mention Grandmas whiskers!

Hiccup Theatre bring you a brand new version of the classic story that is all the better to entertain you with! Hilarious and heartwarming, magical and musical…it’s another festive treat from the team that brought you Goldilocks and The Three Bears and The Gingerbread Man. Featuring beautiful puppetry, fantastic storytelling, a girl with attitude, a wolf with an appetite and amazing live music and original songs!

Nottingham Playhouse 0115 941 9419 www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk NOV 22 -11th January Sleeping Beauty DEC 11 to Jan 4 Pinocchio 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?

29 Becoming Electra JAN 11 Ballroom Dance 14 An evening with Katherine Parkinson 15 Judy Collins Palace Theatre Mansfield www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre 30 Nov — 5 Jan Cinderella Those with children will recognise the infectious smile of Olivia Birchenough as Cinderella. Olivia was born in Cheshire and has been singing, dancing and acting since a young age. Her studies – which included aerial acrobatics, gymnastics and circus skills – paid off when she was given a presenting role on channel 5’s Milkshake! Olivia can’t wait to put on her (glad) rags and head to the Ball this Christmas. This is her third time playing the title character of Cinderella for UK Productions and is a part she won for Best Leading Female at the 2017 Great British Pantomime Awards. She says: As the town’s premier entertainment venue have already announced, funny man Adam Moss will be back in Mansfield by popular demand, this time in the role of Buttons.

After having a hand in re-working parts of Snow White last year, Adam can’t wait to get his hands on this year’s script and add his trademark ‘Mossy mayhem’:

The Clock is Ticking!

Cinderella at the Palace Theatre Mansfield.

30 November - 5 January Fans of BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey are in for a double treat.

Melanie Walters is swapping Wales for her magic wand and heading to Mansfield Palace Theatre to play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.

Those with children will recognise the infectious smile of Olivia Birchenough as Cinderella. Olivia was born in Cheshire and has been singing, dancing and acting since a young age. Her studies – which included aerial acrobatics, gymnastics and circus skills – paid off when she was given a presenting role on channel 5’s Milkshake!

The Bootleg Beatles

The Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Monday 16 December 7:30pm This year celebrating 40 years since their debut on the West End stage in ‘Beatlemania’, the world’s Premier Beatles band continues to draw critical acclaim with their flawless recreation of the greatest songbook of all time. Tracing the Fab Four’s journey through the swinging 60s, every tiny detail is forensically observed from their authentic period costumes and instruments, to their witty stage banter and “inflection perfect” vocals. With a little help from their own orchestral ensemble, and featuring a special set to mark the 50th anniversary of Abbey Road, this show is an absolute must for Beatlemaniacs of all ages.

Murder at the Red Mill Derby Live 14 February

The Laughlines cast are well known for their hilarious comedy shows at Makeney Hall Hotel and new for 2020, ‘Murder at the Red Mill’, is a French themed ‘joie de vivre’ cabaret parody dinner show inspired by the famous ‘Moulin Rouge’ and set to delight audiences.

Whether you’re after a fun evening out or a Valentine’s gift, this is a perfect show for a night of laughter, music, and interaction, all brought to you by the very best professional actors and ‘West End’ singers. Book early for this one.

Sleeping Beauty

Buxton Opera House Thursday 2 January 2020, 7:00pm Sergei Bobrov Artistic Director Anatoly Tchepurnoi Music Director and Chief Conductor Formed in 1981, the Russian State Ballet of Siberia has quickly established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and has built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and unusual depth. The soloists and corps de ballet are superb, and never fail to delight audiences with their breathtaking physical ability and dazzling costumes. Sleeping Beauty is every child’s favourite fairy tale, the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score.

Stunning choreography, sumptuous costumes and wonderful sets form the fantasy world in which the Lilac Fairy struggles against the evil Carabosse.

Accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra.

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Diary of Events diary@imagespublishing.co.uk

Birdwatching for Beginners walks at Carsington Water.

Birding for beginners walks. Over the winter months the wild fowl are in their finest breeding plumage. Visiting thrushes, redwings and fieldfares feast on berries and a great northern diver takes shelter in the reservoir. 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, Jan 5th, Feb 2nd, Mar 1st and April 21st Darley Abbey Historical Group Wednesday 18th December Sheila & Roy’s “Guess the Object Quiz” followed by a fuddle – Please bring food and drink for yourself and to share with others. The Church Fellowship Room at 7.30pm.

There is a charge of £1.50. For further information contact Maria Gibson on 01332 552837 Derby RSPB Local Group Indoor Meeting on Wednesday 11 December at 7.30pm. Susan and Allan Parker to talk about “Nuclear Nature”, describing the wildlife around nuclear power stations. We meet in the 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 them on Sunday 15 December for a FREE bird watching walk at Attenborough NWT Reserve, Nottingham. Meet at 9.30am in the Barton Lane car park by the visitor centre. There should be plenty of wildfowl and a chance of water rail and possibly kingfisher and bittern. The walk will finish at about 12.30pm.Toilets and cafe on site. More details on the RSPB Derby local group website www.rspb.org. uk/groups/derby Spondon Historical Society Monday December 9th at 7.30pm in Spondon Village Hall Sitwell Street Spondon DE21 7FG. Helen Chambers will

be in Tudor costume to give a talk on ‘A Tudor Christmas’. This is the last meeting for this year so it would be good if as many people as possible came. Members £2.50, visitors £4.00 and all are welcome to come.

The new season begins on January 13th 2020.’

Derbyshire Dales Woodcraft Club Derbyshire Dales Woodcraft Club meets in Wyaston village hall (DE6 2DR) on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 2:00pm. We have a mixed programme of visiting demonstrators, hands-on sessions under the guidance of more experienced members and a monthly competition.

2nd. December - A.G.M. and Fuddle.

(Members only day) 4th. January 2020 - this is a hands-on meeting. Come along and try a new craft.

First visit and refreshments are free.

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. Non-members may attend as guests for a charge of £5 per person.

Derby Chamber Music Society Friday 6th December at 7.30pm at the Multi-Faith Centre, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB A concert by the Ugnius Pauliukonis (piano) Mozart: Piano Sonata in D, K.576 Chopin: Four Mazurkas Op.24 Chopin: Etudes Op.25 No.5 & Op.10 No.12 Chopin: Ballade No.4 in F minor, Op.52 Ravel: ‘Miroirs’ Chopin: Piano Sonata No.2 in B flat minor, Op.35 Tickets £15 and £14 (concessions) available at the door and online through WeGotTtickets at www. derbychambermusic.org or telephone 01332 830585 The Derwent Singers Derby Concert Band Saturday 16th December, 2017, 7.30 pm

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St. Luke’s Church, Parliament Street, Derby, DE22 3RL Tickets £10.00 50% discount for under 25 years Uppertown Social Centre Saturday December 7th The last live music event of the year. Pat Jordan and Finians Rainbow will have you singing along, laughing and dancing as they play all your favourite music. Food included. Cash bar.

7pm for 8pm. £13 entry supper included.

Telephone Eddie to get your tickets...this will be a sell out.” Uppertown, Ashbourne, Derbyshire. S45 0JF 07966 154798 www.uppertown.org 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 Sing in harmony with Grand Central Chorus.

Are you male? Do you enjoy singing but have nobody to sing with? Afraid your vocal technique may be inadequate but feel you want to put it to the test with others? Grand Central Chorus has the men, it has the music, it has the harmonies and it has the vocal coaches to introduce you to a cappella singing. Singing is proven to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing, improve your voice, your confidence, your breathing and (not least) your social life! For more details and to register for courses call or text Bryan on 07549049551 or e-mail him on bckc50@sky.com To find out more about the chorus visit our website www. grandcentralchorus.com

Contact Country Images: diary@imagespublishing.co.uk

Luxury coach travel with guaranteed seats & local boarding points

BRITISH COACHING 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 SCOTLAND INVERNESS ALL INCLUSIVE . . 29 Mar-02 Apr (AI) £409 LUDLOW & SHREWSBURY AT EASTER . . . . . . 10-13 Apr (HB) £265 SPRINGTIME IN KENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 Apr (HB) £408 WALES CRICCIETH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 Apr (HB) £352 EASTBOURNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Apr-01 May (HB) £285 YORK & YORKSHIRE COAST . . . . . . . . . . . 27Apr-01 May (HB) £367 MYSTERY WEEKEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02-03 May (HB) £112

Russian State Ballet of Siberia Thursday 2 - Saturday 4 January

SCOTLAND FIRTH OF FORTH

Ticket s: £35-£4 4

(discou n availab ts le)

STEAM & CRUISE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03-07 May (HB) £435 SIDMOUTH DELIGHTS OF DEVON . . . . . . . . . . 05-09 May (HB) £393 VE DAY 75 YEARS CONCERT ROYAL ALBERT HALL* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08-09 May (BB) £212 BOURNEMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14 May (HB) £354 LOOE CORNWALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15 May (HB) £365

Box Office: 01298 72190 buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE & PAVILION ARTS CENTRE

DORSET & WONDERFUL WESSEX . . . . . . . . . . 18-22 May (HB) £406 PORTSMOUTH & SOUTHSEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-22 May (HB) £365 EASTBOURNE SUSSEX BY THE SEA . . . . . . . . 22-25 May (HB) £299 WALES LLANDUDNO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-28 May (HB) £395 ISLE OF WIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25-29 May (HB) £331 HISTORIC LINCOLNSHIRE & RUTLAND . 29 May-01 Jun (HB) £312 WATERWAYS OF LONDON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01-04 Jun (HB) £338 MARY POPPINS (LONDON)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04-05 Jun (BB) £194 GLOUCESTER WEEKEND BREAK . . . . . . . . . . 05-08 Jun (HB) £288 GREAT YARMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-15 Jun (HB) £406 VINTAGE RAILWAYS OF NORTH WALES . . . . 15-19 Jun (HB) £456

Brand New for 2019 Tower Course Membership £60.00 Are you a?

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• Official CONGU Handicap Union affiliation Fees • 3 x 9 Holes on The Tower Course • Reduced Green Fees • 9 Hole Tower Course Competitions For further information please contact the Golf Department on 01332 782 000 Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire, DE7 6DG • www.morleyhayes.com • golf@morleyhayes.com

HOTEL | RESTAURANT | GOLF

SCARBOROUGH YORKSHIRE COAST . . . . . . . 17-21 Jun (HB) £332 ISLE OF MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-27 Jun (HB) £501 BABBACOMBE TORBAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-28Jun (HB) £325 WEYMOUTH DELIGHTS OF DORSET . . . . . . . . 26-29 Jun (HB) £318

EUROPEAN COACHING HOLLAND TRAMS, BOATS & BULBFIELDS . . . . . . . . .10-14 Apr (HB) £504 IRELAND SLIGO & DONEGAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07-13 Jun (HB) £655 ITALIAN DOLOMITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Jul-03 Aug (HB) £891 IRELAND KILLARNEY & THE RING OF KERRY . . . . . 14-20 Sept (HB) £702 FRANCE AUVERGNE LAND OF VOLCANOES . . . . . . 23-30 Sept (HB) £761 FRANCE ARRAS CHRISTMAS MARKET . . . . . . . . . . . . 06-09 Dec (BB) £307

DAY EXCURSIONS EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE

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WED 05 FEB £71

AIR HOLIDAYS JERSEY FROM EAST MIDLANDS . . . . . . . . . . VARIOUS DATES FROM £459 GUERNSEY FROM EAST MIDLANDS . . . . . . . VARIOUS DATES FROM £439

2020 BROCHURE OUT NOW Telephone 01629 582826K.V & G.L SLACK LTD, THE TRAVEL CENTRE, UPPER LUMSDALE, MATLOCK, DE4 5LB

Website: www.slackscoaches.co.uk Email: enquiries@slackscoaches.co.uk www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 59

T H I S

C H R I S T M A S

with

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The freedom of flying

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.

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.

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 ?

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

Clair’s COACH TOUR HOLIDAYS of Derbyshire Isle of Wight DA5YS Staying at the Burlington Hotel - Half Board £145 Tues 18th-Sat 22nd Feb £150 Tues 3rd-Sat 7th March

5 New Year DAYS Bournemouth staying at Trouville Hotel Half Board Entertainment including Fancy Dress Mon 30th Dec – Fri 3rd January £460

Local Pick Up

Door to door pick up 3DAYS Llandudno Weekend Break Staying at the Tynedale hotel The Great Gatsby Dinner Party £180

Local Pick Up

Half Board including...

5

Bournemouth DAYS Staying at the Trouville Hotel - Half Board Visiting the cathedral city of Salisbury £199 Mon 23rd-Fri 27th March

Morcambe 5 DAYS Staying at the Auckland Hotel - Half Board A visit to the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre and a cruise along the Lancaster Canal £245 Mon 9th-Fri 13th March Door to Door pick up

Door to Door Pick up

Isle of Man Staying at the Rutland Hotel Heysham/Douglas ferry crossings Half Board 6 DAYS £460 Sat 28th March-Thurs 2nd April

Cromer 5 DAYS Staying at the Hotel de Paris - Half Board A ride on the Bure Valley Railway and Broads Cruise £299 Mon 16th-Fri20th March

Visit our mobile booking office at one of the following locations: 2nd Tuesday of each month 9am – 12 noon South Normanton Market Place 12.30 – 1.30 pm Somercotes Market Place 2nd Wednesday of each month 9.30 am – 12 noon Clay Cross Market Street 12.15 – 1.15 pm Morton Sitwell Arms

Door to Door Pick up

2nd Friday of each month 9am – 1pm Ripley Market Place

Mystery Weekend £99 Sat 11th-Sun 12th April Dinner, bed and breakfast

3rd Tuesday of each month 9am – 12 noon Blackwell Community Centre 12.30 – 1.30 pm Newton Community Centre

Door to Door pick up

Local Pick up

2 DAYS

Excursions and Entertainment CALL TODAY FOR YOUR 2019 brochure

For a brochure and to book please phone 01773 590 808 or 07817 322 195

www.clairscoaches.co.uk

3rd Thursday each month 9am – 1pm Alfreton Severn Centre Car Park (Outside B & M Bargains) 3rd Friday of each month 9am – 2pm Sutton Market Place Portland Street

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 61

Brian Spencer takes a trip to the semi-tropical islands that lie off Cornwall’s south coast.

EXPLORING

The Isles of Scilly T

he Isles of Scilly form an archipelago of five inhabited islands (six if Gugh is counted separately from Saint Agnes) and numerous other rocky islets (around 140 in total, lying 45km (28 miles) south west of Land’s End. Access is by the Scillonian ferry from Penzance across a notoriously rough section of the North Atlantic. Before the discovery of the way Latitude and Longitude could be properly determined, many proud ships came to grief by sailing too close to the Scilly’s.

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With a perennially mild climate, the Isles of Scilly were inhabited by prehistoric people, many of them building their round houses on land that is now under water, following the end of the last Ice Age. Since then the islands became home for small scale farmers and fishermen who exploited the benefits of a mild climate. Until recently early daffodils and new potatoes and spring vegetables grown on the islands were brought to market weeks before the rest of the country.

The Penzance ferry, the Scillonian, picks its way carefully past the eastern islands and outcropping rocks, to berth at Hugh Town harbour on St Mary’s the largest and most populated island.

With plenty of accommodation on offer, St Mary’s is the busiest resort and it comes as a shock to have to deal with traffic, however light it might be. Access to the outlying villages and beaches is easy as there is a fairly good bus service running throughout the year. Please note that despite the volume of local traffic, it is virtually impossible to take your car on a holiday to the isles as all large freight must be craned on and off the Scillonian ferry.

The semitropical climate encourages a wealth of plants that would not normally be found outdoors.

To explore St Mary’s we started in the west, high above Hugh Town where the extensive ramparts of the Garrison, a fortress built to ward off Napoleonic forces has become something of a public park and resort. Below it and in the main town proper, a wide range of shops and restaurants, together with cycle hire are on offer and there is a small museum of the island’s history. One of the items covered by the museum is the highly competitive sport of gig racing. This takes place throughout the summer and harks back to the days when experienced local sailors were rowed out to offer to pilot incoming vessels. As there was no way this could be planned in advance, several fast rowing boats known as gigs, would set out at once and it became a race to be first. The sport of gig racing has followers mainly from all over the south west, but competitors travel even from as far away as Holland. The race is from Hugh Town harbour to Nut Rock near Tresco and back: a total distance of about 1½miles. www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 63

The Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his wife Mary had a holiday home in Hugh Town. Even though there is a rule that only locals can be buried on the island, special dispensation was given when the popular visitor died. He is buried in the graveyard of the tiny medieval chapel at Old Town on St Mary’s south-facing coast. His wife’s ashes were later scattered on his grave when she died.

There are plenty of coastal footpaths on the island. We followed the one going eastwards from Hugh Town, in and out of tiny coves and headlands, past Old Town and its friendly café, then inland to St Mary’s to the ‘main road’ that meanders in a tight circuit of the centre of the island. About half a mile from Old Town we were puzzled by a notice warning us of low flying aircraft. The answer soon came when an outgoing plane took off a matter of feet directly above our heads. This was the Isles of Scilly airport.

A wide variety of shipping just off the coast and below one of the many quiet bays

There are regular boat trips going to the outlying islands, not simply for tourists, but also as the main supply link with the regular ferry, the Scillonian. St Martin’s is the most easterly of the inhabited islands. Its single road acts as a link between three hamlets whose names seem to be lacking in imagination – Higher Town, Lower Town and in the middle as you might guess, is Middle Town. The island is popular with sailing enthusiasts and under water explorers who pick their way amongst the remains of countless vessels that came to grief on the uncharted rocks littering the hazardous passage of any captain foolishly attempting to sail between the islands, rather than round them.

Tresco, owned by Robert and Lucy Dorrien-Smith is the jewel in the islands’ crown. A luxury holiday resort, it centres on a beautiful garden founded in the nineteenth century by Augustus Smith. Rare sub-tropical plants grow in pine sheltered suntrapped gardens, enjoying the yearlong mild weather. Alongside the flowers, a small museum is devoted

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to a collection of exotic figureheads taken from wrecked shipping around the coasts of these tiny islands.

Tresco was first inhabited at least 3000 years ago by Neolithic farmers and during the English Civil War, Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces built a fortress on the island’s most southerly point in order to control shipping through the narrow channel known as The Roads.

Fishermen from the north of England used Tresco as a southern base when following the annual flood of herring – the silver darlings. Possibly feeling homesick, they named their settlement New Grimsby.

About 1½miles long and ½mile wide, it is possible to reach Bryher at exceptionally low tides from Tresco.

This is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago and was called Brayer in 1336, then Brear in 1500, obviously the phonetical spelling of the spoken word as interpreted by some government clerk or other. Hell Bay on the north western tip of Bryher was a notorious place for shipwrecks

when violent Atlantic storms drove vessels into this remote spot. Bar Quay, the landing place for small ferries, was first built by volunteers in the 1990 production of the TV series ‘Challenge Annika’, but replaced by a more substantial concrete structure in 2007. Accommodation is in selfcatering cottages or on the island campsite.

There are three SSSIs (sites of special scientific interest) on Bryher’s heathland and this is a popular nesting place used by visiting birds and also the site of many rare wild flowers, some brought by seed travelling thousands of miles along Atlantic currents.

St Agnes is England’s most western point. It sits in quiet isolation on the far south western tip of the Isles of Scilly. It has one pub, the Turk’s Head and one camp site near the main settlement at Troytown along with a handful of self-catering cottages.

Tiny fields now dot a landscape that would have been well known to the early Christian missionary Saint

Warna, but even in his time an ancient maze was cut above Long Point as part of a pagan rite.

The island shares a small natural harbour with its neighbour Gugh, the two islands being joined by a gravel bar which is only covered by the highest tides. Despite its offer of shelter, boats entering or leaving Porth Conger bay must first dodge the hazard of the Cow and Calf Rocks that almost block the entrance. At high tide the Calf sits just beneath the waves, just waiting to trap the unwary.

While we were waiting for the ferry back to St Mary’s, the boat when it came in, disgorged half a dozen teenagers who must daily take the ferry in all weathers to reach the islands’ secondary modern school.

There cannot be many in mainland Britain who travel to and from school that way.

Finally, just a small request. Please, please, never call the Isles of Scilly the Scilly Isles. For reasons that should be obvious, it upsets the locals.

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wen Taylor & Sons are a family owned butchers and proudly supply some of the finest meat in the country to retail and catering customers. Maintaining the company philosophy to employ local staff and purchase most of its products as livestock from local “Farm Assured” farms in the Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and wider Midlands area. Owen Taylor’s sets the standards in the quality that can be achieved from a Farm to Plate supply chain. The mix of traditional values and modern approach to employee welfare, community engagement and education has contributed to sustained achievement. Owen Taylor & Son’s has just taken a top award last week in a competition to celebrate UK Sausage Week (28th October -3rd November 2019).

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The Taylor’s Special Country Sausage won the top award for the independent butcher’s traditional category and was runner up with the Cumberland Sausage and Highly Commended with the Best Pork Sausage.

In the innovative category Owen Taylor were also runners up with their Taylor’s Tomato and Chorizo and also the Gluten Free flavours. Owen Taylor were then invited to a special awards ceremony held at Butchers Hall in London where the awards were presented by celebrity chef, Leslie Walters.Picking up the highly prized award Richard Taylor, managing director at Owen Taylor & Sons Ltd, said: “This is a magnificent moment for us and our customers. We know we produce some of the finest sausages around, which come from local quality pork from assured farms.

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The awards, which are open to butchers, supermarkets and caterers throughout the country, recognises sausages that deliver excellent eating qualities, flavour and the highest levels of customer satisfaction. Richard Taylor added: “These awards are a fantastic recognition of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing all of our products; from the farmers to our on-site team of manufacturing staff, butchers and bakers.

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Not only have Owen Taylor been winning awards for products, earlier this year they scooped the Catering Butcher Award 2019 at the Meat Management Awards competing against companies across Britain. This was the third time in four years that Owen Taylor had won this national award demonstrating that there is still a market for quality products sourced and delivered locally. www.owentaylor.co.uk

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01629 534333 www.robinmaycockbutchers.co.uk www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 67

on a

wick a prayer

& As

places go, Tissington is a picture-perfect crowdpleaser. From the minute you pass the towering lodge gates and meander along the lime tree lined avenue, there’s a sense you have discovered a magical village that time forgot.

Tissington’s popularity (as many as 35,000 visitors during well dressing week) explains why a village with around 120 inhabitants has a butcher, some bakers (producing cracking cakes for Tissington Hall’s tearooms) and a

nationally renowned candle-maker. Follow your nose to the former village forge and Annie Maudling, founder of On a Wick and Prayer, offers the warmest of Tissington welcomes. In my case - a hug, a mug of coffee and the chance to warm cold hands over a pot of melted wax on the brazier.

This enthusiastic greeting is far more than I deserve because – after promising to stay in touch – it’s been 20-years since I last visited On a Wick and a Prayer. Back then, Annie had just moved her candle-making from the kitchen stove at Yew Tree cottage (every inch as gorgeous as it sounds) to a converted pigsty in the garden.

“I’ve been very busy,” she laughs when I ask for a ‘quick’ catch-up. “It’s 22 years since I started making candles with my daughter’s unwanted kit and a grotty pan which I could never use again as it made the gravy taste of lavender.”

I wonder what happened to the pigsty. “We needed more space so, with the blessing of my landlord Sir Richard FitzHerbert, we moved into the old blacksmith’s forge next-door to the cottage,” Annie says. “We hand-pour around a thousand candles per day – sometimes more - and I have ten part-time members of staff. My husband Ed even asked to join the team as he said it ‘looked like fun’. It works well, as long as he does what he’s told.”

Picture-perfect Tissington is home to an amazing cottage industry.

Right: A small selection of their 1000 candle a day output.

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

68 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Annie says the turning point for her company came about after a chance meeting at a trade show.

“Someone came to our stall and explained the National Trust shops were looking to stock more local products and asked if I would be interested,” Annie (54), recalls. “It was a case of ‘Er, give me half a second to think about it’ before saying yes. It proved a massive leap forward. Before I knew it, we were supplying candles to 60 shops throughout the country.”

In 2005, with orders coming in thick and fast, Annie took on another unit in nearby Ashbourne. Within a matter of two years – they’d outgrown it. “I have a friend whose husband worked from a base in Dovedale. He was moving to larger premises and she asked if I’d be interested in his unit,” Annie says.

“It was perfect – offering four times the space.

I’d finally found a place big enough to make custom candles for other businesses (including some top London hotels), store the packaging and do the product photography. It also allowed me to achieve a life-long dream of buying a kiln and making a range of pottery called Dovedale Ceramics.”

As Annie and I chat, there is a steady stream of people visiting the small but perfectly fragranced shop which is on the side of her workshop. Even though most visitors are there by chance - hikers, cyclists, tourists – they all leave with a candle, or two.

“The workshop is really popular. We often have people who come in – smell a few candles – and because they are out walking or cycling say they’ll come again with the car and fill

their boot. I’m pleased to say most do,” she says. “We did a survey recently and asked our customers ‘why us?’ I was expecting a variety of answers but 95 per cent said they loved our fragrances. I remember when I first started I was so desperate to please I’d find myself obliging all requests to make anything from Parma violet to roasted mushroom scented candles. Then I learned to have faith in my own fragrances as each one can take weeks – even years – to perfect.”

Annie agrees there has been a craze for candles which evoke a favourite smell as opposed to a parfumier’s scent. Annie’s own collection includes Starched Linen, Vine Tomato and the best-selling Hot Toddy.

“I try to avoid trends and, even when I’m developing something new, I ask if it fits in with our story,” she says. “For instance, I’ve fallen in love with Norway and spent six years perfecting a blend which brought to mind the smell of a ‘Nordic Forest’ as opposed to a toilet cleaner.”

Annie is unperturbed if people don’t like the scent (known in the trade as the throw) of a certain candle.

“Two girls came in the other day and one loved a candle but the other said ‘Ew – no’,” she laughs. “We’ve all got a very different sense of smell. I test my fragrances on the ten members of staff and we’re all experienced enough to know when something is right. The rest is down the to personal taste.”

One trend Annie is happy to embrace is that of recycling; “We tried launching a refillable

eco candle – made from the bottom of wine bottles - 15 years ago. It was just too far ahead of its time,” she recalls.

“I know a lot of my customers have cupboards full of spent candle containers they’d like to reuse. We do offer a popular refill service but I wanted to help those who’d prefer to make their own candles.”

Annie wrestled with the idea of how to make candle-making accessible to all; doing away with the need for moulds, thermometer and jugs. As usual, divine inspiration struck.

“One night I went out to buy a pint of milk.

The next morning, I woke up and had a light bulb moment – put the wax in the bottle.

Milk bottles are one of the most re-cyclable of all plastics, they can withstand heat and it’s a ready-made pourer for melted wax,” she explains.

“We previewed the idea at a craft show last November and it was really well received. We had lots of questions and our response was ‘It’s easy’. That’s how Eazi Candle was born. We went to more craft shows and the response was amazing and I was invited to talk about making candles on Create and Craft TV.” Since that initial screen debut, Annie has been asked back many times and even has two TV personas – ‘Annie Candle’ and ‘Mrs Eazi’.

“Appearing on TV doesn’t faze me at all as candles are my passion and I don’t have to think about what to say,” she says. “In fact, at trade shows my staff sometimes tell me to tone down the passion and just point to the candles and say ‘How many do you want?’.”

There has been a craze for candles which evoke a favourite smell as opposed to a parfumier’s scent.

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 69

Part of the range of Dovedale Ceramics To prove they really are idiot-proof; Annie sends me off with everything I need to refill one of my own empty candle containers (I also have a cupboard full) and even provides a scent blend to emulate the smell of the former candle; namely ‘Frosty Morning’.

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than bringing a candle back to life,” Annie smiles. “A couple of Christmases ago a friend asked for help with a £300 designer candle given to her by her son as it had ‘stopped working’. She’d lost the wick in a tunnel of wax. I scooped it out, filtered the impurities out, added some new wicks and, two years on, it’s still going.”

As for the future, Annie has promised to work on creating a better work-life balance after

having a dramatic wake-up call.

head off to Norway for a few weeks.

“October to December is always a busy time for candle-makers. About six years ago, we’d had an especially crazy run-up to Christmas before dashing off to stay with some friends in Leicestershire for New Year,” Annie says. “We decided to catch-up with other friends but, on the way over, we had a car accident on a bend which nearly killed us. Ed cracked eleven ribs and punctured his lung and we had to close the workshop. I think the universe was telling us both to slow down. These days we run the business rather than let the business run us.”

“Once there, we switch off completely. We go to bed when we’re tired and eat when we’re hungry. It’s a much simpler way of life,” Annie smiles. “Running my own business is not easy at times, particularly when I walk out of my own home and it’s there on the door-step.

Travelling all the way to the remote parts of Norway is the easiest way to get a proper break.

It’s the one place on earth where I can forget about everything – it’s bliss.”

Since then, the couple stop work at 5.30pm and, every year, they cram Ed’s fishing gear into their trusty Belingo-turned-camper-van and

Visit on a Wick and a Prayer at The Candle Workshop, The Avenue, Tissington DE6 1RA or visit the on-line shop onawick.co.uk

Candlemakers Derbyshire

The Candle Workshop Tissington, Ashbourne DE6 1RA Tel : 01335 390639 www.onawick.co.uk 70 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10am till 5pm Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays 12 noon till 5pm

on a

wick a prayer

&

How to reďŹ ll an old candle container

S

crape out any remaining wax and wick with an old spoon

Place your container in a bowl of boiling water and wait for the remaining wax to melt then wipe out with old cloth Remove any old sticky labels with white spirit or nail varnish remover Wash in warm soapy water Refill with your new candle wax (follow Easi candle instructions on the bottle) Before use:- Trim the wick to a quarter of an inch If the candle is more than three inches in diameter, burn it for two/three hours until a pool of wax appears across the candle surface. Believe it or not wax has a memory and if you extinguish a new candle too soon, it will only melt to the outer rim of that first melt leading to tunnelling and wax waste To extinguish, flick the candle wick into the wax and bring out again using scissors tips or the end of the old spoon. Scoop out any debris left by matches or the wick Safety first – never leave a candle unattended, always place on heat proof surface and keep out of the reach of children and pets.

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 71

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Forward head posture, where the head is forward of the shoulders is seen to increase the risk of falling. It also increases the curvature of the neck, a contributing factor in the incidence of nerve root irritation - the cause of numbness, or pins and needles in the arms, hands or fingers. The additional strain on the posterior neck muscles can be a factor in sub-occipital headaches.

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the clock’ support to either a single person or a couple; making sure that their household and life continues to run the way they want it. Although, living-in and available, care assistants need their rest, so this option is not a choice for someone needing a lot of support during the night. Additional support would be required. The care assistants are supported by a dedicated team who make sure that the quality of support required is available at short notice to provide backup for any issues that may arise.

Naturally, most people choose to stay in familiar surroundings and want to carry on living in the place that they know and love for as long as they can. Home is the place where we belong: with memories of happy family occasions, much loved possessions and comfort in the familiarity of our day to day routines. That is why Bluebird Care provides live-in care, which allows people to remain in the comfort and in the familiar surroundings of their own home, with family, friends and neighbours nearby. This balances the promotion of independence and flexibility of living at home, with the security and reassurance provided by having a trained professional on hand at all times. This makes live-in care a preferred option for many people rather than moving to a care home.

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Milford Care bag 3 more awards for commitment to care A leading care provider based in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has recently scooped 3 more awards for their dedication to care.

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 77

Add some

Sparkle

N

ow available at Jillian Hart Fashions a stunning range of cocktail and evening wear by Michaela Louisa, the shop also stocks a great range of accessories including evening shoes, bags, jewellery and scarves. For more information call into the shop at 40-44, Babington Lane, Derby or telephone 01332 347647

78 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

R

egal Ice, a rare and usual fine aquamarine 6.23cts set into 18ct white gold with on either side blue sapphires and white diamonds.

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www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 79

Add some Sparkle

T

udor Jewellers, a family run business, located on South St. in Ilkeston and the High St. in Alfreton offer a great selection of jewellery and gifts from Nomination, Coeur de Lion, Hot Diamonds, Royal Crown Derby, Diamonfire and Willow Tree. With their service of jewellery and watch repairs they are certainly worth a visit. Always helpful with friendly advice, visit Tudor and support your local high street.

H W

hen the weather turns chilly, Seaham from Joules is the perfect choice. Cut to exactly the same fit and shape as our best-loved design, this jumper is crafted in textured chenille for a sumptuously warm and soft feel that will make it your new-season staple. A beautiful range of winter jumpers for all occasions at Clarkes, Grosvenor Road, Ripley.

ardwood Logs recently saw an exciting development with the launch of their new shop. Handmade candles from On a Wick & a Prayer, beautifully crafted wooden sculptures, fire baskets and log stands made by a local blacksmith, are just some of the unique, quality, locally made items on display. Set in a beautifully renovated barn within the farmyard, they welcome visitors to browse or just to have a chat about some of the lovely objects on display. Hardwood Logs, Holly Grange Farm, Lea Moor, Lea Matlock DE4 5RA (01629) 534475

A UNIQUE & EXCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE OPEN DAY Sunday, 12 JANUARY 2020 12-4pm www.swancarfarmcountryhouse.com Swancar Farm - All yours!

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wancar Farm Country House is an exclusive venue which has been established since 2011 and is all yours to enjoy with your loved ones. Set within pretty countryside, the beautiful house that you see as you meander up the sweeping drive is just the start of your Swancar journey - having exclusive use means that it is just yours for your special day.

Host your ceremony in the Barn and Gallery with its rustic beams and sparkling chandeliers. Enjoy drinks and canapes in the Lower Barn and pretty courtyard and make your way through to the beautiful Oak Hall for your wedding breakfast and reception. End your day in style in the individually designed elegant bedrooms and wake up the next morning to a hearty breakfast in the Old Farmhouse Kitchen surrounded by your loved ones. When you choose Swancar you are actually booking your big-day home and gaining a family that comes with it - a passionate, dedicated and experienced team that is as excited about your day as you are. Our wedding planners and event team will work with you and support you every step of the way, to make sure your day is just what you dreamed of.

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Get in touch to book your private viewing. Telephone: 0115 9306528E: hello@swancarfarmcountryhouse.com www.swancarfarmcountryhouse.com

Watch Servicing & Repairs

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

Fine Diamond Jewellery

Celebrate life’s occasions with our in house designs

The pre-owned Rolex specialists Exquisite watches bought and sold

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Photography background features Le Corbusier’s visual art “OTHELLO” | © FLC / 2019, ProLitteris, Zurich.

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for all fine Swiss made watches including

Natural cosmetics with a difference

O

ur brand is much more than a chic logo – it denotes our cosmos. Our selected medicinal plants are certified organic and help the skin to help itself and to regenerate. We respect our inner beauty just as much as our outer beauty. We are obsessed with quality and have been manufacturing on the same Swabian site for over 50 years, using methods that are still largely manual. In a company that is a Foundation and has no need to think about shareholders. It needs only to respect itself, civil society and the natural environment.

Colour Correcting Powder £25

Fresh and refined: Dr. Hauschka Colour Correcting Powder.

This powder from Dr. Hauschka includes four different translucent shades to perfect and even out the complexion. The pistachio tone neutralises redness, apricot emphasises your natural skin tone, a hint of vanilla brightens shadows, and light brown combines all four shades in our beautifully balancing Colour Correcting Powder.

Apply the powder directly to the skin or on top of you chosen foundation. It is suitable for all skin tones.

Foundation £30, 30ml

The natural make-up base.Dr. Hauschka Foundation provides lightweight, even coverage that blends seamlessly with your natural skin tone and luminosity. The mineral pigments contained in the formulation reliably cover up skin irregularities and redness. Use our Foundation as a natural base for your make-up or to balance parts of your complexion with the concealer brush. Discover the versatility of this Dr. Hauschka Make-up musthave. Allow your regular day cream to absorb before applying the Foundation.

Loose Powder £27

The lightest touch: Dr. Hauschka Loose Powder.

So delicate yet so effective – our Loose Powder perfects your complexion and sets your makeup. Apply the Loose Powder either with our Powder Brush or with the included powder puff.

The transparent composition of mineral pigments blends naturally with the colour nuances of your skin or with previously applied tinted products.

For more information visit www.drhauschka.co.uk Loose Powder This powder is very fine and leaves your skin with a lovely matt finish. Its natural ingredients mean that it doesn’t dry or irritate your skin but gives a lovely finish either straight on to your skin or on top of a foundation cream. A great product. JP

S

ewing Corner is a friendly, specialist tailor.

Everything from bridal wear and evening wear to curtains. For the very best service visit 135 Dale Road, Matlock or ring 01629 760299.

Foundation A little goes a long way with this foundation. It smells lovely, sinks into the skin naturally and leaves skin looking fab.

VP

Colour Correcting Powder This pressed powder is great at colour correcting redness, dark circles and uneven skin tones. Its easy to use and is a light powder. It gives a matt finish.

The only down side is there isn’t a brush to apply it with. CB

SEWING CORNER Margaret Ryder

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

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Leather Shop of Belper YOUR LOCAL RADLEY STOCKIST

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Swancar Farm Country House

·exclusive ·unique ·wedding venue DONT MISS OUR OPEN DAY

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Photographs by Chris Snowden

PLEASE CALL TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

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DERBYSHIRE’S VERY BEST

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WEATHERSEAL

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CONTRACT PLANNING SERVICES Established 1979 • Why move? Extend your property and invest in your home • Plans drawn to your requirements • Plans and forms completed to council standards • Free estimates

Please call Phil Lingwood

A Local Family Run Company

The Gate Maker

Made to measure Gates, Railings & Ironwork Phone NOW for your FREE on site quotation Fitting Service Available

on 01773 742936 or 07811810761

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J H JOINERY SERVICES LTD

For a professional finish on: Over 25 years’ experience

All joinery work undertaken

Dove Bow Top Double Gates 4 ft high 7 ft gap only £462 4 ft high 12 ft gap only £792 6 ft high 7 ft gap only £714 6 ft high 12 ft gap only £1224

Dove Flat Top Double Gates 3 ft high 7 ft gap only £399 3 ft high 12 ft gap only £684 6 ft high 7 ft gap only £630 6 ft high 12 ft gap only £1080

All gates come complete with brackets tofit to wall or existing post (posts not included)

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www.thegatemaker.co.uk Shot Blast & Powder Coating Specialists in refurbishing wrought iron gates

Phone 01773 745822 NOW

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

84 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Amber Valley Driveways

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

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

Blockpaving • Fencing Tarmac drives & paths laid Patios & slabbing • Excavation • Power jet cleaning for drives, patios, block paving etc.

Phone Brendan on

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COLIN GREEN **ROOM REVIVAL**

Directory Call 01773 830344 for great series advertising prices including a free artwork design service ‘EVEN THE SMALL JOBS COUNT’ ROOFING

Solar Slate Installations, Traditional Slate Roofing, Lead Valleys, Re-roofs, Sofits & Fascias, Velux Windows, Kerb bedding, Ridges, Sun Tubes

GROUND WORKS

From Papering a Wall to Total Room Refurbishment A Complete Service

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

Tel 01773 605947 or Mobile 07779 291577

COLLEDGE AERIALS Established 1965

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LOCAL TRUSTWORTHY INSTALLERS FREE QUOTES ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

Concreting, Fencing, Paths, Patios.

BUILDING

New Builds, Extensions, Plastering, Loft Conversions, Re-pointing Walls & Chimneys, Doors & Windows.

For your quotation please call Darren Hutsby on

T: 01773 742387 M: 07973 676799

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DEREK STAPLETON

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

01773 836145 07800 928564

B & T HOLBROOK

DEVELOPMENTS LTD For All your Building Requirements

Established over 30 years Extensions, loft conversions, roofing, kitchens, bathrooms & wet rooms (including disabled adaptations)

M: 07860 899 353 linda@bandtholbrook.co.uk www.bandtholbrook.co.uk

SUNSET WINDOWS

The Area’s Favourite Window Company

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

Tel:01773 513339

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BLACK’S

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Family Business

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

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

CALL 07870 583666

‘530247’

Worcester Credit Installer 10 Years Warranty on all Worcester Boilers www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 85

Central Heating Installations

Directory Call 01773 830344 for great series advertising prices including a free artwork design service RICHARD BOOTH UPHOLSTERY

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

01773 853338

out our Ask ab

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• Complete Energy saving systems – designed & installed • Boiler and Radiator swaps • Boiler servicing & landlord’s certificates • All aspects of plumbing undertaken Email: sales@markdentonltd.co.uk www.markdentonltd.co.uk

Embers of Alfreton S T O V E

£49 £99

S P E C I A L I S T S

for a sweep for a Sweep and service

Family Run Business Chimney Sweeps • Fully Insured Specialist in Stove Installations

01773 687 237

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info@embersofalfreton.co.uk www.embersofalfreton.co.uk

JOHN’S SOFA STUDIO

All Aspects Of Plastering

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

Re-Skimming • Dry Lining • Rendering • Artex Removal •Small Repairs to Full Renovations

Patrick O’Neill Plastering Tel: 0780 701 6747

Clean Reliable Premier Service

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

Mobile: 07960 849642

Free Quotations

Tel: 01773 856082

New life for Old Kitchens!

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

DREAM DOORS NEW LIFE FOR OLD KITCHENS

Visit our Derbyshire showrooms or call to book your FREE survey and quote: 20 The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BE T: 01332 290600 197 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 7JQ T: 01246 221299 www.dreamdoors.co.uk

M Scott Joiner

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

Tel: 01773 602446 Mob: 07960 222298

JP PROPERTY MAINTENANCE HUTHWAITE LTD We focus on providing all types of roofing repairs and maintenance to the highest quality.

Domestic & Commercial Work New Roofs and Re-roofs • Roof Repairs Chimney Works • Flat Roofs Garage & Extension Roofs Facias, Soffits & Guttering • UPVC We offer free advice non-obligatory quotes and estimates Contact us today on

01623 859851 • 01332 895023 07826 519 850 jppropertymaintenence12@gmail.com

ROB’S PRESSURE WASHING CLEANING SERVICES We have over 15 years’ experience - you can be assured of quality work

All aspects of heating and plumbing including

New Boilers • New Central Heating Service and Repairs • Landlord Certificates Driveways, Paths, Patios and Non Slip Decking Professionally Cleaned Throughout

Quality Friendly Service and High Standard Assured

For a Free No Obligation Quote call Rob on

07841 422310 or 01773 607409

86 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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Please call 07974 314280

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Buy the latest edition of Derbyshire’s favourite walking guide

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Send your answer to: Crossword Comp. Country Images, Unit 5, Office Village, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbys DE55 7FQ. Or email competitions@imagespublishing.co.uk

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Across: 1 Pancake 4 Body mineral 9 Light rain 10 Maybe definite! 12 Newspaper 13 Breathe in 16 Frown 18 Change colour 19 Petty Officer 20 A moment 21 Swelling 23 Small road 24 Lazy footwear 27 Fastener 28 Football Association 29 Got it eventually 31 Rival 34 Night before 35 Overall equipment effectiveness 36 Informed 39 Tricked 40 Morse! 42 Old fashioned 44 Beaten 46 Moi 47 Old days 48 Speck 49 Trench Down: 1 Soft option! 2 Era 3 Brother Phil 5 Jump on it 6 Fruit 7 Unit 8 Mild 11 Speedwagon 14 Insect 15 Frightening 17 Everton FC 22 Plural of ovum 25 ... and only 26 Dutch Donkey 29 Friday 30 A good one 32 Damp 33 Cyperaceae 37 Top 38 Part of 41 Advertise 43 Colour 45 Go for Last months winner of the £10 W H Smith Voucher

Ian Smith, Alfreton, Answer Rodsley www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 87

NEW ALFA ROMEO GIULIA AND STELVI0 New Alfa Romeo Giulia an Stelvio • New infotainment with connected services, touchscreen and completely redesigned human-machine interface at the heart of the driver-centred concept • New ADAS and level 2 autonomous driving systems across the range • Tangible quality in the new interiors, with updated materials and new layouts • The new range structure offers trims with clear, well differentiated identities

T

he new Giulia and Stelvio MY2020 will be available in Alfa Romeo showrooms at the beginning of 2020. The Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio have been updated for model year 20. While retaining their class leading driving dynamics and classic Italian design, Alfa Romeo has improved its driver-centred approach by updating the interior of the cars with a new layout and materials, incorporating new ADAS systems to bring level two autonomy and completely overhauling the infotainment system with a new range of connected services and a redesigned human-machine interface (HMI).

M.O.T SERVICE REPAIR

PARTS TYRES

STUCK FOR A PRESENT IDEA?

Gift Vouchers are available for £10, £20, £30 Don’t forget your Winter Safety Check contact us for more details make sure you are prepared for the winter weather.

Level 2 autonomous driving The new MY2020 Giulia and Stelvio marks the debut of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that enable the vehicles to deliver the highest level of autonomous driving currently legal. Level 2 autonomy is achieved when the driver can leave the car to control the accelerator, brake and steering in specific conditions, via electronic systems that require continual monitoring by the driver, but support them to offer greater comfort on long journeys. In all cases, the driver must be constantly vigilant and always keep his hands on the steering wheel.

The Stelvio Super is available with a choice of two engines, a 200hp 2.0-litre petrol engine with all-wheel drive or a 190hp 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with rear-wheel drive, both combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission. As well as the updated infotainment system and interior upgrades, the Super comes with leather and cloth upholstery, 18-inch dual multi-spoke alloy wheels and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a second USB port at the rear. Super badging and silver exterior details complete the look of the entry level model.

The new Alfa Romeo Stelvio will be available to order from January 2020, with first cars arriving in the UK during January, with Giulia following later in Q1. Full UK pricing and specification will be announced in due course, but to find your nearest Alfa Romeo retailer and to find more information about the Alfa Romeo range visit www. alfaromeo.co.uk.

ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE BODY REPAIRS WE’D LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR CUSTOMERS NEW AND OLD AND HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT 2020!!

• Over 30 years experience • Service and repairs • Family run business • Classic car repair

Tel. 01773 832322 Email: amberautos@gmail.com Unit 4, Monk Road Industrial Estate, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7RL 88 | www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Unit 1, Wood Street North, Meadow Lane Industrial Est. Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7JR

Phone: 01773 521428 Mobile: 07963 507662

DERBYSHIRE’S NO DERBYSHIRE’S NO1 1 INDEPENDENT LAND INDEPENDENT LANDROVER ROVERCENTRE CENTRE

Quality service without compromise.

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Affordable Affordable and competitive on all service and repair Air Conditioning Service work, often with large savings Full and aircon labour and diagnostics on parts pricesservice available Affordable quoted by the Main Dealer

Full Workingschedules Facilities manufacturer’s Affordable and competitive on all Service and Modern, fully equipped 6 Full Working Facilities Repair work,Available often with large savings on parts an bay workshop employing fully Courtesy Cars Modern fully equipped 6 bay workshop employing prices quoted by theus Main Dealer skilled Land Rover trained While labour your vehicle is with fully skilled Land Rover trained technicians Courtesy Cars technicians you could take up Available the option Computer Diagnostics yourcourtesy vehicle is with us you could take up of oneWhile of our cars Autologic option of one our courtesy cars so you will so youthewill never beof without Computer Diagnostics Diagnostic Technology never(conditions be without transport (conditions apply) transport apply) Autologic Diagnostic Technology

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Ron Brooks Mansfield

TERRITORY S

Acorns, Oak Tree Lane Mansfield NG183HG 01623 240 054 ronbrooksmansfield.toyota.co.uk

Ron Brooks llkeston

Derby Road llkeston

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01158820233 ronbrooksilkeston.toyota.co.uk

Model shown is Land Cruiser Icon 5 dr 2.8 D-4D Auto. Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (1/lOOkm): combined 27 .3 (10.3)-30.1 (9.36). Combined C02 201 g/km.

Figures are provided for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and C02 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results. Fuel consumption and C02 produced varies significantly depending on a number of factors, including the accessories fitted (postregistration), 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 C02 figures quoted are NEDC equivalent. This means the C02 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 year

TOYOTA WARRANTY

Model shown is Land Cruiser Icon 5 dr 2.8 D-4D Auto at £50,545 including optional metallic paint at £700. Prices correct at time of being published. 5 year/100,000 mile manufacturer warranty. Terms and conditions apply. *4.9%APR Representative only available on new retail orders of Land Cruiser between 1st October 2019 and 16th December 2019 and registered and financed through Toyota Financial Services by 30th September 2019 on a 42 month Access Toyota (PCP) plan with 0%-35% deposit. Toyota Financial Services is a trading name of Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC; registered office Great Burgh, Burgh Heath, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 SUZ. 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 12p per mile. Toyota Centres are independent of Toyota Financial Services. Participating Toyota Centres. Affordable finance throughAccessToyota (PCP). Terms and conditions apply.

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk | 89

Gent’s Cartier Santos 100 XL Chronograph watch. Estimate £30,000-£35,000.

T

he glitz and glamour of an exquisitely fine object has the ability to bring normal saleroom activities to a standstill.

Just occasionally, staff are stopped in their tracks to admire an impressive find. Such was the impact when a gent’s Cartier Santos 100 XL Chronograph watch in 18ct pink gold arrived at our Derbyshire HQ - shimmering with more than 400 diamonds.

Several people were drawn to admire the head-turner thanks to Cartier’s ability to craft something quite extraordinary. It is one of the most prestigious makers of luxury goods in the world. The watch is dazzling to behold. It boasts so many diamonds, it’s impossible to estimate the number at a glance. They smother the sides and clock face and sparkle at you from every angle. Most are small but the watch winder features a large diamond encased in gold.

Its estimate is £30,000 to £35,000 but its retail value would have been far more.

For keen collectors, it’s an attractive buy. Designer watches from top makes are sought after – a trend that appears to be gathering momentum with every passing year. We regularly see watches soar to success in the saleroom. For example, a Tudor Rolex steel Oysterdate wristwatch bought for £300 at a Nottingham jeweller’s shop around 1971 and worn in the garden, fetched £51,100 at last year’s Christmas Fine Art Auction. With the buyer’s premium, the total price paid was £63,364.

Rolex watches of any type tend to fair well. In a recent watches auction, lot 314, a gents 18ct gold 1960s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date Superlative Chronometer wristwatch, made £4,600.

That’s an impressive return on a watch purchased more than 50 years ago. Often people drop into our saleroom with a watch they have inherited thinking it’s worthless, only to discover the opposite.

Lot 34, extensive late Victorian silver canteen of King’s pattern cutlery, reached £3,100.

Diamond jewellery is in demand, too. Lot 177, a diamond solitaire 18ct white gold ring, featuring a princess-cut diamond, reached £3,900. Then there was lot 194, a diamond octagonal cluster white gold ring which was sold for £3,800. When it comes to silver, those old canteens of cutlery can also excel. Lot 34, an extensive late Victorian silver canteen of King’s pattern cutlery reached £3,100.

And we can’t forget a silver spoon from 1654, found at the back of a Derby cutlery drawer, which sold for a total of £1,200 in October.

The early seal top spoon, made by silversmith Jeremy Johnson of London, was a collector’s item. But how it came to be in a house in Littleover nearly four centuries later is a complete mystery.

Free jewellery and watch valuations are available on Mondays and Fridays, 10am-4pm, at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS. Alternatively, email hsmith@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.

Free general valuations are available at Hansons’ Etwall saleroom on Wednesdays, 5-7pm, Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Saturdays, 9am-noon.

Twitter: HansonsUK Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK Instagram: hansons_auctioneers

Rare timepieces are a major success story of recent years. Desirable watches are likened to rare cars and wealthy collectors will stop at nothing to acquire the best examples for their collection. Other makes that sell well include Omega, Longines and, of course, French brand Cartier.

Founded by Louis-François Cartier in Paris in 1847, the company remained under family control until 1964. In 2018, it was ranked

by Forbes as the world’s 59th most valuable brand. It boasts a long history of sales to royalty. Our own King Edward VII referred to Cartier as ‘the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers.’

Christmas Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver Auction Thursday 5 December

For his coronation in 1902, Edward VII ordered 27 tiaras and issued a royal warrant to Cartier in 1904. More warrants soon followed from the courts of Spain, Portugal, Russia, Siam and the House of Orleans among others. Back to the present and The Duchess of Cambridge is said to admire Cartier along with numerous celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Naomi Watts and Kylie Jenner. If royalty and stars across the globe are dazzled by Cartier’s luxury and attention to detail, it’s hardly surprising we are too.

If you have a vintage timepiece gathering dust at home, do dust it down and bring it in for assessment. You may be pleasantly surprised. As well as designer watches, another hot auction trend is pearls. In our Autumn Fine Silver, Jewellery and Watches Auction lot 175, a natural pearl necklace, was contested to £9,800.

Please contact Helen Smith on 01283 733988 or hsmith@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk An Edwardian opal, pink tourmaline and diamond fringe necklace Sold for £600

Lot 177, a diamond solitaire 18ct white gold ring, sold for £3,900.

Seal top spoon, made by silversmith Jeremy Johnson of London in 1654 sold for more than £1,000.

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The Auction Centre, Heage Lane Etwall, Derbyshire DE65 6LS

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Cartier timepiece shimmering with 400 diamonds shows why luxury make is royal favourite

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Collins & Hayes Miller sofa in Liberty Midnight velvet

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