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July 2024

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE JULY 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distribution: E: distribution@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Published by: Bannister Publications Ltd.

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

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Countywide News

All that’s been happening across Derbyshire and beyond in words and pictures

16 At Chatsworth, it’s all a matter of Trust

Did you know that Chatsworth is run by a charity? Fiona Stubbs meets the director of Chatsworth House Trust

34 The ‘new’ Chesterfield Royal Hospital is now 40!

The hospital has provided this copy of those 40 years – and a little bit further back!

46 Recalling many Royal visits to the county

Godfrey Holmes reflects on the big Royal occasions exciting Derbyshire folk

58 Pitcherwits

59 Crossword

60 Local volunteer groups that are fit for a King!

If you know of a voluntary group deserving of national recognition, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service would like to hear from you. Rebecca Erskine reports

62 Launch of our ‘Top Pet’ photographic competition

Send in pictures of your pets – and the lucky winning pet gets on our front cover!

64 Fashion: LIfe’s a beach!

Amy Norbury looks at some of the hottest beachwear trends this summer

70 Close-knit friend who made a village smile…

Posting a letter in a particular north Derbyshire village has taken on a new significance since lockdown, as Lynda Straker reports

72 Antiques: ‘The look of summer’

Our expert Vivienne Miburn looks at the impact of The Memphis Group on modern culture – and its sky-high auction prices

Cover:A youngster enjoying a Pleasley Canoe Club session. Picture by Nukshi Velebny, who nominated the club for

73 Recipes of the Month It’s both Great British Pea Week and National Cherry Day this month – so guess what our recipes contain?

74 Food Review: The George Hathersage 78 Gardens

Catherine Roth meets a Matlock woman whose flower-growing business is blooming – and we have Open Gardens highlights for July

82 High on Stanage Edge is heaven!

One of the entries into our 2024 ‘Lovely Landscapes’ photographic competition is a view from Stanage Edge

86 Out & About

Photographer Chris Drabble ventures out onto Stanton Moor

92 Artist of the Month Dawn Anderson meets a local sculptor who creates art from discarded trees

94 What’s On

Our comprehensive guide to forthcoming events across the county and beyond in July and early August

BAKEWELL COUNTRY FESTIVAL 2024

BAKEWELL Country Festival returns to Bakewell Showground for its third year on Sunday 14th July, offering free entry to ages 15 and under. The one-day event offers something for the whole family, including the return of its popular tipi-covered children’s zone, packed with crafts, activities music sessions, and forest school activities and rides, as well as a Growing Hub. Family drumming workshops

with Sheffield’s Unbeatable Energy and a falconry display are new additions, alongside a climbing wall.

A pop-up flower bar will offer visitors the opportunity to make their own floral creation and there’ll also be an expanded medieval encampment with bushcraft and survivals skills workshops.

Animals will remain at the heart of the festival with sheep competitions, heavy horse competitions, a dog show, as

well as fast-paced scurry and trials driving competitions, a vintage tractor parade and slow tractor ‘race’.

Cookery fans can indulge in demonstrations and tastings by the crème de la crème of local chefs.

Conservation Corner will also return, and the atmosphere will be buzzing thanks to lively performances by the Old Time Rags and the Jelly Roll Jazz Band. Two food courts and bars run by Bradfield

Brewery as provide welcome refreshment. Rounding it all off is a shopping village.

Adult tickets cost £13 in advance and £16 on the gate. Children aged 15 and under enter for free. Showground parking costs £5, payable by cash or card on the day. Tickets can be purchased via the BAHS website at bakewellahs. co.uk, from the BAHS office in Bakewell Agricultural Business Centre on the Showground, or from Bakewell Visitor Centre.

Countywide News

up with filmmaker and comedian, Bron Waugh, to develop her comedic interests.

Channel 4 puts Derbyshire on the comedy map!

CHANNEL 4 have released Peaked, a pilot for a comedy series based on small town rural life, written by Wirksworthian, Ada Player, and her creative partner, Bron Waugh.

The pilot stars Ada, Ele McKenzie and Freddie Meredith.

Set in rural Derbyshire, Peaked follows the social clumsiness of bickering BFF’s Sara & Beth who try too hard to get noticed in a small town. These twentysomethings have ‘Peaked’ too soon and are living like teenagers, living with their parents and fancying the same boy. When new boy George lands in town with his bongos, they compete for his attention.

The comedy duo, Ada & Bron, won the Funny Women Award in 2021 with their short film ‘Jonny & Tommy’ which sparked their creative collaboration with the comedy production company, Boffola, who soon got Channel 4 on board to sponsor a pilot.

A film crew came to Wirksworth last September, and were based in St Mary’s Church. Filming took place around Wirksworth including the Ken’s Supermarket, Star Disc, Fanny Shaw’s Playground, Millers Green and the quarries.

Ada, a former Anthony Gell and Belper School student, and pupil of Big Theatre, IndepenDANCE and BFI Broadway Film Academy, went on to train as a clown at Ecole Phillipe Gaulier in Paris before studying Theatre and Performance at Bristol University, where she teamed

It just goes to show what a difference provision can make to young people’s lives through the enthusiasm of professionals in the region, and the support of the Arts Council and other funding bodies.

The pilot can be seen on Channel 4’s All4 or on YouTube – Peaked.

A 10-year-old’s amazing jeep trip

A DERBYSHIRE family commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, thanks to help from Ambergate’s classic car museum, Great British Car Journey.

Thomas Ramsden (10), together with his parents Niki and Mark Ramsden from Stanton in Peak, have retraced the steps of the nation’s war heroes in a Willys Jeep.

It was thanks to the efforts of Great British Car Journey’s vehicle technicians, Doc Lawrence and his apprentice Luke Henshaw, that the 1944/45 Willys Jeep was running and in good shape for the epic journey.

“With new parts for the vehicle not arriving until the day before we set off, like D-Day it was a last minute

push to get everything ready to go,” said Mark Ramsden.

Used by American troops, Willys were designed for quick repair in the battlefield.

Thomas’s grandfather, John Ramsden, was a member of the RAF in 1945 and experienced the closing stages of World War Two. Thomas has been fascinated by the war after hearing stories from his grandfather.

“We thought what a great experience it would be to take Thomas to the Normandy beaches and show him where D-Day took place and visit the museums and cemeteries. I remembered that an old friend of mine, Joe Whitfield, owned a Willys Jeep. We thought it would be the perfect vehicle to take to France,” explained Niki.

“Joe was delighted to help but explained it had been stuck in a garage for over five years. Thankfully, Great British Car Journey came to the rescue and ‘jump started’ Thomas’s D-Day 80th adventure!”

Richard Usher, CEO of the museum, was delighted to help. He said: “I have known and worked with Mark for years through his company, Grafika. I thought what a great idea for a young lad to learn all about the invasion of Western Europe and to do it in a Willys Jeep would be a memory that a 10-year-old will have for the rest of his life. We just had to help.”

To ensure the Willys Jeep made it all the way to Normandy, Richard agreed that the Jeep could be towed over the English Channel on Great British Car Journey’s car trailer. Once there, the Jeep was taken off the trailer and Thomas, Niki and Mark joined the celebrations, touring the beaches of Normandy in the Jeep.

Mark added: “It was a fabulous experience for Thomas, Niki and myself. I am extremely grateful that the freedoms fought for then, allowed me to return with my son when so many never returned.”

Above: Ele McKenzie (left) and Ada Player star in Peaked.

Below: Thomas Ramsden behind the wheel of the Willys Jeep in Normandy.

AT CHATSWORTH, IT’S ALL A MATTER OF TRUST

Did you know that Chatsworth is run by a charity? Many people don’t – but that’s about to change. Fiona Stubbs meets the Director of Chatsworth House Trust, Jane Marriott.

JANE Marriott is in her element.

Immersed in the history, art and landscape of one of the UK’s best-loved country houses, she clearly relishes her role as Director of Chatsworth House Trust.

As the Trust’s first full-time Director, she has a key role to play not only in generating income and reaching new audiences in the UK and globally... but increasing awareness that, since 1981, Chatsworth has been run and cared for by a registered charity.

It comes as a surprise to many people that the Devonshire family pays market rent to the Trust to live in the house – an arrangement made 43 years ago by the 11th Duke, Andrew Cavendish, and his wife, Deborah.

They sought to secure Chatsworth’s future by opening it to the public but recognised that cross-subsidising visitor

income with agricultural rents and sales was never going to be sufficient for the upkeep and development of the house and garden, particularly in the light of death duties at the time.

The charity was formed and granted a 99-year lease of the house, including its essential contents and grounds, charged at a peppercorn rent of £1 per year.

“It allowed Chatsworth to stay open, to remain a living home and to continue to evolve,” explains Jane. “The family are supporters rather than beneficiaries. They support us in terms of gifts and donations, including works or art which may have been bought privately. But the story of how the family and the Trust work together hasn’t really been told.

“One of my priorities is to build on the understanding of our status and impact

Special seating in the Great Chamber encourages visitors to view Antonio Verrios’ ‘Triumph of the virtues over the vices’ on the ceiling. All pictures courtesy of Chatsworth House Trust.

Director of Chatsworth House Trust, Jane Marriott.

as a registered charity. An insightful piece of research revealed that very few of those surveyed knew that Chatsworth was run by a charity. Significantly, 57% were more willing to support Chatsworth House Trust once they learned it is a charity.

“We need to be more confident and comfortable about the fact we are an independent charity, with every penny raised from visitor admissions, membership and events (including the profit from the Chatsworth Country Fair and International Horse Trials) re-invested into the house, garden, park and woodlands.”

Jane’s appointment – in January 2023 – coincided with family changes at Chatsworth. The retirement of the 12th Duke and Duchess, Peregrine Cavendish and his wife Amanda, to another property on the estate ushered in a new generation as Lord and Lady Burlington and their three children made Chatsworth their home.

Lord Burlington chairs the board of trustees, which runs Chatsworth House Trust. The majority of trustees are independent and elected by due process.

Jane’s own journey to Chatsworth began with her love of art, which led to predominantly leadership roles in museums and galleries at times of major transformation.

She says: “Growing up, I was the only one in my family who was interested in art, although my parents did enjoy visiting country houses. My mum worked in a bank, my dad worked in insurance and my sister became a chartered accountant.

Gallery New South Wales in Sydney. She then joined the team that launched Tate Modern in London in 2000, going on to become the youngest female Director of the Royal Academy Trust and Director of Development at the Royal Academy of Arts.

Her next move took her to Yorkshire, firstly as Deputy Director, then Managing Director, of the Hepworth Wakefield, where she oversaw initiatives which helped the gallery to win the Art Fund Museum of the Year prize in 2017.

“THE PLACE IS INCREDIBLE: ITS REPUTATION; THE QUALITY OF ITS COLLECTIONS; ITS HERITAGE.”

“But my parents were very supportive and I went on to study history of art at university. I realised early on, however, that I wasn’t talented enough to be an artist!”

Travelling in Australia after university, Jane worked as assistant curator at Art

Jane went on to spend six years as Director of the Harewood House Trust in Leeds – overseeing a significant increase in charitable income and visitor engagement – before taking up her role at Chatsworth.

“Who could resist the opportunity to work here?” she smiles.

“The place is incredible: its reputation; the quality of its collections; its heritage. We have 500 years of history of the Devonshire family and how they’ve shaped this place.”

She adds: “Country houses offer such a wide potential to make a positive difference to people’s lives. At

Below left: The West front of Chatsworth House.

Chatsworth, over 600,000 people pay to come in each year, but if you add on everyone who uses the free parkland, we’re getting close to a million visitors.

“People come to Chatsworth for many different reasons – children burning off energy in the playground, garden lovers appreciating the gardens, others enjoying our art, culture and history. And, hopefully, they all have an incredible experience.

“Chatsworth is a place of creativity and community. We have a responsibility to re-invest money for the public good – from a travel subsidy fund and new admission pricing, including a £10 child ticket which gives access to the house, garden and farmyard, to improved accessibility such as our Changing Places toilet and accessible pathways for the new playground equipment. It’s about investing in learning, through both childhood and adult life. It’s about diversity and inclusivity – and looking at how we can respond to some of the greatest challenges we all face.

“I genuinely believe in the power of culture to make a positive difference to people’s lives. I think we are going to need that more and more in a time of wars, a cost-of-living crisis and young people facing mental health challenges.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve done a lot of research to understand who is coming to Chatsworth and who isn’t. The depth of emotional connection, loyalty and passion expressed for the place through our research is breathtaking. We have to be careful to cherish what we have, not to take anything for granted and to work hard to find different ways of telling our stories.”

There are tangible signs of change in the current exhibition, Picturing Childhood: A New Perspective at Chatsworth,

Above: Paintings standing on the floor in the State Bedchamber allow children to come face-to-face with the artwork.

which runs until October. It explores different experiences of childhood, represented in art spanning five centuries, from Tudor times to the present day.

New perspectives include paintings standing on the floor – at children’s own height – instead of hanging on walls; special seating in the Great Chamber encouraging visitors to look up at the art on the ceiling; and viewfinders depicting different artworks around the house and garden.

Above: A £7.5-million project has been launched to restore the much-loved Grade I-listed Cascade at Chatsworth.

Artist Peter Newman’s Skystation in the Inner Court allows a new view of Chatsworth’s historic architecture, while scent artist Tasha Marks has recreated the aromas of the meal served at Queen Victoria’s first formal dinner party in the Great Dining Room when she was 13.

Designed to appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds, it’s a playful and thought-provoking approach – and a clever way to engage younger audiences growing up in a challenging digital age.

Conserving Chatsworth for future generations requires an eye-watering amount of fund-raising… with more than £30 million estimated to be needed to renovate listed structures across the estate.

A £7.5-million project has been launched

to restore the much-loved Grade I-listed Cascade, which has delighted visitors for three centuries with its temple of spouts and fountains and water tumbling down 24 steps. The project has been endorsed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has so far awarded £422,000 to fund research and development work.

Jane says: “The cost of looking after country houses and heritage sites is astronomical.”

Many were lost after the Second World War due to falling estate incomes, rising costs and soaring death duties, which peaked at 85 per cent in 1969.

But an exhibition in 1974 at London’s Victoria and Albert museum – The Destruction of the Country House

1875-1975 – encouraged moves to protect the remaining ones.

“After the war, the country had to invest in itself to get back on its feet and death duties were significant,” adds Jane. “In some families, the heirs didn’t even come back from the war. So, we saw a swathe of houses become schools and hotels while others went to rack and ruin. Many went to organisations such as the National Trust; while some families looked at ways to keep them open.

“Duchess Deborah and her husband, Andrew, decided that the way Chatsworth could stay open was to be a charitable trust. It means that, 40 years on, we are in this incredible situation where we have a charity of this scale that can have a strong voice in the cultural sector. Thankfully, we’ve proved these places can thrive.

“I think there’s a renaissance of the country house and that the impact we can make on a broad audience is unrivalled in this country.

“I welcome opportunities to tell our stories and we should be really proud that, in Derbyshire, we have so many amazing country houses.”

Editor’s Note: Learn more about Chatsworth House Trust at https:// chatsworth.org/support-us/

SPONSORS ASHGATE HOSPICE’S ‘BIG THANK YOU PARTY’

Graysons is delighted to have sponsored Ashgate Hospice’s second “Big Thank You Party”, celebrating a year of caring and dedication by its staff and volunteers.

THE region’s most inspirational and caring individuals were invited to bring their families to enjoy the event which offered everything from arts and crafts to animals from Heeley City Farm.

Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons, said: “This was an occasion to honour the inspirational individuals — staff and

volunteers alike — who provide exemplary care for patients and help run the service efficiently. Graysons has been a steadfast supporter of Ashgate Hospice, and we were honoured to be associated with the event.”

Graysons is a long-time supporter of Ashgate Hospice, having sponsored and provided volunteers for its annual appeals for the last three years – The Butterfly Appeal at Chatsworth Gardens in 2023 and the Forget Me Not Appeals at Renishaw Hall in 2022 and Chatsworth Gardens in 2021.

The firm also provides regular drop-in clinics and seminars to give advice on wills and powers of attorney, and staff have participated in a range of fundraising events for the charity, including raising hundreds of pounds by taking part in the Sparkle Walk.

Jack Wood, Ashgate Hospice’s director of income generation, said: “We were delighted to welcome Graysons Solicitors as our event sponsors for the Big Thank

Unit 14F, The Glass Yard, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8JY Tel: 01246 229393 Email: info@graysons.co.uk Offices also in Hathersage 01433 650718 & Sheffield 0114 272 9184 Graysonslaw @Graysonslaw

You Party. Graysons has been a faithful supporter over the years, and it was fantastic to have its backing again, recognising the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and staff. We are deeply appreciative of Graysons’ assistance in making this important day possible.”

Veteran Albert returns to Normandy

ROYAL Navy veteran Albert Keir, (98), from Bakewell, travelled to Normandy with 21 other veterans, thanks to the Royal British Legion, to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6. He met King Charles and Queen Camilla there.

Albert, like the others veterans, was picked up courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover from his care home in Bakewell to drive him to Portsmouth for the ferry journey.

Albert patrolled the seas off Normandy in the months prior to D-Day and cleared mines before the army landed. On D-Day itself, Albert was part of the crew ferrying US troops onto Utah beach.

It’s still a very painful memory for him, but he felt it was important to return to France. The former decorator says: “It’s very difficult to try and get it out of your mind.”

But he was all smiles as he was saluted by naval personnel and chatted to his fellow veterans on the ferry from Portsmouth.

Town-centre improvements start this month

THE next phase of the regeneration of Chesterfield town centre is set to start in July – with experienced contractor, Thomas Bow, now appointed to take the project forward.

The multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project includes a range of improvement works, which are due to start on July 1and will take eighteen months to complete. The project will begin in Market Square,

where improvements will create a new market layout with new stalls and enhancements to paving, seating and lighting, before moving on to New Square, where works will be carried out to create an attractive flexible space to support both traditional and speciality markets and a wider range of uses. The final phase will involve improvement works to Rykneld Square.

Separately, G F Tomlinson will carry out improvements to Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the refurbished Stephenson Memorial Hall.

The next Peddler Market will go ahead as planned on 19 and 20 July – within its self-contained location on New Square.

You can find out more about the project, and sign up for email newsletter updates, at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

Help make a well dressing!

WADSHELF Well Dressing is will be blessed at 2pm on July 6, and is then on show until July 13. There will also be a tea room open when the well is showing from 10.30am until 4pm each day.

You can also watch – or even help! – the well dressing being made in the Village Hall from July 1-5.

New public art project

A NEW public art project is launching in Chesterfield and Staveley this summer – creating new artworks and activities for visitors which will take place over the next two years.

Delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, the programme will include the appointment of an artist-in-residence to engage visitors; a new trail of small-scale artworks; an outdoor exhibition area; a Christmas window trail; and a 2D wall art design.

To find out more about the Artist-inResidence opportunity, visit: https:// www.beam.uk.net/events/sociallyengaged-artist-residency-opportunity/

The deadline to apply is by 9am on July 8.

The artist will probably take over a vacant shop, where they will engage with visitors and host activities, particularly during the school holidays and town-centre events.

A first Open Day for u3a Bakewell

THERE was a buzz in the air at Bakewell’s Medway Centre in late May, when u3a Bakewell held its first-ever Open Day to launch several new activity and interest groups, and to showcase the already wide range of subjects covered by its existing groups.

The u3a movement is all about providing an opportunity for those approaching or in retirement to expand their horizons and make new friends.

New groups propose to discuss the Big Issues of the day; to go out and about with sketch pads and pencils; to explore ancient tracks and roads; to find out more about today’s local industries; and to develop a taste in craft ales – to name but a few.

The established groups stroll or stride out; play bridge; paint; visit interesting houses and gardens, improve their foreign languages, write prose and read poetry, read and discuss the latest books – the list goes on. The Open Day was a noisy affair with up to a hundred people at any one time, enjoying afternoon tea and home-made cakes –another of u3a Bakewell’s specialities.

Above: Albert Keir with other veterans on the way to Normandy.

Above: Last year’s Wadshelf Well Dressing.

THE ‘NEW’ CHESTERFIELD ROYAL HOSPITAL IS NOW 40!

It might be hard to believe, but the ‘new’ Chesterfield Royal Hospital at Calow has been serving us all for 40 years now. The hospital have provided this copy about those 40 years – and a little bit further back!

CHESTERFIELD Royal Hospital has come a long way in the last 40 years – well, 2.0 miles, to be precise.

On Sunday, April 29, 1984, the hospital moved from its small and – by today’s standards – cramped buildings in the town centre, to Calow. The hospital had humble origins, beginning life as a dispensary in a small house in St Mary’s Gate in 1854 before the foundation stone for the Holywell Cross site was laid by the Marquis of Hartington on the site of Durrant Hall in 1859. Once opened, that facility was known as the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Hospital and Dispensary.

Sometime after the end of World War One, King George V permitted the name ‘Royal’ to be used, and the annual report of 1919 was the first time that the title, ‘Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital’, was used in a public document.

Having entered the ‘Emergency Hospital Scheme’ as part of the war effort on 1939, it began life as an NHS hospital in 1948. As healthcare needs grew, so did the hospital and a site which would support the healthcare needs of the town in a more appropriate and bigger setting was sought.

The construction of a motorway led to the identification of a site at Calow and in 1976 the green light was given for the construction of the new hospital which then opened in April 1984 and the rest, as they say, is history.

For comparison – it is worth noting that, in 1943, records show that the hospital had an annual budget of £80,668 –compare that with the budget the hospital held for the year ending in April 2024, which was a cool £361 million!

The total number of staff numbered 128 in 1944, with 5,000 now providing care to the local community.

In 1943, the breakdown of staff wages showed that nursing colleagues cost the board £10,477 – with medical colleagues earning a combined total of £7,492. Nowadays the starting salary for a newly-graduated nurse totals around £28,000.

At the old site, 5,600 inpatients were treated in 1944 –nearly 75,000 were treated in the year ending April 2023 at Calow.

There are still staff at the hospital who recall the move to the new site, the boxes of records brought up manually in the back of a Morris Marina, and the scanning equipment loaded into the back of transit vans, in

marked difference to the military operation to winch the state-ofthe-art recent MRI scanners in on a recent Sunday morning. Ian Fretwell, a colleague at the old Royal and now a Governor at Calow, recalls:

”Whereas the old Royal had two main theatres, an ENT/ Ophthalmic theatre and a theatre in A&E, the new hospital offered 12 theatres, theatre recovery, pre-theatre reception and much larger ITU. We only had three ITU beds and one additional ventilator kept outside the old ITU.”

The move went smoothly on the day – with patients needing discharge transferred ‘before the move’ meaning that only a few patients were through the doors on the first day, but staff recall the new feeling of the hospital – ‘like the Ritz’ – and the opportunities for food and breaks in a brand-new environment which catered for staff comfort and relief. Trevor Bembridge had the honour of being the first patient to be transferred in from the old hospital and was invited back for the 25th anniversary in

Left: A reminder of the hospital move from the town centre to Calow in 1984. Right: Fascinating facts about Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

2009, where he cut the cake to celebrate the silver anniversary.

The hospital is not just Royal by name but has a proud and long-standing relationship with the Royal family who have frequently visited as the site grows.

Excitement built a year after opening when Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the site on March 15, 1985. Accompanied by Robert Robinson, Trust chair, Her Majesty toured the site, meeting clinicians and patients, nurses having been lent caps and capes for the day so that they could form the guard of honour. The stone plaque that she unveiled to mark the occasion is still on site and can be found in the corridor just adjacent to the main entrance.

This set the theme – with the hospital receiving ‘Royal at the Royal’ visits in subsequent years, with the Princess Royal coming back twice, most notably in July 2023 and Camilla, now the Queen, opening some of our wards. Her husband, now King Charles III but in those days the Prince of Wales, had visited in 1999 while The Duchess of Edinburgh, formerly the Countess of Wessex, came to the Royal where she toured the Scarsdale birth centre in 2010.

It hasn’t all been good news though – on the evening of June 25, 2011, a fire broke out which completely destroyed the main entrance, and badly affected the A&E and fracture clinics. There were no casualties, through the fire took several hours to get under control and resulted in the diversion of some services throughout the night.

The cause of the fire later became known – an electrical fault in a freezer in a shop had spread but had been contained by elements of the construction; and clinics and services were rerouted as soon as possible. The main entrance reopened on May 8 the following year. The spring of 2020 brought challenges of a different kind as a virus we now know to be

Left: The £27-million Emergency Department at CRH, opened last summer.

COVID-19 spread throughout the world. Chesterfield Royal Hospital, as with every healthcare organisation in the world, faced an unprecedented and unknown condition which changed life as we all knew it and caused the rethinking of healthcare priorities and schedules for over two years. As an example, in January 2021 Chesterfield Royal released a statement saying they were caring for the highest number of COVID patients so far in the pandemic, with 169 COVID

patients, 16 of whom were in ITU. For some people, COVID is a thing consigned to history. But for many NHS workers, COVID is something they live with every day. During the pandemic, Chesterfield Royal Hospital colleagues rose to the challenge, often working above and beyond and the stories they tell about that time are humbling.

Post-pandemic, the landscape of healthcare in the NHS is forever changed. With that in mind Chesterfield Royal Hospital began an ambitious but much needed campaign to care for the carers and, with local support, from the community who fundraised, and with support from NHS Charities Together and Westfield Health, secured funding for a £2-million bespoke, purposebuilt Health & Wellbeing hub which contains not only a state of the art gym with trained personal trainers and Health Improvement Advisors, but also a suite of counselling rooms offering colleagues a chance to talk, debrief and decompress

with their team, or with the help and support of partners such as Ashgate Hospice.

This building was just one part of the developments which have seen the hospital and the site begin to build for the future.

Last year, in June 2023, the £27 million Urgent and Emergency Care

development opened, with 1,000 patients having come through its doors by the time the ‘official opening’ by the Princess Royal took place on Wednesday, July 12. A specialist Paediatric Assessment Unit – a place where younger patients can be monitored and treated without being admitted onto the paediatric ward – was also opened last June.

funding comes from a central pot and, as with all organisations, there is a need to live within their means. With an annual budget this year of over £300 million – and a population of 400,000 to care for the hospital must continue to prioritise and plan.

“THE £27 MILLION URGENT AND EMERGENCY CARE DEVELOPMENT OPENED, WITH 1,000 PATIENTS.”

The mission of exceptional care carried out by exceptional people keeps the patient and colleagues at the centre of everything – and in the hospitals most recent staff survey the hospital was in the top five percent of Trusts – with 71.7% of colleagues saying they would recommend the hospital as a place to work.

72.7% of staff also said that if a loved one needed treatment they would recommend Chesterfield Royal Hospital as a place to receive the treatment necessary.

the community of Chesterfield this year will go on to reap the rewards of some of the ambition that the Trust has for the care of Chesterfield. A thriving workforce who work as part of an anchor institution, with 70% of the workforce living and working in Chesterfield themselves, and committed to serving not only the health but the wellbeing of colleagues and community alike the Trust is looking forward to driving improvements in patient care, with electronic patient records, a commitment to clinical research, and an ambition to ensure that the community of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire continue to receive the highest standard of care for many more years to come.

As the population of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire has expanded so have their services – annual

The NHS prides itself on treating its patients from cradle to grave, and some of the 2,810 babies born within

Editor’s Note: The team at the Royal welcome donations and fund-raising efforts to support them that mean they can go above and beyond –offering more than what might be possible through ‘normal NHS funding’. There is an ‘our charity’ section on the website: www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk

The Ultimate DISPLAY CLEARANCE

AFTER 21 years of successful trading in Bakewell, Ultimate Bathrooms is relocating its business to Chesterfield. As Director Paul Bland explained: “Our showroom in Bakewell has been a great success since we opened in 2003 but our lease has expired on the premises, and we have taken the decision not to renew it for another ten years. We have been managing the Bakewell showroom from Chesterfield for several years now and it makes sense to amalgamate the two showrooms together now under one roof. Nothing will change in terms of the usual attention to detail and high quality of service, installation and project management that we have always provided throughout Derbyshire and further afield. Customers old and new can still contact us for their ultimate bathroom, kitchen and bedroom wherever they live.”

DISCOUNTS OF UP TO 80%

Please ring the showroom on 01629 813252 to book an appointment or simply call in.

Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 09.30 to 17.00 or Saturday 10.00 – 16.00.

The showroom is under the archway between Fatface and Wards Shoes on Matlock Street. Free parking is available straight outside the door.

It means that all of the 42 fantastic displays at Bakewell are available for sale and will have to go by the end of July. Whether you need shower cubicles or walk-in screens, shower valves or taps, fitted or freestanding furniture, mirrors or mirror cabinets, modern or traditional radiators or fitted and freestanding baths, there is something for everyone at discounts of up to 80%. The displays are available on a first-come, first-served basis either for immediate collection or delivery can be arranged for a small additional cost. Temporary storage is also possible if you are not quite ready for it yet.

Sarah awarded an OBE

MATLOCK-RAISED Sarah McLeod, the CEO steering the regeneration of Wentworth Woodhouse, near Rotherham, has been awarded an OBE for her services to the heritage sector.

The former Ernest Bailey Grammar School student was one of over 1,000 people recognised for their service and achievements in the King’s Birthday Honours list, released on June 15.

“I am honoured and so proud to receive an OBE for my work,” said Sarah. “For me, this award represents the hard work of everyone who works to protect and restore our historic places.”

Sarah, who moved to Matlock in 1972 and spent 28 of her 57 years there, was formerly CEO of the Arkwright Society, located at Cromford Mills.

During her seven-year tenure there, she raised over £10 million for projects across the estate and modernised the organisation to aid financial sustainability.

She led a £7-million project to provide 8,000 sq ft of workspaces for creative industries and a new visitor centre in the largest building at the Cromford site, B17. The project opened in March 2016 and won the EU Europa Nostra Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation 2017.

Sarah had joined The Arkwright Society in 2001 as an administrator for their Heritage Lottery Fund (now known as the National Lottery Heritage Fund) project and rose

to chief executive within nine years. She joined Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust as CEO in May 2017 after having to be persuaded to apply as “I didn’t think I knew enough about country houses.”

Weeks earlier, the trust had bought the dilapidated Grade I-listed Georgian country house near Rotherham for £7m.

The task ahead was described in the sector as the ‘UK’s greatest heritage restoration challenge of a generation’. The estimated cost was £130 million and every penny needed to be raised over the coming decades.

Sarah McLeod has guided the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust into a busy trading business now turning over £3.5m a year, and has successfully raised funding for, and delivered, almost £30m of capital works. She has also created over 100 new jobs and over 300 volunteer roles.

‘Pommie Pilgrims’ raise £25k so far…

THE ‘Pommie Pilgrims’ from Youlgrave have walked to a third of England’s 42 cathedrals after visiting cathedrals including Derby, Chester, Leicester, Chelmsford, Sheffield, Exeter, Southwell and Winchester.

All Saints’ Church in Youlgrave is a Grade I-listed building and dates from 1155, but it lacks some key amenities to ensure its sustainability: warmth, kitchen facilities and loos.

Many villagers have taken part in the walks, and have raised over £25,000 of the £42,000 target.

Among them is Geoff Clay, who walked the 28 miles to Derby Cathedral back in March before going to cathedrals in Manchester and Sheffield in May.

Geoff said “Youlgrave, where I retired as a reverend eight years ago and where I help in four churches with my wife, Jane, is a remarkable village. The Pommie

Pilgrim initiative has strengthened the community. I’ve managed about 620,000 steps since this started.”

You can donate at: Petra the Pilgrim is fundraising for Youlgreave Church (justgiving.com)

Emma receives a ‘Dedicate Award’ VOLUNTEER

Emma Sheppard from Chesterfield has been named as the winner of a Dedicated Award by the pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands.

The Dedication Award is given to someone who has gone above and beyond to support bereaved families or health professionals and has shown a high level of commitment.

In her volunteer role, Emma chairs Chesterfield Sands, a local support group for people who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss. In her role, Emma sets up support meetings and organises local events such as Wave of Light, ribbon displays and craft events.

The Sands Volunteer Awards Ceremony was held at the National Memorial Arboretum on June 22, where Emma received an engraved trophy.

Above: Reverends Geoff and Jane Clay in All Saints’ Church, Youlgrave.

Above: Sarah McLeod, who received an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List last month.

Above: Emma after receiving her trophy.

Embrace the Elegance and... LET THE LIGHT FLOOD IN!

New State-of-the-Art Glass Conservatory Roofs by HeatGuard

THE charm of a glass conservatory roof is not simply aesthetic – it’s also about the sense of openness it brings to your living space. The sprawling canvas of the sky above, viewable in all its glory, can be a priceless addition to your home. Beyond the visual appeal, there are many other advantages of glass conservatory roofs. including year-round comfort, self-cleaning properties, reduction in energy bills and beautiful visual options to suit any property style.

Energy Efficient Solar Control Glass Conservatory Roofs

Recent significant technological advancements and improvements in the quality of glass conservatory roofs has resulted in a vast increase in energy efficiency. Modern thermally efficient glass significantly reduces heat loss during cooler months while deflecting the sun’s heat in the summer. Consequently, this provides an evenly tempered space throughout the year, lower energy bills due to reduced need for artificial heating and cooling, and a greener, more sustainable living solution.

Self-cleaning Properties

The self-cleaning products have been certified to EN 1096-5, the new European Standard for self-cleaning glass. Maintaining the pristine appearance of your roof has never been easier. Longevity and easy maintenance Despite their ethereal appearance, glass conservatory roofs are remarkably resilient. They are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, from heavy rain to snowstorms.

Maximising Light and Space

An integral benefit of a glass conservatory roof is the unparalleled influx of natural light it provides. Not only does this brighten up your space, but studies have also shown that exposure to natural light can improve mood and productivity. More so, the illusion of space that these roofs provide can drastically enhance the ambiance of your interior.

Glare Reduction

The Sunshade Blue is the best performing blue, solar controlled glass to date with fantastic solar and heat reflection properties of up to 82%. It also provides increased glare reduction.

Unrestricted Views and Stargazing Opportunities

One of the unique pleasures of a glass conservatory roof is the opportunity to stargaze without braving the elements. Similarly, during the day, you can enjoy panoramic views of your garden or the passing clouds.

Exceeding Customer Expectations

Chesterfield-based Holywell Carpets believes that achieving the ultimate in customer satisfaction is the key to longevity in business.

AS can usually be expected from a long-established family business, Holywell Carpets has stood the test of time through displaying the hallmarks of unparalleled customer service, uncompromising integrity, and unswerving reliability. Brothers Reg and Steve Hinde took over Holywell Carpets in 1989. Steve now manages the business in conjunction with long-standing and loyal employee, Martin Howroyd. Together, Steve and Martin have been working together at this highly reputable carpet company for 33 years. Previously, Steve had worked elsewhere in the carpet trade in a fitting capacity for ten years. Martin was at the company three years before Steve’s arrival. It’s fair to say that they know the business inside out. And they have done the hard yards! Both are

trained fitters and have many years fitting experience between them, Steve was ‘on the tools’ for 20 years and Martin 25 years.

Traditional values

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

Carpet Foundation Membership

The Carpet Foundation is the UK carpet industry’s lead body. As a member of the

Carpet Foundation, Holywell Carpets is bound by a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute. The Code gives customers peace of mind that they are dealing with people they can trust. Carpet Foundation retailers are audited annually by the TSI to ensure compliance.

These are the benefits of buying from a Carpet Foundation retail member:

• Written quotations

• Deposit safeguards

• Written terms of business

• Impartial professional advice

• Free extended guarantees

• A free installation guarantee

• After-sales procedures

Better Prices through Associated Carpet Group Membership (ACG)

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

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

Derbyshire Trusted Trader Membership

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

“Very efficient from purchase to fitting. Very courteous and they did everything they said they would. I highly recommend them and will not look anywhere else when I replace the next carpet. Excellent carpets.”

Customer reviews and feedback speak volumes

A whole host of outstanding reviews from customers are what underpin the continued success of Holywell Carpets:

Gordon Taylor a month ago

We are very pleased with the new floor in our conservatory. From getting the quote to the fitting everyone involved

was very professional. The fitter took great care with everything, and we are very pleased with the final result.

Ste Jay

7 months ago

I have recently used Holywell Carpets, Chesterfield, to replace my stairs/landing carpets. I visited their shop, where there is a huge range of carpets. Steve who runs the shop, is very helpful and knowledgeable of his trade. On the day the carpet was laid, the fitter arrived on time. He was polite and did an excellent job of fitting the new carpet and underlay. I am very happy with Holywell Carpets. I would most certainly recommend.

Jude O’Connor

4 months ago

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

Dawn Higgins

6 months ago

We recently received excellent advice, support and professional service from the team at Holywell Carpets. They give

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

Kate Morris

8 months ago

I have used Holywell Carpets a few years ago and just had them fit a bedroom and living room carpet. To be honest, I wouldn’t go anywhere else. The service from start to finish is excellent, Steve is a lovely bloke – very helpful in advising the best carpets for certain rooms. Excellent job done by fitters. A very professional team. Would highly recommend to friends & family.

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

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

Queen Elizabeth II arrives in Matlock on July 10, 2014.

Recalling the late Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Matlock exactly 10 years ago, Godfrey Holmes reflects on other big royal occasions exciting Derbyshire folk.

THE date was July 10, 2014. The personage: the late Queen Elizabeth II, over 60 years into her platinum-plus reign. The place: Matlock Town’s Railway Station. The purpose: to revisit the renowned Lea Mills knitwear company upon its 230th anniversary, for the first time in 46 years; then to proceed to Chatsworth House, to reacquaint the Duke and herself with Peregrine Cavendish, the esteemed 12th Duke of Devonshire, exactly 10 years after his inheritance of the title.

Very few Dukes and Duchesses are as influential – or as regal –as the Devonshires, inextricably linked to Prince, now King, Charles; to former Prime Minister Harold Macmillan; also entangled

The late Queen Elizabeth officially opened Chesterfield Royal Hospital in 1985 and her daughter, the Princess Royal, opened the Royal’s new Emergency Department last July.

Below right: A packed Market Place in Chesterfield in November 1981 when newlyweds Prince Charles and Lady Diana visited.

with a whole tribe of Mitfords and Mosleys. In addition, the poet John Betjeman and the late Princesses Margaret Rose, and Lady Diana, found their boltholes at Chatsworth; Princess Anne winning several horseback competitions there, too.

Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the 1st Duke of Edinburgh, actually began visiting Derbyshire in 1949 –three years before her accession – in order to open Derby’s Council House. Then in 1957, the Queen travelled 23 miles from Sudbury Station to Burtonupon-Trent, Tutbury and Repton – whose former headmaster, Archbishop of Canterbury Geoffrey Fisher – had actually crowned her in Westminster Abbey five years earlier.

Another 20 years later, during 1977, the late Queen was back in Derby to celebrate its new city status: the only city so created in combination with her Silver Jubilee. And while she was in the county, Queen Elizabeth opened the new headquarters of the Derbyshire Constabulary at Butterley.

In that same year, lucky crowds in Knifesmithgate got a glimpse of their monarch as she made one of her sporadic, this time one of her Jubilee, visits to Chesterfield itself.

Swanwick must have stayed in majestic memory, because our former Queen returned eight years later, in 1985, both to see Thornton’s Chocolate kit out its brand new confectionary factory there; and then on to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the foundation of Queen Elizabeth I’s Grammar School, Ashbourne.

In May 1992, the Queen officially unveiled Carsington Reservoir: one of the only entirely new giant lakes to be artificially created since Rutland Water nearly two decades earlier.

Two other royal visits deserve a full mention here: the more important a tour involving a future Queen who never actually became the Queen. On an historic day in November 1981, newlymarried Prince Charles and his wife Diana, Princess of Wales, came to Chesterfield to open the new Pavements’ shopping centre. And, amazingly, a “Youtube” video-film, over 12 minutes long, survives to, flickeringly, commemorate the occasion.

The day started with Chesterfield’s Market Place absolutely packed with excited schoolchildren, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, old soldiers, and weeping women holding bunches of flowers and cuddly

toys for the Princess’ unborn child. Wheelchairs given priority behind the ropes. And after a Mayoral banquet on trestle tables, Prince Charles inaugurates the mall itself, the feted Diana unveiling the adjoining Peacock Heritage Centre; before both royals pass through more crowds to access the Crooked Spire – numerous gorgeously-clad clergy to greet them – for a special Service of Thanksgiving.

Three-and-a-half years later, on March 15, 1985, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived by royal train into the yet unaltered Chesterfield Midland Railway Station; then proceeded up an excited and jostling crowd on Hady Hill to open the “new” Chesterfield Royal Infirmary relocated – open for business a year earlier – from its former site opposite the Do’Nut. Doubtless it had been intended that the two operations coincide, but that impossibility did not deter dozens of smiling nurses – also holding flowers and toys –standing in Chesterfield Royal’s foyer in the hope of a word with their monarch, who was still gripping her famous handbag, an accessory doubtless containing a spare marmalade sandwich!

Last July, the hardworking Princess Anne – who is Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine – officially opened the new Emergency Department at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

And now that one Queen has died and we have another Queen, Camilla, there will doubtless be extra royal visits to Derbyshire.

Above: Queen Elizabeth II receives another bouquet from the crowd at Chatsworth in July 2014.

Right:

FANCY THAT…

SAM Taylor (pictured above), the 23-year-old Chesterfield hairdresser who was the first to be dumped from ITV’s Love Island 2024, is the third most influential contestant on Instagram.

Samantha Kenny, who has also left the contest, is in the lead as the most popular in a survey by Jeffbet.

Next is The Only Way is Essex star, Joey Essex, and third is Sam Taylor, who has 103,400 followers and an average of 1,030 ‘likes’ on Instagram.

DDR helps local community groups

DURING the past 12 months, Derbyshire

Dales Rotary (DDR) has raised funds to offer considerable support to local community groups. It is delighted to be able to help by donating £500 to each of the following:

Memory Lane: Formed in 2007, Memory Lane reaches out to around 50 residents in Darley Dale and the local area. It is very reliant on donations to maintain its monthly afternoons of entertainment and refreshments and series of social events through the year.

Darley Dale Cricket Club Junior Cricket: The club has invested time and energy by encouraging youngsters from 4-15 to learn the fine arts of cricket. On Sunday mornings, over 100 young people, including around at least 20 girls, are engaged in cricket activities on the club ground.

Greenaway Well-being Hub: Like many charities, this hub has suffered because of budget cuts. Plans are in place to carry out refurbishment of the premises, reinstate the sensory garden, improve access and redecorate.

Paddle Peak: A local charity which aims to care for local stretches of the River Derwent. The charity also teaches local young people to kayak responsibly

and encourage them to experience outdoor activity and the importance of caring for the environment.

Want to know more about DDR’s current and future plans? Contact Roz Adamson (email roflyn.adamson@ sky.com, 07584 051387).

Tourism awards now open for entry

APPLICATIONS for the 2025 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards are now open.

The awards, organised by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, celebrate outstanding achievement across the area’s £2.5-billion tourism sector. Attractions, pubs, restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, campsites and experience providers are among those encouraged to enter in one or more of 14 awards categories.

Businesses have until 23.59 on Monday, August 26 to enter the awards. The shortlist will be revealed this autumn and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony next spring.

On the way: a Peak District Monopoly game!

LANDING the honour of getting its own bespoke version of the world’s most popular family board game, The Peak District has beaten leading world natural beauty destinations including Norway’s Fjords and Germany’s Black Forest to secure the Monopoly nod.

Winning Moves UK, an official Monopoly maker, is producing a brand-new Monopoly: Peak District Edition board game, under licence from Hasbro, a leading toy and game company. Winning Moves UK produces Monopoly editions for popular destinations all over the world, including Palm Beach, Dubai and The Hamptons.

The Peak District Edition game is

scheduled to hit shops next spring. In this new game, 30+ landmarks and favourites – like Chatsworth House and The Heights of Abraham – will be showcased on the board, replacing the likes of ‘Mayfair’ and ‘Park Lane’ from the classic original.

Canal boat trips

THERE are lots of trip boats running on the Chesterfield Canal this month. The John Varley II, which starts from Tapton Lock, will be running Sunday morning two-hour cruises and Sunday afternoon one-hour cruises each weekend in July; Wednesday afternoon ‘fish & chip cruises’ on July 3, 17 and 31; evening ones on July 10 and 24; Friday ‘afternoon tea cruises’ on July 5 and 19 and one-hour cruises on Thursday 25th and Tuesday 30th.

And the trip boat Madeline will be running one-hour return cruises from Hollingwood Hub every Saturday in July; as well as Wednesdays 24th & 31st and Monday 29th.

Further details, and to book, go to chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk

Final concert of 50th season

FOR the final concert of its 50th season, The Derbyshire Singers present The Glory of Venice at Derby Cathedral on Saturday, July 6, at 7.30pm.

Performing with them will be His Majesty’s Sagbutts and Cornetts, a group of virtuoso wind players on original instruments, along with soloists Anaa Dennis, Louise Collett and Andrew MacKenzie-Wicks; with the conductor Lynne Clark.

Works by 16th and 17th century composers will be performed. Tickets are £18, which includes a programme, while full-time students are admitted free. Book online at derbyshiresingers.org

FlameCare adapts and modifies!

THE difference professionally installed wet rooms, levelaccess showers, walk-in baths, and handrails can make to people living with disabilities is immeasurable. This is why disabled bathroom adaptations

are one of FlameCare’s most popular services. With full design services and friendly, approachable staff, FlameCare works with customers and their families every step of the way to

transform their bathrooms into fully accessible and practical spaces.

With an exceptional knowledge of the specialist products available on the market, the team at FlameCare provides thorough and detailed advice about product selection and bathroom design tailored to the needs of each individual customer.

The range of care showers, wet rooms and adapted bathroom products is chosen with quality, comfort and safety in mind – making it really easy for those with limited mobility or disabilities to modify their bathroom to their needs. Working in conjunction with

all the leading brands and manufacturers, FlameCare ensures that all the products are of the highest quality.

For total peace of mind, FlameCare provides complete project management, experienced installers, fully insured warranties, and service and repairs.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FLAME CARE:

FlameCare

67-77 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 2AL

T: 0800 0855 518

E: info@flamecare.co.uk

www.flamecare.co.uk

Food Hall/Deli

SET within the magnificent Dunston Hall Estate on the outskirts of Chesterfield is the newest initiative from owners, David and Lynsey Harrison.

The Food Hall/Deli, which will open its doors for the first time on 1st August 2024, offers a ‘one-of-a-kind’ experience. This is where the highest quality produce, passion for great food, and retail come together in spectacular style.

The Food Hall/Deli stocks all manner of locally-sourced, fresh and seasonal produce – from vegetables and fruit to meats, fish, home-made pies, cheese, charcuterie, antipasti, salads, patisserie and cakes, as well as beers, wines, chutneys,

pickles, and jams. Everything on display is of premium quality and prime pedigree.

Foodies love to browse for exciting treats and speciality ingredients, and they won’t be disappointed here! The shelves are stocked high with the absolute best regional and seasonal produce from known provenance – wherever possible within a 40-mile radius.

Visitors will be able to make their way along the food and delicatessen counter and order freshly-prepared food to eat outside within the stunning grounds of the arboretum or take it away to enjoy at home.

Sandwiches, light bites, lunches, pastas, breakfasts, afternoon teas, street foods, and themed specials will all be available

on site – lovingly prepared and curated by the team of chefs working in the bespoke kitchens upstairs. All the food will be natural, healthy, and of prime quality. Spearheading the food hall and deli is awardwinning chef and baker, Steve Carroll, with operations director, Mark Lancashire, overseeing the whole estate.

The area around the Food Hall/Deli offers a versatile space for the local community to enjoy coffee, wholesome food and produce. Within the glorious arboretum sits a shepherd’s hut, a super serving place for teas, coffees, and cold drinks. Visitors can relax in the seating area provided and take in the summer sunshine – all within the most picturesque backdrop

imaginable – surrounded by beautiful trees and nature.

An Aladdin’s Cave of local produce and unusual titbits, the food hall/deli is a modern version of the traditional European delicatessen with a twist of eatery added in for good measure.

The licensed drinks offering pays homage to the amazing array of local brewers, distillers, and suppliers. Nowadays, not only can highly quaffable ales be sourced locally, but wines, gins, whiskeys, rums, and vodkas are all on the nearby radar.

Why not come and taste the difference?

Dunston Hall Garden Centre

IMAGINE wandering through aisles brimming with plants and lush foliage, your senses enveloped by the earthy scent of fresh soil and the vibrant colours of blooming flowers. Imagine Dunston Hall Garden Centre.

Enshrined with quintessential charm and a stunning backdrop of rolling Derbyshire countryside, Dunston Hall Garden Centre offers a unique experience, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to dip your toes into the world of horticulture.

Headed by Matt and his dedicated, hardworking team, Dunston Hall Garden Centre has an enchanting display of horticultural plants – probably the largest selection you’ll find anywhere locally. And it is what it says on the tin. First and foremost, it’s about all things gardening. Beyond horticultural plants of every description imaginable, there’s vegetable plants and seeds, trees, compost, pots,

tools, furniture, and garden accessories of all types known to mankind.

One of the few walled garden centres in the country, this little gem is always well stocked with plants and the like from, wherever possible, local growers and cherry-picked British growers.

Help and advice is always on tap here and the staff are only too willing to share their expertise to enhance every gardening experience. Craig, the outside supervisor, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of everything to do with the world of gardening – and plants, in particular. Where is the best place to plant this? Does this need a dry bed or moist bed? Can you help with garden design? You’re sure to find your answers here! With long-serving members of staff boasting a vast depth of knowledge at their fingertips, unrivalled expertise is always at hand – and delivered with a smile and unbridled enthusiasm for the job they love.

Whilst moseying around the garden centre, let’s not forget the joy of stumbling upon the magnificent bistro nestled amidst the greenery, perfect for a relaxing break with a cuppa and maybe a slice of cake. But the bistro offers so much more than that. From breakfasts to lite bites, from sandwiches, salads, and paninis to full-blown meals, and from afternoon teas to a scrummy piece of cake with cream, every level of appetite and preference can be catered for.

There’s extensive outside seating, plenty of which directly overlooks the play area so it’s a perfect family friendly destination. The play equipment is brand new and housed on lovely soft bark. The heritage centre, the courtyard, and the arboretum provide the finishing touches to this destination garden centre.

The Garden Centre is part of Dunston Hall Estates with its centrepiece, Dunston Hall, which dates back to the 16th century.

Fairytale Wedding Venue

WITH

uninterrupted privacy and exclusive access to the Hall and grounds, Dunston Hall is an idyllic venue for creating a fairytale wedding.

Located on the outskirts of Chesterfield, with spectacular views of the rolling Derbyshire countryside, Dunston Hall has been gracefully and subtly renovated and refurbished to create halcyon and dedicated spaces for the special day.

A beautiful place to be together, Dunston Hall is like borrowing a close friend’s stately home for the entire weekend. The parents of the bride and groom can be Lord and Lady of the Manor, welcoming their guests the night before with a barbecue, street food in the grounds, or a cordon bleu meal – whatever takes their fancy!

Here, weddings can be whatever you want them to be. Whether you envision an entirely indoor celebration, a sprawling outdoor event, or a harmonious blend of both, your dreams really can come true. From a cosy haven for more intimate gatherings, more formal ceremonies, or unique thematic experiences, nothing is out of bounds.

Dating back to 1576, the Hall has been impassionedly restored by owners, David and Lynsey Harrison. Retaining the character and rustic charm of its original sixteenth century features, whilst adding the luxuries of high-quality contemporary living, the Hall

has been converted into an exclusive-use wedding and bespoke events venue.

Nestled at the core of this captivating venue lie the exquisitely furnished Garden Room for the wedding ceremony and The Stables for the reception seating up to 120 people. The Hall can accommodate 23 people in 10 stunning ensuite bedrooms.

Adding historic elegance to your special day, the Hall’s unique allure lies in its ability to transition seamlessly, accommodating diverse wedding styles and preferences. The Hall is more than a building; it’s a versatile and enchanting space ready to adapt and transform, ensuring your wedding is nothing short of extraordinary.

Dining is exceptional. The award-winning Dunston Hall Chefs have a real passion for food, and they have created a range of delicious menus to choose from. Whether you opt for a traditional three-course meal or something more relaxed, it will be freshly prepared in the kitchen with love.

The breathtaking views of the idyllic countryside provide a picture-perfect backdrop and the house is an indulgent place to entertain your guests. After the sun sets and the champagne flows beneath the stars, the whisperings of your celebrations can roll out across the countryside.

A team of four bespoke wedding coordinators, headed by Anna Lotocka, will be present throughout to coordinate the day, act as your master of ceremonies, serve the food and drink, and ensure that everything runs perfectly. With complete end-to-end event coordination, your special occasion is sure to be an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. With many years’ experience coordinating weddings of diverse traditions and backgrounds, the team specialises in seamlessly orchestrating a wide array of ceremonies, from those rooted in cultural richness to those embracing modern and inclusive celebrations.

All image by

Gabriela’s Photography & Film.

1 Hidden cleverly, once it’s been laced? (9)

1 Foul, say, looked crooked? (8)

7 Inside information from broken pens? (3-4)

4 Sends seers mad for style awareness (5,5)

13 KO’s, but not quite, as steed runs amok (7)

18 Adult wrongfully treated, with ponytai l banned (4,5)

Rambo, open to a bit of abuse (3)

How a crow fancies his mate? (3)

Sheltered sort of lad? (3)

A cut, any which way in Mexico (7)

Drama, prompting an end to the barbecue (3)

Resistance met when reversing out of a farmhouse (3)

Fighter pilot straight from the pack? (3)

5 Bluff Leo is clumsy, but starts the hockey OK (7,3)

9 He’s a bit of trouser (not skirt!) on the side? (5,3)

2 Went about as an amphibian (4)

3 Animals obviously included too (4)

8 Picture of a claim a gentleman has to make (5)

14 It’s the skater’s turn to explain and then nip off smartly (4)

15 Moderate sounding double embroidery? (2-2)

ACROSS

7 Do we give it an annual dressing down? (4)

8 Mud pie? Yuck! No way to say hello here! (4,2,4)

10 Comment on the grade again? (6)

11 The world has changed, SE of Derby (8)

14 ‘Eggy’ type due for removal, finally (4)

15 Drove the Honda around near Bakewell (4,6)

19 Propeller found in hoarde (3)

20 Contend with Welsh leader’s opinion (4)

21 Virtual man heard to have communication (5)

22 Antiquary, untrained for the wharf (4)

23 Little coin from the South (3)

24 Mixture, just dumped on a mattress (10)

27 Each upset causes pain (4)

29 Odd Welsh fad between Chesterfield and Baslow (8)

33 ‘Beany’ recipe from village near Bradwell (5)

34 Diverse hot recipes for Ashbourne football (10)

35 Drop allowance, including the gem (4)

DOWN

1 Rivers rose uncontrallably at

Name:

Prize Crossword

Errwood or Howden (10)

2 Bloke who broke the law in High Peak moorland (8)

3 Poet freaks out at A623 village (4,6)

4 Smug to look up the site of your teeth? (4)

5 Young organisation perhaps may have 100 (4)

6 Copy that’s basically sound (4)

9 Some of the candidates performed (3)

12 That woman who’s a backbencher (3)

13 Invalid ending on top (3)

16 Airedale that can’t breathe in this village? (5)

17 Sloppy sloth, who made The Planets (5)

18 Openings coming from agoraphobia (3)

22 About to question new start around village North of Derby (8)

25 Water that can default to song? (6)

26 Mr Gibson ameliorates a bit (3)

28 Too wise, say, to head off the Golden Age (6)

30 Wednesday Tree? (3)

31It’s odd not to iron, isn’t it? (4)

32 Thin sheet metal fencing gear (4)

We will give a prize of £25 to a randomly-drawn correctly completed crossword. Cut out the completed puzzle and send by July 22nd, 2024, to: Bannister Publications Limited, Office 2A Market Hall, Market Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1AR. The solutions for the June 2024 crossword can be found on page 98 of this issue.

Local volunteer groups fit for a King!

In every corner of our county, volunteers are helping to make a difference to the lives of others. If you know a voluntary group deserving of national recognition, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service would like to hear from you. Rebecca Erskine reports.

IS there anything more inspiring than when someone sees others in need and takes action to address that?

Without the tireless work of volunteers, there is so much wonderful local support that would otherwise be unavailable.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) is the highest award given to local volunteer groups in the UK, and ensures these efforts are both recognised and celebrated. Often described as ‘the MBE for volunteer groups’, the award was created in 2002 (as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service) to celebrate the anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Providing outdoor breaks for children; high-quality furniture for people re-housed due to crisis; providing refurbished IT equipment to those in need; and creating a community garden; are all examples of successfully nominated projects in our county.

Nominations are accepted on an annual basis from individuals who are not volunteers, employees or trustees of the nominated group but who are members of the public with a sound understanding of the group’s work, for example as a beneficiary or long-term supporter.

The groups nominated must be made up of at least three people and have been in operation for at least three years. As well as demonstrating appropriate governance and safeguarding policies, they need to show a direct local benefit and have volunteers firmly in the driving seat when it comes to leading, initiating and determining the group’s work.

Nominations are first assessed locally by the Derbyshire Lieutenancy

and then at national level by DCMS (the Department for Culture, Media and Sport). Awardees are announced in November of the following year.

As Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Col John Wilson, OBE DL, explains that it is not a hurried process: “There really is no higher recognition for voluntary groups in the UK than to receive a King’s Award so it’s important that due time and care is taken to select the right organisations. The assessment process involves a visit from a Deputy Lieutenant who will ask some really probing questions of the group. It’s vital that a group can articulate the reasons why its particular service stands out.”

A total of 262 groups across the UK received the Award in 2023. Of the nine nominated in Derbyshire, six were successful. They included The Volunteer Centre (Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire), whose support services for the most vulnerable were needed during the pandemic like never before. It was at that time that its volunteers stepped up their shopping service to over 5,000 different referrals, more than any other group in Derbyshire.

Its current projects are equally as important. Its Derbyshire Home from Hospital Service provides practical support, such as making sure the home environment is warm and comfortable. It also collects medication prescriptions for vulnerable people leaving hospital, or those living at home but at risk of being admitted.

Another 2023 Award recipient was Winster Village Shop, which has been owned and run by the local community since 2005. The shop offers highquality local produce to residents and visitors alike, including tea and coffee from Chesterfield’s Northern Tea Merchants; fruit and vegetables from Jacksons in Clay Cross; and fresh and deli meats from Critchlows of Bakewell. To cater for a burgeoning

Feature Image: A youngster enjoying Pleasley Canoe Club, who have been nominated for a 2024 award. Picture by Nukshi Velebny.

Below: Dronfield First Responders have been nominated for a 2024 award.

number of self-catering holidaymakers, it plans to offer breakfast boxes.

Winning the award clearly brings prestige. A crystal award and a certificate bearing His Majesty’s signature are presented by the Lord-Lieutenant and successful groups are invited to nominate two volunteers to attend a Royal Garden Party. The award is granted for life and being offered the right to use the KAVS logo undoubtedly has a lasting impact on successful groups.

The Royal stamp of approval not only generates positive press coverage but gives future donors the confidence that the group is worthy of their support.

A total of 15 Derbyshire groups have been nominated for the 2024 Award.

365 days a year to help the ambulance service respond to 999 calls. Chest pain, difficulty breathing and cardiac arrests continue to be the group’s first priority although it might be called to attend any local medical incident, with the exception of women in labour, across the S18 area.

Group co-ordinator Neil Hayter says:

“Keeping this vital community service going relies on sponsorship, donations and fundraising to raise the money needed to buy, maintain and required. We are often the first on the scene and what stands us apart is that we are extremely well equipped thanks to all the support we get from the local community. We even have portable shelters in case of attendance at an outdoor emergency; and there are

over 40 defibrillators located around the town and surrounding villages.”

“The coaches and volunteers who run the club help so many people to achieve a level of the impossible. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Another worthy nominee this year is Pleasley Canoe Club, a kayaking and outdoor activity club based at Tapton Lock, providing fun, health, sporting and social activities for anyone of any age. Co-founder Dale Smith says: “We don’t just paddle on the canal, we do crazy things on waterfalls and white-water rafting! We’ve been involved in all sorts over the last 30 years – not just in teaching people to kayak and reach Olympic standard but in hosting Belarusian children suffering leukaemia, acting as the safety boat for films and being included in the footage to promote BBC Children in Need. All that said, our nomination was a total surprise and we’ve been blown away by it!”

The club’s nomination came from Nukshi Velebny, who has been supported by the club in overcoming a fear of water brought on by two incidents of near drowning in her younger days. She explains why she considered the club so worthy: “The coaches and volunteers who run the club help so many people to achieve a level of the impossible. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

If there is a volunteer group close to your heart, you have until September 15 to nominate them for the 2025 awards. The 2024 award winners will be announced in November.

Editor’s Note: Further information on the award is available at: https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk.

2023.

Winster Village Shop won the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in

‘TOP PET’ LAUNCH OF OUR 2024 PHOTO CONTEST

WE are staging a 2024 ‘Top Pet’ photographic competition

– so YOUR pet could be a winner and appear on the front page of the magazine!

All you have to do – if you live in Derbyshire – is submit an image of your pet to hello@bannisterpublications.

co.uk, along with the name of the pet, your name and address and a phone

number; by no later than November 25, 2024.

Then you can vote for your favourite in our online gallery. If your pet is selected for the online gallery, you not only get a digital copy with their pet as a magazine front cover, but £1 from every selected submission will go to RSPCA Chesterfield.

To help your chances of being a selected for the online gallery, please ensure

(Accounts & Distribution Helen’s dog)

(Accounts Amy’s Guinea Pigs)

you send a good-quality, in-focus image and submit as high quality as you can for print purposes.

The winning pet will appear on the front cover of our January 2025 magazine –which is out before Christmas and reaches over 35,000 readers across the county!

The overall winning pet will also be making a £100 donation to RSPCA Chesterfield.

(Managing Director Robert’s dog)

(Social Media Bex’s Chicken)

TO KICK THINGS OFF, HERE’S SOME OF OUR PETS! OBVIOUSLY, OUR PETS ARE EXCLUDED AS ENTRIES:

(Director Anne’s dog)

Woody

Messi

Freddie

Mimi

Hermionie

Minkie

Bebe & Georgie

(Senior Advertising Executive Helen’s dogs)

Life’sa beach!

Keep your cool as the mercury rises with some of the hottest beachwear trends around, says Amy Norbury.

SUNNY days are here again, and when the temperature rises, it’s off to the beach we go. Whether you’re heading off on a far-flung vacay or making the most of the great British coast, ensure your all-important holiday wardrobe is in tip-top condition. You may think holidays are all about sun, sea and sand – and you’d be right; but holiday fashion has three S’s all of its own. Swimwear? Check. Sunnies? Check. Sandals? Check! Let’s get packing!

If it’s time to invest in some new holiday staples, the mantra for this season is effortless elegance. Think chic onepieces under Seventies-style kaftans, or bold bikinis teamed with lightweight co-ords for beach-to-bar style.

Longline beach shirts are perfect as a relaxed cover-up; just add some flat leather sandals, gold jewellery and a widebrimmed sun hat for a serious style fix.

When it comes to swimwear, a little luxe goes a long way. Look for swimsuits and bikinis with a little something, well, extra. Evoke the glamour of Hollywood’s golden era with an irresistibly chic belted onepiece, or opt for luxurious embellishments

1. Zola striped kaftan, £85, Monsoon. www.monsoon.co.uk

2. Liquorice sandals, £85, Dune London. www.dunelondon.com

3. Ritchie brushed gold sunglasses, £85, Iolla. www.iolla.com

4. Ribbon floppy sun hat, £25, FatFace.

FASHION

Continued from 64

such as gold rings and chains if glamour is your top swimwear criteria.

Go for a subtle palette of neutrals and metallics for easy mix-and-match style to get the most out of your swimwear combos.

Crochet is also back in a big way when it comes to beach attire; crocheted swimwear may be better for poolside posing than a dip in the sea, but linen shorts teamed with a crocheted waistcoat makes for a seriously stylish holiday option.

A spacious tote bag in straw or raffia makes for a top beach bag contender; all that’s left is to grab your favourite oversized sunnies and you’re ready for a sun-soaked getaway.

5. John Lewis and Partners Bikini Top, £30, Bikini Bottoms, £18,

6. Metallic Jute Beach Bag Natural £35, Accessorize

7. V by Very Ombre Broderie Hem Beach Shirt, £25. www.very.co.uk.

8. Hali Stripe Bikini, £29.50, and Ashby Pull On Denim Shorts, £35, FatFace. www.fatface.com

CLOSE-KNIT FRIEND who makes a village smile...

Joan working on this month’s postbox topper. Allpicturesby LyndaStraker.

Posting

a letter in a particular

north Derbyshire village has taken on a new significance since lockdown. Here Lynda Straker looks at what exactly is involved in helping to make a community smile.

THERE are yarn bombers, and then there is Joan Stanley. Creative, colourful, cheeky and sometimes delightfully personal, her postbox topper woollen artwork has become a talking point – especially since she started featuring some of her neighbours.

North Wingfield couple Derek and Elaine Dearing never imagined anything would top getting a congratulations telegram from the King when they recently celebrated their 70th platinum wedding anniversary.

Until, that is, they found themselves on top of their Little Morton Road postbox where Joan had managed to recreate that magical day when they exchanged their vows back in 1954. Statistically just one-in-a-million UK couples mark that marriage milestone each year, so when Joan accidentally stumbled across the news of her neighbours’ forthcoming celebrations she decided their remarkable achievement should be shared with the rest of the community.

She carefully worked on reimagining their special day, featuring the couple in their wedding outfits, complete with the bridal headdress and bouquet, alongside a symbolic Hasland church proclaiming the happy event. “And, yes, they were more than a bit surprised but very delighted,” said Joan, who later gifted the topper to them.

Mostly, Joan’s crochet creations – which began appearing after she learned the

craft during lockdown –tie in with national holidays and events, with inspiration often coming from her Welsh heritage, her background in teaching or her love of sport.

But it is her sense of humour that sets her work apart, such as her Postman Phil topper, a salute to her local postie who was preparing to hang-up his mail bag and van keys after 18 years on the job – and whose round included emptying the postbox on Little Morton Road.

So imagine the real Phil Jeffery’s surprise when he turned up with his postbag to find a scaled down postbox, red van and a ‘mini me’ – wearing his tell-tale shorts and Royal Mail replica shirt – bearing the message ‘Happy Retirement Postman Phil’.

“I thought I’d do something to wave him off in style as a way of thanks, not just from me but from the hundreds of others on his round who appreciated his cheery hellos and kindness over the years, especially when we were all locked down,” said Joan.

That was a couple of years ago and up until then her identity was mostly a mystery. And while she prefers to remain out of the limelight, she enjoys surprising local letter posters, including those using the box outside the village’s post office on The Green.

Her intricate yet quirky view on life has showcased many national events and occasions including the England women’s football team, the Wimbledon tennis championships and the King’s coronation. Sometimes, though, events can overtake matters and Joan needs to quickly pick up her needles.

When the late Queen’s platinum jubilee was fast approaching, Joan initially created the monarch in a yellow outfit standing beside an oversized crown. Then, once the live celebrations were televised, as if by magic she was wearing mauve with

1. A St David’s Day postbox topper – a nod at Joan’s background.

2. Platinum Jubilee Queen in a yellow outfit.

3. Joan’s Platinum Jubilee Queen in a mauve outfit a day or two later.

4. Derek and Elaine Dearing’s platinum wedding surprise from Joan.

5. Lynda’s favourite postbox topper by Joan: the sun worshipper.

6. Postman Phil Jeffery, about to retire, got a surprise when he saw Joan’s postbox topper!

Paddington bear by her side complete with handbag and marmalade sandwiches.

Just a few weeks later, Joan once again had to be quick off the mark to skilfully reflect the nation’s grief on news of the monarch’s death, with a now very downcast bear accompanying her and lilies by her feet.

Public appreciation mostly comes through various social media platforms, with the odd surprise thank-you card left for Joan behind the post office counter. One of her first nativity pieces was so much admired that it disappeared completely; while last year she had a piece vandalised, proving that her art is definitely communicating with people.

Her latest piece features The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a firm favourite among generations of children since the Eric

Carle book was first published 55 years ago. And looking ahead, it is strongly rumoured that the spotlight will soon fall on another local resident – so watch out if you have any naval connections!

As for my personal favourite topper? By a very narrow margin it has to be the female sunning herself under a parasol by a blue striped beach hut. It just makes me smile, and surely that must be Joan’s real and greatest gift.

’The Look of Summer The Memphis Group and its impact on modern culture

By Vivienne Milburn FRICS Independent Antiques Auctioneer & Valuer

THIS month we are looking at the more bizarre side of modern design. The Memphis Group has been described as a ‘shotgun wedding between Fisher-Price and the Bauhaus’, giving us the tutti fruity cultural climate of the era. (The Memphis Group is an Italian design group and nothing to do with Memphis, USA.)

Lots associated with the Memphis Group are rare and appeal to modern taste, therefore they make good prices at auction. Being a short-lived movement of only seven years, pioneering designer Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) and his fellow postmodernists of The Memphis Group define the landscape of contemporary design, with their witty and whimsical designs that, despite being designated a fad, continue to be a point in design history that we love to revisit.

In 1980, the visionary designer and architect Ettore Sottsass gathered a collective of contemporary creatives in his living room to debate the

future of design. The 1970s had seen the evolution of design traverse down a path of straight lines and hard angles, with brutalism and minimalism being the order of the day.

Sottsass was concerned with this direction, claiming it took design away from the masses and that it had become too serious for its own good. With his twenty-two fellow visionaries in agreement, they all left the Sottsass apartment with their objective clearly defined. This marked the beginning of The Memphis Group, a movement which is characterised by its rejection of the modernist principles of simplicity and functionality, and its embrace of irony, ornamentation and historical references.

A three-month period of immense productivity began following that evening meeting, which saw designs and patterns conceived across glass, ceramics, furniture, lighting and decorative arts. The group looked back through design history, borrowing the liberal and exuberant shapes of Art Deco and the bold colours of 1950s Pop Art, fusing these with contemporary materials such as MDF, plastic and printed laminates. Their approach to design – unveiled at the 1981 Salone del Mobile in Milano – shaped a decade of bold colours and abstract shapes that we still associate as stereotypically Eighties to this day. Designs have Picassoesque characteristics using simplified forms and geometric shapes.

Memphis was never meant to be put on a pedestal; it was

Above & Left:‘Totem Menta’, designed in 1985 by Ettore Sottsass, displays joyful ceramic shapes, glazed and enamelled in polychrome. Signed at the base, numbered ’23/150’ and measuring 58cm high, it is expected to make £1,000 to £2,000 in a specialist auction later this month.

intended for the consumer, for everyday use and enjoyment. Yet, with its growing commercial success throughout the 1980s, the group’s ethos became ever more difficult to uphold. For that reason, Sottsass left the group in 1985, with his remaining collaborators officially disbanding two years later. In its brief sevenyear period, however, the group carved out an entirely new direction in the history of design and it continues to define a decade of aesthetics that are celebrated to this day.

Collectors of Memphis pieces have included notables such as Karl Lagerfeld and David Bowie, names that have ensured that

pieces are still fiercely competed over at auction to this day.

The Memphis Group was not (initially) commercially successful; rather it celebrated fun. Its daring and provocative design traits make collectors want to bid again and again.

Editor’s Note: Perhaps you also have jewellery, antiques and collectables that might be valuable? If so, it is worth getting the advice of an Independent Antiques Valuer to assess your items. 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

Peas, please…

WHAT would we do without frozen peas? Yes, the UK remains the largest producer and consumer of frozen peas in Europe

– and from July 1-7 is Great British Pea Week, celebrating the 700 pea farmers across the UK, who produce 2-billion portions of peas each year and have just eight weeks to harvest – with the majority making it from field to frozen in under two-and-a-half hours.

So our recipe this month is a simple prawn dish which makes use of handy ingredients in the fridge and freezer ready to make a quick supper… as well as frozen peas, of course! It’s also a recipe that can well be halved to make a delicious dinner for two. It’s by Hattie Ellis and is from the BBC Food website.

Prawn Linguine

Ingredients

320g /11½oz linguine

200g/7oz frozen peas

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 large garlic clove, finely chopped large pinch chilli flakes

300–400g/10½–14oz cooked small prawns

250g/9oz mascarpone or 300ml/10fl oz double cream

100g/3½oz rocket

1 unwaxed lemon; juice and finely grated zest of half a lemon salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Cook the linguine in a saucepan of salted boiling water for about 10 minutes until al dente, adding the peas after 8 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan or frying pan over a medium heat and fry the garlic with the chilli flakes for 30 seconds, without colouring.

Cherry, apricot and almond brioche bake

NATIONAL Cherry Day is celebrated on July 16 – and cherries can make a great summer dessert. There are more than 1000 different cherry varieties, sweet and tart combined, but only 20 per cent of them are used for commercial purposes. The average cherry tree has 7,000

Ingredients

10 slices brioche loaf (from a 500g pack)

120g apricot jam

175g frozen pitted sweet cherries

4 small, ripe apricots, destoned and chopped into 6-8 chunks

3 eggs

375ml buttermilk

40g butter, melted and cooled slightly

cherries – so productive, can yield up to 28 pies! They come in shades ranging from red to yellow, but remember not to chew on cherry pits, because they can release toxins.

Our cherry-filled recipe is a brioche bake that makes a great summer pudding.

65g golden caster sugar, plus 2 tbsp

2 tsp vanilla paste or extract

1 tsp almond extract

1 tbsp toasted flaked almonds

2 tsp icing sugar

single cream or crème fraîche, to serve (optional)

SERVES

3. Add the prawns and toss in the garlic. Stir in the mascarpone, rocket, lemon zest and juice and heat for a minute or so, or until the rocket wilts.

4. Drain the pasta and peas, add to the sauce and mix together. Season with salt and pepper. Make sure that the prawns, rocket and peas are evenly distributed before serving.

Method

1. Roughly line a 22cm round, loosebottomed tin with a large sheet of baking paper that hangs over the sides. Spread the brioche slices with the apricot jam.

2. Arrange enough brioche slices in the tin, jam-side up, to completely cover the base, tearing to fit. Halve the remaining brioche slices diagonally, then arrange in the tin, jam-side down, layering the cherries and apricot chunks among them to fill the tin.

3. Beat the eggs with a fork, then sieve into a mixing bowl. Whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, 65g sugar, the vanilla paste and almond extract with a small pinch of salt. Pour this custard

evenly over the brioche mixture, then leave in a cool place to soak for 1½ hrs.

4. Preheat the oven to gas 2½, 160°C, fan 140°C and scatter the almonds over the soaked brioche. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 40 mins, then scatter over the remaining 2 tbsp caster sugar and bake for 15 mins more until the top is golden and the bake wobbles slightly when the tin is shaken. Leave to cool to room temperature.

5. Transfer the bake to a serving plate and dust with the icing sugar. Serve, cut into wedges, with cream or crème fraîche.

Sir Thomas Lawrence’s portrait of George IV.

Food forged in the fires of Derbyshire at Hathersage

THE iconic building

“The George” which stands prominently in the centre of the village of Hathersage, has been transformed into a venue fit for the 21st century, while at the same time offering nods to its compelling past.

The George, now owned by Rob Hattersley of Longbow Bars & Restaurants, was sold to the Eyre family, who also owned the beautiful Moorseats Hall which overlooks the village, in 1839 (and then on to James Morton in 1841) and it is around this time that Charlotte Bronte was known to frequent the pub. Indeed, the local area and the characters thein inspired her when she wrote her famous novel ‘Jane Eyre’.

Echoes of that past can now be found in pieces of artwork that adorn the walls of the George, which showcases the beautiful features of original oak beams and exposed stonework. Adapted for modern styling and contemporary comfort and luxury, The George is a wonderful example of how to retain rustic charm and tradition,

whilst succumbing to the expectations of the present day.

The ethos behind the menus here is simple: it must be local, fresh, seasonal, accessible and food that guests will enjoy. The George brings together the typical pub menu with a modern twist. From wood-fired pizzas and chargrilled steaks to the diverse selection of fish, vegetarian, and vegan dishes, every palate and preference imaginable is catered for.

The menus, carefully curated by Executive Chef, Adrian Gagea and Head Chef James Heywood, are made with all dietary requirements in mind, including a big focus on gluten free and plant-based options.

Having the extreme good fortune to sample an eclectic selection of dishes from the menu, the delightful culinary experience began with Italian bruschetta on toasted focaccia, sun-dried tomato pesto, heritage tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala marinated in herb dressing. This delicious dish embraced the style and origin of its ingredients, with the sweet and comforting Italian flavours being

counterbalanced by the softness of the cheese and the bite from the bruschetta. A kaleidoscope of flavours and colours.

Next from the starters menu was pork gyros on homemade cumin pita bread with summer salad, pickled vegetables and tzatziki. Where Turkey meets Greece, this dish was a delicate combination of spicy and sweet, with neither overpowering the other. Clean, fresh Mediterranean flavours with a subtle balance of textures, tastes, and piquancy elevated this dish superbly.

The Dijon mustard and dill cured sea trout, tonnato sauce, ciabatta crostini, micro herbs and pickled fennel was light, yet substantial. The delicate fresh texture of the trout was complemented by the gentle mustard tang, strong dill flavour, and crunchiness of the ciabatta.

The Korean flavoured

scotch egg, sticky sesame and coriander rice cake, gochujang sauce and kimchi offered an exciting balance of oriental and traditional flavours, where East meets West. All the flavours were allowed to breathe in this in this super mix of spicy, soft, and sweet.

The starters offering complete, it was on to the tantalising selection of main courses.

Salmon roulade stuffed with baby spinach and cashew mousse, polenta cake, watercress sauce and seaweed and cashew crumb was a perfectly cooked dish, retaining a nice level of moistness. Comforting summer warmth with salty and sweet subtly brought together.

The pizza lovingly created in the log-fired pizza oven added a new level to any pizza ever tasted before. Homemade tomato sauce, grated mozzarella, slow cooked lamb, goat’s cheese, red

onion, fig, sweety drop peppers, rocket salad and balsamic glaze provided a mind-blowing mix of subtly balancing tastes Lebanese spiced lamb ballotine, chickpea hummus, raita, marinated vegetable skewers, pickled vegetables and fresh coriander served with grilled pita bread was bursting with Mediterranean flavours, still allowing the lamb to be the hero of the dish.

A beautifully presented medley of desserts provided a magnificent ending to an unbelievable culinary experience. Here we go: Homemade grapefruit tart, clotted cream ice cream and caramel crumb; Pina colada mousse, caramelised pineapple with rum, oat & coconut crumb served with coconut sorbet; Miso banana cheesecake and passionfruit coulis served

with orange sorbet; and three palate cleansing sorbets.

At The George, the menus epitomise the energy, passion, youth, and teamwork of the staff. General Manager Alice Houghton and Deputy Manager Tarnya Roberts are as enthusiastic and dynamic about the food offering and service as the brilliant chefs. All the dishes are carefully curated and expertly prepared to create the perfect balance

of flavours. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say! And the eating experience itself is second to none.

THE GEORGE Main Road, Hathersage, Derbyshire, S32 1BB T: 01433 650436

E: enjoymore@ thegeorgehathersage.com www.thegeorgehathersage.com

A blooming business at Matlock

Catherine Roth meets a woman whose flower-growing business is booming.

BUSINESS is blooming for a local enterprise in Matlock. Kitchen Garden Flowers was set up by Vanessa Swetman, an advocate for locally-produced seasonal flowers, grown without chemicals.

Her flower field is based at Matlock Meadows, on a two-thirds-of-an-acre plot. Most surprisingly, considering the lie of the land around Matlock, is just how flat the site is, perhaps explained by the fact that it was once an old football pitch. She has planted the edges with shrubs including willow which is used for the bases for Christmas and funeral wreaths and native spindle trees which have the most amazing orange and pink fruits. She chose these not only to provide foliage and flowers for floristry, whilst doubly acting as a windbreak, but also to provide a habitat for wildlife including nesting birds.

Vanessa Swetman.

Weeds are left to grow freely around the edges, attracting insects and other wildlife. The remainder of the plot is divided into over 20 no-dig beds as well as housing a large polytunnel. In amongst these is a small pond as well as a chicken run. Vanessa says: “There are several large compost heaps but the chickens eat their way through a lot of the weeds that I throw in for them!”

Vanessa originally grew crops for veg boxes, with cut flowers being just a sideline. However, when others in the business decided to move on, so did Vanessa. She says: “After lockdown, my business partner decided she was going to retire and other people involved moved on. I didn’t want to carry on growing veg myself but did want to carry on growing flowers. Growing flowers locally and without chemicals is very important to me. A lot of flowers are grown abroad in often quite dubious circumstances, with chemicals, and where people are not always protected from them. Then they are flown all over the world.”

Vanessa got involved with Flowers from the Farm, a nationwide organisation that promotes locally-grown flowers. She says: “Flowers from the Farm supports local flower growers, and raises awareness of what could change in the flower industry.” It was an ethos that mirrored her own and Vanessa launched her new business in 2022.

Kitchen Garden Flowers provides “Buckets and Bouquets” for weddings, including brides’ bouquets, buttonholes, table flowers as well as buckets of flowers for DIY weddings. Vanessa says: “Some people choose to have buckets of flowers so they can decorate the venue themselves with family and friends, which is always really nice.”

Vanessa’s wedding season runs from April to September although she offers funeral flowers all year round. She says: “There is a big move away from florist’s foam. My flowers can be split up to take to the wake or to be given to guests to

take home rather than being left at the crematorium, and they’re all compostable.”

As well as occasions, Vanessa also offers ‘pick your own’ days where visitors can fill a bucket with flowers to create their own arrangements – though these must be booked in advance. She also provides a subscription service for customers in Matlock and surrounding villages, whereby they can have ever-changing bouquets delivered on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis from April to late October. Vanessa grows around 300 varieties of plants. She says: “When people ask me what I grow I think, ‘where do I start?’” Depending on the time of year, her field is filled with cornflowers, marigolds, cosmos, foxgloves, sweet rocket, rudbeckias and grasses. There are also dahlias, which Vanessa describes as the mainstay of a summer garden, and chrysanthemums which follow a little later with their spidery blooms – of which Vanessa chooses the old-fashioned, more glamorous varieties. In true autumn fashion, stems from blackberries and raspberries also find their way into Vanessa’s arrangements. There are also plenty of perennials, which bloom over a longer period and grow back every year. Vanessa describes these as forming the backbone of her pick your own and wedding flowers. These include hellebores, narcissi, delphiniums, perennial scabious and sunflowers, geums, irises and lots of herbs. Vanessa says: “I grow three to four varieties of mint which give an amazing fragrance in bouquets and also produce flowers later in the season. I also grow bronze fennel, lemon balm, cinnamon and lemon basil.

With so many plants to choose from, it is not surprising that, when asked what her favourite flower is, Vanessa’s answer is ever changing. However, she does love growing roses. “I think

they’re amazing with their long stems and they’re completely different from florists’ roses. They don’t last as long as some flowers but are absolutely perfect for weddings and events – they’re scented and remind people of an English country garden.”

For anyone wanting to create their own cutting garden, Vanessa’s advice is for people to keep their eyes open and to look at what is already growing that could be cut. It is also important to think about the foliage as well as the flowers. She suggests also growing hardy annuals including cornflowers, nigella and pot marigolds, while not overlooking the herb patch: “You’re not supposed to let herbs flower if you’re cooking with them, but if you’re cutting them they produce gorgeous flowers.”

A typical week in July on the flower farm begins with planting out and looking after the growing space including weeding, watering and feeding. Still being in the wedding season, midweek is dedicated to harvesting, a huge undertaking as Vanessa will select many hundreds of stems for a large celebration, as well as bunching up further flowers to be delivered locally or sold on her farm stall. By Thursday she is arranging flowers into bouquets, buttonholes and table decorations for the weekend with collections on Friday for Saturday weddings. Friday afternoons are dedicated to workshops and growing flowers; and on Saturday mornings she hosts ‘pick your own’ events.

The farm stall, housed in a small shed, which only opened last month and is based in the car park at Matlock Meadows, is a new addition to Kitchen Garden Flowers. Due to the nature of the site, people have to book in advance to visit the flower farm as there is no direct access from the car park. However, with the addition of the farm stall, which will be open on Fridays and Saturdays, customers can now purchase bouquets without the need to book in advance.

Above: A bucketful of freshlypicked Kitchen Garden Flowers.

Right: A basket of Vanessa’s flowers.

GARDENS

As well as growing flowers for cutting, Vanessa has always been interested in the design element of gardening and approaches her growing and flower arranging from this point of view. She graduated with a masters degree in landscape design, likening flower arranging to designing a herbaceous border in a bouquet. Drawing on her training, she carefully chooses what to grow, considering colours, shapes and forms of plants. Vanessa says: “My buckets are curated as a group of flowers that will go together. I’ve never used florist’s foam, it was never part of what I wanted to do. Designing with garden flowers is a looser style and about creating with what you’ve got around you.” For example, instead of snipping off each stem when harvesting sweet peas, Vanessa cuts chunks out of the plant – leaves, tendrils and flowers, so they will last longer and create more texture. Kitchen Garden Flowers is a full-time

business and Vanessa admits that she never gets to the end of her lists. While she receives some help from her partner Jonathan and a few volunteers, the majority of the work is done by Vanessa. It’s a job she enjoys but one that isn’t easy, particularly with the challenges that climate change brings. She says: “This last winter has been a real challenge – it’s been so wet at times. I have been growing plants for decades and have never seen it like this before. The season has been really late, so I’ve not had the volume of flowers.” This meant concentrating on the weddings she had already committed to whilst delaying the ‘pick your own’ days to mid-June. Deciding what to grow can also be challenging as there are different factors to take into account: “It’s making sure there is a good mix of the right flowers to create the type of floristry you want. It’s hard work –people who have gardens will understand.

OPEN GARDEN highlights…

JULY is here, and hopefully we’ll all be enjoying some long summer days, perfect for garden visiting, writes Tracy Reid.

Over the weekend of July 13/14, ‘Barlborough Gardens’ returns, with some new gardens to visit. The open gardens form part of ‘The Big Barlborough Festival’ with lots of events around the village including Art & Heritage exhibitions and Church Flower Festival.

There are five private gardens to visit, plus a community garden. Long standing opener ‘The Hollies’ will welcome visitors once again, including their legendary cakes and bakes. Part of this garden is based on the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech and was featured on TV’s ‘Love Your Garden’. ‘Lindway’ has extensive basket and container planting displays and a

small ornamental pond. There’s a vegetable plot laid out in raised-bed style with grass paths between, as well as fruit trees and bushes.

Greystones Barn features a new garden based around an old stone built barn, with added pond and planting. 19 West View is a small garden where the aim is to reuse, repurpose and recycle as much as possible. An interesting collection of vintage items are interspersed throughout this garden.

A short distance away is 90 Boughton Lane, where various styles and features have been used to maximise space available including vegetables, a greenhouse and poultry. A serene middle section contains a raised pond and cool planting plus in contrast a packed long border on the opposite side. A courtyard provides space for dining and is filled with colourful pots and containers plus quirky features.

All this for the bargain price of £6 for adults (children admitted free) and all proceeds go to the beneficiaries of the National Garden Scheme, including nursing and health charities such as Macmillan and Parkinsons UK, so you can enjoy a lovely afternoon and support good causes too.

The previous winners of Chesterfield in Bloom, the Kellys, are opening their garden in July.

Byways Open Garden, at 7a Brookfield Avenue, S40 3NX, will be open on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 11.30am-4.30pm each day. Admission £3.50, children admitted free.

There are well-established perennial

When I’m harvesting my flowers, they need to be beautiful and have that wow factor – shape, form and colour. For example, when designing a kitchen, once you have finished, it stays the same. But in a garden it all starts changing again as there is the fourth dimension of time. In April and September you’ve got to think about when particular flowers will be available and how they complement the other. It’s choosing plants that do two or three things in different seasons.” She adds: “Crocosmia and honesty are gorgeous when they’re in flower but they also have lovely seed pods.”

To arrange flowers into bouquets that will impress, Vanessa recommends mixing together some large flowers, together with secondary filler flowers and foliage as background. She says: “Garden style flowers are very amenable to being arranged by people who don’t have experience of

On August 2 and 3, a

borders including helenium, monardas, phlox, grasses and acers. There is also a rockery and a large shady pergola.

Home-made teas are available with a gluten-free option; donations gratefully received for Ashgate Hospice. Please park carefully in Brookfield School car park or on neighbouring roads.

A completely different garden opens on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3. The ‘Grow Outside Garden’ is a community garden based at Butterley Station, near Ripley. This garden is based on no-dig, organic and regenerative principles. There are raised beds growing cut-flowers, showcasing what is achievable in small spaces using minimal resources. There will be family friendly activities and games over the two days. Admission is just £3 for adults, £1 for children. Further details about all the open gardens to visit in Derbyshire this month are at www.ngs.org.uk

Above:

community garden at Butterley Station – the ‘Grow Outside Garden’ – will be open under the NGS scheme.

Above: There are some new NGS gardens to visit at Barlborough on July 13 and 14.

arranging them and it’s hard to go wrong!” However, for those who are looking for some direction, Vanessa offers a monthly flower club from April to November where people pick their flowers from the field before creating arrangements to take home. Vanessa says, “It amazes me how everyone chooses from the same flowers and everyone does something different. People also get a real appreciation of how the flowers change throughout the season and how the colours change.”

As for ensuring longer lasting flowers, Vanessa explains that the secret lies in the quality of the water. She says: “When you’re coming to buy flowers from the

farm, bring your own water to put them in – it needs to be clean enough to drink. Freshly cut the ends of flowers when you put them in water at home – this opens the cells to take in water. And the water needs to be changed regularly.”

Vanessa loves growing flowers and creating bouquets that change throughout the year. However, for her, the real magic is in the memories they evoke: “Lots

of people say they’re the best flowers they’ve ever had because they remind them of their childhood, and a garden they remember they were in. They have a connection to these kind of flowers.”

Editor’s Note: For further information, email Vanessa@ kitchengardenflowersandproduce. org.uk or go to www. kitchengardenflowersandproduce.org.uk

Above: The Kitchen Garden Flowers plot at Matlock.

High on Stanage Edge is heaven!

IS there anywhere nicer on a summer’s day to be high on Stanage Edge? Well, Peter Wigglesworth, of Matlock, who took the picture – obviously agrees! Walking up to Riber Castle is another favourite – and

Lisa Hands, of Sheffield, who was doing just that when she snapped this panorama of Matlock and Starkholmes.

Peter Keeble, of Matlock Bath, climbed Win Hill with his walking group on June 6 and took

this shot looking over The Great Ridge to Mam Tor. Heather Reddish, of Brimington, was walking through Queens Park,

Chesterfield, in June and saw this tree which she thought looked like a strange creature. “I had to go back for a picture!”, she says.

H.R

Stuart Else, of Matlock, visited Chatsworth on June 22 and took this lovely shot of the House, Emperor Fountain and the Hunting Lodge on the hillside.

Russ Teale, of Newbold, visited the Longshaw Estate on a very overcast morning in June. The cows seemed happy enough about the weather!

Next, an ‘otherworldly woodland scene’ below Bolehill Quarry, near Longshaw estate, taken by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold.

Ian Moorcroft, of Hollingwood, clearly visited Ladybower Reservoir early one June day as the morning mist cleared.

Ken Parker, of Matlock, visited Kedleston Park on June 2, and foxgloves framed his view!

Lorraine Baker, of Matlock, was following footpaths “leading through meadows of golden buttercups reaching out to Calver” one late May day.

S.E

L.B

R.T

B.s

PICTURE COMPETITION

We received this picture with the following words on the email: “Hello, my name is Roberta Gibson and I am 12. I live at Matlock This picture was taken on May 19, and shows the lovely green hills of framing the beautiful spa town stretched out down below.” Thanks, Roberta!

Another lovely view of Chatsworth now, taken on a late spring evening by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold.

Ladybower Reservoir in the sunshine next, showing a lovely reflection of one of the dam wall towers, taken by Alison Parker, of Clay Cross.

The picture(s) you send in for the ‘Lovely Landscapes’ competition must be taken in 2024 and must be in Derbyshire. You can enter as many times as you like. We do not want entries from 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 closing deadline for entries is noon on October 16, 2024.

B.S

A TRULY DELIGHTFUL LANDSCAPE:

Stanton Moor

Chris Drabble ventures out onto Stanton Moor to discover that its history, its curiously-shaped stone monoliths, mysterious stone circles and burial cairns along with its spectacular scenery, epitomises the very essence of the Peak District National Park. “I absolutely recommend a short walk over Stanton Moor should be taken at a gentle stroll so as to truly appreciate and savoured its delightful landscape.”

FOR a visit to Stanton Moor, the entrance at the crest of Birchover Road is probably the most logical place to start. A large sandstone block narrows the entrance and then a wooden gate followed by an information board confirms that you’re on the right track and from here, the path climbs steadily and then out onto open moorland.

The first encounter is the fabulously isolated and very aptly-named Cork Stone. A series of steps and alternating iron hoops have been worked into its face and it appears to

make the prospect of climbing to the top a deceptively easy proposition, but although I have stood upright on top of the Cork Stone myself, I don’t actually recommend this activity. In my opinion, ‘climbing up is one thing, but getting down again is entirely another’.

1. THE CORK STONE

In physical terms, Stanton Moor is a mile square; an upland, gritstone (Ashover Grit) plateau that rises to a height of approximately 930 feet.

Over time, its open heather moor and birch woodland topography has gently camouflaged many of Stanton Moor’s historical and industrial features leading to an environment that is serenely beautiful but also provides significant exploration for those with a fascination for human history.

Proceeding from the Cork Stone, a path to the left heads north over moorland and onwards towards the treeline in the distance, which contains the hidden Nine Ladies Stone Circle.

Along this higher ground, a wonderful panorama of views can be enjoyed in virtually every direction.

2 A WINDSWEPT TREE ON STANTON MOOR

Stanton Moor conceals its curiosities until the last minute and so creates a sense of anticipation upon their discovery.

The Nine Ladies stand in a clearing at the northern end of Stanton Moor and are probably its most celebrated

attraction and are hidden until the last minute. The King Stone or Fiddler’s Stone stands close by and to the west of the main circle of stones.

3. THE NINE LADIES STONE CIRCLE

Early archaeologists discovered that in addition to the more prominent Doll Tor and the Nine Ladies, three other possible stone circles or ring cairns exist, in addition to four round barrows and over seventy burial cairns. From this wooded northern

end the views are now veiled or alluded to in glimpses of distant hills through the trees.

Continuing onwards from the Nine Ladies in an easterly direction, the Earl Grey Tower which was built to commemorate the Reform Bill in 1832 can be found on the northern edge of the moor and further on again the Cat Stone is waiting to be discovered, hidden amongst the trees.

4. THE EARL GREY TOWER

From here, a path at a lower elevation heads south and eventually returns to the Cork Stone and the starting point of the walk.

Two satellite features that are definitely worth exploring are the ‘Andle Stone’ – also known as the Twopenny Loaf – and the secretive Doll Tor. Both can be accessed through a concessionary gate on the opposite side of Birchover road.

5. DOLL TOR

Stanton moor is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument which protects the Bronze Age burial, ceremonial and human settlement remains. Editor’s Note: Parking

alongside the moor at the crest of Birchover Road is permissible, as there are no road markings to prevent you from parking there. There are roadside spaces here, but always try to tuck your car in as close to the verge as possible. The road sometimes

gets closed to parking. If there are no roadside spaces, there is a car park approximately 300 yards further down the road, opposite Birchover Stone Quarry. Check out more of Chris Drabble’s images at Photo4me.com

LPREDATORS OF THE OKAVANGO

DELTA IN BOTSWANA

The ultimate wildlife safari

WITH MARTINS WORLD TRAVEL AND TRAVEL PARTNERS AUDLEY TRAVEL

ast month’s article concentrated on the rich animal and bird life of this unique area of Africa. Now it’s time to divulge the incredible predators seen on the same trip, remarkably close up and personal, with excellent guides to ensure complete safety.

Guides at the remote lodges and camps are renowned for their professionalism and knowledge. They understand

the Okavango like no other and can quickly predict the moods of the rich wildlife which surrounds visitors… often just a few yards away.

When viewing predators like lions, leopards and hyenas often so close, you can smell them. The best approach is in a purpose-built 4x4 vehicle, open sided, and open both front and back. A canvas roof acts as a sunshade. By keeping still and quiet when in the close

company of lions and leopards, these powerful predators appear to ignore the contents (humans)! And they view the overall exterior as nothing of interest to them ... thankfully!

It’s breathtaking to slowly approach a mature female leopard resting in a tree after consuming her previous night’s kill. A reed buck is almost totally consumed, hung up in the same tree and well out of reach of

the next predator down the chain… spotted hyenas.

A vulture glides low overhead, and she snarls in its direction just yards away – but about 12 feet up the sturdy tree.

On another occasion, a huge older male lion rests next to a dead elephant. The guide says the elephant only recently died of natural causes and the lion will feast on the carcasses for about 3 days.

Lions like fresh meat and

once meat starts to smell as it rots quickly in the heat, the lion moves on to find or take down fresher meat.

This lion allows a close-up view – close enough for filming and photography. The lion lays on the ground with a bulging belly full of prime elephant meat and hardly able to move. When he chooses to move away, the hyenas, jackals and vultures quickly move in and take their fill. Nothing is wasted in nature.

One of the morning “drives” covers various trails and bush that ranges from dense to open scrubland. We notice a few zebra and giraffe feeding and suddenly their demeanour changes to one of

apprehension. As they quickly move out of the area, two huge male lions move purposefully forward – coming as close as just a few feet. They appear to be two fully mature brothers. The fact they hunt as a pair and very successfully too is confirmed by their stunning condition. The lead male has a thick black mane whilst his no less impressive companion has a lighter coloured mane. They walk right by then settle down to rest in the shade of an acacia bush just a few yards away. Cutting off trail through scrubland and the occasional termite mound and heading towards a thick patch of trees and bushes, the guide spots a young leopard, a

2-year-old female, and she is obviously searching for a kill. She moves effortlessly and quietly through the vegetation stopping occasionally and marking her territory on her way. She passes very close emerging as if out of nowhere. Her coat is beautifully marked, and she is in absolute prime condition. The guide advises that leopards often lie on a tree branch waiting for prey, particularly the Marula Tree whose flowers attract many an unwary antelope when the flowers drop to the ground. A favourite food source but sometimes with deadly results!

During the bush walks, the guide always looks up towards the overhanging branches to ensure a hungry leopard isn’t lying in wait in search of its next meal.

The expert guide views a set of tracks that hold his interest.

The tracks are followed along a trail to a point where they disappear in the marsh grasses. He recognises the paw prints as hyena tracks and slowly drives the vehicle over the scrub and towards an old termite mound that has dense vegetation around it. His sharp eyesight and vast knowledge have led right up to the den of a hyena family right on the edge of the marshes. An adult female emerges and wanders off in search of a meal. Only a few moments later, a young cub comes out and looks around.

Prey species are plentiful in and around the vast Okavango Delta, an area covering up to 20,000 square kilometres when water levels reach their annual peak. Year-round water is the key to why nature is so bountiful and even when the system slowly shrinks to a third of its size, game and

the predators that prey upon them are always around. Warthogs can be very tough to tackle due to their speed, aggression and razor-sharp tusks. They are often found in small family groups with mothers being highly dedicated to their numerous offspring. Their sociable disposition to each other belies their power and even leopards and lions are cautious about tackling adult warthogs. Warthogs have very

sharp and dangerous tusks that can cause serious injury and even death to a careless predator. A cornered warthog is a creature to be reckoned with.

Various species of antelope form the main food for these stunning predators. Southern Reedbuck, Tsessebe, Red Lechwe, Impala, and the biggest being the Greater Kudu.

Bigger game, such as zebra and blue wildebeest, roam from grassy wetland

to another and herds can number up to a hundred animals of all age ranges.

Fit adult elephants are rarely taken down even by big male lions, but the young are occasionally targeted. It is possible to see a solitary female with her calf, but it is more common to find a herd of a dozen or more strong always led by a mature matriarch with a few huge bull elephants watching over the herd.

The lodges provide an excellent base for exclusive wildlife viewing at its absolute best, plenty of varied wildlife, and without the crowds. This is wildlife in all its natural glory and as it should be seen. Xugana and Shinde Lodges deep in the Okavango

Delta provide the true wilderness experience but with exceedingly high standards of comfort, food and with a friendly personal service.

The Botswana Government places huge emphasis on their excellent Guide Programme. After a university course, students then spend 3 years “in the field” with qualified guides before taking a final exam. The guides are superb and have a fountain of knowledge on every facet of the Okavango Delta… Jakes, General, Zam and Elline made a great trip incredibly special. Martin J Founds

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

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

Martins World Travel, 25 Market Place, Bolsover, S44 6PN T: 01246 823763

martins-world-travel.co.uk www.1st4Cruises.co.uk

Transforming Trees Into Original Art

Giving trees a new life… sculptor Andrew Frost talks to Dawn Anderson about his unique way of creating art from discarded trees.

ON a gloriously sunny day in May, I found myself at Crich Tramway Village to interview Andrew Frost, the tree and wood sculptor who is based there. It had seemed an odd location for a tree sculptor; I have to admit that it had been years since I had visited the village and, even then, it had been at night for a Halloween event.

Upon arrival at the ticket office, I was advised to follow the woodland trail and I would find him. It began to make sense. I duly followed the signs for the woodland trail and wound my way up the hill away from the tram tracks. Through the woods, I passed play areas and picnic tables, with obvious examples of Andrew’s work at the side of the path. Even

in daylight, it gave it a really Harry Potter-esque feel as I wandered past all sorts of carvings, including a strange sign pointing ‘this way and that way’; a huge carved sofa, a grandfather clock; and various other smaller carvings of owls, snails and even a walrus.

I eventually found Andrew, surrounded by trees and logs and snowed in by

wood shavings. His outdoor ‘workshop’ is a gated area, among the trees to the rear of a picnic area. Andrew welcomed me inside and dusted off a chair so that we could have a chat about his work, while his dog Riley snoozed in his van. Andrew uses chainsaws to transform abandoned trees into original works of art, ranging from tiny pieces like an owl,

Left: Andrew Frost with a throne he has carved.

to huge transformations such as the enormous leafy figure that he created in Leek. He manages to create something beautiful from trees that are storm damaged or abandoned wood, recycling it in a unique way.

“I’ve been based in Crich for over 20 years,” he tells me, “creating carvings for the tramway museum and ensuring that the ones that are here are repaired if necessary.”

Born and bred in Wirksworth, Andrew didn’t come from a family of artisans.

“Art was the only thing I was any good at!” he laughs. He did an Art and Design course at Chesterfield College followed by a Fine Art degree, but his love of nature led to him becoming a countryside ranger and forester (something that he had initially done during the college holidays).

It was here that his work in the forests and his love of art combined and he began his chainsaw carvings. It felt like the perfect integration of his environmental experience with his creativity. Amazingly, most of his sculptures are carved solely with a chainsaw. He began to do this part time in 1998 and was able to do it full time in 2000. It was a relatively new thing here when he began, although it was

popular in the United States, where carving competitions were commonplace.

“It is far more popular here now, but thankfully I am still busy.” It is a really physically demanding skill, as I realise when he offers me the opportunity to pick up one of the chainsaws and I can barely lift it off the ground. Andrew, now in his fifties, is mindful of the strength needed to do this work, but is not giving up any time soon.

He usually works to commission, but has some freedom over the end product.

Top left: A grandfather clock that Andrew has carved, which is on display at the Crich Tramway Village.

Above: Andrew has created several owls, but none bigger than this one!

Right: A snail that Andrew has carved.

Below: A huge sofa that Andrew has carved on display at Crich Tramway Village.

He values the input of local people in his sculpture and likes to look at the immediate environment and, if appropriate, the history of the area. The usual process is to create a drawing which is agreed with the client, and then he goes from there.

His works are diverse in scale and subject, He has recently been asked to work on a huge cedar tree in Burton on Trent that will need a crane and scaffolding for him to work on it.

Sometimes he does little garden pieces that he puts up for sale outside his gate which are always snapped up.

He admits he would like to do more mystical stuff if he had the time such as dragons. At Crich, examples of his work include a giant tortoise, trolls, wizards, a massive domino set (so good

that people keep stealing the pieces for keepsakes), trolls and even a wooden drum kit. His interactive pieces make it a dream for children.

Andrew regularly does demonstrations at events and takes part in carving competitions (less so now as he is busy with commissions). He can be found at the Bakewell Country Festival on July 14 doing a demonstration, which should be well worth watching. Meanwhile, I highly recommend visiting him at Crich to see his magical works in the beautiful surroundings of the Tramway Village.

Editor’s note: Check out more of Andrew’s work at www.treeart.co.uk and at https://www.instagram. com/treeart.co.uk/

July 13: The ELO Experience

July 4-21: Buxton International Festival

August 1,2,5,8,14: Gladiators

Other Events

4-21 Buxton International Festival. The festival has been thrilling audiences for more than 40 years. We have a reputation for offering sublime but rarely-performed operas; internationally acclaimed singers, musicians and literary speakers. Over 100 events held in a range of atmospheric venues. For more information visit: www.buxtonfestival.co.uk

4-11 Belper Well Dressing. 9am-9pm each day. The number of wells dressed varies from year to year. In 2023, there were five. DE56 1PZ for Satnav

5-11Aug ‘Bahamas’ visits at Peak Rail. No. 45596 loco ‘Bahamas’ will be visiting Peak Rail. Whilst here, she will feature in both our 1940’s Weekend and Steam Gala, as well as running Driver Experience courses and a ‘Pie and Pea evening’ train. She will also be hauling our standard services on selected dates. For more information, visit: www.peakrail.co.uk

7 Oxfam Open Gardens, Bakewell. 1pm to 5pm. Tickets £5 (cash only), available in Bath Gardens and the Newark Room in All Saints Parish Church. Drinks and delicious home-

SHEFFIELD ARENA

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

WINDING WHEEL

made cakes will be available from 2pm in the Newark Room, along with jewellery and plant stalls. Phone Sue on 07780798393 or Jenny on 07753326377 for more information. All proceeds will support the work of Oxfam

9 The Chesterfield Psychic Study Group. Talk by Dr Callum Cooper on ‘Returning to Phone calls from the Dead’ (an update on research into cases of phone calls being received from deceased people). At Friends Meeting House, Ashgate Road, Chesterfield S40 4AG at 7.15pm. Subscription £3. Light refreshments from 6.30-7pm

12 Dance Anthems Orchestra at Bolsover Castle. Don’t miss the 30-piece orchestra, soloists, DJ and dancers performing some of the most loved dance tracks from the past four decades; all set against the stunning backdrop of Bolsover Castle. Bars and catering will be supplied by the Digbeth Dining Club. This is a third party event organised by UK Proms, and all bookings and enquiries need to be directed through them rather than English Heritage.

13 Buxton Carnival Day. Dog Show 11am: bring your dogs and join the fun at a marquee in Pavilion Gardens. Carnival Day Road Race starts at 1.45pm at Spring Gardens and finishes in the Market Place, courtesy of Buxton and District Athletic Club. Carnival Parade starts at 2pm. The parade will be led by the 2024 Buxton Well Dressing Queen accompanied by her Rosebud and Retinue. The procession will include many floats, marching bands, visiting Queens, fancy dress characters and the Billerettes! Parade of the Queens is at 4.15pm. Buxton Rotary Club will be raising money for charity with their annual Duck Race.

13 Japan Fest Derby 2024. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan at Japan Fest Derby 2024! Hosted at QUAD, it features a wide array of Japanese cultural experiences, entertainment, and culinary delights. 11.30am-5pm. For more information visit: www.derbyquad.co.uk

13 Classic Ibiza at Chatsworth. Designed for people of all ages, from grandchildren to grandparents, Classic Ibiza is a feel-good night of great music, good food and dancing on the banks of the River Derwent. 5.30-11pm. For more information, visit: www.chatsworth.org

14 Bakewell Country Festival. Bakewell Country Festival is a packed family day out (ages 15 and under go free). Families can easily fill the day with animal encounters, craft sessions, music and drumming workshops, forest school fun and fairground rides. There’s an array of local street food vendors... or bring a picnic and pull up a straw bale! For tickets, go to: www.bakewellahs.ticketsrv.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

£1,000 ART PRIZE TO BE WON

OPENING its gardens to the public during July, Hopton Hall, near Wirksworth, is welcoming everyone to its famous Rose Garden Walk. There is also an exciting opportunity for artists to take part in a prestigious competition –inspired by the surroundings at Hopton Hall.

During the Month of Art, visitors can watch the artists at work and enjoy a bite to eat at the on-site café. Artists, both professional and amateur, are invited to visit and create artwork within the hall grounds. They may choose to take inspiration from the rose gardens, historic architecture or any other vantage point along the 2km visitor trail.

19 & 20 Peddler Market, Chesterfield town centre. The popular street food and live music market returns

Above: Part of the Rose Garden at Hopton Hall.

There are no limitations on the medium or type of artwork that’s suitable for submission – just the chance to be creative and win a £1,000! The winning piece will be displayed permanently at one of the venues owned by the Hopton Hall Estate.

The Month of Art at Hopton Hall is open from 10.30am until 4pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout July.

Visitors may pay by card at the gate on arrival, with no need to pre-book. To take part in the Month of Art, register at www.hoptonhall. co.uk/month-of-art-and-rose-garden-walk

20 Holymoorside Horticultural Society Open Summer Show. At Holymoorside Village Hall. Staging 10am-1pm. Open to public 2.30-4.30pm. Roses, sweet peas, summer flowers, homecraft, etc. Schedules by calling 01246 568000. Refreshments will be available

21 Derby Caribbean Festival. Street performances from over 300 troupes. A family fun day in Derby Market Place and Osmaston Park with food, entertainment, and arts and craft stalls.

20 & 21 Great Dome Art & Design Fair. At Devonshire Dome, Buxton, SK17 6RY.

JULY/AUGUST 2024

The Peak District Artisans premier event of the year with nearly 50 acclaimed creatives, including ceramicists, painters, photographers, jewellers and textile artists. Open Saturday 10am-5pm; open Sunday 10am-4.30pm; admission £3.

21, 22, 23 Mountains of the Moon. Ashgate Heritage Arts presents this one-hour, family-friendly musical about a group of thirsty animals whose river is drying up. Won best children’s show award at Buxton Festival Fringe last year. At Lee Wood Hotel, Buxton. 21st show starts at 6.15pm. Two shows on 22nd and 23rd starting at 11.15am and 2.15pm. Tickets online via www. ticketsource.co.uk/ashgateheritagearts or by calling 01298 72190.

24 Specialist Craft Open Day, Hardwick Estate. 10am-3pm. The specialists will be revealing more about the work they do to care for the National Trust collection and property. The workshops will be open, giving visitors the

A MUSICAL TOUR OF EUROPE

CHESTERFIELD Philharmonic Choir will be taking you on a musical tour of Europe in their concert at the Crooked Spire church on Saturday, 6 July, at 7.30pm.

The programme includes some wellknown favourites – among them Panis Angelicus by Franck, Ave Verum Corpus by Mozart – but the overall theme is a musical journey with something for everyone.

The choir will sing in English, French and Latin. There’s a lovely setting by Arensky of The Lord’s Prayer, originally set in Russian, though the choir will probably sing the English version!

The accompanist is Kathleen Hesford on piano, and conductor Steven Roberts, the choir’s Musical Director.

Tickets cost adults £15; seniors £12; students and unemployed £6; Under-16s free. Tickets are available by calling 07542 398803, via www.chestphilchoir.org.uk from choir members and on the door.

THE CHRISTIANS AT CASTLETON

RENOWNED for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits ...Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, Whats in a Word, Hooverville, Words, Father, The Bottle and many more, The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s both in the UK and Europe and often confused people with their band name (in fact just the brothers surname

chance to talk to carpenters, masons, etc. Free event, and admission into Hardwick Hall and Gardens will be the usual fee.

27-28 Chesterfield Children’s Festival. A free weekend of fun for families at the town’s scenic Queen’s Park, including live music, theatre, storytelling, dance, and art workshops.

28 Festival of Archaeology, Hardwick Hall, 10am-4pm. The hall is hosting the closing event of the national festival with a family day full of hands-on and awe-inspiring activities. There will be talks throughout the day and inside the festival marquee, you can explore the work of local archaeology and heritage associations. Free event, but standard admission for those who wish to explore the hall and gardens.

AUGUST

2-4 Dog Lovers Festival at Elvaston Castle. The ultimate dog-friendly festival takes place on the first weekend of August in the 362-acre grounds of Elvaston Castle. The Dog Lovers stage has some of the UK’s best tribute bands performing across the weekend hosted by a Dog Lovers compere, so as the

with absolutely no religious connotation!).

The Christians – still headed by lead singer Garry Christian – are playing at the Peak Cavern (The Devil’s Arse), Castleton, on Saturday, July 13. Doors open at 7pm and tickets available from https://thegigcartel.seetickets.com/event/ the-christians/the-devils-arse/2813953

sun goes down, you can relax in the jaw dropping surroundings of the Country Park.

2-4 Y Not Festival. Starting life as a house party in 2005, our party spilt over into a festival in some of the most stunning countryside. Some 14 years on, we still have the same ethos at heart – enjoy amazing music, great food and carefree fun

SUBMIT YOUR LISTING OR EVENT

Please email your information including dates to whatson@reflections-magazine.com before July 22nd, 2024, to appear in the August 2024 issue.

Above: THE CHRISTIANS: The Christians are back on tour and heading for Castleton.

Reflections Magazine July 2024

July 2024

BAKEWELL COUNTRY FESTIVAL 2024

Countywide News

Channel 4 puts Derbyshire on the comedy map!

A 10-year-old’s amazing jeep trip

AT CHATSWORTH, IT’S ALL A MATTER OF TRUST

SPONSORS ASHGATE HOSPICE’S ‘BIG THANK YOU PARTY’

Veteran Albert returns to Normandy

Town-centre improvements start this month

Help make a well dressing!

New public art project

A first Open Day for u3a Bakewell

THE ‘NEW’ CHESTERFIELD ROYAL HOSPITAL IS NOW 40!

The Ultimate DISPLAY CLEARANCE

Sarah awarded an OBE

‘Pommie Pilgrims’ raise £25k so far…

Embrace the Elegance and... LET THE LIGHT FLOOD IN!

New State-of-the-Art Glass Conservatory Roofs by HeatGuard

Energy Efficient Solar Control Glass Conservatory Roofs

Self-cleaning Properties

Maximising Light and Space

Glare Reduction

Unrestricted Views and Stargazing Opportunities

Exceeding Customer Expectations

Traditional values

Carpet Foundation Membership

Better Prices through Associated Carpet Group Membership (ACG)

Derbyshire Trusted Trader Membership

Customer reviews and feedback speak volumes

FANCY THAT…

DDR helps local community groups

Tourism awards now open for entry

On the way: a Peak District Monopoly game!

Canal boat trips

Final concert of 50th season

Sponsored walk raises more than £1k

FlameCare adapts and modifies!

Food Hall/Deli

Dunston Hall Garden Centre

Fairytale Wedding Venue

WITH

Prize Crossword

Local volunteer groups fit for a King!

‘TOP PET’ LAUNCH OF OUR 2024 PHOTO CONTEST

Life’sa beach!

FASHION

CLOSE-KNIT FRIEND who makes a village smile...

’The Look of Summer The Memphis Group and its impact on modern culture

Peas, please…

Prawn Linguine

Ingredients

Method

Cherry, apricot and almond brioche bake

Ingredients

SERVES

Method

Food forged in the fires of Derbyshire at Hathersage

A blooming business at Matlock

Catherine Roth meets a woman whose flower-growing business is booming.

GARDENS

OPEN GARDEN highlights…

High on Stanage Edge is heaven!

PICTURE COMPETITION

A TRULY DELIGHTFUL LANDSCAPE:

Stanton Moor

1. THE CORK STONE

2 A WINDSWEPT TREE ON STANTON MOOR

3. THE NINE LADIES STONE CIRCLE

4. THE EARL GREY TOWER

LPREDATORS OF THE OKAVANGO

DELTA IN BOTSWANA

The ultimate wildlife safari

WITH MARTINS WORLD TRAVEL AND TRAVEL PARTNERS AUDLEY TRAVEL

Transforming Trees Into Original Art

Other Events

ENTERTAINMENT

£1,000 ART PRIZE TO BE WON

JULY/AUGUST 2024

A MUSICAL TOUR OF EUROPE