Ilkeston Life Newspaper August 2016

Winnie’s 100th birthday

20p where sold

AUGUST 2016

A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area Now also available in Long Eaton, Sandiacre and Derby

Ilkeston celebrates its latest centurion this month when Winifred (Winnie) Potter reaches the 100 milestone on August 3.

Born in Blake Street in 1916 (the year of the Battle of The Somme) Winnie moved to Cossall when she married husband Leslie and spent many happy years in the village with Les and son David before moving back to her current home in Ilkeston where she still lives.

The Queen has been informed (!) and the big day will be spent celebrating with friends and family.

Ilkeston Life would like to send congratulations and best wishes to Winnie and we look forward to many more birthday celebrations to come.

Visit our website: ilkestonlife.com

All sorts of scarecrows and well dressings in West Hallam Crowds of people were drawn to West Hallam to see the annual well dressings and scarecrow trail.

One of the more unconventional scarecrows was in the form of Bertie Bassett, the liquorice allsorts man.

A hundred years of Cub Scouts was celebrated in flowers with a striking well dressing incorporating the official centenary logo and cub badges. (More pics on our Facebook page..)

Dennis in charity bike ride to Skegness 3 hours, 32 minutes and 30 seconds— that’s how long it took Ilkeston chip shop owner Dennis Jackson to cycle to Skegness, raising £1,350 for local charity Treetops Hospice Care.

Dennis, 78, has run Jacksons Chippie on Market Street for 54 years and has combined his love of cycling and fundraising for several years, as he explained: “When I first starting doing it twenty years ago, it was a race and I used to ride it with 40 or 50 other riders. I decided I had a captive audience with my customers who would be happy to guess my race time for £1 and the nearest guess wins a prize of £30, £20 or £10 worth of fish and chips. They all like to have a little bet and the money goes to a good cause,” Dennis continued: “It isn’t a race anymore but my son Harvey asked if he could ride it with me so we’ve done it together for twelve years for different charities. It keeps me fit – it’s 73 miles - and it’s good for the customers.”

Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Their services, provided free of charge, include a

Day Care unit open Monday to Friday where nurses, health care assistants and volunteers support people with progressive life-limiting illnesses.

Former Jacksons employee, Ann Shooter, asked Dennis to ride for Treetops this year as she attends Day Care each Wednesday at the Risley-based hospice: “I worked for Dennis back in the 1980s and I knew he was thinking of a local charity to support. They do so such good work at Treetops so I suggested them. It’s brilliant there. We have a laugh and a joke and they can’t do enough for you.”

The cheque was presented to Treetops’ community fundraiser Hannah Taylor alongside a gathering of current and former staff, chip shop regulars and Dennis’s wife Margaret.

Hannah thanked Dennis explaining how important his fundraising has been: “We’re thrilled that Dennis chose Treetops this year. This money will make such a difference to the hospice as we have to raise over £3million each year so we can continue to offer all our services to local people for free. A big thanks from us to him and all his customers!”

Sunday 14th August: Erewash Partnership’s 4th Ilkeston Heritage & Classic Vehicle Show in the town centre from 10am till 4pm

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Mary’s warm memories Local

Independent Fresh Entertaining

I

f you don’t get a copy through your door, Ilkeston Life is available online and from various outlets including newsagents, shops, cafes, Post Offices and supermarkets in our growing circulation area. Besides Ilkeston, we are currently supplying: KIRK HALLAM COTMANHAY SHIPLEY VIEW HALLAM FIELDS STANTON-BY-DALE DALE ABBEY WEST HALLAM STANLEY

STANLEY COMMON AWSWORTH COSSALL TROWELL SANDIACRE LONG EATON DERBY (Poynton’s, Market Hall)

We deliver free copies to Ilkeston Community Hospital and local care homes.

Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston Tel: 07539 808390 Editor: Robert Attewell ilkestonlife@gmail.com or robert@ilkestonlife.com Staff feature writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Staff photographer: John Shelton john@ilkestonlife.com Advertising manager: Paul Opiah sales @ilkestonlife.com or paul@ilkestonlife.com Webmaster: Adam Newton adam@ilkestonlife.com © Copyright 2016 The material in Ilkeston Life is protected by copyright. If you wish to reproduce anything, please contact the editor.

While every care is taken to be accurate, we are only human and mistakes do occur occasionally.

If you are unhappy with any of the content in the paper, please contact the editor in the first place. We accept news and information from correspondents in good faith and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. We try not to include stories which may cause distress to anyone. If you have a view on any of the articles, please write and let us know. Your letters are always welcome, but we reserve the right to withhold or edit. Anonymous letters will only be printed in exceptional circumstances.

Deadline for adverts and editorial contributions for next month’s paper: Monday 15th August (unless by arrangement). Send to us by email if possible: ilkestonlife@gmail.com

Read-all-about-it Ron says

Sorry if your news or picture is not in this issue, or if your article is smaller than you were hoping for. July is an extremely busy month event-wise, so pressure on space has been exceptional, even in this enlarged edition.

Articles received earliest always stand the best chance of being printed. We received many on, just before or even after deadline day, and when this happens, inevitably some of them have to be left out. Look out for them though on our Facebook page or website.

2 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Audrey Draper was the first cashier at the Ritz cinema on South Street when it opened in 1938. She met Victor McLagen at the opening. He was fellow actor and friend to John Wayne and worked on numerous films with him, The Quiet Man being a favourite and probably the most well known of them all.

Audrey’s daughter Mary was eight years old at the time and Audrey told her all about it.

Mary spent many hours in the Ritz Cinema in Ilkeston and also the one in Langley Mill and The Regent in Kimberley. Audrey only spent a short time at the Ilkeston Ritz before moving to work at the other two cinemas.

Mary used to go on her own on the bus to Kimberley and Langley Mill from the age of nine or ten years old. She was always given the best seat in the house and a free ice cream by the staff. When Goodbye Mr Chips was on Mary went every afternoon for two weeks to see it in the school holidays. She tells me now she never wants to see it again.

At this time Mary lived in Awsworth with her mum and dad and also went to school there. But this was all to change in the next few years when the war began. Sadly, Mary’s dad was killed at Dunkirk. He was in the Territorial Army Sherwood Foresters regiment. Mary was only ten when he died.

Mary and her mum then moved to Cossall to live with her granddad who worked at the colliery. Her aunt and uncle also lived with him. Mary’s mum went to do war work at the Rolls Royce factory which later became Meridian and now of course is Armstrong’s Mill.

In 1944 Mary left school and went to work in Nottingham at Woolston Book Company.

She had received a very good reference from her headmaster Mr Winterbottom on leaving school and this together with the fact that her mum had also worked for the company when she was a young girl, got her the job. The company was situated in Byard Lane In Nottingham. Mary worked as a typist and bookkeeper. She stayed there for approximately five years. Mary still has the letter from her old headmaster.

Mary used to spend many hours out in the countryside riding her bike. Of course it was much safer then and hardly any traffic about.

From when she was fifteen, she would leave home about 7.30 on a sunny morning and ride to Nottingham to Clifton Boulevard to meet her friend and they would cycle to work together. They would then cycle into the city centre on Castle Boulevard and ride home again after work.

In the winter she would go in on the buses with their windows blacked out so their lights couldn’t be seen at night.

Another favourite pastime for Mary was skating. She used to go to Nottingham Ice Stadium three times a week until she got married. She has met Torville and Dean many times over the years. The first time she met them was at the Ice stadium and she asked if they would sign her programme, which of course they did.

Later on Mary worked for Cox and Moore in Long Eaton. She worked for the company for 25 years. Cox and Moore supported Torville and Dean and supplied them with clothes for training and as Mary was on the switchboard she always got to greet them as they came in. She remembers when they won their Gold Medal in 1984 every one applauded as they walked into the factory.

Mary also liked swimming and it was a chance meeting at Ilkeston’s Outdoor Swimming Baths when she was sixteen that was to change her life forever. Mary was standing

by Patricia Spencer

Husband Ken was shocked to find out the fire was at his house . . .

on the side of the pool when a young man pushed her in. Mary did not find it funny at the time. Anyone who remembers the outdoor baths, next to the Town Hall will know how cold they always were.

Ken O’Connor, the young man, who was a year older than Mary, told her he was joining the navy for training in the next few weeks.

Mary remembers thinking she could not care less where he was going, after pushing her so unceremoniously in the pool.

That feeling soon changed however when he came back on leave and she saw him in his uniform outside the picture house chatting to a group of girls. Mary thought he looked wonderful in his uniform. But when Ken asked Mary out, for some reason she said no.

However Ken only had eyes for Mary and when he was posted to Bermuda, he persuaded Mary to write to him, just as pen friends to start with from 1949 until his service in Bermuda ended in 195l. By the time they met up again Mary was already in love with him.

Meanwhile In 1949 Mary got her passport and went to visit a pen friend in Holland.

She travelled to the Hook of Holland on her own then caught a train to Eindhoven where her friend lived. This was only four years after the war had ended and Mary’s ship had to follow a Minesweeper across the channel to make sure they were not blown to smithereens.

Mary remembers looking down from the side of the ship and looking for the mines under the water.

In 1952, Mary and Ken were married at Wollaton Church when Mary was 21. When Ken left the Navy he joined the Derbyshire Fire Service and remained there for twentyeight years. He spent the last two years at Littleover Fire Service headquarters.

In 1984 when Ken retired they travelled to America and toured the country with some friends from Ohio. They called in at many Fire Stations along the way, making friends and collecting buttons and badges from their uniforms for their collection from each one.

Mary said the firemen they met in America told them the English Firemen were the best trained in the world.

Mary and Ken loved to dance at the Ilkeston Co-op, Sherwood rooms and the Palais De Dance in Nottingham. Mary still loves to go to any Big Band performances in the area.

In 1998 Mary sadly lost Ken and although they had travelled all over the world on holiday she had never been to Bermuda where Ken had been stationed for part of his Service in the navy, and of which he had talked about so fondly. They had never found the time to go together to Bermuda, So, in 2000 Mary made up her mind to go alone on a pilgrimage to his memory. She flew from Gatwick to Bermuda to visit the area. She stayed at a fully inclusive hotel around the

corner from the Elbow Beach Colonial Club.

Mary still has a card that Ken brought back from Bermuda promoting this club.

Once there, Mary made her way to the Club with the help of directions given to her from the helpful staff at the hotel, and took the card to the reception desk to show them and told them about her husband spending a lot of time there in 1949-1951. They were delighted to meet Mary and took her on a guided tour of the shopping mall and swimming pool areas. They were really kind and looked after her really well.

Mary visited the local fire station in Bermuda where they also made her very welcome and gave her some of their buttons and badges to bring home.

This visit to Bermuda has always been very special to her because she knew Ken was very happy when he was stationed there.

Ken loved his football and was Secretary of West Hallam Football Club for 37 years and always used to joke: Football was his full time job, the Fire Service was his part time job and Mary was his hobby.

This I thought was the end of my article about Mary and Ken, but just as I was about to leave, Mary’s son Jeremy came back from shopping and wanted to add a little story of his own that he knew his mum would not have told me about.

One evening there was a shout at the fire station and Ken was driving the vehicle.

They did not know at first where they were going but then a message came through to say it was West Hallam so they headed in that direction. The next message said it was on Ken’s street. ‘What number is it?’ the reply came back: it was Ken’s home. He put his foot down and Jeremy says he passed an MG sports car at warp speed, possibly gaining a world record for a fire engine.

It transpired that Mary had set the chimney alight so they set about putting it out. One of the other officers took a trainee next door as it was a semi and they could also have problems in their house.

They both dashed upstairs to find the lady of house in bed. She was sitting up, hair in rollers as was the norm in those days, sheets pulled up to her neck.

“Its alright love,” said the officer. “Don’t worry, we are only here to feel your breast,” meaning, of course the chimney breast wall.

I can only imagine what happened next.

Ken never lived this episode down at the fire station and it was mentioned at the dinner dance every year after. Ken is supposed to have said (according to Jeremy), if the death penalty hadn’t still been in place he would have killed Mary. He was being facetious of course.

At Ken’s funeral Jeremy remembers his old comrades still talking about it.

We visit the new, cleaner, safer ‘Stanton’ site The old ‘Stanton’ has gone – but the Stanton-by-Dale site which was once the workplace of 7,000 local people is still operational as a fabricator and finisher rather than a maker of iron pipes and now employs around 200 men and women in its workshops, stockground and offices. It is the central distribution hub for SaintGobain PAM UK, as Stanton is now known.

We were invited to tour the area which was once known as the 18-foot Spun Plant, so named because spun iron pipes 18 feet in length were made there from hot metal provided by on-site furnaces.

Saint-Gobain PAM is a global company and a leading supplier of pipelines, manhole covers and drainage solutions, which took over the site from British Steel over 30 years ago.

Today pipes are imported from France and elsewhere in Europe and the local workforce carry out the fabrication and finishing work to make them ready for their intended purpose in the marketplace.

The company’s product range includes pipes, fittings, specialist jointing systems, valves, couplings and flange adaptors.

As we toured the Lows Lane, Stanton by Dale site with Plant Manager Steve Hatton and Contracts Executive Lynn Cresswell, it soon became obvious that they are very proud of their company and the position it holds at the forefront of the industry. “We offer more than just ductile iron pipes and

fittings, we suggest improvements to save time and money, which in the long run proves to be the best buy, because we don’t just sell a product, we provide invaluable expertise and a high level of technical support, which many of our competitors cannot offer” we were told confidently.

“Sometimes companies choose the wrong product or supplier and then come to us for help when something goes wrong,” said Lynn, adding: “We will always help them retrieve the situation if we can; but it’s unfortunate that they didn’t come to us in the first place.”

Some of the plant’s machinery is the best in the world, having no match, and most of the workforce are long experienced in their jobs and can be relied upon to work to very high standards.

Safety is key at the works. Signs saying ‘No job is so important that it can’t be done safely’ appear everywhere. The company has an incredible safety record – with no lost time accidents for over 13 years, and has recently been awarded the prestigious Health & Safety Diamond Award by the Saint-Gobain Group.

The sparks, dust and hot metal of the old Stanton ironworks days may be gone, but the site is still alive and kicking and making its mark with trusted, high performance products for the world we live in.

Pictures (clockwise from top left): Flange fabricated pipes being tested; the spray coating of a water pipe; ’the pipe man’ on the stockground; representatives of Ilkeston Life and Erewash Museum with tour guide Lynn Cresswell; water pipes awaiting despatch; members of our party watch as Plant Manager Steve Hatton explains a point about the pipe lining.

Photos: John Shelton

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

3

Have your say

Rare photo of Madge Wheatley, milkwoman

Get in touch with your views— Email: ilkestonlife@gmail.com Post: The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH

Another old baths picture unearthed Following your recent feature on the old Ilkeston swimming baths on Wharncliffe Road, I thought you might like to see this picture I have found, which was taken in 1964.

The information I have is that the baths opened in 1920, having been built in an old reservoir at the back of the town hall.

With its shed-like changing rooms and wire baskets for clothes, it was remembered by many for its icy cold water and its chilly location right at the highest point in Ilkeston.

A new, superior indoor swimming pool was built on the edge of Victoria Park on Manners Road around 1972 and the old baths site was redeveloped to extend the town hall offices.

The picture shows a number of boys and girls posing for the picture on a quiet day, possibly a Sunday morning. On a hot summer day the pool could be so crowded that swimming was almost impossible.

The photographer was standing at the shallow end, capturing the well known green spire of the United Reformed Church in the background.

Following on from Danny Corns’ article about interesting Ilkeston characters from the past, and in particular Madge Wheatley who delivered milk by horse and cart in Hallam Fields, here is a rare postcard picture from my dad’s collection. Note the sign on the cart: F WHEATLEY, SHAW ST. DAIRY, ILKESTON.

Madge is seated in the cart with another

 Another baths picture further on in the paper

Let us not be too surprised by England’s woefully inadequate performance in this year’s European football tournament. Not for many years have we seen our team play with any real passion or even a desire to win through. It almost seems inevitable that when faced with an opponent who has fire in their bellies, a belief in their cause and pride in their country do England players find themselves lost, confused, almost terrified by the approach taken by their adversaries.

Notice also how hard they find it in themselves to sing our national anthem with any conviction, that is if they even fully know the words, which I doubt. And is this the team who turned down the offer to visit one or more of the cemeteries in which lie our glorious dead of the Great War. I’d hate to rely on this generation in similar circumstances.

Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that here is the generation who were taught at school that competitiveness was more about the taking part and not the winning, that the weaker competitors should be given as much acclaim as the winners, that meaningless paper medals should be handed out to the losers as often as to those who had striven hard to achieve something and schools that watered down or even abandoned competitive sports altogether so as not to upset or even traumatise those who weren’t as good as the others. All this achieved was not to help those up from the bottom by example and encouragement but to drag those down from above in order to make everyone appear the same.

4 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Sarah Munro, Ilkeston

SEE ALSO PAGE 14

Sky dive for Maggies

Anne Meakin, Ilkeston.

‘Annoyed’ of Sandiacre on England’s poor performance in the Euros

lady standing and her brother Fred standing alongside with arms akimbo. The location is thought to be outside their premises on Shaw Street.

Could the other lady in white be Marjorie Hosker? My dad believes Madge had an assistant of that name. Maybe a reader can confirm or correct this.

And then add years of brain washing meted out to a generation that seriously believe that almost everything Britain (and in particular England) has done or achieved over the last few centuries has been either by default or plain evil. Yes we were involved in the slave trade but so was almost every other European country and don’t forget it was Britain which was at the forefront of its abolition.

My question to one hand wringing apologist recently with regards to this subject was why are there still an estimated one hundred thousand slaves living in Africa today despite Britain being one of the first to bring about its abolition over two hundred years ago?

Another recent exchange concerning the Second World War had me listening to a young chap who insisted that our bombing of German cities was a “war crime” and that we could have defeated the Nazis “by other means” by which I presume a strongly worded letter would have done the trick and presumably not too strongly worded in case we upset someone within the Nazi regime!

This is the generation which relies on the internet, twitter, facebook etc. etc, for its news and information, wo believe more in conspiracy theories than the patently obvious truth. That believe that fame belongs to everyone and can be simply achieved with an appearance on any number of fatuous talent or game shows and that everyone however pointless is a ‘celebrity’. And in the case of the England team simply taking part was all that was required of them.

Whether we can reverse this general trend is anyone’s guess but take heart people of England. Never forget that our national team won the World Cup as recently as 1966!

Stephen Flinders (Annoyed of Sandiacre)

Hello. I would like to tell you about my wonderful granddaughter Georgia Kimbley.

Georgia has just turned 16. In September last year a close member of the family was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have major surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Georgia was so inspired by her bravery that she wanted to do something challenging and raise money for those affected by cancer.

Georgia chose Maggies of Nottingham who have gave us all fantastic emotional and practical support during this difficult time.

On Saturday July 2nd Georgia did a Sky Dive and raised nearly £600 for Maggies.

Georgia also recently donated her hair to The Little Princess Trust. We are all very proud of her. Kind Regards

Sandra Kimbley

After the referendum Dear Editor, The referendum has been a painful result for the nation. Our open, tolerant and hopeful country has been plunged into a crisis the like of which I have never seen in my lifetime. Our economy has already lost hundreds of billions of pounds. Millions of young people woke up on Friday 24th June to find themselves robbed of their voice and the future.

Personally, I will not let this result define our country and I am calling for other proEuropean residents to join me and fight for Britain to continue to lead Europe away from prejudice and hatred into a shared future of hope and peace for all.

If you believe that these values are worth fighting for, then, like the thousands of others who have done so since that Friday morning, join the Liberal Democrats.

The local party in Erewash will be pleased to welcome you.

Our party leader, Tim Farron, has made clear that the Liberal Democrats will fight the next election on an unequivocal promise to restore Britain’s prosperity and role in the world - with the United Kingdom in the European Union, not outside it.

Robert Mee, West Hallam @westhallamlibdems

Uplifting story What a lovely story you put on Facebook about the random act of kindness in Harpur and Finch tea room. It was so nice to read some good news.

Then what a surprise—it was repeated on national radio. Well done Ilkeston Life for giving us something to lift our spirits.

Mrs Beardsley, Ilkeston

A small friendly group who are looking for new members.

Meets Monday and Friday, 9.30 to 11.30am in the Elim Christian Centre, Charlotte Street, Ilkeston.

For details ring Les Hollome 0115 932 4195

Protection of local wildlife Derbyshire County Council have issued some good practice guidelines for management of roadside hedgerows and verge scrub flailing.

Birds

keep you informed on this matter. So taking my life in my hands I negotiated the busy road around the sharp blind bends were there are pavements to investigate the matter.

Readers may recall that some little while ago As you will see from the accompanying phothere was some adverse publicity concerning tographs it looks as if the path is extremely well used, perhaps by a herd of elephants this new entrance to a footpath which exits judging by its condition. However this is onto Ladywood Road, and which was constructed at vast expense to the local ratepay- clearly not the case as you can see the exit into the field is completely overgrown hence er. Hence I thought it would be useful to

The path to nowhere: update

Kindness of strangers Many thanks to the lovely family that my friend and I met a few weeks ago in the Harpur & Finch tea room on Bath Street.

These people and child were so kind. After chatting with us they said their goodbyes and left us. A little while later the shop assistant came to us and said: “Isn’t that nice. The people you were sitting with have paid for your lunches.” What a surprise; we were quite overwhelmed.

We so enjoyed meeting them and wish to say a big thank you to them.

Caroline Harrison, Ilkeston.

I guess the elephants must do a quick about turn and return to get killed on the on road by the speeding traffic.

I can only hope that our council will ensure that the contractors reinstate this path at their own expense even if even if it is unnecessary as I hate to see our cash completely wasted.

David Frost, West Hallam

Local cycling memorabilia sought Dear Sir, In 1887 when Fred Fletcher rode the four and a half miles from Trowell Station to Strelley via the Hemlock stone in 19 minutes 45 seconds to win the first race organised by Ilkeston Bicycle Club, it was the start of a now forgotten chapter in Ilkeston's sporting history.

The club which, since its formation in 1884 had been more interested in holding dinners, balls and smoking concerts, took to cycle racing with a passion, firstly on the road and then on a grass track at the Ilkeston (later, Rutland) Recreation Ground and finally on a purpose built cinder track at the Manor Ground.

The club produced riders such as Fletcher and G.W. Howard who excelled in races all over the country, and their home track attracted hundreds of competitors and thousands of spectators to its race meetings.

Ilkeston was also the home to at least ten manufacturers of cycle and cycle components in the 1890s, the most colourful of whom was Joseph Hollis of Bath Street.

Starting his career as a watch and clockmaker he diversified into making and selling cycles, even inventing and patenting a number of improvements. It would be interesting to know whether his folding and two -part bicycles caught on.

IBC and the cycle trade in the town both reached their peak in the mid to late 1890's, a period known as the "cycle boom". Even the infamous Ernest Terah Hooley, the self styled "Cycle King", was involved. He was an honoured guest of the club, and donated the Hooley Cup as the prize for the Six Hour Race in 1896. At the time he was hopeful of becoming Ilkeston's Member of Parliament, an ambition dashed by his (first!) bankruptcy.

My research into all aspects of cycling and the cycle trade in the town from its origins up to the early 20th century has produced lots of coverage in the Advertiser and the Pioneer, the two newspapers of the time, but little else. If any Ilkeston Life readers have photographs, documents, sporting memorabilia, such as medals and trophies, or even stories handed down through the generations, I'd love to hear from them.

You never know, there might even be a Hollis Folding Cycle rusting away in the shed!

Jeff Wynch j.wynch@btinternet.com

Nesting birds are protected by law. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly  kill, injure or take away any wild bird;  take damage or destroy its nest whilst in use or being built;  take or destroy its eggs.

The County Council aims to limit verge scrub flailing between September and February. They will not undertake work between April and July unless there are immediate road safety issues.

Landowners’ responsibility Maintenance of hedges that form the highway boundary is almost exclusively the responsibility of the adjacent landowner.

Summer maintenance: If you are advised or instructed to undertake maintenance by the Highway Authority you must check the hedge thoroughly for nests. If nests are present or you are in doubt, work must not proceed unless there is an immediate road safety issue. In all cases in the summer months, undertake the most limited cut to achieve the object.

Hedgehogs There is a Facebook page for British Hedgehog Preservation Society, and also Doorstep Nature - this is a local site set up for people in our areas to talk about their projects in their own gardens for helping wildlife. People can become Hedgehog Champions by googling Hedgehog Street and signing. This site also gives lots of tips on looking after our hedgehog population.

Or telephone Anne Ryan, NG16 Help Hedgehogs, 01773 789612.

For further information or advice contact Network Management, Environmental Services, Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG. Tel. 01629 580000.

Cheque presented to Kirk Hallam Social Club

County Councillor John Frudd presented a cheque for £3000 from his community leadership fund to Kirk Hallam Social Club on Thursday evening 7th July. The money is towards a new kitchen which the club badly needs if it is going to cater for the many community groups it now serves.

Councillor Frudd commented: “It's great to be able to do something like this in the locality I represent, and good that Derbyshire County Council are still able to provide this type of funding to its members which they can target through local knowledge where they feel it's most needed.”

Garry Ancliffe senior committee member commented: “The new kitchen we propose will benefit groups such as a Parkinson's Disease Society, a Bipolar society, and a group that looks after people with learning difficulties.”

Pictured left to right are, County Councillor John Frudd, Lynne Davey, a gentleman club member, and Garry Ancliffe.

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

5

Taylor-Jay aiming high

Learning trip to France

An Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy student represented Derbyshire at a regional athletics event.

Taylor-Jay Gilbert secured a place at the event in the Mason Cup in Birmingham when he came first in the high jump at the Derbyshire County Athletics competition held at Moorways Sports Centre in Derby.

He earned top spot by clearing the bar at 1.55m although this height was some way off his personal best of 1.67m.

The 14-year-old took up high jump about a year ago after trying it out at school and now plans to join a local athletics club at Rutland Park to hone his technique.

He said: “The event at Moorways was my first big competition so I was really pleased to have won.

“I really enjoyed it and the sportsmanship between all of us who were competing was great, it was a big boost for my confidence.

Although I won I didn’t get near my personal best but I think that was because the nerves took over.

“I was really looking forward to representing Derbyshire at Birmingham, it was a big opportunity for me and I came seventh.”

Dave Smith, Principal at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy, congratulated TaylorJay on his achievement.

History was brought to life for students from Kirk Hallam Community Academy during a trip to Normandy in France.

Forty-two Year 7 students spent four days in the region where they learnt more about the D-Day landings and visited the Bayeux Tapestry.

They also put their language skills to the test at a French market, ordered meals in French and had fun at a local theme park.

Hilary Burton, French and German teacher at Kirk Hallam Community Academy, said everyone had a great time.

She said: “The aim of the trip was to encourage the students to use their French and also learn about the area.

“For some of them it’s their first time abroad or perhaps their first time away from home for a longer period of time and it’s great for them to experience that with their friends.

“We encouraged them to order food and ice creams in French and they also visited a market where they were asked to think about what things cost and how much they would be worth in English money.

“They also learnt more about the Second World War and we visited shell holes left by bombs. It was great for them to see the Bayeux Tapestry which they have been learning about in school.

“We were staying right next to a beach and each night they would play games on the sand which was great teambuilding. They all had a great time.”

Alfie Harrison and Katie Rice, both 12, said they thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Katie said: “We learnt a lot. I liked visiting the shell holes that the bombs had made, they were so big we could go inside them.

That was really interesting. When we went to the Bayeux Tapestry it felt like we were learning more about it because we were seeing it in real life.”

Alfie said: “We were a bit nervous at first about using our French. I said hello and thankyou and tried to speak a little bit of French at our hotel; I just didn’t want to get it wrong. I also loved the theme park, it had cream in Bayeux; below: Shannon Enefer some really good rides.”

Photos: top: Alex Hartshorn with a giant ice enjoying cherries she bought at the market.

He said: “Although he only took up high jump a year ago Taylor-Jay is already proving how talented he is. We would like to congratulate him on his win at Moorways and for progressing to represent Derbyshire at Birmingham; he’s a real credit to the academy.”

Girls try new sports Girls were encouraged to try a new sport at a special event organised by Erewash School Sport Partnership.

Pupils from Stanley St Andrew’s, Dallimore and Ladywood Primary Schools had a go at gymnastics, tennis and multi-sports at Kirk Hallam Community Academy.

The event was organised by Erewash School Sport Partnership as part of This Girl Can, a national campaign to get more females interested in sport.

Sports leaders from Kirk Hallam Community Academy helped out and four pupils from Ladywood Primary who attended last year returned as This Girl Can ambassadors.

Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partnership development manager, spoke to pupils at the start of the event.

She said: “I hope you take part in all of the activities on offer and enjoy trying something new. We want you to be active and

6 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

develop your confidence and think to yourselves, yes I can.

“We have a great group of coaches and leaders here and This Girl Can ambassadors. We are trying to encourage more girls to get involved and have a wonderful time.

“We hope to see lots of big smiles and we want you to go back into your schools and encourage your friends to take part in PE and school clubs just like the girls from Ladywood. They are fantastic role models and can give you something to aspire to.”

Amy Lind, learning mentor and in charge of extracurricular sport at Ladywood, said her pupils had been excited to attend the event.

She said: “The girls we brought last year have been great ambassadors organising sports events in and out of school. They arranged a trip to Loughborough University to watch Loughborough Lightning and they’ve been a massive influence in school.

We would like to send our ambassadors into other primary schools to encourage more girls to get involved in sport.”

Megan Clarke,11, is a This Girl Can ambassador from Ladywood Primary School.

She said: “We have been doing a This Girl Can campaign in school. I’ve really enjoyed helping out at this event because it’s great to see the other girls smile and hopefully taking part will improve their self-confidence.”

Pictured are girls from Ladywood (top), Dallimore (left top) and Stanley St Andrews Junior schools.

Kirk Hallam youngsters support ‘Star’ charity Two caring sisters and a friend have raised money for charity. Peyton Wing had her hair cut off to raise money for When You Wish Upon a Star. Her hair has been sent to the Llittle Princess Trust, where it will be then added to other donations of hair to make a wig for a child who has lost their hair through illness.

Her mum, Emma Wing, told us: “Peyton thought of doing this all by herself. She has had to wait three months for her hair to be at a usable length.”

Peyton’s twin sister Mollie and friend

Caidan Ryan also did their bit for the charity by biking from West Park in Long Eaton to the Cat and Fiddle pub, Kirk Hallam accompanied by dad, Kevin Wing.

After their tiring journey they returned home to a cheering welcome from supporters waiting in the pub yard.

Left: Mollie, Caidan and Kevin; right: Peyton.

Church garden party is forced indoors

News from local churches

First Messy Church Kirk Hallam All Saints’ first Messy Church at the Community Hall on Kenilworth Drive, happens on Tuesday, 16th August starting at 10.30 through to 12.30.

Rev Carla Vicencio Prior says “Messy Church is fun for the whole family. It’s mainly aimed at children of primary school age and their carers but we will also have a baby and toddler corner. There will be refreshments, art and craft activities, storytelling, worship time and we will finish with a healthy meal of jacket potatoes. All free of charge. The theme will be Noah’s Ark and we will be building a card-box Ark! “We would love it if people could email me at revcarla@talktalk.net by 9th August so that we can have an idea of numbers for catering purposes.”

Panto visit Kirk Hallam Church’s Garden Party and Summer Fete took place last month. The Community Hall was packed with people supporting the various stalls. On sale were plants, jams, chutneys, craft items, books, CDs, home bakes and bric-a-brac.

Have-a-go stalls included tombola, raffles and guessing games. Various organisations like Big Kirk Hallam, Friends of the Lake and Brownies were there, and refreshments and snacks kept kitchen volunteers busy.

Heavy rain had forced everything indoors but the event was a success, people of all ages thronging the hall.

Members of Ilkeston’s Holy Trinity Church are going to see the Chuckle Brothers and Tony Maudsley (from ‘Benedorm’) in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Nottingham Theatre Royal in December. All their allocation of tickets is sold, but people can go on a reserve list in case of drop-outs.

FUN TIME FRIDAY TODDLER GROUP

Norman St. Baptist Church, Cotmanhay Weekly during term time 9.15 — 11.15am £1.50

small, friendly, kind, fun NEW TERM STARTS: FRIDAY 9TH SEPT

You’re invited!

Contact Elaine: pastor.cotmanhay@gmail.com

Church but not as you know it Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children Get messy

here Sunday 7th August: St Wilfrid's Church, West Hallam, 2 - 3.30pm Wednesday 10th August: Nottingham Road Methodist Church, 10—11.30am Tues 16th Aug: Kirk Hallam Community Hall, Kenilworth Drive, 10.30am - 12.30pm If you like Messy Church, how about trying the Toddlers’ Service at the Green Spire church (URC). It's 'upstairs' (entry from Wharncliffe Road) and the next one is on Friday 5th August at 10 am. It’s like Messy Church but much shorter (½ hour) and it’s specially for families with very young children. During the summer holidays older brothers and sisters are welcome too. Drinks, biscuits, toys to follow.

The Faith Journey page is brought to you by members of the local Christian community and with occasional inspiration from

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

7

The Queen wins!

was enjoyed by all ages. Attractions included pony rides, bands, climbing frame, slides, magician and a juggler on stilts.

Organiser Esther Collington said: “The FesFriends of Kirk Hallam Lake and Meadows tival highlights the many aspects of the rich were delighted with a great turn-out for their wildlife of the site, and also includes other main event of the year. Stalls did good invited organisations with similar aims to business in the warm sunshine as the day help animals, wildlife and the natural world.

Hundreds drawn to Kirk Hallam Lakeside Festival

The Friends would especially like to thank Councillors John Frudd, Steve Green, Michelle Booth and Carol Hart for their generous funding, and Erewash Borough Council and Big Kirk Hallam for the grants, all of which make it possible for the Festival to take place. Thanks also to Kirk Hallam Academy and several local businesses for their help.”

Food collection Staff of Tesco Ilkeston were in town on a Saturday morning last month supporting a food and money collection. They, along with Erewash MP Maggie Throup and Erewash Mayor Abey Stevenson were in Ilkeston Market Place to raise awareness of Fareshare, the organisation that collects ‘out of date’ but usable food from participating stores such as Tesco and distributes it to local food based charities.

8 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Stanton-by-Dale’s Scarecrow competition attracted some great entries last month. The winner was Jan Lawson with ‘Royal Jump.

View all the scarecrows on our Facebook page. Photos by Thomas Leleux.

The Way We Were Marking its 50th anniversary, Ilkeston and District Local History Society has published a new book looking back at the fifty or so years since the end of the Second World War in 1945 to when Chalons Way, Ilkeston’s long awaited relief road was opened in 1995. As chairman Stephen Flinders remarks in his foreword, “some may say the changes were for the better, others for the worse.”

But change is inevitable; times change and we have to change with them. Who would have thought fifty years ago that Stanton ironworks, the local coal mines and Ilkeston’s many small manufacturing companies like Charnos, DIP and Andriesse would all be gone today? Or who would have foreseen the demise of Woolworths, British Home Stores or Ilkeston Coop? Gone too are local schools like Hallcroft, Gladstone and Bennerley, as well as cinemas, pubs, clubs and corner shops.

Ilkeston’s largest and most controversial of all the developments since the end of the war was the construction of the inner relief road, Chalons Way beginning in the early 1990s; a development which effectively split the town in two. Many properties and streets had to be demolished to make way for it, including this writer’s first childhood home on Byron Street.

The house where we lived stood right in the middle of today’s dual carriageway.

Admittedly, many of the properties of the time were in a fairly poor state, but they are still remembered fondly through the pages of this book. As always, Ilkeston and District Local History Society has come up with a photographic journey which will be enjoyed by many who can recall the way we were. It’s loaded with pictures and text to remind you of bygone days and you may even recognise someone! Society members are always keen to

New book from Ilkeston Local History Society

talk to people with memories of the town and surrounding districts. If you have an old photo or a memory, why not drop into the U Choose café on the last Saturday morning in any month and chat with them?

Years of Change, price £6, is available from Ilkeston Library, Erewash Museum, Blinkinks, U-Choose café and The Coffee Bean.

Above: Ilkeston outdoor swimming baths. School swimming lessons were not looked forward to on cold days—the water was freezing!

Station Road. looking towards Bath Street. All these properties are now gone.

Ilkeston North railway station on Heanor Road, now the site of Ilkeston Police Station.

Above: Another page from the Trade Section of the Ilkeston & District Directory of 1965/66

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

9

Summer 2016 AUGUST Wednesday 3rd August: Model Railway Display provided by the Ilkeston Woodside Model Railway Club at Erewash Museum (Also 10th and 20th).

Saturday 6th August: Heritage Open Day at Erewash Museum, 11am—3pm.

Saturday 6th August: Cotmanhay Party in the Park, on the grass next to the children’s centre, 11 till 3pm. Entertainment, stalls, mobile Super Kitchen.

Re-arranged date following July cancellation due to rain.

Saturday 6th August: Garden Party, organised by Ilkeston Hospital League of Friends, from 1pm in hospital grounds.

Saturday 13th August: Football. Ilkeston FC’s first league match of the new season: home to Stafford Rangers, 3pm.

Saturday 13th August: Proms Concert

by Ilkeston Brass at Treetops Hospice

Care Centre, Derby Road, Risley, 6— 8pm Sunday 14th August: Erewash Partnership’s 4th Ilkeston Heritage & Classic Vehicle Show, Market Place, Ilkeston.

Step back in time and enjoy hundreds of cars, motorbikes, buses, etc., of yesteryear. Various stalls, and music by Ilkeston Brass. 10am– 4pm.

Saturday 20th August: Summer Fair at the Rutland Manor Care Home, Heanor Road from 1pm.

Saturday 27th August: Ilkeston Running Club’s Double or Quit multi-terrain 5 or 10 mile run or Nordic Walk at Shipley Country Park. Starts 5pm. More details: www.ilkestonrunningclub.co.uk.Doubleorquit/

BH Monday 29th August: Matlock Band Concert at Erewash Museum, 2pm.

SEPTEMBER Saturday 10th September: West Hallam Village Show in the village hall.

Viewing 1 till 5pm, £1 entry, refreshments.

Friday 23rd September: Live Musical Evening at Catholic Church Hall, Regent Street. Tickets £7 inc refreshments or bring your own. Entertainers include Imari Ladies Choir.

Do you have an event coming up? Email details to ilkestonlife@gmail.com

What baby did next As usual it’s been a busy month for me and baby, with our various classes, him trying new foods, me trying to cook new meals for him to try (with varying degrees of success) and a little trip to Cornwall you could say it has been hectic.

As well as all this we spent an afternoon doing one of our favourite things, visiting Bluebell Dairy in Spondon. I have been paying regular visits with him since he was a tiny baby. In the early days the plan was to give him chance to see the animals; this was unsuccessful every time as the drive over there would invariably be enough to send him to sleep, but it was a good place to meet friends, even if baby was unappreciative of the trip.

Now he is a little bit older all that has changed. He loves looking at the animals, I get to talk to him about them all, the pigs, sheep, rabbits, goats and the baby chicks and whilst doing so it gives me a chance to practise doing the signs we have learnt in our Tiny Talk signing class (I practise and baby pays no attention as he is too interested in the animals).

In addition to the farm there is a little play area. My little one is still too small for most things but it doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy a go on the swings or a mess about in the sandpit.

Whilst there, I will often indulge in an icecream. I like to consider myself a bit of an ice-cream connoisseur (based on many years of eating ice cream) and have to say that the ice cream at Bluebell (which is made using milk from the cows on the farm) is absolutely delicious and comes in a wide and exciting range of flavours, luckily at this stage baby just sees food as food so I don’t have to share.

On our last visit we met friends there for a cup of tea and a scone for me and ice cream for her in the tea rooms. The tea rooms are great and really child friendly with lots of room to manoeuvre pushchairs, lots of high chairs available and an activity area for older children. The menu offers snacks and hot and cold food which is all reasonably priced (especially as you don’t have to pay to visit the farm or play area).

As well as the farm, play area and great tea

The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct

10

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Despite only being in existence for eighteen months the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct had a successful evening at the Greenwood Community Awards Ceremony held at Swancar Farm, Trowell on Monday 11th July. Greenwood is Nottinghamshire’s Community Forest and covers an area of 161 square miles of west Nottinghamshire. Working with partners such as Friends groups, the Community Forest is transforming the local landscape to make it a greener and healthier place to live, work and spend leisure time. The Bennerley Viaduct Friends won the Heritage Volunteer Group Award for their work on the viaduct’s structure and the surrounding habitat.

Events at the Erewash Museum associated with the “The Iron Giant” exhibition continue to draw the crowds. The wildlife walk led by Jim Steele on 18 June and Paul Atchinson’s art demonstration and workshop on 2nd July both went well and received high praise from all who attended.

Forthcoming events include a talk by Paul Miller and Grant Shaw at 7pm on 01 August about the rivalry between the railway companies in this area at about the time the viaduct was constructed. Booking is essential for this event in the Hayloft, and anyone interested should contact the museum on 0115 907 1141. Next up is the Model Railway display provided by the Ilkeston Woodside Model Railway Club on 3rd, 10th and 20th of August.

Finally you can learn how to make your own

rooms they also host a parent and child coffee morning each Monday from 11.15am. Each Monday as a different activity such as music and rhyme or a chance to get up close to the animals.

If you have children and are looking for a fun way to kill a few hours this summer then me and baby highly recommend Bluebell Dairy.

For more information visit www.bluebelldairy.co.uk

Rebecca Slater

What’s Happening In Your Library?

The next coming month is one of the busiest for us at Ilkeston Library as we start our annual Summer Reading Challenge. This year the theme is ‘The Big Friendly Read’ based around Roald Dahl and his books. The aim of the challenge is to get children reading through the school holidays, and if they read six books then they will get a medal and certificate.

We will be holding several children’s craft events inspired by Roald Dahl and his characters. Look out for more details at the Library, or give us a call on 0115 930 1104.

Calling all crafters! Every second Tuesday of the month the Crafty Sew and Sews group meet in the library, and we welcome new members to join us. Bring your craft project, enjoy a couple of stress free hours sharing ideas and chatting. Stuck for ideas? The library has some materials to get you started….knitting, paper crafts, crochet and more. All we ask is 50p to cover tea and biscuits.

Display Cabinets. For all you crafters out there, did you know we have two display cabinets for hire at £5 a month. Please note that Derbyshire County Council does charge a commission if items are for sale. Please ask at the Library for more details, as booking is essential.

Derbyshire Library Service can also offer some free one to one sessions to help with computer queries …. staff are available to help at Ilkeston Library on certain days but booking is essential.

Keep an eye out on Derbyshire Libraries Facebook and Twitter pages for plenty more going off around the county.

Jackie Swepstone

Assistant in Charge, Ilkeston Library Zeppelin at a workshop to be held on Friday, 26 August between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. The viaduct narrowly missed being hit by a Zeppelin bomb in the First World War. Now is your chance to make a model Zeppelin like the one on display in the exhibition with Ann Levett of Avago Crafts providing all the materials and expert guidance you need. No need to book. The exhibition itself continues until 30th August.

Even famous literary figures are lending their support to the Bennerley viaduct project. The D.H.Lawrence Society will be leading a “Walk and Talk” about the author and his links with the Erewash Valley on Saturday, August 27 at 2pm. Lawrence was a pupil teacher in Ilkeston and knew the Erewash Valley intimately, describing it as “the country of my heart”. He often passed the viaduct on his visits to the home of Louie Burrows at Cossall. Many recognisable locations appear in his fiction, and the viaduct, with the rattling sound created by a passing train, is referred to in “Sons and Lovers”. The free event, part of the annual D.H.Lawrence Festival, will last about two and a half hours, and anyone interested should meet at the Bridge Inn, Cotmanhay.

Visit dhlawrencesociety.com for further details of this and other events associated with the author and his work.

As usual there is more information about the Friends and future events on their Facebook page and at bennerleyviaduct.org.uk. Kieran Lee, the Community Engagement Officer, can be contacted on 07823 536941 or by email at kieran.lee@sustrans.org.uk.

Jeff Wynch

Your Space Poems plus Share your creative writing with other Ilkeston Life readers.

Email ilkestonlife@gmail.com or drop in/post to The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH.

Like Leaves We Fall Like leaves we fall Our minds erasing What we must forget.

Like trees we bend Broken and swaying Faces full of pity.

Like water we run From our innermost fears The trickling down of time.

Like the sun We shine inside With brighter perceptions.

Like fire we burn All worldly possessions To arrive back at zero.

Like the moon We outshine, confide, Brightening lost horizons.

Like the stars illuminated Sparkling in the night sky Mysterious yet strange.

Like the Earth crumbling Under our own existence Our footprints on the planet.

Like the Dawn we awake Born into a secret loathing Until we hear the sweet birds chorus.

© Steven Michael Pape 2016

Love Poem (1) Not handsome yet, but beautiful, The man that I now see, His stature is so admirable And he belongs to me.

His smile, his kiss is all I need To help me face the day, Those words of love so wonderful, The things that lovers say.

His eyes so dark like fathoms deep, I am trapped within his lair, And all I ask, my blessed one Just let me linger there.

RW

Love Poem (2) Oh Eloise, I love you! I love you, oh so much!

In reverence I worship your tender lover’s touch.

Your smile is so beguiling, your body, oh so fine, Oh Eloise, I love you, and rejoice that you are mine!

RW

Yesterday

I’ve seen tin baths on outhouse walls And colliers in their clogs With brawny muscles made of coal Rippling in torn togs I’ve heard them leave at early morn Blakes striking on the steel I’ve heard ‘em returning Starving for a meal Yes I’ve seen and heard bairns outside Scrating on the street And sometimes heard their fathers cry When kids had nowt to eat I’ve smelt the coal and felt the dust No rain can wash away With colliers in their best tucker Faces washed still grey Once they stood together as they Fought against the coal Now they stand forever Queuing for the dole For now their days are numbered And I say that is fine A few will always work the coal But not a lad of mine.

Sandy

day age.

Skilled workers feel useless with no outlook or future, As their jobs are phased out by the use of computers, This so called progress is changing our lives, Putting the future generation on the dole at 25.

They give you fancy titles of places to go, Like Job Clubs or Work Experience to lessen the blow, You get a degree I don’t know what for, It cost you a fortune and there are no jobs anymore.

It’s like winning the Lottery: a job with good pay, With 200 job applicants turning your hope to dismay, But let’s try to be positive and go with the flow, And see where it takes us in this time of woe

With polite foreign accent Kind words he speaks And helps me pick up My shopping leaked.

Thomas Hosker

Street story

There was always a smile On your beautiful face In your leaving this world You've left your mark on this place.

I didn’t feel safe A rowdy gang behind I quickened my pace Hoping to find

You were a true individual And a huge influence to me I can remember your pink hair In those days of Anarchy.

A place to get away From these noisy yobs With cans in hands Or spliffs in gobs.

And I recall all our chats As we put the world to rights All those things we'd discuss And the systems we'd fight.

A loud burp Almost in my face Pardon or excuse me There wasn’t a trace.

And even on your bad days You still shone like the sun Always staying so strong Never coming undone.

At last they’re past me I sigh with relief Glad to be Out of reach.

Suddenly I trip, Shopping on the floor.

Gone are the days with a job, self respect and The yobs turn round, With laughter they roar. pride, Most people today live on benefits to surA man quickly appears vive, And helps me to my feet You’re put on Job Seekers, or Minimum I am so grateful Wage, To this stranger in the street By a computer in an office in this modern

Redundant

The radio station just for Erewash Start your day with Erewash Sound Breakfast Show with Paul Stacey, weekdays from 7am; followed by Morning Plus with David Allen, 9.30am.

I smile saying thank you Embarrassed by my fall You’re welcome, he replies I’m glad you are well.

How refreshingly nice, A gentleman true, You local louts What’s the matter with you?

Susan Booth and Robert Anthony

Bright Star You shone like a bright star Even in the face of defeat Your eyes never portraying That pain hidden underneath.

Just look at these people All united in grief That influence you've left Is one of beauty and peace.

So as you go to the next world Free from pain and the fear All those memories I've got Will never disappear.

For Denise Roe, 1965-2016

Steven Michael Pape

Smoothie artists and friends enjoyed a fund-raising tea party last month at the U Choose café. Surrounded by some of the local artists’ pictures, they enjoyed home-made sandwiches, strawberries, cakes, scones and fancies with waiter or waitress service.

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

11

STORY IN ILSON DIALECT

By Jim Sumner

GOOIN’ BACK TO BLIGHTY (THANK THE LORD) After way’d bin awee for abert tow years, it wa gerrin’ near th’timewhen way’d be commin’ back from abroad. Way’d bin in Egypty, Iraq an Truciaol Oman dern the Persian Gulf. The sergeant said ay’d lerras know as soon as ay knew the date.

This orlis seemed to be ’is answer and way gorrabit fed up wi’it.

So one nayt, a chap said: “Bugger this, let’s all goo up to th’ NAAFI tonayt an’ ay a drink or tow – thiz nowt ’appening yet so let’s goo an’ ay a bit of a booze-up,” so way did!

Way all got back to the billet feelin’ a bit worse for wear (to put it mildly). Way adner bin in bed five minutes when the sergeant comm in noisily, bangin’ on the beds wi’ ’is stick. “Gerrup!” he started, “gerrall ya kit together, you’re all gooin’ ’om!

Yo’ve gorrabert twenty minutes. Thiz a

lorry comin’ to tay ya to the station – yo gooin’ on a train to Port Said, then ya gooin’ on a ship to Liverpool. Yo ayna got long so The sergeant went may ya ’eels crazy burray cudner do crack.” owt abert it.

After the nayt way’d ’ad drinkin’, none on us really knew what way wa doin’. Any road, some air way managed it.

I only remember one thing abert the journey. Way were just enterin’ sidin’s at Port Said when a young Egyptian lad jumped on the steps of the train while it was movin’ slowly an’ started talkin’ to th’sergeant who’d gorra lovely wristwatch on. After a very quick conversation, the lad snatched the wristwatch, jumped off the train step and quickly disappeared. The sergeant went crazy burray cudner do owt abert it.

All ay could do was use vile language for the next aif-hour. Ay looked as if ay wa gooin’ ta ay a bout of apoplexy. Ay wa still seethin’ when ay walked up the gang plank as way boarded ship for ’om .

Well there way are; at last way were on us way wi yet another little tale to tell the folks back in Blighty.

A club for war gamers

PICTURE PUZZLE

by Roy Foulkes

You’ve probably walked past them hundreds of times, but where in Ilkeston can you see this object and this window?

Answer on page 14.

12 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Rescue from the flood

By Geoff Hayes Why I wasn’t working is a mystery because my job as a furnace rigger was seven days a week. But this particular Sunday I was at home listening to the early morning news. It was around 1980.

The SOS message was urgent. The banks of the River Trent had burst..... floods everywhere, farms in danger, cattle, crops, horses, everything.

A particular farm in Shardlow caught my attention. It was flooded badly. Rows of sheds housing greyhounds were under threat. The family living there, a Mr and Mrs Shepherd, were asking: could anyone house a dog or two until the flood abated?

Just then, a loud bang on the front door heralded the arrival of a young man, Frank Draper. I knew his mum and dad. He had seen the news as well and asked: “Shall we go, youth, and give these people our help?”

My wife June was soon getting her wellington boots on; she knew what my response would be.

On arrival we offered our services. Our first job was to go to Nottingham Marina and collect a boat. Talk about excitement and drama. As we jumped back in my van we could see the farm under deep water.

We drove to Nottingham and June was out of the van and away to the office in a flash.

She was caught up in the moment. She was there picking and choosing a boat we could manage with our van.

The Ilkeston Inquisition Warhammer Club started life as a once-a-month meet up during the week at the wonderful and atmospheric Cafe Bistro until members were approached by Jake from the Blue Moon Gaming Club, who suggested a joint venue at the Welcome Hall.

A move was to both groups’ benefit, as players from both groups have an interest in both hobbies and together both clubs have been slowly going from strength to strength.

The Ilkeston Inquisition runs fortnightly and is open to both newcomers to the hobby and seasoned veterans, or players who have returned to the game after a break. Organisers aim to offer players a

We drove back to Shardlow and unloaded.

Mrs Shepherd hopped into the boat and before we could move forward June had her mac off and got in the boat behind her, saying “I’m going to help Geoff.”

Everything was happening; greyhounds started coming ashore and men and families were taking them for temporary accommodation.

Then came some dead greyhounds. June had helped handle them and I wondered what she was making of it.

One came out, a white hound, as though it was dead but it was still breathing. It was laid against a big fire in a building. It lay there for twenty minutes, being rubbed with towelling all the time. It was a dramatic situation when suddenly it stood up, shaking itself vigorously. It was OK! Everyone cheered or cried with relief. It was like it had risen from the dead!

Later I told Mr Shepherd I could manage eight greyhounds for about a fortnight. I just prayed they’d be quiet at night.

The kennels were cleared completely, it was all so sad, melancholy even, and no one was talking. Poor Mr and Mrs Shepherd, they were tough and proud people; they looked bewildered by it all.

I got the dogs in and drove home. I had a lot to do before nightfall to house these dogs.

We coped. I fetched many bales of straw and food, and we got through. We kept them eight days and they were as quiet as mice. June helped throughout with the dogs and I was pleased and proud of her efforts throughout.

relaxed non-tournament gaming environment with the emphasis being on enjoyment.

Alan Webb told us: “We try to provide scenery to enrich the game, a lot which has been built by hand but if any players wish to bring their own it is always appreciated. It’s a great place to try out your armies, lists and new models.”

Refreshments are available to buy or participants can bring their own. Anyone interested in becoming a member or wishing to have a look first is asked to make contact through the Ilkeston Inquisition Facebook page.

These pictures were taken by John Shelton on a recent visit to the Welcome Hall. More on our Facebook page.

Think before you dial.

Be 999 wise

By Ann Shelton

S

ince my last story a few people have asked me about the Queen's Garden Party so I decided to write about it.

It was the beginning of 2008 when my boss called me into his office and asked me if I would like to be nominated to attend a royal garden party in July.

As a royalist I had always been interested in them and so I immediately said I would love to see the Queen. It was explained to me that nominations were not always successful but as it was my retirement year, having worked for the government in the same office for 33 years, I might stand a chance.

I didn't say anything to anyone as it may not have come to anything. Then on the 12th of April I received an official envelope from the Lord Chamberlain, Buckingham Palace, confirming attendance at the Royal Garden Party on Tuesday 15th July. How exciting, it felt so special.

On the 7th of May, retirement day, my boss Kevin Moore gave a speech on a par with ‘This is your life’, mentioning my time living in Australia and finishing with my invitation to the Palace Garden Party, which was a surprise for all as I had not told them. I had a wonderful day with friends and excolleagues coming in to see me and I was quite tearful at 5pm when it was time to go home and ‘log off for the last time, having read many emails from friends I had worked with at various offices over the years. My friend Paul loaded up his car with the many wonderful presents and plants I had received and drove me home.

Looking for something suitable to wear At the beginning of June I decided I had better start looking for an outfit to wear to the Palace. The invitation said day dresses with hat, uniform (no medals) or trouser suits may be worn and advised flat or wedge-heeled shoes; no stilettoes as these would not be good for the lawns. Gentlemen: morning coat, lounge suit or uniform (no medals).

Chain of office may be worn or National Dress. Please bring two forms of ID, one of which must be photographic. Do not bring any hand luggage, rucksack or camera.

I went off to Nottingham and Derby and couldn't find anything suitable so in the end I took the advice of the personal shopper in Debenhams and went for a day dress by Betty Jackson Black in off white with large navy flowers and sleeveless, very Audrey Hepburn style, fitted at the top with a deep V at the back and a very full skirt with fluffy petticoat, tied with a wide blue sash at the waist.

Now I had the dress I went looking for shoes, hat and bag, obviously they had to be navy. I trawled everywhere, no luck. I went to Margaret Anne's at the bottom of Bath Street, as everyone did if they needed a hat for a special occasion, and was told, rather curtly, by her husband that no chance of a navy hat or fascinator as it "was Ascot you know". I did wonder why I couldn't find one locally so he must have been right.

Mid June we took our caravan to Southport for a week and whilst there I tried to find hat, shoes and bag. No navy hats anywhere but eventually I managed to get a large fascinator and a clutch bag from small shops in an arcade but no navy wedge-heeled shoes! We went into Liverpool for the day and finally got them, last pair and in my size, phew!

Brian already had his suit so only needed new shirt and tie, not as easy to find as we thought either.

We went to London a few days before the palace visit and stayed with a friend in Acton. Finally the day arrived and the weather was very warm and sunny, 27degrees, so we were very lucky as the week before it had rained all day and then the following week it also rained. With only three dates to choose from we didn't mind which one they gave us but it turned out to be the best one. The Garden Party is on from 4pm to 6pm and the gates opened at 3pm.We parked on Constitution Hill, round the corner from Hyde Park, as directed by the police. We were quite near the bottom and had a long walk up to the Palace alongside Green Park to join the queue. There were a couple of police officers at the gates checking handbags and ID and asking for mobile phones to be switched off.

We then walked across the parade ground, through an archway into a large quadrangle leading to steps into the Palace. Once inside we handed in our invitation, which was matched up with paperwork on a table to the side and then walked through two ground floor rooms to enter the garden. There was a large long corridor as far as you could see to the left and right with paintings, chairs and sofas down each side and then into a beautiful circular room with statues and family portraits, which led out onto the terrace steps down to the garden. The grounds were very full of people vying for a good view of the royals when they came out at 4pm.

To the left of the steps at the bottom was a huge marquee which housed the lavatories and first aid facilities, and further down on the left was a very long open-fronted marquee which housed the catering facilities. I was very impressed with the organisation.

There were two military bands playing nonstop, The Blues and Royals and the RAF Squadronaires. The garden covers nearly 40 acres, including a 3 acre lake.

At 4 o'clock prompt, the National Anthem was played and the Queen came out with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra. A small number of individual presentations had been pre-arranged to meet the Queen at the bottom of the terrace steps.

Gentlemen at Arms then formed lanes for the Queen and members of the royal family to move through the guests and talk to the chosen ones along the way towards more tea tents on the right hand side of the lawn, where the Queen entertained dignitaries and overseas guests. Some were very colourful wearing national dress.

Delicious tiny sandwiches with no crusts Once the Queen had gone in for her afternoon tea we headed to the catering area to sample the delicious tiny sandwiches (crusts cut off of course ) and cakes which were superbly served by the staff, along with lovely tea in white china cups and saucers and silver spoons to stir the sugar lumps, all very genteel and English. It was all arranged in U -shaped bays to alleviate queues. I know that Ilkeston Co-op did the catering one year.

We walked round the gardens listening to the music and noting all the trees and flowers.

There were more than 200 mature trees, a beautiful rose garden and a tremendous 170ft -long herbaceous border plus many broad stretches of lawn. We looked at the royal cars at the side of the palace and strolled in the sunshine eating ice-cream provided all around the garden. We spotted a few celebrities and faces from the TV soaps and it was great to see the fashions and the effort everyone had put in to look their best. DVDs were available of the day which was a good souvenir as cameras were not allowed.

The Queen and the rest of the Royals emerged at 5.50pm and walked up the side of the palace and the crowds gathered to see them but we managed to go up some steps and onto a broad window ledge about 10ft high so we had a clear view as they passed by, stopping to chat with the crowd. We were only a few feet away and I half expected Prince Philip to look up and see us!

Once outside tourists, especially Americans,

came up to ask us all about it and an army officer took our photo outside the gates as Brian had gone back to the car to fetch the camera.

All in all it was a wonderful day and one we will never forget.

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

13

Music Scene Hello folks!

DAVID POTTER TAKES A WANDER THROUGH THE LOCAL AND NATIONAL PERFORMING ARTS SCENE BOTH PAST AND PRESENT

Greetings everyone and I hope many of you have been out and about, or even taking part, in the many events in our own neck of the woods, or even further afield, over the past month. There’s nowt better than actually being there.

Here’s a couple of local bands who are well worth having a look at the next time you fancy some live entertainment.

Acoustic Union are a four piece who were formed in 2010.

Allison (vocals/guitar) and Simon (Double bass) Kemp together with Jayne (percussion) and Adrian (vocals, and multi instrumentalist) Beale are a band for all occasions. Each have around 30 years experience in the music business including gigs and TV appearances with the likes of country stars Billy Jo Spears and Kenny Rogers.

With such a background as that it’s little wonder that their repertoire is a very eclectic mix of pop and rock classics, bluegrass, and traditional music influenced by such as The Beatles, Abba, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Status Quo. A wide ranging song list that’s bound to have something for everyone.

Check out their gig list and more information on www.acousticunion.talktalk.net/Union/ Bass guitarist Paul Miller and I go back a fair while so it was nice to pop along to hear and meet his latest band Rocks n Frocks at the Friends of Ilkeston Hospital outdoor event recently.

Acoustic Union Paul on bass, Chris drums, and Kevin and Phil on guitars provide the backing for singers Jill and Sandy up front.

They specialise in 50’s/60’s rock and pop and if you’re into such as Tommy Steele, Brenda Lee, Eddie Cochran, Connie Francis, and the Everly Brothers this is most certainly for you.

For information and bookings tel: 07817 438 145 or email Paul on paul.j.miller65@gmail.com If you fancy going a bit further afield this month how about a day or even a weekend in North West Oxfordshire to take in the annual Fairport Convention re-union in the village of Cropredy.

It’s a lovely laid back family friendly affair over the 3 days of August 11, 12 and 13 and

Rocks n Frocks this years guests include Madness, Steeleye Span and Ralph McTell. The traditional Fairport performance will wind up proceedings on the Saturday evening which, this year, is bound to be a particularly emotional and poignant event following the recent death of Dave Swarbrick, a long standing and much missed band member. There’ll not be many dry eyes during this years “Meet on the ledge” that’s for sure.

Surprise guests and former Fairport members and friends are always likely to pop up. I well remember turning round corners in previous years and bumping into the likes of Billy Connelly, Robert Plant, Frank Skinner, Jenny Agutter and Pam Ayers.

You’ll find full information on this, and the band, on www.fairportconvention.com

Finally news that the Ilkeston Folk Club is moving to a new venue at The Festival Inn Trowell. It’s still weekly on Wednesdays. at 8.30pm.

Further information on this on their Facebook page.

Have a great August and I hope to be with you again in September when we’ll have a further look at some of the bands and performers that appeared at the Co-op ballroom all those years ago.

“I may be old but I got to see all the best bands.” davidilkeston@gmail.com or telephone 07929 100 974

Next month A smashing story of a cricket match on Shaw Street green

A Straight Six

by Geoff Hayes

‘Whack!’ Charlie Grainger cracked the ball high in the air . . . we watched in increasing horror as it descended, heading straight for Wheatley’s window.

Answers to Picture Puzzle (page 12) Top: On the roundabout at the bottom of town (the Stanton truck).

Below: On the KFC restaurant opposite Tesco car park on Rutland Street.

14 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Letter

Is this Madge’s assistant?

I hope you can agree that this photograph looks like the lady in white on Madge’s milk float. (See letter, page 5). I have been told Madge had an assistant called Marjorie Hosker. Could this be the lady? Let’s hope this be can be confirmed by someone out there.

Jed Munro, Ilkeston

Directors humbled after bike ride in Africa They urge others to go down good cause route

Chaucer Gardening Club News

Potato bus pulls up at school

THE owners of a Derbyshire company were 'humbled' by a charity ride in Africa, where they helped local schoolchildren, and suggest others do more to help the less fortunate.

Stuart Pinson, Tony Seabridge and Peter Ward, directors of Ilkeston roofing and cladding specialists Cladceil, swapped boardroom and workshop for a rewarding but gruelling 250-mile bike ride in Tanzania.

The scenery and wilfdlife were beautiful, but cycling was hard work, starting before dawn to avoid the midday heat, and even pushing their bikes through sand at times.

“After the second day we were so exhausted we could not speak and wondered what we had let ourselves in for,” said 43-year-old Stuart from Ilkeston.

But the pain was worth the gain of knowing how they had helped the British Heart Foundation - by raising more than £11,500 in sponsorship out of £61, 635 currently collected by the 30-strong group they were a part of - and giving away books and stationey items to two village schools.

“We were humbled by the experience,” said Stuart. “It was emotional to go into the schools and see how little they had in terms of equipment, clothes, food and shelter.

“We had heard about the poverty but to witness it first hand was completely different.”

Peter (45), from Bramcote, said: “When we

handed over the goods, the children were very excited. “They were even fighting over pencils.”

At one village near the town of Madwa, a cyclist gave a football to replace the crude one made up of tape that children were playing with. They ended up with a kickabout six of the cyclists against 50 kids!

Tony (47), from Ilkeston, said: “It was a great privilege to spend some time with the kids, playing games with them and even teaching them the hokey-cokey.

“We had not done anything in the corporate social responsibility line before, but this experience has shown us what we can do and we look forward to doing more in the future. It's something we would recommend other companies to follow.”

As well as Cladceil, goods were donated by Clarke's of Nottingham and VOW Europe.

Nancy Smyth, head of events at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Thanks to the directors of Cladceil for taking on this challenge and supporting our work. Without our supporters we cannot continue to fund lifesaving research into heart disease and provide those affected with the care and support they need.”

Photo: Tony, Stuart and Peter handing over goods at one of the primary schools in Tanzania.

Well, it's been a busy old time for us lately.

As I write this, we are waiting for our Erewash In Bloom judging for 'Best School Garden'. In the past couple of months we have been filmed by television gardener David Domoney's National Gardening Competition 'Cultivation Street' for Best School Garden category. That result is due out in August.

We've also been filmed by the National Competition 'Potatoes For Schools' run by the Potato Council and AHDB Potatoes. We were chosen because we won the 'Central Region' last year for the heaviest weight of potatoes harvested, also winning us a colourful garden bench along the way for our

school garden. This past week we have had 'Billy Branston's Amazing Potato Factory' bus visit school. It stayed for four days and all the children got to visit it on the school playground. The bus was staffed, and they learnt all the things that are great about potatoes. I booked the bus a year ago as it's so popular, and it tours the whole country from Scotland to Cornwall. The children loved it! We are very proud of all the opportunities we have been involved with this school year, including RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and also all the gardening activities we have done with Erewash Borough Council. - Kerry Wheatley

Shipley View Street party marks the Queen’s 90th birthday In March, Alan Chambers posted flyers through doors asking neighbours if they’d be interested in a street party to celebrate the Queen reaching 90. As a result six people came to a meeting and the wheels were set in motion. It all came together on 9th July when sixty residents of Wingfield Drive held their street party, albeit following heavy rain.

It included food, games, dances, races and music. Alan said: “We had a fun time. People brought their own food and drink and entered into the spirit of the occasion.”

Gazebos were borrowed from Ilkeston Hospital League of Friends and tables and chairs were borrowed from the Flamsteed Centre, Bennerley Fields School and Ebenezer Church Hall. Games came courtesy of Granby School.

Permission to close the road was sought and granted by Erewash Council, and bunting and flags were displayed on lamp posts, houses, gardens and cars.

Ilkeston Men’s Probus Howard Smedley chaired the meeting of the Ilkeston Men’s Probus club on 14th. July in the absence of club president Mel Birch.

Speaker finder Barry Sutcliffe welcomed Reverend Christine French, the Parish Priest at All Saints Church, Kirk Hallam.

She asked the question “Have any of you ever lived in a vicarage?” She then explained that she had lived in six vicarages over eight years. The various denominations have different titles for accommodation provided by the church. Reverend Christine explained that it was beneficial to have a husband who had D.I.Y. skills, who could put up curtain rails as and when required! She then talked to the club about how quickly she had adjusted to life in her church ministry in Kirk Hallam.

Ian Hardwick gave a vote of thanks to Reverend Christine for a most entertaining talk.

New Rotary Club President Kevin Smith was installed as the new president of Ilkeston Rotary Club at the Seven Oaks last month, supported by nearly 50 Rotarians and friends. Outgoing president Chris Smith (no relation) is pictured placing the badge of office around his neck. Three Ilkeston members received Paul Harris Fellowship awards on the night: Stuart Briggs, Jeff Richardson and immediate Past President Chris Smith. Also during the evening the club presented Ilkeston Life community newspaper with a cheque for £500, for which we are most grateful.

Joke of the month: Man: What shall I do with this bubble wrap? Wife: Pop it in the cupboard.

—John Allen.

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

15

AND NOW THERE ARE THREE? Godfrey Holmes updates us on the proposed re-opening of Ilkeston Junction following Alfreton and Langley Mill Introduction The Midland Counties Railway originally went ahead without an Erewash Valley Line.

That deficit was remedied between 1844 and 1862 with a new railway following the littleknown River Erewash between Trent [Trent Junction] and - finally - Chesterfield; built principally to carry coal, pipes, aggregates and general freight, also to serve four vast industrial enterprises: George Stephenson’s Clay Cross Works, Stanton Ironworks [subsumed into Stanton & Staveley] the mighty Butterley Company, also Codnor Park.

Naturally, passengers were also carried along the line - not least workmen and women to attend to this wealth of industry. Railway stations north of Trent were in this order : Stapleford & Sandiacre, Stanton Gate, Trowell, Ilkeston Jn.&Cossall, Langley Mill, Codnor Park & Ironville, Pye Bridge, Westhouses & Blackwell, Doe Hill - and a Clay Cross station not built, as first intended, within the Clay Cross Tunnel, but at nearby New Tupton.

In 1963, Dr. Beeching’s notorious Plan : The Reshaping of British Railways proposed the stripping of the North-East Midlands of ALL its existing passenger railways with the sole exceptions of Ambergate - but not as a triangular junction, Chesterfield Midland and Sheffield Midland. More remarkable, his Plan was fully realized, by the beginning of 1967, except for reprieve of certain other stations along a truncated stub of a line to Matlock Bridge.

And because Beeching left Mansfield and Corby New Town, two of the largest settlements in England not served by any passen-

Diary of a Church Mouse Dear Diary, So sorry I’ve not written in my diary for a while, but I’ve been off having adventures. Well it all started when my brother Matt was pestering me about going on holiday. He’s a house mouse and loves his luxuries of a soft sofa, fitted warm carpets and of course the big TV to watch with more food constantly available than many mice can ever imagine. He wanted to go to the seaside, to stay in a caravan at Skegness and enjoy chips every day. Well as nice as that is, I wanted something a bit different this year. So being a good church mouse I sat in the pews and prayed to God for guidance and then the idea came to me – to do a pilgrimage. It’s a bit like a holiday – in travelling and experiencing new things, but as pilgrims we travel to see holy places and experience new patterns of worship. So that was it and off I went...

First on my list was the Ilkeston Methodist Church on Nottingham Road, being a Church of England mouse, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, their building was new, big, clean, airy and the chairs looked more comfortable than the pews I’m used to. Their kitchen was modern, clean and tidy with no holes for a mouse to hide in, so I decided not to stop their but to spend the night at the next holy place on my list.

16 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

When I popped into St John’s Church on Nottingham Road it took me by surprise – it was full of wedding dresses and photos – not what I was expecting, but it looked beautiful. I loved hiding in the train to the frocks, no one could see me and the fabric was so soft to snuggle into. So after eating my packed lunch I felt a little snoozy and settled down for the night.

Well, the smell was amazing when I scuttled into the Holy Trinity Church on Cotmanhay Road. The fragrance of the incense they use in their services still hung beautifully in the air, it was warm, not necessarily a physical warmth, but a warm that you breathe in and helps you to relax and it is said as the wafts of smoke rise in the church, it takes your prayers to heaven. Well the smell alone was heavenly to me, not to mention the vast range of crumbs under the table from their summer fete. So many different cakes – it must have been fantastic. So I had lots of treats to bring back home with me, as well as lovely memories of my travels. I’ve really enjoyed my little pilgrimage, and think I shall soon be doing another one around the other churches – it was great fun and do hope others try it too.

Bye for now, Martha Mouse

Photos clockwise starting from right >>> Laid to rust: the site of the former station; Main road entrance to the taxi rank area; Hutted camp at the construction site; Looking down on Galliford workmen near a drillhole; Bridge view of pile driving.

Small picture alongside title: A train passing with Bennerley Viaduct (currently being restored) in the background.

ger railway, a public-transport spirited Derbyshire County Council made a ferocious case for the re-opening of Alfreton & South Normanton Station - Alfreton itself being a not inconsiderable industrial town: something that happened in May 1973, with a simply modelled and re-christened Parkway Station - also a large, and aborted, indoor shopping mall - on that remote site: Alfreton & Mansfield Parkway. By year 2016, 275,000 passengers are using the station: a total that has creditably doubled in the past decade, despite an earlier [1995] loss of Mansfield-based or -bound travellers, they are now well-served by re-opened Mansfield Town, on the Robin Hood line from Nottingham to Worksop direct.

That, in turn, set a precedent for Derbyshire County Council to attract backing, and Ministry funding, for a re-opened Langley Mill station , formerly known as Langley Mill and Eastwood for Heanor, and before that Langley Mill for Heanor: this simple, unstaffed, halt of two staggered platforms being served from May 1986. By the year 2016, over 100,000 passengers were using Langley Mill - even though just one East Midland train per day goes direct to or from London, without the change at Nottingham. Since 1998, in the opposite direction, the service is great, all the way to Leeds, and hourly.

ough further delayed planning permission.

Eventually - at a possible cost of £10.5 milBy May 2013, a dozen powerful cases for lion , instead of £ 6 / 6.5 million ; and at the the opening/re-opening of stations across risk of bankrupting those one or two busiEngland - from Ilfracombe to Cirencester nesses purchased in order to take advantage had been narrowed down to three by the Department: Ilkeston’s the most compelling. of all the new traffic turning off, or back on to Millership Way - construction work on Ilkeston is a market town just inside the site actually began in April 2016, after a county of Derbyshire - but only 7.9 miles final go-ahead in March. Even then, the date north of Nottingham - until the Post-War of official re-opening got pushed back toserved by no fewer than 3 separate railway wards December 2016 [beginning of the stations: Ilkeston Junction [1847-1967], Ilkeston North [1878-1964], Passengers: 1878 Winter timetable] instead of October.

Conclusion -1968, Goods], and Ilkeston Town, short branch from Ilkeston Junction [1847-1950, Contractors Galliford have indeed pulled out after earlier suspension of trains after the every stop to execute the project, once given War ]. To make matters more complicated, the go-ahead. Several dozen engineers have both Ilkeston North and Ilkeston Town were worked from dawn till dusk each day pileat one time or other also known as “Ilkeston” driving and laying down hard core. Some from the Domesday “Tichestune.” weeks, Galliford have added a night shift to It was recognized how far parts of the North- days - with contractors living in Portakabins, East Midlands had been robbed of their exso as to be on hand. Other weeks, all night tractive and engineering industries. Thus work has had to cease in order to allow the Ilkeston people needed to commute to Not- Erewash line to relieve the main Sheffield tingham, Derby and Sheffield. There is alMidland freight-line from North Wingfield ways a case for re-introducing rail to poorer to Derby and Leicester, whilst the latter is reas well as richer communities, especially in possessed by Network Rail, for essential districts like Erewash where car-ownership engineering work. And all the time, Galliis well below the national average. Moreoford gangs, and their sub-contractors, have to ver, the then Northern Rail franchise was not be on the guard lest either newts or subterrafazed by the prospect of providing one more nean springs re-appear. braking, one more delay, one more stop, on Nobody doubts that the completed project its newish Leeds-Nottingham service. The will be successful. Pent-up demand for railtemporary Workington North Station was way travel - both nationally and locally - still built in a week, after the dreadful Cumbrian exists. Overall passenger number keep risfloods of November 2009. So the people of ing, not least because University students in Awsworth, Bennerley, Brinsley, Cotmanhay, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield are not Cossall, Eastwood, Shipley, and Trowell only increasing in number, but also in their might have been forgiven for expecting their choice of train travelling ahead of [delayed] new station to be open for business by Sum- car ownership. The icing on the cake for the mer 2014. And that, indeed, was the plan.

MP for the neighbouring constituency of However, the rare and protected greatDerbyshire Dales, erstwhile Minister of crested newt was discovered on site, in Transport: Patrick McLoughlin, himself an Spring 2014 - and in considerable number. Ilkeston champion, is that the City of NotWorse: some newts were still in evidence, tingham is flourishing. Therefore, presently below Station Road, also the adjoining nearly-full trains serving that city could easi[Victorian ] Coronation Road, in 2015: a full ly be full-to-capacity once Ilkeston Junction year after that first prospecting for land sta- is re-connected to the national rail map....just bility and possible mining subsidence. Even as Alfreton, Dronfield, Hucknall, Langley worse was to come when unacceptable Mill, Matlock Bath, Mansfield Town and flooding was discovered - or feared - under Mansfield Woodhouse, among others, aland around the proposed tarmacked car-park ready successively have been. for 150 cars or taxis. Thus Erewash Bor-

Re-Opening Ilkeston Junction

Photos clockwise starting from top of page: Northern DMU passes south towards Nottingham; A powerful drill pile-driving on site; Map showing our three former stations: Ilkeston North, Ilkeston Junction and Ilkeston Town; The site of the new station in splendid Victorian context; The historic footbridge, soon to be demolished; Oval picture: Nottingham next - a brightly coloured Northern DMU leaves a platform.

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

17

The families left behind Longfield Lane. She did this until she was 22 years old, when she married to live on ShipIn response to my request for memories and stone Street (Gallows Inn). Her oldest son information regarding Madge Wheatley in was killed serving in the RAF in World War 2. the June edition of Ilkeston Life, I received a very interesting but rather sad letter in many The milk round was taken over by guess ways from Joe Usher. Joe has given me per- who? Madge Wheatley of course and her mission to reproduce it here. faithful horse ‘Charlie’.

Life before Madge Wheatley Betty was my mother who died at Stanton Gate, aged 70. I was born in 1926, one of Betty Hall was a happy child (born Hanogh Elizabeth Hall). Born and bred in Crompton eight children.

Joseph (Joe) Usher.

Street, Hallam Fields, she had three brothers, Alan, Clarence and Tony; she also had a The first world war was a terrible time in our sister Nellie. country’s history. Many people were killed One fateful day, tragedy struck the family. and maimed in terrible conditions and circumstances, as indicated in the recent comBetty’s father was killed at Stanton Ironmemorations regarding the Somme camworks. paign. The excellent book, Off To War by The War started in 1914 and Betty’s two Grant Shaw explains how this period affectolder brothers had to join up in the Army. ed local servicemen and women from 1914 Tony was too young. One dreadful day, a to 1918. telegram came telling them Alan had been Joe’s letter has prompted me to think about killed in action. Less than a year later a sec- those left behind: wives, parents, sisters, brothers and even children who just had to ond telegram came saying Clarence had cope and simply get on with it. I have read been killed in action. plenty of books and seen numerous films Betty’s mother remarried and left Crompton regarding WW1 But never have I come Street to live on Little Hallam Lane opposite across a decent book or film explaining the hardship families left behind had to suffer. the gasometer. Betty was now 13 and left school to go into service at Wood Farm, My grandparents married for the second time Trowell. When she was 16 years old, they during the 1890s because both of them were sent her out with the chap who ran the milk left with four children between them when round. After two days, Betty, only 5ft 2ins. their partners died. A wife needed a husband and breadwinner while a man needed a was left with a horse and cart and two large mother for his children. Eventually there milk churns and a round taking in Trowell, were 12 children in the family. This wasn’t Gallows Inn, Triangle, Hallam Fields and unusual in those days.

BY DANNY CORNS

18 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Uncle Reg was killed in Passchendaele on 13th August 1917. His name, along with Alan and Clarence Hall is commemorated on the Hallam Fields war memorial.

In 1919, granddad died so grandma was left with 11 children to bring up, the youngest being three years of age.

Mothers and wives left without partners had to take in washing, mend and make dresses, and perform any domestic task which would earn them a bob or two, even though they had large families themselves. Allotments were always popular at Hallam Fields so families without one learnt to share.

My dad, who was eight years old in 1914 said he spent that much time in the allotment, it put him off gardening for life.

Errand boy and paper boy jobs were keenly sought. The local Co-op and Mitchell’s grocery shop hired lads to take their bread out to customers. Girls had to help with domestic jobs.

On Crompton Street, the terPostcards from Uncle Reg who was killed raced houses had two main bedrooms and a box room big enough for one bed. Kids had to top and tail and wear hand me down clothes. There was by the local poacher. Hallam Fields being a a small kitchen and a scullery with the mid- close-knit community looked after each other. Kids went to the same school, the same den at the top of the yard, which the night church, worked at Stanton, with 28 of them soil men would empty every Sunday evenlaying down their lives during the first world ing. war. People talk about today’s hardship. I At Christmas a large family would find a doubt it could even begin to compare with couple of dead rabbits on their doorstep left those days 100 years ago.

Former Ilkeston coach lands Scotland job

SEWING

ADVERTISING

STITCH IN TIME Curtains and Upholstery Leather Sewing—Loose Covers including for boats, motor homes, pubs

Clothes alteration service

07951 066487 www.stitchintime07.co.uk Email: stitchintime07@gmail.com

HANDYMAN

Are you a local trader (handyman, plumber, decorator, joiner, roofer, locksmith, tiler, carpet layer, gardener, builder, window fitter, piano tuner, tree surgeon, flatpack assembler, dog trainer, vet, fence erector, gate maker, birthday cake maker)? Then you need to be here for when a reader needs your services.

Even in these days of easy internet access, it’s a fact that people usually check their local newspaper first for a local trader when something needs doing.

No matter what business you are in, it is worth considering a regular advertisement in Ilkeston Life, the community paper that reaches ten thousand homes every month in our area.

ELECTRICAL

MOTOR SERVICES

GARY PILKINGTON ELECTRICAL

Ex– Ilkeston coach Andy Watson, who left the club by mutual consent last season, has been appointed assistant manager of the Scotland national team.

He links up with Gordon Strachan, whose son Gavin was also at Ilkeston last season. Gavin moved on to Doncaster Rovers, allowing Andy, his number 2 to take over.

Andy won the respect of players and fans for his work during a difficult season when the club had to sell most of its best players to save money. Left with a very young squad, he staved off relegation with some memorable wins against strong opposition.

Ilkeston have strengthened their squad this season with the signing of several new experienced players. Pre-season friendlies have included matches against Nottingham Forest (won 2-0), Leicester City (lost 3-1) and Notts County (lost 4-0).

————

West Hallam Village Show 10th September 2016 Keep working to perfect your entries for the show and remember that all entry forms must be in by Saturday, 3rd September. Send or deliver to: 9 The Village, West Hallam. Entries should be brought to the Village Hall the evening before the show between 5 – 7pm except for bakery items, which can be handed in between 8am and 9am on the morning of the show.

Children’s entry forms can be brought with their exhibits to the Village Hall the night before the show also between 5 – 7pm.

Remember too that all the entries can be viewed in West Hallam Village Hall from 1 – 5pm on the 10th September. Entrance is £1 and refreshments will be available. There will also be a raffle.

If you haven’t got one yet, entry forms can be downloaded from westhallamvillagehall.org.uk or ring 0115 9984503 or 0115 930 5386 for more information.

Good luck with your entries! - Mary Butler

Local traders—this is a good place to be seen. Regular advertising brings results.

ELECTRICAL

Small Jobs Welcome Your Local Electrician

DEATH

Gale Booth Mother of Cherie Blair, died 5th June 2016.

She was born Joyce Smith on 14th February 1933 into a solid Labour family at Ilkeston, Derbyshire. Her father was a shot firer at the local pit, a shop steward and a cornet player with the Salvation Army. Joyce was educated at Michael House School, Ilkeston. Prime minister Tony Blair described her on the Des O’Connor TV show as his ‘closest political adviser’ and ‘the one person of absolute common sense’. Joyce went to study at RADA, after which she became known as Gale. She married actor Tony Booth in Sept. 1954 but in 1960 when Cherie was five another child was on the way, Tony told her he had met someone else.

She spent the last year of her life living in a nursing home close to her daughter and son -in-law’s country home in Buckinghamshire.

From an obituary in the Daily Telegraph, 9th July 2016.

SYMPATHY Several people shared the image (right) created by our webmaster Adam Newton for our Facebook page following the recent terrorist massacre in France. Crowds were celebrating Bastille Day on the seafront in Nice when a lorry driver drove into them killing at least 84 people

and injuring scores more.

Wednesday 24th August. 10.30am.

Short walk. Straws Bridge area. Meet at Straws Bridge Car Park, West Hallam (SK453413). Leader Joyce Mold.

Thursday 25th August, 10.30am. 6 Erewash Ramblers miles. Ilam & Dovedale. Meet at Monday 1st August, 10.30am. 7 miles.

Ilam National Trust CP, P&D for non Stoke Ford & Eyam Moor. Meet at Hawkhill Rd. CP, Eyam (SK216767). - members. (SK131507, DE6 2AZ).

Leader Dennis Salisbury.

Leaders Stevie Watkin & Pauline Monday 29th August, 10.30am. 7 Lawson (07799 125491). miles. Walk from Hazelwood. Meet Wednesday 3rd August. 10.30am. at the Village Hall (SK327461), DE56 Short walk (7 stiles). Ockbrook.

4AL. Leader Barrie Revill.

Meet at the Ridings, Ockbrook (SK Wednesday 31st August, 10.30am.

425936). Leader Sara Ashmead.

Sunday 7th August, 10.30am. 8 miles. Short walk. Tramway Trail. Meet at Toton Tram depot. (SK497358, NG9 Foolow & Cressbrook Dale. Meet at the free CP off Hawkhill Road, Eyam 7JJ).

(SK216767). Leaders Linda Hunt & More details from Tony Beardsley, 0115 917 0082 Dave Bird.

Wednesday 10th August. 10.30am.

Ilkeston Rambling Club Short walk. Cossall Canal. Meet at Gallows recreation grounds car park. Thursday 4th August: Evening walk Leader Sandie Jones. starting from Beeston Rylands near Thursday 11th August, 10.30am. 6 canal, 4 miles, led by Bill Greenmiles. Heights of Abraham & Bongrass. sall. Meet at Cromford Meadows Sunday 7th August: 10 mile walk P&D (SK302572, DE4 3RQ). Lead- starting from Gradbach car park ers Jacqui & Royce Drew (07592 (GR999662) with lunch at Allgreave, 263284). led by Len Smith.

Monday 15th August, 10.30am. 7 Thursday 18th August: Mystery miles. High Peak Trail & Long Dale. short evening walk led by Clive Meet at Minninglow CP (SK195582). Unwin.

Leader Alan Brown (07865 346467).

Sunday 21st August: Park at Primary Wednesday 17th August. 10.30am. school, Hope village, then walk to Short walk. Breaston area. Meet at Castleton (lunch), 10 miles. Led by Blind Lane, Breaston. (SK461336).

Clive Unwin.

Leader Brian Marshall.

Thursday 1st September: Club evenSunday 21st August, 10.30am. 9 miles. Coton-in-the-Elms, Cauldwell ing at The Poacher, South Street, 7.45pm. & Rosliston. Meet at Coton CP (SK245147, DE12 8EP). Led by More details from Jim Cresswell, Michael Throup.

07747 419380.

Walking groups

Fuse Box Upgrades Sockets, Lights, Showers, etc.

18 years with EMEB Part P Registered Free Quotes

Tel. 0115 944 4128 Mob. 07723 016702

Family Announcements

To discuss placing advert in this paper, ring Paul on 07539 808390 or email sales@ilkestonlife.com

Ilkeston Life, August 2016

19

JUST A THOUGHT You’ll never be brave if you don’t get hurt; you’ll never learn if you don’t make mistakes; you’ll never be successful if you don’t encounter failure.

ON THE

SPOT

David Potter meets some of the people involved in local sport

F

Duncan Payne

ootball historian, author, music journalist, chairman of Ilkeston FC Supporters Group, retail manager and dad.

It’s no wonder we weren’t short of a few things to talk about when I met up recently with Duncan Payne (Dunc to his many friends) for a chat over a glass of his favourite tipple; blackcurrant squash.

Born and raised in Sheffield he was introduced to Sheffield United when his dad (a Football League referee) took him along to Bramall Lane in 1971 to see the Blades beat Arsenal 2-0, and that was that. He was hooked and regularly followed them home

Sport

WIN OR LOSE Share your sports news in Ilkeston’s community paper. email ilkestonlife@gmail.com

and away until Saturday work in the retail trade at Grimsby and Ilkeston began to limit the opportunities of going to games.

Duncan eventually moved to Ilkeston in 1989 meeting his wife to be, Sharon, and, after getting married in 1994, daughter Hannah joined the team three years later.

It was Sharon’s dad who pointed him in the direction of Ilkeston Town and, once again, a football club had its hooks into him and overtook Sheffield United in his footballing affections (although evidence did emerge that traces of the Blades still remain as he was spotted joining in with the infamous United anthem ‘Chip Butty Song’ when they visited the New Manor Ground for a pre-season friendly a while back).

He developed a keen interest in the history of the club and local football generally, and in 1996 he wrote ’Hembury to Harbottle’ recalling fifty years of football at Ilkeston Town FC, a book still treasured by many fans. He also hosts a historical local football website: ilsonfootball.co.uk.

When Ilkeston Town went into liquidation in 2010, Duncan was one of an original group of five supporters who spearheaded an unsuccessful bid to acquire the club but some compensation was gained with the resultant formation of the Supporters Group which is now firmly in place to represent supporters interests and work with the club to mutual benefit whenever possible. (You can find information on this at ifcsg.co.uk) As if the chairmanship of the IFCSG wasn’t enough Duncan has also maintained and developed his interest in Black American Soul Music and now contributes regular articles for the world famous Blues and Soul magazine in addition to newspaper articles on his other musical interest Northern Soul.

He’s also currently hard at work on a publication due for release in 2017 celebrating the history of 25 years of football at the New Manor Ground.

It’s a busy life being Duncan Payne but long may it continue to be so because, although a Yorkshireman , he’s turned into real ‘lsonian’ who’s making an invaluable contribution to our community both here in Derbyshire and beyond.

SCHOOLS FOOTBALL MATCH IS WELL SUPPORTED Action4Cotmanhay thanked local borough councillors, Jane Wilson, Glennice Birkin, Danny Treacey and James Dawson for supporting their annual schools football match between Cotmanhay and Granby junior schools, by donating £200 from their Community Fund towards the costs of the match.

As usual it was eagerly contested, with parents and friends spurring on the players at the Pavilion playing field. The final result was 5-0 to Granby.

The Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Abey Stevenson presented trophies to all the players. Organiser John Allen paid tribute to the teams for a sporting game and everyone behind the scenes who had contributed to another good community event for Cotmanhay, including those who had provided food and drinks for afterwards.

AN ADVERT IN ILKESTON LIFE If you have enjoyed reading this newspaper, there's more of the same on our Facebook page and website — breaking stories, great pictures and local information every day.

Chairman of the Road Race League, Louis Booth says: “I would like to send a big thank you to Jayne and her staff at the Stute Ilkeston Running Club hosted the second for opening the bar and the changing faciliRace in the Booths Decorators Road Race ties, Belfield Furnishings for the use of their League from the Ilkeston Rugby Club car park and Ilkeston Running Club memGrounds with 360 plus members from bers for their continued voluntary work and twelve different clubs at the event. organisational skills and all round support. I The age ranges of competitors are from want to mention Mr Don Peckitt, who acted fourteen years old to seventy years plus and as referee and time keeper at the event, enathe second Race of the Summer Season was bling all the results to be collated and shared a five mile event along the Nutbrook Trail to within hours of completion of the race. AnyStraws Bridge and back. one interested in joining our local Running

Runners rewarded

20p where sold

20 Ilkeston Life, August 2016

Club can go along on any Tuesday or Thursday to the Rutland Sports Park at 7pm for a prompt start—where a warm welcome is assured and it’s not all about competitive running, there is ample opportunity for joggers and social runners who want to improve their technique and run with some company rather than alone.”

Photo: Some of the Cross Country winners, team and individual trophies being awarded on the evening by Louis Booth, who has been sponsor of the League for nearly twenty years.