All that’s been happening across the county, in words and pictures
16 ‘I am married to the Peak Park, no doubt about it,’ says entrepreneur Steve Brown meets a man who sold a futon to the then Prince Charles, almost died in a road crash – and now runs a business in the heart of the Peak District he loves
26 Crossword
28 Great places to take pictures of inspiring views Chris Drabble goes to some White Peak spots that yield great opportunities for landscape photography
36 Fifty years since north Derbyshire’s last mining
It is 50 years this month since the Markham Colliery disaster in which 18 miners died… the third disaster at one of the nation’s biggest pits. Barrie Farnsworth reports 40 Derbyshire’s snakes shouldn’t be feared – but respected Most people are scared of snakes, but to Peter Wrigglesworth, seeing an adder in the county is an electrifying experience: a moment to be savoured
The Buxton-based Funny Wonders Puppet Company has survived against the odds to celebrate its 25th anniversary this summer.
Nicola Lisle finds out more
48 Focus on fashion
Stay on-trend with our style guru Amy Norbury
52 Gardens: creating stunning displays is what Jo loves most
On part of a Derbyshire sheep farm, Jo Stanistreet runs Jo Jo’s flowers, as Catherine Roth discovers
58 Focus on Food & Drink
A chef known as ‘The Football Feeder’ is at a local food festival this month
60 Recipe of the Month
The head chef of The Peacock at Rowsley, Dan Smith, has provided a stunning dish – and if you don’t want to prepare it, just enjoy it in their restaurant!
62 Spotlight on the Arts
There’s a unique offer to local businesses from a Cromford tile artist, as Barrie Farnsworth discovers
64 No witches allowed at Revolution House!
Barrie Farnsworth looks at the local building that helped change the course of English history… and of a fascinating recent discovery there
62
66 Out & About
This month’s walk takes in one of Derbyshire’s finest viewpoints, a great trail and two lovely villages
68 Togetherness is… a pair of emus!
One of the pictures submitted in our ‘Derbyshire’s Wonderful Flora & Fauna’ competition is of a Matlock Farm Park couple
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60
72 Antiques Corner
Our expert Vivienne Milburn looks at seascapes that are selling well at auction
78 What’s On
Our comprehensive guide to forthcoming events in the county and beyond in July and early August
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facility and have delivered on budget, despite building work starting during Covid. Thank you to everybody involved.”
Whitworth Hospital’s Community Diagnostic Centre at Darley Dale was formally opened on June 27 by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. In addition to national funding, the development was aided by generous donations totalling more than £140,000 from Matlock Hospitals League of Friends.
The CDC is a partnership between Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust. CDCs are ‘one-stop shops’ designed to provide an easier and altogether better patient experience by having a host of diagnostic facilities and services in one place.
IDEAS for alternative uses for Derbyshire County Council’s headquarters are being sought, as the council looks to make the most of the historic building to bring a new lease of life for Matlock.
The council has asked a team of advisors to seek expressions of interest from developers, hotel operators and others for their ideas on options for the future of the historic complex of buildings.
Derbyshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, Coun Simon Spencer, said: “We want to give County Hall a new lease of life. We are asking for ideas from investors, developers and business operators. Nothing is going to change overnight, and if we do find a new future for the building then we will enter into a period of consultation, including needing to seek planning approval.
“We are just not using the building to its full potential, particularly post pandemic, when many of our employees are working from home for several days a week. This gives us an opportunity to make the most of this wonderful building.
“Our vision for County Hall involves transforming the current buildings, and the fabulous landscaped setting into a world-class hotel, coupled with spaces for local businesses, new homes for local people, a revitalised Winter Garden, and opportunities for the community to hold events, meet formally, or simply just to convene.”
He added: “Our long-standing
commitment to the town will remain. Our vision for County Hall includes the council remaining on site in either a new, low-energy building, or a dedicated space within the existing building.”
Anyone interested is asked to contact either David.couch@realestate. bnpparibas or Harry.Douglass@ realestate.bnpparibas by July 21.
CHESTERFIELD Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s new Emergency Department opened on June 21.
The new development has a state-of-the-art approach to patient flow, highly specialised equipment and ultra-modern technology.
Dr Hal Spencer, chief executive of the trust, said: “This is a truly fantastic facility for the hospital and the communities we serve. We are on time in opening the
THE four Peak Park visitor centres have been saved from potential closure by a mystery donor.
The centres at Bakewell, Castleton, Edale and Fairholmes were faced with closure, or repurposing, and up to 65 people at risk of redundancy, by the Peak District National Park Authority, which faces major funding pressures.
However, the Authority confirmed to staff early in June that an approach has been made by an anonymous donor to the Peak District National Park Foundation, a registered charity, offering to provide funding support for visitor centre operations, allowing time for these operations to become more financially sustainable.
The donation offered is specifically related to the operation of visitor centres, with other elements of the authority’s restructure programme still due be taken to members in late July; and changes likely to be implemented by the end of the year.
Chief executive Phil Mulligan said: “This is very good news and I appreciate the relief it will bring to the many colleagues who will have been affected by the proposals for our visitor centres.
“While we are incredibly grateful to the donor for their generous offer – allowing us to continue visitor centre operations for up to another three years – our deep-seated financial challenges as an organisation remain after a decade of real-terms cuts to our core Government grant.
He added: “Our donor recognises that visitor centres need to be financially viable and we will need to start work straight away on creating that long-term viability.”
The authority confirmed that it will respect the donor’s wishes to remain anonymous.
BATH and shower retailer Showers to You looked to find the quietest outside pools in the UK – and it found that Hathersage was the best open-air pool in the UK to beat the crowds.
With the fewest hashtags of the pools analysed, Jesus Green Outdoor Pool in Cambridge tops the UK list as the most secluded pool, with just three Instagram hashtags. The pool is one of the largest in Europe.
London is also home to a secluded pool, with Parliament Hill Lido taking second place with just six Instagram hashtags. This open-air pool is open to visit 365 days a year.
The third quietest lido in the UK is Hathersage Swimming Pool, with eight hashtags. The 30-metre pool is heated to 28°C all year round, making it a perfect spot for those who don’t appreciate the chill.
THE team at Shorts is celebrating multiple successes, after wins in four categories at the Insider South Yorkshire Dealmakers Awards. The winners were announced at a black-tie event hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay, at Sheffield City Hall on June 8.
The wins included:
Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year;
Deal of the Year (£10m+) Management buyout of Wincro Metal Industries; Innovation Investment Award: Investment in Sitehop by Mercia; and
Dealmaker of the Year: Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner.
Andy said: “It is the expertise and commitment of the Shorts team which we see reflected in these successes. Last year was record breaking for the Shorts Corporate Finance team, with some fantastic transactions completed, and we are beyond proud to see that hard
work being recognised. With an exciting pipeline of opportunities, we are looking forward to another successful year.”
in high-profile TV programmes like Hunted and in the opening sequence of series 14 of Britain’s Got Talent, when it was driven by Simon Cowell and David Walliams.
Travelling on water at a top speed of five knots and powered by jet propulsion, the Dutton Surf is designed for lazy days on the river. On land, the Dutton 4WD Surf is fully road legal with a top speed of 85mph.
The craft, when not on the Derwent, can be found among the car museum’s 150-strong collection which celebrates the best – and worst – of British car design over the last 100 years.
Richard Usher, founder of Great British Car Journey, said: “Tim is another fine example of a British engineering pioneer and we are delighted to have the Dutton 4WD Surf in our collection. It’s a real talking point.” To book tickets to see the Dutton in the collection, visit www.greatbritishcarjourney.com
THERE is a new name for the home of the Spireites. The 10,000-seater venue on Sheffield Road will now be known as the SMH Group Stadium.
Commenting on the initial threeyear agreement, SMH Group partner Jonathon Dickens said: “It’s the first time we’ve ever done anything on this scale, so it’s fantastic.
“It’s a new chapter in our firm’s growth and expansion. We’re really excited about it.
“I’m a Chesterfield lad and I’ve lived here all my life. I’ve been a supporter for as long as I can remember.
“We’re hoping to open a larger office in Chesterfield, so hopefully this will help to build our brand awareness.”
IS it a boat or a car? It’s both! It’s a Dutton 4WD Surf – an amphibious vehicle which can now be seen in the Great British Car Journey collection at Ambergate; and travelling on the River Derwent.
Like all the vehicles in the UK’s awardwinning car museum’s collection, the custom-built amphibious car is in full working order – on land and water!
Great British Car Journey’s director Andrew Talbot took the Dutton 4WD Surf on its maiden voyage recently when it entered the Derwent at Ambergate from the museum’s car park and travelled upstream before returning to dry land.
He said: “I’m confident that this is the first amphibious car to have ever travelled on the river. I loved every minute of it.”
Now named the ‘Derwent Duck’ by the museum team, the craft was built by British inventor Tim Dutton at his factory in Littlehampton. Tim has been making the only successful amphibious car in the world since 1989 at a factory that used to make lifeboats.
Only a handful of these cars are made each year and a number of them have appeared
John Croot, Chesterfield FC’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome the SMH Group as a major sponsor of the club.
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Technique Learning Solutions for their valued support over the last three years.”
The SMH Group offer clients access to all their financial requirements within one group of companies, including chartered accountancy, financial services, wills and probate, commercial finance, corporate finance and residential mortgages.
Founded in 1995, the company employs over 120 staff, with a presence on Saltergate for ten years.
YHA, which has its headquarters in Matlock, is selling one third of its UK hostels over the next three years, with twenty –including hostels at Eyam and Hathersage – already on the property market.
The 62-bedroom Eyam YHA – built to resemble a medieval castle – is for sale at £650,000; while the 42-bed YHA hostel at Hathersage is on the market at £500,000. Altogether, the YHA hostels now for sale could generate more than £10 million if they achieve their asking prices.
It is all part of YHA’s new three-year Business Plan which states that, by 2026, this restructuring will support 30 per cent more people through a core network of strategic hostels, running at higher occupancy and efficiency, and supported by a 20 per cent smaller central team.
A statement from the YHA read: “The last few years have been difficult for YHA – pandemic shutdowns, the cost-of-living crisis and steep inflation have affected us like other charities and hospitality providers.
“As we have throughout our history, wherever possible we will be looking for new partners to take over the running of those sites where we have identified that a franchise model will work best –providing opportunities for partners, local communities, and individuals to acquire the site and, working with YHA, make them unique accommodation providers under the youth hostelling umbrella. Those that don’t become franchises will be sold and the money raised from them invested into the upkeep of our other amazing spaces.”
Never before have so many hostel businesses been on the market at the same time. As well as the 20 YHA hostels, there are also 13 independent hostels for sale.
However, it also represents an opportunity to buy an established hostel
business – and there is plenty of support out there for prospective hostel owners.
As well as the YHA franchise scheme; the Independent Hostel network, which has its headquarters in The Grand Pavilion, Matlock Bath, and currently supports and markets over 320 hostel and bunkhouse businesses, is always happy to advise hostel owners and welcomes new members.
Sam Dalley, director of Independent Hostels, says: “Hostels occupy a vital niche in the outdoor industry, offering flexible accommodation to all ages. Friendly and social, the model of hostel accommodation is one of the most sustainable forms of tourism around.”
THE culmination of more than three years’ work by local people saw ‘The Pommie Plaque’ unveiled on a wall at Youlgrave Village Hall in early June. It’s a history mosaic of Youlgrave, Alport and Middleton whose idea was conceived by Phil Smith – also now known as the ‘grouchy grouter’ – and involved the making of 2,000 tiles in people’s homes, with the clay sent to schoolchildren to imprint.
Phil, who was born in Youlgrave and retired there after 40 years in Sheffield, said: “The aim was to raise money for the primary school, the scout hut and the village hall. We have raised about £5,000 so far, but are hoping to double that.
“Happily, because we have created this mosaic, the British Association for Modern Mosaics have decided to have their yearly forum in the village with about 80 attendees and guest speakers from the UK and abroad.
He added: “What I have found out is that putting the grout around all the tiles is horrible work!”
Pommie has long been the nickname of Youlgrave. The two-metre square plaque
has a ‘history tree’ in its centre, with the 2,000 hand-made tiles each having a photograph, a pattern or an historical fact; with local people and businesses asked to sponsor an individual tile.
To find out more, or to sponsor, go to pommieplaque.org.uk
AT the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last month in London, top spots were taken by the Blind Bull at Little Hucklow, who won the Gold Pub of the Year award; and Bamford-based outdoor activity provider Pure Outdoor, winners of the Gold Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.
National recognition was also received by Great British Car Journey in Ambergate, who won the Bronze New Tourism Business of the Year award; Wildhive Callow Hall, near Ashbourne, winners of the Bronze Small Hotel of the Year award; and myGuidedWalks, who won the Bronze Experience of the Year award.
Steve Brown meets a local entrepreneur who sold a futon to the then Prince Charles, ran 3,500 miles across Europe, almost died in a road crash – and now runs a business he loves in the Peak District he loves.
IN a modest studio within the Hathersage business park can be found an artist and designer whose life story has been a veritable rollercoaster and yet who now may finally have found true contentment in this corner of the Peak District.
Si Homfray’s life has been as colourful as the pictures, giftwares, furnishings and ceramics which he creates – and as eventful as any modern drama that you might care to name. Here is a man who has truly experienced the ups and downs of life and yet remains unassuming despite his many achievements and disarmingly modest about the artistic ability which he undoubtedly has.
Si is also an adventurer, having sailed across the Atlantic and run 3,500 miles across Europe from home to central Turkey to name but two achievements, and is shortly to become a published author with his first book, a tome based on 7 key
areas that readers should be looking at to try to optimise their physical and mental health. He now runs Park Designs, set up after a lifetime of living in or near the Peak District as an outlet for his artistic impressions of the national park and his favourite open spaces around the UK.
Si was born in the West Midlands but initially led a nomadic existence while his late father, a metallurgist, moved jobs. However the family eventually came to live in Ecclesall, Sheffield, where he first discovered the delights of the Peak District on the proverbial doorstep and his love of the outdoors took hold. He went to Sheffield University, where he studied medicine for five years but didn’t qualify as a clinician.
He instead became a successful young entrepreneur in 1986 by setting up a business manufacturing and selling futons, the Futon Workshop, made in his own factory in Sheffield and selling through three shops. At one stage his company was making 50 per cent of the futons sold in the UK and could count customers such as Anita Roddick and the then HRH Prince Charles among those who bought the products.
However, the success didn’t last and, to cut a long story short, Si had to start again from scratch and set up a design business, taking advantage of the latest computer-driven hardware and software as an outlet for his creative instincts. He became involved in many design projects for well-known companies such as Rab and Lowe Alpine and even
“I AM MARRIED TO THE PEAK PARK, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT,” SAYS SI HOMFRAYSi Homfray with one of his artistic creations.
pioneered, well before Google Earth came along, huge aerial panoramas of the National Parks taken with a camera from the open door of a helicopter! His aerial view of the Lake District can still be seen in the Lake District National Park Information Centre at Brockhole on the shores of Windermere.
He was also active in the outdoors, climbing in different countries and reaching the summits of several continents as well as visiting many of the UK’s national parks. However, things were to change completely in May 2012 when Si’s love of racing motorbikes and the risks that go with that almost took his life...
Si was riding his beloved BMW into Dore when he was involved in a serious collision with a car that saw him catapulted off his bike and into a roadside ditch at 50mph. Incredibly he survived the accident, but needed surgery for many broken bones and had received a severe bang to his head. Months of rehabilitation followed but the fact that he had survived such a traumatic event caused him to start to do some serious thinking about his life and how he was living it.
He resolved take stock of his life during a self-supporting (slow!) run he had planned through Europe, the Middle East and Asia to
Nepal, where he then hoped to climb to his long-time goal, the summit of Mount Everest. Thus it was, in early 2013, that Si left the UK on his project and for the next two years lived through a solo adventure traversing Europe and heading across Turkey before family commitments, particularly the health of his now elderly parents and a lack of money, forced him to abandon the
trip and return to the UK at the end of 2014. For the next 18 months, Si cared for his parents, who lived near Hereford, before returning to Sheffield with no money in his pocket but plenty of ideas still brewing. “I have so many ideas that I do need to keep myself in check,” he freely admits.
While in Hereford, he had started thinking about creating a well-being system but the
“At one stage his company was making 50 per cent of the futons sold in the UK.”
idea lacked a commercial basis at this stage. From an early age, he had also been told that there was no living to be made in art but despite an initial lack of a permanent base, continuing personal health issues and with the generous help of good friends, he somehow got back on his entrepreneurial feet and started up Peak District Design (now Park Designs) in 2016 from Hathersage.
He recalls: “I revisited my core passion of design to deliver a small start-up business which featured and showcased the benefits of living and working in my beloved Peak District. I am married to the national park, no doubt about it, and want to share with others the wonders of the great open spaces and sublime beauty of everything Peak District.” He had finally come to realise that he truly wanted to be an artist and was actually very pleased to discover it!
Si now produces a pleasantly bewildering array of artworks, giftware, soft furnishings, clothes and ceramics featuring the striking, strong and intensely colourful designs that are so characteristic of his work. All his products are manufactured
locally, are sustainable and, to use his own words, “built with a heart”.
He finds detail in the simplest of things: the head of a flower, the pattern of the fields, the sound of the birds, looking at everything with fresh eyes. His work often starts with long lists of everything encountered such as the wildlife, flowers, leaves or local villages and these become the basis for patterns and textures used in larger representations. The latter often display many levels of complexity, rhythm and colour.
His work is also very clever; beauty spots are depicted as just that, spots, on a map in all the right positions; mugs depicting a mountain or hill appear decorated with a random series of coloured wiggly lines until you realise that you are actually looking at a contour map of the relevant area!
All his art is promoting Si’s love of the great outdoors, wherever that might be, that ultimately it might encourage those who see and buy it to care for and enjoy such places. When he’s in the more intense throes of creating a work, Si prefers to work without distraction but when some mild background distraction is needed, then he turns to the TV and goes fishing with Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse!
Si says he will keep drawing into the future as he has many customers on his mailing list and around 14 other businesses stock his products to sell. He would like to broaden his appeal and further develop his style but he is about to embark on another adventure as a published author. He considers that his shortly-to-be-published book on mental and physical well-being is “the first thing that I’ve ever done properly!”, so he is excited at the prospect.
He says: “Finding what you love and doing what you love in a place you love seems to be a rare thing. The crash could have killed me or left me totally incapacitated but I did survive, am making the most of every day and appreciating the beauty of this amazing place that I am proud to call my home.”
What is Kinesiology & Transformational Healing and how can it help?
Kinesiology is a long established practice that combines the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine and the modern techniques of muscle testing
In a session we use muscle testing to tap into your body’s inner wisdom, as we ask the body questions to establish what is needed. We then ask what is required to clear any blocks or stuck patterns, so that you can regain and maintain a true sense of wellbeing.
This method of treating addresses a whole range of concerns: physical, emotional or spiritual. It is a gentle healing process, whereby we only ever work at a level that your body allows.
True happiness, contentment, success and inner peace comes from really achieving inner harmony and balance, and this is what Kinesiology can offer.
The practice aims to re-align, restore and re-balance whilst unlocking your unlimited potential.
Are you struggling at the moment?
Are you feeling unwell or out of balance?
Are you stuck in an old pattern that is no longer serving you?
Are you suffering with addictive habits, self-sabotage, or fear?
What is Ancestral Lineage Patterning and how does this advanced level of healing work?
Ancestral Cleansing is a gentle, relaxing and non-invasive healing journey, which releases past disease, illness, pain, and dysfunction that has been passed through generations of unhealed patterns. These patterns of behaviour may have manifested themselves within you without you realising. They can take the form of limitation, addiction, alcoholism, selfsabotage, abandonment, detachment, or attachment – all issues that prevent health, wealth, happiness, well-being, and potentiality. It is within this Ancestral Lineage patterning that the generational dysfunction, sickness, wounding, fear, and trauma is often carried. All of this can cause you to be frozen, diminished, unemotional, and detached. There is a limited sense of safety and a limited sense of belonging. Healing this Ancestral Lineage allows you to find your wings, so that you can reach for the stars – free from any unhealed family issues and limitations, allowing your true light, your true potentiality to be unlocked.
Jo Dall has been working over the last 19 years to help clients to be the best version of themselves. In any session, you will be seen in a relaxed, comfortable, safe space, whilst Jo intuitively listens, in an empathetic and non-judgmental way, to what your body needs. Together, you will then discuss how best to address your body’s concerns.
The body instinctively knows what is needed and has an incredible capacity to heal, and this is what Jo taps into. She then acts as a stepping stone, conduit, to allow you to release stuck patterns, shadows, or blocks that hold you back. She offers support and guidance to clear the path to reaching your full potential. She also works alongside Weleda, the internationally acclaimed 100%
Jo has been a huge part of my recovery. I believe that she helped turn my life around, and I am no longer living in the past. The demons have finally disappeared! RH
I have found Jo most trustworthy. Possessing a strong intuitive ability. I admire and respect her professional competence and integrity.
natural Skin Care and Medicines company. Using their products in her practice, truly believing that what goes on you goes in you, but also offering well-ness sessions and half day and day retreats within the community and workplace, as health and wellbeing is at the core of all that Jo does.
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A WALTON man ran 100 kilometres from York to Chesterfield – equivalent to 2.5 marathons – on a hot June day and raised over £580 for the homeless charity Shelter so far.
Alastair Smith (43) got into running when he moved back to the Chesterfield area, with his wife Sarah and son Blake, in 2017, and says he has run more than 12,500 kilometres since then (which, he says, would have taken him from Walton to the Indonesian island of Bali!).
Sarah, a psychologist, has been a lifelong donor to Shelter, which is why Alastair chose the charity.
On his 40th birthday, just before the pandemic, Alastair ran the whole length of the 77-kilometre Chesterfield Canal, raising around £1,300 for the mental health charity Rethink.
His York to Chesterfield route took him through Selby and past Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. He reached 100km in Brimington, and completed the run to Chesterfield Station just under 13hrs after setting off from York station at 8.30am.
Alastair’s ‘Just Giving’ page is at bit.ly/York100km
AFTER many years as a qualified podiatrist, working both for the NHS and in the private sector, Simon Boulton has opened his first clinic, North Derbyshire Foot Clinic, on Smedley Street, Matlock.
Splitting his week between NHS work and private home visits, Simon was aware of the increased demand for foot
health care – and he wanted to offer a more personal service to his client base.
The shop he has bought was built for Mr W. Ash as a shoe shop/cobblers back in 1926; eventually being taken over by his son, Raymond, who continued the business until the late Eighties.
Therefore, Simon arranged for Dorothy Ash, the widow of Raymond, to perform the opening ceremony, which also coincided with her 100th birthday.
Now the building has been transformed into a modern health practice.
Simon has lived in Matlock most of his life. He is a qualified pilot, owning a part share in a Piper PA 28 plane. He trained at Huddersfield University, gaining a BSc degree in Podiatry. Over the past 20 years, Simon has provided excellent service in various clinics, care settings and patients’ homes.
Simon said: “I felt the time was right, and the need was there, to open a clinic in the Derbyshire Dales. I will continue to provide my home visit service for current clients while developing the new venture.”
For further information, check out the website www.ndfootclinic.co.uk or contact Simon on 01629 583489 or simon@ndfootclinic.co.uk.
THERE was a national increase of eight per cent in the number of burglaries between October 2021 and September 2022 compared with the previous 12 months – but in Derbyshire, there was a staggering 77 per cent decrease.
Research by the home security experts at ADT show that, in Derbyshire over the same periods, burglaries fell from 16,564 to just 3,762. Gloucestershire saw the biggest rise in burglaries – 37 per cent –comparing the two 12-month periods.
THE former CEO of Cromford Mills, Sarah McLeod, and her profoundly autistic son Vesty have embarked on a sponsored swimathon – every Sunday until September 10!
They are making a splash for this year’s Master Cutler’s Challenge, which is supporting the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which Sarah has been CEO of since 2017.
Vesty, who is now 28 and shares the same birthday as his mum – May 28 – has severe learning difficulties and is non-verbal. He lives in supported living at the Baden Powell Centre in Chesterfield, going to his mum’s Bawtry home every weekend. Sarah and Vesty lived in Matlock until Vesty was 19.
They have already smashed their £2,000 fundraising target and are now aiming for £3,000.
“I think 28 is definitely our lucky number,” said Sarah, who gave birth to Vesty on her 28th birthday, “so we have decided to swim 28 kilometres altogether at Bircotes Leisure Centre pool.”
The current Master Cutler is Dame Julie Kenny, who is Wentworth Woodhouse’s Chair of Trustees.
Sarah said: “Vesty is an amazing young man with many talents and a big heart. He has loved swimming from early childhood and raised £2,000 for Ashgate Hospice a few years ago with a sponsored swim.”
Money raised will support the Preservation Trust to ensure all Wentworth Woodhouse visitors are provided with opportunities to work, play, engage, participate and enjoy their visit whatever their abilities, age, income or ethnicity.
Sarah and Vesty know how important it is for visitor destinations to be inclusive and accessible. “Inclusivity is so important; it can be lonely life when you or someone you care for has a disability,” Sarah added.
Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust was able to buy the mansion near Rotherham for £7 million in 2017 and set about not only regenerating the house, but changing the economic fortunes of Rotherham by providing jobs and workplace opportunities and increasing diversity and inclusion.
To sponsor Sarah and Vesty, go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/ sarah-mcleod-1683894039683/donate
Locally based, highly reputable, and long-established windows and conservatory company, HeatGuard, continues to tick all the boxes when it comes to providing the ultimate in value, quality, and personal service.
UNCOMPROMISING integrity, unrivalled service, and a relentless pursuit of the finest products have been the hallmarks of the continued success of this innovative and dynamic company.
To complement their core ranges of windows and conservatories covered by HeatGuard, SecurityGuard, and SoundGuard, a brand-new selection of windows is now available at even more competitive prices under the umbrella tradename of ValueGuard.
The ValueGuard choice of windows and conservatories comprises all the foremost features of the rest, whilst shaving off significantly on the costs. So, with ValueGuard, you really can have your cake and eat it!
Energy efficient, noise reducing, and secure, these windows enjoy the all the main beneficial properties, whilst offering savings to boot.
The ValueGuard range has been introduced in response to the imposing demands on people’s budgets at this time with soaring energy bills and the like. Offering specs and styles to meet the
most exacting of budgets, ValueGuard gives the ultimate in value for money.
HeatGuard, with an impeccable thermal spec, provides an extensive collection of energy efficient uPVC Double and Triple glazed windows, tailor made to suit every individual property’s style and appearance. Whether its contemporary, country, or urban developments, HeatGuard Windows have the perfect window to complement any home.
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Across
6 In a temper, about to paint! (7)
7 Rim made to look like Kinder pool (7)
9 Can (to be inexact) do with knowledge (3,2)
10 Goons lent style to this Peak village (9)
11 Mineral said to have terrific respect (3)
12 Riviera town, next to the river, is more pleasant (5)
14 One of our towns allegedly able to cause a chuckle? (6)
17 Deterring swan from messing up Blackpool attraction (6,7)
21 Unfathomed, unfunded, but in residence (2,4)
22 Iraqi place not set up as a bar! (5)
24 Cut and bleeding, but in shelter (3)
25 Votes odd coot out, but in an undertone (5,4)
27 Copy in parallels at buttonhole site (5)
29 Stupefy, with no additions? (7)
30 Love Ray's design, but you sleep too long here! (7)
Name:
Down
1 Give out? Time's up! (4)
2 NW of Ilkeston, spot a heron in flight (6)
3 Matlock Bath vehicles: no wheels, yet they give you a lift (5,4)
4 Fought with a break in a faulty weld (8)
5 Lower part of wall is odd: a mystery? (4)
6 Pullers at their peak between Rowsley and Matlock (6)
7 Magpie belonging to me, locally? (4)
8 Load is about two-fifths the way to Bolsover neighbour (3,3)
13 Memorial with a strand of chic style (5,5)
15 A kipper might have forty of these (5)
16 Cat stolen! Could this be the end of Hope Valley? (9)
18 Catty Piperson? (3)
19 Samson could create the Mill! (6)
20 Lea, to dry out before bridge or dale (6)
22 Rebel trouble (but quietly!) in town N of Derby (6)
23 Rumoured to be trips round our hills (4)
26 Just a bit of an accumulation, lying around (4)
28 Spillage, as wise one lost the tablet (4)
Address:
Telephone:
We will give a prize of £25 to a randomly-drawn correctly completed crossword. Cut out the completed puzzle and send to: Bannister Publications, 118 Saltergate, Chesterfield S40 1NG by the 22nd July, 2023. The solutions for the June 2023 crossword can be found on page 77 of this issue.
More free puzzles at pitcherwits.co.uk
Crossword by Prof Rebus
Chris Drabble is a writer, hill walker and landscape photographer who in the past year has set out to explore some of the quieter locations in the White Peak – but here he also includes the well-known Thorpe Cloud – which yield great opportunities for landscape photography and offer views that can rival any other in the Peak Park.
I’M SURE that there will be many of you who will enjoy the inspiring views from the summits of Baley Hill, Harborough Rocks and Thorpe Cloud. Incidentally, if you’re ticking off the Peak District Ethels, Harborough Rocks and Thorpe Cloud are ones to add to the list.
I’VE parked my car in the free car park in Hope Dale Hollow and I’m setting out to walk the few minutes it takes to reach the quaint hamlet of Milldale.
Upon reaching the village green, I follow the National Trust sign that points in the direction of Dovedale and cross Viator’s Bridge, the ancient packhorse route and over the River Dove. As I pass through the gate that is attached to the retaining wall at the end of Viator’s Bridge, I immediately turn left, off the main Dovedale path and start the ascent of Baley Hill.
This initial short section of the ascent is alarmingly steep but rest assured, the incline becomes increasingly easy with altitude. I should, however, warn that reaching the summit of Baley Hill is deceptively time absorbing and requires a good deal of what Alfred Wainwright referred to as ‘collar work’ . Nevertheless, the route isn’t particularly challenging, navigation is easy-peasy and this is definitely one that is worth persevering with. Frequent stops to catch your breath and to savour the ever expanding view is highly recommended.
In my experience, approach shoes are sufficient for this walk in dry summer conditions, but at any other times of the year and especially when the ground is wet after a heavy dew or rain, hiking boots should be an essential.
I have now reached the summit of Baley Hill, which is defined by a limestone, rocky knoll. From this elevated position of 1121ft, I’m now taking in the best of the views, which lie to the north, west and south.
To the far north, Wolfscote Hill can be seen catching the sunlight. The church tower of St Peter’s at Alstonefield is a prominent feature in the landscape. Then progressively westward, Gratton Hill, Narrowdale Hill and the much larger Wetton Hill stand in fabulous alignment. To the north/west, Ecton Hill can be picked out easily. Immediately below and in the west lies the expanse of Dovedale, with its rock formations and re-entrant valleys and to the south stands the higher ground of the western bank of Dovedale that holds Air Cottage in its embrace and which leads to its conclusion at Bunster Hill.
For those who have followed in my footsteps, I would advise that unless you’re intent on completing a much longer walk or if you’re not familiar with the lay of the land above Dovedale, you should walk back along the same path you took to reach the summit for a safe and pleasant return.
The online database of British and Irish Hills classifies Baley Hill as a
‘Tump’, defining it as a small mound or rise of ground. If I played devil’s advocate, I could argue that Baley Hill is essentially only a crest at the end of a ridge but, in my opinion, it just doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
It offers a very pleasant walk from Milldale, it has superb views from its very obvious summit and the chances are that you’ll have this wonderful little hill to yourselves for the whole time you’re there.
I’ve reserved my visit to Harborough Rocks until the evening and I’m in an optimistic mood because the weather forecast is promising and I’m intent on capturing some photographs of the Rocks and the surrounding area at sunset.
I’ve parked the car at the roadside parking on Manystones Lane.
A concessionary bridleway close by leads me to the Midshires Way. Straight ahead is a gate that leads out onto an open green lane that was presumably once the driveway to the now long abandoned Harborough Farm.
Although on previous occasions I have been distracted by the lure of these derelict buildings, on this occasion I’m turning
right to a sequence of steps in the footpath and heading for the summit. Harborough Rocks stands before me looking magnificent and imposing. Now all my effort goes into climbing through the jagged spires and buttresses to reach the Triangulation Point, which stands at a height of 1243ft.
The Harborough Rocks are an unusual dolomitic limestone which offers interesting pinnacles and columns that catch the light of the setting sun and enhance the texture of the rock to create interesting compositions for photography.
Harborough Rocks has a long history of human activity. The site has been archaeologically excavated, and is a Scheduled Monument. The large cave at its south-facing elevation was found to contain evidence of human occupants dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic Period. It also shows significant evidence of lead extraction and this appears to have been conducted at an industrial level. All of these workings are long abandoned and make interesting places to explore and photograph.
that might disturb the tranquillity of this wonderful location is the closely situated Hoben International crushing and screening plant that, when in operation, exudes a constant milling noise. Once heard, this noise is hard to ignore and could, if allowed, become a distraction. Fortunately for anyone who visits in the evening, the plant closes at 5.30pm in the week and doesn’t appear to operate at all at the weekends.
As I wait for the perfect moment to take a photograph, the setting sun breaks through from under a bank of low cloud and illuminates the scene with wonderful, warm, directional light that fills the sky with complimentary colours.
I have now reached the triangulation pillar and pause to take in the amazing 360-degree view. The Peak District countryside including the Midshires Way opens out before me. Minninglow with Aleck Low beyond in one direction and Carsington Water in the other are prominent features. This is a spectacular view. The only potential intrusion and one
I descend quickly because there’s still enough time to photograph the abandoned windmill at Carsington Pasture before the sun finally sinks below the horizon.
IT’S a summers evening with only minutes to go before the sun sinks below the
horizon. I’m standing on the summit of Thorpe Cloud and I’ve set up my camera and tripod for a composition. Now I’m waiting for the precise moment when all the elements that are required to make a sunset photograph become aligned. It’s within this void of time that I look around at my surroundings with its fabulous views.
From this promontory, the focus of my interest has been to the north with Dovedale and Bunster Hill grabbing all the attention. Over my shoulder, the Midland plain extends far to the south, giving me a true sense of standing on the very edge of the Peak District National Park.
“The sun slowly sets into a bank of cloud on the horizon and marks the time for me to leave. I take one last look back across the summit and then it’s time to think of home.”
I have the summit to myself, but then a small family group climb out into the light from the main zigzag path that ascends from the valley bottom. They chatter amongst themselves, seemingly happy with their achievement, we raise a hand in acknowledgement and then they’re gone and I’m on my own again.
The sun slowly sets into a bank of cloud on the horizon and marks the time for me to leave. I take one last look back across the summit and then it’s time to think of home.
Editor’s Note: Chris Drabble is a prolific landscape photographer, and his work is often used to illustrate magazines and online articles. He is a member of Bassetlaw Hill and Mountain Club and the Over the Hill Photographers.
More of Chris’ photography can be found at Photo4me, Alamy and 500PX.
THE family team behind Warwick Development Ltd, based in the city of steel, have spent the last 18 months working on what their clients really want. The current economic climate has meant many of us have upgraded rather than going on to buy new homes. Alongside extensions and home improvements, windows and doors have
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It is 50 years this month since the Markham Colliery disaster in which 18 miners died… the third disaster at one of the nation’s biggest pits. But the memory of the miners is kept alive by “Walking Together”, a series of 106 steel figures – each representing one of the miners killed in the 1937, 1938 and 1973 disasters – is found along the trail from Duckmanton, where so many of the miners lived, to the site of the former colliery. Barrie Farnsworth reports.
IT was on July 30, 1973, as the day shift reported for work, that the tragedy happened. By 6.20am, 105 miners had already been lowered down Number 3 shaft, which was
1,407 feet deep. At precisely 6.30am, the engine winding man lowered a further 29 miners down the shaft in a doubledecker steel cage, with 15 men on the upper level and 14 below.
All was normal until the engine winding man began to apply the brakes. At this point he saw sparks emerging from the brake cylinder and heard a loud bang, so applied
Left: Stephen Broadbent, pictured among some of the sculptures his studio was commissioned to create. Of the 106 miners who died in the three Markham Colliery disasters, he has created 53 figures walking home after a shift underground, with a darker finish on the steel; compared to the 53 brighter figures walking to the pit to start a shift. Each of these figures has fixed on his chest a circular bronze miner’s tag. On the underside is stamped the name of a miner killed, his age and job title. On the front of the tag is stamped the name and year of the disaster, encouraging the visitor to turn it over to discover the name.
all the brake levers, but to no avail. He then did what he had been trained to do – he hit the big red emergency button. However, the cage still plunged to the bottom of the shaft, crashing into the timber baulks put there to support the cage when it stopped.
To make matters worse, the ascending cage in the shaft was empty but it crashed so violently into the headstocks that the hauling rope, weighing many tons, became detached and fell down the shaft onto the already stricken cage.
When the rescuers reached the scene, they were greeted by 13 bodies – five died later in hospital – and the other 11 were seriously injured, as was one rescue worker. The rescue team worked fast; the last casualty was brought to the surface only two hours after the crash happened.
The public inquiry into the accident was held in Chesterfield Town Hall on October 10, 1973, and lasted six days. The chief inspector of mines, Mr J.W. Calder, found that the accident had been the result of an “overwind” of nearly 17 rotations of the headstock winding gear. The cause was the failure of the mechanical brake on the winding engine; its spring nest centre rod had sheared due to metal fatigue caused by repeated bending during braking.
There had been a previous
failure at Ollerton Colliery in 1961, as a result of which tests on similar components were ordered by the National Coal Board, but with no stipulations as to their frequency. It is, therefore, possible that no tests had been conducted on this component in its 21-year working life at Markham.
After the inquiry, though, all such “single line components” would be subject in future to regular tests in mines throughout the world, not just in the UK. Mr Calder also exonerated the engine winding man from any blame, although the individual was so affected by the tragedy that he never worked again. Of the 11 who survived, some went back to work again at the colliery, but on the surface. Others who worked underground at Markham put in their notices or asked for surface work instead; not wanting to descend in a cage again. Liability for the accident fell on the NCB, so that the dead and injured men’s families would receive compensation.
Markham Colliery – whose first shaft was sunk in 1882 – survived until 1993 when, along with Bolsover and Shirebrook that year, it raised its last coal.
The men who died in the 1973 Markham pit disaster:
Joseph Birkin (60), face worker
Clarence Briggs (52), deputy
Joseph William Brocklehurst (58), deputy
Clifford Brooks (58), deputy
Henry Chapman (48), deputy
Gordon Richard Cooper (30), development worker
George Eyre (60), geared attendant
Michael Kilroy (53), development worker
Jan Kiminsky (58), development worker
Lucjam Plewinsky (59), general worker
Frederick Reddish (53), development worker
Wilfred Rodgers (59), face worker
Charles Leonard Sissons (43), road repairer
Frank Stone (53), road repairer
Charles Richard Turner (60), deputy
Albert Tyler (64), back repairer
Alfred White (57), deputy
William Yates (62), development worker
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Most people are scared of snakes, especially venomous ones and coming across one by accident can be as frightening as when the gas bill arrives. To me though, seeing an adder in Derbyshire is an electrifying experience: a moment to be savoured, says PeterWrigglesworth.
ISAW my first adder on the moors when I was 60, which is quite late in life; and now, at 71, I am heavily involved in carrying out adder surveys, which help to determine the health of the Derbyshire adder population.
Adders are beautiful creatures, generally grey or brown in colour (although they may also be black or blueish), with a distinct V-shape pattern on the back of the head and a zig-zag pattern along their backs. They do not chase people or dogs, but will bite if they are stepped on or picked up. They seek peace and solitude, and will disappear into the undergrowth if disturbed, vanishing before your eyes.
Adders have a hard time. They are generally in decline and are vulnerable, especially to disturbance, which can come from people or dogs, or other animals, such as cows or deer. It is particularly important to respect their space in their breeding time,
from late April to May, as when coupled together, the male can be ruptured (and made infertile) if the female is scared by disturbance and ends up dragging the male across the ground as it is coupled.
Climate change is not helping, either. Milder winters may lead to adders emerging from hibernation too early, only to be subject to a cold spell later and a lack of available food; although the true impact of climate change has not been researched enough to arrive at any certain conclusions.
Habitat loss has an impact on the adders’ favoured locations. For example, overgrazing by cattle and deer can lead to heather loss, and therefore loss of cover and refuge opportunities. Adders do not like to be out in the open and usually stay close to vegetation where they can move to and hide if disturbed.
Fire is a big risk as hotter summers lead to a considerable fire risk to moorland and bracken. A discarded cigarette, a
campfire or a barbecue can lead to huge areas of destruction and loss of wildlife. Extensive moorland fires seem to happen every year, and clearly the public need to take more care when on the moors.
A good mixture of heather and bracken is ideal for adders, with access to prey, such as voles, lizards and amphibians.
Predators that might kill an adder include buzzards, crows, pheasants and badgers. Adders may travel up to 2km from a hibernacula – the place where they hibernate – to a breeding spot, where a female might be found.
All adders are protected by law, under the auspices of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; and it is an offence to take or harm an adder.
Adders can live up to 30 years but it is generally thought that most adders live for five to 10 years.
They are, of course, venomous and
bites can be fatal, although the last person to die from an adder bite was in 1975, and most bites, although unpleasant, are not life threatening, even for dogs. Antiserum is available, at hospitals and at vet’s practises in Totley, near Sheffield, and Bakewell; and anyone bitten should keep still and ring 999 immediately.
The population of adders on the Derbyshire moors is unknown but is significant – indeed, of national importance – as so many areas once occupied by adders no longer have any at all, such as Nottinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Adders need our help if they are to continue to thrive on our moors – and we can help to protect their habitat. We can
control our dogs better and keep them off the moors in springtime, when breeding takes place. We can stop promoting their sightings on social media, as adders need to be left alone. We can stop fearing them and instead regard them as a special Derbyshire animal to be respected and given a safe distance when seen.
Young adders, which are born alive, are equally as venomous as adults and should be given the same respect as their elders. The peak period for giving birth is August/September, when between six and 20 adders may be born.
Male adders grow to about 60cms in length and the females are larger, growing up to 90cm in length.
Protecting adder habitats also helps protect other species. Grass snakes, which are dark green in colour with a yellow band behind the head, may occasionally be seen in the same area as adders; and common lizards can also be found across the adders’ habitat. Woodcock may also be found amongst the adder habitat as both species seek solitude and plenty of vegetation cover.
Adders should not be feared but respected. They have lived in Britain for many thousands of years. If you see one, keep your distance, tread softly, enjoy looking at it but not for too long – and please leave it in peace as one of Derbyshire’s most precious animals.
THE idea for Funny Wonders was thrashed out over a kitchen table in Buxton during the mid-1990s. Its founders, Douglas and Christine Agnew – known as Doug and Chris – were keen to use the magical world of shadow puppetry to engage with the local community. And so began a project that has been brightening people’s lives for 25 years.
The company’s inaugural event – a youth puppet show – took place on July 4, 1998. Since then, its many successes over the years have included organising the Buxton Puppet Festival in partnership with Buxton Opera House, running school workshops and after-school clubs, taking part in the Buxton carnival and the Olympic Torch Relay, and establishing links with puppet groups in Japan and India.
“It’s about trying to create an opportunity for people of all ages, but we particularly look to support young people and those who are on the edges of social groups,” explains Ali Quas-Cohen, who was one of the company’s first youth members and has been artistic director since 2017.
“We’ve worked with lots of young people over the years, and some have gone on to have creative careers, which is lovely.”
The shadow puppetry workshops are felt to be a particularly effective way of engaging with people.
“If you don’t have the confidence to be out on stage you can hide behind a screen, and you don’t have to talk, so it’s less scary for people,” Ali says.
“It’s a way of focusing away from the individual onto the puppet. It involves all sorts of things – drawing, cutting out, designing, writing music, scriptwriting – it just brings everything together. It’s really accessible and it looks stunning even when it’s really simple.”
Another major success story is the Buxton Flowerpot Trail, which began as part of Buxton in Bloom in 2015, when the new category of Best Flowerpot Person was introduced.
Funny Wonders got involved and officially took over the running of the Buxton Flowerpot Project in 2019. It involves encouraging households, shops and businesses to make flowerpot people by reusing old materials and then displaying their creations around the town in gardens, shop windows and anywhere else a flowerpot person might put a smile on the face of anyone passing by.
Funny Wonders also produce a trail map so that
enthusiasts can seek out the locations of all the colourful flowerpot people.
This year’s flowerpot trail is celebrating the return of the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival, which will be in Buxton during July and August.
“The theme this year is the Gilbert and Sullivan operas, and they’re going to be running a flowerpot competition as part of their festival to support us, which is really nice,” says Ali.
It’s a wonderfully high-profile event for Funny Wonders, which has had to largely reinvent itself since the loss of its founders a few years ago. Chris Agnew passed away in 2012, followed by her husband four years later.
“Since Chris and Doug passed away, we’ve very much just been ticking over, doing what we can on a community level,” says Ali. “When they were about we had a full youth group and did performances at the Opera House, but without them we’ve mainly been doing community workshops.
“Our team numbers are low at the moment, and everyone’s got full-time jobs, so that’s all the capacity we have. If we got some people who wanted to come in and work as their career doing puppetry workshops we’d be able to grow quite quickly and do longer-term projects. But we’re still quite low key at the moment.”
The Buxton-based Funny Wonders Puppet Company has survived against the odds to celebrate its 25th anniversary this summer. Nicola Lisle finds out moreFunny Wonders took part in the 2019 Buxton Carnival, creating this huge flowerpot man! Courtesy of Funny Wonders Puppet Company. Below: Funny Wonders officially took over the running of the Buxton Flowerpot Project in 2019, and here’s one of the entries into the 2022 competition, the ‘Ukraine Flowerpot People’, created by people living on South Street. Courtesy of Funny Wonders Puppet Company.
One of the company’s recent success stories is the Changing Faces project, which offers weekly after-school and occasional weekend workshops for secondary school pupils who are facing difficulties. The project was initially supported by Children in Need and has since attracted funding from The Bingham Trust, High Peak CVS and Derbyshire County Council. After the hiatus caused by lockdowns, the project has now restarted.
“Last year we worked on a shadow puppet show, but this year we’ve been doing calligraphy and painting and mosaics workshops. We do any kind of creative art that participants might not have done before – anything fun and creative and colourful.”
Funny Wonders also has puppets for hire, and these have proved popular with amateur dramatic groups in the area and beyond.
“We have some marionette puppets, which are part of Alan Ayckbourn’s play Season’s Greetings,” Ali explains. “We made them in 2015 for the Buxton Drama League, who were putting on the show. There’s a marionette show within the play and they needed some homemade-looking puppets. So any amateur dramatic groups doing the play can hire the puppets from us.
“They go out on tour every year – they’ve been to Macclesfield, Cambridgeshire, the Wirral, all over the place. It’s a nice thing to do.”
As the 25th anniversary approaches, Ali is keen to attract more help to get the company firing on all cylinders again.
“We’re always looking for volunteers if anyone wants to get involved with a crazy bunch of people!” she laughs. “You never know what you’ll end up doing with us – that’s the wonderful situation people find themselves in.
“It’s always offered wonderful opportunities for me. In 2021 I was installing flowerpot people on the lake island in the Pavilion
Gardens, which I’d never done before. It’s nice just to get out and about in the community.
“The focus is very much on doing, rather than the end product, so there’s no level of ability required. I’m not a professional artist, I’ve just enjoyed doing it. It’s very much a case of give it a go, it doesn’t matter what it looks like.
Funny Wonders may be a smaller version of its original self, but it is a tribute to the company’s enthusiasm and determination that it has overcome the loss of its founders and worked hard to ensure its survival.
“We wanted to continue their legacy and their way of working,” says Ali. “Twenty-five years has come round so quickly. Obviously it’s not been without its struggles, but we love the organisation and it would be a shame if it had to stop, so it’s nice to have it still going.”
Warmer weather leaving you in a wardrobe crisis? Never fear, because there are some easy combinations for foolproof summer dressing, says Amy Norbury.
US Brits have a love-hate relationship with hot weather. We long for those hazy, heady days of summer all year long, and when the heat finally hits, we’re soon dying for some respite.
With summer temperatures that can vary from single digits to topping 30 degrees at the drop of a hat, it’s no wonder summer dressing has got many of us in a spin.
And when the mercury is rising, nobody wants to spend hours staring into the abyss of their wardrobe, hoping for something suitable to materialise. But never fear; there are some foolproof summer style ideas which will make dressing for warmer weather a doddle. So resist the temptation to reach for your trusty vest top and short-shorts, and inject a touch of sass to your sunshine style.
An easy trick is to opt for one statement
piece and pair with your classic wardrobe basics. Invest in a showpiece colourful skirt, wild patterned wide-leg trousers, a dramatic top or a crochet dress, and keep the rest simple; think black and white camis or shirts, light summer jeans, tailored trousers and classic footwear. Your statement piece will do the hard work of elevating your basics to stylish new heights.
Dresses are always
a summer staple, and this season it’s all about the gingham maxi. No longer the preserve of summer school uniform, gingham is having a moment in the spotlight; team yours with colourful trainers and chunky gold jewellery for an easy, breezy casual cool vibe. Co-ords are a wardrobe hack all of their own; wear together as nature intended, or team each piece with neutral separates to create a whole host of different outfits. A co-ord shirt and shorts combo could be the multi-use outfit solution to your summer dressing woes. And don’t forget accessories when it comes to adding a touch of summer
lovin’ to your wardrobe favourites. A statement necklace, a colour pop bag or some stylish shades could be all your outfit needs to tick those summer style boxes.
Deal striped shorts, £49.50, and Mali linen blend shirt, £52, both FatFace. Black gingham shirt dress, £85, Monsoon. Broderie maxi dress, £99, Scamp & Dude. Kitty saddle mini crossbody bag, £42, Oliver Bonas. Orange dress, £69, and sandals, £89, John Lewis.
New Buildings Farm in Ashleyhay is a traditional upland sheep farm – yet from the end of May through to late autumn there is an explosion of colour.
JO Stanistreet runs Jo Jo’s Flowers on part of the 70-acre farm where she lives with her partner Ned. It all began when they took over the running of Ned’s family farm and started growing vegetables, creating an organic veg box scheme, writes Catherine. Roth. However, over the years, the flowers gradually took over with Jo’s flower business evolving to the small, parttime enterprise it is today.
Growing over 60 varieties of flowers, Jo arranges bouquets which she sells locally as well as creating floral displays for weddings and funerals. From the whimsical to the striking, the combination of flowers and foliage varies, depending on what is in season.
This suits Jo, who prefers seasonal favourites grown locally to flowers with all year round availability from wholesalers. She says: “Flowers are a reaction to the rhythms of the year – seasonal rhythms we don’t tend to acknowledge any more. You get very bright colours in spring, which fade out in summer, then you get the deep russet colours in autumn. There is something beautiful about waiting.”
Jo works as a gardener,
tending other people’s gardens for most of the week, but Thursdays are her ‘flower days’. Annuals including sweet peas, sunflowers, zinnias, love-in-a-mist and cornflowers grow in two 60ft poly tunnels, strategically placed to catch the sun. Jo says: “The poly tunnels are on a hill. The frost slips away past them and they warm up and catch the sun all day. In Derbyshire we have such a small window of light and sunshine – it’s a short season but poly tunnels help extend it. In the middle of May, I can be standing in a sea of green looking for flowers – it’s Chelsea Week and most gardeners are rolling around in colour, but I have to wait for another two weeks before it’ll all pop!”
Perennials including alstroemerias, astrantias, veronicas, peonies and euphorbias are grown outside, alongside vegetables which also find their way into her bouquets. Jo harvests just half her asparagus crop as a vegetable, saving the other half so she can use their large fronds to add breezy definition to her bouquets. She also lets a few rows of carrots go to seed: “They’re lovely in bunches of flowers with cornflowers – it’s
May: Tulips, Camassias, Sweet Rocket.
June: Astrantias, Roses, Mint
July: Cosmos, Alstroemerias, Honeysuckle
August: Sweet peas, Gypsophila, Dahlias
September: Sedum, Monarda, Sunflowers.
as if they’ve just been picked from a romantic meadow.”
Other plants, including hydrangeas and foliage from trees, also appear in her bouquets. Jo says: “We have
lots of ducks and have a ‘duck forest’ of 15 small oak and hornbeam trees I cut from.”
Although the farm is predominantly on limestone, the flowers grow on a band of
“Flowers are a reaction to the rhythms of the year – seasonal rhythms we don’t tend to acknowledge any more.”Jo Stanistreet runs Jo Jo’s Flowers on a farm in Ashleyhay.
sandstone – this ground, Jo explains, warms up and dries more quickly. Making the most of the land is important to Jo, who describes soil and compost as the absolute backbone of horticulture. Goats, chickens and ducks roam the farm and provide manure, while sawdust from the farm’s log business is used for mulching.
Watering isn’t a problem, either, as there is a constant supply of naturally fed spring water. Jo says: “The spring water is really rich in minerals and nutrients but it’s
freezing cold and not great for newly-emerging seedlings, so there are some plants I have to water separately.”
Jo cuts her flowers when the temperature is at its coolest –late in the evening or early in the morning. She will pick some flowers, such as sunflowers, two or three days prior to them being used in bouquets or displays. Jo says: “I want my flowers to last, so I’ll leave them in cold water to get the field temperature out of them. When it’s very hot in summer, I get up at five in the morning and
fill buckets of cold spring water to cool down the poly tunnels before cutting the flowers. Our old farmhouse is dug into a hill and we have a large room in
THERE’S an award-winning Open Garden at Byways, 7a Brookfield Avenue, Chesterfield S40 3 NX, on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July, 11.30am-4.30pm each day. Three times this garden has won the Chesterfield in Bloom Best Large Back Garden, writes Tracy Reid.
There are well-established perennial borders including helenium, monardas, phlox, grasses and acers. Rockery
and many planters containing pelargoniums, ferns and hostas. There is a large shady pergola; and tea and delicious cakes are available, including a gluten-free option.
There are two gardens to enjoy at the NGS event in Stanton in Peak this year, on July 22 and 23, from 1pm to 5pm each day. Tickets are £5, with children admitted free.
There will also be prizewinning homemade cakes
and beer from the barrel –what more could you want!
Later in the month, a new ‘garden’ is opening for the National Garden Scheme: Mastin Moor Gardens and Allotments. The three-acre site has ‘open plan’ gardens and allotments and includes an arboretum, pond, bog garden, picnic area and much more. The site is fully accessible for wheelchair and motor scooter users.
The gardens will be open on Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30, and admission is £4, with children admitted free. Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome to visit.
For full details of these open gardens, please visit the website www.ngs.org.uk
there I call our mega chutney cupboard that stays cold all year round.” It’s an ideal space for keeping the flowers cool and making up bouquets.
Jo is helped by a good friend who she refers to as her “flower fairy”. Jo says: “Heather is an artist and has an amazing eye for colour. We’ll drink tea and argue about what music we’re going to listen to, and then start making the bouquets. I love lime green flowers – they’re really zingy and alive. Heather will say, ‘put that with that’. I say it will clash... but it works!”
Seasonal bouquets can be ordered online through Pingle Produce, a market garden selling organic fruit and vegetables that lies just across the road from New Buildings Farm. Customers then collect their orders from the Feather Star at the Red Lion in Wirksworth from 4pm to 6pm on Thursdays; when Jo will often take along additional bouquets to sell. Alternatively, flowers can be ordered direct from Jo and collected from the farm.
Bouquets are available from the end of May through until December, except for funerals which Jo caters for all year round. She says: “I love doing funerals. They’re heartfelt and personal. I’ve worked in old people’s homes and understand about life and death.”
Jo also creates displays for weddings, although she cannot guarantee that particular flowers will be ready on time for the big day. In these instances, Jo will create the wedding displays and bouquets with flowers that replicate the original ones as much as possible.
It’s certainly not for everyone, but for those who are looking for seasonal British flowers grown locally, it couldn’t be more perfect. The weather can also be a challenge on the day itself. Jo says, “We created a really big wedding arch outdoors. It was a beautiful ceremony but an incredibly hot day and the flowers were all exposed. It was a case of getting everything in place at the very last minute.”
Jo likes the transient nature of flowers, creating art from bouquets that are beautiful yet fleeting. She says: “My flowers are the closest thing to art for me. I like anything that’s not permanent. I don’t like statues, which take up space forever. Flowers are impermanent, they will fade and rot away. I love
that they take up space then end up on the compost heap and then back in the flower bed.”
Further variety is guaranteed in her bouquets as Jo often swaps her own flowers for those in the gardens of her clients she works for – one large garden she looks after has no less than 70 roses. She says: “If I work for anyone, I ask them if they’re happy to swap some of their flowers for some of mine – and everyone’s happy to do so.”
Jo says: “I’ve been a gardener since I can remember. I didn’t do well at school, but the truth was I hadn’t found what I really wanted to do until I went to the horticultural college in Pershore. When I was there I was asked what I wanted to do and I said ‘I want to be a peony expert.’ I just love peonies because they are flouncy, over the top and have a short flowering period. They take up too much space but I love them!” However, Jo knew this would never happen, as she describes herself as being too impatient to focus on just one thing – and is happiest
when there’s lots to do. Since her college course, Jo has taught an NVQ course in horticulture and worked in schools. She has also worked with young people out of education and employment, and those recently released from prison. Keen to share her love of horticulture and inspire beginner gardeners, Jo suggests starting with flowers that are easy to grow while at the same time being ideal for displaying in a vase: “Calendula is zingy and really nice to grow, Sweet Williams are bright, have a nice
perfume and a really good shelf life, and snapdragons have a good germination rate.”
Through her work, Jo has seen how much gardening benefits people. She says: “There are so many therapeutic benefits to flowers. And if you’ve had a terrible day, it’s good to just get your hands and knees in the soil – the temperature of the soil warms up and you really feel it on your knees.”
Jo is looking for ideas and growing new plants all the time. She says: “I love going on buses and nosing in people’s gardens. When people invite me into their house I’m impatient, I want to go and stand in the garden! There is so much to learn, so many new flowers and plants, new seed companies to order from, and suggestions from my friends from Pershore. I never get to sit on my laurels!” And that’s just how Jo likes it.
Editor’s Note: Visit www. pingleproduce.co.uk to order seasonal flowers or email Jo at jostanistreet@gmail. com for further details.
ACHEF known as ‘The Football Feeder’, because he cooks for some of the Premier League’s top players, is doing a demo during The Great British Food Festival on the lawns of Hardwick Hall this month.
He’s Jonny Marsh, and his demo is on at 1pm on the second day – Saturday the 29th – of the festival, which runs from July 28-30.
Jonny Marsh is a Michelinstar trained chef who currently cooks for some of Manchester City’s top players including Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker and Ilkay Gundogen. He’ll often cook for the footballers in their own kitchens, providing a bespoke service which even sees him eating with the footballers on occasion.
Jonny trained at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons in Oxford
under the world-renowned Raymond Blanc. Since then, Jonny has worked alongside some of the top chefs in the world, including Michael Caines.
Jonny has become a pioneer, with tailored nutritional plans according to each sports person’s needs. He has also garnered over 250,000 followers across his social media platforms.
But, of course, there’s a lot more going on at The Great British Food Festival. There will be a wonderful array of produce on offer at the artisan market; with a delicious variety of hot ‘street food’ on offer. Musically, there’s a live act on every hour throughout the three days.
You will also find handmade gifts, homeware and decorations in the Craft & Gift Marquee at the event.
The festival is open from
THE Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival is taking place on July 22 and 23 and will include a variety of food retailers, as well as a drinks marquee. Children at the
event will also be able to enjoy the Bubble Magicians and other entertainment. There will also be music from a few local bands too.
Among the new highlights for 2023 is Eat in the Park – a two-day live music event hosted in Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, this summer. The event, which will include two stages full of entertainment for all the family and food vendors selling food from around the globe, will take place on August 5 and 6, with tickets on sale now.
There will be a mixture of tribute acts and local performers to entertain those attending, as well as entertainment for children, with the performers singing a range of well-known children’s songs from TV and film.
10am to 5pm each day; and there are discounts on entry prices for online bookings on greatbritishfoodfestival.com – with adults at £11.60 instead
of the on-the-door price of £16.50; children at £5.20 instead of £7.50; and family tickets at £30.40 instead of £48.00. There is a booking fee of £2.25.
A QUITE delicious pie this month, created by head chef Dan Smith at The Peacock at Rowsley. Dan’s pie is on The Peacock menu this month –and our picture shows how it will be served to diners.
FOR THE FILLING
25g white bread cut into approx 1cm cubes
50g whipping cream
10g ras el hanout spice mix
375g minced lamb shoulder
100g diced lamb fillet
35g dried apricot
roughly chopped
25g shelled pistachios
10g tomato puree
½ teaspoon chopped
fresh rosemary
½ teaspoon chopped
fresh thyme
finely grated lemon
zest from 1 lemon
PASTRY INGREDIENTS
500g all butter puff pastry
2 eggs
PIE FILLING: mix the bread with the cream and leave for 30 minutes so that the bread soaks up the cream. Lightly toast the spice mix in a dry pan, being careful not to burn. Then mix all the piefilling ingredients together in a bowl, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Divide the mixture evenly into four and roll into balls, then chill in the fridge for one hour.
While the pie mixture is chilling, roll the puff pastry out on a floured work surface to roughly the thickness of a pound coin and rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
When ready to assemble, cut the pastry into 8 even-sized squares
(4 tops, 4 bottoms); Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together to make an egg wash.
Lay the pie filling onto the four bottom pieces of pastry and brush around with the egg wash. Top with the top piece of pastry and push out any pockets of air using your fingers, then press down lightly to seal.
Cut the edges of the pie with a round cutter measuring about 10cm.
Use any pastry trim to decorate the pies and then egg wash and refrigerate until needed
TO COOK THE PIES: Cook on a tray at 180°C for around 25 minutes (insert a
skewer into the centre of the pie, and when it comes out hot the pie will be cooked).
Rest for five minutes before serving with your choice of vegetables and a lamb sauce or gravy.
A LOCAL artist working with ceramic tiles is looking for a large-scale project… and is prepared to give her labour for free to create some distinctive tile art on the front of a local bar, or a wall in an office, a hotel reception or a salon, etc.
“I am happy to consider any space,” said George Harris (53) of Cromford, “as long as the business is prepared to pay for the tiles and materials.”
She is a now-retired teacher of English in secondary schools, primarily in and around Nottingham, who moved with her partner Tobin to Cromford in 2020 and, she says, “we absolutely love it here.”
Although her initial love was pottery, it was between lockdowns that she discovered the Royce Wood Studio at Toadhole Furnace, near Oakerthorpe, where Peter Wood – who has been featured in Reflections before – makes tiles and is world-famous for his glazes.
“His place really is a treasure trove of gorgeousness,” George said, “and he sold me a lot of his tiles at discount prices; so I created with them a splashback in
also determines, to some extent, the direction the piece will take.”
So what sort of ‘largescale project’ is she looking for? “It could be anything: the front of a bar or the ‘splashback’ behind it; a hotel reception frontage; an office wall or whatever,” she said.
the kitchen of our home, then tiled the back of an old fireplace in our lounge.
“I really enjoyed it, so then I got some frames from Peter and created some tile tessellations on them. I never plan out the artwork – it is a process that takes shape as it is being created in situ. The beautiful, organic nature of Peter’s handmade tiles
“All I can be certain of is that I would find it exciting and interesting – and that the local business would get something unique in their establishment.”
“I can also be sure that the business would be getting my services labour-free, which is a huge saving for them – I think my fireplace alone took about 20 hours!”
Any business interested in finding out more should contact her by email on georgeharris3@hotmail.com
BUXTON Museum and Art Gallery was temporarily closed early last month following the discovery of dry rot in timbers and floor joists. It also led to the cancellation of the annual Open Art exhibition. Artefacts and exhibits have been moved to safe storage so that structural investigations can be carried out on the Terrace Road building.
Derbyshire County Council leader, Coun Barry Lewis, said: “There is an absolute commitment to supporting the museum and securing the longterm future of its collections.”
It’s a great setting for the PDA Great Dome Art & Design Fair, this year on July 21-23.
FROM July 21-23, the Peak District Artisans (PDA) will be back at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton for The Great Dome Art & Design Fair.
The fair, which attracts hundreds of visitors over three days, is the biggest annual event held by the region’s internationallyrecognised group of creatives.
Held in one of the most stunning domed buildings in Europe, the fair will feature work by around 35 members of the PDA and feature everything from ceramics and textiles to fine art and photography.
In addition, several artists will be giving demonstrations on their stands and there will be the opportunity to chat to members about their work,
Visitors will also be able to take part in the Postcard Raffle, which has been a regular part of the Dome Art Fair since 2008. The raffle offers the opportunity for visitors to buy a raffle ticket and win a small piece of original art. This year, the proceeds will be donated to Derbyshire Cave rescue organisation.
Ever since the first Buxton Great Dome Art Fair was opened by their patron, the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, in 2008, the event has grown in popularity. Lord
Burlington, heir to Chatsworth, has stepped into the shoes filled by his grandmother and will attend the fair as its patron.
The fair is the place for people to add some beautiful, hand-made pieces to the home, to buy stunning handcrafted jewellery, or discover something exquisitely painted to hang on the wall.
A PDA spokesperson said: “It is a fantastic way to celebrate the artistic life of the region and all the incredible talent which we have here, while enjoying the stunning surroundings of the Great Dome in Buxton.”
Opening times are as follows: Friday July 21: 6.30pm-8.30pm; Saturday July 22: 10am-4.30pm; Sunday July 23: 10am-4.30pm. Admission is just £3 (£5 for couples).
The beautifully restored assembly rooms at the Crescent Hotel in Buxton will be the stunning backdrop for a weekend showcase from the Peak District Artisans earlier in the month.
Sixteen PDA members will display their work at Art at the Crescent from July 6-8 amidst the buzz of this year’s Buxton Festival. Art at the Crescent will include everything from fine art and ceramics to textiles and sculpture.
A GROUP of studio holders at Haarlem Artspace in Wirksworth have emerged from the tranquillity of Shining Cliff Woods after a five-day residency earlier last month. The seven artists shared their knowledge and practices while exploring techniques such as eco dyeing, charcoal making, and whittling, all around the fire pit. The residency was held in and around the Shining Cliff hostel.
‘Out of the Woods’, a small exhibition of work produced during the residency, will open on Friday, July 14 at the Haarlem Pop-Up Shop (15 St John’s Street, Wirksworth), and will run for two weeks.
BUILDINGS of ‘great historic interest’ are classified as Grade II* – and one of them in Derbyshire changed the course of the country’s history.
For what is now known as Revolution House at Old Whittington was, in 1688, a pub and the place where three
men – including the fourth Earl of Devonshire from Chatsworth House – hatched a plot to depose the King of England and replace him with his daughter, Mary, and her husband William, the ruler of the Netherlands.
The other two men were the Earl of Danby and John D’Arcy, son of the Earl of Holderness.
They devised a plan to extend an invitation to William of Orange to invade England, bringing about the fall of King James II of England, Ireland and Scotland.
The ‘Glorious Revolution’ was the term used later to describe the events that followed the sending of the invitation – which William III of Orange had asked for.
The invitation was signed by the so-called ‘Immortal Seven’, and William Cavendish, Earl of Devonshire, who was a leading Whig politician and MP for Derbyshire for over 20 years, was one of them. The seven – who included soldiers and religious leaders as well as politicians – asked William
to intervene militarily and “protect the Protestant religion” from the Catholic King.
On November 5, William landed in Brixham, Devon, with 20,000 men, and advanced on London – the last successful invasion of England. As his army marched towards the capital, the Royal Army disintegrated, and King James II went into exile in France in December 1688. In April 1689, Parliament made William and Mary the joint monarchs of England and Ireland.
And what of William Cavendish after the change of monarch. Well, he did more than okay, acting as King William III’s Lord Steward for 18 years – which gave him a seat in the Prime Minister’s Cabinet – he was awarded the Order of the Garter and, in 1694, was created the 1st Duke of Devonshire. His wife, Lady Mary Butler,
Barrie Farnsworth looks at the local building that helped change the course of English history… and of a fascinating recent discovery there.The ‘anti-witch marks’ on the old fireplace at Revolution House. Left: Revolution House at Old Whittington has had a chequered history – farmhouse, pub, cottage and museum –and helped to make history.
obviously became the first Duchess of Devonshire. They had four children: Elizabeth, William, Henry and James.
But what of the place where the ‘Glorious Revolution’ plot was hatched? Well, the former farmhouse in 1688 was then a hostelry, known as the Cock and Pynot, but was converted into a cottage around a hundred years later.
In 1790, a new public house was founded in Old Whittington, called the Cock and Magpie (pynot was local slang for a magpie).
Two years earlier, the local vicar, Samuel Pegge, was among about fifty dignitaries who met at Revolution House in 1788 on the centennial of the ‘Glorious Revolution’, while it was still an alehouse. The procession was led by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and the Mayor of Chesterfield.
Now a museum, Revolution House has also been the place where an unusual discovery was made recently: a series of unusual markings on the
fireplace have been officially confirmed as protection marks designed to ward off witches.
The apotropaic markings (commonly referred to as anti-witch marks) depict a double ‘V’ which is a reference to the Virgin Mary, Protector of Life and Family. Markings like this were usually placed near openings or windows with the intention of keeping witches and evil spirits out.
The unusual markings were spotted by one of the museum team who photographed them and sent the images to Professor Ronald Hutton, who kindly identified them.
Prof Hutton, from the University of Bristol, is a leading authority on folklore. He said: “These are convincing examples of apotropaic markings. The interlocked VVs are absolutely standard. The others are harder to make out but could correspond to more than one other known type of mark in the repertoire.”
Revolution House was originally constructed as a
farmhouse in the 16th century and later became an inn during the 17th century – during this period there was a heightened belief in witches and witchcraft.
Coun Kate Sarvent, of Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet, said: “We already knew that Revolution House had a rich history, but this is an interesting discovery that tells us more about the people who have used the building in the past.”
Legendary Tudor minstrel, Dante Ferrara, will be visiting the museum on Sunday, July 9. He will be dressed in traditional costume and demonstrate instruments including the lute, hurdygurdy and English bagpipes.
Old Whittington really is an old settlement; as it was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 on the first folio for Derbyshire, where it was spelt Witintune.
Above: William Cavendish, 4th Earl and later the 1st Duke of Devonshire, who helped to hatch the ‘Glorious Revolution’ plot in the Cock and Pynot.
Editor’s Note: You can find out more about Revolution House and its forthcoming events at www.chesterfield. gov.uk/explore-chesterfield/ revolution-house
WE start this walk at one of Derbyshire’s finest spots, Monsal Head, overlooking the spectacular Monsal Dale. We then drop down to the Monsal Trail, and walk through the
1 From Monsal Head, make the fairly steep descent to the Monsal Trail at the edge of the Headstone Viaduct.
2 Head east on the former railway line through the 400m-long Headstone Tunnel and on to the former Great Longstone and
Headstone Tunnel, passing the ornate former Great Longstone station, before heading off across fields to go through both Great Longstone and Little Longstone before returning to Monsal Head.
Ashford Station, built in 1859 in the Jacobean style to match neighbouring Thornbridge Hall. Continue east along the trail and, after passing over a second bridge, a point is reached where fingerposts to left and right indicate a bridleway
that is crossed by the trail.
3 Turn left, go through a gate and walk across a field to a gate and main road, on the opposite side of
Top: One of the finest views in England: Monsal Dale from Monsal Head.
Above: The ornate former Great Longstone and Ashford Station, which we pass on the walk.
Picture by Andy Hanna.
Left: The village of Little Longstone.
which is Toll Bar House. Go left for 100 metres, then cross the road with care and a stile opposite. Two footpaths head off up the large field ahead.
4 Take the less obvious footpath, bearing slightly left up the field. As the slope begins to level out, two gates appear in the wall ahead. Aim for
the right-hand gate and cross the adjacent stile. Keep straight on, with a wall on your left, to the farm buildings ahead. Continue across a stile on the left of a gate, then go through a squeeze stile to a minor road.
5 Turn left, then right along Mires Lane. Follow the lane to a junction.
1 Turn right into Great Longstone. Walk through the village, passing the White Lion pub, as far as the first road on the left, signposted
to Thornbridge Hall. Note the medieval market cross and The Crispin pub just ahead at this point.
7 Turn left and continue to a fingerpost and footpath on the right in 200 metres. Follow the obvious footpath across fields with stiles, crossing a track en ruote, to emerge at the road in Little Longstone via a gate.
8 Cross the road and continue along the pavement past the Packhorse Inn, cottages and the tiny Victorian chapel to return to Monsal Head.
PARKING: Monsal Head pay-and-display car park, DE45 1NL.
DISTANCE: 4.5miles (7.2km)
TIME: 3-3.5 hours
MAPS: OS Explorer, OL24, White Peak
TAKEN FROM: Walks for all Ages (20 Circular Walks in the Peak District), by Norman Taylor, published by Bradwell Books.
TOGETHERNESS is… two emu chicks at Matlock Farm Park. They were taken on April 29 by Alastair Newton, of Matlock.
That was just one of another brilliant selection of entries into our ‘Derbyshire’s Wonderful Flora & Fauna’ photographic competition.
Next, about the picture that Janice Dyson, of Wingerworth, took on May 27, she said: “new arrivals for the Bank Holiday, seven little bundles of fluffy cuteness”. They certainly are, Janice!
Here’s a beautiful reed warbler, spotted by Russ Teale, of Newbold, at Williamthorpe Nature Reserve on June 11.
Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold, had to look online to confirm that he had snapped a slow worm, in Lathkill Dale, on June 4. Turns out that slow worms are legless lizards – who knew?
Martin Pinder, of Chesterfield, describes this picture as “goslings looking for warmth at Walton Dam” in early June.
And what is a peacock doing looking towards Strines Reservoir on June 16, says Pauline Chapman of Bakewell?
Next, we have early purple orchids on May 13 at Cressbrook Dale, taken by Peter Wigglesworth, of Matlock.
There’s some interesting fauna at Rowtor Rocks, near Birchover, taken by Karen Fry of Darley Dale.
Russ Teale, of Newbold, got this picture of a beautiful male stonechat in late May on Big Moor.
M.P
K.F
R.T
P.W
We have lift-off! A young robin taking off in Holmebrook Valley Park, taken in early May by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold. Leaves are beautiful things, as this picture at Chatsworth in late May by Pauline Chapman, of Bakewell, proves.
Going daytime hunting on Big Moor on June 22 is this Barn Owl, captured by Russ Teale, of Newbold.
In this year’s competition, you can take stunning images of plant life or wildlife or both – it’s up to you. The picture(s) you send must be taken in 2023 and must be in Derbyshire and you can enter as many times as you like. We want entries from amateur snappers and not commercial photographers; and drone images will not be accepted.
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) of the image, which should be attached as a high-res jpeg.
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. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 16, 2023.
By Vivienne Milburn FRICS
HERE in Derbyshire, we are about as far from the sea as it is possible to be in Britain. This does not stop people longing for the coast, and seascapes appear regularly in local valuations and sell well in specialist auctions.
An artist known for his pictures of breaking waves is David James (1853-1904), a British marine painter. David
James was a pseudonym, his real name being Joseph Donahue, the fourth child of a London porter and Irish mother. He was born in Ireland in 1853 and moved to Dalston, Cumbria in his twenties, when he changed his name to David James.
He had little education and for a while, eked out a meagre existence as a pavement artist in London until his talent attracted
the attention of a German-born picture dealer, who supported his training and with whose family he lived for much of his life. When in Yorkshire, and later in Cornwall and Sicily, he began a fascination with seascapes, most especially with crashing waves, which became his signature trademark.
His paintings are all in oil and he is best known for his
large pictures of breaking waves, which make as much as £10,000.
James exhibited throughout London and at the Royal Academy in 1886, 1888, 1892 and 1897. Like Henry Moore, James was more interested in pure studies of the sea, rather than topographical coastal views.
Some 20th Century art does not look much on paper/ canvas, but when an artist has exhibited at the Royal Academy summer exhibition they have more credence, and the value of their work is higher. Hence this painting
by David James of breakers on the Cornish coast made £4,200 in a specialist auction.
A lesser known but fascinating artist is Albert Patterson Barclay (1912-1998). An artist’s background and, in particular, their connections with other already well-known artists, or any patronage by famous people, can transform market prices.
Barclay studied with the Scottish colourist Samuel John Peploe (1871-1935), whose works make as much as £250,000. Peploe’s fresh and spontaneous approach to painting is very appealing to today’s market. His intention was to depict the subject matter with a pure undiluted brush stroke.
Albert Patterson Barclay was immensely influenced by Peploe during his time at Edinburgh. He painted and taught art all his life. Generally, he was not afraid to tackle any subjects, but his most confident works are probably those he did in the Isle of Skye and the Shetland Isles. Albert Patterson Barclay died in 1998 and his daughter, now living in Chesterfield, has inherited his studio collection. Although he had sold a few paintings during his lifetime, this is the first time his work has been on the open market and his paintings are performing well.
Peploe is one of the group of four artists known as the ‘Scottish Colourists’. Born in Edinburgh, he studied art in Paris and lived there from 1910 to 1912. It was through painting
holidays in northern France that he was introduced to the use of bold colour, inspired by the bright sunlight.
He later experienced the same intensity of light while painting on the island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland. French painting proved to be a powerful influence for Peploe throughout his life. Although his work never became abstract, it was characterised by tight composition, strong colour and assured handling.
The other ‘Scottish Colourists’ were John Duncan Fergusson, Francis Cadell and Leslie Hunter. Work by all these artists makes a premium at auction. Editor’s Note: If you have paintings, antiques and collectables, it is always
worth getting the advice of an Independent Antiques Valuer to assess your antiques, works of art and jewellery. For further information, please
contact Vivienne on 01629 640210 or 07870 238788. Alternatively, go to www.viviennemilburn. co.uk or email vivienne@ viviennemilburn.co.uk
AMidsummer’s Eve Ball held on Saturday at the Hilton Doubletree has raised over £41,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Organised by Kelsey Barrie, Nicola Fletcher, Rachel Ludlam, Natalie Drury, Helen Wragg, Deborah Newton, Alex Hill and Alex Baldwin, the event was also kindly supported by
Joy Hersey-Todd of Unique Weddings and Events.
The ball was attended by 250 guests who came together to raise money to support the hospital and thanks to ticket sales, raffles and a grand auction, over £41,000 was raised in total. The money raised will go towards specialist support workers for the Emergency Department at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, ensuring every child receives the mental health support they need. These support workers are Charity funded and aim to bridge the gap so that more children at risk of suicide can be supported to cope with their mental health. The ball was a success thanks to the generosity of local businesses and friends of the organisers who donated raffle prizes, vouchers and auction prizes. The group of friends came together in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital, after signing up to trek to Petra in
CRICH TRAMWAY
VILLAGE, near Matlock, has an exciting programme of events this season, which includes vintage trams running during the events.
Dinosaur Day was a roaring success last year, so it makes it return on Saturday 29th July.
Meet T-Rex, a triceratops, velociraptor, and some dinosaur babies and follow the dinosaur trail through the woods.
New for this year is the Children’s Outdoor Theatre event running from Monday 31st July to Friday 4th August.
Built It means fun with LEGO® bricks, plus, you can help build an amazing mosaic, under the guidance of Fairy Bricks.
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August is Sounds of the 50s and 60s, a lively weekend with live music, plus learn some dance crazes from the 1960s.
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th features a Model Tram, Trolleybus and Railway Exhibition, as well as the full- sized trams running.
More events are planned for August to November – please visit the website for details: https://www. tramway.co.uk/whatson
Jordan this November. The team have all self-funded the trek, meaning every penny raised will support the Charity. Together, they will trek a total of 77km to the ancient red city of Petra, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. To support the ladies in their incredible challenge please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/ campaign/TheIntrepid8
ATTRACTION
TAKING PLACE on Tuesday
25 July from 10am to 4pm, the free event will be hosted in Chesterfield’s Market Place where you will
be able to enjoy a range of stalls selling a variety of goods as well as fun and games for children. The Market Square will
big, bright, and magical! Head to the Medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church to see living
ICON KEY
July 15 The Super Duper 70s Show
Film Music Kids Live Dance Comedy Talk
July 8 – Aug 19 Miss Saigon
July 10 Wynton Marsalis
BOX OFFICE: 01246 345 222 www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk
JULY
7 Adele: The Journey So Far
8 Pop Princesses
14 Dire Streets (Tribute)
15 The Super Duper 70s Show
18-19 Directions Theatre Arts Showcase
20 UK Pink Floyd Experience
25 Allelujah (12A) 27 Do You Believe in Ghosts?
31 The Animal Guys: Animals Unleashed
BOX OFFICE: 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
For full listings for Buxton International Festival, please scan the QR code below:
JULY
4-8 Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Lyceum)
7-15 Anna Hibiscus’ Song (Playhouse)
8 – Aug 19 Miss Saigon (Crucible)
11-15 Dirty Dancing (Lyceum)
18-22 Titanic: The Musical (Lyceum)
20 Biscuit of Destiny
22 Watson: The Final Problem (Playhouse)
28-29 Together Too
BOX OFFICE: 01142565656 www.sheffieldarena.co.uk
JULY
14-15 Pulp
JULY
6-23 Buxton International Festival has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years, with sublime but rarely performed operas; internationally-acclaimed singers, musicians and literary speakers.
9 Oxfam Open Gardens, Bakewell. 1pm to 5pm. Admission is £5 to cover Bath gardens and gardens in Holme Lane and Riverside… all on the level! Refreshments and plant and jewellery stalls at The Medway Centre. Call Sue on 07780798393 or Jenny on 07753326377 for more information.
secretgardensofwinster.org.uk
15 Elvaston Food & Drink Festival. A packed weekend of delicious food & drink, entertainment & fantastic live music that’s free to enter! Stroll round the fantastic artisan, producer and craft stalls for treats to enjoy at home (or on the way home).
15 Wessington Orchard Farmers & Artisans Market. Set in a lovely location, and dedicated to local producers and artisans in our beautiful orchard overlooking the gorgeous Amber Valley. Free entry and free parking. Parking is available in the village and the market is just a 5-minute walk away. Free on-site parking can be booked via ambervalleyvineyards.co.uk
15 Japan Fest 2023 QUAD in Derby. Building on last year’s sell out event, this year is bigger and better! A range of anime film screenings, martial arts demonstrations, Japanese arts and crafts activities, authentic handmade food, musical performances, Kimono dress up, tea ceremonies, traders, and much more. Event presented in association with Otaku World. Visit their site for further information and a schedule for the day (published nearer the time). Tickets - £20 full price, £15 concessions, £50 family ticket (2 adults and 2 concessions).
16
BOX OFFICE: 0114 249 6000 www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk
15-16 Secret Gardens of Winster. Also wide variety of refreshments available. For more information, visit: www.
The Plastic Free Festival, New Square, Chesterfield. From 10am4pm, you can learn how to reduce your single-use plastic and have a fun family day out with craft workshops, kids entertainment, food, drink and live performances.
21 – Aug 3 Summer of free trails at Carsington Water. Learn all about nature’s heroes
CRICH Tramway Village has an exciting programme of events this season, which includes vintage trams running during the events.
Dinosaur Day was a roaring success last year, so it makes its return on Saturday, July 29. Meet T-Rex, a triceratops, velociraptor, and some dinosaur babies – and follow the dinosaur trail through the woods.
New for this year is the Children’s Outdoor Theatre event, running from Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4.
Build It on Monday and Tuesday, August 7 and 8 means fun with LEGO® bricks, plus you can help build an amazing mosaic in the bandstand, under the guidance of Fairy Bricks.
Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13 is Sounds of the 50s and 60s, a lively weekend with live music, plus learn some dance crazes from the 1960s.
The following weekend, August 19 and 20, features a Model Tram, Trolleybus and Railway Exhibition, as well as the full-sized trams running.
More events are planned through to autumn, so keep checking the website https://www.tramway.co.uk/whatson
THE popular Medieval Fun Day returns to Chesterfield this summer.
On Tuesday July 25, from 10am to 4pm, the free event will be hosted in Chesterfield’s Market Place where you will be able to enjoy a range of stalls selling a variety of goods as well as fun and games for children.
The Market Square will also welcome back Proctor’s Fun Fair.
The star of the show this year is Epico the Dragon (pictured). He is big, bright and magical, and visitors will all be able to have their photo with him if they’d like to, so don’t forget to bring your camera or phone.
Head to the Medieval encampment in the grounds of the Crooked Spire Church to see living history with knights and ladies, a troop march and even a skirmish or two. Plus, visitors can look out for a Tudor musician, a jester and a storyteller around the town centre.
The museum team will also be on hand to showcase Medieval objects as well as a fletcher (a maker of arrows). And Little Hummingbird Events will be hosting around 35 additional market stalls in New Square featuring a range of unique products.
23 Great British Car Journey - MG Centenary. MG cars will be gathered in the car park and afterwards you can enjoy our interactive car museum with over 130+ classic cars on display from 1902 to the present day. The Filling Station Café will be open for refreshments. Book your tickets at www.greatbritishcarjourney. com/ticket-purchase
25 Chesterfield Medieval Fun Day. A great day out for all the family with market stalls, Medieval entertainment, an encampment at the Crooked Spire. From 10am.
ASHGATE Heritage Arts presents Mountains of the Moon as one of the Buxton Festival Fringe events. It’s a family-friendly musical about a group of thirsty animals whose river is drying up because of a drought in north Africa. Follow them as they embark on a journey to find the Rain God. It should provide a magical hour each time it is performed at the Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton, SK17 6TQ on July 21 at 6.15pm; with two shows each day on July 22 and 23 (starting at 11.15am and 2.15pm).
by completing our fun, free trail! Free trail sheets can be collected from reception. 10am-6pm daily.
22 Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival. Not only will there be a variety of quality food and drink vendors but also a great range of entertainment including live music, bubble magicians and more. From 10.30am.
23 Chesterfield Pride. Attend the region’s biggest LGBTQ celebration at Stand Road Park, with live entertainment. Find out more, and to buy tickets, visit www.chesterfieldpride.co.uk
5-6 Eat in the Park: Chesterfield Music & Food Festival. A weekend in Queens Park with amazing tribute artists, brilliant local bands, kids entertainment, food and drink and more. For more information please visit: www.eatinthepark.uk
5-6 Cromford Steam Rally. Derbyshire’s premier steam heritage and vintage rally. The very best in steam traction engines, showman’s engines, road rollers, vintage cars, motorcycles and commercial lorries. Also a great selection of farming heritage on display including vintage tractors, stationary engines and bygones. Find out more at www.cromfordsteamrally.co.uk.
9 Ashover Show One of the finest agricultural shows in the country. Known locally as the ‘friendly show’, it’s
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £8 for children (the show is recommended for those aged 5+). You can book tickets at buxtonoperahouse. org.uk, by calling 01298 72190 or by emailing ahaproductionoffice@gmail.com
an event the whole family can enjoy. 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, the 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 on the rides and slides. The Horticultural Marquee is a riot of colour; the best local food producers can be found in the Appetising Ashover Marquee and the Craft Marquee showcases talented local people. Find out more at www.ashovershow.co.uk
WADSHELF is so old it was even mentioned in the Domesday Book in the 11th Century, but has never participated in the Derbyshire custom of well dressing until this year.
It’s first well dressing will be blessed at 10.30am on Saturday, July 8, and it will be on show from then until July 16.
Wadshelf Village Hall will be open from 10am until 4pm every day the well dressing is on show.
Angela Driver, who helped to design the well dressings in Eyam for several years, has now moved to Wadshelf. Now Angela and Angela Madden are managing the project and many villagers are involved in the fundraising and helping to dress the well. The children from Wigley school are also involved.
The design of the first Wadshelf well dressing is by Angela Driver, and seeds, petals and other natural materials have been pushed into the clay to make the design, according to the ancient custom.
Other well dressings this month include Banford (July 8-15), Dronfield Woodhouse (July 14-21), Heath (July 15-22), Stoney Middleton (July 22-31) and Clowne (July 22-29).
CHESTERFIELD Operatic Society debuts in a new venue. The Pomegranate Theatre’s renovations give the society the opportunity to take their musicals on tour, and for its next production of Little Shop of Horrors, it will be performing at Dronfield Civic Hall.
With music by Alan Menken and the book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Little Shop of Horrors has made audiences scream with laughter since 1982. Reallife couple Chris Hanlon and Georgii Bailey are taking on the leading roles.
The show’s director is Adam Walker, who has undertaken many productions in Sheffield, Choreographer is Paula Wilson and musical director is Kristina Craven.
Little Shop of Horrors is at Dronfield Civic Hall, with six performances from Thursday, July 20 to Sunday, July 23. Tickets, priced at £19 plus booking fee, are available at www. ticketsource.co.uk/chesterfield-operatic-society
