Buxton Civic Association Newsletter Issue 36 Spring 2017 1967 Celebrating Fifty Years 2017 My Visit to Poole’s Cavern in the 1950’s—By Brian Lawrence Poole’s Cavern in 1971, five years after it closed and six years before BCA rescued it. The building in the picture has now been demolished but Brian refers to it in his article. Photo—from BCA Archive Brian Lawrence and his team of volunteers are currently updating the Archive.
In grim post-war austerity Britain, my mother sent me one summer from Nottingham to Buxton, to stay for two weeks with her cousin, Mrs. Appleton, in Crowestones. I travelled by bus, one of those splendid pre-war rounded coaches with plush seats. I got off next to the Crescent. In Crowestones, across the road, lived my great-aunt, Mrs. Lee, whose husband, Fred, was manager of Lennards shoe shop in Spring Gardens. It was the tradition that every Sunday afternoon Uncle Fred would lead his family on a walk through Buxton. Sometimes it was Ashwood Dale Park, sometimes the Pavilion Gardens, then totally enclosed by iron railings and where we paid one penny to enter through the turnstile next to the Opera House. This Sunday, he led us up Green Lane to Poole’s Cavern, where we entered through the turnstile on the road, and into a strange collection of white marble statues and urns, and some half-wooden kiosks, very Gothic in design. The most fascinating was the quaint building near the kiosk now called the Monkey House. It contained a collection of weird objects, fascinating to a schoolboy, the strangest being a doubleheaded stuffed lamb. I can’t remember whether we entered the Cavern itself then or later, but when we did squeeze through the entrance, emerging into the first huge chamber, it was like suddenly being transported to another world. It was so cold. It was wet; the paths and steps were slippery. The string of gas lamps emitted a soft yellow glow, which mellowed the surrounding limestone. The guide, using a long stick-hook, switched off lamps as we progressed, switching on the next few. So we were trapped, between the darkness behind, and the unknown darkness ahead, inducing claustrophobia and a hint of fear. What we then saw in the various chambers is much as today (though greatly enhanced).
Leaving the Cave, we walked down Temple Road, Broad Walk, and back to tea at Crowestones, at my cousin’s house where the trains literally chugged past the back door. 1
THE EARY YEARS
It’s a whole Family Thing, 50 years involved with BCA. An Interview with Angela Wills By Alyson Phillips I was fortunate to spend a cosy winter’s morning talking with Angela about memories of her long and important connections with BCA. Her husband, Jerome Wills, was Chair of our organisation from 1982 until 1987. However the commitment of the whole family, from the very inception of BCA is very evident. It is Buxton’s good fortune that they chose this town to make their home when Jerome started work with ICI. Campaigning for Solomon's Temple His chairmanship of BCA coincided with the crisis over Solomon’s Temple. It was surrounded by scaffolding and everyone was forbidden to go up the tower. It became the talk of the town and BCA discussed ways to save it. Angela recalls how schools were encouraged to be involved. The Wills' children turned their dining room into a 'museum'. They had syrup tins for the money and charged, mainly friends, to look at old bones and birds’ nests to raise funds. 50th Anniversary Book and Family Memories
A well-managed path through the spectacular display of bluebells where we hope to place one of the new oak seats. Angela recollects discussions over the designation of the SSSI and decisions over paths. People had roamed in the woods wherever they liked and the choice of which routes to surface with stone was a hard decision and one we continue to debate. The needs of all our visitors have to be considered. Improved paths now provide better access for less mobile visitors but there are still opportunities to discover the path 'less travelled’ through our woods. Angela is really pleased with the way the access to the woods is managed today. The Importance of Volunteering
This involvement of children was also seen as a priority in tree planting schemes in our woods. Archive photographs in Olive Middleton’s new book, celebrating 50 years of BCA ,'Remember the Past, Shape the Future', clearly show the commitment of whole families, litter picking etc. A photograph of Ivor Morton, the Chair, and Jerome working together, when Poole’s cavern was first obtained, reminds Angela of how much these memories mean to her children. She thanks Olive for recalling these campaigns in her book so that they can be shared with a new generation.
Angela has always been a keen woodland volunteer and remembers working with Wilfred Howard and the Task Force Workforce that built the bridge in our Sherbrook Wood. She stresses the importance of the woodland and volunteering for helping to restore a better quality of life. Working with nature and sharing coffee and biscuits and human fellowship is nurturing. The tradition for the last Monday in the month for woodland volunteering remains important to Angela. It is a long standing commitment for many of our woodland volunteers.
More Woods and a Cavern!
Many members will have enjoyed Angela’s tree identification walks, another way she has worked to encourage people to share in the beauty of our woods.
BCA had been given the woods by the Duke of Devonshire and their upkeep was a problem. Angela recalled Jerome returning from a meeting and telling her that the Duke had given BCA another wood. She remembers thinking, “…are you sure you really want another wood? They are so very expensive to manage.” However Poole’s Cavern, which had been closed for eleven years, was offered to BCA by its owner. Poole's Cavern and the Visitor Centre has gone on to provide a valuable income stream that supports the management of the flora and fauna of the original plantations. 2
We are really excited and grateful for the beautiful carved, oak seat that Angela has purchased for Corbar Woods, dedicated to the memory of her husband, Jerome Wills, Chairman of Buxton Civic Association 1982 -1987. The Woodland Volunteers meet on the last Monday of each month from 9.30 to 12.00. Please contact Kirsten Williams at Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre 01298 26978
PLAYING OUR PART IN THE TOWN
News From Our Committees Please remember all members are welcome to join the BCA committees which aim to meet approximately six times a year. Please contact Poole's Cavern Visitor Centre 01298 26978 if you would like to join one of the committees or email: communications@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk
Corporate Affairs Committee Mike Monaghan commented on the success of the project to update the toilets in our visitor centre. The addition of a new toilet, that is accessible to pre-booked groups, when Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre is closed, means that the schoolroom can be hired for late meetings. Concerns have been raised over people taking dead wood and fallen branches from our woods. New interpretation boards, explaining the importance of leaving nature to restore the ecosystem within the woodland environment are due to be installed along the woodland trails. Hopefully this will convince visitors that the wood is very much wanted – just where it is. Members from this committee have been involved with other Buxton Groups in writing joint letters to High Peak Borough Council concerning the closure of facilities at the Pavilion Gardens in January. The positive result of this has been the establishment of more face to face meetings with members of the council. It was noted that visitor numbers have increased in what were traditionally quieter times of the year, January-March and September-December. Alan Walker, General Manager, said this had been reflected throughout the Peak District with an increased number of day visitors. We have provided extra tours and staff to respond to this growing enthusiasm for the British Countryside ‘staycation’. We continue to have very positive feedback from visitors about the new sculptures on the main paths through Grin Woods. We look forward to more sculptures and even a sculpture trail one day.
Planning Committee BCA was one of many organisations and individuals who objected to the resubmission of an earlier application for building on Macclesfield Old Road, in Burbage, and this application has been refused. (HPK/2016/0597) Concerns continue to be expressed about Nestle at Lightwood. Nestle have drilled another borehole and constructed a new pumping house. (HPK/2015/0318) BCA objected to Nestle's previous request for retrospective planning permission and this application is also retrospective. BCA considers that Nestle should stop applying retrospectively and inform residents in advance of their plans. High Peak Borough Council should consider applying conditions to Nestle, such as refusing to accept any further retrospective applications. BCA also questioned how many boreholes Nestle intends to drill in this area? BCA also suggests that there is a requirement to remove any obsolete borehole huts and make good the surrounding land to a pre-development condition. Further we would suggest that a condition is attached to the proposed development to return the land on this site to its former condition once the useful life of this borehole has come to an end. BCA objects to this application.
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NEWS FROM THE COMMITTEES Woodlands Committee Alan Walker kept the committee up to date with repair work on the trees and dry stone walling. Much of this had been completed before the winter rains to stop paths being washed away and the terrain being laid bare. The enthusiastic woodland group volunteers, who meet on the last Monday of each month, have worked on tidying the wood from fallen or felled trees that is obstructing paths. The branches have been put into piles that encourage the natural environment and encourage development of the habitat. The management of the glades resulted in spectacular flowers in 2016 and we look forward to this unique and scientifically protected flower show in this SSSI again in 2017. The new interpretation 'panels' are designed to be changed with each season and will inform visitors accurately about, for example, the natural life cycles in the woodlands and glades.
WANTED—JUST WHERE IT IS
Membership and Community Committee We have been organising a real celebration for the 50 th Anniversary of the BCA. On Thursday 18th May we are looking forward to as many members as possible enjoying an evening together. We will have remembering exhibitions of our current projects, a display from our archive and the opportunity to share with friends in the association and our guests ways we can continue to preserve and protect our unique town. We are currently involved in making a short film promoting the BCA to raise our profile and increase our membership. We also hope to make a film of our first 50 years to explain the importance of the civic movement and use our archive to educate and inform a new generation. We continue to organise monthly talks, and or walks, on the third Thursday of each month and would welcome any suggestions for speakers.
Frog Orchid—Grin Low SSSI glades summer 2016
Places and Spaces – Sub Committee With the contents of the report from this sub-committee making its way onto the front of the Advertiser with a 'Grot Spot' feature, late last year, our aim, 'to help the HPBC and other interested be parties more accountable for the care of Buxton,' is progressing. An example of the concerns that have been flagged up by the group is the waterfall in the Serpentine Walks. Initially this was a small problem with the river bank which has now been fenced off as it has had time to establish a new course. Projects also include a blue plaque scheme, extreme litter picking and creating a Green Space of the Week which could be publicised through Facebook and the BCA website. More information about the 'Gateways' to Buxton can also be found here. There are also videos of interviews, made by the group. They have discussed the changing face of our local area with people who have lived many years in this beautiful county and have more interviews planned. Members of Places and Spaces have had the opportunity to meet James Beresford from Visit England and Liz Mackenzie, Events Manager, to discuss the 'public face' of the Crescent. 4
CONCERNS FROM MEMBERS
The Mystery of Dog Poo Decorations Wherever we walk we share the countryside with dogs. Dog walkers are our eyes and ears in the Country Park, reporting any changes, walking the paths and trails regularly and exploring many of the less used footpaths as their pet discovers scents left by other members of ‘the pack’. What is less easy to understand is why these ‘poop sacks’ need to be displayed for all to see. They decorate walls and branches and are found stuffed in hollows. Perhaps this dog walker left the gift prominently so that it wasn’t forgotten on the return trip but then went home by a different route – maybe?
What to do about dog poo? Please just take it home with you!
The Fountain on Market Street.
Eagle Parade Drinking Cistern aka The Fountain of Fountain Street We are continuing to look into the history of this fascinating fountain. Few Victorian cisterns could claim to have a street named after them but this fountain is THE fountain of Fountain Street. In 1840 'a waterworks' was established by the Duke of Devonshire when fresh water was first piped to the Market Place.Well dressing was celebrated in only one or two villages in Derbyshire by the 19th century and introduced in Buxton in 1840, "to commemorate the beneficence of the Duke of Devonshire who, at his own expense, made arrangements for supplying the Upper Town, which had been much inconvenienced by the distance to St Anne's well on the Wye, with a fountain of excellent water within easy reach of all". (The Derby Mercury. 1858). After 1962 the fountain really was in a sad state. The taps and cast iron or lead interior had been removed. Some inappropriate repairs had been carried out using sand and cement for capping. The decorative urn had been removed for safety. What are your memories of the Fountain? It has been covered by flowers during the Well Dressing Festival and tucked between rides when the bustling Buxton Fair bursts onto the Market Place accompanied by the carnival. Do you ever remember water flowing from its taps? Do you remember anyone from your past talking about when the railings were removed? How remarkable it would be if we could restore this important fountain to its original condition. Celebrating the importance of the water that springs from hot and cold springs, the source of our town. Please contact Adam Bench (Corporate Affairs Committee at BCA) at Poole’s Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton SK17 9DH Tel 01298 26978 or email contact@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk. BCA MEMBERS’ TALK Adam will be talking about The History of the Fountain on the Market Place on Thursday 16th March at 7.30pm at Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre. 5
MEMBERS’ TALKS—NESTLE WATERS The meeting was introduced by Mike Monaghan who stressed the importance of Nestle to the town and this was evident by the record attendance at a Members’ Talks Evening with over sixty people packed into our cafe area. Mike stressed the importance of the old Lightwood Reservoir as a precious wildlife resource and that this was a 'positive opportunity for Nestle because BCA has such extensive local knowledge about woodland management through years of caring for our woods'. Nestle owns fifteen factories in the UK, processing many famous brands such as Kit Kat, Nescafe and Shreddies. It employs 8000 people and has a turnover of £2.7 billion. Nestle Waters is a global organisation with a single vision - for people to buy bottled water drinks instead of sugary drinks. They focus in the UK on the quality of the mineral water and spring water which people drink. Pure Life was launched in 2008 and is the biggest selling spring water. Five billion litres sold a year. Nestle Waters is the biggest seller of bottled water in the world. Interestingly, over half of the global volume comes from local brands and consequently Nestle Waters is consistently in need of new local sources of spring water. In 2011, 1 in 5 units consumed were bottled water but in 2015 this had risen to 1 in 4. The Buxton plant employs 230 people. 30% have only joined the company in the last two years and they are mostly ‘young talent’. Thirty four of their new starters are under thirty. They have six engineering apprentices. Employees are proud of their workplace and family open days and visits from local community groups, including BCA, reinforce this. The water used is from two weeks to 30,000 years old. Buxton Water is towards the older end as it fell as rain 5,000 years ago before the pyramids and the pollution of the first Industrial Revolution and beyond. Buxton Water flows naturally to the surface in a continuous process and the flow has been measured for hundreds of years. Nestle has a licence to take it ‘at source’. It is 1.5 km to the aquifer. Bottled water has to have a specific underground source, is safe without treatment and only has ‘limited’ treatment like filtration. The only legal difference is that a natural mineral water has been measured for over 100 years. Charlie Roberts, the plant manager, stated that Nestle plan days of action encouraging colleges and local charities to enhance the biodiversity of the Lightwood site. They want to promote community based events in the Peak District. Nestle want to promote the purity of the environment their water comes from. They have a website page for community and environmental initiatives and will promote their visibility in the Buxton carnival and Wells Dressing. Some of our questions A question about concerns over Nestle’s promotion of baby milk was asked and offer was made to send an official statement from the company as a response. Adam - “What are their proposals for the historic pump house? This was erected by the Buxton Water Company and is a listed building. Would you be interested to liaise about the historic fountain on the Market Place?” Steve - “Are you aware that there are 250 species of insects that can be doubled and tripled with conservation, stewardship and partnership.” Peter- “Lightwood is of huge importance to local people. Can public access be guaranteed? Severn Trent were under an obligation due to the Water Act, passed to you on purchase of the site.” “Are Nestle interested in the Rockhead Spring at Cowdale?” “What more can be done about the vast number of plastic bottles?” Jonathan – “Why do you have a new planning application in for a borehole at Lightwood?” Wendy- “There are less owls due to the noise. What can you do to reassure us about the levels of noise?” Alyson- “Nestle bought Buxton Water in 1992 now in 2017 you have been here for 25 years. How can you celebrate this anniversary? What can you give back to Buxton? 6
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Mike thanked the staff from Nestle for a really informative talk and hopes that Nestle will continue the relationship. Charlie welcomed the suggestion that the talk could be an annual event and Mike hopes that BCA is seen as ‘a critical friend’ in this community. This week we received this email from Scott Reid, Nestle's Environment & Sustainability Officer. Dear Members of BCA, During the Q&A session there were some areas we committed to coming back to you and your members on. Please see below additional information on the questions raised; General comments regarding Nestlé activities globally Nestlé is committed to creating shared value, the following link is a useful resource on how Nestlé conducts business around the world. http://www.nestle.co.uk/csv2015/introduction Comment / Question on Local Planning Permissions We seek planning permission in accordance with our legal requirements and keep the local authority updated on our borehole work at Lightwood. We will continue to do so in the future. Comment / Questions on Lightwood Plans and Information In the short term, we are taking actions to improve the safety of the site. As we develop the site management plan over the coming weeks and months, our priorities are to protect water quality and promote environmental stewardship. To achieve this, we will be consulting with a range of stakeholders in this process including Buxton Civic Association. During these consultations, we would welcome any ideas for the site, for example, the specific question on the pump house; we can then take this feedback into our internal planning meetings and review all stakeholder ideas shared, as we look for the best solutions to help move forward. We are also planning for an information board to be installed at the entrance to the site, which will include safe walking routes and other relevant, useful information for members of the public accessing the site. On the question of access, we will continue to permit access for considerate users of the site to enjoy the nature and wildlife currently present. Global Recycling Question Nestlé Waters have two key global initiatives that promote recycling. The first one is R-Generation; this programme helps children understand the importance and benefits of recycling valuable resources, particularly plastics. In the UK we have taken the R-Generation programme to a number of primary and secondary schools in the Buxton area. The second one is our support of the Trash Free Seas Alliance (TFSA). The TFSA is a dynamic partnership of industry, environmentalists, and the scientific community, led by the NGO Ocean Conservancy. Nestlé and Nestlé Waters specifically supported the Alliance in 2016 on a key initiative which tested efficient waste collection systems in critical marine litter areas. Community Events / Opportunities for Nestlé Waters to get involved with. We are currently considering a number of opportunities. We will be discussing these internally over the coming weeks, and we can share more information with you once our plans are confirmed. Thank you again for inviting us to speak and engage with your members. I will be in contact next to inform you of the details and invite you to join one of our stakeholder meetings regarding Lightwood. In the meantime, if you or your members have any specific thoughts and ideas please don’t hesitate to share them. We look forward to continuing to work together in the local community here in Buxton.
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MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNICATIONS
WHAT DO I GET FOR MY MEMBERSHIP?—REASONS FOR JOINING BCA FREE ENTRY TO POOLE'S CAVERN. Remember our guided tours are given by very knowledgeable guides not electronic apps! They deviate from the script to share their own enthusiasms, preferences and ‘must see moments.’ They make every tour an individual experience to celebrate this spectacular show cave.
It provides a valuable income stream that supports the management of the flora and fauna of the original plantations created by past Dukes of Devonshire. Thank you for helping to support our beautiful home town of Buxton. Reason for joining? WE CARE ABOUT WHERE WE LIVE.
FREE PARKING. “ If put my membership card on the dashboard for my free parking how do I claim my 10% discount in the café?” That’s easy. The café staff quickly get to recognise their regular customers and if you just say you’re a member that’s fine. If you can remember your membership number and quote it that’s even better. Above all we want you to feel welcome. Enjoy good coffee and snacks in a bright, clean and relaxed environment.
Buxton Civic Association General Manager: Alan Walker at Poole’s Cavern 01298 26978 Board Members:
KEEPING IN TOUCH There is our Newsletter but for more frequent updates follow us on Facebook where you will find out about details of our free Members’ Talk Nights – Third Thursday of each month, opportunities for visits e.g. to the Crescent or the Nestle Bottling Plant and updates about our latest campaigns. Visit our website ww.buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk or email admin@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk.
Chair: Dr Mike Monaghan Secretary: Martin Wragg Treasurer: Brian Shawcross Planning: Jonathan Davey, Alan Roberts Woodlands: Peter Phillipson
Come and visit us at PCVC (Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre) and talk to us about more ways to get involved.
Community and Membership: Mike Wilde Newsletter: Alyson Phillips, Simon Fussell
Archives: Brian Lawrence All our members play a vital role in BCA by supporting this charity with annual subscriptions. Your donation helps care for some of Buxton’s most enduring assets.
Environment: Andy Banks Heritage: Adam Bench
Editor
Alyson Phillips
communications@buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk
BCA1967
Contact
BCA, Poole’s Cavern, Green Lane, Buxton, SK17 9DH
Registered charity number in England and Wales 258163 8