Reflections Magazine August 2025

‘Seagull’ boy & girl P36

August 2025

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REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE AUGUST 2025

Editor: Barrie Farnsworth, E: barrief@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Advertising: Mike Snow, M: 07966 445452 E: mikes@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Advertising: Helen Wragg, M: 07973 672582 E: helen@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Managing Director/Photographer: Robert Bannister, E: robert@bannisterpublications.com

Art Editor: Ben Fletcher-Bates, E: design@reflections-magazine.com

Social Media: Rebecca Bloomfield, E: hello@bannisterpublications.com

Accounts: Helen Holgate, E: admin@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Distribution: E: distribution@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Published by: Bannister Publications Ltd. Tel. 01246 550 488 (3 lines). Bannister Publications Limited, Office 2A Market Hall, Market Pl, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. S40 1AR. Reflections is published monthly and delivered directly to homes which fall into tax bands D to H and the following postcode areas: DE4 - 2, 3, 4, 5 / DE45 1 / S18 5 / S30 1 / S40 - 1, 2, 3, 4 / S41 0, S41 7, 8, 9 / S42

36 68 24

16 Ten years since the restoration of Dronfield Hill Barn

Alan Powell, chair of Dronfield Heritage Trust, explains the near 600-year history of what is known today as Dronfield Hall Barn

24 Sara’s about the cross the Atlantic Ocean!

Barrie Farnsworth talks to the Derbyshire woman who is about to take part in a round-the-world race 28,32,38,76 Countywide News

All that’s been happening across the county in words and pictures

34 Antiques

Our expert Vivienne Milburn looks at the during appeal of millstone troughs

36 Will ‘seagurl’ beat the ‘seagull boy’ next year? Will Shelby Wallace beat her brother Cooper next time? Barrie Farnsworth reports

40 Back to the future at Masson Mills

Marrying an invaluable legacy with a modern purpose presents both opportunity and challenge, as Rebecca Erskine discovers

48 ‘Paris meets Tidza’!

One of the entries into our photographic competition this month features a cottage ‘dressed’ as the Moulin Rouge!

50 Out & About

Why I love Derbyshire’s highest point, says Chris Drabble

54 Pitcher Wits

55 Prize Crossword

56 Artist of the Month: Hannah Buchanan

Nicki Crompton meets the owner of Wirksworth Pottery Company

60 Signature Dish: The perfect raspberry pudding

A great dessert from Chris Mapp, chef patron of The Tickled Trout, Barlow

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68

78 ‘The man with a long pole with a hook in it’

Godfrey Holmes bemoans the disappearance of shop awnings

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To reach over 30,000 potential customers contact Mike Snow on 07966 445452 or Helen Wragg on 07973 672582

Derbyshire’s largest-circulation lifestyle magazine

Reflections has been established for over 30 years

Peak Kitchens – The Peak of Perfection!

The entrance to the brand-new Peak Kitchens showroom on the Riverside Business Park in Bakewell is the portal to a voyage of discovery into the world of innovative and inspirational kitchens.

WHETHER it’s sleek, minimalist and contemporary displays or classic and timeless kitchen cabinetry, the choice is seemingly endless.

On display at Peak Kitchens is a fantastic collection of interiors, accessories, appliances, and samples to explore and browse.

Using only the finest materials and handcraftsmanship, the beautiful kitchens at Peak Kitchens are tailored to individual needs. The whole ethos here is based on unparalleled personal service, uncompromising integrity, and unequalled quality.

The friendly, highly experienced, knowledgeable,

and uniquely creative design team, headed by Steve and Megan, collaborate with every customer to craft a custom kitchen that perfectly suits personal preference and taste – within a budgeted spending plan, of course. From finishes and layouts to smart technology and ergonomic features, every detail is handcrafted to bring a truly personalised kitchen that suits each individual lifestyle.

From the first spark of inspiration to the final installation, the experienced team at Peak Kitchens is always on hand to guide customers every step of the way.

“With a choice of luxury

German craftmanship or classic English designs, and a wide range of customisable options, you can tailor every single detail,” said Steve.

Häcker kitchens, one of the preeminent brands on display, offer the best of both worldssuperior German engineering and modern aesthetics. Optimal functionality is matched with sophisticated design. Unmatched precision, quality, and durability, seamless design, and longlasting performance come together harmoniously with a contemporary and sleek look.

In contrast, the timeless elegance of traditional English kitchens, crafted with classic cabinetry, finishes, and bespoke details exude charm and character. The Hepworth & Wood bespoke in-frame English kitchens on display are characterised by their elegant design and high-quality craftsmanship. The style is known for its timeless appeal and is often associated with luxury and sophistication.

Peak Kitchens boasts the largest curated selection of

luxury appliances in the area with over one hundred on display. Combining high-end performance and cutting-edge technology, these appliances are crafted by the world’s leading manufacturers, such as Liebherr, Wolf, Sub-Zero, ILVE, Miele, Bora, and AEG. From energy-efficient refrigeration to precision cooking systems, they’ve got it covered!

The range of worktop finishes and colours is unmatched anywhere. Premium brands like Dekton, Caesarstone, Silestone and Laminam are renowned for their high-quality, durable, and stylish surfaces, as well as providing an eclectic choice of finishes and colours.

If you’re seeking inspiration for a new kitchen, which will surpass all your expectations, look no further than Peak Kitchens.

PEAK KITCHENS

Unit 8 - 9, Riverside Business Park, Bakewell DE45 1GS

T: 01629 363723

www.peakkitchens.co.uk

TEN YEARS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF DRONFIELD HALL BARN

Alan

Powell, former chair of Dronfield Heritage Trust, explains the near 600-year history of what is known today as Dronfield Hall Barn.

IN the autumn of 1429 in the heavilywooded area between Chesterfield and Dronfield, a forester was looking for the best trees to cut down for a very special building project.

His employer was Lady Alice Deincourt, a formidable woman who, as well as being a nanny in the Royal Court, was great aunt to Richard III and Edward IV.

As a member of one of the most powerful families in Britain, she was also a landowner who had leased the Manor of Dronfield in a 1406 deal with her son-in-law Ralph

Cromwell. It was a bargain at £6 a year but then as Treasurer of England, Ralph could afford to be generous (he later built the immensely impressive Wingfield Manor).

Now, the forester leaned on his axe in the dappled sunshine and was told that Lady Alice wanted to build a house for the steward who would look after her land and interests throughout north-east Derbyshire. A site had already been chosen in Dronfield on the edge of a steep slope with commanding views of the Drone River valley. It was to have a timber frame

and only the best oak was good enough.

The forester did his job well. Almost 600 years later, his timber is still an integral part of one of the region’s major Grade II* listed buildings for all to visit and enjoy.

Today, that building is called Dronfield Hall Barn and remains an iconic landmark in the High Street Conservation Area. It is now a well-loved venue, which includes the original timber-framed gallery, courtyard, gardens, coffee shop and community space, attracting more than 50,000 visitors a year.

The Barn is currently celebrating the

Below: Part of the medieval garden in the foreground.

Top: The derelict and dilapidated Barn before restoration began.

Above: The daisy wheel hexafoil “witches mark”.

Below: The grounds and gardens have a reputation for year-round planting.

10-year anniversary of its restoration by Dronfield Heritage Trust. The £1.3m project a decade ago was originally financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and public donations and is regarded as one of the most successful heritage at-risk rescues in the region. Now the National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a new grant so that its future is secure for generations to come.

The Barn today represents the latest phase in the glorious history of a building which has gone through turbulent times right from the days of its medieval origin to the present century when it was almost

lost to the ravages of disuse and neglect. The original building is thought to have had wood walls with a floor to roof timber structure which is still largely intact.

The development of the present handsome stone-clad building dates from the 17th century and was owned by successful lead and millstone merchant John Rotherham II. He had built the new Dronfield Hall “next door” as a wedding present for his son and about the same time extended what was then referred to as the “old Hall” with the coal measures sandstone outer wall concealing the original spectacular timber frame within.

house livestock and agricultural material and the Fisher family (also famous as High Street butchers) were the final tenants who last renewed the lease in 1928.

The Barn subsequently became part of the land owned by George Jowitt and Sons Ltd, a local company who manufactured grinding wheels. The company undertook essential repairs to make the building watertight.

“Prior to restoration, The Barn was in a semiderelict and dilapidated state with a leaking roof, and half the upper fllor was missing.”

Later, The Barn formed part of the Hall Farm complex of buildings owned by the Rotherham-Cecil estate, with cottages and workshops standing in front. Dividing walls and stalls were added internally to

Sainsbury then bought the factory, Barn and grounds for a new supermarket and explored every development option for The Barn itself. But North East Derbyshire District Council and English Heritage ruled out everything except community use. In 2004, Sainsbury’s donated the historic building to the town’s Peel Centre Trust to bring it into community use. The Dronfield Heritage Trust was formed as a new charity to manage the project, and it was led by local businessman and entrepreneur Mike Slinn. Almost ten years of dedicated fund-raising followed by Mike and his team, which included John Ramsden, father of the current Trust chair Louise Third.

Prior to restoration, The Barn was in a semi-derelict and dilapidated state with a leaking roof, and half the upper floor was missing.

A specialist restorer of historic building was commissioned for the work and a team of craftsmen began the painstaking job of bringing the building back to life. All the stone ‘slates’ roof was taken off and carefully numbered so that the original roof beams could be exposed and inspected. One of the damaged beams had to be replaced with similar timber of the same age, and eventually, one was found in another derelict barn. It was the right age, the right size, and the right timber. But unfortunately, it was in France. Nevertheless, it was shipped over and used.

The main pitched roof structure is composed of four king post trusses with

Above: Restoration work in the roof in 2014.

construction pegs with mortice and tenon joints clearly visible. King posts were first used in the construction of Roman timber buildings and in medieval architecture typically in churches and tithe barns. But they are rare, and The Barn represents an outstanding example of the medieval craftsmanship.

The individual oak timbers would have been planned and prepared either in nearby workshops and yards and brought to the site. But how did they know what went where and what it fitted with? The answer was that they used various carpenters’ assembly marks (just like Ikea!) and examples appear all over the building. Four different types of marks are visible including early scratched designs along with well-defined chiselled and gouge marks.

The frame also concealed many secrets highlighted for the first time thanks to detailed examination during the restoration, and subsequent detective work. From successive carpenters’ marks to evil-averting, daisy-wheel hexafoil symbology, they include a tallow burn mark on the principal post still clearly visible, which is thought to have been made prior to construction in the belief that if the timber had been burnt once it would provide protection against burning again.

The hexafoil daisy wheel is seen both as

a protection against evil, such as witches and other spirits, and as a good luck symbol. Well, it was the Middle Ages!

Another mark is by a stonemason represented by a simple X scratched on a stone – a mason’s way of saying “this is my work. I built this.”

But The Barn team believe the building and surrounding grounds still have many secrets yet to be revealed and further investigation will eventually be undertaken.

But what happens in The Barn now? The Barn is open daily, and the ground-floor coffee shop and café has become a popular meeting place, with daily specials cooked in The Barn kitchen. It also has a unique

feature: round the walls is an illustrated timeline with local and national events tracing almost six centuries of historic life.

The Barn also has a varied events programme and hosts artisan markets, exhibitions, festivals, weddings, wakes, celebrations and corporate clients. The gallery, a favourite of wedding couples, is also used for concerts and events by many groups who appreciate being able to use such an iconic space.

The surrounding gardens are enjoyed by regular visitors, and they are managed by a brilliant team of volunteers, who work tirelessly to keep the grounds spectacular throughout the seasons.

Above: A favourite Dronfield meeting place – the busy coffee shop and café.

Below: The front entrance of The Barn at night.

Enclosed by gritstone drystone walls, they provide peaceful spaces in the middle of the town. There is also a grass area which is used for outdoor events, and a medieval-style garden which provides herbs for use in the café kitchen.

Mike Baker is one of the garden volunteers who spend at least one morning a week helping to look after the grounds. He says: “It has introduced me to new friends and our work brings together a very wide range of people with different skills who help in the development of the site. We give our time freely to maintain the gardens for visitors to enjoy.”

Volunteers are also part of the frontof-house team, and they represent the key to making sure visitors are made welcome. They also help to organise and steward all the project’s functions. The Trust also has an active Archive Group which investigates Dronfield’s history and mounts major exhibitions with explanatory guides. Hundreds of visitors enjoyed a buildings exhibition earlier this year, which looked at the history of people and places in Dronfield’s conservation area.

Catherine Tankard, a regular visitor, sums up how most visitors feel: “The Barn has been our favourite local place since it first opened. It’s a wonderful community space where you never fail to bump into

someone you know and stop for a chat. We have enjoyed a wide range of events and feel extremely lucky to live so close to somewhere that welcomes you in as a friend rather than just another customer.”

Local companies are also discovering the merits of using a historic venue. The various indoor spaces and grounds have proved ideal for company meetings, workshops, conferences and celebrations.

To mark the decade-long restoration as a centre of excellence, the Trust has launched a 10th anniversary appeal to help raise £50,000 to ensure the continuing needs of the community hub are met. The money is for a wide range of education, cultural and community support programmes, along with essential maintenance. It will also help fund kitchen upgrades, improvements to communal areas, introduce new technology, and improve volunteer facilities.

In January, the Trust was awarded a grant of £238,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable the trustees to implement strategic business and marketing plans for the long-term sustainability of their valuable conservation work.

Chair of Trustees Louise says: “It is a joy to know that the Barn is a muchloved and valued part of Dronfield. The Barn and beautiful grounds attract a wide variety of visitors from around the

country and our new fund-raising appeal will allow us to plan for the next phase of development, and we’ll enjoy some fantastic celebration events together.”

For more information and to donate, go to: www.dronfieldhallbarn.org.

• Dronfield Heritage Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Board of Trustees has overall strategic responsibility for the project.

The restored upper gallery showing the original timber frame roof framework.

BROCKWELL JUNIOR SCHOOL – OPEN AFTERNOON

Friday 26th September 2025 1.30pm – 4.00pm

AT Brockwell Junior School, we believe choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. That’s why we warmly invite you to join us for our Open Afternoon.

• Explore our vibrant classrooms

• Meet our dedicated and friendly staff

• Talk to pupils who are proud of their school

• Discover our focus on academic excellence and personal development

Here at Brockwell, success goes beyond results. Guided by our motto, ‘Safe, Smile, Succeed’ – we follow five values while preparing children with the confidence, skills and knowledge for the future. We nurture every child in a positive and respectful environment, where smiles and support are part of everyday life.

Come along on Friday 26th September from 1.30pm to 4pm

We’d love to meet you, show you around, and answer any questions you may have.

PUPILS FROM BROCKWELL JUNIOR SCHOOL EXCEL AT PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL TASKING FINAL

Brockwell Junior School from Chesterfield made a remarkable contribution to the “School Tasking Champion of Champions” event, held at the University of Warwick’s Arts Centre on June 19, 2025. Inspired by the TV show Taskmaster, the competition encourages Year 5 pupils to delve into law through playful and creative challenges—this year under the lively guidance of “Little” Alex Horne, creator and assistant of the original show.

The Midland regional winners joined five other teams to complete imaginative onstage tasks before an enthusiastic live audience of over 1,000 – all overseen by Alex himself. Challenges ranged from heightmatching with a chicken, to beanbag-throwing into Alex’s mortarboard, and even stealthy hides in the iconic Butterworth Hall.

Brockwell Junior School’s team displayed exceptional creativity

and teamwork. Whether estimating a chicken’s height or devising clever hiding places, each child embraced the moment with excitement and confidence. Their performance, marked by quick thinking, polite humour, and spirited collaboration, earned warm applause for their ability to “take it all in their stride and perform magnificently” Overall, Brockwell Junior School’s presence at Warwick’s Champion of Champions final was an inspiring showcase of young minds tackling playful yet thought-provoking tasks. With Alex Horne’s encouragement and the supportive atmosphere of the University stage, the Chesterfield pupils experienced the thrill of performance under pressure—and returned home enriched, motivated, and brimming with pride.

T: 01246 278542 www.brockwell-jun. derbyshire.sch.uk

SARA’S ABOUT TO cross the Atlantic…

Barrie Farnsworth talks to the Derbyshire woman who is taking part in a round-the-world yacht race.

IT’S not every 55-year-old woman wants to take part in a round-the-world yacht race, but Sara Martin does.

The mother-of-three from Alfreton has given up her job as a business advisor for Derbyshire County Council – and as “the children have grown up and moved on, it is time to do something for myself and I do love the water but I am by no means a seasoned sailer!”

Above: Sara Martin undergoing her four weeks’ training.

Right inset: Sara takes the wheel during her training for the Clipper Round-theWorld Race 2025/26.

Below: Sara’s family will gather in Portsmouth to see her yacht start the race.

So Sara applied to take part in the biannual Clipper Round-the-World Race and, after an interview and four weeks of training, she got a place in one of the ten identical, 70ft-long yachts.

She is one of 20 people on one of the yachts that head off for Uruguay from Portsmouth on August 31, but only eight of them are going round the world. The other 11, like Sara, are ‘Leggers’ – so called because they are doing one of the legs of the trip. Mind you, that involves 6,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Ironically, Sara’s love of water came when her children Gracie, Harvey and Roscoe were little, taking them onto Ogston Reservoir. Her children will all be there to wave her off at Portsmouth, as well as her husband Kent, her mum and her sisters.

It’s a tough life on a yacht, as Sara has already discovered during her training. “We do six hours on and six hours off during the daytime, and we do four-hour shifts at night – but it’s not always easy to get to sleep. It feels like a responsibility to do well – I cannot let the team down.

“We have been given a ‘window of arrival’ in Uruguay, October 9-13, and I hope we are one of the first rather than the last yacht,” she added.

Husband Kent will fly to Montivideo to see her finish her leg in Punta del Este – and then they can plan enjoy South America

as tourists, “but I might need a day or two to recover from the trip”, said Sara. Her skipper is a Welshman, Gavin Rees, who went to the same school as the Clipper Race’s founder in 1995, Robin Knox-Johnston; and her first mate is another professional sailor, Zoe Longley, who is from Derby, who says: “It doesn’t really feel like giving up a year of my life for a job, it feels quite the opposite. One things for sure, there will be lots of pulling on ropes, lots of pulling on sails, lots of boat tilting and trying not to fall off.”

Sara’s yacht is raising money for UNICEF UK; so if you would like to sponsor her, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/saramartin-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Editor’s Note: The Round-the World trip covers 40,000 nautical miles, divided into eight legs and involving people from 50 countries. The 2025/26 race, likely to finish next July, will also stop at Cape Town (South Africa), Fremantle (Australia), Qingdao (China), Tongyeong (South Korea), Seattle (USA) and Oban (Scotland) before returning to Portsmouth.

Countywide News

Evolution and Progressive Energy.

Peak Cluster the world’s largest project of its type

THE Peak Cluster project to develop a pipeline to capture carbon emitted by cement and lime factories in the Peak District and bury it below the Irish Sea will create hundreds of jobs, said Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

The pipeline will be created to transfer carbon dioxide from Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the North West to be stored in the depleted gas fields off the coast of Cumbria.

The government said the project was the world’s largest cement decarbonisation project, and would create about 300 jobs. The government said more than 2,000 jobs in cement and lime production will be ‘supported’ by the plan.

Carbon capture and storage is where CO2 produced from power stations and industrial processes is captured at source, rather than escaping into the atmosphere and adding to global warming.

Peak Cluster is backed by £28.6m from the government’s National Wealth Fund and £31m from private partners including Tarmac – with lots of quarries and plants in Derbyshire – Breedon –owners of the Hope Valley Cement Works – SigmaRoc, Holcim, Summit Energy

The Peak Cluster project will prevent more than three million tonnes of CO2 entering the atmosphere each year, the government said.

‘Stephenson Weekend’ at Holy Trinity Church

THE weekend when Rail 200 reaches its peak – because

The Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first passenger railway to use steam locomotives, opened on September 27, 1825 – as the ‘Father of the Railways’, George Stephenson (pictured), is honoured in the Chesterfield church where he is buried.

On the weekend of September 27/28, Holy Trinity Church, on Newbold Road, Chesterfield, will stage a ‘Stephenson Weekend’, which will see part of the church used as an exhibition centre, with a special service on the Sunday, which will be attended by the CEO of Network Rail, Richard Haynes; the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill CBE; the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Sir Richard Fitzherbert; and several Derbyshire mayors.

Nearby Abercrombie Primary School will send its choir to perform on the Saturday. In 1825, George Stephenson’s steampowered Locomotion No. 1 travelled 26 miles, carrying hundreds of passengers on The Stockton and Darlington Railway.

In 1829, Stephenson’s entry, the Rocket, won the Rainfall Trials and the following year, the Liverpool to Manchester railway was inaugurated. This caught the imagination of the public and, more importantly, of investors; and the Railway Age was born! By 1850, over 16,000 miles of track had been laid in the UK.

George Stephenson went on to oversee the building of the North Midland Railway’s Derby to Leeds line, which runs through Chesterfield, and was opened in 1840. It was around this time that he founded the Clay Cross Company, in order to exploit the coal measures which he had discovered.

George was born in Wylam, Northumberland, to poor parents and started life as a miner.

He was married three times – the first two wives died – and he married his housekeeper, Ellen Gregory, (who is buried alongside her husband in Holy Trinity), and seven months later, in 1848, he died of pleurisy. His son Robert (180359) also became a major railway engineer

He spent the last ten years of his life living at Tapton House, Chesterfield, where he pursued his hobby of gardening and built hothouses on the estate to grow exotic fruit and vegetables in a rivalry with the equally famous head gardener of Chatsworth, James Paxton.

Tapton House was bought by Charles Paxton Markham, director of the Staveley Coal and Iron Company and three times mayor of the town, in 1871 and became the family home until one hundred years ago, when he gave the 200 acres of parkland, and the house, to the Borough of Chesterfield.

We reported a few months ago that, thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Holy Trinity Church has been awarded £240,600 to launch the project that will honour Stephenson’s legacy, which will expand its role as a visitor destination and educational hub. There is additional funding support from EMR (£5,000), Cross Country Rail (£5,000), Raymond Ross Fund (£25,000), Graysons Solicitors (£1,000), and Holy Trinity Church itself (£16,000). Plans include the transformation of Holy Trinity’s community rooms into a dedicated visitor facility.

Editor’s Note: One of the exhibition organisers, David Nightingale, is writing a book about George Stephenson’s links with the Chesterfield area, through Bannister Publications, owners on Reflections magazine.

Above: Hope Valley Cement Works.

Picture by Stuart Else.

CHRIS TARRANT, best known as the iconic host of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, surprises readers with a deeply personal, passionate tribute to one of nature’s most powerful and misunderstood creatures: the bear.

‘For the Love of Bears’ is not just a memoir or wildlife chronicle – it’s a love letter spanning decades. Tarrant’s fascination began in childhood, during visits to Regent’s Park Zoo, where he first locked eyes with a pacing bear whose intelligence and restlessness hinted at a caged soul. That moment sparked a moral awakening. Unlike other animals, the bears seemed aware of their captivity, and their silent suffering stayed with him.

But this isn’t a grim manifesto. Tarrant invites us on a global adventure, sharing stories from his travels across Canada,

“For the love of bears”

– A HEARTFELT AND UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY INTO THE WILD

Alaska, and the Arctic Circle. His encounters range from awe-inspiring to adrenalinefueled, yet always grounded in respect – for the wild, the bears, and the delicate balance between them.

With a voice that’s both conversational and poetic, Tarrant mixes humour with hard truths. He doesn’t shy away from confronting cruelty – bear bile farms, circus exploitation, shrinking habitats – but never preaches. Instead, he offers empathy. The bear that “seemed to stop its pacing and come over as if for a chat and a cup of tea” becomes a powerful symbol of connection.

‘For the Love of Bears’ is about more than bears. It’s about empathy, memory, wildness, and what it means to care deeply for something beyond ourselves.’

Tarrant’s real strength lies in making readers care. Bears, in his hands, are not just majestic animals – they are emotional, intelligent individuals. Through rich storytelling and heartfelt observation, he opens a window into their world, and in doing so, helps us reflect on our own. He also shares his personal evolution–acknowledging the joy zoos brought him as a child, before recognising the ethical dilemmas they pose. That honesty makes the book not only relatable but transformational. It’s a gentle call to awareness, inviting readers to grow alongside him.

Ultimately, ‘For the Love of Bears’ is about more than bears. It’s about empathy, memory, wildness, and what it means to care deeply for something beyond ourselves. Without shouting or lecturing, Tarrant poses a profound question: do we want a world where beauty is confined behind bars – or one where it roams free?

If you’re looking for a read that will stir your soul, ignite your curiosity, and perhaps change your perspective, this is it. ‘For the Love of Bears’ is not just a great book – it’s a necessary one.

the Team on 01246 229393

Unit 14F, The Glass Yard, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield. S41 8JY Email: info@graysons.co.uk Tel: 01246 229393 Graysonslaw @Graysonslaw www.graysons.co.uk

Sparkle Night Walk marks 10th anniversary – and smashes record

A RECORD number of walkers stepped out to turn the streets of Chesterfield pink for the 10th anniversary of Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk.

More than 3,500 supporters took on the annual 10km walk, sponsored by Magpie Beauty, which started and finished at Chesterfield FC’s stadium on June 28. This smashed the previous record of 3,404 participants set in 2024.

Walkers have already helped raise more than £280,000 to help fund Ashgate’s palliative and endof-life care in North Derbyshire.

The event saw participants enjoy live entertainment at 7pm before the walk started at 10pm. The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the stadium.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “This year’s Sparkle Night Walk was extra special as we marked its 10th anniversary. We’ve been blown away by the support once again. A huge thank you as well to our incredible volunteers and to the brilliant local businesses who supported us.”

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened at £10 per person and more than 400 people have already signed up. Entry will be available at a

reduced rate until August 31, with the walk set to take place on June 27, 2026. To register for the early bird price, go to: www. ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk.

Epic charity ride earns man top inspiration award

he remained focused on raising money for inclusive programmes and health initiatives run by the Community Trust.

“I wanted to give something back to the club and the town that has given me so much,” he said.

Peter Clark, Managing Partner at Graysons, said: “Daniel’s determination and selflessness are a true inspiration. His journey represents the very best of community spirit, and we’re honoured to recognise his achievements through this award. It’s individuals like Daniel who make Chesterfield such a great place to live and work.”

The Community Awards celebrate the contributions of local people who go above and beyond to make a difference.

New children’s book by local author

LAST year, local children’s book author Sue WIlkins was approached by Sarah McLeod, CEO of the Trust which runs Wentworth Woodhouse, a stately mansion open to the public in South Yorkshire.

One of Sarah’s responsibilities is to look after the several species of bat living at the mansion.  She asked Sue to write a story about one of them, whom she called Billy.

Once again, Sue has worked with the brilliant illustrator, Liz Furness. The result is ‘Billy the Bat’, which is now available at £7.99 from Sue’s website –suewilkins.co.uk – and suitable for up to seven-year-olds. Billy has his own soft toy, price £10, to accompany the story.

FANCY THAT

A CHESTERFIELD man who pedalled an extraordinary 14,000km across the globe for charity has been named this year’s winner of the Graysons Solicitorssponsored Inspiration Award.

Daniel Cresswell embarked on the epic journey from the town to Bangkok to raise funds for the Chesterfield FC Community Trust. His remarkable achievement captured the hearts of many.

Over the course of seven months, Daniel cycled through 21 countries, enduring extreme heat, illness, and even a serious bike crash. From France to Turkey and onwards to India and southeast Asia,

DERBYSHIRE Dales has England’s fourth oldest population, with 29 per cent aged 65 or over. The average age of the district’s population is nearly 49 years.

The study by Halton Stairlifts shows that North Norfolk has the oldest population; followed by Rother District Council in Bexhillon-Sea, East Sussex; with East Lindsey in Lincolnshire third.

London Boroughs make up four of the five youngest populations, with Tower Hamlets having the lowest average age of just 32, and with less than six per cent aged 65 or over.

Above: Daniel Cresswell (left) with his Inspiration award from Graysons Managing Partner, Peter Clark.

Above: Three of the Sparkle Night walkers.

THE ENDURING APPEAL OF MILLSTONE TROUGHS

MILLSTONE troughs fashioned from gritstone blocks and worn-out millstones are practical and enduring objects that have a rich agricultural and industrial heritage, and in recent years, they have seen renewed interest.

The large trough we have pictured was the most valuable single item in a local deceased’s estate; the beneficiaries had not considered its value as it sat silently in the garden, it made £1,600 when sold in situ in a recent specialist auction.

The origins of millstone troughs lie in the rural landscapes of 18th and 19th Century Britain, particularly in areas with thriving milling industries. Millstones, used to grind grain into flour, would eventually wear out. Rather than discard these heavy

By Vivienne Milburn FRICS

Independent Antiques Auctioneer & Valuer

and often expensive pieces of stone, they were repurposed and either hollowed out to form feeding or water troughs for livestock or integrated into farmyard structures.

While millstone troughs are most associated with northern England, particularly Yorkshire and the Peak District, they are not exclusively found here. Their prevalence in the north is largely due to the concentration of mills, availability of suitable stone, and the nature of the local agriculture.

Over time, these troughs became indispensable features on farms, especially in upland and remote regions where durable materials were essential to withstand the harsh weather. Many were hand-carved from large blocks of gritstone or sandstone, especially in regions

Right: This large millstone trough, is 137cm long, nicely shaped with rounded corners and enhanced by the desirable appearance of moss and lichens, it made £1,600 when sold at auction.

like Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Lancashire, where such stone was abundant. Their robust construction has helped them survive through the centuries.

Today, millstone troughs are highly sought-after for their rugged aesthetic and authentic patina. At auction their prices vary depending on provenance, size and condition. A small trough might fetch a few hundred pounds, while larger examples with provenance or unique features can exceed £1,000.

Millstone troughs offer a tangible link to Britain’s agricultural and industrial past. Though particularly common in northern England due to regional geology and historical

farming practices, they are appreciated more widely today for their craftsmanship and character. Whether used in their original context or repurposed in a garden, these troughs continue to tell stories of rural life and ingenuity, they remain a popular lot at auctions where heritage and practicality meet.

Editor’s Note: It is worth getting the advice of an Independent Antiques Valuer to assess your works of art and antiques. For further information, please contact Vivienne Milburn on 07870 238788 or 01629 640210. Alternatively, go to www. viviennemilburn.co.uk or email vivienne@ viviennemilburn.co.uk

Below: Two gritstone or millstone troughs, only 52cm long and one with some damage, they made £150 in a recent auction.

Will ‘seagurl’ beat ‘seagull boy’ next year?

CAN Newbold’s ‘seagurl’ Shelby beat her brother, ‘seagull boy’ Cooper? Next year, she thinks so – but he is not so sure, writes Barrie Farnsworth.

It all started when Cooper Wallace was bitten by a seagull about three years ago while on holiday. He then decided to mimic the cry of a seagull – and so good was he that in 2024, at a small town in Belgium, he won the Junior title of a ‘Gull Screeching Championship’ and, with a score of 92 out of 100, beat all the adults taking part as well!

Mum Lauren remembers the next few days as ‘mental’. She said: “We stopped the car several times on the way home from the ferry while Cooper was interviewed. Then we took him to Salford, where they put us all up in a hotel, for a BBC Breakfast interview the following morning.

The ‘mental’ approach from the world’s media continued through the spring and summer – with halfway through August 2024 before Cooper didn’t have a newspaper, TV or radio interview at the weekend.

“He then decided to mimic the cry of a seagull.”

“When we took him back to school on the Wednesday – the championship was on a Saturday – his class had watched Cooper’s interview on TV and cheered him in.”

Happily, Cooper, who was 11 last month and moves school to Outwood Academy soon, has loved the attention and was particularly pleased his class at Abercrombie Primary School cheered him in. Later in 2024, Cooper appeared on a German TV show in Hamburg, where four celebrities had to try and guess his title – and they couldn’t, winning ‘seagull boy’ 1,000 euros. His parents, Andy and Lauren, know he has appeared on TV in USA, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, India and even Estonia. And ‘seagull boy’ promoted Fortnum and Mason’s ice cream, going down to London and being treated ‘like a prince’, Lauren said. When Cooper was asked to judge a seagull sounding competition at a holiday

Left: Cooper went to Scotland to appear on CBBC’s Saturday Mash-up.

Right: The 2025 winner of the Gull Screeching Junior contest, Cooper Wallace, with cafe owner Claude Willaert.

park in Essex early this year, the whole family went – and sister Shelby took part – and his parents begged him not to let her win. Lauren said: “She went first and was so good that Andy and I looked at each other and said ‘we didn’t know she could do that’. Cooper said that everybody was good and deserved a prize – but they weren’t!”

This year, the championship was held again in April in a cafe in the same Belgium town

– and both ‘seagull boy’ and ‘seagurl’ competed. Cooper won the Junior section again with 88 points – but he didn’t beat all the adults this time – but seven-year-old Shelby gained 83 points, and was fourth in the Junior section.

Lauren said: “In 2024, there were nine children who took part in the Junior section – but there were 22 children took part this year. Maybe all the publicity that Cooper got around the world had worked!”

This year, Cooper attracted a team from Korean TV making a documentary about seagulls. “They followed him everywhere while we were in Belgium,” Lauren said. So the 2026 competition – in the same Belgian cafe: Café De Verloren Gernoare, Adinkerke – is on April 26; and the Wallace family will be there, with both Cooper and Shelby competing. The last word is with Shelby: “I am going to beat my brother this time.”

Far left: Cooper and Shelby about to take off for Belgium for the 2025 competition.

Middle: Cooper promoted Fortnum & Mason’s new ice cream at the London store after his 2024 triumph.

Above: Cooper and his mum Lauren appeared on BBC Breakfast a few days after his first triumph in Belgium in April 2024.

Memorial to miners unveiled at Arkwright Town

A MONUMENT to miners who worked in Arkwright Colliery was unveiled in June.

More than 200 people gathered at the monument in Arkwright Town following a march that was led by Ireland Colliery Brass Band.

The installation, a pit wheel set in a stone base, includes the names of 10 miners who died in accidents while working at the colliery before it closed in 1988. The memorial was commissioned by Suttoncum-Duckmanton Parish Council.

Former North Derbyshire National Union of Miners officer John Burrows, did the unveiling with Norma Dolby, former district councillor and Arkwright Town resident. John thanked ex-miner Brian Hegarty,

Top: After the unveiling of the monument, from left, Brian Hegarty (former Arkwright Colliery workerl), Kieron Payne (Sutton-cumDuckmanton Parish Councillor), John Burrows (former officer of the Derbyshire Area of the NUM), Norma Dolby (former District Councillor for Sutton Ward), Steve Brunt (former coal face worker at Arkwright Colliery) and The Ven Karen Hamblin (Archdeacon of East Derbyshire).

Above: Some of the former Arkwright Colliery miners who attended the unveiling of the memorial in June.

who came up with the idea of the memorial.

The unveiling comes 30 years after Arkwright Village was moved across the main Chesterfield-Bolsover road, because of concerns about methane. There was a galastyle afternoon with family entertainment, and the Arkwright Centre hosted an exhibition of Arkwright Town’s history.

Above: The Arkwright Centre, where there was an exhibition of Arkwright’s history and its relocation.

The Charleston on way in Bakewell

LONGBOW Venues has officially revealed the name behind its latest hospitality venture: The Charleston – a bar and restaurant set to open in early 2026 in Bakewell.

Housed in the grand, Grade II-listed former Royal Bank of Scotland building, Longbow Venues, alongside landlord Coverland UK, are investing a significant £2.5 million into transforming this iconic building. This opulent renovation will celebrate original features – such as soaring ceilings, ornate cornices and arched windows – while introducing rich textures and bold design drawn from the golden age of cocktails and jazz.

The Charleston will span two floors, with a bustling ground-floor bar and restaurant and an upstairs restaurant. A baby grand piano will take centre stage, with daily live music recreating the atmosphere of the prohibition age.

Outside, a courtyard will offer additional seating for up to 90 guests. Another standout feature is a distinctive private dining room set within the bank’s original strong room – an intimate space for up to 10 guests.

Rob Hattersley, founder of Longbow Bars & Restaurants, says: “I grew up in Bakewell, and it’s incredibly exciting to be reviving such a local landmark – giving it a new lease of life.” Rob’s parents owned Aitch’s Wine Bar and Bistro, much-loved by Bakewell folk between 1982 and 2004.

The Charleston will also create 60 new jobs, with recruitment starting in late summer. To find out more, visit the-charleston.com, or email letsmeet@the-charleston.com

Back to the future at Masson Mills

IT’S the hottest day in June when I arrive at Masson Mills, the home of Richard Arkwright’s 1783 water-powered, cotton spinning mill. The coffee shop where I meet Amanda Nichol, the Museum’s lead for anthropology/heritage consultation and curation, is already a hive of activity. John Needle, head of the family who own the Mills, is beavering away on his laptop at a corner table. Wife Jill is serving behind the counter and chatting to café manager Caroline, who has popped in with baby Belle. Over the next hour, the knitting group arrives, as well as dog walkers in search of cooling water and the first of the day’s Museum visitors. It is a sense of family and community that runs deep in this Grade II-listed building. As directors of the family firm Needles and Haystacks, all three Needle sons – Jamie, Dean and Simon – are heavily involved in day-to-day operations. Generations of families

Marrying an invaluable legacy with a modern purpose presents both opportunity and challenge at Masson Mills, as Rebecca Erskine discovers.

are evident amongst the former workers too at the annual reunions; and the longestserving member of staff, head engineer Andy, joined as a third-generation worker in 1978.

Masson Mills is the gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site and globally recognised as the birthplace of the factory system. In operation from 1783 to 1991, it is one of the longest continually running factories in the world. Now a working museum with an extensive collection of historic textile machinery, it also boasts a visitor centre and coffee shop, as well as conferencing, events, office and retail space.

Building back from Covid has been tough and a challenge only exacerbated by Edinburgh Woollen Mill’s decision not to return to the retail village. Step in the Needle family, who purchased the site in 2022. As I begin my tour with Amanda, the toil of the last three years is evident, including repair of the iconic 125-year-old

chimney and clearing the weir-side of years of overgrown vegetation to create an outdoor seating area and make safe its bridges.

Each of the Mills’ five floors would once have housed wall-to-wall, floorto-ceiling machinery operated by some 500 workers. As we delve into the depths of the Museum, we are hit with a smell both atmospheric and earthy. “Digital collections may have grown in popularity amongst museums seeking to reach a wider audience,” Amanda muses, “but you can never record smell, dust or authenticity!”

This living museum is a place that truly awakens memories. Not just for local folk whose mothers and grandmothers were spinners or weavers, but for international visitors with their own connections to the textile industry, including from the States where the journey of cotton begins.

Amanda recounts how a visitor from India was visibly moved when the ‘clackety

The front of Masson Mills today. Credit Amanda Nichol.

clack’ of the machinery brought back a long-forgotten memory of falling to sleep to the sound of his mother working her front-room loom to produce saris. “Together with my fellow Museum hosts Mille and Kevin, we aim to bring work at the Mills fully to life,” explains Amanda, “not by telling visitors what to look at but by allowing them to explore and experiment, and to ask questions.”

“Once our visitors have ‘clocked in’ as the workers would once have done, our tour starts with the ‘wobbly floor room’ – socalled because of the waves created by the tread of workers alongside the machinery.” Evidence of our very wealthy founder is present in a large iron ring, still affixed to the wall, where he once tethered his horse. Anyone touching the ring is said to benefit from Arkwright prosperity!”

Due to its private ownership, the Mills are unable to tap into charity funding in the same way as its local counterparts. It can also mean the building is misunderstood, as Amanda describes: “The Mills may be privately owned but that’s not to say they are insular or closed in their outlook – anything but! Our site is a perfect blend of social and historical interest in the most dramatic of riverside settings, so we attract many

different groups including schoolchildren, Textiles and Engineering students, bird watchers seeking a sighting of the heron or kingfishers and photographers.”

As we continue our tour of the building, flooded with light at every turn, we enter the hall that once hosted tea dances and has the potential to impress again at gatherings and celebrations. Climbing more stairs – all of which add to a typical daily 12,000 step count for Amanda – we then reach the Billiards Room. This dramatic corner-aspect room will be renovated into a loft-style apartment allowing overnight guests to drink in the views of the Derwent from large gallery windows. On our way back down, we bump into director Dean who has been instrumental in the site’s sustainable energy successes (the family’s first involvement with the Mills was in the 1980s when John installed a water turbine). Of the electricity generated by on-site hydroelectric turbines, only 30% is used by the Mills, with the remaining 70% returning to the National Grid. It is just one of the many initiatives that brings both opportunity and challenge. Dean explains:

“The scope of the site really is huge, but we can’t do everything at once. And there’s no manual that comes with a building like this!”

A new exhibition space will celebrate the Mills’ full-cycle journey from water, to steam, oil, gas, electric and, satisfyingly, back to water. As important as the Mills’s commitment to creating green energy; undoubtedly its role in social history is ultra-important. “We are deeply invested in developing the community value of the Mills,” Amanda explains. “There’s been a lot written on the Mills and cotton spinning but not the workers. I’m really interested in how we build this community tradition, particularly covering the period of 1920 onwards.”

Once a focal point for employment, this most iconic and historically significant site continues to play an exciting role in binding together the local community and connecting us all to our past.

Amanda Nichol.

Top: The Masson Mills owners, the Needle family: John and Jill and their three sons, Jamie, Dean and Simon.

Above: Part of the car park now, but this was the spinning floor. Credit Amanda Nichol.

Above right: The new weir-side picnic area. Credit Amanda Nichol.

Above: Spinning machines in the Museum at Masson Mills. Credit Amanda Nichol.

Above left: The rear of Masson Mills. Credit Amanda Nichol.

Integrity: The key to lasting success

Chesterfield-based Holywell Carpets believe that honesty and trust are integral to meeting and exceeding customers’ expectations.

As can usually be expected from a long-established family business, Holywell Carpets has stood the test of time through displaying the hallmarks of unparalleled customer service, uncompromising integrity, and unswerving reliability. Long-standing and loyal employee, Martin Howroyd, is now at the helm, having worked at this highly reputable carpet company for 33 years. It’s fair to say that he knows the business inside out. And he has done the hard yards! He is a trained fitter and has many years fitting experience. 25 years on the tools is testament to his vast depth of knowledge and experience.

Traditional values

Martin is proud of the old-fashioned values which have underpinned the success of Holywell Carpets. “If I wouldn’t have a particular carpet in my home, I won’t put it in yours,” said Martin. “I always tell customers the truth. Our business is based on a high moral code and honesty and truthfulness are at the very core of this.”

Associated Carpet Group Membership (ACG)

With over 320 members, ACG is a national buying group dedicated to supporting independent flooring retailers. With a massively increased buying power, the ACG can secure the best trading terms with the best selection of flooring

suppliers. This means that carpet retailers like Holywell Carpets can pass on the savings to customers, making their prices much more competitive. ACG membership has a good number of benefits for Holywell Carpets, including enabling them to trade on equal or better terms than members of other groups or multiple outlets.

Derbyshire Trusted Trader Membership

Being a Derbyshire Trusted Trader tells customers that they are dealing with a fair and reliable business, which follows a code of practice. The scheme also establishes a vetting procedure and a framework for stringent quality standards.

Customer reviews speak volumes

“Very efficient from purchase to fitting. Very courteous and they did everything they said they would. I highly recommend them and will not look anywhere else when I replace the next carpet. Excellent carpets.” Customer reviews and feedback speak volumes. A whole host of outstanding reviews from customers are what underpin the continued success of Holywell Carpets. Here are some recent 5-star Google reviews:

Trisha Jessop

Two months ago

Professional and friendly service from all the team. The whole process from first walking into the shop to the fitting stage was excellent. Great advice about the right type of flooring for our conservatory. It looks amazing. Highly recommend this company.

Tracey Morris

Two months ago

The customer service was fantastic, great choice of carpet and fitting was perfect. I’d never go anywhere else!

Rae Helm Perkins

Three months ago

Thrilled (again) with the flooring received and fitted by Holywell Carpets. A couple of years ago, we had carpet fitted in three bedrooms, the landing, and a whipped runner fitted to the stairs. Last month, we had vinyl fitted in the kitchen and office. The service from everyone we dealt with was fantastic; the quality is superb; and the price was unable to be beaten by several other places we had quotes from. I’d highly recommend the Holywell team over and over again (in fact I have already on multiple occasions!)

Jason Thomas

Five months ago

First-class service; very polite and helpful staff; fitted my bedroom carpet and did one amazing job. WILL RECOMMEND.10/10.

Kay Greaves

Five months ago

Excellent service from start to finish, dealing with people who are knowledgeable, skilful and polite. I strongly recommend this business.

Anne Ross

A year ago

Great service from the Holywell team. They gave lots of advice on which carpet & underlay to have. They were very knowledgeable. Stairs, hall, landing & lounge look great; the fitters were brilliant with taking up the old carpet & moving furniture for me. A first-class service and would highly recommend them.

Jude O’Connor

A year ago

I have had carpets exclusively from Holywell Carpets for years, recommending them to others too. The staff in the shop are always friendly and helpful & the price is always good. I have today had a bedroom carpet fitted having been provided with a quick fitting date from date of order. Excellent fitting as always by friendly fitters. I highly recommend this company.

Dawn Higgins

A year ago

We recently received excellent advice, support and professional service from the team at Holywell Carpets. They give honest opinions prior to purchase with no pressure selling. Everything that is promised is provided in a timely fashion. The carpet fitters were friendly, helpful, considerate and polite. Having purchased several carpets previously I am confident I can go back to them if I need to as they provide a service for the long term. I would definitely suggest that if you’re looking for carpets that you give them a try.

If an honest, reliable, and courteous service is what you’re after, look no further than Holywell Carpets.

Holywell Carpets, 40 St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7TH T: 01246 272 835  M: 07733 889430 E: enquiry@holywellcarpets.co.uk www.holywellcarpets.co.uk

‘Paris meets Tidza’!

THE winner of the best decorated cottage competition at Tideswell Carnival on June 28, taken by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold, who says: “Paris meets Tidza!” It was an entry into our photographic competition for 2025, which has a simple theme – it’s ‘Derbyshire Events

& Attractions’ – and it includes carnivals, markets and festivals, stately homes, well dressings, sporting events and attractions from caverns to train rides.

“You can’t beat a spot of ballooning on a hot summer’s evening,” says Russ Teale, of Newbold, who took this picture on June 29.

“It was taken on July 11 on Cromford Canal, halfway through our boat trip when we had time to stretch our legs. The swan family was an added bonus and stole the show for a while!” says Marilyn Micallef, of Matlock.

A picture of Bolsover

Castle next, with its gables, turrets – and a flag – taken on July 5 by Ken Parker, of Matlock.

A Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 aero engine suspended above the Derby Museum of Making shop, taken by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold, on July 16

B.S

Bolsover castle looks stunning in the summer sunshine. It was taken on June 28 by Alison Parker, of Clay Cross.

Finally, Leawood pump house on the Cromford Canal, taken by Russ Teale, of Newbold, on July 14.

The picture(s) you send into the competition must be taken in 2025 and must be in Derbyshire; and you can enter as many times as you like. We want entries from amateur snappers – commercial photographers are barred – and drone images, or pictures altered beyond recognition via software like Photoshop, will not be accepted.

of the image, which should be attached as a high-res jpeg.

Please email your entries to barrief@bannisterpublications. co.uk, giving your full name and address, a contact telephone number and a description (including the date it was taken)

The winner will receive a meal for two at a top local restaurant, plus the chance to have a selection of their images published in Reflections. Deadline for entries is noon on Monday, October 13, 2025.

HIGHEST POINT WHY I LOVE DERBYSHIRE’S

The historical significance of the mass trespass, the highest point in Peak District National Park at 2,087ft, the start of the famous Pennine Way and its designation as a National Nature Reserve, all add to the lure of Kinder Scout. Chris Drabble is a writer and photographer who suggests that exploring Kinder Scout’s edges is the best way to discover its magnificent scenery.

KINDER Scout is without doubt my favourite place for walking and photography in Derbyshire… but, I have to admit, that this hasn’t always been the case.

In the winter of 1987 on a particularly cold, wet and windy day, a walking companion and I decided to climb Kinder Scout. We ascended via Jacob’s Ladder, ventured a short distance along Kinder’s southern edge and then for some inexplicable reason attempted to navigate our way to Kinder’s summit cairn. It turned out to be one of those frightful days where you begin to have doubts about your sanity. We had started out at stupid o’clock and the weather was fowl, added to which my clothing and equipment was rudimentary, to say the least, and the harsh conditions that day certainly exposed the limitations.

Looking back, I resign myself to the fact that we only had the weekends at our disposal and I guess it was an early time of inexperience and exploration in an era where there was no such thing

as the internet or mobile phones.

Eventually, muddy, wet and feeling miserable, we descended back to our starting point at Edale via Grindsbrook Clough. Kinder’s boggy groughs got the better of me that day and I distinctly remember grumbling to my companion that, ‘if this is Kinder Scout, you can keep it’.

Then, during the winter of 2003, I accompanied two friends onto Kinder’s snow-covered northern edges. The day turned into an enthralling spectacle of winter light and superlative scenery that changed my opinion of Kinder Scout completely and I began to truly appreciate the potential of this wonderful mountain landscape.

In physical terms, Kinder Scout covers an area of approximately 15 square miles. The summit comprises of water-eroded peat channels that have formed hags and groughs whilst, in contrast, the plateau is encircled by imposing tors and rock outcrops along its edges.

The origin of the name Kinder Scout has often been a subject of conjecture, but seems

possible to have been derived from the old Norse Kyndur Scuti, meaning ‘water over an edge or overhanging rock’, which is a good description of Kinder Downfall, where the Kinder River flows straight off the western edge of the plateau in a spectacular waterfall.

THE SOUTHERN EDGES

(ROUTE MARKED ON THE MAP IN RED)

I recommend that the approach to the southern edges of Kinder Scout begins in the village of Edale and that the walk be undertaken in an anticlockwise direction. Park in the large pay-and-display car park and walk north through the village following the road until it meets the path that continues north and crosses the footbridge over Grindsbrook. The path then bears left over slabs and then right to ascend the pronounced zigzag that leads to Ringing Roger.

Take the path that circles the re-entrant

THE BOXING GLOVES ON KINDER SCOUT’S NORTHERN EDGES

THE NORTHERN EDGES (ROUTE MARKED ON THE MAP IN YELLOW)

valley and then proceed in a westerly direction over Nether Tor and Upper Tor and on to the head of Grinds Brook Clough. Use the distinctive rock feature known as the Anvil Stone as a marker and continue west and onwards towards the woolpacks, and Edale Rocks before descending Jacob’s ladder and returning to Edale via Barber Booth and Broardlee Bank Tor along the new route of the Pennine Way.

FOR the northern edges, I would recommend starting at one of the roadside lay-bys close to the famous Snake Inn (now a private house) on the A57 road as it meanders through Snake Pass. Crossing the road here finds a stile that takes a path that follows the river Ashop downstream to a footbridge.

Beyond the footbridge, the path takes a traverse line that leads out into open pasture. Take the path that turns right and climbs beside Fair Brook. Although this route steepens near the top, for the most part, it is a very pretty, easy gradient that encounters the numerous waterfalls that Fair Brook negotiates as it cascades down the mountain side.

On reaching the plateau, the path heads north to Fairbrook Naze and then west along Ashop Edge and

past the famous Boxing Gloves. At the junction with the Pennine Way at Ashop Head, take the route that turns east and follows the Snake Path through Ashop Clough back to the starting point.

THE WESTERN EDGES

(ROUTE MARKED ON THE MAP IN GREEN)

THE western edges are best approached from the car park in the disused Bowden Bridge Quarry situated east of Hayfield where, in 1932, the walkers gathered for the famous ‘mass trespass’.

After admiring the plaque erected in their honour, press on to Kinder Reservoir and climb William Clough to the intersection with the Pennine Way at Ashop Head, then turn and continue south/east over Sandy Haze. Take time to enjoy Kinder Downfall. This spectacle becomes more impressive

THE VIEW FROM RINGING ROGER LOOKING WEST TOWARDS THE SOUTHERN EDGES. A WATERFALL AT FAIR BROOK AT THE START OF THE NORTHERN EDGES.

ROCK FEATURES ON KINDER SCOUT’S NORTHERN EDGES.

following a few days of rain, or better still when there are high winds that cause the waterfall to blow back on itself sending a spectacular cloud of spray above the downfall amphitheatre.

The walk can be shortened slightly by descending Kinder Low End and returning across fields to Hayfield, but many will want to push on to Edale Rocks and Swine’s Back and from there descend to Edale Cross, returning to Hayfield and Bowden Bridge through open country along the broad swath of the Pennine Bridleway.

THE EASTERN EDGES (ROUTE MARKED ON THE MAP IN BLUE)

STARTING from Edale car park, take the route as described in the Southern Edges walk to Ringing Roger. At Ringing Roger, head north-east past the Madwoman’s Stones and on to Crookstone Knoll. Descend at Crookstone Hill and take the Roman Road that heads in a south/easterly direction. Take the left fork off the Roman Road at Wooler Knoll and then follow the path

along Hope Brink to Thornhill Brink, before climbing to the summit of Win Hill. Take time to explore Win Hill’s fabulous gritstone pike and to enjoy the expansive views.

Descend Win Hill past Twitchill Farm and follow Bowden Lane as it crosses the River Noe to emerge onto Edale Road. Crossing the road and aiming directly opposite, finds a delightful stone ‘Squeeze Stile’ that, once negotiated, enters a walled lane that eventually concedes to a path over open ground that takes a north/west line and climbs to the summit of Lose Hill.

“A

delightful stone ‘Squeeze Stile’ that, once negotiated, enters a walled lane that eventually concedes to a path over open ground that takes a north/ west line and climbs to the summit of Lose Hill.”

Upon reaching the crest of Lose Hill, follow the Great Ridge, west to Hollins Cross and at the eroded crossway beyond its summit, head north, leaving the Great Ridge behind and follow the footpath that heads out across fields until it reaches Edale Road. Rather than being tempted to take a short cut along this busy road look straight

ahead for the wooden footpath sign that indicates a continuation of the path that leads out across fields and then through the tunnel beneath the Hope Valley Rail Line. Use the spire of Edale Parish Church as a sight line and enter the village by Mary’s Lane, then head south to return to the car park.

A few words of caution from the author: The walks described in this article are long and require several hours to complete. Weather conditions on Kinder Scout can change quickly and so even on summer days, it’s best to be prepared by taking some additional warm, waterproof clothing. Appropriate footwear is essential.

Packing food and drink, along with a mobile phone, a map, compass or navigational aid is also necessary.

Editor’s Note: More of his photography can be found at Photo4me at photo4me. com/profile/chrisdrabble

WIN HILL PIKE

1 Is it literally illumination? (7,4)

5 No ale brewed with solar cells in these curly documents! (7)

14 RAF to have a way of being in the distance (3,4)

15 Causal factor, taken from the name, ‘Trident’ (11)

8 Weird how Irene randomly chooses winners (5)

9 Knock out the ring, replace it with a skill (5)

10 Bears a resemblance to a sword (5)

12 Baby gear would be irritable (after Sept. 1st.) (5)

1 What’s peppery, green, and fast off your plate? (Hah!) (6,5)

4 Rash that will make you chat perkily? (7,4)

6 Is it literally illumination? (7,4)

7 Pristine, like a wink given to a slippery eel (4,3)

2 Just a bit off the parson’s nose? It’s a flamin’ crime! (5)

3 All confused? Take a seat, if you will (2,3)

11 Be appropriate for reason to go to gym? (5)

13 Plant groups to play around with in the fashion centre (5)

The solutions for the July 2025 Pitcherwits are shown left. The answers to August’s Pitcherwits will be published in the September 2025 issue.

and

ACROSS

8 Red nose performance in Chatsworth village (7)

9 Matlock Bath hill perhaps? Right ho! (4,3)

11 Blue yonder in skimpy endings (3)

13 North of Belper, this village could be well-read, say? (11)

14 Drinks stop at a fierce storm (9)

15 Broadcasting how hovercrafts travel (2,3)

16 Inn serving up figs: does this make it clear? (7)

19 Nerd who got wet, floundering in the river (7)

22 Success in allowing (3)

24 Cat stolen! Could this be the end of Hope Valley? (9)

26 Err, maybe, to find gold below Nether Padley (11)

28 In the café, you can be slightly bonkers! (3)

30 Kept the score and corresponded (7)

31 Silly old record played east of Chatsworth (7)

Down

1 Mother’s finally got what she owns (4)

2 One can depend on ultimately, surely? (4)

Name:

Prize Crossword

3 Masons to cut up rough south of Ashbourne (8)

4 Dealer of ultra derivatives (6)

5 Lash with rind trimmings in north east Derbyshire (8)

6 It’s legal to contrive a barrel stand (8)

7 Paint-sprayer ends up talking to God! (6)

10 Fertiliser is from Antigua, no less (5)

12 Colour of milkshake made with extract of elms (5)

16 Got to graft like mad to get this edge! (8)

17 Smell a win somehow, in a High Peak place (8)

18 Comes after and wins! (8)

20 Take in off the beaten track (3)

21 After 12 o’clock, sweetheart, there’s nobody about (2,3)

23 Gesture to a bit of an oddball (3)

25 Bends low to reach our bollards (6)

27 Had a lesson in our valley formation (4)

28 Screen stuff has only a thin coat (4)

29 Up and down spinner repeating itself (2-2)

We will give a prize of £25 to a randomly-drawn correctly completed crossword. Cut out the completed puzzle and send by August 18th, 2025, to: Bannister Publications Limited, Office 2A Market Hall, Market Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1AR. The solutions for the July 2025 crossword can be found on page 82 of this issue.

Crossword by Prof Rebus

Creating pieces people love makes Hannah very happy…

Nicki

Crompton meets the owner and creative driving force behind Wirksworth Pottery Company.

IN a barn, on New Buildings Farm, we find Wirksworth Pottery Company’s Hannah Buchanan. Hannah, now 34, was born and raised in the small market town where she now works and lives with her husband, Ed, and their dogs.

Hannah set up Wirksworth Pottery Company in 2020. With encouragement from friends and family, and financial backing from her parents-in-law, she bought her first kiln. Working alone at the time, she set up in a small space in the same barn where she has now uses, almost, every corner.

“I was working as a project  manager when the pandemic hit. It was a pivotal point, we (Hannah and her husband Ed) took a hard look at what we were doing and asked, do we still want to be doing that, and the answer was ‘no!’. I didn’t want to be one of those people who got to 70 and had never done a job that made them happy.”

Through the pressure of working for an NHS supplier, with a reduced staff, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hannah had developed Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a stressrelated health condition, which had been causing black-outs and resulted in her temporarily losing her speech.

“It was harder on the people around me. I am quite a determined person so I kept trying to speak when I couldn’t, which was quite traumatic for my husband and friend, who I lived with at the time.”

In the same week that Ed was made redundant, Hannah made the decision to give up her job. Ed became a gardener and Hannah started to build Wirksworth Pottery Company, supporting herself with a dogwalking business she called Wirkswoof.

“I would go up to the farm in the morning and work on the pottery, head off at lunch time and walk dogs then come back and work on the pottery in the afternoon. Supporting myself with the dog walking meant that everything the pottery made could be put back into the business and it could build and grow.”

And grow it did. In her first year, after just one appearance at Wirksworth Farmers Market, Hannah was invited by Inspired by the Peak District to share a marquee with other artisan makers at Chatsworth Country Fair. Her pieces were spotted by the Chatsworth buyers and they have featured in their shops since.

Hannah Buchanan with her dogs.

“We have also secured a spot at the Chatsworth Christmas Fair a few times, including this coming year (2025). Hundreds of makers apply for the 160 stalls so it’s an achievement to get in. This year we will close the pottery for six weeks so we can staff the stall ourselves. It’s hard work but it’s important for me to be there and connect to the people who buy my work. I also have pieces in the house again this Christmas, with my designs featured on one of the trees.”

Hannah speaks highly of the Chatsworth buyers; in the opportunities they provide to artisan makers and their understanding of the challenges they face.

Hannah herself was not new to the world of ceramics before she started Wirksworth Pottery Company. Her love of working with clay started during studies at Chesterfield College and continued when she went on to work as a glaze specialist for Denby Pottery.   “Working there was an amazing opportunity. The ‘old boys’ on the shop floor were so generous with their knowledge and time, it was like having lots of grandads. I will always be grateful to them. Their generosity is why I am able to run the business I do today. I learnt what sells, what customers want and so much technical knowledge about glazing. I was curious and they shared everything they knew.”

Hannah now employs a small, valued staff herself. “It’s important to me for everyone to be involved in all the decisions. If we are choosing and naming new colours or new pieces, we are all involved in the decision. We all have our own roles and I have come to rely on them.”

Hannah works hard to ensure the colour palette she offers all complement each other. From Monarch, an orange inspired by the beautiful depth of colour found in the wings of a Monarch butterfly, to Cloud, a soft grey reminiscent of the hue given by the clouds over Derbyshire on a drizzly day. Her greens, pink and blues are taken from the natural environment and a Heritage white, named Tallow, after the historic candle-making material. Using a slip casting mass production method, combined with interventions by hand at several stages of production, Hannah creates pieces which are both unique and affordable.

One

of the paintings

produced by a member of the Phoenix Art Group this year.

Above: The barn at New Buildings Farm, Wirksworth, that is the home of the Wirksworth Pottery Company.

“Each piece is hand refined, glazed and finished with added specific differences to make it unique, allowing the customer to pick the one that speaks to them, creating an emotional attachment from the purchase. I have always had a love for everyday items which hold little monetary value but are full of sentimental or emotional value. I enjoy searching through the cupboard to find the right mug for the right moment, right tea, right time of day. This feeling is what I aim to create for other people, making products which they are emotionally drawn to, not because they are high in monetary value, but because the consumer enjoys the feeling of using them.”

Hannah is keen to transfer her own passion for protecting the environment into her business. She explained some of the lengths she goes to, to ensure that her products are sustainable: “We have a zero waste policy. So, all of the work stations have a bucket where we collect our trimmings. They are then sieved, turned into slip and reused. Any glazed pots that don’t meet our standard are either sold in our January seconds sale or broken up and used around the farm. Even the drips from the spray paint are captured to decorate heartshaped hanging decorations. We have solar panels that power the kilns. We use spring water in our processes. We have boxes from Skopa in Wirksworth and bubble wrap from a local mechanic.  We are happy to take anything that would otherwise end up in landfill and we ask our customers to reuse anything we send their purchase out in.”

She speaks fondly of the New Buildings Farm and the support she has received there: “We are a community up here. Ned, the owner, has always been really supportive.

A pottery wheel – and more of the output – from Wirksworth Pottery Company.

We have soup days where one of us makes a soup and we all have a long lunch to catch up. Anyone who is here working joins us.”

Hannah draws people in with her passion for her work, which she has started to share more widely through her recent venture into Pottery Workshops.  Workshops are bookable at www. wirksworthpotterycompany.co.uk

So, what does the future hold for Hannah? The workshop is filled with slip casts that are in development, waiting for Hannah to experiment and will eventually expand her range of ceramics.

“We have a few things in the pipeline but I would love to move more into plates and flatware. Perhaps collaborating with restaurants and chefs to create something that works with the food they create. There are a lot of similarities between cooking and pottery. It’s a real mixture of chemistry and creativity. I love the idea of augmenting someone else’s creation, like food, in a way that raises it up, with just the right plate.”

Hannah reflects on her love for the simple life of a potter that, arguably, saved her from a life blighted by illhealth: “If working here, painting toadstools and creating pieces people love, is what I get to do for the rest of my life, I’ll be very happy.”

A pottery wheel – and more of the output – from Wirksworth Pottery Company.

THE ONLY WAY IS HUP! with TV’s Laura

Jane Clark

“hup! is an absolute game changer,” says TV architect and designer Laura Jane Clark from BBC’s ‘Your Home Made Perfect’

PEOPLE often ask how me they can add an extension or rebuild their unusable conservatory in the most efficient way possible,” says Laura Jane Clark. “hup! is definitely the answer. Base work is usually the biggest minefield and the biggest headache for homeowners, so having something where you can use the existing base, and don’t need to start digging down and just build, getting watertight in two or three days, it’s an absolute game changer.”

Laura Jane Clark is a leading architect and interior designer as well as a much-respected TV presenter. “The revolutionary hup! home extension system is so flexible,” says Laura, “it gives homeowners access to a premium, bespoke design, which can be built in a matter of days with control and reassurance over the final cost.”

During her first visit to the BBA approved hup! factory, Laura saw first hand how Building Regulation compliant materials combine using zero waste manufacturing processes to make the patented Ultrapanels that are used in the production of hup! “The quality of hup! is unparalleled,” says Laura.

“I’ve been totally blown away by the engineering behind the whole thing.

“The quality and level of detail is extremely impressive – from the engineering of the panels which make it extremely quick to build and energy efficient, through to

how easy it is to add the finishing touches, which offer homeowners complete design flexibility. There is nothing that hasn’t been considered, and it takes away so many of the headaches associated with a traditional extension.”

converting their conservatory to a hup! extension can reuse their existing base, saving further time and costs

• Uses only one supplier for the whole project

• Can be watertight in just 2-3 days and doesn’t require cement, meaning it can be built in any weather due to its rapid connection technology

for Summer!

Time to hup! to it – you could even have a huppier home in time

hup! is THE way to build while being kind to the planet, making perfect sense as a one-stopshop for a sustainable build.

The innovative hup! system:

• Is FIVE times quicker to build than traditional building techniques, built in just days, rather than weeks or months

• Is FIVE times more energy efficient, making it a warm and comfortable place to be while keeping energy bills low

• So lightweight that those

• Generates much less waste on site compared to usual building methods

• Offers ultimate design flexibility, including roofs, rooflights, wall finishes, and windows/doors anywhere

• Can be combined with any external finish, including brick mesh, render or cedar to complement the property, plus windows and doors of any style and size can be placed anywhere in the design

• Promises a high-quality finish every time

• Offers exceptional value for money.

THE PERFECT RASPBERRY PUDDING…

THE Great British summer is well underway – and it is the time when chefs start to get creative, and we love it!

Along with stunning salads and vegetables, we have some of the best fruit in the world. Our strawberries are incredible and we have wonderful plump gooseberries; and we wait for the British cherries in August. But let’s not forget the fruit that keeps on giving all through summer to late autumn, the modest raspberry.

Tickled Trout at Barlow owner, Chris Mapp, said:

“There are a lot of raspberries at the farm, which are easy to preserve by freezing them to turning into liquids. We make sorbets with them and you

can really taste the difference from shop-bought ones. In fact, our raspberry harvests keep us going all year round.”

Here is a simple but delicious recipe from chef patron Chris, which will really impress your guests at dinner parties or just after a Sunday roast. The mousse is very similar to a cheesecake mix but a lot softer, decadent and luxurious to go with the zest and spritz of the raspberries.

“The raspberries, grown in our Victorian walled vegetable garden, punch through and, wow, are they good!” he says.

This is so fresh and you’ll note with this recipe, less is more! Keep this one locked away for every year, it won’t disappoint.

AN IMPECCABLE CHEF’S PEDIGREE…

CHRIS Mapp’s pedigree as a chef is impeccable: training under Marcus Wareing at the Michelinstarred Petrus, before heading to the Greenhouse in Mayfair and then co-owning No. 6 in Padstow with his good friend Paul Ainsworth before moving back to his home county.

In its 11th year of opening The Tickled Trout, and after a stunning refurbishment a few months ago, Chris couldn’t be prouder of his pub restaurant. Recognised by the AA and Good Food Guide for its exceptional quality, Chris and his team create stunning seasonal dishes using fresh produce from his glorious kitchen garden as well as local ingredients from producers he knows and trusts.

His pub is regarded nationally, as Chris last year won the National Pub Restaurant Chef of the year awarded by the Craft Guild of Chefs, joining a long list of exceptional chefs such as Tom Kerridge.

You can find out more about The Tickled Trout at www. tickledtroutbarlow.com or go to Facebook or Instagram at @tickledtroutbarlow

SERVES 4

Prosecco Raspberries with Cointreau and vanilla mousse

INGREDIENTS

450g fresh raspberries

Finely grated zest of 1 orange

1 – 4 tbsps of prosecco (to taste)

1 – 2 heaped tbsps icing sugar

2 tbsps Cointreau (other orange liqueurs will do eg. Grand Marnier)

METHOD

Blend 100g or raspberries with the zest, Prosecco and 1 tablespoon of sugar, then strain through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, add more prosecco for stronger flavour, and sugar if needed then chill. Macerate the remaining raspberries in the Cointreau and sugar, chill,

SERVING

turning occasionally for up to 2 hours. You will see the juices starting to release from the raspberries

FOR THE CREAM INGREDIENTS

200g mascarpone

100g crème fraîche

80g caster sugar

150g whipping cream

1 vanilla pod or large pinch of vanilla seeds

METHOD

Mix the crème fraîche, mascarpone and sugar gently with a spatula and set aside. Whip the cream with the vanilla and then gently fold in. Keep chilled in the fridge.

To serve, take a large portion of the macerated raspberries with some juice into an individual glass dish or bowl. Now ladle over the prosecco sauce and finish with a dollop of the vanilla cream. “I bet you’ll want second helpings!” says Chris Mapp.

Right: Chef Patron at The Tickled Trout, Chris Mapp. Follow Chris for more recipes on @chrisjmapp

THE PEACOCK AT OWLER BAR

O ffering free kids’ meals to help families beat the school holiday budget squeeze

As the summer holidays get underway, one pub on the edge of the Peak District is stepping up to help families enjoy time out together – without worrying about the bill.

THE Peacock at Owler Bar, a beautifully restored Grade II listed pub just outside Sheffield, is offering free children’s meals throughout the summer for under-12s dining with an adult who orders two courses. The offer runs from Monday 14th July to Saturday 30th August.

Located on a historic turnpike route to Bakewell and Chatsworth House, The Peacock at Owler Bar was acquired by Longbow Venues in 2025 and reopened following a £350,000 refurbishment in December 2025. These works helped to restore the character of this beautiful country pub and preserve original features such as solid oak floors, timber beams, and leaded windows for years to come. With panoramic views over the surrounding Peak District moorlands, the pub is a favourite with walkers, cyclists, and families

looking for freshly made food in a relaxed setting.

“We know how expensive the school holidays can be – especially with more than one child. We wanted to create an offer that helps families say yes to those simple summer pleasures like eating out together,” said Rob Hattersley, founder of Longbow Venues.

With the average family of four now spending over £60 per restaurant visit, offers like this are increasingly valuable to parents trying to stretch their budget while still creating memories.

Children can choose from a dedicated menu featuring crowd-pleasers like fish and chips, pasta, and chicken goujons, while adults can dine from the pub’s à la carte or Summer Set Menu – all crafted by Executive Chef Adrian Gagea, who trained under Raymond Blanc.

The offer at a glance ONE FREE KIDS’ MAIN COURSE WITH EVERY ADULT ORDERING TWO COURSES

(Main Menu or Summer Set Menu)

To book or browse menus, visit: peacockowlerbar.com

Children must be aged 12 or under.

Maximum six free kids’ meals per transaction

Valid for dine-in only until 30th August 2025

BRINGING BACK FISH FRYDAY:

Peacock

Owler

AS food prices rise and budgets tighten, dining out has become a rare treat for many. But this summer, one pub on the edge of the Peak District is on a mission to bring back that joyful feeling – reviving a beloved British tradition and making it deliciously affordable.

The Peacock at Owler Bar, a beautifully restored Grade II listed pub just outside Sheffield, has launched ‘Fish Fryday’ – a new weekly offer serving up crispy fish and chips plus a drink for just £17.95, available all day every Friday from 18th July to 29th August.

Once a weekly ritual in communities across the country, the Friday fish supper was a moment to unwind and indulge at the end of the working week. The Peacock’s modern take on the tradition includes hand-battered fish, chunky chips, and a drink of your choice – from a pint of artisan ale to a glass of prosecco.

Drink choices include:

A glass of fizz

125ml house wine (red, white or rosé)

A pint of Longbow Ale or Prahva

A selected soft drink, juice or cordial

“Fish Fryday was something people really looked forward to – simple, comforting and part of our culture,” said Rob Hattersley, founder of Longbow Venues.

“We’ve brought it back, but with a twist: better ingredients, better surroundings, and a price that still feels like a treat.”

Located on the old turnpike road to Bakewell and Chatsworth House, The Peacock dates back to the early 1800s and has welcomed travellers for over two centuries. The Peacock at Owler bar combines historic charm with a fresh, relaxed feel. The outdoor terrace offers sweepingviews over the surrounding Peak District moorland, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee or a locally sourced, freshly cooked meal in the sun.

It’s not just Frydays...

Alongside Fish Fryday, The Peacock has launched a Summer Set Menu available all day Monday to Saturday, offering two courses for £21.95 or three for £26.95. The menu has been crafted by Raymond Blanc-trained Executive Chef Adrian Gagea and showcases seasonal produce from local farms and suppliers.

At a Glance FISH FRYDAY

Fish and chips + selected drink for £17.95

Available all day Fridays, 18 July–29 August

SUMMER SET MENU

2 courses for £21.95 / 3 courses for £26.95

Monday-Saturday until 30 August Can be combined with the Kids Eat Free offer

Set just minutes from Sheffield, The Peacock at Owler Bar offers a warm welcome, hearty food, and a touch of local heritage – all without the hefty price tag. For

www.peacockowlerbar.com

CHATSWORTH KITCHEN:

A TASTE OF THE LAND.

A TOUCH OF CHATSWORTH.

NESTLED IN THE VILLAGE OF ROWSLEY WITHIN THE PEAK VILLAGE RETAIL PARK, IS THE SUPERB EATERY, CHATSWORTH KITCHEN.

Aflagship destination café/restaurant, Chatsworth Kitchen celebrates quality, seasonal dishes sourced from the Chatsworth estate and gardens, as well as from the community of farmers, partner producers, and makers from across the Derbyshire Dales.

The interiors here are recognisably Chatsworth.

The industrial-inspired décor, juxtaposed with sleek modern designs, create an ambiance that is relaxed, warm, and inviting. The rustic charm of exposed brick and steel sits well against a fresh, modern aesthetic. This

restaurant showcases striking architectural features such as high ceilings, open floor plans, and a soft interplay of light from suspended bulbs and string lights, which create a warm yet lively atmosphere.

Decorating the interior is a fascinating collection of authentic artefacts from the Estate’s stores, including jelly moulds, pots, pans and an oak table that would have been the main workstation for kitchen staff during the Victorian era. All of these serve to create a home-from-home feel. Lighting is provided by modern matte black pendant fittings and woven rattan shades. Reclaimed

flooring from across the estate has found itself repurposed into several of the tables within the eatery. The red brickwork on one wall, the white tiles near the bread oven, and stormy blue painted panels at the rear of the space combine harmoniously to enhance the ambience. The mix of textures and tones is simply sublime.

The cross-section of people here at any one time is quite amazing. This is definitely the sort of place you could pop in for coffee and cake and a catch up with a friend. It’s also the type of place you could take your parents or grandparents or call in with a child (there is

a children’s menu and plenty of highchairs). Alternatively, you may feel like a hearty breakfast before a long walk or a re-fuel afterwards. Lunches can be as filling or as light as your appetite wishes. And, if you’re in the mood to imbibe, there’s an eclectic selection of beers, wines, champagnes, and cocktails.

The mood is relaxed and friendly and the welcome is attentive, yet unobtrusive.

Front-of-the-house manager, Emmy, and assistant, Ryan, have their fingers on the pulse. They have a special knack of knowing where each table is at on their culinary journey, and when to offer their service again in a timely manner.

“The mood is relaxed and friendly and the welcome is attentive, yet unobtrusive.”

The cutlery is sourced from David Mellor and reflects the attention to detail and quest for excellence, which permeates through the entire operation.

A high-energy, Europeanstyle vibe breathes life into the space, life into the menus, and life into the ingredients. Chefs Adam, Chris and Jack have both the youthful dynamism and the necessary depth of experience to deliver quality and flavoursome meals time after time.

We were given opportunity to sample three dishes off the lunch menu: creamy chestnut mushrooms with poached egg,

smoked haddock fishcake, and the Ploughman’s Lunch. All three dishes were rustic and comforting – yet nicely balanced with a seasonal freshness. We were reassured that every single ingredient on the beautifully presented Ploughman’s had been sourced either from the Chatsworth estate or from a local partner supplier. This was food sourced in Derbyshire, prepared in-house, and uplifted by the Chatsworth seal of quality.

One of the signature dishes at Chatsworth Kitchen is the flatbreads baked freshly to order in the in-house and visible bread oven. The flatbreads, along with all the other food offerings, are very generously portioned, delicious to the taste buds, and competitively priced.

The dessert menu is particularly enticing and hard to resist! The ‘Affogato’ – a scoop of local vanilla ice cream topped with hot espresso – is certainly one not to miss! The sweetness and creaminess of the ice cream was beautifully balanced against the bold, bitter, rich, and intensely roasted flavours of the espresso to create a match made in heaven.

Breakfasts, which are served from 9.30am until 11.30am, range from the Chatsworth Kitchen Breakfast, which is also customised to vegetarian

and vegan options, and smoked salmon and free-range poached egg to Belgian waffles and smoky beans on toast.

There are a couple of special themed evenings at Chatsworth Kitchen in the forthcoming

months. On Saturday 2nd August 2025, there is a British Tapas/Small Plates Evening between 5pm and 8.45pm, whilst, on 19th and 20th September, there is a Loaded Flatbreads/Nibbles Evening.

Alongside the dining experience is a thoughtfully curated collection of more than 300 items of quality food, drink, kitchen, jewellery, and homewares sourced and inspired from Chatsworth, as well as by talented and passionate local makers. What better way to round off a delightful meal than to browse around the shop within!

Chatsworth Kitchen, Peak Village

Chatsworth Road

Rowsley

Derbyshire DE4 2JE T: 01246 565 350

www.chatsworthkitchen.co.uk

Feeding the body… and the soul

As we learn more about the benefits of getting closer to nature, Fiona Stubbs discovers an inspirational community garden.

THE glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” These words were written by late 19th century Poet Laureate Alfred Austin yet are equally – if not more so – relevant today. And, proving the point, in a corner of Chesterfield – just metres from busy roads and hectic lives – lies a hidden oasis of calm. Wandering through the Inspire Community Garden is an eye-opening experience in both organic horticulture and how gardening can change lives for the better. Nestling between Chester Street and Foljambe

Road, it has developed over the last decade from a wasteland of former allotments into a thriving garden using innovative techniques to overcome a multitude of challenges. Run by volunteers, it brings together a variety of interests – from learning about growing fruit, vegetables and flowers to tackling the intricacies of landscaping and construction of facilities. For others, it’s a social hub where they can meet up with like-minded people. Trustee Chris Brooks leads me on a guided tour of the garden – a registered charity

Below: Inspire Trustee Chris Brooks standing by a solar panel. All pictures in this feature by Fiona Stubbs.

Above: Chair of Inspire Trustees, Mike Thompson, with volunteer Pauline Quinn, who thinks the garden is an ‘absolute godsend’.

– with a new talking point at every turn. First up… there are no chemicals. Fertiliser is developed from comfrey and nettles, while brambles make “excellent compost”. Another composting area features cardboard and non-perennial weeds. There’s no mains water on the site, so rainwater is harvested through guttering on the polytunnels and pumped by solar power – an innovation recognised by a Royal Horticultural Society award. A composting toilet is surprisingly well-appointed, re-using a shower cubicle from the former Queens Park Sports Centre. The garden has helped to reduce waste from a number of local developments. Matting removed from the nearby Monkey Park playground as part of renovations has been re-used as a walkway. Stainless steel tables from the former Queens Park sports centre now have pride of place in the outdoor kitchen. Other facilities, including greenhouses and sheds, have been donated. The garden is divided into sections, beginning with a Willow Walk. “Kids love it,” says Chris. “Scouts and Guides come and learn skills such as how to light fires and chop wood. Our shaded meeting area is a lovely spot to have lunch when the weather’s hot, or to host talks with groups.”

and purple sprouting broccoli; the fruit cage boasts loganberry, yellow raspberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, blueberry; the orchard is bursting with damson, plum and three different types of pear, along with eating, cider, cooking and crab apples. A polytunnel reveals nectarines, peaches and red and green grapes while the nursery nurtures young plants in homemade miniature “hot boxes”. Standing on a bed of manure, they’re guaranteed moisture and heat. “In these, the plants can stand temperatures of down to minus 8C to minus 10C,” says Chris. “Frost would kill them.”

Another eye-catching innovation features peas growing in guttering. “To keep mice and pigeons off,” smiles Chris.

A tour of the vegetable beds is enlightening. “This year, we’ve got 13 varieties of potato,” reveals Chris. “But we grew 27 one year!” As part of its permaculture techniques, the garden uses green manure and various composting techniques. Chris points to the beds of beans. “Field beans are used as ‘green manure’,” he explains. “They feed nitrogen back into the soil, keep weeds down and keep the soil healthy in winter.” The garden grows a wealth of produce. Some of the plants are sold at local markets to raise funds to re-invest. Brassica beds include red cabbage, Brussels sprouts

Open Gardens at Barlborough

A PAIR of gardens in Barlborough will be open on Sunday, August 10(11.30am4.30pm) with combined admission of £5 for adults, with children admitted free.

Clarendon at 28 Clowne Road features a pond with bridge and waterfall, gazebo, vegetable planters and greenhouse. There’ll be a brass band playing during the afternoon.

A short walk away on Park Street, Raiswells House is a half-acre garden

A caravan – lit and powered by solar and heated by a log burner – provides warmth, shelter and a place to enjoy food and a cuppa for the volunteers and visitors as well as those who come to the garden to improve their physical or mental health. Some are social prescribers, referred by organisations such as Derbyshire Connections and Pathways, while others are overcoming physical health issues. One person who has benefitted significantly from the garden is Pauline Quinn. After two ruptured brain aneurisms, Pauline was unable to walk unaided when she first visited several years ago. Now she’s an active volunteer. She says: “It’s been an absolute godsend to me. There’s something about greenery that rejuvenates people. For me, coming to the garden is very therapeutic.

“It has been a focus for me, even if some days all I can do is just sit down and take it all in. It’s lovely seeing other people benefitting,

too, by working with the earth. It releases endorphins and makes you feel good.”

Trustee Chris Allen agrees: “It’s a brilliant opportunity to do exercise and meet other people. It’s also good to help people to appreciate where food comes from and how easy it is to grow your own.”

Chair of trustees Mike Thompson adds: “I think it’s important for the community – particularly for people who don’t have a garden of their own. They can come here and learn all sorts of things about organic gardening. “Personally, I don’t grow a lot of vegetables in my own garden, mostly flowers, which is why I like to grow them here.

I’ve learned how to build compost – the science of it. Everybody knows now about the benefits of being in nature. I think my life is much improved in the seven years I’ve been a regular volunteer here.”

Learn more at https://www. transitionchesterfield.org.uk/inspire

featuring architectural foliage plants, topiary courtyard, koi pond and children’s play area. More details at www.ngs.co.uk

Above: Peas growing in gutters is an innovation to ‘keep mice and pigeons off’.

Above: Raiswells House, one of the two gardens open at Barlborough on August 10.

GRAYSONS AT THE GALA!

ON Saturday 12th July, Graysons Solicitors was delighted to hold its stall once again at Hathersage’s annual Gala. Along with a team from their own offices, they were joined by some wonderful volunteers from Ashgate Hospice.

Graysons was proud to have sponsored the sandpit at the gala this year and, as part of an ongoing commitment to the

community, the goodie bags, which contained a voucher for £50 off a will or lasting power of attorney, were given out to each visitor. As an extra benefit to the community, for each voucher that is redeemed, Graysons has pledged donate £50 to Hathersage Diamonds to help fund their Christmas party later this year.

www.graysons.co.uk

EPIC ALASKA AWAITS… a true adventure!

MARTIN FOUNDS, partner at Martins World Travel, rates Alaska as one of his prime favourite holiday destinations. The scenery, adventure, wilderness and wildlife are unrivalled. Alaska on its own, or linked in with the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, offers numerous holiday choices. Teaming up with First Class Holidays, Martins World Travel provides amazing value, quality and choice. Cruise and stay, escorted tours, single and multi-centre itineraries and selfdrive holidays are on offer to suit everyone’s personal preferences. Alaska is everything to everyone with so many ways to explore and experience one of the world’s last and greatest frontiers.

Alaskans are laid back, friendly, welcoming, are well grounded, and they make perfect hosts.

Wildlife is rich and varied –from herds of caribou on their annual migrations and huge moose to timber wolves and the imposing bald eagle. The bear viewing, coastal brown bears and inland black bears and grizzlies can be spectacular (with a knowledgeable guide or from the safety of a vehicle).

In summer, huge migrations of Orca and humpback whales arrive to feed on the Pacific Ocean’s vast riches. National parks abound and some are as vast as small countries. Denali, Lake Clark, Kenai Fjords, Katmai, and Glacier Bay National Parks are just 5 of 8 amazing parks.

SO MANY ITINERARIES TO ENJOY…

Take a coastal cruise…

A cruise holiday is like no other and a cruise along the coastline of British Columbia and Alaska is a stunning experience. On offer are ultra-luxurious cruises with Holland America Line, Celebrity, Silversea, Regent and Princess Cruises, as well as small intimate ships such as Ponant aboard 132 stateroom Le Soleal and her four sister ships. Ports of call can include Misty Fjords, Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines Junction, Valdez, Skagway, the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay. Explore by train… In addition to the option of combining Alaska with the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer classic rail journey, two shorter rail trips can be created with our tailor-made options. Alaska Rail provides a rail transfer from Anchorage to Seward and return. Seward…  The most popular way to experience the Coastal Classic is on a day trip from Anchorage. Guests can depart Anchorage early morning for the four-hour scenic trip to Seward. Seven hours are allocated to spend in Seward – the perfect amount of time to enjoy a Glacier & Wildlife Cruise into Kenai

Fjords National Park or opt for a visit to The Alaska Sealife Centre and trip out to Exit Glacier. Other activities include sea kayaking and dog sledding. Girdwood is just shy of two hours from Anchorage. There’s enough to do to spend the whole day in this resort town. Guests can use the free town shuttle to visit Crow Creek Mine or take the scenic tram up Mt. Alyeska, and there’s so much more. It’s easily possible to combine with the Glacier Discovery Train for an earlier departure to Anchorage if you like.

MULTI-DAY TRIPS FROM ANCHORAGE…

Why not stay overnight in Seward to see more of the town and add in extra excursions? Or add on a night in Girdwood to make a 3-day, 2-night itinerary? Guests will travel through steep mountain passes, with views of glaciers just out of the window This train traces scenic Turnagain Arm, where aweinspiring landscapes punctuated by wildlife are on view. Don’t be surprised to catch sight of Dall sheep, Beluga whales, Bald eagles, as well as lush stands of alder and spruce - nourished by coastal rains and high sun.

From Girdwood, it’s into the

Kenai Mountains, a dramatic landscape of corrugated peaks that stretches as far as the human eye can see. The train stays in the mountains, mostly away from the roads, giving opportunity to see views impossible to see from a car. Expect to come across glacial backdrops, alpine meadows, wildflowers, and wildlife whilst passing through tunnels and railroad houses on the way to Seward.

Some Coastal Classic riders take the train both ways, doing it as a day trip in just over 8 hours (4 hours in the morning, 4 in the evening). It’s also fun to spend one or two nights in Seward visiting the shops and touring the bay. Catching the train back to Anchorage in the afternoon often provides spectacular sunsets over Cook Inlet throughout the summer. Some passengers book a one-way fare, continuing to their next destination via cruise ship out of Seward. Alternatively, opportunity is available to take the train from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali and Fairbanks with the opportunity to overnight and explore along the journey.

SELF-DRIVE BY CAR OR MOTOR CAMPER OR TAKE A LUXURY COACH AND RAIL VACATION…

It’s impossible not to be amazed at the stunning beauty of Alaska with its many glaciers, richly forested and snowcapped mountains and a landscape teeming with wildlife. Small select wilderness

lodges offer superb food, top guides and amazing wildlife viewing opportunities.

Anchorage is a friendly city known as the gateway to the last frontier. Friendly bars, superb restaurants and quality hotels abound. Large shopping malls and interesting museums are all within easy walking distance in this compact downtown area. It’s well worthwhile spending some time in this frontier city to rest, explore and enjoy between venturing northwest towards Fairbanks, east to Seward and Chugash Mountains or south down the Kenai Peninsula to Homer. All full of character and easy to self-explore!

Martins World Travel has lots of film clips on its own YouTube channel found on its two websites: https://www.martins-worldtravel.co.uk/worldwide/alaska/ Contact the travel professionals at Martins World Travel.

CALL AND DISCUSS YOUR TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS WITH OUR FRIENDLY AND EXPERT TEAM ON: 01246 220020 or 01246 823763

Martins World Travel, 46 Knifesmithgate, Chesterfield, S40 1RQ T: 01246 220020

Martins World Travel, 25 Market Place, Bolsover, S44 6PN T: 01246 823763 martins-world-travel.co.uk www.1st4Cruises.co.uk

ABTA Bonded.

Tea garden open…

FOR the third year running, the Station House at Miller’s Dale (SK17 8SN), will be open this summer and it’s a great chance to enjoy some lovely food and see the gardens.

The tea garden will be open from July 24 to August 5 (closed on Friday, August 2), from 10.30am-5.30pm daily. They will be serving a delicious selection of homemade cakes, teas and coffees, sandwiches, and cream teas, with seating available in our garden.

All proceeds will go towards supporting a year-long internship that owner Grace Toward is undertaking with a UK-based charity starting next year called Christians in Sport, who seek to support athletes.

You can help WASPI women get their compensation…

WASPI has been campaigning for fair compensation for women born in the 1950s for over a decade. Individual women started contacting their MPs and other activities before five got together and formed the WASPI campaign. Those pioneering women achieved a lot. By December 2015, they had petitioned the Government and given evidence to a Work

and Pensions Select Committee inquiry, writes Angela Madden of Wadshelf, national chair of the campaign group.

We have decided to celebrate the campaign’s 10th anniversary in August 2025 with activities up and down the country to celebrate what local women have achieved. In North Derbyshire, we have converted STUNG, the play about our own WASPI story into a radio play. We are launching the STUNG audio play soon. If you’re interested, look on the Doe Lea Centre facebook page or website. Tickets should be available from early August. Any funds raised will be shared equally between the centre and WASPI.

A lot has been happening in the campaign recently. Earlier in the year, we applied for a Judicial Review of the Government’s decision not to compensate us. This was granted in June. We also asked for a costs capping order and this was also granted. We can now proceed in the knowledge that we have enough to fully fund the Judicial Review, whatever the outcome is.

Unfortunately, the Government aren’t budging at the moment, but you can help us by emailing your MP. We have a new interactive map where you can find out if your MP supports us, and send an

email to them in just a few clicks. This is not an activity that is confined to WASPI women, we can all email our MP.

If you aren’t a WASPI woman, state on the first line of the email ‘I AM WASPI’ and then send it as it stands. It will only take a few minutes, and if hundreds of us email our MPs on this issue, they will take note. The interactive map is on our website: https:// waspi.co.uk/getting-involved/waspi-map/

We only had two year’s notice to prepare for an up to six-year wait for our State Pension. The State Pension age for women was 60 from 1947, and the then Government decided to equalise the State Pension age in 1995. The DWP learned from a survey conducted in 2004 that not enough women knew their own State Pension age. Even with that knowledge, they didn’t start writing to women until 10 years later! This was maladministration and the Ombudsman recommended that Parliament should consider an appropriate compensation scheme. This Government took six months to undermine that conclusion.

We will carry on campaigning, though: an injustice is an injustice, whether it happened to sub-postmasters, miners at Orgreave, football supporters at Hillsborough or WASPI women.

‘THE MAN WITH A LONG POLE WITH A HOOK IN IT ’

THOSE were happy days, writes Godfrey Holmes. At 8.15am, exactly, the shopkeeper opened up. Looking up to clear blue sky, he hooked in the long barge-pole he customarily propped up beside his counter; gently tugged the canvas blind now emerging from its gaily-painted wooden box: a box that stretched across left window, central doorway and right window. Above that box was the proud lettering to announce his calling: GEO. CLARKE & SON, PROVNS.

He knew – we knew – business could commence on another timeless summer day. But for how much longer? These wonderful, unfurling, plain or striped awnings are rapidly disappearing.

Chesterfield, among Derbyshire towns stretching from Clay Cross, Staveley and Bolsover to the Peak District prettiness of Ashbourne, Bakewell and Buxton: all are losing this fascinating part of its streetscape: as historic and colourful as the distant hills. Easter, 1996, one of Chatsworth Road’s most familiar, established businesses: B&M Graves, fruiterers, shut down. This shop had always done far more trade outside than inside – whatever the weather. Now overpowered by Morrisons less

than half a mile away, crates of apples and oranges were emptied for the last time. And gently, another sturdy canvas blind disappeared into its shell forever.

That, for a while, left the whole length of Chatsworth Road with just one functioning awning: Koo’s Coffee Shop and Delicatessan: sited at its junction with Heaton Street, formerly Hendale’s televisions; prior to that, English’s the Grocer. In this little row, just down from St. Thomas’ Church, Fishwick’s Commercial Properties, also Butler’s former butchery, almost heedless of history, fitted modern replacement sun shields.

Other parts of Chesterfield are not so lucky: the busy shopping centre of Hasland boasts no old-fashioned awning.

Whittington Moor, stretching along the main Sheffield Road, somehow manages, until fairly recently, to host 100 small retailers or independent businesses: many, amazingly, unmolested by shopfitters. There, three authentic examples of the sun blinds I love could still be found into the new century.

Outside a butcher’s (latterly The Aquaria), one blind was definitely used before 1990. Sadly, these premises are now boarded up.

Another brightly striped red-and-white

Above: On Cavendish Street, Chesterfield, with lots of awnings. Courtesy George W. Martin.

Top: Burlington Street, Chesterfield, on days gone by. Courtesy of George W. Martin.

canvas blind was pulled out in happier times – before it fell into disrepair –shielding what became Cross Cheque.

A third blind was peacefully housed above the thriving newsagent’s opposite Lidl. But it could not unfurl because, over time, it had lost its hinges and eye.

A neighbouring video shop assistant did not know what she was missing – because her high sunblind was obscured by a

competing box, this time accommodating a burglar-proof metal glass-protector.

These heavy metal roll-down shutters are something of a more general peril to streetscapes up and down the land. Does their forbidding impenetrability indicate the shopkeeper is away on holiday? Observing early closing day? Closed pending change of owner? Closed pending renewal? Closed awaiting new stock? Or closed forever?

No heavy metal shutter has space, less inclination, for the display of a reason why it is so elusively, so exclusively rolled down. Therefore, graffiti artists move to add their own decoration.

Ironically, Whittington Moor used to be the home of Chesterfield’s foremost supplier of nylon and polythene sun blinds – many of them manufactured to screen shop units and elderly persons’ homes! And unlike authentic Victorian and Edwardian shop blinds – the sort drawn out by a long pole with a hook in it – these newer blinds are neither as tactile, nor as durable. Yet they are bright and distinctly continental.

The mechanism of these patio awnings is commonly a 45-degree quarter circle; still occasionally a flat pull-out awning, popular outside many expensive coffee shops with outside seating. These no longer imitating the neat triangle of a past

era. And because some of them are never retracted – even in bad weather – their plastic often tears; and their struts fail.

So gone are the days when baker, greengrocer, milliner, hairdresser, all drew out their awnings on a hot day, using a long pole with a hook in it.

I used to count all the unfurled shop blinds up on my way to school – from the top deck a sleek Atlantean bus. Hard to recall that the prececessor to the Leyland Atlantean was more like a London Routemaster with separate driver’s cab and a rear platform. I made a mental note of exactly who held the barge-pole. And before chilled cabinets or freezers, sun protection for foodstuffs was essential. Additionally, books, pictures, boxes of chocolates, all fade, even today.

As a boy, when I saw my nearby toyshop drawing out its four corner-position blinds for the very first time in three months. I begged other disgruntled shopkeepers to do likewise.

Come one hot Saturday afternoon in 1959, I spotted a sweetshop blind – now the home of a diminutive silver-haired lady in her 70s – that had never, to my knowledge, emerged from its flaking casing.

The shop was closed – so, naughtily, I jerked one rusting iron hinge, then the other, in the hope that I might force the precious canvas to reveal itself to the outside world.

Then came angry tapping from inside a net-curtained side window: big trouble !

So, what of the future? Will Chesterfield ever again wake to the shopkeepers holding long wooden poles? Or must we travel to Ilkeston, New Mills, Swadlincote, in the hope of discovering two – maybe three? – miraculous survivors of what turned out to be a far more precious past?

Above: On Low Pavement, Chesterfield, in bygone days. Courtesy George W. Martin.

10 Cromford Mills Comic Con. 10am to 4pm. Greetings Earthlings, enjoy an intergalactic display of models, props, puppets and costumes from classic sci-fi productions of Gerry Anderson, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Blake’s 7, Star Trek, Stranger Things, Star Wars… and beyond! Fans of all ages are encouraged to dress up for our cosplay competition, showing off their creations. Amazing stalls selling everything from comics and toys to replica props and clothing. We’ll also have photo opportunities, gaming, activities, Lego® displays, and much more. Special guests, vehicles, collectibles, photo opportunities, gaming, activities, toys and stalls. Special guests include Brian Blessed and Hattie Hayridge 2,9,16,23 Summer Saturdays at Peak Village. Bring your family along to these entertaining craft and activity drop-in sessions, happening during the summer holidays on Saturdays through August.

5 Chesterfield and District Family History Society. 7.30 pm. Online and live at St Thomas’ Centre, Brampton. Stephen Hill from The Arkwright Society speaking on ‘Arkwright Daughters’. For further details and to

SHEFFIELD CITY HALL Aug

UTILITY ARENA SHEFFIELD

Aug 29 Bryan Adams: Rock N Roll Circus

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Aug 21–23 Dinosaur World Live

9-10

register, contact secretary@cadfhs.org

Sounds of the 1950s and 60s at Crich Tramway Village. Step back in time to enjoy the infectious sounds from this era. Have a go at learning dance crazes from the 1960s and enjoy live music from our popular groups and singers. On the Bandstand, Lula May, D B Dukes, West End Jerseys – Frankie Valley Tribute. For more information, visit www.tramway.co.uk

11-15

Creepy Crawly Crafts at Cromford Mills! Get stuck in with our Minibeast Hunts and creative creepy-crawly crafts! Make your own beautiful butterfly or dazzling dragonfly out of lolly sticks and paint your own paper plate bug pal! For tickets, times and more information, visit www.cromfordmills.org.uk

13 Ashover Show. One of the finest agricultural shows in the country. Known locally as the ‘friendly show’, it’s an event the whole family can enjoy. Among past shows’ highlights were the Falconry Display Team, terrier racing and the Sheep Dog Display Team. Cattle, shire horses and sheep compete in the livestock rings and the Light Horse Section attracts a great turnout of talent. There’s a poultry section, a popular Dog Show and Dog Agility, with vintage tractors and cars on show. Relax in the Village Green area while the children are entertained by Punch and Judy, or having fun on the rides and slides. There are free car parks around the showground

16 Ashbourne Show. Ashbourne Show is a traditional country and agricultural show, providing entertainment, making a great day out for all the family. Good quality entries in shire, cattle, sheep, goat and light horse classes. With around 150 quality trade stands, there is an excellent Crafts Tent and Food Hall. The main ring will be busy all day with entertainment (see website for details). The Grand Parade of prize-winning cattle, sheep and shire and heavy horses should be spectacular. Finally, relax with a bite and a cuppa, at the food mall or in the bar

16-17 Crich Tramway Village’s Model Tramway, Bus and Railway Exhibition. 10am-5.30pm both days. See the working layouts and chat to their creators. To celebrate Rail 200, we will have some railway models

16-17 Eat in the Park: Buxton Music & Food Festival. Where music and food collide! Our award-winning tribute acts will have you grooving all day long while our food vendors serve up delicious international cuisine. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day full of fun festivities and local talent. For tickets visit: www.eatinthepark.uk 16-17 Markeaton Park Food & Drink Festival. 10.30am to 4pm. Mad Hatters Events proudly presents the festival, a fantastic day out that brings together an array of food vendors, musicians, craftsmen and artisans. This free-to-enter festival promises an incredible family day out 23-24 Matlock Summer Food & Drink Festival at Hall

ENTERTAINMENT

Leys Park. Welcome to the Matlock Summer Food & Drink Festival. This festival is all about celebrating amazing food and drink. As well as tasty treats, we have live music, craft stalls, and activities for kids. The festival is free to enter, so come along and join the fun! Open 10.30am-4.30pm both days

23-25 Legendary Joust at Bolsover Castle. Watch fearless fighters and their magnificent horses as they charge at each other at full speed in an unforgettable display of chivalry at Bolsover Castle.

24 Peak District Highland Games at Matlock Farm Park. Come and see the country’s leading strongmen and strongwomen compete in this annual event! Enjoy a unique day out watching the super events of The Eight Tonne Tractor Pull, The Peak District Dinnie Stone Challenge, The Tossing of the Caber, The GIANT Stone Throw, The 120kg Log Press! For more information, visit:www.matlockfarmpark.co.uk

24 Chesterfield Crafters Bazaar. Crafters Bazaar is an annual market for local crafters to sell their surplus crafting materials, tools, craft magazines and books. The aim is to keep materials in circulation and stop them going to landfill. The Bazaar is organised by Transition Chesterfield, a voluntary community group helping Chesterfield to become more sustainable, low carbon and locally selfsufficient. Stalls cost £15. To book, contact: craftersbazaar@transitionchesterfield. org.uk. For more information: https:// transitionchesterfield.org.uk/craftersbazaar/. Facebook: Chesterfield Crafters Bazaar

25 Hope Show. Hope Show is one of the major summer shows in Derbyshire, giving an opportunity for crowds of those who enjoy farming and the countryside to meet and celebrate the year just gone. It is held every August Bank Holiday Monday with the Sheep Dog trials lasting into Tuesday. The show includes a wide range of displays, classes and competitions including the sheepdog trials, show jumping, heavy & light horses showing, cattle and sheep, gundogs, vintage cars, tractors and engines, horticulture, crafts and lots more

26 Belper Mills Family Fun Day! 10am to 3pm. Come along to Strutt’s North Mill and discover the rich history of Belper and the Mills on our interactive fun-filled tour. Have a go at clay craft, join in Victorian games. This event is taking place between 10am12noon and 1-3pm, and has been funded by the Amber Valley Partnership. This is a free event, but booking is essential as places are limited, and you are booking for either a morning or afternoon session

29-31 Chatsworth Country Fair. One of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events. Held in the 1000-acre parkland surrounding Chatsworth House, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country join us for a memorable family day out. Enjoy three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, inspirational cookery

SUSIE’S WORD PERFECT…

COUNTDOWN’S Queen of Dictionary Corner for more than 30 years, Susie Dent is bringing her new tour Word Perfect to Buxton Opera House on August 24.

Susie’s (pictured) role on TV’s Countdown has made her a household name, and she has an incredible knack for being able to sum up a moment or a mood with an excellent word.

In her new tour, she is looking forward to taking audiences on a ‘romp through some of the joys of the English language’, looking at specific words and their stories, as well as many of the quirks which make our mother tongue so brilliantly unpredictable as well as magical.

“I’m always on a mission to revive lost words, and I’m looking forward to sharing some of my favourites. In the Victorian era, for example, sausages were known as ‘bags of mystery’ because no one ever knew what was in them. Eggs were ‘cacklefarts’ and an umbrella was a ‘bumbershoot’. I’ll also be delving into collective nouns: who decided it should be a parliament of owls, and where have some of these come from?”

masterclasses, food, shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities, including a vintage fun fair and children’s climbing wall

29-31 The Darley Park Weekender, Derby. Three days of musical entertainment, set against the backdrop of beautiful Darley Park. 80s Mixtape returns with Bananarama, Haircut 100 and Gary Davies. Poptastic icons Heather Small, East 17, 911 and Damage will join the Ultimate 90s line up and rounding the weekend off is The Darley Park Concert, Derby’s annual summer highlight with classical music and fireworks.

SUBMIT YOUR LISTING OR EVENT

Please email your information including dates to whatson@reflections-magazine. com before August 18th, 2025, to appear in the September 2025 issue.

Prize Crossword

Congratulations to J.Higgins of Hasland, who won the July 2025 crossword. They won £25

Why not have a go at the August 2025 crossword on page 55