Reflections Magazine June 2025

June 2025

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE JUNE 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distribution: E: distribution@bannisterpublications.co.uk

Published by: Bannister Publications Ltd. Tel. 01246 550 488 (3 lines). Bannister Publications Limited, Office 2A Market Hall, Market Pl, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. S40 1AR. Reflections is published monthly and delivered directly to homes which fall into tax bands D to H and the following postcode areas: DE4 - 2, 3, 4, 5 / DE45 1 / S18 5 / S30 1 / S40 - 1, 2, 3, 4 / S41 0, S41 7, 8, 9 / S42 - 5, 6,

14,22,26,34,75

Countywide News

What’s been happening in the county in words and pictures

16 The warmest of welcomes for all… Her experience as the parent of a disabled daughter has been the catalyst for Chesterfield’s Jane Cooper’s 20-year campaign to improve ‘out and about’ accessibility. Rebecca Erskine reports

30 ‘If you have a good idea… then make it!’

It started with a few chopping boards and bowls and grew into a thriving business. Fiona Stubbs meets the charismatic duo behind Twisted Wood

42 Antiques

Finding a silver ingot in a garage was like finding treasure, says our expert Vivienne Milburn, and she reports on the sale of a stone lion

50

68

46 ‘Derbyshire Gold’ – Les Jackson

John Stone looks at the career of Les Jackson, possibly the best fast bowler ever to play for Derbyshire

50 Just imagine doing Craig’s job

Craig Best is the general manager of the National Trust in the Peak District. He took time out to talk to Steve Brown

54 Gardens

Fiona Stubbs takes a tour of Fischer’s Baslow Hall kitchen garden

58 Focus on Food & Drink

From international volleyball star to Derbyshire head chef… Fiona Stubbs meets the multi-talented Alina Gagea

60 Food Review Fischer’s Barlow Hall

Cover: Al Fresco Dining image created using AI by our designers. See page 66.

68 Chef’s Signature Dish

A lovely main course from head chef Alfie Young at The Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water

72 Artist of the Month: Searching for wildlife in all seven continents

Barrie Farnsworth meets local photographer and conservationist AnnaLouise Pickering

74 Pictures from a 200th anniversary event

The latest entries into our 2025 photographic competition ‘Derbyshire Events & Attractions’

76 Out & About

Roger Clough, of Darley Dale, has written a book about his walk into old age

80 What’s On

Our comprehensive guide to forthcoming events in June and early July

To reach over 30,000 potential customers

Derbyshire’s largest-circulation lifestyle magazine

contact Mike Snow on 07966 445452 or Helen Wragg on 07973 672582

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Countywide News

Springwatch goes to Longshaw

IN its 20th anniversary year, Springwatch returned to BBC Two and iPlayer on May 26, with presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan leading three weeks of wildlife wonder from a new location –the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate.

Longshaw comes alive at this time of year with its upland habitats showcasing a range of species never before featured on the Springwatch live cameras.

Species could include ring ouzels and whinchats, which nest on the moorland slopes. The moorland curlew, one of Britain’s most threatened birds, inhabits these landscapes and the wildlife team will be listening for their distinctive calls.

Dippers, the world’s only aquatic songbirds, also frequent the estate whilst the woodcock incubate their eggs in the secluded wooded areas. The team also hopes to record the eerie drumming of snipe.

There’ll be mammals too: there is an upland badger clan whilst foxes now use old setts to raise their own families.

Craig Best, General Manager at the National Trust in the Peak District, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Springwatch team to Longshaw.  I’m really looking forward to seeing the incredible wildlife you can find in the Peak District become the stars of the show.”

For a feature on Craig Best, turn to P50.

New trail will unlock Chesterfield’s past

A GRANT from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will help create a new heritage arts trail across Chesterfield – to allow residents and visitors connect with the town’s history.

‘A Sense of Chesterfield’ has been awarded almost £80,000. With additional funding from the Borough Council’s ‘Animate Chesterfield’ programme, a tactile heritage trail will be created with new information boards, digital content and public artworks.

Coun Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “Chesterfield has a rich history, and this project will help bring that to life for both visitors and residents.”

Howard Borrell, Chair of Chesterfield and District Civic Society, said: “I am very pleased that funding has been obtained to develop ‘A Sense of Chesterfield’. It will be great to see work to develop the Chesterfield story get underway, as the town has a great history.” Members of the community will also be able to help shape the trail through a series of workshops and visits to schools and community organisations.

The trail will include the creation of new artworks to make it more fun and engaging for a wider audience.

Wembley winners meet at Matlock

ON April 26, which was Matlock Town FC’s last home match of the season against Lancaster City, eight of the Matlock Town team which won the FA Trophy by beating favourites Scarborough 4-0 at Wembley 50 years earlier were at the game.

Pictured in the clubhouse were Colin Oxley, captain Tom Fenoughty (in wheelchair), Stewart Else (committee member), Peter Scott, Colin Dawson –on his 77th birthday – and Colin Smith. Not pictured, but at the game, were Nick Fenoughty and Brian Stuart.

Goalkeeper in the 1975 team, David Fell, was away on holiday and full back Steve McKay now lives in USA.

A moving anniversary…

IT is 30 years since Arkwright Town was ‘moved’ – and there’s a celebration on Saturday, June 28 to mark the occasion; and the event includes the unveiling of a new mining memorial at around 11.30am dedicated to those who worked and lost their lives in Arkwright Colliery. The unveiling will be by former district councillor Norma Dolby and John Burrows, the former NUM representative at Arkwright Colliery, will speak in honour of his former colleagues.

In 1995, the old rows of Arkwright Town terraces were left emptied and everybody moved ‘over the road’, to where the current settlement now stands.

There will be a gala-style day from 1pm onwards on June 28 at The Arkwright Miners Welfare – at its new site within the ‘new town’ – with family entertainment, food vendors and plenty more. At The Arkwright Centre, there will be weekend-long exhibitions that explore Arkwright’s past both it terms of mining history and the relocation. Below: A reminder of the ‘old’ Arkwright Town.

Above: Springwatch presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan. Courtesy of the BBC.

The warmest of welcomes for all…

Her experience as the parent of a disabled daughter has been the catalyst for Chesterfield resident Jane Cooper’s 20-year campaign to improve ‘out and about’ accessibility for so many others, initially for wheelchair users but increasingly for a growing population of people whose disabilities may be less obvious. Rebecca Erskine finds out more.

WHEN Jane Cooper gave birth to daughter Megan in 1997, the family was dealt the devastating blow that their new-born had a rare chromosome condition. Looking to find the positive in what seemed a bleak situation, Jane spearheaded the first of many campaigns to improve the experiences of disabled people.

The ‘Pool for Megan and Her Friends Appeal’ at Ashgate Croft School raised over £1 million in just two years and the pool has since been enjoyed by thousands of local children with special needs.

Left inset: The ‘Pool for Megan and Her Friends Appeal’ that Jane started at Ashgate Croft School raised over £1 million in just two years.

Jane’s next campaign focused on removing the barriers disabled people face when getting out and about. She became a leading voice for Changing Places toilets which offer life-changing facilities for severely disabled people. It is in no small part down to her efforts that there are now over 2,500 such places across the UK.

Above: Jane Cooper and her daughter Megan.

Accessible Daisybank Log Cabin at Hoe Grange Holidays.

As Jane explains: “I’ve campaigned for 22 years for Changing Places in toilets to make sure disabled people are given the dignity they deserve and are not changed on a toilet floor! As a Chesterfield girl, I’m really proud the town was so ahead of the curve when it introduced a Changing Place facility at the Market Hall. There has been much progress, too, in the Peak District National Park. The

Chatsworth Estate has recently installed a Changing Places toilet near the entrance to the House and Garden and there is provision too at Miller’s Dale Station and the National Trust’s Ilam Park. Such facilities transform what might otherwise be a snatched couple of hours away from home to a full day out. That really is priceless for all concerned.”

Jane’s experience in accessible places led her to setting up her company Access & Inclusion UK (accessandinclusion. com) and to her role as chair of the England Inclusive Tourism Action Group (EITAG) which promotes engagement and awareness of tourism destinations, experiences and businesses in the provision of access for all. Her expertise in training, auditing and inclusive design has been sought by VisitEngland, the National Trust, English Heritage and venues including Cheddar Gorge & Caves and Longleat Safari Park. In the last 12 months alone, she has advised on projects from as far north as the Scottish Highlands down to Devon, and online for the Asia Pacific region. Demand is only set to grow, and the hospitality industry is working hard to identify how it might continue to enhance the experiences of disabled visitors. In 2024, VisitEngland, supported by Access and Inclusion UK, surveyed 800 people to explore which accessibility features were most important when people with accessibility requirements researched trips. Resources like the VisitEngland

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit for Businesses help businesses identify and introduce features such as accessible toilets, sensory rooms and hearing loops. Changes need not be costly nor complicated and work best when introduced way ahead of any visit. “One of the easiest ways to make a difference is to have really clear and honest information online to describe and show your facilities and venue,” says Jane. “For a wheelchair user, prior knowledge of the dimensions of the accessible toilet door or knowing there’s navigable space between tables in the dining area means a visit can be approached with excitement and not trepidation. The same goes for the Peak District National Park’s wonderful Miles without Stiles initiative which offers lots of information online to advise visitors which of its well-surfaced routes are accessible to ‘all’, ‘many’ or ‘some’.”

Of the 16 million disabled people in the UK, only seven per cent use a wheelchair. There is a much bigger population with a variety of accessibility requirements. They include an estimated 11-million people who are deaf or have hearing loss, together with people who are blind, use walking sticks, are autistic, are living with dementia or who have learning disabilities.

For people who are deaf or who live with hearing loss, Jane recommends offering a pen and paper as a quicker way to communicate, or providing written transcripts. People

Plenty of room for wheelchairs in the sensory garden of Croft Bungalow in Birchover.

Croft Bungalow in Birchover.

living with sight loss may appreciate large print versions or help in being guided or having the menu read out but there are changes to the décor can help too. As Jane explains: “If the walls and floors are the same colour, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Using contrasting colours or painting skirting boards or steps in a different colour can really aid vision.”

As society learns more about what it means to live with neurodiverse conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or autism it becomes easier to develop facilities that better cater for such needs.

“People who are autistic will often struggle with going somewhere unfamiliar,” says Jane. “Venues that would normally charge an entrance fee might consider offering a free familiarisation visit. Including lots of photos online too can help visitors build up a picture beforehand of what the car park and entrance looks like or even the staff uniform.”

People living with dementia can find comfort in reminiscing and Jane’s advice is to create a memory box, book or shelf to include items from yesteryear that can help jog memories and create conversations. Dementia can impair depth perception and creates difficulties in spatial awareness so neutral, simple wall and floor coverings

Above: An Autism-friendly sensory activities pack, available free during your stay at Hoe Grange Holidays.

can make things less overwhelming. Even replacing a black threshold doormat – which can appear as a black hole to someone with dementia – can help reduce anxiety.

A venue’s staff have an important role to play and will often have a connection with family members and friends who have accessibility requirements. Jane’s advice is to create an environment where staff are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions on where improvements might be made: “No-one’s expecting perfect from the start but small, incremental steps and a commitment to improving really do go a long way.”

There are many examples of local businesses that are going the extra mile.

Hoe Grange Holidays near Brassington has been recognised for its outstanding facilities for guests with disabilities, autism

and dementia and has been crowned winner of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism in three separate years. Guests living with dementia can take a virtual 3D tour online, so they know what to expect. The log cabins have safe enclosed decking areas to prevent a guest from wandering off and a dementia-friendly activity box and memory cards offer a comforting trip down memory lane. For wheelchair users, there is a hot tub hoist and the opportunity to hire an off-road wheelchair. Fellow self-catering accommodation provider Croft Bungalow, in Birchover, not only offers an award-winning wheelchair safari sensory garden but is committed to bringing other visitor experiences to the cottage. As Jane explains: “They’ve really thought about the guest experience and are working hard to deliver that with local partners, whether that be the local pub delivering food to the door or health and wellbeing practitioners who host workshops at the cottage.”

Making venues accessible builds brand loyalty not just with disabled visitors but with everyone in their travelling party. Implementing the changes needed are necessary for some but undoubtedly useful for everyone. A little thoughtfulness really can offer the warmest of welcomes for all.

GRAYSONS CONTINUES LONGSTANDING SUPPORT FOR ASHGATE HOSPICE WITH DRAGONFLY APPEAL

GRAYSONS SOLICITORS

is delighted to have sponsored Ashgate Hospice’s 2025 Dragonfly Appeal, following three years as sponsor of the successful Butterfly Appeal at Chatsworth in 2023 and Forget Me Not Appeals staged at Renishaw Hall in 2022 and Chatsworth in 2021.

This year’s appeal was once again held in the stunning grounds of Chatsworth House in the first three weeks of May, where hundreds of impressive, handcrafted stainless-steel dragonflies created an impressive display.

Thousands of people from around North Derbyshire and further afield visited the exhibition during the three-week period to view the spectacular display of dragonflies at Chatsworth.   Each dragonfly on display was designed and handcrafted by local sculptor James Sutton and is dedicated to the

memory of those closest to the people who sponsored them. All donations support the vital work that the hospice carries out and donors will be able to receive the dragonflies when the exhibition closes as an ongoing tribute and memorial to their loved ones.

Ashgate Hospice says it chose dragonflies for this year’s appeal as they are significant and symbolic in many cultures across the world. As insects, they change many times during their lifecycle, reminding us to be adaptable in the face of life’s most difficult challenges. Their delicate and vibrant nature can also act as a reminder to find joy and be present in every moment.

The Dragonfly Appeal sponsorship marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Graysons Solicitors and Ashgate Hospice, encompassing the four appeals and sponsorship of Ashgate’s Big Thank You party in 2024, celebrating the dedication of the hospice’s staff and volunteers. Graysons has also fundraised

for the charity via free will weeks and other initiatives for many years.

“As a firm deeply rooted in the local community, we are honoured to continue supporting Ashgate Hospice through the Dragonfly Appeal,” said Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons Solicitors.

“The hospice plays an invaluable role in so many people’s lives, and we are pleased to assist with the creation of a lasting tribute to those no longer with us, while also supporting Ashgate’s vital work. We’re proud to support Ashgate Hospice in its mission to honour lives lived and provide exceptional end-of-life care.”

Charlotte Butterworth, head of fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, added: “We’d like to thank everyone at Graysons for their generosity and continued commitment in supporting the hospice.

“The Dragonfly Appeal is a special way for people to remember those closest to them and will raise vital funds to help us continue providing our services throughout North Derbyshire.

“Because of the support of businesses like Graysons, we can be there for the patients who need our care, love and support when it matters most.”

Contact the Team on 01246 229393

Unit 14F, The Glass Yard, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield. S41 8JY

Email: info@graysons.co.uk Tel: 01246 229393

Graysonslaw @Graysonslaw www.graysons.co.uk

Above: Peter Clark, managing partner at Graysons with Barbara-Anne Walker, chief executive at Ashgate Hospice.

Photos by Tom Hodgson.

Derbyshire are competing in this year’s challenge to grow the tallest sunflower and win a prize donated by Belmayne.

Chesterfield’s new Mayor

COUN Barry Dyke is Chesterfield’s 384th Mayor. His wife, Marie Dyke, will take up the role of Mayoress. The new Mayor led the annual Civic Parade on May 17.

Coun Shirley Niblock has been appointed Deputy Mayor with her husband, Paul Niblock, serving as Deputy Consort.

The Mayor’s Appeal this year will be raising funds for Poolsbrook Social Welfare Scheme, Chesterfield Royal Hospital Trust Charity, and Staveley Armed Forces and Veterans Appreciation.

Barry was born and raised in Renishaw by his father, along with his four sisters and three brothers, after his mother passed away when Barry was only one-year-old.

After leaving school, Barry worked in a building merchants’ yard in Eckington for 12 months. He then briefly worked at Renishaw Park Colliery.

At the beginning of the miner’s strike, Barry moved to Poolsbrook to live with his sister. In 1985, Barry met Marie through a mutual friend, they got engaged in 1986 and moved into their house in 1988, where they still live today. In 1992, Barry and Marie got married and raised their two children, Kelly and Jamie.

Barry became a Staveley Town councillor in 1999. In 2011, Barry became a Chesterfield Borough councillor, where he currently represents Staveley Central Ward.

A ‘Summer of Sunflowers’

DRONFIELD-BASED financial planners, Belmayne, are sowing the seeds of another successful charity fundraiser by rolling out their Summer of Sunflowers competition for a third year.

Nine children’s nurseries across north

The firm has equipped all participating pre-school groups with seeds, biodegradable plant pots and peat-free compost and is asking its clients and professional partners to sponsor the children’s endeavours. All money raised will be split between the Belmayne Foundation’s annual charities, the 3rd Holmesfield Scout Group and Just Good Friends Club.

Once the growing season is over, the nurseries will submit their tallest specimen for judging. The winner will receive a visit from a children’s entertainer, gardening equipment and the coveted Summer of Sunflowers trophy.

Ben Smalley, Belmayne partner, said: “We’ve had such positive feedback from our last two Summer of Sunflowers initiatives that we had to do it again. We look forward to seeing if anyone can beat last year’s winner, topping nine feet tall!”

Belmayne has asked that all entries are submitted by September 30. Photos and measurements should be sent directly, via email, to events@belmayne-foundation.com

Last year’s competition raised £1,250 and was won by Treasures Neighbourhood Nursery in Staveley. Since its launch in 2019, the Belmayne Foundation has donated almost £52,000 to charity.

Community cheers as school is saved…

PARENT determination and a community’s utter refusal to accept the closure of a 140-year-old Derbyshire school has saved S. Anselm’s in Bakewell.

S. Anselm’s (SA) school will now remain open for current and future generations of pupils following significant fundraising and a restructure programme – to include a reduction in fees, and the introduction of sponsorship opportunities for local children, regardless of means.

Emma Harrison CBE, parent and new chair of the SA Trustees, said: “This is massive. The wonderful announcement that SA had saved itself was met with cheers and tears of joy. I have no doubt that the determination from parents, pupils, old pupils and the wider community to save this treasured school from closure has made this happen.

“I am utterly determined, as are parents and staff, that we will fulfil our mission: SA For Everyone, Forever.”

“Through astonishingly successful fundraising, SA is now able to support local children who could benefit from the magic that is SA, providing life-changing opportunities from driving social inclusivity through access to educational opportunities.

“Jim and I were lucky enough to adopt four wonderful children many years ago. We tried state schools because that is our background, but our children sank without trace. We then found SA and the care and the tailored education helped them to rise up and find where they could flourish. The personalised education is simply astonishing.

“I have taken on this role to make sure children like mine have this life-changing chance. As a community, we wanted to ensure that this school continues to make a difference and have a positive impact on as many children as possible.

“The news of the new future at SA has started to be shared, and already new children are signing up to join in September – the school is buzzing!”

Parent and businessman Matthew Brailsford, part of the parent team responsible for agreeing a deal to regain ownership of the school, said: “We are all only too aware of the current turbulence within the private education sector and the strong economic headwinds that include VAT, NI and business rate increases.

“As a team, we have worked to donate money, time and expertise to ensure that this exceptional school continues to play a fundamental role across the educational landscape.

“We are delighted to have secured ongoing commitment to keep SA open and build a new foundation from which the school will now grow and thrive.”

SA is wanting to meet curious, passionate and enthusiastic children – wherever they come from and whatever they’re into – at a special family event on Friday, June 27, between 3.30-6pm. For further information on the event, bursary and sponsorship opportunities, email: office@anselms.co.uk

Above: Chesterfield’s new Mayor and Mayoress, Coun Barry and Marie Dyke.

New Open Gardens this month…

JUNE is one of the most popular months for garden visiting and these are all new gardens opening under the NGS scheme for the first time in 2025.

‘Hillside’ in Alderwasley will be open on Saturday, June 14 from 10.30am until 4.30pm.

This 1.3 acre garden features cottage style borders leading to a meadow, beehives, ponds and alpine rockery. There are beautiful rural views to enjoy, perhaps with tea and cake!

Admission is £5, children admitted free.

Gorse Cottage, in Curbar, will be open on the weekend of June 21/22 from 1.30-4.30pm each day. This charming cottage garden features a summer house, kitchen garden and views across to Chatsworth. Tea, coffee and cake and plants for sale. Entry is £4, children admitted free and it’s dog friendly.

No. 49 Middle Row, Cressbrook, will be open on June 22 from 1.30-4.30pm. A terraced hillside garden with fabulous views over Monsal Dale. The garden includes borders, summerhouse and ponds. Refreshments will be available at Cressbrook Club nearby.

Admission is £4, children admitted free.

Play-off defeat for Spireites

CHESTERFIELD FC will spend another season in League Two after reaching the play-off semi-final but suffering defeat by Walsall (aggregate score

1-4), so no Wembley return.

The Spireites finished in seventh position in the league table after their return to the EFL after being National League champions last year – an impressive achievement.

Five county firms get a King’s Award

FIVE Derbyshire firms have been awarded the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise; the most prestigious accolade any business can be presented with.

The five include Chesterfield company Heraeus Electro-Nite, which won the award for its innovation; and Alfretonbased David Neiper, which won the award for its sustainable development.

Award for person behind ‘Miles for Stiles’

A PEAK District National Park Authority officer has received an award for dedication to improving people’s accessible enjoyment of the region in the inaugural presentation of a new accolade for excellence.

Sue Smith, Access & Rights of Way Officer (pictured), has spent much of her career on projects to improve physical accessibility across the Peak District, leading to the UK’s first National Park becoming one of the most user-friendly outdoor locations in the country.

The new national award has been named in honour of Paul Hamblin, former Executive Director of National Parks England who passed away in 2023 following a long battle with illness.

Sue Smith has been at the forefront of campaigns such as ‘Miles without Stiles’, which now offers over twodozen mapped routes in the Peak District alone for wheelers and those who are less able, along with countless access improvements to other trails.

Drive one of Steve’s cars…

ENJOY the thrill of the open road with Peak Edge Hotel’s new Classic Car Luxury Getaway for Two – an indulgent escape combining a luxury stay, iconic cars and food from the hotel’s awardwinning Red Lion Restaurant.

The 4-star hotel is inviting guests to explore one of Britain’s most scenic regions behind the wheel of a classic 1995 MG RV8 or a sleek silver Aston Martin DB9. The idea came directly from hotel

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Barrie, In 2023, David and I were celebrating our Golden Wedding and took a cruise to the Midnight Sun in Norway. We were amazed as we walked over the bridge in Trondheim to see the Chesterfield Hotel sign, as in your reader Mohan’s message (May issue). Intrigued, we went into the hotel to investigate. It had recently changed hands and staff didn’t know why it was so named. However, it seemed to be rather full of Chesterfield sofas, so we decided that was the reason. Kind regards, Linda Moore

owner Steve Perez, collector of classic vehicles and four-time UK rally driving champion, who wanted to share his love of motoring with guests.

The two vehicles are part of his personal collection, lovingly maintained and now available as part of a unique driving experience. Prices start from £400 per couple and include a two-night stay for two in a Superior Double or Superior Twin Room, including breakfast; private hire of either the 1995 MG RV8 or Aston Martin DB9; a bottle of Prosecco on arrival; 10% off the à la carte dinner menu at the 2 AA Rosette Red Lion Restaurant and scenic Peakland route recommendations. Below: Steve Perez’s MG RV8.

Above: David Moore is pictured outside the Chesterfield hotel in Trondheim, Norway.

Above: The garden at ‘Hillside’, Alderwasley, is open on June 14.

“If you have a good idea… make it!”

It started with a few chopping boards and bowls and grew into a thriving carpentry business. Fiona Stubbs meets the charismatic duo behind Twisted Wood.

IT’S a peaceful, sunny day in the Derbyshire Dales and Matt Lowe and Susie Hucker are exhausted. They’ve just finished a huge renovation of garden furniture for a Peak District hospitality business… but they’re relaxing by getting back in their workshop and planning their next projects.

You may not have heard the name Twisted Wood but, if you’re out and about across the Derbyshire, chances are you’ll have been in the presence of some of their bespoke carpentry. “You’d be hard

Top: Matt Lowe and Susie Hucker. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

Left: Adirondack chairs – a speciality of Twisted Wood. Matt thinks they are ‘so comfortable’.

pushed to drive 20 miles from here and not see something we’ve made,” says Susie, as she and Matt hang out with their dogs Betty and Bentley.

The pair are prolific woodworkers, making everything from key fobs to furniture to bar fittings in their workshop between Wensley and Winster – though their close working relationship often leads to certain misconceptions.

“People think we’re a couple – but we’re not!” explains Susie. “I’m married and Matt has a girlfriend. But we make a good team because we bring different qualities to the business.

“I enjoy being physically busy and have a keen eye for detail. I assemble most of the furniture while Matt’s better at programming the computer. I’m

capable and skilled but I haven’t got a male ego, so it works!”

They work closely with independent hospitality business Longbow Venues, which operates The Maynard at Grindleford, The George in Hathersage, The Ashford Arms, The Peacock at Owler Bar and The Peacock, Rowsley.

“We started with a bar top for The Maynard then progressed to tables, chairs, garden furniture, reception desks, cabinets, wardrobes and more,” says Matt. They also refurbish garden furniture, not just to improve its appearance but to lengthen its lifespan.

“We make everything from key fobs to anything wood for a hotel,” adds Susie. “People come to us for something small and end up with a dining set.”

“Or a whole kitchen!” guffaws Matt.

Their journey to Twisted Wood has taken many turns, with their working relationship rooted in their shared love of automotive engineering.

“We’re both petrol heads,” says Matt. “Motorbikes have always been a big part of my life, along with cars and HGVs.”

With degrees in heavy engineering and automotive electronics, Matt’s career has included a spell as RAC motorcycle patrol, then technical manager. He has also managed pubs and was involved in computer programming in the early days of the internet before the intensity and stress it caused forced a rethink of his career and life.

She raced drag cars as a hobby at the renowned Santa Pod Raceway at Podington, Northamptonshire, and also has an enduring passion for motorbikes. “I love anything to do with cars, motorbikes, planes – anything with an engine,” she says.

They met at a classic car and motorbike show and, looking to make changes in her own working life, Susie suggested she could ‘help out’ at Twisted Wood. The rest is history.

Susie explains: “Because Matt and I have engineering backgrounds, it’s been a straightforward progression to carpentry. A lot of the hand tools are the same; a lot of the machinery is the same. You’re just working with a different material. The key thing is the accuracy.”

Their relationship with the hospitality trade began in the aftermath of Covid lockdown as pubs opened their gardens to customers.

They found an appreciative audience for beer barrels repurposed as seats, bearing a lasered or carved pub name or logo.

“WHEN PEOPLE REALISED WE MADE PUB STUFF, WE STARTED BEING ASKED TO MAKE SIGNS AND TABLES”

One of their speciality products is Adirondack chairs… a result of Matt taking a glamping trip to Kilbear Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.

He explains: “I had a few heart health problems and turned to woodwork as therapy to keep my hands busy and to quieten my mind. I started making a few bowls and chopping boards to sell at craft markets and it grew from there. People started asking me to make things and the business just kept growing through word of mouth.”

Susie, meanwhile, specialised in the restoration of historic and classic cars, working predominantly in the restoration of pre-war Alfa Romeos.

“We made thousands,” recalls Susie.

“We were supporting the pub trade and, when people realised we made pub stuff, we started being asked for signs, tables and other furniture.”

During Covid, they also wisely invested government support finance into game-changing manufacturing equipment. The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology carves and shapes materials based on digital designs. “It’s so precise,” says Matt. “It’s like having another person working with us.”

They have also supplied Chatsworth holiday cottages and they sell chopping boards at the Chatsworth Christmas markets.

There’s never a shortage of inspiration, adds Matt. “I’m always looking for something different. I recently picked up some beautiful pieces of used yew which we’ve repurposed as small tables.”

“Every campsite has a fire ring with a couple of quite battered Adirondack chairs,” he says. “You see them everywhere in Canada. Due to my snoring, I was often left sleeping overnight in an Adirondack chair! I loved them. They’re so comfortable.

“Back home, I started playing around to make some, working with a contact in Canada to digitise them for the CNC.”

The chairs are widely known as Adirondacks, named after the mountains in northeastern New York State. In Canada, however, they’re better known by the name Muskoka, an area of Ontario.

“The chairs are low because it can be breezy by the lakes,” reveals Matt. “Just about every Canadian man and boy has made one at some point.

“In Canada, they’re usually made from cedar but that’s very expensive over here so we use high quality, sustainable marine ply, which is durable and bug resistant.”

Other popular products are camper beds – or van furniture. Made with handles for easy lifting and movement, their design can be used as a sofa

or bench and converted into a bed. Susie explains: “I love vans and have converted a couple in the past into campers. But I saw an opportunity to make something quality and solid, yet affordable.”

Matt adds: “We have a house rule – if you have a good idea, make it and, if it sells, make two! And we can customise anything we make. We have a production line of individual stuff.”

One question which needs to be asked is how Susie’s incongruously glamorous fingernails fit into her woodworking lifestyle. “Firstly, I’ve had them since I was 18 and, secondly, there’s a safety element. I’d rather chop off the top of a fingernail than the end of a finger,” she laughs, though you suspect not many fingernails have been lost through her craft.

And, despite their recent busyness, life at Twisted Wood appears pleasantly calm. “Realistically for us, this is therapy,” smiles Matt. “This has got to be the best mental health therapy.”

Susie adds: “There’s a lot to be said about working with natural materials – it grounds you. We just like being in our barn, with our music on… working.”

Editor’s Note: Find out more at www.twistedwood.net

Above: Susie at work. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

Busy on a rewilding project…

IN 2023, Wild & Other acquired Cow Close Farm, in Cutthorpe. The Wild & Other team are working with an experienced local ecologist, Julie Riley, to ‘rewild’ the land.

The undulating landscape features ancient veteran trees, hedgerows containing holly, hawthorn, hazel, field maple and ash, and a small stream.

In less than two years, the team have planted over 300 new trees, started to expand species-rich hedgerows, nurtured a rare meadow field of wild flowers to thrive again, established two hives of bees and developed one of the five fields to be an ideal habitat for barn owls.

A major project has been the creation of three new wildlife ponds. Over the winter, Wild & Other worked with Sheffield-based pond experts Wildscapes CIC to create ponds.

The ponds are entirely sealed using clay from the ground, so no plastic liner was used. They have already been filled with rainwater.

The ponds are designed to create a habitat for the great crested newt, a rare amphibian which thrives in clean ponds. The three new ponds, together with an existing one in the orchard, are hoped to create the perfect habitat for this rare species.

A benefit was that the earth removed from the ponds was built up into large horseshoe-shaped mounds to create bee banks; habitats for large numbers of the 250 species of solitary bees that live in the UK.

“We set up Wild & Other to create spaces for nature to flourish – the ‘wild’ part

– and for people to find rest, rejuvenation and connection – the ‘other’ part,” said Steve Coles, managing director.

Helping fund the rewilding project are three holiday cottages where guests are invited to unwind – and enjoy nature first hand. The cottages have been transformed by experienced interior designer Emily Coles. Find out more about the rewinding project, and the holiday lets, at https://wildandother.com

A different version of the Mikado

THE Matlock G&S Singers will be performing a version of The Mikado to surprise and delight not only their audience, but the singers themselves. Following the success of their narrated show “Mr G & Mr S”, the Singers will again be producing a quirky, fun version of a much-loved operetta.

All the Mikado’s characters will be there… in fact there may be more than one Mikado! An evening of classic ruses with all the familiar G&S stories of mix-up and mirth is guaranteed…. and, of course, all the marvellous musical numbers will be performed.

The shows director, Liz McKenzie, says: “This is a unique take on a well-loved G&S operetta. We wanted to delight our audience with something other than a “standard” Mikado. Our costumes are absolutely wonderful: one of our members is a talented seamstress and she has created beautiful costumes. The rehearsals have been great

fun….and the show will be a tour de force”.

The show will feature Chris Flint, the well-known local pianist who plays for professional and amateur productions alike. So, why not come along to the “Topsy Turvy town of Titi-pu” for an evening of music and laughter. The narrated Mikado takes place at the Medway Centre, Bakewell, on Thursday June 19 and Saturday, June 21 at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm). Tickets are available through www.ticketsource. co.uk/matlockgands or at the door.

Recommended reads…

THE team at Bakewell Library recommend two books this month, which both get a five-star rating.

Divine Might, by Natalie Haynes, examines the role of various goddesses from Greek Mythology in her latest book. The team says: “It is an easy read with the writing flowing effortlessly.”

The other book – Waiting for the miracle by Anna McPartlin – is about a woman who can’t have children. It is, says the team, “an unputdownable novel”.

Campsite fun for charity

THE award-winning Barn Farm campsite at Birchover held a fund-raising weekend on May 24/25 for Ashgate Hospice. There were stalls, family fun and live music.

Barn Farm won both the Best Campsite and Best Family Campsite in the East Midlands last year in the www.campsite.co.uk awards.

Vikings head for Duckmanton…

DISCOVER what life was like during the Viking era as an exhibition and Cestrefeld Vikings visit Duckmanton Primary School’s Summer Fayre.

On Saturday June 7, Chesterfield Museum will bring an interactive Viking exhibition to the fayre, as part of the Museum on the Move project. At this free event, you can discover who the Vikings were and explore everyday life as a Viking.

There are lots of hands-on activities to try including braiding, designing a Thor amulet and or creating a message with Viking Runes, making a buzz bone toy or trying a Viking quiz.

Local re-enactors Cestrefeld Vikings will also be in attendance to show their weapons and armour, play traditional games and judge a shield competition. They will also be teaching participants how to form a shield wall.

The free exhibition runs from 11am to 4.30pm. To find out more, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/ events/viking-extravaganza/

Above: The Great Crested Newt, hopefully en route to Cutthorpe.

THE ONLY WAY IS HUP! with TV’s Laura

Jane Clark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Uses only one supplier for the whole project

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

for Summer!

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

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

The innovative hup! system:

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

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

• So lightweight that those

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

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

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

• Promises a high-quality finish every time

• Offers exceptional value for money.

CARPETS

Integrity: The key to lasting success

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

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

Traditional values

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

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. Here are some recent 5-star Google reviews:

Trisha Jessop

A week ago

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

Tracey Morris

Two weeks ago

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

Rae Helm Perkins

A month ago

Thrilled (again) with the flooring received and fitted by Holywell Carpets. A couple of years ago, we had carpet fitted in three bedrooms, the landing, and a whipped runner fitted to the stairs. Last month, we had vinyl fitted in the kitchen and office. The service from everyone

we dealt with was fantastic; the quality is superb; and the price was unable to be beaten by several other places we had quotes from. I’d highly recommend the Holywell team over and over again (in fact I have already on multiple occasions!)

Jason Thomas

Three months ago

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

Kay Greaves

Three months ago

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

Anne Ross 10 months ago

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

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

THE ENDURING ALLURE OF ANTIQUE SILVER – AND A VERY EXPENSIVE LION

Finding a silver ingot in a garage was like finding treasure, says our antiques expert Vivienne Milburn, and she reports on the sale of a stone lion.

FINDING a silver ingot in a collection of things stored in the garage is like finding treasure. It made £1,050 in a recent specialist auction.

Antique silver has long captured the fascination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its rich heritage, craftsmanship and intrinsic value, silverware from bygone centuries offers more than beauty, it offers a link to history.

From ornate table settings to utilitarian objects, and even silver ingots, these timeless pieces continue to tell stories of trade, wealth and artistry.

The allure of antique silver begins with its craftsmanship.

By Vivienne Milburn FRICS Independent Antiques Auctioneer & Valuer

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, silversmiths produced items by hand, with hallmarks that revealed the maker, date and origin. British sterling silver became renowned for its quality and traceability, with London, Sheffield, and Birmingham acting as major hubs for silversmithing from the 17th century onward.

Silver ingots are often used as stores of wealth and played a key role in global commerce from the 16th century onwards; they are prized for the metal content and the story they tell.

Collectors seek out silver not just for its aesthetics but also its investment value. The price of silver fluctuates, but antique pieces, especially those with provenance, appreciate over time. Few materials rival silver in terms of versatility and historical significance. Antique silver continues to appreciate in both financial and historical significance, especially as tangible assets gain renewed interest in volatile markets.

The 20th Century ingot we have also pictured is stamped Johnson Matthey; they were in business from the mid-19th Century to 2015. In March 2022, I wrote an article for Reflections on the sale of the Arundel Lion – one of the well-known Sheffield landmarks, which stood outside the Johnson and Matthey factory on Arundel

and made £1,050 in the recent specialist auction.

Above: The classical, carvedstone lion, from a garden in Sheffield – formerly outside a Sheffield factory – made £26,000 in an auction and now graces the grounds of a country estate in Gloucestershire.

Gate. This lion was an unusual item to find in a Sheffield garden and having such good provenance, it made £26,000 in the specialist auction.

The Johnson & Matthey company supplied the jewellery and cutlery trade with raw materials, such as silver solder and flux, which it manufactured. The lions were sold when the factory was moved to make way for the University and this one was purchased by a Sheffield lady, who displayed it in her garden.

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

Above Left: This Silver bar, at .999 standard is a higher grade than sterling silver (which is .925). Stamped Johnson Matthey, it weighs 1,000g

1 Interrupt repair to open-air bunk (5,2,4)

1 Our branding could help one back to consciousness (5,6)

5 Carefully fix dent for ‘Footsie’ (1,1,5)

14 Apprised, but shortly? (7)

16 Dredger, said (astoundingly!) to be ignored (11)

4 Unusual DNA strand to be modified (3,8)

6 Chart-like, it’s a blur at odds with itself (7)

8 Write a poem to generalise about the missing RNA (7)

astray in the Orient (4)

Employing in such a manipulative way! (5)

He’s lying, just to back-track (4)

Golfing mineral? (4) DOWN

2 Travel for some? For a pixie? (3)

3 Fix a price to bring some peace back, Roman style (3)

7 Mine, in no way is a candidate (7)

14 Dambusters, now showing on public transport! (3)

15 Could go either way, eh Pop? (3)

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

ACROSS

1 North west of Ilkeston, spot a heron in flight (6)

3 Bawl, so upset as to be heard in the village (6)

7 Not even a single bystander in a village south of Derby (7)

9 A castle of ours, as per live performance (7)

11 Hello Derbyshire! (with PhD from hyped up plans) (4)

12 Brew at the junction, say (3)

13 Load is about two-fifths the way to Bolsover neighbour (3,3)

15 Cutting one at Cromford? (5)

17 Terribly defenceless when fled out from the core (7)

19 Hope to be near, but it’s in awful bad form! (7)

21 And 22 down. Crazy to bark at clocks above Cromford (5)

23 Rebel trouble (but quietly!) in town north of Derby (6)

26 A false accusation in the main (3)

28 Half the abbesses making for Hardwick boss (4)

30 Non-glossy piece of hair said to be in town (7)

31 Fire remains after cash, say, west of Bakewell (7)

32 Cordial sort of marrow? (6)

33 And 22 down. Yabber about delay, in NW Derby village (6)

Prize Crossword

Down

1 And 10 d. Deny NHS archive hacked by our hydrogen man (5)

2 Rib to be made into a heavenly path (5)

4 Correct prayer stop, with deputy head (5)

5 Plié, generally in a feudal allegiance (5)

6 Keep, with a twist perhaps, in a beautiful part of Derbyshire (5,4)

8 Purloin (or not!) carved as a GM flower (5)

10 See 1 Down. (9)

14 Individual from Indonesia (3)

15 Matlock Bath vehicles: no wheels, but they still move you! (5,4)

16 Tolstoy’s leading the big cat, say? (3)

18 Cry, therefore, by the beginning (3)

20 Right out of free charge (3)

22 See 33 Across. (5)

24 Rice cooked in a pail by the upstart (5)

25 See 21 Across (5)

27 Wanderer said to have a scent (5)

29 ‘Cheeky’ donkey in south Yorkshire (5)

We will give a prize of £25 to a randomly-drawn correctly completed crossword. Cut out the completed puzzle and send by June 21st, 2025, to: Bannister Publications Limited, Office 2A Market Hall, Market Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 1AR. The solutions for the May 2025 crossword can be found on page 82 of this issue.

LES JACKSON – ‘DERBYSHIRE GOLD’

John Stone looks at the career of Les Jackson, possibly the best fast bowler ever to play for Derbyshire.

FRED Trueman knew a bit about bowling. He wrote these words in 1987: “It still makes my blood boil to think that Les Jackson, the best six-days-a-week bowler I ever saw, played only twice for England, when men not fit to lace his boots managed 30 or 40 test appearances apiece”.

Jackson, who played from 1947 to 1963, is generally regarded as the finest homeproduced Derbyshire bowler of all time. He followed several previous top Derbyshire bowlers who hailed from the coal mines. These included the force of nature that was Bill Bestwick, whose career spanned either end of the First

World War, as well as the undoubted stars of Derbyshire’s run to the 1936 championship title – paceman Bill Copson and the mercurial leg spin and googly bowler Tommy Mitchell. But Les Jackson was the best of the lot and a man whose mining roots ran particularly deep.

Like Bestwick before him, Jackson came from a large mining family. He was one of 13 siblings. Sadly, the Jacksons were no strangers to tragedy. Les’ oldest brother perished in World War One and another brother was one of 79 men lost in the Creswell Colliery pit disaster.

Les Jackson would return to the pits during the winter for much of his playing career and, following his retirement from cricket, he continued to work for the National Coal Board as a chauffeur. He was extremely proud of his mining background, as one particular episode would demonstrate.

In 1950, Jackson was invited to tour India and Ceylon with a Commonwealth X1.

very steep bounce and considerable seam movement either way. His bowling was as accurate as it was incisive and there were no easy runs. Jackson’s best season was 1958 (143 wickets at 10.99) and he was a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1959. Together with his regular bowling partner, Cliff Gladwin, Jackson was instrumental in maintaining Derbyshire towards the upper echelons of the county championship table during the 1950s. Had the county possessed just one high-class batsman in that decade, Derbyshire might well have punctured Surrey’s domination of the English game at the time.

“Jackson was deceptively quick off a relatively short run. He was capable of very steep bounce and considerable seam movement either way.”

During the outward voyage the Warwickshire wicketkeeper, Dick Spooner, happened to make certain disparaging comments about miners and their families. Unfortunately the comments were made within earshot of the normally mild-mannered Jackson. It is said that the Derbyshire man was so incensed by what he had heard that Spooner was in very serious danger of being tossed overboard. It took a number of his teammates to come to Spooner’s rescue by physically restraining Jackson for several minutes before calm was eventually restored.

Jackson was deceptively quick off a relatively short run. He was capable of

Left: Arguably the best fast bowler ever to play for Derbyshire, Les Jackson.

On the uncovered wickets of his era, facing Les Jackson at his peak was always a daunting experience. He enjoyed a well-merited reputation for bruising the hands, thighs and ribs of opposing batsmen on the county circuit. Ted Dexter and Tom Graveney rated him the best English bowler of his time. Peter May described his bowling as ‘magnificent’ and, according to the Australian great Ray Lindwall, Don Bradman rated Jackson the best English bowler he faced during the 1948 ‘Invincibles’ tour and was surprised to see the Derbyshire man’s name missing on each occasion the England Test team was announced as that summer progressed. Almost incredibly, Jackson’s two Test appearances, as referenced by Fred Trueman at the start of this piece, were twelve years apart – in 1949 and 1961. It is common knowledge that the old Etonian Test selector, Gubby Allen, never wanted Jackson in his side. The official explanation

Continued on 48

was that his arm was too low at the point of delivery and that he could not return for a second spell late in the day. Over 1,700 first class wickets would seem to tell a different story. More likely Jackson’s somewhat blunt opinions, his lack of social niceties and his vowels of the pit tended not to sit well with Allen’s more refined tastes. This view was backed up by the cricket correspondent Colin Bateman who wrote: ‘It is one of cricket’s great crimes that Les Jackson, a most respected bowler on the circuit throughout the 1950s, played only twice for England. It is said that his slingy, hostile action and his blunt opinions did not please the MCC but in an era when Alec Bedser carried England’s attack on his own, Jackson’s omission was a scandalous loss’.

I was first taken to watch Derbyshire play in 1962 and consequently witnessed the dying embers of Jackson’s career. I was ten years old and, understandably, had no inkling that I was watching ‘Derbyshire gold’. No matter. I can justifiably claim that I am one of a dwindling number who actually saw the great Les Jackson bowl – and I frequently do so!

I started this piece with a comment by Fred Trueman and, by way of a certain symmetry, I finish with one of my favourite

Les Jackson anecdotes which was also recounted by Trueman. Attending the benefit dinner of a fellow player in the late 1950s, Trueman had chanced upon Jimmy Gray, the Hampshire opening batsman, a couple of weeks before Hampshire’s northern tour. Fred asked Gray if he was looking forward to the trip. ‘Hardly’, responded the Hampshire

man. ‘First I’m up against you at Bradford Park Avenue, then Brian Statham at Old Trafford and then, worst of all, that mean b*****d Jackson at Burton-on-Trent’. I think Les would have regarded Gray’s comment as a huge compliment.

Les Jackson died in 2007, aged 86. He was the last and best of Derbyshire’s great bowling colliers.

Just imagine doing Craig’s job…

Imagine taking on a job which includes 13% of the area of the Peak District National Park, just over 50 tenanted farms/properties, some of the most visited landscapes in the UK, a whole host of partnerships with other bodies, not to mention a team of people to look after. Craig Best isn’t the sort of man to turn down a challenge like that and just over three years into his role of General Manager for the National Trust in the Peak District, he took time out to talk to Steve Brown.

CRAIG comes from Chester-le-Street in County Durham and in his earliest years was always attracted to the great outdoors. He spent many happy hours fishing in the River Wear, so it was perhaps inevitable that his future at work would involve working with and for nature.

He was fortunate enough to secure a place at Houghall College Campus, near Durham City, which offered many land-based courses before moving on to the University of Sunderland, where he took a First Class Honours degree in Environmental Sciences followed by a Masters in Ecology. Craig recalls that although definitely not enthusiastic about academic subjects, he could happily throw himself wholeheartedly into a land-based education.

That was what he really wanted to do and he was very successful in obtaining the qualifications he needed to further his career. That started as a seasonal ranger working for the city of Newcastle-uponTyne which extended into four years working for the city on lots of different projects such as looking after parks, transforming paths and engaging with school groups and others in and around urban open spaces.

He believes that the confidence he built up there has stood him in good stead since. He then moved on to a role with the Durham Wildlife Trust, managing nature reserves in the

Craig Best in the High Peak. Courtesy of the National Trust.

North Pennines. He recalls his time there with great fondness, living in a Weardale village for ten years before finally moving on into his first role with the National Trust. This was in West Yorkshire as Countryside Manager for the diverse range of properties there: Marsden Moor, Hardcastle Crags and East Riddlesden Hall are the landmark locations there; the first a wild moorland area, the last a house and garden on the edge of Keighley; while Hardcastle Crags is centred on deep valleys to the north of Hebden Bridge. Craig said he lived during the week in a converted barn within the Hardcastle Crags estate for several years, commuting home to Sunderland at weekends to his wife. However, he was eventually promoted to Acting General Manager for the West Yorkshire area for two years before applying for and being

appointed to his present position.

Since his appointment, Craig has been working hard to lead his team and drive partnerships to deliver the objectives of the National Trust. Many readers will be aware of the recent launch of the National Trust’s 10-year strategy, “People and nature thriving”, to address the climate crisis and to support biodiversity with the key points of restoring nature, ending unequal access to nature, beauty and history and to inspire action among people to help nature and to care for a more climate-positive future. It is not just on National Trust land but everywhere; the goal is to create 250,000 hectares of thriving and nature-rich land by 2035. There

“The goal is to create 250,000 hectares of thriving and nature-rich land by 2035.”

will be a focus on local efforts towards the global target of protecting 30% of land, putting the long-term interests of nature and people first. Craig is keen to point out how much of the work the National Trust is carrying out here in the Peak District already supports these key initiatives.

The restoration of National Trustowned moorland habitats on Kinder Scout, Bleaklow and on the hills surrounding the Upper Derwent, working in partnership with bodies such as the water companies (Severn Trent, United Utilities and Yorkshire Water), is a great example of where nature can be restored to the wider benefit of all in terms of restoring biodiversity, improving water

quality, reducing flood risk and also curbing carbon emissions by keeping the peat on the moors rather than allowing it to wash downstream and into reservoirs. By stabilising bare peat with heather brash, then planting native moorland species such as sphagnum moss; building small dams in gulleys on moorland; and creating the right conditions for peat bogs to form; one of the most degraded landscapes in Europe is being restored.

The moorland environment is also being assisted through woodland clough restoration, where the National Trust is actively planting native species of trees and creating the right conditions in the steepsided valleys to allow species regeneration. The National Trust has continued to finance moorland restoration; Craig points to a partnership with Craghoppers, the outdoor clothing company, as one

Peatland restoration on Kinder Scout. Picture by Paul Harris, courtesy of the National Trust.

example. Profits from the sale of their National Trust collection are helping to support projects such as moorland restoration across the UK, including in the Peak District.

Craig also has the ambition to make Ilam Park and the Longshaw Estate the most accessible National Trust places in the Peak District, with paths and facilities which can be used easily by all. His rangers and other staff also engage with schools and other groups of people who might not be regular visitors to facilitate educational and recreational trips. The charity has supported organisations in various ways, including by assisting to cover transport costs. A new project is being developed to help people connect with the conservation work the teams are doing, but in their own communities.

Projects are also taking place where rangers and tenants are working together on things like planting hedgerows and improving paths and access. The National Trust says that working with tenant farmers will be a crucial part of delivering their strategy to assist nature’s recovery and increase biodiversity.

Craig explained that the team in the Peak District are talking with farmers to understand their current position and aspirations and share ideas about how they

can work together, to do this, with the right funding in place. For example, in the High Peak, in 2023 the National Trust secured Landscape Recovery Scheme funding from the government to support a two-year project to complete a variety of plant, bird, soil, and peat surveys to assess the condition of the landscape and to work up sustainable 20-year land management plans in collaboration with tenant farmers. It is hoped that after this, the project will move into an implementation phase.

Craig is also confident that the remaining shooting tenants on National Trust land are managing the land in such a way as to now support nature’s recovery. One thing they are helping to do is cut heather, which helps to reduce the fire risk at the same time as helping to create the conditions for other moorland plants to grow as part of the work taking place to restore peatland.

and create healthier peatlands which will also reduce fire risk and protect peatlands, which are a fantastic carbon store.

“Craig would also like to create more space for nature by creating ‘wildlife corridors’.”

Moorland restoration work to create healthy blanket bog such as sphagnum moss planting and gully blocking is happening to create a mosaic of habitats

Craig would also like to create more space for nature by creating ‘wildlife corridors’. He wants to do this by acquiring appropriate land if it comes on the market or working with partners and tenants. The National Trust has recently acquired around 76 hectares of land at New Hanson Grange, close to Milldale in Dovedale, and plans to extend the 12 hectares of woodland and wooded habitat which already exists there and in the adjacent valley to support biodiversity and create a buffer zone along the edges of the land near Dovedale, where existing woodland is already a home to many different wildlife species. The acquisition will also protect and enhance important grassland and river habitats on adjoining land in the Dove Valley, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. Access to the land along existing public rights of way will also be maintained and, indeed, enhanced as the National Trust

Volunteers

looks for new opportunities to improve access for the local community and visitors.

Craig is extremely conscious of the challenges that he and his team face in the Peak District to continue the National Trust’s ten-year strategy in the face of ever-increasing pressures of visitor numbers and the need for the £5 million per year required to improve access and restore nature.

One only needs to look at the amount of work needed to maintain and improve the public access to the hugelypopular Mam Tor; while at the same time restoring the Bronze Age hill fort there to realise the scale of the challenge. He and his team will continue to raise the money in all ways open to them, through grants, through private donors, through legacies, through membership fees and through the excellent visitor facilities they provide. Every coffee and cake bought at the cafes at Longshaw and Ilam Park and every parking fee paid (and every NT membership card scanned) in NT car parks in the Peak District contributes to the care of the estates, so every visitor can do their bit.

You can even ‘Adopt a plot’ in the Peak District now to support the nature recovery work the team are doing. Find out more at nationaltrust. org.uk/adopt-a-plot.

planting trees on the Longshaw Estate. The National Trust has created more than 120 hectares of wooded habitat in the Peak District in six months. Courtesy

of the National Trust.

Above: Head gardener at Fischer’s, Kim Orwin. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

Above: The quince blossom is doing well this spring. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

Below: Clark’s Classics broad bean plants. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

FROM THE KITCHEN GARDEN… with lots of love

Award-winning Fischer’s Baslow Hall is renowned for its Michelin-recognised cuisine, with quality – and, at times, unique – ingredients sourced both locally and from its own very special kitchen garden. Fiona Stubbs takes a tour.

KIM Orwin’s enthusiasm is infectious.

Following her into the Fischer’s kitchen garden is like entering a horticultural treasure trove, a treat for foodies and gardeners alike.

Kim oozes passion for her role as she leads us through the garden, sharing insights into the past and plans for the future. As head gardener, she is guiding Fischer’s ambitious plans to cultivate a wider variety of fresh produce, boosting capacity while strengthening its connection to the land and the community it serves.

Our kitchen garden tour reveals edible flowers – including nasturtiums and cornflowers – and an abundance of herbs… borage, calendula, lovage, mint, thyme, feverfew and more.

“I like to see these as the ‘snacking beds’,” reveals Kim as we pass one particularly lush section, a favourite sampling spot for kitchen staff. We discover three varieties of sorrel and an edible non-stinging nettle –which tastes of cucumber!

There’s garlic, to be harvested wet rather than as

solid cloves. “The chefs tell me it’s a delicacy,” explains Kim. “As kitchen gardener, I have to be able to respond quickly to what they want –and I like chefs to go out and pick things for themselves.”

A fruit section – including raspberry and kiwi – is thriving in the dry, sunny spring weather, especially the quince. “It’s flowering better than ever before,” says Kim.

Then a revelation: British native sea kale, grown under terracotta forcers to guarantee tenderness. Forced rhubarb is also a kitchen garden

speciality with production more than doubling this year, from 18kg in 2024 to 40kg.

And finally, an exciting new and unique addition. Clark’s Classic broad beans – cultivated in Derbyshire by the Clark family for over 100 years – were popular during the Dig for Victory campaign in the 1940s but have been unavailable commercially for decades.

Kim has an enduring love of rare, heritage varieties and set out on a mission a few years ago to trace Clark’s Classics. She sourced 10 seeds through the Heritage Seed

Library, carefully nurturing them on her own allotment before introducing them to the kitchen garden for the first time this year.

She’ll be introducing them to head chef, John Shuttleworth, and his team over the next few weeks. “I love them and I hope the chefs will love them too,” says Kim. “They are brilliant dwarf beans. I’m very excited about them.

“I’m a staunch supporter of locally grown food – that’s how I got into gardening. I was an allotment child – I grew up with my Nan growing tomatoes and other fruit and vegetables.

“I’m really interested in local

varieties and I’m always looking out for things that are specific to Derbyshire. To be able to eat local produce and trace its provenance is very special.”

John Shuttleworth adds:

“As a chef, to have such a passionate gardener really helps to inspire the food we produce. We have a yearly planning meeting to discuss our grow plans and almost daily discussions about what is ready to use.

“We use the garden ingredients foremost in menu conception. To have the best, fresh produce, growing 50metres from the kitchen, truly reflects the final product.”

Fischer’s Baslow Hall’s summer terrace has re-opened for the season. It features a new menu, rich with seasonal dishes crafted specifically for outdoor dining. The elegant terrace launched in 2024 and this year sees an exciting partnership with Laurent Perrier and Gusbourne.

During the summer, weather permitting, guests can enjoy live music on Sunday afternoons and bank holiday weekends.

Fischer’s Baslow Hall is open Thursday through Sunday for lunch. Dinner is available Monday to Sunday. To learn more, visit www. fischers-baslowhall.co.uk

Forage, feast and explore!

Natural, nutritious food is growing all around us… if we just know where to look. Fischer’s Baslow Hall is offering guests the chance to develop both their knowledge and appetites by partnering with Foraging ForAges in a series of exclusive events.

Foraging expert Sam Webster guides a morning of discovery in the Derbyshire countryside before guests return to Fischer’s for a delicious lunch and a tour of the kitchen garden.

I joined the first foraging event of the season, beginning the day with herbal tea – a blend of willow herb, sweet cisely and mint – accompanied by ginger biscuits made by Fischer’s chefs.

Sam then led us on a tour of hedgerows and woodlands, stopping regularly as ‘wild edibles’ caught her eye.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, people can forage for personal use from the ‘four Fs’ – flowers, foliage, fungi and fruit. Sam taught us how to forage safely and responsibly, ensuring enough was left for birds and species to consume and to ensure plants and fungi could regenerate and reproduce.

Sam has been “obsessed with foraging, nature and finding free food” since childhood. She explains: “It started on my Nana’s farm, picking blackberries from the hedgerows and helping her to make jam – and also playing, making “wild soup” with a bucket of water, leaves and flowers. Growing up, I bought a book on mushrooms to copy the pictures for my GCSE art project and since then I’ve been obsessed with mushrooms.”

A gift of a foraging day in 2012 set Sam on a new career path and she swapped teaching in a secondary school for a new role leading foraging courses. “It’s the best job in the world, I get to talk about plants, mushrooms and nature all day long!” she says.

Our foraging bounty included: Elder – flowers for cordial; berries for wine, vinegar or dried for tea.

Blackberry – stems make

Left: Foraging expert Sam Webster. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

great gherkin-like pickles; edible flowers; berries in late summer.

Dandelion – all parts edible. Roots to make coffee, leaves in salad and flowers to make vegan honey.

Garlic mustard (jack by the hedge) – goes well with potato; also good in salads or as soup flavouring.

Nettle – multiple medicinal and culinary uses.

Ribwort plantain – leaves contain anti-histamine; antifungal, anti-viral, antibacterial.

St George’s mushrooms –edible all-white mushroom.

Future courses are planned for 17th July, 18th September, 16th October and 6th November. For more details visit https://www.fischers-baslowhall. co.uk/ events/foraging-events/

Above: Foraged bounty. Picture by Fiona Stubbs.

Above: Fischer’s head chef, John Shuttleworth.

From volleyball star to head chef…

From international volleyball star to Derbyshire head chef… Fiona Stubbs meets the multi-talented Alina Gagea.

ILOVE this view, says Alina Gagea, her gaze sweeping across a vast swathe of north Derbyshire countryside. “I will never tire of that landscape.”

The picturesque backdrop to Alina’s life as head chef of The Peacock at Owler Bar is a long way from her roots as an international volleyball star in her native Romania.

As a professional volleyball player, she travelled extensively, her life guided by coaches, nutritionists and other experts in the sport.

Now she is happily settled on the edge of the Peak District, relishing her role with independent hospitality business Longbow Venues.

Yet, while it feels “like a different life now”, Alina acknowledges the influence sport has had on her culinary success.

“Sport teaches you so many things,” she says. “It was really helpful for developing myself as a person. I became mature early in terms of responsibility, communication, accountability and punctuality – and in developing respect and appreciation of other teams and individuals.

“In sport, things happen fast. In hospitality, it’s even more challenging!

The length of a volleyball game is about two-and-a-half hours – in hospitality, from around 12 noon to 9.30pm, you need to be focused for all that time and work to a consistently high standard.

“It’s hard work but the way I see it is that the kitchen is what you make it. If you enjoy cooking, then why not make a good time of it?”

Alina grew up in Toplita, Transylvania, in northern Romania: “a little like the Peak District, surrounded by mountains.”

She started playing volleyball aged 14 – and was quickly selected to join the Romanian volleyball centre of excellence in Tirgu Mures.

“I left my home when I was 15 and spent three years at the centre of excellence, which included high school teaching,” Alina recalls. “I was living in student accommodation with other girls of a similar age – we had our own gang!”

After turning professional, her volleyball career saw her crisscross Romania, playing for various clubs including the successful Tirgu Mures, where she won seven national titles with junior teams, and other national first league teams.

Alina first represented Romania in 2006 and remembers a pivotal tournament in Croatia. “At the age of 16 or 17, to see teams coming from the USA and other countries all the way to Croatia was amazing,” she says.

Despite the success, there were downsides to professional sport. “You can’t prioritise family time,” explains Alina. “There were no holidays such as Easter and Christmas as we were busy training and playing. When my parents celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by having another marriage ceremony, I wasn’t allowed to go. My coach told me I could watch the video afterwards.

“It’s also hard to find a balance in life when you’re moving around a lot. Maintaining a relationship is difficult.”

Top: Head chef Alina Gagea working in the kitchen of The Peacock at Owler Bar. Above: Alina (left) with her team mates at Pencilina Iasi, one of Romania’s leading volleyball squads.

After deciding to quit the sport, she searched for a new career path. “I worked in a few warehouses – but that wasn’t for me,” she says.

She was still pondering her future when her brother, Longbow Venues’ executive chef Adrian Gagea, mentioned an opening for a kitchen porter at The Maynard at Grindleford – and she jumped at the chance.

“It was busy but I was curious,” she recalls. “Although I was a porter, I was trying to help out more widely.” Alina began her rise through the ranks – which would take her from kitchen porter to pastry chef to sous chef to head chef.

When she was offered role of pastry chef at The George, Hathersage, she threw herself into a new learning experience. “I started to read cookbooks and to experiment – putting in place at work what I was reading about.

“One day, someone called in sick and they needed me to help [as sous chef] in the kitchen – of course I said yes!”

Now, as head chef, Alina brings the best of what she has learned from both of her careers. “My ethos is that there are no positions in our team – we are all equal,” she says. “The only difference is the overall responsibility – which

I take. As long as the team works together, then we will have results.

“As a volleyball player, I had several coaches – and took the best bits from each of them, including nutrition.

“Our menus include light and heavier dishes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc. We all bring ideas, sit at the table and discuss. When putting together menus, staff have the opportunity to taste everything – it’s then easier to talk to customers about the food. We value their feedback too – it’s the fuel that empowers the passion behind every dish.”

Her partner Csabi Nagy is sous chef at The Ashford Arms and Alina values the close working relationships nurtured by Longbow Venues.

“I’m grateful to my brother for opening a door into the hospitality industry and for his guidance, trust and knowledge – and to all the people who have supported my journey,” says Alina. “Longbow Venues gives a place for everybody. If you want to progress, they give you the tools, the mentoring to guide you through. If you have questions or ideas to share, there’s a person to call. It’s a big thing when someone gives you a chance, an opportunity to transform your life.”

Restaurant ageing rare-breed beef

CASA Hotel’s Cocina is now the only restaurant in Derbyshire with a Josper Grill and Dry Ager, enabling their chefs to deliver the ultimate steak experience.

The specialist Dry Ager (pictured) brings precision to the traditional art of dry ageing, allowing Cocina to mature its own rare breed beef on site – meat that’s reared just a few miles away on the hotel’s private Walton Lodge Farm Estate. Cocina’s signature steak has been the best-seller for the past 15 years, reinforcing the restaurant’s reputation for exceptional quality beef.

Owned by Casa Hotel founder Steve Perez – and also his family home – Walton Lodge is a 360-acre estate committed to sustainable, low-waste farming. Steve’s son works fulltime on the farm, along with farm manager, Craig Ellis, where the family raises Belted Galloway and Highland cattle, Dorset sheep, Berkshire pigs, free-range chickens and bees that produce honey used in the kitchen.

“This investment isn’t just about enhancing flavour – it’s about deepening our connection to the food we serve,” says Mark Thurman, MD of Casa Hotels. “We’re in a rare position

where we know exactly where our beef comes from; and the Dry Ager allows us to present it to our guests at its absolute peak.”

The dry-ageing process allows carefully selected cuts to mature slowly for a minimum of 30 days in the Dry Ager cabinet, which controls temperature, humidity and air circulation with scientific precision. The result is meat with tender texture and remarkable flavour concentration.

A BAKEWELL TART DAY

THIS MONTH!

THE Bakewell Tart Shop, the first business to create and sell Bakewell Tarts more than 100 years ago, has announced that National Bakewell Tart Day will take place on Wednesday, June 25.

The new Peak District edition of Monopoly, released in March this year, features a Bakewell Tart playing counter.

The Bakewell Tart Shop surveyed 2,000 Brits and the results revealed how many people (42 per cent) enjoy eating a Bakewell Tart with a cup of tea in the afternoon; while 29 per cent think it’s best as an after-dinner dessert.

Larger sharing cuts including Tomahawk, Châteaubriand, and Porterhouse are available by weight and butchered in-house, based on what’s matured to perfection that week.

“You can’t rush this,” adds Alan Rigby, executive chef. “Dry-ageing transforms good beef into something extraordinary. It unlocks new layers of flavour and tenderness – and when it’s beef you’ve raised yourself, that transformation means even more.”

Guests can now enjoy aged cuts including bavette, flat iron, rump, ribeye, sirloin and fillet – all cooked over a charcoal-fired Josper Grill and served with thoughtful accompaniments like triple-cooked chips, confit mushroom and paprika-roasted vine tomatoes.

Produce from Walton Lodge Farm is central to Cocina’s kitchen ethos. The estate grows seasonal fruit and vegetables, and embraces whole-animal butchery and ethical farming practices.

The Dry Ager cabinet is visible from the restaurant floor, adding theatre to the experience. Guests are encouraged to speak with the team about the daily aged selection and how best to enjoy it. To book or learn more about Cocina’s dry-aged offering, visit www.casahotels.co.uk or follow @ casahotelchesterfield on Instagram.

Exploring the delightful experience of al fresco dining

Al fresco dining combines the best of both worlds; delicious food and the great outdoors. As the weather starts to improve, the appeal of eating outside of a restaurant, pub, hotel, or café grows.

There are many reasons that al fresco dining is so appealing.

Firstly, many restaurants and hotels offer stunning backdrops, from lush gardens to serene landscapes. The visual appeal of an outdoor venue can transform a simple meal into a picturesque event. Imagine dining under a canopy of trees, with flowers in full bloom, or by a lakeside as the sun sets, casting a golden hue over the water. These natural elements not only provide a beautiful setting but also create a unique and memorable atmosphere that can’t be replicated indoors.

The open-air setting also fosters a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, making it ideal for socialising and enjoying the company of friends and family. Without the confines of walls, the ambiance becomes more laid-back and free-flowing.

Eating outside of a restaurant, pub, café, or hotel in fresh air and natural light can boost your mood and overall well-being. The fresh air can invigorate the senses and improve appetite, making the dining experience more enjoyable. Additionally, spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall mood.

Dining al fresco engages all the senses in a way that indoor dining often cannot.

The sounds of nature, such as birds chirping provide a soothing auditory backdrop. The scents of blooming flowers or fresh grass add layers of sensory delight that complement the aromas of the food. These sensory experiences can enhance the flavours and enjoyment of the meal, making it a truly immersive and memorable occasion.

Al fresco dining provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature, something that many people find rejuvenating and grounding. Being outside allows guests to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world, which can be a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Finally, the unique setting and ambiance of al fresco dining often create lasting memories. The combination of delicious food, beautiful surroundings, and the company of loved ones makes for an unforgettable experience. These moments spent dining outdoors become cherished memories that guests will look back on fondly for years to come.

Al fresco dining is more than just eating outdoors; it’s an experience that engages the senses, promotes relaxation, and fosters a deeper connection with nature.

– where Fine Dining is a Science and Art Form

PERCHED at the top of a tree-lined drive a couple of miles from Chatsworth, lies Fischer’s at Baslow Hall, a creeper-clad manor house with prestigious listings in both the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide, as well as boasting 3 AA Rosettes and a Visit England ‘Taste of England’ award.

Carefully curated menus showcase inventive modern British cuisine. Head Chef John Shuttleworth and his team craft dishes that celebrate the finest quality local produce, with a focus on homegrown, sustainably produced ingredients which are handpicked from the kitchen gardens, expertly foraged from the surrounding Peak District National Park or carefully selected from

artisan local producers.

With a stellar reputation for fabulous fine dining, Fischer’s is a family-owned hotel and restaurant founded by Max and Susan Fischer way back in 1989, and now expertly spearheaded by their son, Neil.

Fischer’s is elegant but not stuffy; luxe yet laid-back. It’s a beautiful spot to eat, with light flooding through the mullioned windows and dining rooms overlooking the gorgeous, manicured gardens. Outside there’s a stunning summer champagne terrace

Whether you opt for the 10-course tasting menu, à-la carte lunch or dinner, or a chef-side spot next to the action at the kitchen bench, prepare to be wowed by meals that let every ingredient sing.

We were extended the

privilege of experiencing fine dining from the kitchen bench. With front row seats in the centre of the bespoke kitchen, we had a bird’s eye view of the culinary craftsmen creating their award-winning dishes in a busy, professional environment.

Entering the kitchen, you immediately sense the vibrancy of a young dynamic team intent on perfecting every single ingredient and giving it a sense of purpose in the dish. The thought processes, the harmonisation of flavours, the microscopic attention to detail, the wine and food pairings – everything has to be seen to be believed. It really is like watching scientists at the height of their game. And, refreshingly, there’s a calmness and cohesion, with team spirit and togetherness paramount.

Head chef, John Shuttleworth, sous-chef, Anthony Brookes, and the rest of the gifted team,

including Toby, Elliott, and pastry chef, Sam, offered a stepby-step live commentary of the dishes presented to us – with the intricacy of the ingredients, the temperatures they’re cooked at, the contrasting flavours, and the subtle nuances and notes. Sommelier, Tasha, is like a walking encyclopaedia of wines and their pairings with the food. Tasha’s story is almost as remarkable as her knowledge. Having fled from Ukraine during the early part of the conflicts, she has forged a new life for herself in England. And hasn’t she done it in some style? Hers is a story in itself. Here at Fischer’s, even the bread is an art form. We were treated to Mosbolletjies bread, a typical Afrikaner sweetish bread lined with honey from one of the 9 bee hives in the gardens. Our taste buds were duly tantalised from the outset! The next stop on this amazing

journey were the starters. The goat’s cheese with pickled morel, walnut, and asparagus was a prime example of how simple ingredients can be elevated under expert hands. The softness of the cheese was counterbalanced by the crunch of the asparagus. A perfect balance of contrasting tastes.

The pan roast sea bass with Isle of Wight tomatoes and sauce vierge was next up. The sea bass was incredibly fresh with a subtle crispness to the skin. The herbs were allowed to shine but not overpower, creating an aromatic touch to the senses.

The pork belly with crackling, carrot, and apple was comforting, yet still light. The stickiness and sweetness of the sauce complemented the pork perfectly. A fever dream of flavour.

Now’s the opportune time to mention the wine pairings. The same intense thought processes that go into the food preparation extended to the wine pairings. Tasha’s understanding of how wine and food flavours interact was simply sublime. Not only should the wine burnish and enhance the food, but also the food should burnish the wine. She was almost as

good at pairing wines, as she was at charming customers. And that was a high bar!

The scene was now set for the arrival of the mains. The guinea fowl with boudin blanc, white onion, and salsify was a combination of flavours that exploded on the tongue. The richness and ‘gamey’ taste of the guinea fowl was harmonised with the sweetness and acidity of the white wine vinegar, the crunch of the white onion, and the earthiness of the salsify.

The slow braised ox shin, cooked for 14 hours, and with a veal stock that took two days to make, mustard gnocchi, swede, and gremolata was a rollercoaster of textures and flavours. Deep and rich, sticky and sweet, sharp and bitter,

zesty and earthy – what a kaleidoscope of dancing flavours!

The poached cod loin, saffron risotto, kohlrabi, smoked cod roe, and toasted pumpkin seeds was a masterclass in the importance of minutiae. The cod was covered in rock salt for just 20 minutes. It was then cooked at 56 degrees –no more and no less – and then it was beautifully enhanced by the balancing ingredients – with the pumpkin adding a subtle texture dimension. This was more than just a meal; it was an exploration of taste and a visual feast.

Still room for desserts? You bet!

The rum ba ba with pineapple, coconut, and mint was the perfect summer treat. The sponginess of the base intermingled with the texture and warmth from the pineapple, and the smoothness from the cream and coconut fizzed up with a smack of rum offered an unbeatable harmony of flavours.

The dark chocolate parfait with malt crumb and mango sorbet was a tantalising blend of rich, smooth, sweet and zesty. Comforting, yet light at the same time.

The lemon thyme panna cotta with pine nuts and apple provided a yin and yang of flavours – the tartness of the apple, the zinginess of the lemon, the texture of the pine nuts, and the smooth, creamy,

and sweet taste of the panna cotta provided a science lesson on ingredient harmony.

The cheese board, or cheese clock to term it correctly, merited its own bespoke menu – it was that impressive! A ‘Yarlington’, ‘Kidderton Ash’, ‘Hereford Hop’ and ‘Colston Bassett’ gave opportunity to work our way around the clock from mild to strong – each offering its own tempting reason to be savoured.

All the staff at Fischer’s are equally passionate and knowledgeable and share the same overwhelming desire to create the ultimate fine dining experience. This joy of food and celebration of fresh, local produce is evident in every mouthful. The presentation only reinforces just how much care goes into every single dish. Here, they clearly understand food isn’t just about produce and flavour or filling a hungry void; it should be an experience, and an experience you’ll want to relive. It’s a culinary journey, and it’s a journey that stops at every corner of the palette.

FOR MORE DETAILS: Fischer’s Baslow Hall Calver Road, Baslow, Derbyshire, DE45 1RR T: 01246 583 259 reservations@fischersbaslowhall.co.uk www.fischers-baslowhall.co.uk

DINE UNDER THE SKY: The top 5 al fresco spots in the Peak District

WHEN the warmer months arrive, there’s nothing quite like dining outdoors in the stunning surroundings of the Peak District. Whether you’re enjoying a post-walk meal or simply soaking up the sun, al fresco dining offers an unparalleled experience

From lush gardens to panoramic views, here are five fantastic venues in the Peak District where you can enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks in the great outdoors.

The Peacock at Rowsley: A tranquil garden retreat

THE Peacock at Rowsley offers a beautiful garden terrace, making it the ideal spot for al fresco dining on a balmy spring or summer day. With mature trees, blossom, topiary, and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for enjoying a cold drink, afternoon tea, a relaxed lunch or a special dinner. As one of the Peak District’s few AA Rosette restaurants,

The Peacock’s dining experience is as refined as it is relaxing, and the food is as exquisite as the setting. With a strong focus on seasonality and many ingredients sourced from minutes down the road, the dishes here, including those on head chef, Dan Smith’s, widely celebrated tasting menu, epitomise the Peak District’s exceptional culinary offerings.

All photography by Tom hodgson: tomhodgson.co.uk

The Ashford Arms: Ashford in the Water’s hidden gem

TUCKED away in the picturesque village of Ashford in the Water, The Ashford Arms offers a delightful 30-seat al fresco pergola dining area, complete with a retractable roof that opens up to the fresh air. This inviting outdoor space is the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a scenic stroll along the nearby Monsal Trail.

The Ashford Arms, which is steeped in history, takes pride in using only the finest locally sourced ingredients, carefully selected from the dedicated farmers, brewers, and artisan producers of the Peak District. The menu combines comforting pub classics with a modern twist, alongside dishes inspired by flavours from around the world. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients that change regularly, ensuring a menu that reflects the very best of the region.

The Maynard: A showstopper in Grindleford

RECOGNISED for having one of the best outdoor garden dining and drinking areas in the Peak District, The Maynard offers a restaurant and garden terrace that is nothing short of spectacular. The views from the beer garden are breathtaking, offering vistas of the surrounding countryside. However, it’s the food that really steals the show here.

The Maynard’s menu focuses on mouthwatering dishes packed with punchy flavours and the finest local ingredients. From comforting pub classics to seasonal specials, the outdoor dining experience at The Maynard is a true highlight of the Peak District. There is a wonderful calendar of events from live music in the gardens every Sunday afternoon, to garden parties and meet the maker wine tasting events, there’s always something to look forward to.

The Peacock at Owler Bar: Panoramic views of the moorland

FOR those looking for a dining experience with a view, The Peacock at Owler Bar is a must-visit. On the edge of Sheffield, this historic pub offers some of the most incredible panoramic views in the Peak District. Enjoying a meal outdoors here means feasting your eyes on miles of rolling

moorland, while you tuck into a delicious menu that showcases the best of local produce. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty lunch or a refreshing drink, the scenery at The Peacock at Owler Bar creates a memorable dining experience that combines stunning vistas with exceptional food.

A Peak District dining experience like no other

FROM the peaceful gardens of The Peacock at Rowsley to the breathtaking views at The Peacock at Owler Bar, these five venues offer more than just great food

– they provide an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and take in the beauty of the Peak District. Whether you’re dining after a walk, enjoying a leisurely lunch with

The George at Hathersage: Historic charm and outdoor space

SET in the heart of Hathersage, a village with deep literary connections to Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, The George at Hathersage is a charming venue that offers a spacious outdoor seating area.

Located in the centre of the village, the outdoor space is perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of this historic location while you dine. With a menu that focuses on using local, seasonal ingredients, with the added treat of freshly made woodfired pizzas, The George offers a warm and welcoming environment for all of the family and those who want to relax and enjoy the Peak District’s natural beauty while indulging in freshly prepared dishes.

friends, or simply unwinding on a warm day, these al fresco spaces are the perfect places to relax, indulge, and make the most of the region’s natural charm.

SLOW-COOKED, MINTED STOUT LAMB HENRY

ASTANDOUT signature dish this month from The Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water – one of Derbyshire’s top-rated country pubs, celebrated for its charming atmosphere and exceptional food.

Head chef Alfie Young’s dish is the very definition of comfort and craftsmanship.

The Lamb Henry is slow cooked for 12 hours until meltingly tender, then finished in a rich minted stout gravy made with the lamb’s own roasting juices. It’s served atop buttery mash and accompanied by a vibrant mix of seasonal green vegetables. This is pub dining at its best – rustic, bold and deeply satisfying.

The Bulls Head is a must-visit for lovers of real country food and fine hospitality. Food is served daily from 12-2.30pm and 5.30-9pm (Sundays 12–5pm). Bookings recommended.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Henry & Gravy:

• 2 Lamb Henry shanks (bone-in)

• Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 500ml quality beef stock

• 330ml dark stout (preferably local Derbyshire brew)

• 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly

• 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

• 1 tsp malt vinegar

• Pan juices from lamb

For the Mash

• 800g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled & chopped

• 100g unsalted butter

• Sea salt & white pepper, to taste

For the Seasonal Greens:

• Tender-stem broccoli

• Kale

• Garden peas

• Knob of butter

• Salt to season

Method

Begin by seasoning the Lamb Henry shanks generously with sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. In a large, heavy-based pan, heat a splash of olive oil and sear the lamb over mediumhigh heat until rich and golden. Remove the lamb and set aside. In the same pan, reduce the heat and add the sliced onion, crushed garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook gently for 5–7 minutes until softened and aromatic, scraping up all the caramelised flavour from the base of the pan.

Deglaze with the stout, letting it bubble and reduce slightly. Stir in the beef stock and redcurrant jelly. Return the lamb to the pan (or a deep roasting tray), cover tightly with foil or a lid, and slow cook in a low oven at 100°C for a full 12 hours. This long, gentle cook transforms the lamb into fork-tender perfection,

infusing it with deep, rich flavour. Once cooked, lift the lamb carefully from the pan and keep warm. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan and simmer to reduce into a thick, glossy gravy. Finish with finely chopped fresh mint and a splash of malt vinegar to balance the richness.

Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, steam off any excess moisture, then mash with generous butter and seasoning until smooth and silky.

Blanch the seasonal greens in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then toss with a little butter and a pinch of salt.

To serve, spoon the mash onto warmed plates, gently place the Lamb Henry on top, and ladle over the minted stout gravy. Add the vibrant greens on the side for a dish that’s hearty and utterly irresistible.

Head chef Alfie Young at The Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water.

Left:

Anna-Louise Pickering.

Below:

A visit to South Africa saw AnnaLouise get this close-up picture of an elephant.

On a visit to Russia, Anna-Louise took her life in her hands to get the picture of a Siberian tiger.

searching for wildlife –

in all seven continents

!

Barrie Farnsworth meets local photographer and conservationist Anna-Louise Pickering.

ANNA-LOUISE Pickering has taken pictures the world over – in fact she has travelled to all seven continents.

Most of the time she accompanied her mother Pollyanna, the world-famous wildlife artist who died in 2018, on expeditions to some of a farthest-flung places in the world.

Her parents bought the house in 1976 she now lives in – Brookvale House, Oaker – but sadly, her father Ken, an industrial designer, died when she was nine years old. She went first to St Elphin’s School, Darley Dale; and then the Presentation Convent School in Matlock up to A-levels.

At the age of 18, Anna-Louise decided not to go to college or university but instead headed for London and got a job with a small theatre company where she did all their publishing promotion – among other nonacting roles – and took pictures of actors as part of the publicity.

But the company went bankrupt and she headed back home – around the time that her mum’s PA left nearly 30 years ago. So Anna-Louise filled that role – and the first headache was her mother’s contract with a publisher “‘which went on for page after page’. We managed to extricate her from that contract and went for a new publisher, Otter House Ltd, who continue to sell Pollyanna’s

This seal pup looks like he’s posing for Anna-Louise in the Galapagos Islands.

Above: On one of her visits to China, Anna-Louise got this lovely picture of a panda.

Right: Anna-Louise gets up close and personal with this cheetah.

cards and giftware in eighty countries around the world.”

But being her mum’s business partner and PA was not easy for different reasons – Pollyanna would tell her daughter that she wanted to paint or sketch ‘Siberian tigers’ and then disappear from her office! Try arranging a trip to Siberia – part of the communist country of Russia – and you’ll get an idea of what Anna-Louise was up to.

“We flew to Vladivostok, which was a 14-hour flight from Moscow, then spent two days getting to where the tigers were. We stayed with two families – no hotels there – but I took some pictures and Pollyanna’s painting of a Siberian tiger was my favourite of all her work,” said Anna-Louise.

In the late Nineties they were the first two westerners to travel to a remote region of the Tibetan borderlands in China – another communist country with lots of paperwork – and stayed in the workers’ quarters of a panda hospital, which Anna-Louise described as ‘very basic’, by which time she had gained a City & Guilds Photography Diploma in Bakewell: “I thought I should do it to prove I had acquired some technical knowledge of photography.”

Mum and daughter also made two trips to what is known as the ‘High Arctic’ in

search of polar bears, where the temperature often reached -60deg Fahrenheit. The first time they had two Iniut guides and sleds pulled by huskies.

‘We often wore 28 layers of clothing and three pairs of gloves,” said Anna-Louise, “which made taking pictures rather difficult.” The second time there was a stay inside a lodge totally surrounded by a cage to keep out polar bears!

Since her mum’s death, Anna-Louise has been president of The Pollyanna Pickering Foundation, a wildlife charity which is now 25 years old and which she co-founded, and has projects around the world, including one she visited and helped with the work in Kenya to create lion-proof cattle gates called bomas.

She is next off to Sumatra, where the Foundation has a project to help orang-utangs. Before that, however, she is staging at her home an ‘The Art of Conservation’ free exhibition of Pollyanna’s paintings from June 21-29 where she will also have a life-size bronze sculpture of an orangutang in her garden, which visitors can have their photos taken against! It was created by sculptress Casey Banwell, a friend of Anna-Louise.

Her mum Pollyanna made regular appearances on a TV home shopping channel, and Anna-Louise has now taken on the role. She has also written

five books about their travels together. She also followed Pollyanna, who had a close connection with the founders of The Born Free Foundation, to become a patron.

I had to ask her this –what is her favourite place worldwide? “It’s the Kingdom

of Bhutan in the Himalayas – so stunning,” was her reply. Editor’s Note: The ‘Art of Conservation’ exhibition of Pollyanna Pickering’s work is on June 21-29 (10am-6pm daily) at The Gallery, Brookvale House, Oaker, DE4 2JJ (AA signposted). Admission is free.

A 200th anniversary event!

AT the first May Bank Holiday weekend, an event celebrating the 200th anniversary since The Cromford and High Peak Railway Act was passed, which enabled the 33-mile route to be built, between the Cromford Canal and the Peak Forest Canal at Whaley Bridge, in 1825. This entry into our 2025 photographic competition shows a Fowler ploughing traction engine in front of the Middleton Top Winding Engine, taken by Stuart Else, of Lumsdale, Matlock.

Next, Stuart Else’s photo of the world’s oldest winding steam engine of its type built in 1829 was run for the first time in

decades. This engine, with the top-hatted gentleman beside him, is the only survivor of eight built for the High Peak route.

Tissington Hall, on a beautiful morning in April, taken by Russ Teale, of Newbold.

Something a bit different, next. It is a crochet ‘bomb’ of Maypole dancing rats, placed on top of a postbox, off Asker Lane, Matlock, taken in early May by Peter Wigglesworth, of Matlock.

A picture of the South Front at Kedleston Hall, taken in May by Ken Parker, of Matlock, who says: “It’s an outstanding Neoclassical design inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.” Indeed, Ken!

R.T

This picture of Haddon Hall was taken on April 22 by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold.

Another picture in April next. It’s of Old Hardwick Hall, taken by Russ Teale, of Newbold. What is in the foreground will have to remain a mystery!

Our photographic competition for 2025 has a simple theme – it’s ‘Derbyshire Events & Attractions’ – and it includes events, markets and festivals, stately homes, well dressings, sporting events and

attractions from caverns to train rides.

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

Please email your entries to barrief@

bannisterpublications.co.uk, giving your full name and address, a contact telephone number and a description (including the date it was taken) of the image, which should be attached as a high-res jpeg.

The winner will receive a meal for two at a top local restaurant, plus the chance to have a selection of their images published in Reflections.

The deadline for entries is noon on Monday, October 13, 2025.

B.S

R.T

WALKING IN Oldenland

Roger Clough of Darley Dale, a former Professor of Social Care, has written a book about his walk into old age.

IWALK the tracks of the Derbyshire Dales where I live, understanding a little more of the contentment and solace I have always found in the shape and colour of hills and moors, trees and flowers, the ever-changing clouds, the feel of our world.

I walk as I have always done for the pleasure of moving limbs, but I walk now in the knowledge of the importance of walking to nurture the performance of an ageing frame. Inescapably, I am walking towards the end of a lifetime journey. I search not only to understand more of Oldenland but to meditate on the life I have lived, and the living of today and tomorrow.

I walk as I have always done to absorb the world, a world as old as the hills, seemingly solid and permanent, yet changing so rapidly in our lifetime. I look at the oldness of trees; at rivers that have worn their way over centuries; at the form of rocks, alive with their history.

As the psalmist wrote, ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.’

These are paragraphs from my book Oldenland – A Journey in Search of the Good Last Years. The book is about my reflections

on life in Oldenland, the country of old age. It tries to capture some of the thoughts from my work life as to the way that older people make decisions about housing, and about the factors that they contend would help them to lead fuller lives. Now in my 80s, I reflect on me and those who live around me. What do we expect from this stage of our life? Is it to be no more than filling in time before a demise that, realistically, is no longer far away?

Left:

The book is about the walk of my life, sometimes with purpose knowing where I want to go, so often meandering, unsure of the destination, struggling to find the route, encountering unexpected hazards as I go. A decision made and I start out, only to find along the way that a path is closed following a landslide, that I have lost my way or am unable to continue after a fall on a slippery rock. I do not expect to find definitive answers to the questions I pose to myself. But I walk on in the hope that I will gain greater understanding. In front of me is an adventure with

The book cover of Oldenland – A Journey in Search of the Good Last Years, written by Roger Clough.

Still walking, Roger Clough.

old age as my companion, my shadow and confederate, maybe even my friend. There will be hazards on slippery paths, the weather will change suddenly, and I will find myself ill-prepared, but there will be moments when the wonders of the world open before me and I find peace and contentment, a sense of becoming myself, of coming home. And so on a summer day to another walk from the book:

I set off after breakfast to walk up to The Toothbrush, a local name for a line of trees that tops a ridge above Darley Dale. There’s been no rain for a fortnight, but the day is full of cloud and a breeze springs up as I round a corner. I feel the cold more than I used to, so I have donned a jacket, but suspect it will be an unnecessary accoutrement before long.

The first steps are along a grass path, baked hard with desert-like cracks in the clay, edged with red clover that is starting to fade from its prime. I have tasks to complete en route – a birthday card to post, plastic bags to drop off for recycling in the local shop – but am soon on my way, realising as I go that having remembered the card and the bags, I have forgotten to bring any water.

From here the path rises steeply and I push myself to keep going until I get to the

top of the first incline, watching on an app my ‘kilometre per hour’ speed, determined to better a recent average time as I am trying to get fit for an upcoming hike. I plan to walk the Three Peaks in Yorkshire with my son at the end of the summer, a trek that was postponed last year when I was awaiting the results of a heart scan and some monitoring tests. I hear myself say to my wife Ann: ‘I don’t know whether I’ll be able to complete it, but I want to have a go. It’s probably the last time I’ll tackle it.’

Herein an aspect of my old age: wanting to keep going, to tread another time the paths that I have walked so often in the past; the enjoyment of stretching my limbs and my goals; trusting that, if the trek is beyond my capacity – another lifetime activity that has run its course – I will not berate myself as a failure.

Around me the trees are in full bloom and the world seems adorned in a blanket of snow, the grass covered with May blossom and what I learn from an app are small white caraway flowers. Blazing from the white carpet are buttercups with an intensity of yellow that I never remember seeing before. In front of me as I stride on is a pink hawthorn, the colour somehow shining out. It is one of my favourite trees, the one I would like planted on my woodland burial plot if family remember…

Age is my companion, my shadow and confederate, my friend. I see on the horizon a land where I am at peace with myself, content, managing my life to my satisfaction. I have a picture of completion, of becoming myself, at long last of knowing the place where I live, of holding to a trust that whatever life holds for me, I will be able to live well enough with my old age. I am at last, at home. Mirage in the desert or my land of milk and honey? Time, ageing time, will tell. Editor’s Note: Oldenland – A Journey in Search of the Good Last Years, by Roger Clough, is published by John Murray. Roger and his son David have pencilled in a date in July to tackle the Three Peaks in Yorkshire.

Above: One of Roger’s favourite trees, the pink hawthorn.

HOLIDAY IDEAS AFLOAT AND ASHORE...

NORTH, south, east and west, P&O Cruises, in conjunction with Martins World Travel, has got the world covered. Whether you want to explore alluring doorstep destinations or further afield, P&O can take you there. As main agents for P&O Cruises. Martins World Travel offers a complete cruise service at the best possible price, as well as a complete pre-cruise check-in service together with printing boarding cards and luggage labels.

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Contemporary and family friendly, or elegant and exclusively for adults? There’s

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From summer escapes and winter sun to school holidays and festive breaks, a P&O Cruises holiday offers incredible value for money.

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Arcadia

The indulgent explorer

An adult-only escape of refined luxury and leisurely exploration

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An intimate classic

A classic cruising experience with a focus on relaxation, world-class dining and a stylish atmosphere

Destinations

British Isles, Canary Islands, Caribbean, Mediterranean, North Europe and Scandinavia, South America, Spain, France and Portugal, USA and Canada

FAMILY-FRIENDLY OPTIONS

Five amazing cruise ships to choose from: Arvia, Iona, Brittania, Ventura and Azura.

A great choice of accommodation for families

Family-friendly cabins have been carefully designed to maximise space by day and create flexible sleeping arrangements by night, perfect for families and group travel. Iona and Arvia offer a great choice of accommodation for families, including two special family suites at the front of the ship.

Sailing on board Arvia, here’s what’s included on your cruise

The sunshine ship. With the promise of happy days and fun-filled nights to come, our newest cruise ship Arvia is a ray of holiday sunshine. You can expect energetic adventures, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, interactive family entertainment and soothing relaxation options.

• Full-board dining from 7 venues

• 4 swimming pools, including open top roof and Infinity pool with swim-up bar

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night nursery

• On-board entertainment including shows, live music, comedy and more

• Mini golf & sports arena

• Gym & range of fitness classes

• Tips included

Welcome aboard Aurora

An intimate classic

Experience the timeless elegance of Aurora. This adults-only ship exudes classic cruising with a modern twist; with its stunning atrium and refined design, you can indulge in relaxing afternoons, explore destinations, and appreciate the art of leisurely cruising.

SAMPLE LATE CRUISE OFFERS FOR 2025.

Autumn Colours of Canada and New England (R517)

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Central Mediterranean Discovery (R518)

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Southampton, CartagenaSpain, Cagliari, Katakolon (tours to Olympia), Corfu, Dubrovnik, Split, Messina, Gibraltar, Southampton

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Norwegian Fjords (R513) 26 Jul 2025, 12 nights from £999.00 pp Southampton, Haugesund, Nordfjordeid, Nordfjord (cruise-by), Andalsnes, Romsdalsfjord, Leknes Lofoten Islands, Trondheim, Alesund, Southampton

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Central Mediterranean Discovery (N704) 26 Feb 2027, 21 nights Ventura Southampton, CartagenaSpain, La Goulette, Valletta, Piraeus (tours to Athens), Naples, Civitavecchia (tours to Rome), Barcelona, Alicante, Cadiz, Lisbon, Southampton

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TUI Holidays. On Shore holidays and TUI Marella Cruises.

Martins World travel is a leading travel agent for one of the UK’s

leading holiday companies - TUI. Enjoy an unrivalled choice of holiday destinations at incredible value prices and you receive the full personal service from experienced and knowledgeable staff. In addition, Martins World Travel completes your advanced passenger information (API) and completes your checking procedure and printing of boarding passes. A complete professional service.

Marella…

The Marella fleet packs in five first-class ships and each one’s fitted with everything you need while you’re sailing to your next port of call. Tuck into tasty dishes from the line-up of top-notch restaurants – special shoutout to Kora La – relax poolside with a new read or have a pampering session at a fully fitted spa, plus much more. Some of our ships also have a few one-of-a-kind features, too.

Top destinations currently include:

Greece. Corfu, Rhodes and Crete are our most popular destinations, and each has its own character. All provide every amenity that one could wish for with great value dining, clean clear waters, top hotels and wellappointed villas and apartments.

Portugal..

When it comes to holidays to Portugal, the Algarve really steals the limelight. Famous for its iconic coastlines, championship golf courses and caramelcoloured beaches, this southern stretch of Portugal was made for summer getaways.

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

SHEFFIELD CITY HALL

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

5 Not The Top 20 Live (Crucible)

5 We Need to Talk with Paul C. Brunson (Crucible)

5 Drunk Women Solving Crime Live (Playhouse)

5 Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast (Playhouse)

5 Secret Mum Club Live (Playhouse)

5 Meet and Greet Paul C. Brunson (Adelphi Room)

6 On The Sofa Live (Playhouse) BOX OFFICE: 01142565656

JUNE

6 UCAS Discovery Sheffield 2025 (Expo/Education)

8 Lionel Richie – Say Hello To the Hits 

22 Young Driver (Driving Experience)

Other Events

1 Belper Food Festival. Set in Belper’s historic town centre, this vibrant festival showcases a diverse array of local vendors and artisans. With live music, family-friendly activities, it’s a perfect opportunity to savour the unique flavours that make the town so special

3 Chesterfield and District Family History Society. 7.30pm online and live at St Thomas’ Centre Brampton. Stephen Hill, of the Arkwright Society, speaking on “Arkwright Daughters”. For more details and to register, contact secretary@cadfhs.org

4 Holymoorside Horticultural Society. ‘National Plant Collections’ a talk by Don Witton, 7.45pm. URC meeting room, Cotton Mill Hill, Holymoorside. All welcome. Call 01246 568000

6-8 Chatsworth Garden & Plant Fair. Enjoy a full day out learning from the experts, browsing specialist nurseries from around the country; and enjoying live music and great food. Admission to the fair is included with all tickets that feature the garden. For full event information, visit www.chatsworth.org

7 Wyns Tor Singers Summer Concert, with violinist Charlotte Hand. At 7.30pm at All Saints Church, Youlgreave. An evening of fine choral music, folk songs and contemporary works. Tickets: £10 from Youlgreave Post Office, the Village Shop, or on the door.

7-28 An exhibition celebrating 35 years of Chesterfield and District Family History Society. Theme: ‘It’s a Family Affair’. At Chesterfield Library 9am-3pm. On Saturday, June 7 only, members will be available from 10am-3pm to chat and answer questions at the Genealogy Help Desk.

7-8 Matlock Food & Drink Festival. 10.30am4.30pm. A free, fun-filled day. Savour the delicious food and drink offerings from local vendors, stroll through the craft stalls, and

ENTERTAINMENT

HEADER: BAKEWELL’S INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DANCE

BAKEWELL’S 21st Day of Dance which will be held on Saturday June 28, with Well Heeled Appalachian Dancers continuing to host the event.

It is a day not to miss – it heralds the start of Bakewell Carnival Week, has the monthly  Farmers Market and there are  local well dressings on show.

This year, there will again be over 30 groups displaying dance styles from around the world at six outdoor venues from 11am to 4.30pm.

The organisers welcome back a group of Latvian dancers who last performed here in 2016; and that Ardantzeta Dantza Taldea, all the way from Pamplona in Spain, are performing here as part of their UK tour.  There will be dances from Hollywood shows; and the colourful Indian Beats will perform Classical and Indian Folk dances.

The exuberant Jose Oliva is back with his Feel it and Dance group, who are performing a selection of Latin dances. The Belrobics and Ballroom will be on offer along with a taste of Salsa in a circle from the Rueda Academy. Rock and Roll will be provided by the fun loving Hopfrogs Dance School.

Old favourites such as Black Pig Border Morris are performing  and Timberline Steve who has drawn in the crowds for years comes

enjoy live music and children’s entertainment

12-13 Bronte Guided Walk. Jane Austen wrote: “There is not a finer county in England than Derbyshire.” We celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth with a guided walk on Stanage Edge — where Keira Knightley surveyed the wild moorland landscape as Lizzie Bennet in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The walk also passes Thornfield Hall, associated with Charlotte Brontë’s masterpiece, Jane Eyre. A wonderful half-day walk with exceptional views. For more information, visit www.peakwalking.com

13-14 Download Festival. Returning to Donington in 2025, with brand new headliners Green Day, Sleep Token and Korn, plus over 90 more colossal names. Party all night long in District X. For tickets and more information, visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk/tickets

14-15 Summer Pride & Prejudice Ball at Chatsworth. Don gowns and breeches and step into Jane Austen’s classic novel for a summer evening of Regency dancing and dinner. For full event information, visit www.chatsworth.org

21 - July 6 Ashbourne Festival. Over the last two decades, this festival has hosted some of the best street theatre musicians, comedians, artists and writers working nationally and internationally. www.ashbournefestival.org

21-22 Shipley Country Park Food & Drink Festival. Mad Hatters Events is proud to present our annual food festival. With a wide variety of delicious food and drink, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings and our craft and artisan stalls offer unique treats

with  his precision line dancing group.

Traditional British dances will be well represented with plenty of Morris and clog dancing. Back again are Sheffield Steel Rappers, a young female team who will impress you with their acrobatic style and precision footwork,  Derby Tappers and The Silver Swans, an adult ballet group from Matlock are making a welcome return after their first, successful visit last year.

There will be opportunities to join in and learn a few basics of the individual dances. Dance workshops will be running in the Town Hall.

The outdoor venues are all free! Don’t be put off if it rains as there will be an alternative wet weather programme in Bakewell Town Hall from 12pm. For more information, visit www.bakewelldayofdance

and gifts. Also live music and children’s entertainment. Best of all, it’s free to enter!

22 Old Brampton Church Fayre. 2-4.30pm. Teas, stalls, games, prize draw and entertainment from Holymoorside Band. Cash only, please.

22 Derbyshire County Show. A highlight event with fun for the whole family, held at The Showground in Elvaston. Including a food fayre, craft and retail marquee, livestock section, dog show, countryside area, vintage vehicles and more. 9am-5.30pm. For tickets, visit www. derbyshirecountyshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/

28-29 Castleton’s Secret Gardens. 11am-4.30pm each day. Enjoy the work of our gardeners without having to do any yourself! Treat yourself to home-made refreshments in the Village Hall, where you will also find plant sales and hand thrown pots. If you want to walk round the gardens, entry costs £5 for adults, accompanied children under-16 are free. Programmes available from the Village Hall, Post Office, Visitor Centre and any participating garden. The money we raise supports the Village Hall, St Edmund’s Church Fabric Fund, Care4 Castleton, the Playing Fields, The Silver Band.

Above: The Spanish dance troupe, Ardantzeta Dantza Taldea, will be performing in Bakewell on June 28.

Prize Crossword

Congratulations to M Baker of Chesterfield, who won the May 2025 crossword. They won £25

Why not have a go at the June 2025 crossword on page 45