THE QUALITY MAGAZINE FOR CHESTERFIELD, DRONFIELD & SOUTH S HERE COMES HEFFIELD
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restoration work being carried out by The Friends of Cromford Canal. The group ‘adopted’ two parts of the canal and run regular work parties.
Schools are very much back in session and we look at some high-achieving local establishments and also focus on weddings - perfect if you’re planning your big day.
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• Our buildings are high specification and have lots of options for making them even more special such as underfloor heating, air con, sound systems, lighting options.
• They are fully insulated and can be used all year round.
• As a local company we are always able to sort any issues. Our guarantee is backed up by years of happy customers.
• Cedar and Thermowood cladding options and glazing options such as bi-folds and skylights.
• Rooms start at £9,660 for our 2.4m x 1.8m mini ‘Toby’ office.
• Any size or shapes are possible but popular sizes include: 4m x 2.4m – from £16,700 and 5m x 3m – from £25,000.
A Calling all FOOD LOVERS...
The Dunston Hall Estate continues to evolve. Joining the garden centre, bistro and wedding and events venue is a brand new food hall and deli.
lready home to a wedding and bespoke events venue, garden centre and award-winning bistro, you wonder how Dunston Hall Estate could improve their offering even further. The charming country venue, which sits on the edge of the Peak District but is
is already hugely popular, whether you’re wanting to make some garden improvements, enjoy tea and cake and have a celebration to plan.
But there’s more.
Owners David and Lynsey Harrison are not ones for standing still and have recently opened a brand-new courtyard and food hall and deli, which offers a unique and unparalleled experience for all food lovers. Sited to the rear of the garden centre, this stunning space stocks all manner of
delights, many of which are from local suppliers and artisan producers.
There’s a huge focus on quality, as explained by the couple: “Every product on our shelves is carefully chosen to ensure premium quality and prime pedigree,” they said. “From vegetables and fruit to meats,
antipasti, salads, patisserie, and cakes –everything is of the highest quality. We also stock a selection of beers, wines, chutneys, pickles, and jams.”
The fresh counter includes homemade pies, sausage rolls and sweet treats, all lovingly prepared by a team of chefs in the bespoke kitchens upstairs. Led by awardwinning chef and baker Steve Carroll, the culinary team ensures that all food is natural, healthy, and of prime quality.
Fresh bread is supplied by Forge
meals as well as sandwiches, light bites, lunches, pastas, breakfasts, afternoon teas, street foods, and themed specials, all of which can be enjoyed outside within the stunning grounds or at home.
Dunston Hall Estate recently purchased the deer park adjacent to the property and have installed a series of footpaths, which you are free to explore. A shepherds hut, located just outside the food hall and deli, is set to be converted to serve hot and cold drinks and snacks and will have covered seating.
The food hall and deli is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
unston Hall Estate’s unique and picturesque garden centre has friendly and professional staff, who are always happy to talk, giving helpful advice and support for all your garden needs.
gardening supplies and gifts, which covers every season, basically everything you could wish for so you can enjoy your garden and make it a special place.
The garden centre actively supports local businesses and suppliers and, where possible, sells locally produced goods.
The addition of the food hall and deli has allowed the garden centre to extend
garden furniture as well as larger and more varieties of plants.
Located just inside the garden centre, is the popular Bistro, which continues to prove extremely popular with its choice of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light bites
as well as something more substantial, including very good Sunday lunches. There’s a new covered outdoor seating area, which is the perfect spot to watch your children while they explore the adventure playground.
At the centre of the Dunston Hall Estate is the hall itself, which was refurbished in 2021 with the intention of creating the most magical wedding and events venue.
Last year, David and Lynsey Harrison added a further function room – The Stables – to their celebratory offering. This renovated space can accommodate between 80-120 people and is completely selfcontained with its own bar and bathrooms as well as having access to a charming walled garden.
The Stables is complemented by the Garden Room, which is fully licenced for civil ceremonies, as well as the hall’s Dining Room, which is suitable for smaller celebrations of up to 40 people.
Dunston Hall is hired on an exclusive basis – from 12pm to 12pm the following day – meaning you get sole use of the hall and grounds for the duration of your stay. There are ten luxury bedrooms, which can sleep up to 23 people, including a stunning honeymoon suite with four-poster bed, dressing room, huge bathroom and hall.
“We’re a blank canvas for you to create your own special day,” said operations director, Mark Lancashire.
detail can be chosen by you. Food, drink, entertainment… you name it, Dunston Hall can accommodate it.”
Dunston Hall & Gardens
Email: info@dunstonhall.co.uk dunstonhall.co.uk
New Image, 277 Middlewood Road,
Changing of theSEASON
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Our Upcoming Events 22nd September Hellaby Hall Wedding Fayre 2nd October 10.30am Macmillan Coffee Morning 277 Middlewood Rd, Middlewood S6 1TG (Leppings Lane Tram Stop) OPEN Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm Late Night Tues: 10am -7pm Email: info@new-image.co.uk |
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Please telephone to book your one-to-one appointment
Browse our casual collections from European fashion houses!
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A proficiency in the usual applications, Adobe Creative Suite and Quark, plus a working knowledge of creating and outputting publications for print would be preferable. Some experience of editorial layout and some subediting skills would be advantageous too.
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Planning your BIG DAY?
Get inspiration from these venues and businesses for a day to remember.
Barlow Woodseats Hall
Looking for the perfect wedding venue in 2024 and beyond? Barlow Woodseats Hall’s rustic and relaxing country barn offers exquisite views, beautifully manicured gardens, and a brand-new bridal suite. For an exclusive experience, they host only one wedding per weekend, ensuring that your special day is entirely yours.
New for 2024 is the midweek wedding package offer, available on Wednesdays throughout the year.
The venue also includes luxurious onsite holiday cottages, providing a complete and convenient experience for you and your guests. With a bespoke approach to each wedding, the dedicated team tailors every detail to your vision.
Enjoy the culinary delights of the onsite chef, who specialises in a range of new and exciting menu options.
Contact them on 0114 289 0720 to check availability and start planning your dream wedding!
Dunston Hall Estate
Tucked away on the edge of the Peak District in Derbyshire, Dunston Hall Estate has been gracefully restored to create a beautiful, authentic space in which you can gather with the ones you cherish the most.
This beautiful venue makes the perfect location for your dream wedding or that extra special event. It offers exclusive use of the hall and beautiful grounds. This includes all ten bedrooms and bathrooms, so your nearest and dearest can be with you throughout your stay.
The dedicated spaces, The Garden Room for your ceremony and The Stables for your reception, provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding day and are set within a space that feels like home.
Dunston Hall’s team are on hand to bring to life your dream wedding day, and ensure that you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Dunston Hall is the venue where “Together is a beautiful place to be”.
Eckington Civic Centre
Eckington Civic Centre is a licenced wedding venue offering a luxury for affordable prices. The venue allows you to transform the atmosphere to intimate, traditional or extravagant with decoration and little touches. In the package, you get an exclusive use of the venue with an option for wedding breakfast, buffet or sit-down meal.
• Civil Ceremony for up to 60 guests
• Reception for up to 180 guests
• Stage for band & entertainment
• Fully stocked bar
• Permission for photographs at Renishaw Hall & Gardens
Your day will be tailored to suit your requirements whilst the manager, Rosanna, will be on hand as a wedding co-ordinator.
NOW taking bookings for 2026! Contact them on 01246 432 770 or admin@eckingtonpc.gov.uk
The Greedy Greek
The Greedy Greek Deli is owned by the Mouzakis family and opened on Sharrow Vale Road in 2002 - this year they are celebrating over 20 years in business.
In that time it has continued to grow and evolve into more than just a deli. Today’s make authentic, fresh, homemade Greek food.
The deli is buzzing, keeping Dennis and the team on their toes with yummy wraps and delicious Greek meals – a chance to dine Mediterranean style.
Working with Just-Eat, Uber Eats and their own app, they provide an extensive delivery service.The family also have The Deli Direct, which caters for parties, weddings, business lunches, meetings, and now outside events with their mobile unit.
McAvoy & Beardsmore
Your wedding day deserves nothing less than perfection, and at McAvoy & Beardsmore, exceptional service is their promise.
Specialising in bespoke engagement rings and wedding bands, their experienced jewellers work closely with you to create timeless pieces that perfectly match your vision.
are committed to ensuring every detail is just right. The personalised approach means you’ll receive expert advice, tailored to your taste and budget.
Experience the difference that dedicated service can make – visit McAvoy &
The Maynard
The Maynard know how important the wedding food is to your big day. They’re delighted to announce a couple of new additions to the wedding food offer to really bring the wow and artisan producers who create the best, quality Peak District produce. That passion for local food is felt in every dish.
SHARING BOARDS: Instead of plated dishes served individually, the idea behind sharing boards is to cultivate connection over food. With this family-style way of eating everyone can tuck in and enjoy an array of tasty foods. Guests can choose what they like, making the dining experience more personalised.
To speak to one of the team about booking your wedding at The Maynard please email events@the-maynard.com or call 01433 424110.
* Or join them at the next wedding fayre on Sunday 29 September from 11am and the wedding showcase on Tuesday 1 October from 6pm
New Image
price point and wedding venue style.
“We are all so excited that wedding season is here and brides are more determined than ever to make their 2024 wedding a wonderful occasion,” said owner Lesley Taylor.
to make an appointment. It’s been a great season for hats and we’ve seen ‘hatinators’ become much more popular. More stylish than fascinators but not as restrictive as hats, they offer the best of both worlds.”
Brands include Condici, Ispirato and the highly sought-after Veni Infantino. Call 0114 234 4880 or visit www.new-image.co.uk
Barlow Woodseats Hall
Availability for 2022 and beyond
Rustic & relaxing country barn venue offering exquisite views, gardens, a new bridal suite and on site luxury holiday cottages. A bespoke approach to each and every wedding ensuring its exclusively yours.
Only one Wedding a week to ensure a dedicated service to only you. Onsite Chef, specialising in a range of new and exciting menu options.
From intimate to the extravagant, the traditional to unique, Barlow Woodseats Hall is dedicated to creating an unforgettable event that is individually yours.
Bring a little Mediterranean Sunshine to your Special Day, why not have a Wedding reception with delicious home-made Greek Food full of flavour?
Greek
Deli direct is part of the same company as The Greedy Greek Deli in Sheffield and for many years now our kitchens, as well as making great food for the Deli, Caters for Weddings, Events and party’s. We also have 2 mobile Deli/Street food vans also available for weddings.
Check out our web site www.greekdelidirect.co.uk Or give Helen a call on 07927673990 Great for any occasion The Greedy Greek Deli and Greek Deli Direct 418-420 Sharrow Vale Road, Sheffield, S11 8ZP
Autumn at The Maynard
Come and try our New Autumn menu launching on Wednesday 18th September
&
We can cater for any size wedding party at your chosen venue, hot or cold food and waitress service available if required. Main Road, Grindleford, S32 2HE Tel: 01433 424 110 enjoymore@the-maynard.com www.the-maynard.com
Steak and CHOUX
Young Chef 2024 (L-R): Andy Gabbitas, Marcus Ashton-Simpson, Joseph Barry, Neil Taylor, Ben Barber, and Len Unwin, Curriculum Team Leader of
Cthan steak with all the trimmings. But serving the perfect piece of beef is not always as easy as you may think.
It was a challenge put to the competitors Y Y in our annual Yooung Chef of the Yeear competition who were invited to The of a main course, with a sirloin steak at its heart, as well as two portions of a dessert centred around choux pastry.
W Wee’d had three chefs rise to the challenge - Ben Barber of the Maynard in Grindleford, Joseph Barry of The George in Hathersage, and John Robinson of the W Prince of Waales, Baslow. Unfortunately, John had to withdraw at the last minute due to illness leaving Ben and Joseph - who both work for the Longbow Restaurant Group ion which The Maynard and The George are part of - to go head to head. The fact that they were both friends as well, added extra spice.
competition and they promptly for a 10am start and quickly made themselves at home
College; if they had nerves, it didn’t show.
Judging the 120-minute cooking challenge was Len Unwin, Curriculum Team Leader of Catering and Hospitality
colleagues Andy Gabbitas and Neil Taylor, as well as Marcus Ashton-Simpson from Doncaster’sDN1DelicatessenandDining
Doncasters DN1 Delicatessen and Dining Room.
Ben had chosen to pair his sirloin steak with a mustard carrot puree, grilled broccoli and sun-dried tomato croquette and a brandy peppercorn sauce whilst Joe opted for accompaniments of fondant sweet potatoes, celeriac and baked apple purée, padrón peppers, purple potato crisps and a redcurrant jus.
For dessert, they both opted to make
dried raspberries as well as a mango sorbet. Joseph made a raspberry almond Chantilly with a raspberry coulis, frangipane and toasted almond crumb.
This is the third year running we’ve College; over the years the college has built a strong national reputation for educating dtiithttifti
membership of the Master Chefs of Great Britain.
Employers support the curriculum. In catering and hospitality, the MSK Professional Cookery Academy and the MSK Patisserie Skills Academy are backed by top chef and college alumnus Rupert
based business MSK Ingredients. They are part of the College’s award-winning employer skills academies programme, co-designed with employers, which runs dif across several ffferent curriculum subjects.
competitions such as Skills for Chefs, in partnership with the University of
leading culinary experts. The Silver Plate AA Restaurant, which earned an A College Rosette Highly Commended award, is open to the public and offffers high quality cuisine whilst training students in the skills that the industry needs and under the supervision of experienced staffff.
mark the end of the competition at 12pm, our chefs presented their dishes for the judges who then assessed them on working methods, preparation skills, adherence textures.
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A Celebrating the ARTS
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate was recently awarded a Gold Artsmark.
ward-winning independent school, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Gold Award from Artsmark, who are accredited by Arts Council England. Artsmark offer the only creative quality standard for schools and to achieve the award, QE had to develop their arts and cultural provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum.
On receiving the award, Helen Stephenson, Head of Creative Arts at QE said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Gold Artsmark Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education and are looking forward to growing our provision alongside Artsmark.”
Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said: “I would like to
congratulate Queen Ethelburga’s on their Artsmark Award. Becoming an Artsmark school demonstrates that through offering a broad, ambitious and creative curriculum, young people have the opportunity to develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
The school offers an ambitious provision of over 30 courses across art and design, music, drama and dance with numerous opportunities throughout the year to perform and compete in individual and team disciplines. With an impressive 39 per cent of their students choosing to pursue Creative Arts subjects for GCSE, BTEC, or A Level in 2023-24, it is perhaps no surprise that QE regularly achieves recognition in national competitions.
In 2023 alone, students achieved a win,
runner up, and a highly commended in the ISA Arts Young Musician Competition, two Competition, a win in the ISA Shakespeare the ISA Musical Theatre Competition, and a win in the ISA Band Competition. And in creative arts, QE students enjoyed wins in the ISA National Art competition for KS5 3D Design (2023), KS4 Sketchbook (2023), and KS5 Photography (2022 and 2023) as well as regional success in 2023 with ISA Northern Arts wins for KS5 2D Art, KS4 3D Design, KS4 Photography, and KS5 Textiles.
From little ACORNS...
Give your children the best possible start in life at these local establishments.
Birkdale School
personal values, a sense of responsibility and the ambition to be the best they can be, all strong foundations for life.
An exceptionally high level of pastoral care together with a strong Christian ethos explore all the opportunities open to them. Excellence is evident throughout the school, not least in the resources and outstanding teaching. With such close guidance and support, pupils develop intellectual curiosity, enjoy their lessons, gain excellent examination results and are well prepared for future study. Birkdale was awarded the highest grading of EXCELLENT in both academic achievement and personal development in a recent ISI report.
www.birkdaleschool.org.uk
Eckington School
Eckington School leaders believe that education is a young person’s passport to their future. This belief underpins the school’s aim to support its students, from age 11 to 18, as
Eckington’s Headteacher, Richard Cronin, works with leadership, staff and Chorus Trust specialists to foster a safe and positive environment in which everyone can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The school’s growing Sixth Form delivers a wide range of A-level and vocational courses, each year welcoming both Eckington students and young people from other local secondary schools to its dedicated and vibrant sixth form facility.
open evenings.
Hope Valley College
Hope Valley College is a secondary school that has the highest expectations for its young people. This includes their academic achievement, behaviour and attendance, and personal development as this will help them to unlock doors to their future. The Hope Valley approach works - Ofsted judged it to be a ‘good’ school last year, stating that students are ‘well prepared for the next stage of their education’.
Leaders and staff believe in nurturing the potential of every student, providing them
student is known by name, enabling each young person to shine. www.hopevalley.chorustrust.org/joinourschool to book your place.
Mount St Mary’s
Discover more at Barlborough Hall School and Mount St Mary’s College, an independent preparatory and senior school for all children aged 3-18.
Set in impressive grounds, The Mount is an idyllic place for children to grow into the fullness of the schools’ Jesuit vision, becoming good ‘Men and Women for Others’ from the moment they join aged three through to the end of Sixth Form at 18.
ensconced in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. Students are welcome to join them at any point in their educational journey, and boarding options are available for children aged 11 and above.
children, and to dis-cover more about what makes the Mount such a special place to live learn and work.
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE)
academic performance, QE College placed 1st in the North and 18th nationally for allprofessional theatre. that leaders are alert to their wel-fare needs.”
S. Anslems
For 135 years, S. Anselm’s has been the Prep in the Peak for boys and girls aged between 3 and 13, for day and boarding, for learning and nurturing for life.
and tomorrow. As part of the community in Bakewell, across the Peak District and beyond since 1888, S Anselm’s passionately believes the schools are stronger together.
S Anselm’s is a warm, nurturing and supportive community where children can be children, discover who they are and be themselves with unrivalled facilities like our innovation centre, sports hall, astro pitches, swimming pool and theatre.
Discover our school for yourself by booking a one-to-one visit at a time to suit you.
Thomas Rotherham
offer, ranging from Ancient History to Music Technology. The College also offers a choice programme, which is based at the new Sixth Form Centre at Winterhill School.
The campus is a superb setting with the historical architecture of the central building complemented by modern facilities, including an on-site sports centre, lecture theatre and large learning resources centre. Outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to participate in the diverse extra-curricular programme on offer. Not only do they have their own Progress Tutor, but they also have access to a huge support network.
Supported by a strong careers provision, students progress to higher education,
Visit www.trc.ac.uk
Prep in the PEAK
At the heart of Bakewell, S. Anselm’s is a warm, nurturing and supportive community.
or over 135 years, S. Anselm’s has been the Prep in the Peak - for boys and girls aged between 3 and 13, for day and boarding, for learning and nurturing for life.
At the heart of Bakewell, S Anselm’s is a warm, nurturing and supportive community where children can be children, discover who they are and be themselves with unrivalled facilities like our innovation centre, sports hall, astro pitches, swimming pool and theatre.
We offer the highest standards of education, combined with adventures, experiences and excitement that enriches pupils today and prepares them for whatever tomorrow holds. They emerge self-assured, interesting and considerate young people ready for their next steps.
Whatever the future holds for your child, we know that S. Anselm’s is the best place for the journey to begin. Discover our
school for yourself by booking a one-to-one visit at a time to suit you. more.
Well prepared for THE FUTURE
Excellence is evident throughout Birkdale School.
irkdale is a happy community where children thrive, individuals develop and journeys begin.
From their earliest years, our pupils acquire an appetite for knowledge, strong personal values, a sense of responsibility and the ambition to be the best they can be, all strong foundations for life.
An exceptionally high level of pastoral care together with a strong Christian ethos underpins daily life, and in this caring and as they explore the opportunities open to them.
Excellence is evident throughout the school, not least in the resources and outstanding teaching by professional and dedicated staff. With such close guidance and support, pupils develop intellectual
curiosity, enjoy lessons, gain excellent examination results and are well prepared for the future.
In class and beyond the classroom, life
and through a range of extra-curricular opportunities in music, drama, academic societies and outdoor pursuits, talents are encouraged to build on their strengths and be the best they can be.
Our children emerge as self-assured, interesting and considerate young people, enriched by a diversity of experiences and equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of life head on.
Discover Birkdale for yourself either by attending one of our Open Mornings, or booking a one-to-one visit where we can show you around the Prep or the Senior School, meet the Head and experience Birkdale more personally at a time to suit you.
Discover CROMFORD CANAL
Not only is it a place of outsanding beauty but is of great historial importance too. We spoke to the chairman of the Friends of Cromford Canal,
ow a picturesque and relaxing place to go for a countryside walk, Cromford Canal was once a buzzing hub of Derbyshire’s industry.
NConstructed by William Jessop and Benjamin Outram, the canal opened in 1794 and originally included four tunnels and 14 locks. It was 14.5 miles long and joined Cromford with the Erewash Canal at Langley Mill.
The northern stretch of the canal lies within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and is an attractive visitor
the towpath.
Because of the rich diversity of wildlife, the canal is designated as a site of special
year to keep the water open for the plants and insects which live in it, and to manage the banks.
Supporting the ongoing restoration of the canal are the Friends of Cromford Canal. In 2014, the group adopted two sections of the Canal - the Lower Hartshay section and the stretch from Codnor Park Reservoir through Ironville to Lock 5.
They run regular work parties on the canal and around Codnor Park Reservoir, which include litter management, scrub/ vegetation control, fence repair and painting canal features. The group also runs a short boat trip onbaord ‘Birdswood’, between Cromford Wharf and Leawood Pump House.
We spoke to chairman David Martin to
How important is this stretch of canal?
The Cromford Canal played a very important part in the Industrial Revolution and development of the southern Derwent and Northern Erewash Valleys at that time. It was built by Benjamin Outram and William Jessop senior in 1794 who were the most forthright engineers of their era, consequently the canal is built in two
hills with locks, and then from Codnor Park Reservoir it contours the landscape going around the hills, over the valleys, or through the hills in tunnels because it was quicker to travel with no locks.
The engineers used their knowledge mixed with an abundance of cheap labour – ‘The Navies’ – willing entrepreneurs, and locally sourced materials, the price of coal halved in Leicestershire when the Cromford opened up for operation. Their feats of technological innovation that they created on the northern section are our biggest headaches in the restoration of the canal today. The Butterley Tunnel and The Bull Bridge Aqueduct being the main ones. A whole plethora of industries sprang up around the canal from the many coal pits connected all along the canal to the Top Hat factory at Lea, Pinxton Pottery, several Lime Kiln sites, Arkwrights Mills were already at the top end, the Butterley Company steel works with the forge at Ironville, and the Barber Walker Colliery Company in Eastwood who alone employed 8,000 people in 12 pits.
The development of the tramways connecting the collieries to the canals was a crucial factor in the development of the one was the Crich to Fritchley Tramway and the others were the Portland Tramways connecting to the Cromford Canal at of containerism were developed.
I could go on because contained in its history there are many other examples of why it was such an important development in the day.
When did the Friends of the Cromford Canal group start?
The initial group was a sub-committee of the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association formed in 2001 then by May 2002 they had formed the Friends of the Cromford Canal. The previously original Cromford Canal Society had gone bankrupt in 1995.
How many people are involved?
We have around 700 paying members, some are lifetime members but of course history has altered the way in which people follow charities like ours nowadays, so we have around 3,000 Facebook followers and around 200 on X (Twitter).
What kind of work do you do?
stretch at Cromford notable things are dredging, maintenance of the canal, towpath repairs, weed management, sluice gate repairs, water leak repairs. We repaired and replaced the slewing wheel on Browns Swing Bridge the parts came from Spain believe it or not and it was delayed by the Brexit changes! We also
Aqueduct Cottage from our own funding. We run a trip-boat on this section which is like a business in itself this is completely
FEATURE
managed by our volunteers it’s our largest source of income. We also carry out masonry work and general maintenance to structures along the rest of the canal, installing benches, cutting hedges, planting trees, and of course repairing the towpaths.
What are you working on at the minute?
Our main project at the moment is working on the Beggarlee extension which is around a mile long of new canal connected to the end of the existing Cromford Canal in Langley Mill.
We are also working on the section from Aqueduct Cottage to Gregory’s Tunnel with the aim of putting a second smaller disabled access trip boat into action.
Are you reliant o n funding?
Yes we are reliant on funding. We recently
to attract larger funders but we only seemed to get grants up to a certain ceiling limit, so we have now disengaged because of the costs of using their services. It revolutionised the way in which we now approach this issue it also made us get all of our policies and practices up to date so now at least have a track record of being able to win bids and spend the money in an appropriate way. Alas building new canal
Ongoing work at the canal
The team in action
sections is not cheap so we have a small group of volunteers working on this but it’s far from ideal and without larger funding sources it will be slow going forwards.
Do you work with any other groups/ organisations?
Yes, we work closely with the Erewash Preservation & Development Association because they are connected to the Cromford Canal and also help us by lending us their work parties to work on the Beggarlee and other projects.
We are also working closely with the Waterways Recovery Group who are doing the main project infrastructure tasks on the Beggarlee project because they are geared up to do this type of work as a group of volunteers, we provide all the kit, their lodgings, and the necessary permits and planning permissions.
We also work with Countryside Services which is a franchise of Derbyshire County Council for the maintenance of the canal on the Northern section.
The Arkwright society, who manage the buildings on Cromford Wharf. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, The Canal & River Trust
who both manage different sections, and all of the local councils.
And you operate boat trips?
Yes, we operate Birdswood on the northern section. See our website –
The Friends of Cromford Canal
New memorial area
Parish update
Antiques Valuation & Discovery Days
We hold regular valuation days across the region where our specialists will advise free of charge. Items may also be left to be included in a specialist auction.
DENBY Denby Pottery Visitor Centre
First Saturday of each month 10am - 12pm
SWADLINCOTE Sharpes Pottery
First Friday of each month 2pm - 4pm
WIRKSWORTH Heritage Centre
Second Tuesday of each month 2pm - 4pm
ILKESTON Armstrong Antiques Centre
First Tuesday of each month 1pm - 3pm
MANSFIELD Mansfield Museum
First Thursday of each month 1pm - 3pm
ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH Ashby Museum
First Monday of each month 1pm - 3pm
Our team of valuers are also available at both our Derby and Bakewell offices to assist in all areas.
*Dates are subject to change
Enjoy An Antiques Buying Or Selling Experience.
Based in two very different Derbyshire locations our salerooms offer one thing in common, a great service and a fun antiques buying or selling experience.
- Auctions held every week throughout the year alternating between Spondon, Derby and Peak Village, Rowsley
- Viewing on Tuesday prior to the auction and also the morning of the auction
- Bid live on the internet from the comfort of your home or office
- Prices from £20 to £100,000’s means interesting finds for every pocket
- Bid in person or leave absentee bids
- Regular specialist auctions
ECO SOFAS
• Chairs •
Pumpkin SPICE
As autumn approaches, the warm, burnt orange hues of Pumpkin Spice take centre stage in home decor, offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication for the new season. This rich colour evokes the cosy essence of autumn leaves, making it a perennial favourite for the fall.
1.3m pumpkin autumn garland
£7.99. www.lights4fun.co.uk
9 .coxandcox.co.uk
1 TruGlow mottled orange LED autumn can footstool, £29.99. homescapesonline.com 3 botanical amber plant mister £10. www.el 6 Burnt orange dip dye taper dinner candl www k 8 The Bertie two-tiere pumpkin. www.my-furniture.com 10 Y YeesColou velvet cushion in rust orange £25. www.cultfu ndle trio. £26.99. www.lights4fun.co.uk 2 ted pouf Burnt orange round cotton knit fffe Hudson corrugated planters (set of two) £89.25. www.ivylinegb.co.uk 4 Ella James lajames.co.uk 5 Anya Aztec orange outdoor rug £16.99. homescapesonline.com le trio, £14.95. www.loriest.com 7 Pumpkin tea light holder in burnt orange, £22. ed feather chandelier in burnt orange, £790. coldharbourlights.com 9 Eva armchair in urs Loving Orange, Serene Peach paint £28 (one litre). yescolours.com 11 Share Fleur urniture.com
12 Pudding sofa, £1,545. www.loaf.com 13 wine glass in amber (set of two) £50. nkuku. cl k 16 Box of six Danish taper can £31. www.abodeliving.co.uk 18 Bridgman Su burnt orange sustainable velvet £349. www.c scented jar candle, £19.99. wayfair k 22 W
.co.uk ickstyle.co.uk
Burnt orange reversible velvet throw, £250. www.rockettstg com 15 Burnt orange and white braided bohemian outdoor ndles in burnt orange, £30. www.rebeccaudall.com 17 Jars T To o nbury three-seater sofa in orange £2,979. www.bridgman.co. cultfurniture.com 20 Besame metal legs chair in orange. bykok Woodland fern wallpaper £80. clarissahulse.com
eorge.co.uk 14 Thimma r scatter cushion £34.50. ouron orange pasta bowl uk 19 Robyn armchair in ket.com 21 Pumpkin pie
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Your local flooring specialist
Celebrating 15 Years on Sheffield Road, Dronfield Carpets & Floors would like to thank all their customers for their continued support.
The local privately-owned business specialise in the supply and installation of quality carpets, Karndean, LVT, wood and parquet flooring as well as artificial grass. They offer a wide range of floor coverings to suit all projects and budgets.
With a team of experienced sales staff and installers, Dronfield Carpets & Floors pride themselves on exemplary service from start to finish. This includes Free Design, Advice, Sampling, Measuring and no obligation quotations. They also offer a free @HOME service, bringing friendly, professional advice and sampling directly to your door.
Dronfield Carpets & Floors are stockists of Abingdon, Cormar, Victoria, Brockway, Ulster, Karndean, Distinctive, V4 & Ted Todd wood flooring, Leoline vinyls and much more….
PICTURED: Nile Crimmins (middle) and Chris Woodburn (second from right) of Palmer (second from left) and James Hope Gill, chairman of Skateboard England (third from right)
Salsa in the Square
Pictures courtesy Emma Lou Photography
LEFT: Peter Clark, managing partners of event sponsors Graysons Solicitors (left) and Councillor Jayne Dunn
Escape the CROWDS
Lesser known than the Cinque Terre but equally beautiful, Pete Thompson marvels at the northern Italian delights of Porto Venere.
he Ligurian Sea glistens under a clear blue sky as I admire a view of the colourful historic village of Porto Venere.
TI could not wish for a better vantage point to marvel at such a beautiful coastline across the calm turquoise water following a leisurely walk on Palmaria Island.
Nestled away in the Italian Riveira, near the border of Tuscany and Liguria, Porto Venere tends to be overlooked by the
nearby Cinque Terre.
I soon discovered they are missing out on a picturesque haven in a bay that was dubbed the ‘Gulf of Poets’ – due to the literary legends who drew inspiration from these shores.
Lord Byron, D.H. Lawrence, Percy Bysshe Shelley and George Sand were among the esteemed creative greats who found this stunning part of the world so alluring.
As I gaze out to where Lord Byron braved tempestuous waters to swim across the bay from Porto Venere to visit Shelley in the village of San Terenzo so many years ago, the welcome sight of a boat arriving at Palmaria Island captures my attention.
And before I know it, I am being treated like a nobleman after stepping on board for a tour around the bay with Associazione per il mare.
Prior to our voyage, sumptuous fresh oysters were served up along with mouthwatering mussels and pasta that had been cooked at the front of the vessel.
on a glorious day in an idyllic setting for lunch as we bobbed gently on the water –
lapping up the exquisite scenery and bright sunshine.
We were then treated to a cruise past the striking mix of brightly coloured houses in Porto Venere’s charming harbour, just of Saint Peter – which was transformed of Christianity and is a spectacular sight perched above the rocks by the sea.
Back on dry land, I meander through the narrow, winding cobbled backstreets, marvelling at ancient architectural wonders such as the Doria Castle – built around 1160 – and taking in jaw-dropping vistas in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
And all this just a stone’s throw from the Grand Hotel Portovenere – which very much lived up to its name during my magical stay.
Originally a 17th-century convent, the marina and the old town and is just a short boat or train journey away from the Cinque Terre.
I could never tire of the captivating views from the balcony of my room, or the smiles of the welcoming hotel staff who worked so meticulously throughout my visit.
There is a lovely laid-back feel in the hotel’s Palmaria Restaurant, where I sampled moreish freshly-baked focaccia, scrumptious pumpkin gnocchi and luscious octopus dishes.
day by clocking up the miles on the nearby scenic coastal hiking trails of the Cinque Terre – which we reached by train, as the choppy sea prevented us from taking the boat.
picture-postcard villages - Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore – along a rugged coastline and you are certainly rewarded for stretching your legs.
I can be guilty of turning a walk into a
this adventure after starting out from Monterosso as I took in the splendour of sharp cliffs overlooking the crystal-clear sea, small coves and an array of yellow, pink, green and orange homes.
It was only right that we raised a glass walk and a trip to the Possa Winery in Riomaggiore ended our excursion on another high note.
Heydi Bonanini spoke with passion high on the hillside as he showed us where 11 generations of his family have farmed land on steep terrain, producing top class wines that have won awards at home and overseas.
We sampled some of the fruits of his labour in an atmosphere tasting room, whetting the appetite for further Ligurian delights back in Porto Venere.
And sure enough I was in for another treat at the 3 Torri restaurant, where the seafood special was a shrewd selection as I sampled the very best of the local cuisine.
Porto Venere has been dubbed the Cinque Terre’s ‘sixth town’, but with natural beauty including quiet coves such ‘as Byron’s Grotto’ you can see why the great poet retreated here to escape the crowds.
Book your stay at the Grand Hotel Portovenere at www.portoveneregrand.com
New models, new looks and new engines... it’s all change in this month’s motoring column.
Model looks
as a top ten best-selling car in 2024 and one of the strongest sales performers in 2023 – is now set to impress customers again with a rejuvenated model line-up.
The new generation of HS models maintain MG’s reputation for offering customers the best possible overall value in the SUV marketplace. The petrol HS SE 1.5T is available from just £24,995 with the range-topping HS Trophy PHEV priced from £33,995. And, like all MGs, there is a generous seven-year/80,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty supported by a 160 strong dealer network.
The new MG HS ushers in a more sophisticated appearance, with a longer wheelbase overhangs, a rising shoulder line and a slim glasshouse.
Refreshing change
One of the most popular – and stylish – all-electric cars on the market, the Hyundai IONIQ 5, has been given a refreshed exterior and updated interior styling alongside new long range 84kWh and Standard Range 63kWh battery pack options, increasing the range to 354 miles.
Both 19” and 20” alloy wheel designs have been added to the spec list along with refreshed front and rear bumpers, redesigned front LED V-garnish, extended rear spoiler, rear wiper for increased visibility and slim Digital Side Mirrors (DSM).
The new interior layout features a sliding centre console with physical climate and heated seat buttons, pixel design door armrests, auto-dimming digital centre mirror, refreshed seat design and upholstery.
New IONIQ 5 also introduces two new colours into the range, Meta Blue Pearl and Ultimate Red Metallic. Prices start from £39,900.
Smart choice
smart is expanding its product portfolio with a third model – the smart #5.
As a multi-purpose, mid-size SUV, the smart #5 will open up a new segment for smart, catering to new target groups and consumers with an active lifestyle.
Designed by Mercedes-Benz Design, the vehicle will adhere to the smart design philosophy ‘love, pure, unexpected’, combining the unconventional smart aesthetic with robust functionality.
The vehicle’s exterior design is characterised by its boxy, upright
unexpected outdoor elements. Offering a great amount of space and premium comfort, the smart #5 is designed to take rising demand among customers leading
Core option
Volvo Cars is extending its EX30 range with the introduction of winning fully electric small SUV an affordable prospect for more customers.
Joining the established Plus and Ultra grades in the line-up, the new EX30 Core is available with two powertrains: Single Motor, with a driving range of up to 209 miles, and Single Motor
including a rear parking camera, rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights with active high beam and 18-inch alloy wheels. On-the-road prices are £32,850 for the Single Motor version and £37,050 for the Single Motor Extended Range.
The Diary
Comedy
Ha!Milton Jones
2 October
Buxton Opera House
buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
This is not a musical. Milton Jones is tone deaf and has no sense of rhythm, but at least he doesn’t make a song and dance about it. He has more important things to discuss. Like giraffes…and there’s a bit about tomatoes.
Events
Michael Palin: There and Back
13 October
Best-selling author and comedy legend Michael Palin is going back on the road, ten years since his last published diary. Michael unlocks volume four of his life and times, from 1999 to 2009. As the centuries change and Michael heads into middle age, he’s busier than ever. In this new show, with the help of rarely seen photos and video, Michael brings these momentous times to life as he talks through this latest Diary to take us backstage on this most productive decade of his life, whilst always, in the background, showing us the wider world, unimagined dangers.
Music
10CC
8 October
Buxton Opera House
buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Known for their impeccable live performances, their catalogue of hits sees the band seamlessly transition from art-pop to mock-reggae and impressively harmonised ballads, to prog rock epics Somewhere In Hollywood and Feel
Dance
Legends of the Dance Floor
14 October / Buxton Opera House buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Strictly Come Dancing legends
Brendan Cole, James Jordan, Pasha Kovalev, Vincent Simone and Ian Waite are to perform in a spectacular new show, Legends of The Dance Floor
Brendan, James, Pasha, Vincent and Ian have all headlined their own solo tours, but never before have they all performed together as professionals on one stage... until now!
In what promises to be a nostalgic celebration of Latin, ballroom, tango, rumba and so much more, the dance stars will be joined by an incredible supporting cast as they take us on a journey through their illustrious careers and Strictly highlights while reminiscing on how they became your Legends of The Dance Floor
Theatre
The Merry Wives of Windsor
5 October
Pavilion Arts Centre, Buxton buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
Sir John Falstaff, everyone’s favourite Shakespearean sleazeball, has fallen on
plans to seduce the wives of two wealthy merchants. But, wise to his wily ways, the ladies take the opportunity to punish Falstaff by playing a series of hilarious tricks on the nincompoop knight.
anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on this classic comedy.
Young Frankenstein
16-19 October
The Montgomery Theatre & Arts Centre www.ellesmeremtc.co.uk
Frederick, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. Alongside hunchback henchman Igor and glamorous assistant Inga, he tries to resist the mistakes of his ancestors. Eventually he succumbs and his with monstrous consequences. Whether you’re familiar with the new to the stage show, you’ll love this monstrously funny musical comedy by the creators of The Producers.
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