Reflections Magazine March 2023

WHAT’S ON CROSSWORD ANTIQUES

WALK ARTS

How did the pandemic do them a favour?

A woman with a station all to herself for years!

WHERE THERE ’ S FOLK, THERE'S BRASS! SEE P52

12,22,24,26,28 Countywide News

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

16 Another set of the county’s finest walks We carried a feature on ‘Derbyshire’s Finest Walks’ seven years ago, but Barrie Farnsworth offers you another ten crackers!

32 Crossword

38 Derbyshire’s full of fascinating holiday lets… Barrie Farnsworth takes a look at some of the more interesting – and some distinctly quirky – places to stay

42 Spring along with nature Claire Lyons looks at how we can support the natural world this season

46 Joseph’s a ‘Triple A’ performer with a difference… ‘Triple A’ stands for autism, ADHD and anxiety – but 17-yearold Joseph Green is determined to be a professional performer

48 Fashion

Make sure you stay on-trend by following the tips from our style guru, Amy Norbury

52 The fascinating history of a village brass band

The new Ashover Brass Band is just over 50 years old – but there was at least one brass band in the village in Victorian times.

John Surguy has published a book on its remarkable history – and here are some extracts

56 Sixty years on from the ‘Beeching Axe’

Steve Brown looks at how the Beeching Report affected the railways, and the stations, in Derbyshire

64 When welfare in Chesterfield extended to buying shoes for poor children

In the second of two features examining the 1959 Chesterfield Town Guide, Godfrey Holmes looks at municipal welfare

68 Spotlight on the Arts

News of a local orchestra’s ‘anniversary’ concert this month, and the launch of a worldclass paintings exhibition

70 Swans that are certainly not camera shy…

A pair of ‘posing swans’ is among the selection of entries to our 2023 ‘Derbyshire’s Wonderful Flora & Fauna’ photographic competition

73 Out & About

The Peak District already has lots of routes suitable for wheelchair users – and we feature one of them – but is getting some more

74 Antiques: who says you can’t afford a James Bond car?

Our expert valuer Vivienne Milburn looks this month at model cars and some ‘circus’ models

76 Focus on Food & Drink

The pandemic did us a favour, say the owners of Peak District Pantry – and there’s a delicious Recipe of the Month

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE MARCH 2023

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

Advertising: Mike Snow, mikes@bannisterpublications.co.uk

78 What’s On

Our comprehensive guide to the forthcoming events in the county and beyond in March and early April

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

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

Distribution: Louisa Chadburn, distribution@bannisterpublications.co.uk

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

Published by: Bannister Publications Ltd.

Tel. 01246 550 488 (3 lines). 118 Saltergate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1NG. 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, 7 / S43 - 1, 2, 3 / S45 0, S45 9.

All Rights Reserved: Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is strictly prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, or statements made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne for any errors made in any advertisement, or for incorrect claims made by any advertiser. The publishers reserve the right to refuse any advertising deemed unsuitable for any reason. All material submitted for publication is done so at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted for its return. Reflections Magazine, Bannister Publications Ltd.

say quirky – holiday

www.depositphotos.com

Find out more on P38. Picture

Cover picture: Derbyshire is packed with fascinating – not to

accommodation.

taken from

Are you ready for Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising night of the year?

Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk, sponsored by Technique, is back on Saturday 1st July 2023!  Night Walk, sponsored by Technique, is back on Saturday 1st July 2023!

THE charity is inviting everyone to light up the night and join them on their iconic 10k circular walk through Chesterfield. The event is an opportunity for family and friends to come together to remember loved ones and help fund the hospice’s vital care throughout North Derbyshire.

The route even includes a walk down the main dual-carriageway that runs through Chesterfield, which is closed especially for our walkers on the night – not something you can do every day!

For a limited time, the hospice is offering an

early bird entry price of just £10, available until Sunday 2nd April.

Along with the amazing chance to be part of this exciting event and paint the town pink, everyone who signs up will receive a brilliant fundraising pack, a pink Sparkle T-shirt, and must-have flashing bunny ears to wear on the night.

The hospice relies on the generosity of the community to raise millions of pounds each year to help fund the specialist care they provide to local people living with a life-limiting illness. So, by taking part in this event, you’ll help them to continue to be there for families when it matters most.

TO SIGN UP AND TAKE PART, VISIT ASHGATE’S WEBSITE: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk – don’t forget to sign up by Sunday 2nd April to take advantage of the early bird offer!

Countywide News

with the aim to once again become a cultural centre for the community and for the thousands who visit the area.

The latest fund-raising campaign is to improve the accessibility of the building, making the theatre and hall more inclusive to those with disabilities, including a lift to the second floor.

The ‘Give Us A Lift!’ Campaign is now accepting donations on its Crowdfunder page.

Isy Suttie said after her donation: “The first time I performed at the Pav was as a munchkin soldier in The Wizard of Oz in 1986. I still remember the excitement of being backstage and how magical the building was – it’s such an important part of the community.”

The Grand Pavilion, built in 1910, has a successful café and provides rented space to both the Lead and Mining Museum, the Matlock Bath Pre School and Independent Hotels UK, as well as local classes and groups.

The crowdfunding page is at https://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/tgp-give-us-a-lift

The Wildgoose Wing takes off!

WHITWORTH Hospital at Darley Dale has honoured its longest serving friend and supporter Pam Wildgoose by naming the outpatient department after her.

The Wildgoose Wing took flight with signage now in place on the previously unnamed wing of the hospital.

Pam, 91, has served as honorary secretary of Matlock Hospitals

League of Friends for 56 years – and counting. She was one of the very first committee members elected when it was formed in 1967 and has served on the committee continuously ever since.

Senior specialist nurse Melissa Dalton said: “Pam is the most amazing friend to us at the hospital and we wanted to do something special for her. This was the best way we could think to say thank you!”

Retired teacher Pam, from Matlock, said: “When Melissa told me about the Wildgoose Wing idea I was in tears, because it seemed too good to be true. It’s lovely!”

Pam received an MBE in 1989 for her voluntary work. Over the past half-century, the Matlock league has invested nearly £4 million in facilities for patients in the Derbyshire Dales, predominantly at Whitworth Hospital.

Back in 1967, the first item the league was requested to provide was a piano for the ward. In more recent times, the

league has funded £127,000 towards the upgrade of the urgent treatment centre and is currently funding work to create extra outpatient consulting rooms.

Other significant projects which have been made possible with league funding include the building of the physiotherapy unit and the refurbishment of Oker Ward.

Isy shares the love for The Grand Pavilion

AFTER a sell-out performance there in November, local comedy legend Isy Suttie has donated half of the proceeds from the show to the renovation project at The Grand Pavilion in Matlock Bath.

Isy Suttie (pictured below) returned to The Grand Pavilion’s Edwardian stage to perform her latest stand-up show, Jackpot. Having grown up in Matlock, she spent many a Saturday night in the very same Grand Hall – then a night club known as ‘The PAV’. Having re-invented itself numerous times over the past 100 years, The Grand Pavilion is now run as a charity,

Ex-Lady Manners pupil receives CBE from King

A FORMER pupil of Lady Manners School, Bakewell, was presented with a CBE by King Charles III at Windsor Castle this week.

Frances Wadsworth, a prominent senior leader in the field of further education, has been recognised for her expertise in steering improvement in struggling colleges. She was nominated for the honour for services to the Further Education sector in the 2022 honours list.

Ms Wadsworth, a former colleges’ principal and CEO currently holds two ministerial appointments: Deputy Further Education Commissioner for England and Deputy Chair of Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation.

She said: “Receiving a CBE from the King was an incredible honour and a humbling experience. It is a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Following a 30-year career in further education – including as principal of East Surrey College and later Croydon College – Ms Wadsworth was appointed Deputy Further Education Commissioner in 2018 and, in the role, has supported over 40 colleges across England.

Above: The writing really is on the wall! Pam Wildgoose (centre) is pictured underneath the new Wildgoose Wing signage at Whitworth Hospital with (from left) Pete Vincent (League of Friends chair), Melissa Dalton (senior specialist nurse), Brian Wood (League of Friends treasurer), Tom Pilkington (League of Friends community representative), Jane Bull and Lisa Trantham (both Whitworth Hospital facilities management).

The Grand Pavilion at Matlock Bath.

Frances Wadsworth with her CBE.

PUBLISHING YOUR FIRST BOOK: A STEP-BY-STEP APPROACH FOR 2023

MANY include becoming an author on their bucket lists, but their hopes get squashed by how difficult it seems. Researching, telling a story, and conveying ideas seem like a challenge in its own right. But, once the book is written, how and where do you find a publisher.

Self-publishing can be hugely rewarding. The author retains ultimate control of every step of the publishing process in a way that couldn’t be achieved with a traditional publisher. Choosing a trusted and experienced publishing house presents the perfect opportunity to combine autonomy as an author with publisher expertise. North Derbyshire-based, Bannister Publications, is a highly regarded regional publishing institution. There are many reasons why they’ve become the publishing partner of choice for local authors:

Local network: 30-year experience of publishing has enabled strong and longstanding local connections to be built

Reputation: as the publishers of Derbyshire’s largest circulation

lifestyle magazine Reflections, Bannister Publications offers a well-established platform that can help to promote the book.

Breadth of experience: a comprehensive portfolio of writers, authors, photographers, artists, and others, all with varying levels of experience, have been supported in getting their work published in a professional manner, in a variety of finished book forms.

Personal service: displaying all the hallmarks of a highly reputable familyrun business, Bannister Publications prides itself on offering a friendly and attentive service. From initial discussions to the final printing of the book, Robert Bannister, guides authors along their journey every step of the way.

Quality: the editing and design services are unrivalled locally, and the printers, who are used, serve the UK’s major publishing houses.

Value for money: Runs of small books at comparatively low prices are easily attainable – as are longer run bigger and more intricate publications.

The first step to publishing a book starts here…

Bannister Publications Limited

118 Saltergate Chesterfield

Derbyshire

S40 1NG

hello@bannisterpublications.com

T: 01246 550488

Another set of the county’s finest walks!

IN 2016, we carried the selection by our regular contributor and ‘mountain man’ Steve Brown of the Finest Walks in Derbyshire. But as he said himself, the county has some of the most beautiful countryside

1. LATHKILL DALE

To me, it beats Dovedale as the finest of the Derbyshire dales. Home, of course, to the River Lathkill, which emerges into the dale either from springs below Lathkill Head Cave or, in wet conditions, from the cave itself. And the fact that the river is what is known as a ‘winterbourne stream’ – drying up in sections in summer – merely adds to the dale’s charms.

Now I am no fisherman, but here’s what Charles Cotton wrote about the Lathkill in his famous book, The Compleat Angler: “It is, by many degrees, the purest and most transparent stream that I ever saw, either at home or abroad, and breeds, it is said, the reddest and best trouts in England.”

Let’s not forget, too, that the dale is

in Britain and it proved very difficult to make his choice. It was no surprise to his colleagues that Steve chose some of the toughest treks in the county – including Kinder, Bleaklow, Derwent Edge and Chrome and Parkhouse Hills – along with

many people’s favourites like Dovedale, Chatsworth Park and Curbar Edge. But, of course, Derbyshire has so much more to offer the walker, so now it’s editor Barrie Farnsworth’s turn to select another set of the county’s ‘Finest Walks’.

part of the Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve, as it has a tremendous range of wildflowers, including orchids and the rare Jacob’s Ladder, as well as many butterflies and birds.

One of my favourite walks is from Monyash, using Bagshaw Dale to get to Lathkill Dale, then back via the beautiful side valley of Cales Dale and then the Limestone Way back to Monyash.

2. BRETTON

A hamlet that can boast both breathtaking views and the highest pub in Derbyshire gets my vote! Yes, sitting outside the Barrel Inn with a pint – or two – offers probably the finest view in the county (and that’s saying something!). Apparently, in

the heyday of lead mining, Bretton was a far more substantial settlement than it is now, with miners’ cottages between the inn and the youth hostel.

Above: The highest pub in Derbyshire: the Barrel Inn at Bretton.

Orchids mean it’s springtime in Lathkill Dale. Picture by Chiz Dakin.

My favourite walk is from the inn to Nether Bretton – where there are great views over Abney Moor – then down Bretton Clough to Stoke Ford before returning using an old packhorse trail linking Eyam with Bradwell.

3. STANTON MOOR

For a small patch of Millstone Grit moorland, Stanton Moor has so many delights – The Nine Ladies stone circle and The Reform Tower as well as superb, wind-eroded pillars like the Cork Stone.

I love the fact that the Nine Ladies stone circle has, in fact, ten stones, as one was buried for centuries. Moreover, it is not known if the tenth stone was part of

Go walking with Park Rangers

PEOPLE who want to explore more of the Peak District National Park are being encouraged to take a guided walk with the National Park Rangers. This season’s walks include looking for mountain hares, navigation skills training, a history walk including Magpie Mine, and much more.

the original prehistoric design or a later addition. Even better is the fact that we are no nearer understanding whether the single monolith, the King Stone, which stands to the southwest of the circle, was linked to the circle or not… let’s keep it a mystery!

I like to walk from Winster across to Stanton Moor – and taking my time to enjoy all the moor’s delights – before returning to Winster via Birchover.

4. PENTRICH

It is now nearly 207 years since the last revolution on English soil – and it started in Derbyshire. The Pentrich Rising (which actually started in South WIngfield!) in June, 1817 was quashed almost before it began. It was a time of high unemployment and extreme poverty, and the government was

Many of the walks are suitable for families with children who enjoy a challenge. Children aged 17 years and below go free with paying adults.

Ranger Paul Wetton said: “We organise a varied programme of guided walks throughout the year to appeal to different interests – it’s a great way for people to gain confidence and find out more about the Peak District including it’s wildlife and cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone.”

National Park Rangers have a wealth of knowledge about ‘their patch’ and are always keen to share their stories and encourage people to enjoy the countryside.

Some of the coming walks include:

Sunday 26 March: A Wander

Through History from White Lodge (6.5 miles): Meeting at White Lodge Car Park (near Ashford in the Water), the walk covers some rough and uneven

fearful of an English version of the French Revolution. And their use of a spy – a classic ‘agent provocateur’ – among the marchers ensured the Rising’s failure… and the high cost they paid for their ‘treason’, as three were hanged and beheaded, fourteen were sent to Australian penal colonies, several more were imprisoned, with some of their families evicted and their homes destroyed. Pentrich is now a lovely village, and the four-mile ‘Revolution Trail’ in and

ground and hills. Enjoy dramatic, farreaching views as you explore evidence of ancient settlements and local history. This walk takes in Deep Dale, with a steep walk out of the dale, Sheldon Village and crosses the fields to Magpie Mine. £10 per person aged 18 and above.

Saturday 8 April: Who Dares Wins – Take the Challenge (10 miles): A strenuous walking challenge from Heatherdene Car Park (near Bamford), with over 2,300 feet of ascent overall, including the summit of Win Hill, an old Roman Road, Hope Cross and Crook Hill. £10 per person aged 18 and above. Saturday 22 April: Learn a Little Birdsong (8 miles): Remember to bring your binoculars for this informative walk from Meerbrook (near Leek). You will listen to the different bird species found in different habitats including a reservoir, river, woodland, moorland and farmland. Enjoy the birdsong and learn how to identify which birds are singing. £10 per person aged 18 and above.

For more walks and to book, visit www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/events

around the village is a splendid walk and has plaques along the route to explain all the significant points of the Rising. The trail starts at The Dog Inn, which has a ‘Revolution Bar’, before heading along Asher Lane towards the site of the Butterley Ironworks before heading back to Asher Lane and then along the disused Cromford Canal to pick up a path alongside the A610 down to Pentrich Lane End, before returning to the village.

Above: Explore more of the Peak District on walks with National Park Rangers.

Below: One of the plaques on the ‘Revolution Trail’ at Pentrich.

Above: The Nine Ladies stone circle at Stanton Moor.

Top right: The stunning view from the High Peak Trail above Cromford. Picture by Mark Titterton.

5. CROMFORD & THE HIGH PEAK TRAIL

An historic village, a lovely nature reserve and then stunning views from a section of the High Peak Trail – what’s not to love about my next choice?

Cromford – the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution – is a fascinating village, and so is the Rose End Meadows nature reserve, a group of 16 fields which have never been treated with fertiliser or pesticides, making them a special area of limestone farmland home to a wide variety of plant, bird and insect life.

Then my favourite walk takes me back to The Hill road and eventually onto the High Peak Trail – once the Cromford and High Peak Railway – with its spectacular views over Cromford, Matlock Bath and Matlock, dropping down to head back to Cromford via Intake Lane, Barnwell Lane and Bedehouse Lane.

My walk was taken from the Souvenir and Walker’s Guide to Cromford (email sales@curlewpress.co.uk) –and above is a map of the walk.

6. CUCKOO WAY & THE TRANS-PENNINE TRAIL

The Trans-Pennine Trail goes from Southport to Hornsea, but has a northsouth spur from Leeds to Chesterfield. Just to confuse things further, the trail has two routes out of Chesterfield: one that uses the Chesterfield Canal towpath (part of the Cuckoo Way) and one (called the Southern Bridleway Link) that goes by Tapton golf course to join the old

railway line at Inkersall Green; before they both come together at Staveley.

I prefer to start at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, then head along the Cuckoo Way

to Staveley Town Basin, before heading back via the old railway line to go through West Wood, crossing Manor Road at Brimington Common then down to Tapton.

Right: The Cuckoo Way follows the towpath of the Chesterfield Canal for its entire 46 miles. It was so called because the old horse-drawn boats on the canal were known as cuckoos.

© OpenStreetMap

Contributors (openstreetmap.org)

7. DERWENT VALLEY HERITAGE WAY

The Derwent is one of England’s most beautiful rivers and therefore, of course, provides some of the nation’s best walks. And there’s a guide to the Derwent Valley Heritage Way that breaks the 55-mile trail into 10 sections.

Whether you choose Ladybower to Hathersage, Hathersage to Baslow, Baslow

to Rowsley, Rowsley to Matlock, Matlock to Whatstandwell, Whatstandwell to Belper, Belper to Little Eaton, Little Eaton to Derby, Derby to Borrowash, or Borrowash to where the Derwent joins the River Trent at Shardlow; there’s so much to enjoy.

8. CRESSBROOK DALE

Another iconic Derbyshire limestone dale which, when combined with a walk through part of Miller’s Dale and Tideswell Dale, has to be in my top 10. It is both part of the Dales Nature Reserve but also a Site of Special Scientific Interest, such is the range and quality of its wildflowers. It also has Peter’s Stone – named after its resemblance to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome – a distinctive limestone knoll once known as the Gibbet Rock (a gibbet was an iron cage used to hold the bodies of executed criminals).

My favourite walk to enjoy its wonders is to start at the lovely village of Litton, and go down the side valley known as Tansley Dale, which has lots of evidence of lead mining, into Cressbrook Dale, following it past

Ravensdale Crag to the village of Cressbrook. Walking behind Cressbrook Mill, I follow the River Wye through Water-cum-Jolly Dale and Miller’s Dale to enter Tideswell Dale and leaving it at Litton Dale back to Litton itself.

9. LONGSHAW & PADLEY GORGE

For wonderfully varied landscapes and a remarkable historical backdrop, this area has it all. Padley Gorge, of course, is that deep and narrow valley with the Burbage Brook running through it that is well known to many thousands of visitors. What is less well known is that it is one of the best inland examples of a temperate rainforest in the UK (such rainforests need plenty or rain, you won’t be surprised to hear!). The gorge is part of the Longshaw Estate – and the name Longshaw is believed to have come from the long, narrow wood in the gorge. The Duke of Rutland acquired the estate in 1855 and built Longshaw Lodge for shooting parties.The estate was given to the National Trust a century ago. Grindleford Station Cafe attracts plenty of walkers and it is the ideal place to start a walk that takes in Padley Gorge, up to the Iron Age hill fort of Carl Wark, down to the Burbage Brook again, past the Longshaw Visitor Centre and back to Grindleford Station.

10. MELBOURNE & THE CLOUD TRAIL

I know it’s the ‘Deep South’ to some people, but the Georgian town of Melbourne is a great place to visit. It has one of England’s finest Norman churches, as well as Melbourne Hall and its quite magnificent gardens.

My route takes in some of the 13-mile Cloud Trail, which follows the disused Derby to Ashby branch railway. Before that, it heads out of Melbourne past the landscaped former mill pond, called The Pool, then out into the countryside using field paths with a vista of Breedon on the Hill before reaching the hamlet of Wilson and heading back towards Melbourne via the Cloud Trail.

Above: The River Derwent flowing under Paine’s Bridge in Chatsworth park. Picture by Matthew Bullen.

Above: Looking towards Peter’s Stone in lovely Cressbrook Dale.

Above: Looking down to Longshaw Visitor Centre from Higger Tor, with the Iron Age hill fort of Carl Wark. (centre left). Picture by Brian Smith.

Right: The National Trust sign to Padley Gorge.

Above: Melbourne Hall Gardens. Courtesy of South Derbyshire District Council.

Great new event in Chesterfield

AMONG the new highlights in Chesterfield this summer is Eat in the Park – a twoday live music event in Queen’s Park. The event, which will include entertainment for all the family and food vendors selling food from around the globe, will take place on the weekend of August 5 and 6 2023, with tickets on sale now.

There will be two stages, the main stage and the Buxton Brewery Tent stage, both with six acts appearing on each stage each day. There will be a mixture of tribute acts and local performers, as well as entertainment for children with the performers singing a range of wellknown children’s songs from TV and film.

One of the Eat in the Park event organisers, Jake Burnham, explained: “We are extremely excited to bring Eat in the Park to Chesterfield – it’s a great town to hold the second event in and we can’t wait until August.”

Jake and his fellow organiser George Derbyshire have staged an Eat in the Park event at Buxton for the last two years, with another to follow in the town on August 19 and 20. Jake said: “Our mix of tribute acts and local performers works really well; we have great food vendors and the beer from Buxton Brewery is amazing!”

To find out more about the event, and to buy tickets, visit eatinthepark.uk.

Major funding boost for Cromford Mills

THE Arkwright Society has received substantial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trust which will help it continue to conserve and regenerate Cromford Mills.

A £249,599 grant from the Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will support staff in activities to

engage more widely with people through learning. Sustainability is also a key theme, highlighted by the forthcoming installation of a turbine-powered water wheel in one of the historic wheel pits.

The society’s events programme will create a more diverse experience and its ‘Highlighting Heritage’ programme will provide a series of fascinating talks on numerous topics.

The next phase of regeneration at Cromford Mills will focus on the repair and repurposing of the remaining buildings on the site, in particular the iconic ‘First Mill’ built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1771. With £20,000 match funding from the Duke of Devonshire Charitable Trust, a refreshed masterplan will be commissioned for the continuing regeneration and a business plan for the buildings’ future use.

Eilis Scott, chief executive officer, said: “This funding will help make the society more resilient and deliver a bright, innovative future. Cromford Mills is a very special place within the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site and we want to continue celebrating the Mills and their stories with all our visitors and local businesses.”

The Arkwright Society has gone from strength to strength since it purchased the site in 1979. Cromford Mills welcomes visitors seven days a week throughout the year with exciting events, tours, cafes and independent retail shops. Plan your visit at cromfordmills.org.uk

Vivien wins The South tickets

VIVIEN Senior of Brassington was the lucky winner of a pair of tickets to see The South at Buxton Opera House on February 25. Many thanks for all your entries to our competition in the February issue – and there were none incorrect! The answer, of course, to the question ‘who was the female singer of the group’ was Alison Wheeler.

Below: Eleanor Gunn, Learning and Engagement Coordinator at Cromford Mills, providing a costumed tour for a family.

A shining success!

SHINE A LIGHT has been hailed a success for the second year running, with the County Council-commissioned after-dark spectacular attracting more than 6,000 visitors overall.

Crowds were dazzled by stunning audio-visual displays featuring aweinspiring animations and live musical performances in the season finale at Hardwick Hall on two evenings last month.

It marked the end of an eight-date run at four iconic Derbyshire venues starting at Arkwright’s Mill, Cromford, in October last year, before moving to the county council’s own Elvaston Castle, followed by Barrow Hill Roundhouse near Chesterfield and most recently Hardwick Hall.

The cutting-edge animations ran at regular intervals throughout the events, with each display incorporating a live performance from a brass quartet featuring trumpeters and trombonists brought together by the Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership.

Lecture from a former royal equerry

A FORMER equerry to the late Queen Mother is the speaker at the next meeting of the Sheffield Women’s Lecture Club – which has many north Derbyshire members – at the Mercure Hotel, Norfolk Street, Sheffield on Friday, March 31. Members will meet at 12noon for lunch and then have a lecture from 2-3pm from Jeremy Mainwaring Burton who, when the Queen Mother died in 2002, the Trustees of the Castle of May in northern Scotland tasked him to open up the castle for visitors, and

he ended up staying there for another six years, so he should have many a tale to tell. For information on the club, visit www. sheffieldwomenslectureclub.org for details.

£100m to be invested in council housing

AROUND £100m is to be spent on improving council homes across the borough over the next five years – as part of Chesterfield Borough Council’s commitment to enhance the borough’s housing offer.

Councillors agreed to the ambitious Housing Capital Programme at a meeting on February 22. The programme sets out the investment priorities for 2023/24 and the medium-term investment through to 2027/28 to ensure that the council can continue to meet the decent homes standard, further improve the energy efficiency of its houses, and provide good quality homes for people in Chesterfield.

Modernisation and refurbishment of the council’s existing homes continues to be a key focus of the programme. Over the next 12 months, the council will be delivering improvements to kitchens and bathrooms, carrying out roof and window replacements, and making necessary adaptations to properties to help older people and disabled people to remain living independently in their homes.

Further fire safety improvements will also be made and additional investment will be made to help tackle damp and mould in homes.

The ongoing block refurbishment programme will continue, with more blocks of flats set to benefit from a facelift. Environmental works will also see fences, gates and footpaths

upgraded to improve the overall appearance of local neighbourhoods.

The council also recognises the need to build new homes to help meet the increasing need for good quality affordable housing in Chesterfield, and replace homes sold through the Right to Buy scheme.

The council has committed more than £30m to increasing the housing supply across the borough. This includes plans to build 96 new homes, with housing developments at Middlecroft, Westwood Avenue and Markham Court.

An additional 35 new-build homes are also set to be purchased by the council from developers on Newhall Road and Linacre Road.

More awards – and a move – in prospect

AFTER winning four awards late last year from the ‘Oscars’ of the hairdressing world, the Salon Awards, Aspire Creative at Matlock Green is a finalist in nine categories of the UK Hair & Beauty Awards

The salon has reached the finals in these categories: Best Salon, Best Team, Bst Colour Salon, Best Cutting Salon, Best Hair Extension Salon, Best for Blonde and Spotlight Salon; while its creative director Jamie Hadleigh is a finalist in both the Hairstylist of the Year and Hair Extension Specialist of the Year categories. The awards ceremony will take place in Birmingham on April 22.

And the salon will be on the move that month, because it has outgrown its boutique space at Matlock Green and is moving to the centre of the town to the two-storey premises at 1 Bank Road, and is expanding to offer there beauty therapies and a sunbed studio under the rebranded Aspire Creative | Hair • Beauty • Sun. Renovation work on the building has already begun.

Cutting edge: Shine A Light at Hardwick Hall last month.

Picture by Simon Hampton.

Above: Up for more awards: Aspire Creative salon joint owners Ashley Orwin and Jamie Hadleigh.

Dance classes for Parkinson’s sufferers

PEOPLE across Derbyshire who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s are invited to join a new local dance group to get together with other people living with the condition.

Dancing for Health offers a social and relaxed environment for the local Parkinson’s community to try seated dancing or standing partner dancing. All ages and abilities with the condition are welcome to join, with free classes available for all participants.

Sessions are held every Thursday, with seated dancing available from 1pm to 2pm and partner dancing available from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Newbold Road, Chesterfield, S41 7BE.

Participants can choose to join either one, or both classes, with refreshments available and opportunities to socialise between sessions.

Dancing for Health recently received grant funding from Parkinson’s UK, giving more opportunities for people living with the condition to stay active.

Katie Smith, area development manager, Parkinson’s UK, said: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person and their loved ones. However, we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.

Tracey Barnes, managing director, Dancing for Health CIC, said: “Dancing for Health provides fun and friendly dance classes for people who can’t attend a traditional dance class because of medical or age-related reasons. Classes are designed for all ages and abilities, so it’s really accessible for people with Parkinson’s and dance can help you to manage your symptoms and improve your mood.

“My job is so rewarding, making a difference to people’s quality of life. One Parkinson’s client who is in a wheelchair was able to participate and dance around the room like there was nothing wrong. It was amazing to see.”

For more information, visit www. dancingforhealth.co.uk, or contact Tracey at tracey@traceybarnes. com or call 07721 046 757.

Party night for Ukrainians

ONE of Derbyshires leading charities, River Network, has teamed up with Matlock Rotary Club to host a party for Ukrainians now living in the area.

Terry Fox, secretary of Matlock Rotary Club, said: “We are looking forward to supporting Ukrainians locally and truly welcoming them to integrate into our local community.”

Terry Eckersley, CEO of River Network, who has visited the Ukraine twice on missionary and philanthropic work, says: “We love the Ukrainian people. It’s now time to increase our support and help families integrate into the community.”

The March 31 party at Starkholmes Hall, DE4 3AD, kicks off at 7pm and will have music, food and drink. It is also being held to launch integrated support for Ukrainians, including access to a local food bank and free phone cards.

To register for the event, go to https://Integration.eventbrite.co.uk

Project up for award…

DERBYSHIRE Voluntary Action’s partnership project ‘Community Chesterfield’ has been named as a finalist for its work with the University of Derby in the upcoming Student Nursing Times Awards.

The awards take place at the end of April,

recognising the work both of individual student nurses, and the organisations and groups that help them excel.

The finalists have been named, and now have to present to the judges to see who will be named the winner at the awards in Mayfair, London.

The partnership is a great example of how charity organisations and universities can come together to have a positive impact on healthcare. Community Chesterfield is a Lottery-funded project which aims to link up the skills, knowledge, and experience at the University, with those of the Voluntary and Community Sector.

The collaboration between the two organisations has enabled nursing students to gain access to free training, placements, events, and opportunities to meet and network with community groups and experts, giving them invaluable experience in the healthcare sector. Find out more about the project at www.communitychesterfield.org.uk

Peak Performance collect for Ukraine

MEMBERS of the musical group embarked on a marathon of 30 carol singing engagements in December of last year and raised a staggering £3,000. They were joined at some events by members of Chesterfield Male Voice Choir and sang at such places as Dunston Garden Centre, Matlock Farm Park, Bakewell Showground, Arkwright Centre and Chatsworth House.

Members of the public were so generous, and the money will be used to buy a replacement generator for a hospital in a small town in Ukraine, bombed and looted by Russian troops.

Peak Performance are now in rehearsal for ‘The Magic of the Musicals’, to be presented at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday, June 14 at 7.30pm. Musical numbers from ‘Showboat’ through to ‘Greatest Showman’, and many of the Rogers and Hammerstein favourites, will be performed under the direction of Nick Stacey together with a musical combo.

Tickets at £10 (plus £1.50 booking fee imposed by the Winding Wheel) are available from the Tourist Information Centre or online, and a donation to the Turkey  and Syria disaster fund will be made from the event.

New members are always welcome. Contact Mike Spriggs on 07484 169003 or email mikespriggs7a @ gmail.com to join this friendly group of singers.

Book now for a festival walk!

THE popular Chesterfield Area Walking Festival is returning for another year, with residents and visitors being encouraged to get outdoors and enjoy what the area has to offer.

The annual festival takes place from May 13-21 and it includes gentle strolls, family walks and big days out for seasoned hikers. Tickets for the festival are now available to book.

Coun Kate Sarvent, of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “This is a great event that encourages you to explore the beautiful countryside locations around Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire. It will help you discover some hidden gems that you may not be aware of and the programme has been designed to ensure that there are walks suitable for all abilities.

“The festival is always really popular and regularly sells out. If any of the events interest you, then book your ticket as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”

There are walks for the family to enjoy like the Bumblebee Safari; there’s a Buggy Walk for parents of young children around Queen’s Park; a family-friendly Wildlife Hunt; and the popular Boat and Boots, which includes a trip along the Chesterfield Canal.

Walks focused on history include an exploration of Creswell Crags and Holbeck; a guided walk discovering the history of the Avenue Country Park; and a tour of the Chesterfield Museum stores.

For the more experienced hiker, the festival includes a few strenuous walks like the popular 34-mile Chesterfield Round and a hike around the Big Moor Stone Circles.

Book tickets and find out more by visiting: www.visitchesterfield. info/walking-festival

Clowne care home gets ‘good’ CQC report

A CARE home in Clowne has been taken out of special measures after care watchdogs found it had made ‘significant improvements’.

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC), which oversees all health and social care services in England, gave Cherry Tree House, on Creswell Road, an overall ‘good’ rating following an unannounced inspection.

The care home received the ‘good’ rating in all five categories, which includes safety, effectiveness, care, being responsive and well-led.

Cherry Tree House had been placed under ‘special measures’ since July 2021 and had been last rated ‘inadequate’ by the care watchdogs at an inspection in June last year.

However, the report from its latest inspection, published last month, stated that the care home had made ‘significant improvements’ thanks to the registered manager who inspectors stated was ‘dedicated to achieving good outcomes for people through person-centred support’.

Inspectors praised the care home, which supports older people, people with disabilities and those with mental health difficulties, for its “positive culture” and the staffs’ “high quality” personalised care and support to residents.

The report stated: “People lived in a relaxed, clean environment. Systems and processes were in place to protect people from harm. There were enough staff safely recruited to meet people’s needs.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

“People were supported by caring, skilled and experienced staff who had time to get to know them and how best to support them. Staff supported people to identify their goals and develop their independence.”

Chesterfield Festival of Cricket

THE Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council, returns to Queen’s Park this June.

It promises to be the biggest ever festival at the park with Derbyshire facing Yorkshire in the County Championship, starting on Sunday, June 11, before the Falcons take on the Vikings in Vitality Blast T20 action on Sunday, June 18.

Find out more at cricket.derbyshireccc. com/chesterfield-festival-of-cricket

Staff at Cherry Tree House in Clowne.

INVESTMENT PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR LOCAL KITCHEN WORKTOP BUSINESS

ASUBSTANTIAL

investment in innovative, hi-tech machinery has paved the way for an even slicker manufacturing operation for local family business, House of Granite and Marble.

Renowned for their efficiency and unrivalled personal service, House of Granite and Marble’s already impeccable reputation can only be pushed to new heights by this move.

House of Granite & Marble first opened their doors to the world of granite, marble, and quartz in 2006. The last 17 years has been an everevolving success story, as this family business has flourished both locally and nationally. The high quality of their worktops, craftsmanship, and customer service has been the hallmark of their success – together, of

course, with the competitiveness of their factory-level pricing.

Director Janet Hall, supported by long-term employee Sharon, extend a warm welcome to customers old and new, who can revel in the vast choice of stunning granite, marble, and quartz kitchen work surfaces, vanity and tabletops, windowsills, fire surrounds and so much more!

All projects are manufactured in-house at the factory in Sheepbridge by Janet’s sons, Dan and Ash Hall, along with another long-term employee Jon. This close knit team will then install these beautiful ranges of products with meticulous precision.

The beautiful granite and quartz available from House of Granite and Marble has brought a touch of luxury at factory prices to many local homes.

Janet and the family team pride themselves on making sure every

project is managed as if it was for their own homes. Excellence comes as standard - from the very first discussions right through to the finishing touches of the highly skilled House of Granite craftsmen and the careful final installation.

For a brand-new kitchen project, the experienced fitting team will ensure that new worktops fit perfectly to new kitchen furniture. Alternatively,

with a worktop re-fit service, they will remove old worktops and carefully replace them with stunning new ones, giving tired old kitchens a brand-new lease of life! For anyone looking for worktops as part of a new kitchen or wanting to transform an existing kitchen with a worktop refit service, then look no further than House of Granite & Marble.

Buy direct from the factory showroom

House of Granite and Marble, Cobnar Wood Close, Sheepbridge, Chesterfield S41 9RQ. Tel: 01246 261989 E: sales@houseofgraniteandmarble.co.uk www.houseofgraniteandmarble.co.uk

Across

6 Speak about our hilltops? (5)

7 It's mild, for a change on the Derby road (7)

8 Showed the way, but a bit crudely and backward (3)

9 The doctrine of a canine parent? (5)

10 Village that's vaguely, or inexactly placed (9)

11 The aim is to finish! (3)

13 Pair of deciduous trees, hard pruned (3)

14 Upset Mrs, at Crich people movers! (5)

17 Grew scar cells all over Ice Age home (8,5)

21 Badly bleary-eyed, yet a yard away from the moor (6)

22 Diplomat, locked out of town (7)

25 Leeks don't cook well at the Curzon place (9)

26 Rooms left in a mess at Beeley and Howden (5)

28 Hull's DNA might be discovered near Ashbourne (7)

29 Note sunset, East of Dronfield (7)

Down

1 Banding, without a noise, makes a noise (4)

2 Exists as terra firma for traffic to go round (6)

3 Artificial lake named after an archeress? (9)

4 About to record an old form of dancing (4)

5 Composition like cards on a table, in the middle (6)

6 Perhaps pay led the way above Grindleford? (6)

7 Sounds like a savage place to shop! (4)

12 West of Matlock, it's already led out (6,4)

14 Torrid half of the hill? (3)

15 Wife said not to hit target (3)

16 Metal fabrication of minimal turns (9)

18 Leaks let out about being so bony! (8)

19 Total, that's totally in! (3)

20 Kiss (embarrassingly) the snow runners (4)

23 The least wild ATM set to break down (6)

24 Dust floating off the boss (4)

27 Instrument played by hobo, even though it's small (4)

Name: ...........................................................

Address: ..................................................

Telephone:

We will give a prize of £25 to a randomly-drawn correctly completed crossword. Cut out the completed puzzle and send to: Bannister Publications, 118 Saltergate, Chesterfield S40 1NG by the 21st March 2023. The solutions for the March 2023 crossword can be found on page 82 of this issue.

More free puzzles at pitcherwits.co.uk

Crossword by Prof Rebus

HUNTERS CHESTERFIELD WINS AWARD AT THE ESTAS

THE Chesterfield based agency Hunters Chesterfield recently received the ‘Best in County’ award in the Derbyshire category at the prestigious ESTAS Customer Service Awards 2022 sponsored by Coadjute, the biggest awards in the UK property industry.

Now in their 19th year the awards, which are powered by ESTAS own customer review platform, recognise the best estate and letting agents for customer service based on ratings from clients who have been through the whole moving experience with an agent. Last year’s results were calculated from over 200,000 customer review ratings.

Ben Marley, Commercial Director at The ESTAS said “When we started, we wanted to create a set of property awards which were completely pure, where winners were selected solely on customer service ratings from actual transactions. Nineteen years on, The ESTAS is now the customer review platform of choice for property professionals and the most prestigious award an agent, a conveyancer, mortgage broker or suppliers can win in the property industry.”

Mat Barnes manager of

Hunters Chesterfield said “We are absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this year’s ESTAS. It means so much to us as we know it’s our customers who have judged our performance. We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been immensely proud of the personal service, and this proves we are delivering what we promise.”

It’s positive news all round at Hunters Chesterfield. Following their move to The Glass Yard development in 2021, the agency has flourished and blossomed –with footfall and customer take up in terms of valuations, offers, and lettings reaching an all-time high.

So, what makes Hunters Chesterfield stand out from the rest when it comes to customer service?

Having been in Chesterfield town centre for over 20 years, and establishing an exemplary reputation there, the re-location to the new contemporary offices at The Glass Yard business development on Sheffield Road has enabled the estate and lettings agency to raise

the bar in terms of service and accessibility to a whole new level. Situated just on the outskirts of the Chesterfield town centre, there’s abundant free parking and 6-days-a-week opening.

The services offered by Hunters Chesterfield are expansive and readily available at the touch of a button or on a personal level. There’s free property valuations, 24/7 support through a ‘My Hunters’ portal, a fully-managed sale experience, on-hand expert advice from experienced local agents, and bespoke, professional marketing packages for every property

There’s also a flexible lettings services, from securing tenants right through to fully managing a property. A bespoke package is available for every possible need.

Why Choose Hunters Chesterfield?

There are many advantages in choosing Hunters Chesterfield as a preferred estate and lettings agent. These include accessibility to a vast market, promotion of all properties on the Hunters’ generic website, as well as on popular property websites including Zoopla, OnTheMarket, Prime Location, and Rightmove. Not

only that, but they also market their sales and lets on social media, and this helps them reach even more potential buyers and tenants for every property.

Research has shown that accompanied viewings can double the chance of an offer. That’s why Hunters Chesterfield always offers accompanied viewings 6 days a week at times that suit sellers and potential buyers too.

Hunters Chesterfield recognises that selling houses can’t all be done online. The telephones are answered by the team 24 hours a day, so they never miss an enquiry about any property sale or let. They also understand that it’s frustrating having to pay agent fees while a home is still on the market. That’s why customers only pay then when they’ve sold or let the property.

Hunters Chesterfield Estate and Letting Agents

Unit 4, The Glass Yard, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield S41 8JY T: 01246 540540

www.hunters.com/about-us/ offices/chesterfield

Considered to be ‘The Oscars’ of the UK property sector, the ETSAs are the most prestigious property awards ceremony in the country. To achieve recognition at the ETSAs, is a major feather in the cap for local estate and letting agents, Hunters.

The award-winning staff at Hunters Chesterfield.

Don’t be a fall

Around a third of people aged 65 and over in Derbyshire will have a trip or a fall each year, and this rises to half of all people aged 80 and over. However, falling over isn’t an inevitable part of getting older and many falls are preventable. Here’s some simple things everyone can do so that you or your loved ones don’t become one of these statistics.

Keep active

Staying active, whatever your age, by doing simple strength and balance exercises is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of falling and staying independent.

Taking part in exercise can also help with getting out and about and making friends, keeping bones strong, give you more energy, help you to sleep better and provide other health benefits.

Throughout Derby and Derbyshire Age UK offer ‘Strictly No Falling’ exercise classes. There are also

online exercise videos on the website. Search ‘Strictly No Falling Derbyshire’ online or call Age UK Derby and Derbyshire on 01773 766922 for more information.

Derbyshire resident, Pete, has regularly attended an online Age UK Postural Stability Group, where after just a few months he noticed a significant improvement in standing from a sitting position and no longer needs to use the arms of his chair to push up. He has also noticed an improvement in his balance, which recently helped him when he slipped on black ice and managed to remain on his feet.

Pete said: “The classes have helped me with my balance and strengthened my muscles. This was especially useful in keeping me steady when I lost my footing on a path where there was a sheet of black ice. A very big thank you to the instructors and Age UK.”

Wear sturdy footwear or slippers

Wearing sturdy footwear with a good grip can greatly reduce the risk of falling, especially outdoors in the colder weather when there might be ice under foot.

Wearing correctly fitting slippers can also help. Throw out slippers that don’t fit properly as they can contribute to trips or falls.

Keep your home safe

Over half of falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time moving around without thinking. Removing clutter and trailing cables and securing loose rugs can reduce the risk of tripping accidentally.

Talk to people

If you’re worried about falling, don’t be afraid to talk about it with your loved ones or friends – they will be able to help you to make adjustments and find support to help you feel more confident. If you have any concerns about your health, have had a fall or often feel dizzy, talk to your GP.

If you wear glasses make sure they stay clean so that you can see through them clearly and have your eyes checked regularly. For more information about how you can help yourself or your loved ones to prevent falling and what services are available to you, search ‘Strictly No Falling Derbyshire’ online or call Age UK Derby and Derbyshire on 01773 766922.

Derbyshire’s full of fascinating – and plenty of quirky – holiday lets

WE all know that Derbyshire is lovely – and so does much of the rest of the world – which is why the county has a fascinating range of holiday places to bunk down in. And, of course, the county has the widest range of holiday accommodation – whether you’re looking to go glamping or camping, stay in a lodge or a shepherd’s hut or even a village hall!

Yes, Derbyshire has it all – including what you might best describe as ‘quirky’ accommodation – for the holidaymaker

and there are plenty of award-winning places to stay. pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation website, analysed the millions of reviews submitted on its platform to reveal the 10 best holiday lodges or pods or campsite – and its number one was right here in Derbyshire. Ernest’s Retreat, at Stonedge, took the top spot, receiving the most positive reviews of any holiday on the platform. It is a quiet and secluded glamping site with great countryside views.

One of the reviewers, a Stephen B, described Ernest’s Retreat as “beautiful, secure & very well maintained”, giving special mention to the very warm welcome received by the hosts, the “spotless” washing up area and the “very comfortable mattress, not to mention the ice cream honesty box!” His review went on: “Overall, it was a lovely small site with stunning views. The drinks and biscuits pack was a nice touch and being dog friendly was a major plus for us!”

Below: The main room, which sleeps up to 36 people, at Bradwell War Memorial Hall. Courtesy of Independent Hotels UK.

Below:

BarrieFarnsworth takes a look at some of the more interesting – not to say quirky – places to stay in Derbyshire.

Above: The award-winning Barn Farm Campsite at Birchover. Courtesy of campsites.co.uk

Some of the pods at Ernest’s Retreat, Stonedge. Courtesy of pitchup.com

Ernest’s Retreat is at Yew Croft Farm in Stonedge, and has 20 wooden pods and cabins which were erected in 2018. There are six ‘Rambler’ pods, accommodating two adults; six ‘Glamper’ pods catering for up to five people; and eight ‘Camping Cabins’ with a double bed and two foldout bench beds for children. There is also a modern toiler/shower block.

In most dates in March, the Rambler pods cost £45 per night and the Glamper Pods cost £60 per night.

Laura Walker, who runs the site with her parents, said times were hard through the lockdowns, but the move towards ‘staycations’ means they are much busier now: “We take a lot of group bookings, but we also get a lot of last-minute bookings by couples and families.

“We also have 20 static caravans at the farm, which were established by my grandfather, Mr Hawksworth.”

Dan Yates, managing director of Pitchup.com, said: “Lodges and log cabins are a great luxury alternative for those seeking a holiday but who don’t want to spend excessively given the current climate – and the reviews show just how much they’ve enjoyed the experience.

“Ernest’s Retreat not only offers beautiful views and impeccable cleanliness but also provides the perfect base to explore Derbyshire.”

Another award-winner locally was Barn Farm Campsite at Birchover, which was the campsites. co.uk 2022 national runner-up in the website’s Best Campsite Overall competition. Rated 5 pennants by the AA, Barn Farm has a dedicated camping area; pitches for caravans and motorhomes – and a set of pitches exclusively for families – as well as barns that will sleep up to 15 people in bunk beds and include a cooking area. Most of the site is open from April until the end of October.

A local firm, Independent Hostels UK (IHUK), based in The Grand Pavilion, Matlock Bath, has no shortage of interesting – not to say quirky – places to stay in Derbyshire.

One of the places they offer for hire is Bradwell War Memorial Hall, which most of the time is a village hall. Its main hall sleeps up to 36 people, and there’s a smaller room sleeping up to six. Holiday guests

can use the fully-equipped kitchen, toilets and shower block BUT there are no beds, so guests need to bring their own blow-up beds, pillows and sleeping bags. Available to groups at just £150 per night – so a 30-plus crowd will pay less than £5 for the night!

Or there’s Alstonfield Camping Barn, which is also on the IHUK website, which is in the middle of a field down a track. It doesn’t have any electricity, so you need to bring torches and candles. Like Bradwell War Memorial Hall, there are no beds, and guests need to bring mats, sleeping bags, etc. And there is no kitchen, either, so guests need to bring cooking stove and fuel, pots and pans, crockery and cutlery.  It does have a log burner (guests need to bring fuel) but basically it’s a ‘stone tent’. Just like camping, but with walls, glazed windows and a roof!

There’s Shining Cliff Hostel, between Alderwasley and Ambergate, in the middle of the woods – so well away from roads, neighbours, noise and light pollution!

“Lodges and log cabins are a great luxury alternative.”

Above: The Hut at Eyam is on the quirkyaccomm. com website.

Right: The Reckoning House at Haddon Grove sleeps up to 12. Courtesy of Independent Hotels UK.

But for those who prefer a bit more to see and do, the hostel is within walking distance of the White Peak Distillery and the Great British Car Journey.

Then there’s a stone barn at Haddon Grove, near Bakewell, that has been renovated into a double-glazed and insulated hostel, called the Reckoning House, sleeping up to a party of 12. Based near Lathkill Dale, the hostel has a rich history linked to miners and their wages, hence its name! So, if an isolated building, in the middle of a field, is what you fancy, then The

Reckoning House has your name on it! There’s even a website called quirkyaccomm.com which has plenty of unusual holiday lets in Derbyshire.

Above: Rita’s Retreat sleeps two near Temple Normanton. Courtesy of quirkyaccomm.com

Left: Shining Cliff Hostel is well off the beaten track! Courtesy of Independent Hotels UK.

For example, there’s a pine lodge called Rita’s Retreat near Temple Normanton, with a double bed, a kitchen and a modern shower room, a fire pit and BBQ outside and views over open fields.

If you fancy a shepherd’s hut for two, there’s The Hut at Eyam, which is set at the bottom of the owner’s garden. There’s a picnic table, fire pit and BBQ outside, and a breakfast hamper is included. Close to the hut is the use of a luxury shower room. In March, it costs £130 a night.

FlameCare’s fundraising campaign is on full heat!

A years’ fundraising initiative by Chesterfield-based heating engineers, FlameCare, has paid huge dividends for Ashgate Hospice

Family-run, independent and local, FlameCare certainly ticks all the boxes in terms of ‘going over and beyond’ the call of duty. In terms of local charities, the commitment is as strong and wholehearted as ever. For instance, during the past year or so, for any new customer signing up to a central heating maintenance plan, FlameCare has donated the first month’s subscription to Ashgate Hospice.

With soaring energy bills and the need to have peace of mind for boiler maintenance and servicing, there has been a surge in take-up for FlameCare’s competitively priced plans. This has been good news all round, and especially for Ashgate Hospice, who have received a grand total of £4288.83 for all the first months’ subscriptions.

“Ashgate Hospice is close to our hearts,” said FlameCare Managing Director, Simon Fletcher. “Many of our staff have experiences of family members receiving the marvellous endof-life care, which they deserve from this amazing charity. Having the privacy and space to spend precious time with loved ones at the end of their lives is so important and special. We are thrilled to contribute to this exceptional service.”

Rachel Broughton, Senior Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful for the kind and generous support of FlameCare over the last year.

“As only a third of our funding is publicly funded, we rely on the goodwill and kindness of our supporters in order to provide our vital services to the North Derbyshire community.

“Without businesses like FlameCare choosing to support us, we simply wouldn’t be able to continue caring for the patients and their families who need us most.”

In addition to the subscriptions’ donations, FlameCare has also assisted Ashgate Hospice with the Treecycle initiative just after Christmas, and with leaflet distribution.

Simon is keen to point out that FlameCare’s commitment to Ashgate Hospice is on-going, and that the subscriptions’ donations from the maintenance plans will continue for the foreseeable future.

FlameCare bears all the hallmarks of a successful family business – longevity of staff, meticulous attention to detail, unrivalled personal service, and uncompromising integrity. On March 16th, they celebrate their twentieth anniversary. There has

certainly been great progress since those days in 2003, when Simon and a colleague started out on their own.

Simon still remembers the first customers, who signed up for a boiler and central heating maintenance plan. It’s great testament to the value and efficiency of the plans that those first customers, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter, are still subscribing to the plans to this very day!

Over the years, the staff and maintenance plans have mushroomed greatly. There are now ten staff and over 2000 plans! Many of the staff, like Sam Hudson and Sean Jones, have been there virtually from the start. Many others, like Kate Bower, have been employed there in excess of ten years. The staff is headed by husbandand-wife team, Simon and Vicky Fletcher, and all the rest are either family or close friends. They can, therefore, all rely on each other to achieve excellent results time and time again.

With the current spike in fuel bills, there has never been a more relevant time to get rid of an old inefficient boiler and replace it with a brand-new

- Senior Corporate and Community Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospice, Simon Fletcher - Managing Director FlameCare, Kate BowerOffice Manager FlameCare and Vicky FletcherSales and Business Development FlameCare.

super-efficient one. At Flame Care, they use Ideal Heating boilers, all of which achieve band A levels of efficiency.

The good news is that all Ideal Heating boilers attain at least 93% ERP rating as standard and have a full range of controls to suit every possible need.

Boilers start with a 7-year warranty and go up to a 12-year warranty. The current superb offer from FlameCare is that, for all new boiler installations, customers will also get a free Halo Wi-Fi. The Ideal Halo Wi-Fi is an internet connected wireless programmable room thermostat, designed to work specifically with the Ideal Boiler. Halo Wi-Fi allows heating control anytime, anywhere through the flexible and intuitive Halo app.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FLAME CARE:

FlameCare

67-77 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 2AL

T: 0800 0855 518

E: info@flamecare.co.uk www.flamecare.co.uk

Above L-R: Rachel Broughton

Spring NATURE…along with

IT’S such an exciting time in the woodland, and in our parks and gardens, as the dormant plants and wildlife spring back into action. Here are a few thoughts on how we can all support our natural world during spring, writes Claire Lyons, of the Woodland Burial Company, on the edge of Chesterfield.

No Mow Until May

Have you seen this campaign? Even if you don’t want to keep your whole garden wild until May, perhaps you could leave a small corner or strip to nature? The first flowers of spring, often dandelions, offer essential food and shelter for all kinds of birds and bugs.

Frost Watch

It’s easy to get carried away on the sunnier days and making changes to the garden, but do be aware of late frosts. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and hold off any new planting until the frost is behind us.

Dormant or Dead?

Many kinds of plants and trees become dormant in the cold weather, putting all their energy into the roots and hibernating. This means they often look dead to the naked eye. Before pulling up any dormant plants, try to give them a little longer just in case they are actually about to spring forth.

Seasonal Foods

One great way to save money and help the planet is by eating more seasonal produce. You may even be growing your own already. In season for spring are some firm favourites, Bramley apples, rhubarb, cauliflower and sweet potatoes. Meat and fish also have seasonal changes which you can research to get the best quality produce.

Tool Maintenance

Spring is a great time to have a maintenance check on all your tools and equipment. We certainly have a good clear out and clean at Granville’s Wood. Keeping tools in good condition helps them to last longer and work more efficiently. You may need to top up oil or fuel in mowers, clean and oil metal items and check the roof on the shed.

With a little more sunshine and the colour of spring flowers, it’s a season of hope and new beginnings. While that can be a challenging time for our bereaved families, spending time in nature is always supportive to mental and emotional wellbeing.

There is an Open Day on March 17 at Granville’s Wood, and all are welcome to pop down and have a look around. For more information, email info@ woodlandburialcompany.com

JOSEPH’S A ‘TRIPLE A’ PERFORMER WITH A DIFFERENCE…

DIAGNOSED with autism, severe ADHD and generalised anxiety – known as ‘Triple A’ – from a very young age, Joseph Green, now 17, was considered a problem child within the education system.

He is passionate about the performing arts, and has already faced numerous rejections at auditions – and many a youngster

would have given up. Not Joseph Green: he is determined to make a difference. He has worked with his mum Tracey and others to set up a charity called Triple A Performer, which aims to raise awareness and acceptance of neurodivergence in the performing arts.

On March 12 – the eve of the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week – the charity

will be putting on their showcase event at Sheffield’s City Hall which will include a number of neurodivergent performers as well as Joseph, of course, showcasing the talent amongst such creatives as well as illustrating how straightforward ‘inclusion for all’ can be.

From the age of five, Joseph has attended a local musical theatre school, Chesterfield

Studios Ltd, at Rose Hill in the town. As his mother Tracey said: “They put up no barriers and took Joseph into their fold. Step by step, they rebuilt his confidence and self-esteem through musical theatre and acting. Although battles continued in the background, he was accepted for being himself, he made friends and flourished.”

Jonathan Francis, artistic director of Chesterfield Studios Ltd, said: “In working with Joseph over the past 12 years, we have learned so much about neurodivergent young people. We have been able to develop our own skills and working practices, such as considering our rehearsal space to reduce sensory overload, providing information in different formats and using quiet spaces. We have seen for ourselves how this has supported Joseph’s own personal development as a performer.”

It soon became clear, however, that outside of his local theatre school, the performing arts sector wasn’t quite so accepting of the Triple A boy. Joseph received many rejections at auditions. He was told he was a good actor but a ‘normal kid’ would be easier to work with. At one successful audition, he was asked not to disclose his disability as people wouldn’t understand. One theatre school had a blanket policy of separating out the disabled children’s audition forms so that the correct percentage could be accepted to ‘tick a box’.

“His first performance in a pantomime was dreadful for him,” explained Tracey. “His anxiety levels got so high and we

Joseph Green, a ‘Triple A’ performer.

weren’t even allowed to give him his medication around any other child performers.”

Determined not to accept any barriers between him and the performing arts industry, Joseph worked with his mum on a blog, highlighting his experiences to inform others about the

frustrations and unfair challenges faced. This ultimately led to the formation of the charity, Triple A Performer, in December 2021.

The charity is going from strength to strength and has already produced education films, teaching professionals and amateur theatre schools

to improve their access for neurodivergent performers.

Joseph and the charity’s trustees have spoken at national and regional conferences and rallied support from Spotlight – known as ‘the home of casting’ – Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, Casting Directors Guild, Divergent Talent Group, Music Mark and various high-profile casting directors and agents.

The message is clear from the charity: supporting neurodivergent creatives with understanding and consideration enables them to access the industry, unlocking a huge pool of talent.

On March 12, Joseph will be proud to be on stage at the charity’s showcase event at Sheffield City Hall. The impressive line-up includes: Madeleine MacMahon, comedienne; Maxwell Thorpe, singer and Britain’s Got Talent finalist; Robert White, comedian and another BGT finalist; Rachel Modest, singer, The Voice semi-finalist.

All profits from the showcase event will go back into the charity

to allow them to continue their efforts to raise awareness and acceptance of neurodivergence, which includes a range of neurological conditions that vary the way in which someone learns, communicates and interacts with others. Those conditions include autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyspraxia and dyslexia.

Joseph, who is in Year 12 at St Mary’s High School, Chesterfield, studying A-levels in drama, physics and history, is determined to go on to drama school after completing his examinations next year, and wants to become a professional performer.

Editor’s Note: The charity offers free resources and training in neurodivergence within the performing arts sector, to support fair access and inclusion. For further information, visit www. tripleaperformer.uk. Tickets for the Showcase are available from Sheffield City Hall box office or via https://www.ticketmaster. co.uk/triple-a-performershowcase-sheffield-12-03-2023/ event/35005D86B1F02EB0

Above: Maxwell Thorpe, a Britain’s Got Talent finalist, is performing at the March 12 Showcase.

Above: A semi-finalist on The Voice, Rachel Modest, is also on the Showcase bill.

A STYLE REVIVAL

THERE’S a distinctly utilitarian vibe among the hottest trends for SS23, and nothing says utility more than a pair of cargo trousers. A wardrobe staple among fashionistas everywhere in the late Nineties and early Noughties, cargo trousers have made a huge comeback of late, fuelled by the fashion set’s obsession with Y2K style.

A firm favourite with celebs galore including Rihanna, Hailey Bieber and supermodel sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, cargo trousers have been seen across the catwalks for the past two seasons, with Fendi,

Coperni and more showcasing utility style on their SS23 runways.

And as the voice behind The Masked Singer’s hotly-tipped finalist Fawn was revealed to be none other than Nineties girl band favourite – and chief cargo trouser-wearer – All Saints star Natalie Appleton, it seems appropriate that her heyday style is top of the charts once again.

Now back in the day, it would be the same pair of cargo trousers for all occasions, paired

1. Khaki wide leg cargo trousers, £30, and blue striped oversized shirt, £29, River Island. www.riverisland.com

2. Green asymmetrical placket jumpsuit, £89.50, Oliver Bonas. www.oliverbonas.com

3. Imogen short sleeve boilersuit, £79, FatFace. www.fatface.com

Khaki, a plethora of pockets and a Nineties girl band vibe; that’s right, spring’s hottest fashion trend sees the comeback of cargo trousers as utilitarian style tops the charts, says Amy Norbury.

Spring is in the air

at Dotique ladies’ clothing boutique!

WITH pastels and pinks and gradients of colours crossing the whole spectrum, Spring is most certainly in the air at Dotique’s two independent ladies’ fashion boutiques.

Based at 296-298 Chatsworth Road and within the prestigious Peak Village shopping complex at Rowsley, Dotique continues to offer a fusion of everyday clothes and party frocks. Selling beautifully stylish clothing to women at an affordable price, Dotique prides itself on creating a warm, friendly, and relaxing customer shopping experience.

Dotique owner, Dorothy Robinson, is always trying to push the boundaries in terms of product choice and excellence in personal service. “At Dotique, we are completely independent, and every lady is given the time and guidance they need to find the perfect fits to suit them. Whether they’re looking for styling advice, that perfect pair of jeans, or something special for an upcoming occasion, the doors are always open, and a friendly smile awaits. We also offer a good array of plus sizes.”

Focussing on unique and fashionable brands with a distinctive feminine aesthetic,

each garment in the Dotique boutiques is hand-selected to create a carefully curated collection. The clothes nod to the chic feeling and are designed to be worn and loved.

The Chatsworth Road boutique is now brimming with spring and summer ranges from brands such as Oui, Bianca, Mos Mosh, Marble, Robell, Monari, Dolcezzaa, Emme, Peruzzi, Bianca, Gerry Weber, Red Button, and Brax Jeans. Some brands, like Marble and Robell, cross both boutiques, whilst the Peak District Village shop has forged its own bespoke, original, and unique offering, which includes Fransa and Flitflop. Whether it’s an elegant top, a chic jacket or pair of trousers, or trendy jeans, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste here.

Housed in their own separate space, the Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom outfits are simply stunning – offering sophisticated and fashionable stand-out pieces to grace any prestigious ceremony. With impressive labels, such as Veromia, Labella, and Frank Lyman, and a separate and secluded changing area, this is certainly the place to visit to look elegant and distinguished on

the big day! A great range of accessories and hats, stylish bags, jewellery from Envy, and shoes from Capollini mean that the entire outfit – from top to toe can be organised at the same time and in the same place.

There is now a fantastic sale on for the beautiful and elegant prom dresses. Unbeatable bargains can now be had, with savings of half price or more.

Also expanding on the first floor of Dotique’s sizeable building on Chatsworth Road, is Brampton Beauty Retreat. Soon to be taking up the entire floor, the retreat is a personal haven for health, beauty, and wellbeing. With an elegant and indulgent ambiance, a complete range of revitalising treatments and therapies are now available – from a deeply relaxing massage that will be sure to melt away your stress to an invigorating facial that will leave your skin feeling perfectly nourished and toned. Using the very best, luxury beauty products, including ELEMIS facials, CND Shellac nails and Sienna X anti-smudge bridal tan, salon manager, Kirsti Pullen, provides a service that really is second to none.

with your beat-up Converse during the day and styled with a tank top and heels for a night out. But for 2023, the erstwhile wardrobe staple is – thankfully – seeing some refinement.

Go wide-legged and relaxed for daytime cool, or opt for a tailored

version for stylishly casual workwear, then look to luxe fabrics for elevated party style as dusk hits.

Much like its previous iteration, the 2023 cargo trouser is subject to a whole host of footwear pairings, from on-trend chunky boots and casual trainers to the strappy heels favoured by early Noughties era Destiny’s Child, if you really want to turn back the style clock. And when it comes to cargo, it’s not just trousers; skirts, dresses, jackets and more are all falling for the utilitarian look. The thing to look out for? Pockets. The hallmark of the utility trend is an abundance of pockets, so this is one time where more really is more. Stylish and practical? Sign us up!

4. Khaki parachute cargo trousers, £33.99, New Look.

5. Khaki cotton double pocket shacket, £32.99, New Look. www.newlook.com

6. Papaya denim playsuit, £25, Matalan. www.matalan.co.uk

7. Thea plain shacket in rust brown, £79, FatFace.

8. Khaki pocket front denim twill cargo jeans. £32, Pretty Little Thing. www.prettylittlething.com

WHERE THERE’S FOLK, THERE’S BRASS!

A book published late last year marks the first half-century of the rebirth of a village brass band, written by John Surguy, a founder member. But that village, Ashover, had at least one band – and possibly more – in Victorian times, as the book also reveals.

IT’S a book that’s packed full of anecdotes as well as being a superb social history of the village and its people.

The author, John Surguy, recalls: “My brass band life started as a 10-year-old country boy, one Sunday in 1966, when my great uncle Fred presented me with his old World War One cornet. It was slightly battered but very serviceable.

“As a child who was required, somewhat reluctantly, to learn the piano, this new musical instrument – which required me to only operate three fingers on one hand – was a major step forward. It was a Godsend and the piano lessons were quickly ditched. Nine months later, when I started secondary school (Charles Whites Secondary Modern in Matlock), I joined the school band under the tutelage of Fred Slater.

“So when, in 1972, an Ashover man, Peter Ramshaw, found the old Ashover Brass Band instruments in a cellar, as a keen 16-year-old I was quick to persuade my dad (who was not a bandsman and had never played a musical instrument) to help set up and run a new Ashover Brass Band. My life in brass banding began…

“Arthur Towndrow was the only member of the new band when it was formed who had been part of the old band in the 1930s, and had been the old band’s last conductor. The new band had 16 members – but only half of them could play when we started. However, under Arthur’s tutelage, by the end of 1972 we were able to play carols around the village on Christmas Day.

“During those early years, Christmas was a major fund-raiser for the band. We played around the village on Christmas morning, taking with us a collection box. Christmas

Howard, Phillip Howe, Arthur Towndrow, Sally Howe, Paul Marriott and Ian Walker.

Eve was also important, as we played in every pub in the village and further afield, starting with the Kelstedge Inn; then the Miners Arms and Greyhound (The Well Run Nettle) in Milltown; before moving to the Red Lion (The Old Poets now), Black Swan and finishing in The Crispin, which was quickly becoming ‘the band’s pub’. The drink driving rules were not quite as heavily policed in those days, and a merry time was had by all!

“On most of the other days leading up to Christmas, the band were out playing at hamlets like Littlemoor and Alton, and pubs outside the village like the Three Horse Shoes at Stonedge and the Manor at Press, both now residential properties. The Manor was run by my wife’s great uncles, Bill and Ben Chappell, who would not open up the pub until milking was finished, and just went to bed when they decided it was time for everyone to leave!

“In 1977, the Band acquired its first uniform, all be it second-hand; they were black jackets with blue lapels.

Above: The new Ashover Brass Band on Christmas morning 1972, playing around the village. Back row: Ted Hill, Dick Marriott, Bill Surguy, unknown, Alf Walker, John Surguy, Brian Stephenson. Front row: Arthur Jennison, Ruby Marriott, David

Below: Prince Charles with members of Ashover Brass Band on a visit in 2005.

The year also saw the band marching for the first time for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Ashover.

“By 1978, the band had several annual performances, including a concert for the Old Peoples Association, Ashover Show, Woolley Moor Show, Ashover Vintage Car Rally and Ashover Church Remembrance Sunday.

“In 1980 I lost my father, Bill Surguy, who was chairman of the band at the time. His colleagues at work at Glass Bulbs Ltd, Chesterfield, had a collection for us, which was put towards a new cornet for the band which I played for many years. I remain emotionally connected to that instrument; which my daughter, Grace, also played in later years.

“I got married to Isobel in 1982 accompanied by the band in Ashover Church.

“In 2007, I was awarded a tankard to

recognise 35 years of service. It never crossed my mind then that in 2022 I would be the only surviving founder member of the new band and be writing a history recognising its 50th anniversary!

“In 2014, the band was invited to play at the Midland Railway Centre in Butterley to commemorate the restoration of Carriage 04 of the Ashover Light Railway. This was a fitting and atmospheric day for us, as the old band played at the opening of the Ashover Light Railway in 1925!,” John says. The book states that the earliest mention of an ‘Ashover Band’ was in 1837, in the Derbyshire Courier, when a celebration of the birthday of the Princess Victoria was held in Ashover at the beginning of June. Victoria became Queen later in the same month. The

newspaper reported: “The Ashover Band also contributed to the pleasure of the occasion by their spirited performances.”

By the middle of the 19th Century, Ashover was a flourishing village, with lead mines, 13 lime kilns, four flour mills on the Amber, shoemakers, nail makers, basket makers and rope works. No doubt some of the workers became band members, as there were little other pastimes available! The population of Ashover in June 1841 was 2,557 which is around 700 more than it is today.

Between 1858 and 1914, the author found 111 reports on the activities of a band in the local press. However, the band titles varied in those reports: Ashover Brass Band, Ashover United Brass Band,

“The Ashover Band also contributed to the pleasure of the occasion by their spirited performances.”

Ashover Brass Band playing at ‘RailAle’ in Barrow Hill Roundhouse in 2021.

Ashover Brass Band leading the procession in Ashover for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations last year.

Ashover Old Band, Ashover New Band and Ashover Harmonic Brass Band, with the names Ashover Brass Band and Ashover United Brass Band appearing most often – so there might have been at least two village brass bands for a while!

There was only one band by 1925, however, as the Ashover Brass Band is recorded as playing at the first Ashover Agricultural Show.

King George V’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in the village, held in May 1935, was probably one of the last major engagements by the band before disbanding, as they were down to only seven players. The band’s secretary allowed someone to take the instruments to the Whittington Band. Ashover did not have another band until 1972 when these old instruments were tracked down by Peter Ramshaw.

The new band, the author reports, has come through the pandemic unscathed and has well over 30 players.

John writes in his postscript: “So my wish, in writing this record of Ashover Brass Band over the ages, is that it will not wither and die and trust that there is sufficient enthusiasm for the brass band movement and music generally to keep it afloat and thriving for the next fifty years and more.

John also writes: “Ashover Brass Band Training Band is ready and waiting for

new members – whether you are 9 or 90, have never played a instrument, or played brass or percussion years ago –they want you to join them. The Training Band rehearses every Sunday 6-7pm at Ashover Parish Hall, followed by the main band between 7pm and 9pm.”

Editor’s Note: The Story of Ashover Brass Band: Warts And All, by John Surguy, can be purchased from www. bannisterpublications.com/bookstore or the Old Tuck Shop on Church Street, Ashover. Half of the proceeds of the book is being donated to Bowel Cancer UK. Luke Squires, director of fundraising for Bowel Cancer

UK, says: “John’s warts and all story of the Ashover Brass Band sounds like a harmonious read, and we’re incredibly grateful that he is using the sales to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer but we’re entirely reliant on the generous support and commitment of people like John. The money raised from this special book will help us to continue funding our vital services and life-saving research.”

Above: Ashover Brass Band playing at Ashover Show in 1925. There was definitely one brass band in the village at this time.

SIXTY YEARS ON FROM THE ‘BEECHING AXE’

AFTER the end of the Second World War, Britain’s railways were in a mess. Ravaged by the bombing of the Luftwaffe, with aged and increasingly unreliable infrastructure and rolling stock, the railways were also under threat from competition from the motor car, lorry and omnibus, and also domestic air travel.

Faced with this situation, the UK government commissioned a £1.2 billion Modernisation Plan which, among the measures proposed, would see the end of steam locomotives and their replacement by diesel engines. However, the latter were poorly procured by the railway’s engineers, and the plan singularly failed to address the many outdated and expensive working practices on the railway system and, crucially, did not halt the railway’s obligation as “the common carrier”, which left the growing road haulage

industry to cream off the most lucrative freight traffic, leaving the railway with freight jobs on which it could not make any profit at all. The huge and expensive marshalling yards, using automated shunting, which were built in the face of the growing competition for freight were therefore “white elephants” before many were ever completed.

So, despite the efforts of the Modernisation Plan and the continued closures of grossly uneconomic lines in the 1950s, British Railways’ losses continued to escalate, so much so that, by 1962, the annual deficit had reached the unprecedented figure of £104m.

The Government therefore appointed as the first chairman of the newly-formed British Railways Board (which replaced the old British Transport Commission and Railway Executive) Dr Richard Beeching who, as part of his new remit, was to review the state of British Railways. Beeching was a successful engineer from ICI, where he was also a board member; he was given five years leave of absence from the company to carry out his new role.

Sixty years ago, on 27th March, 1963, and on the instructions of the then Minister

of Transport, Ernest Marples, Beeching published the results of his review in a Government document entitled ‘The Reshaping of British Railways’, known forever after as the ‘Beeching Report’.

The report called for the closure of around one-third of the country’s 7,000

Below: An unusually large station for such a rural location, it opened in 1863 and served as an important junction where passengers for Buxton joined or left the trains between London and Manchester. Its actual name was Millers Dale for Tideswell. It was one of the few stations in England to have a post office on the platform. Changing at Millers Dale often involved a wait and the High Peak News in November, 1900 referred to the station as ‘Patience Junction’. The station was later immortalised in the song ‘Slow Train’ by duo Flanders and Swann. Written in 1963, it lamented the closure of stations and lines brought about by the Beeching Report. The station closed in 1967, but trains continued to pass through until 1968, when the line was closed. Picture by Chris Jennings.

Steve Brown looks at how the Beeching Report sixty years ago affected the railways, and the stations, in Derbyshire.

railway stations, with passenger services further withdrawn from around 5,000 route miles which, according to Beeching, would save around £18 million per annum. Freight services were also proposed to be drastically cut back and would include the scrapping of a third-of-a-million goods wagons. The reshaping would see the loss of around 70,000 British Railways jobs over three years.

The report forecast that these changes would bring an urgently-needed improvement in British Railway’s finances of between £115M and £147M. It was, therefore, hardly surprising that the report’s plans were hugely controversial with the trade unions, the Labour opposition and with the travelling public. Yet much of what was contained in it was very true. Many of the lesser-used lines and stations ran at such a loss as to completely submerge the profitability of the busier lines; and British Railway had for too long, in the face of road competition, concentrated on small freight consignments instead of the large, heavy flows to which they were well suited; and that many suburban lines were an expensive luxury, as they were only busy for two or three hours of the day.

The remedy was therefore simple: close all the unprofitable stations and routes, concentrate on heavy Inter-City passenger and bulk freight movements, and make the commuter pay the real costs of his peakhour services. There was much reference to the closing of branch lines, but many rail users were worried that such a policy would reduce the feed into the main lines. What the report also ignored was that there was a growing feeling throughout the country that the running of rail services in many rural and suburban areas should be regarded

Above: The Hope Valley route, earmarked initially by Beeching for closure, took on a new role from 1970 as the main route between Manchester and Sheffield as the Woodhead route’s passenger service was withdrawn. As such, its future was secured. Here a passenger train is stopped at Bamford Station.

as a public service and not run for profit; that the Government should subsidise lines and not shut them down. This was not, however, officially recognised until the 1968 Transport Act, which set up the system of Government grant aid for what were classed as socially necessary but loss-making lines.

While the cost cutting and closures aspect of the Beeching Report has lingered on in the minds of many, it should also be noted at this juncture that this was but part one of the study. In early 1965, Beeching introduced the second stage of his reorganisation of the railways, with a proposal stating that less than half of the remaining railway track mileage should see further investment, with traffic rerouted onto such lines and away from those where he saw duplication. Such radical proposals would have seen the closure of the East Coast Main Line north of Newcastle and all West Country traffic routed via Bristol! These proposals were rejected outright by the then Labour government, and Beeching returned to ICI a few months later.

So what did the Beeching report mean for Derbyshire? Many rural lines in the county had already been closed to traffic prior to 1963, leaving towns like Ashbourne with no passenger services at all. Freight services had survived there, but they and those on the nearby Cromford and High Peak Railway were heavily loss making and conveying less and less traffic. Lorries were making heavy inroads into the line’s staple quarry traffic; indeed some trains were conveying only water for outlying farms and villages on the White

Peak limestone plateau in old locomotive tenders when the lines finally closed in 1968. Derby itself still had two routes between it and Nottingham when the Beeching Report was published; the former Midland route through Long Eaton and Trent Junction and the former Great Northern route via Derby Friargate, West Hallam and Ilkeston North. This duplication inevitably saw the poorly-used passenger service between Derby Friargate and Nottingham withdrawn in 1964 and the line totally closed in 1968; little remains of the line now bar Andrew Handyside and Co’s splendidly restored arched bridge across Friargate and the marvellous Grade II-listed wrought iron Bennerley Viaduct, which carried the line across the River Erewash and which can now be enjoyed by all on the footpath which runs along it.

In the north of Derbyshire, Beeching proposed the withdrawal of all passenger services at Buxton, both on the former London and North Western Railway (LNWR) route via Whaley Bridge and the former Midland Railway route from Millers Dale. The New Mills to Hayfield branch line was also earmarked for closure, as was the Hope Valley line between Dore and Chinley. The direct route between Chinley and Ambergate through Bakewell and Matlock would remain, although the stopping service along it would not, therefore, stations such as those at Millers Dale and Bakewell would be closed. The former Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire

railway route via Woodhead Tunnel would be unaffected and would now be the only direct route between Manchester and Sheffield. Finally, all intermediate stations other than Chesterfield between Derby and Sheffield were also proposed for closure.

However, before any line could be closed or service withdrawn in its entirety, the Transport Users Consultative Committee (TUCC), an early consumer protection body set up under nationalisation of the railways in 1947, was legally required to hold public hearings to assess the hardship that would be caused by the closure of a line and report to the Minister of Transport, who would finally decide whether the line should close or not.

When the statutory notices were put up in late 1963, advising that all services were proposed to be withdrawn from Buxton on all lines, the TUCC was inundated with protests, particularly from those who commuted by rail into Manchester. Buxton proved to be an unfortunate test case in Derbyshire for the Ministry of Transport, as not only did the campaigners have numbers and influence but also an extremely good case, given that the town and other settlements along the lines were often cut off by adverse weather

Above: On the Great Northern route between Derby Friargate and Nottingham, which closed in 1968, is the Bennerley Viaduct – known as the Iron Giant – over the Erewash Valley, linking Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

and the adjacent A6 road was already inadequate for the traffic it conveyed. After a long and bitter campaign, the Minister of Transport conceded to the protestors and withdrew his consent to closure.

However, as car ownership in the High Peak continued to grow and usage of lines continued to fall, a further attempt to close the Buxton LNWR line, the Millers Dale to Buxton branch and all stopping services between Manchester and Derby via Marple, Chinley and Matlock was made in 1966. While the fight to save the former LNWR route to Buxton was won again and services were also retained between Derby and Matlock and at New Mills and Chinley; it proved the end for the other services and stations, and those in Derbyshire were closed to passengers in March 1967.

When the London to Manchester West Coast route modernisation was finally completed, all through express services between Derby and Manchester via Matlock, Bakewell and Chinley were withdrawn in July 1968 and the line between Topley Pike and Matlock abandoned. Since then the line has had a new lease of life as the Monsal Trail while Peak Rail now operate heritage railway trains between Rowsley and Matlock.

The Hope Valley route, earmarked initially by Beeching for closure, took on a new role from 1970 as the main route

A RAILWAY STATION ALL TO HERSELF…

NURSING Sister Alice Boardman, for five years, had the sole use of Great Longstone and Ashford Railway Station to take her to and from work in Buxton Hospital.

When the station was pencilled in for closure, Alice began a campaign to keep it open… and she won a very special concession for herself. From September 1962, two trains a day stopped at the station, one to take her to work and one to bring her home from Buxton. There were no staff and nobody else was allowed to use the station. “This is a special concession to a valuable nurse,” a railway spokesman said at the time.

Mrs Boardman’s special privilege was immortalised by the British Movietone short film, It Only Stops For Her, which you can still see on YouTube. And the very special service lasted for five years, until local stopping services were withdrawn totally between Matlock and Buxton/ Manchester, with the last passenger train running on March 4, 1967. Non-stopping trains continued to pass through the station until 1968, when the line was closed.

Originally known as Longstone railway station when it was opened in 1863 by the Midland Railway, it was designed to complement Thornbridge Hall, which stood adjacent. At the time, the hall was owned by George Marples, a director of the Midland Railway, and the hall had its own set of steps to the northbound platform! It was renamed Great Longstone for Ashford, as it served both villages, in 1913, and is now Grade II listed.

between Manchester and Sheffield as the Woodhead route’s through passenger service was withdrawn to maximise that line’s freight capacity. As such, its future was secured and the current Network Rail project to enhance the line’s capacity and modernise the signalling reflects this. The Hayfield branch from New Mills was finally closed in January 1970.The line was quickly lifted and left derelict for some years; in 1975, the station buildings at Hayfield were demolished, and the site flattened to make a car park and bus station. Much of the track-bed now remains in use as the Sett Valley Trail.

Above: The Fan Window, which is all that remains of the original London & North Western Railway Station in Buxton.

Above: Alice Boardman waiting (alone) for a train at Great Longstone station.

In North East Derbyshire, all the stations on the Sheffield to Derby via Chesterfield line north of Ambergate had lost their services and closed following the Beeching Report. Dronfield station had originally opened in February 1870 on the new Sheffield and Chesterfield line. It was closed in 1967, the last passenger train calling on New Year’s Eve 1966 and the original station buildings were demolished in 1973. However, British Rail temporarily reopened the station in February 1979 due to heavy snowfall making many

roads around Sheffield impassable. Demand for the stopping trains was so high that passengers were queueing up to use the station. In a happy reversal of fortune, the station was then permanently re-opened in January 1981.

Beeching’s report and its immediate legacy undoubtedly had a great effect on Derbyshire as elsewhere. While some cuts can be lamented, the report did bring to the fore many of the issues faced by the railways

Left: Dronfield station opened in February 1870 on the new Sheffield and Chesterfield line. It was closed in 1967, and the station buildings were demolished in 1973. However, British Rail temporarily reopened the station in February 1979 due to heavy snowfall making many roads in the area impassable. Demand for the stopping trains was incredibly high, and the station was then re-opened in January 1981. Courtesy of Friends of Dronfield Station. Below: Great Longstone for Ashford Railway Station, with Thornbridge Hall behind. They now overlook the popular Monsal Trail. Picture by Andy Hanna.

in Britain in the mid-20th century. That so much of the county’s railway network has survived is our good fortune and the improvements being made to such lines bode well for a more secure future, rather than mere survival from the ‘Beeching Axe’.

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Flowing from its source near Duruelo de la Sierra in Spain, the Douro winds its way from the province of Soria across to the Portuguese city of Miranda do Douro before running into

PERFECT HOLIDAYS for 2023 / 2024

the Atlantic Ocean, near the fascinating historic city of Porto. The AmaVida brings AmaWaterways’ distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 106-passenger vessel features balconies in most of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 sq. ft. Guests on the AmaVida enjoy fine dining in the main dining room, plus al fresco dining for up to 32 guests. The AmaVida also features a Sun Deck swimming pool; fitness centre and spa; complimentary in-stateroom Internet access on a 42” flatscreen and ship-wide Wi-Fi. A Douro River cruise is the ideal way to explore the cultural and scenic wonders of Spain and Portugal. Guests can enjoy a daytrip to the enriching melting pot of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Salamanca is famous for its university and amazing architectural highlights, which include a magnificent Romanesque cathedral.

On this voyage of Iberian discovery, guests will visit beautifully restored palaces, relax in quaint countryside

villages, soak up the culture of bustling cities, and sample the delectable produce of one of the world’s oldest wine regions.

THE GREAT LAKES OF NORTH AMERICA

PONANT CRUISES

Departing from London Heathrow on 10th September and 8th October 9 nights from £5595 per person

Departures available from September to October 2023. Milwaukee to Toronto. Guests sail in absolute comfort aboard Le Bellot. The cruise starts at Milwaukee and follows the footsteps of the first settlers, trappers, and Native Americans, before proceeding to Lake Michigan, a veritable inland sea. The next lake, Lake Huron, boasts a myriad of islands in its northern part, with white rocks capped with conifers plunging into the sapphire waters of the lake. Guests also have opportunity to discover the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the wonderful UNESCO Biosphere

Reserve of Georgian Bay.

Le Bellot then sails the canal connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. From there, it calls in at Port Colborne, where guests are able to see the impressive sight of Niagara Falls. These three powerful waterfalls, renowned the world over, are an exquisite natural spectacle. To round off the cruise, Le Bellot sails along the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario, before making its way to the cosmopolitan city of Toronto.

THE USA – CRUISE THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI RIVER...

AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

Lower Mississippi (New Orleans to Memphis)

Departing from New Orleans Louisiana

7 nights

26 Jun 2023

American Melody from £4,388 per person

The Lower Mississippi runs right through the heart of the American deep south and is home to the great sounds of New Orleans and Memphis. Guests follow in the footsteps of Elvis Presley, join the Mardi Gras celebrations, or experience the Mississippi Delta Gospel and some traditional blues as they travel down river. Along the way, there’s opportunity to explore the vast antebellum style plantations, historic battlefields and indulge

in authentic Creole cuisine, as well as to sample some traditional Gumbo, Cajun chicken and Jambalaya; all finished off with some pecan pie for dessert. All of this is likely to take place on-board a classic American steamboat. The sprawling Upper Mississippi is home to charming scenery, fascinating wildlife, and interesting culture. This is Mark Twain’s country and America’s heartland - full of history waiting to absorb and enjoy. The steamboat makes its way along the border between Iowa and Illinois, whilst also venturing into Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Upper Mississippi features destinations such as Minneapolis, Davenport, and the bustling city of St. Louis, with its famed Jefferson National Expansion Memorial arch and lively cultural offerings. Hannibal is Mark Twain’s hometown and it’s inspiration to his writing is still clear to see. Guests can enjoy the scenery and witness the many locks and dams in operation as they travel along the river.

There is also an exciting choice of rail journeys and experiences: Canada – The Trans Canada and Rocky Mountaineer journey Switzerland and Germanyscenic splendours by rail Austria and Germany – Stunning views and interesting cities by rail Egypt and the Nile River cruise – discovery the history and culture of this unique region.

FEEL FREE TO CALL 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

When welfare in Chesterfield extended to buying shoes for poor children

ANYONE born after 1950 is familiar with the concept of a Welfare State: named after its immediate predecessor: “The Warfare State.”  But – over 60 years since the publication of a comprehensive Chesterfield Town Guide – this one typeset for the year of a General Election, 1959: readers of Reflections may be baffled about a Borough Corporation extending its ambit and its responsibilities to citizen welfare, except in the narrower sense of council tenant welfare: the Borough acting as landlord.

Yet in those heady days prior to the establishment of unitary authorities, places like Chesterfield took welfare very seriously: to the extent of having a very active Borough Welfare Committee counterbalancing the then authority’s greater  responsibility for gas, water, policing and fire.

The remit for this Welfare Committee was the admittedly non-statutory duty “to give, or to secure, material help in case of emergency – and also by way of advice, where that is needed.” And, needless to say, that Welfare Committee also worked in close touch with the Education Committee, the Public Health Committee – and Social Services:  which, prior to the Seebohm Report of 1969, was far more

Above: There is still one Children’s Boot Fund in England, operating in Coventry. In 1959, the Borough of Chesterfield had a Boot Fund, from which shoes could be bought for eligible children.

locally based and locally influenced.

The Welfare Committee was “in certain circumstances able to help with nourishment, convalescent treatment, also other needs of children who are delicate, or whose relatives are unable to supply what is needed.” Additionally, a Boot Fund allowed for shoes to be bought for eligible children: these shoes to be later repaired, pending poor families becoming richer.

It must be remembered, too, that adoption was a lot more common in the mid-20th Century, giving the Welfare Committee scope to advise on, and support, Borough Court adoptions.

In 1959, there was also an Old People’s Welfare Committee, with its sixteen social clubs for poor and lonely pensioners, who were also visited by voluntary workers in their own homes; putting them in touch with both the National Assistance Board and Meals-on-Wheels.

1959 was, of course, a lot nearer the end of World War Two than the Millennium.

So, immediately post-war, Chesterfield Borough’s Welfare Committee also funnelled applications for ex-servicemen’s claims to S.S.A.F.A. (The Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association). Moreover, the committee knew of other veterans’ organisations; and could even draw on funds exclusive to Chesterfield.

In the second of two features examining  The 1959 Chesterfield Town Guide, Godfrey Holmes turns from housing to municipal welfare.

Then, the busy Secretary for Borough Welfare had to think of the needs of men and women discharged from prison; first putting former offenders in touch with the Ministry of Labour and the Housing Department. This at a time when ITV launched a national –and nationally televised – appeal on behalf of the National Association for the Care & Resettlement of Offenders, which raised precisely three pounds!  Remember, too, that many ex-convicts had – and still have in some cases – no families to return to.

As a society post-Millennium, we all try to drop the dreaded word ‘The’ from ‘The Blind’, ‘The Crippled’,  ‘The Elderly’ and ‘The Deaf & Dumb’. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, there were no such constraints. So, among its several other responsibilities, the Borough Welfare Committee had a sub-committee entitled “The Blind Socials’ & Entertainments’ Committee” to reach out to blind people and organise an annual summer coach outing for them. Another body, “The Chesterfield Deaf & Dumb Society”, not only undertook personal work with those who could not hear or speak; but also laid on regular meetings for them at Rye Flatts’ Recreation Room now – like the rest of that historic complex – flattened; additionally arranging special religious services in sign-language.

Overall, the Borough of Chesterfield acknowledged that, leading into the revolutionary 1960s, the State – in other words, the Government, would be the major provider of Social Insurance & Health – with inevitable gaps. These gaps filled by a District Committee in each and every (voting) ward responsible for any emergency care – or urgent calls for such assistance – not provided by anyone else.  Which safety-net, 64 years later, might baffle readers because, following decades of cutbacks and recession and the withdrawal of what, until very recently, was called:

Above: In Chesterfield Borough in 1959, there were sixteen social clubs for pensioners.

“Social Security.”  For nowadays there is neither freedom from hunger and want, nor massive pressure for reinstatement of the sort of valuable welfare that boroughs like Chesterfield – or cities like Derby or Sheffield – felt obliged to offer.

Yes: that offering was sometimes patronising and/or paternalistic. But who could deny its earnest ambition... and its immense value?

Orchestra’s ‘anniversary’ concert…

CHESTERFIELD Symphony Orchestra (CSO), under the baton of Jack Grime, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a ‘Greatest Hits’ concert on Sunday, 26th March at The Winding Wheel Theatre.

The programme has been chosen by CSO members as their favourites from the 400-plus works performed over the last four decades.

CSO is delighted to welcome, as its soloist for the evening, the internationally-acclaimed cellist Maxim Calver, string section winner and finalist in BBC Young Musician 2018 (Maxim will be performing with the support of the Countess of Munster Musical Trust).

In addition to Elgar’s much-loved cello concerto, the programme also includes Festive Overture by Shostakovich, Dvorak’s Symphony No 9 (New World) and Danzon No2 by Marquez.

As with many great ideas, CSO was conceived late at night in the local hostelry. Five friends were lamenting the lack of opportunities in Chesterfield for adult orchestral instrumentalists to play together when they decided to try and establish an orchestra in Chesterfield.

So the five friends – Ian Glasby, Paul Robertshaw, Joyce and John Sallis, and Maureen Smith – set about forming CSO. Advertisements were placed for instrumentalists; rehearsal space was found and the working constitution of the orchestra was drafted.

At the time of its first concert on 10th July, 1982 in the Market Hall Assembly Rooms, CSO

had a membership of just fifteen, with the numbers being boosted for the performance by friends and other professional musicians grafted in.

Since then, CSO has performed at least three concerts each year at varying venues in and around Chesterfield whilst growing in size to the current 55.

Looking back through the concert programmes reveals that the orchestra has played at least 58 overtures, 65 symphonies, 36 concertos (at least once, with 55 soloists) and 236 suites and other works.

This has led to many concerts that have stayed long in the memory of the orchestra, including a very exciting Millennium concert when CSO, conducted by Andrew Hodkinson, participated in the English Nature Millennium celebration in the open air in Lathkill Dale. More recently, CSO has had the privilege of performing in the imposing Barrow Hill Roundhouse among the historic steam engines – a wonderful evening for members and audience alike. CSO has also been privileged during the last 40 years to join with other local music groups including Chesterfield Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Bakewell Choral Society, Rhodian Brass and Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir, to name just a few.

Over the years, the orchestra has been delighted to be able to perform with some notable local, national and international soloists, including: Julie Price – bassoon; David Pyatt – french horn; Andrew Slater – bass baritone; Martin

Milner, Alexandra Wood, Martyn Lewis Jackson and Soojin Han – violin; Martin Roscoe, Beate Toyka and Julian Clef – piano; Katy Strudwick – flute; while Brian Baines (BBC Look North), James Nesbitt (actor) & Mike Spriggs (local amateur actor) have each narrated orchestral works as they were performed.

The orchestra is immensely proud of its achievements over these 40 years, none of which could have been achieved without the help of many people and organisations to which CSO owes a huge debt of gratitude: the musical directors and orchestra leaders whose coaching skills have given the members the confidence to perform many demanding works; Ashgate Croft School, which has provided rehearsal space since CSO’s inception; patrons, friends and fund-raisers; Georgina Reed, who has created advertising flyers and programme designs for the last 10 years; visiting soloists and players, including some from the Countess of Munster soloist scheme; and, for the first 25 years, the National Federation of Music Societies (now Making Music), Chesterfield Borough Council, East Midlands Arts and some of the venues, who have provided critical financial support.

However, the economic pressure that has come to bare from the mid-2000s onwards has seen all this financial support disappear, and so the orchestra has had to adapt and rely more on members and patrons to fund its activities. Recently the HMRC – an unlikely source of assistance – has provided some funding via gift aid for members’

Above: The Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra with current conductor Jack Grime.

subscriptions, plus the recent addition of Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR), both of which have been a great help to CSO’s finances.

The musical directors/ conductors since the orchestra was founded have been Nicholas Perry (1982-3), Ronald Kempton (1983-5), Andrew Hodkinson (1985-90 and 2011-16), Michael Ward (1990-2008), Edward Boothroyd (guest conductor 1990 and 2008-9), Tom Newhall (2009-11), George Morton (guest conductor 2015), and Jack Grime since 2016.

The orchestra leaders have been Paul Robertshaw (1982-5), Edward Boothroyd (1995-2017, guest 2021), Rachel Middleton (guest 2008), Charlotte Pinder (guest 2014), Rebecca Francis (2017-21) and current leader Lucy Philips.

All of that said, the greatest support has always been from, and CSO hopes it will continue to come from, our audiences.

The people of Chesterfield and surrounding area have been amazing in giving their support. CSO does not set out to make profits; it simply needs not to make a loss, and your continued support at its concerts makes that possible.

Editor’s Note: All are cordially invited to enjoy the CSO’s anniversary ‘party’ concert on March 26. Tickets are £13.50, which includes the booking fee. More information, or to book, at chesterfieldtheatres. co.uk or call 01246 345222

World-class exhibition…

A WORLD-CLASS exhibition by 18th Century artist William Hogarth will open at Derby Museum and Art Gallery this month.

The exhibition, entitled Hogarth’s Britons: Succession, Patriotism, and the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion, will bring together over 40 works by the world-renowned artist as well as works of fine and decorative art by some of his contemporaries. All will be on display in Derby between March 10 and June 4.

William Hogarth (1697 – 1764) was a celebrated English painter, pictorial satirist, engraver, social critic and cartoonist who was influenced by French and Italian paintings. His works ranged from lifesize portraits to cartoon-strip style pictures that tell a story, and which he called ‘modern moral subjects’. He is widely regarded as the most significant English artist of his generation.

This free exhibition has been

produced in partnership with, and part-funded by, 13 major museums,

including the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery in London.

Above: The March of the Guards to Finchley’, by Hogarth. © The Foundling Museum, London

These swans are certainly not camera shy!

WE have had more pictures of the county’s birdlife than anything else this month in our ‘Derbyshire’s Wonderful Flora & Fauna’ competition – and what a selection it is!

First, the venue is Holmebrook Valley Park early in January and, as Dave Miller of Chesterfield says: “The swans were in the mood for posing”. They certainly were, Dave!

Next, Russ Teale, of Newbold, took a picture of this peregrine falcon “playing peek-a-boo” high up in the Crooked Spire Church on February 19.

Here’s a young grey heron walking away with its lunch by the side of Holmebrook Valley Lake, taken at the end of January by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold.

And here’s a robin visiting Chatsworth, with the Hunting Tower and the Stable block in the background, captured by Andy Hanna, of Great Longstone.

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A rare sight is this mountain hare, in its winter coat, but it was spotted by Peter Wigglesworth, of Matlock, on January 24 high on Bleaklow Moor.

Next, a beautiful carpet of crocuses outside Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, taken in February by Russ Teale, of Newbold.

And here’s a Mandarin Duck ‘posing’ on a log by Longshaw Lake, captured by Brian Smith, of Upper Newbold.

“You can’t beat a deer hunt on a Sunday morning on Big Moor in February,” says Russ Teale.

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Where else could this carpet of snowdrops be but Hopton Hall, taken on February 13 by Andy Hanna, of Great Longstone.

Next, it’s ‘trumpet lichen’, taken on a Matlock drystone wall by Peter Wigglesworth, of Matlock, who says: “It’s a wonderful world”. It certainly is, Peter!

Here’s the dramatic effect of sunlight on plantlife as the shadow of the Headstone Viaduct prevents the sun from melting all the frost on the Monsal Dale hillside. It was taken by Sally Raynor, of Great Longstone, on February 6.

Finally, it’s Canada geese on a frosty foggy morning in Queens Park, Chesterfield, on February 14, taken by Russ Teale, of Newbold.

In this year’s competition, you can take stunning images of plant life or wildlife – it’s entirely up to you. The picture(s) you send must be taken in 2023 and must be in Derbyshire and you can enter as many times as you like. We want entries from amateur snappers and not commercial photographers; and drone images will not be accepted.

Please email your entries to barrief@bannisterpublications. co.uk, giving your full name and address, a contact telephone number and a description (including the date the picture was taken) of the image, which should be attached as a high-res jpeg. The winner will receive a meal for two at a top local restaurant, plus the chance to have a selection of their images published in Reflections. The deadline for entries is Monday, October 16, 2023 (sorry for putting 2022 last month!).

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New funding MEANS MORE MILES WITHOUT STILES ROUTES…

UPGRADED trail routes, industry-leading mobility equipment and more Miles without Stiles trails are all part of a £130,000 programme to improve accessibility in the Peak District. The significant funding has been made available to the Peak District National Park Authority via Defra.

The Peak District has already led the way in offering around 35 miles of high-profile multiuser trails across former railway lines and 20 selected shorter routes as part of the innovative Miles without Stiles initiative, complemented by adapted cycles and mobility equipment for hire.

The funding allows the Peak Park to safeguard and improve selected accessible routes to get underway and will also see the authority’s fleet of motorised ‘Tramper’ vehicles increase three-fold to nine. These are available across several locations in the White Peak and Dark Peak. Additionally, the popular

range of Miles without Stiles routes will also be expanded, supported by the route improvement works made possible by the funding.

The Access for All programme was developed in response to the Landscapes Review, which called on the government to open up our national landscapes to more diverse audiences.

Andrew McCloy, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “National Parks play a pivotal role supporting people, places, climate and nature. We have a proud history of creating and maintaining accessible walking routes, developing pioneering initiatives such as Miles without Stiles.” Miles without Stiles are wellsurfaced, easy access routes without stiles, steps or steep gradients. They are suitable for people of all fitness levels and those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and the visually impaired.

A ‘MILES WITHOUT STILES’ ROUTE: CONKSBURY

THIS is a gentle route following the River Lathkill from Conksbury Bridge and back (510 metres each way).

The walk starts from the disabled parking space just above the medieval Conksbury Bridge. There is one gate to go through on the route alongside the river.

The deserted medieval settlement of Conksbury, which is documented in the Domesday Book, is identifiable now by its earthwork remains, which lie on a plateau on the other side of the river, which is famous for its trout and its dippers.

Left: The Peak Park authority’s fleet of motorised ‘Tramper’ vehicles help more people to enjoy easy-access Peak District trails.

Below: The medieval Conksbury Bridge.

Who says you can’t afford a James Bond car?

By Vivienne Milburn FRICS Independent Antiques Auctioneer & Valuer

Our expert valuer

Vivienne Milburn looks this month at model cars and some ‘circus’ models.

THE joy of a carousel is, among other things, the horses don’t bite and kick! And the gaudy decorations have a charm all of they own. Corgi is best known for making model cars and vehicles, but they also made limited ranges of Chipperfield Circus models and roundabouts, that make between £150 and £250 in specialist auctions.

The story of Corgi starts at the advent of World War Two. The Mettoy (“Metal Toy”) company was founded in 1933 by German émigré Philip Ullmann in Northampton, having left Germany due to Nazi persecution, where he was later joined by South Africanborn German Arthur Katz, who had previously worked for Ullmann at his toy company, Tipp & Co, in Nuremberg.

After dabbling for some years in the model car market, they decided to produce a range of diecast toy vehicles as competition to Meccano’s Dinky model cars, which had dominated the British market for many years.

Corgi Toys were introduced in 1956 and were manufactured in Swansea, south Wales, for 27 years before the company went into liquidation. A management buy-out reformed the company as Corgi Toys Limited in March 1984 and in 1989, the management sold the Corgi brand to Mattel. In 1995, Corgi regained its independence as a new company – Corgi Classics Limited – and

moved to new premises in Leicester. The Corgi brand was acquired by Hornby in 2008.

Mettoy was established in Northampton and within six years of the company’s founding, its Northampton factory had 600 employees. A production plant was built at Fforestfach in Swansea, to manufacture the new range of Corgi Toys. This provided many new jobs in an area of high unemployment,

following the scaling down of local coal mining.

The name Corgi Toys was chosen by Philip Ullmann in honour of the company’s new home, taken from the Welsh

breed of dog, the Corgi, and the iconic Corgi dog logo branded the new range. The name was short and easy to remember. Corgi Toys also included plastic glazing on their packaging, which lent the

Above: Corgi’s scale model entitled “The South Down Gallopers, Fairground Attractions”. It is number 4134 of a limited edition of 6,000 and is expected to make £150-250 in a forthcoming specialist auction. Right: A close-up view of the Corgi model ‘The South Downs Gallopers’.

models a greater authenticity, and they carried the advertising slogan “the ones with windows”.

Prior to the introduction of Corgi Toys, Mettoy mainly produced tin-plate toys. However, in the early 1950s, they began producing a few products in cast metal. The first was a large-scale wind-up racer made with a cast aluminium body and tin-plate wheels. The body material was soon changed to die-cast zinc and it was refitted with cast wheels and moulded rubber tyres. Other models followed and the product line was given the name ‘Castoys’, which are now rare and fetch premium prices at auction.

Initially, models were mainly issued both in free-rolling form, and with friction drive motors. The mechanical versions, as they were known, were indicated by an ‘M’ suffix to the model number and were produced in different colour schemes. Mechanical versions did not sell as well as the free-rolling versions, partly due to their significantly higher price, and were phased out in 1960, with Ford Thunderbird (214M) the last of the line.

The cars were models of cars from manufacturers around the world and sold in large numbers. Some of the best known and

Below: A collection of Corgi Classics ‘Chipperfield Circus’ models, including a Foden truck with caravan, AEC cage truck and trailer, Scammell Highwayman with two trailers. Each is boxed and in excellent condition, with the original literature and certificates. The collection is expected to make £200 to £400 at auction.

most popular models were of cars made famous in film and television such as the Batmobile, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 – which remains the largest selling toy car ever produced and will make prices between £60 for a standard model and £2,000 for special editions.

A circus-themed model release was the Berliet tractor unit, which had been adapted to become a human cannonball launcher complete with die-cast cannon attached to the rear and a human cannonball figure that could be fired from the cannon by pressing a button!

Models were issued monthly, and the range grew to include vehicles of all types. The Corgi Classics range had been discontinued by 1969, although the name was later revived for a range of adult collectable models in the 1980s.

Editor’s Note: Everything

has its season of collectability, and if you have antiques and collectables that might be valuable, it is worth getting the advice of an Independent Antiques Valuer to assess your

items. For further information, please contact Vivienne Milburn on 01629 640210 or 07870 238788; or go to www.viviennemilburn. co.uk or email vivienne@ viviennemilburn.co.uk

Above: Corgi’s “Chipperfield Circus Scammell Handyman Menagerie”, which includes lions, tigers and bears. In its original blue and yellow window box, it made £220 in a recent auction.

YES, THE REALLY DID US A FAVOUR! PANDEMIC

IT is rare indeed to hear somebody say that “Covid-19 did us a favour”, especially when a nurse says it. Well, it was exnurse Sami Ward who told me – as she and husband John had set up Peak District Mushroom Farm just over a year before the pandemic struck, writes Barrie Farnsworth.

The Bakewell couple had been supplying local restaurants with their fresh oyster mushrooms, grown in tents inside an old mill building in Alport – but all that stopped during lockdown. The mushrooms harvest cycle takes about six weeks. “We had to come up with an alternative,” explained Sami, “and Peak District Pantry was born.”

Sami is an accomplished home cook, serving up innovative daily creations for both her family and fellow nurses and, as a Girl Guide leader, for her guides. She experimented by drying, smoking and powdering the oyster mushrooms to create a base for a range of hand-made gourmet salts and seasonings.

John converted their old garden shed into a development kitchen and further ‘experimentation’ with dried and powdered mushrooms followed. Now online sales through their website peak-pantry.co.uk are growing – as are Sami’s creations, with “a few new items in taste trials that have yet to appear on the website!”

The inspiration for the farm came from a BBC Countryfile episode featuring Devonbased mushroom farmers Grocycle. They did their research, then made a huge decision – let’s farm oyster mushrooms in Derbyshire. What makes the mushrooms uniquely Peak District is that they are grown on spent beer grains, from local brewery Peak Ales.

In the summer of 2021, the mushroom farm got a boost when it was featured on BBC’s popular Escape To The Country programme, with presenter Jules Hudson interviewing the couple at the mill and trying out the fruits of their labour!

The couple now pick the mushrooms every morning, then dry, smoke and grind them to make Peak District Pantry’s delicious range of salts and seasonings.

It’s a far cry from their former working lives – John, who hails from Sheffield, was an environmental consultant for 30 years, while Sami, who was brought up in Newton, near Tibshelf, was a staff nurse. With four children between them – two yet to fly the nest – there is no shortage of people to ‘taste test’ new recipes!

Mushrooms growing from bags filled with spent beer grains and straw, inside special tents in an old mill at Alford. Courtesy of peak-pantry.co.uk

Two food festivals…

THE Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival is taking place on July 22 and 23 and will include a variety of food retailers, as well as a drinks marquee. Children at the event will also be able to enjoy the Bubble Magicians and other entertainment. There will also be music from a few local bands, too.

Coun Kate Sarvent said: “The Chesterfield Food and Drink Festival is a new edition to the event calendar and will take place in Queen’s Park and is free to visit.”

The Great British Food Festival returns to Hardwick Hall from July 28-30 inclusive, offering entertainment with live chef demos, live music, a bake stage with Bake-Off stars, a mini zoo, children’s entertainment, hundreds of artisan producers, street food stalls and bars. You can buy tickets now at greatbritishfoodfestival.com

Above: John and Sami being interviewed by Jules Hudson for an Escape to the Country episode in 2021. Courtesy of the BBC.

Left: John and Sami pick oyster mushrooms every day at their Alford ‘farm’. Courtesy of peak-pantry.co.uk

Lebanese meatballs in tomato sauce

HERE’S a lovely recipe from Sami Ward – obviously using some oyster mushrooms and her seasonings! She says: “These meatballs are super easy to make and can be made using lamb or lentils. Even my fussy kids love this recipe!”

INGREDIENTS

250g green lentils (1 tin) or lamb mince

20g Peak Pantry Dried Oyster Mushrooms

70g sundried tomatoes in oil

70g walnuts (optional)

1 onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 celery stick, finely chopped

1tbsp Peak District Pantry

Lebanese Seasoning

1tsp oregano

2tbsp tomato puree

For the sauce

1tsp Peak District Pantry Garlic & Herb Salt

1 onion, finely chopped

1tsp Peak District Pantry Lebanese Seasoning

1tsp Peak District Pantry Bouillion

250ml water

400g tomatoes (1 tin)

1tbsp tomato puree

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180C / 3508F / Gas 4. Soak the mushroom for five mins in hot water, drain and save the soaking water. Drain the sundried tomatoes and save the oil. Put the mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts into a food blender add two tablespoons of the tomato oil and blend to a paste.

Lightly fry the onion, carrot and celery until soft but not coloured. Add the Lebanese Seasoning and oregano. Add the tomato paste and cook on a low heat for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and leave to cool. Add the lentils or mince to the mixture, mix together; if too loose add a few breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture into golf ball size portions. Place on greased baking tray and bake for

SERVES 4

20-30 minutes until slightly crispy.

To make the sauce, fry the onion until softened, add the Wild Garlic Herb Salt, Lebanese Seasoning and fry for a further five minutes. Add the tinned tomatoes, water, Vegetable Bouillion and tomato paste. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 mins until thickened.

Serve with a grain salad, yoghurt, honey and pitta breads. To be extra fancy, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and our Rose Salt.

Sami’s Top Tips: Freeze leftover meatballs separately from the sauce to keep them crisp. Use our Lebanese Seasoning to spice up shop-bought hummus or when making your own falafels.

WINDING WHEEL

Mar 30 Totally Tina

ICON KEY       

Film Music Kids Live Dance Comedy Talk

BUXTON OPERA HOUSE

Mar 10-11 Stewart Lee

SHEFFIELD CITY HALL

Mar 8-9 Frankie Boyle: Lap of Shame

12 An Audience with Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie 

13-14 The Song  (15) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

BOX OFFICE:01246 345 222 www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk

MARCH

2 The Rocket Man 

3 Showaddywaddy 

4 Sound and Vision: David Bowie 

7 Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story 

12 NT Live: Othello  (12A)

17 Henning When: It’s All Come Out in the Wash 

19 Gordon Buchanan: 30 Years in the Wild 

20 Exhibition on Screen: Mary Cassatt 

20 Brian & Roger Eno: Live at the Acropolis  

24 Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder 

25 Crooked Spire Northern Soul 

26 Chesterfield Symphony Orchestra 

27 Dementia Friendly Screening: Carousel  (U)

28 See How They Run  (12A)

30 Totally Tina 

31 The ELO Experience 

APRIL

1 Calling Planet Earth 

2 The Cavern Beatles 

4 Easter Panto: Rapunzel

5 NT Live: The Life of Pi  (PG)

6 Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical  (PG)

BOX OFFICE: 01298 72190 www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

MARCH

3 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club  (Pavilion Arts Centre)

4 Susie Dent: The Secret Life of Words  (Pavilion Arts Centre)

4 The Elvis Years: The Story of the King 

5 The Whale  (15) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

6 Holy Spider  (18) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

9 Graham Gouldman & A Heart Full of Songs  (Pavilion Arts Centre)

10-11 Stewart Lee 

10 Saltlines  (Pavilion Arts Centre)

11 McGoldrick, McCusker & Doyle  (Pavilion Arts Centre)

SPRING FLOWERS TO ENJOY…

AS winter departs, the garden visiting season opens and a Derbyshire favourite, Cascades Gardens, Bonsall, opens its gates for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday, March 18, from noon-4pm, writes Tracy Reid.

After the winter rain, the various waterfalls and streams can be seen at their full potential along with beautiful spring planting, the lovely hellebore being a particular feature. Admission is £8 for adults, £4 for children, and dogs on leads welcome.

March brings the most hopeful of seasons, spring, and what signifies the season more than the humble daffodil? You will find daffodils aplenty, along with other spring flowering plants and shrubs, at ‘Chevin Brae’, in Milford, opening for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday, March 25 from 1-5pm. Tea and home-made cakes, pastries and biscuits will be served, many of which will

13 EO  15) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

14 Women Talking  (15) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

16-17 Tom Allen: Completely 

17 Magic Mike’s Last Dance  (15) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

18 Levellers 

19 Carmen 

20 Making Space Dance Festival 

20 Joyland  (15) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

21 Tony Blackburn: Sounds of the 60’s Live 

22 Tim Peake: My Journey Into Space 

23 The Sound of Springsteen 

24 80’s Mania 

Above: Daffodils aplenty at Chevin Brae in Milford.

feature fruit from the garden. Admission is just £3, children free, and dogs on leads are welcome.

All details of the gardens can be found on the NGS website www.ngs.org.uk

25-26 NT Connections Festival (Pavilion Arts Centre)

25 A Country Night in Nashville 

26 The Bootleg Beatles 

27-28 What’s Love Got To Do With It?  (12A) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

27 Nostalgia  (12A) (Pavilion Arts Centre)

28 Kate Mosse: Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries 

30 NT Live: Life of Pi 

30 The Simon & Garfunkel Story 

31 Henry Rollins: Good to See You

APRIL

1 Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow Live 

2 Dave Gorman: Powerpoint To The People 

4-8 Around The World In 80 Days

BOX OFFICE: 0114 249 6000 www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

MARCH

4-18 Wildfire Road (Playhouse)

7-11 The Way Old Friends Do (Lyceum)

10 Schubert & Rachmaninov

 (Upper Chapel)

11-April 1 The Good Person Of Szechwan (Crucible)

13-14 English Touring Opera  (Lyceum)

16-18 Hey Duggee: The Live Theatre Show  (Lyceum)

17 Classical Weekend: Cello Sonatas  (Upper Chapel)

18 Sounds of Now: Apartment House Plays Feldman  (Channing Hall)

21-25 The Great Gatsby  (Lyceum)

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE…

THE Chatsworth Players are gearing up for their 15th season at the Theatre at Chatsworth House, as they present The Importance of Being Earnest in March, A Midsummer Night’s Dream in July, and Steel Magnolias in October.

The Chatsworth Players began in 2008 under the direction of Sylvia Jackson, a retired professional actress and director who had recently moved to Bakewell. She was approached by Chatsworth House to consult on the feasibility of making the theatre usable, and from there she decided to form a group to perform at the house.

In the spring of that year, the Players took Arthur Miller’s The Crucible to many surrounding village halls plus a performance at the theatre at Chatsworth House.

The 2023 spring show, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, is a return to the Players’ roots, as they performed it first in 2009. The summer show, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will be performed in the open-air at various outdoor venues including Whirlowbrook Hall in Sheffield and The Whitworth Centre in Darley Dale. Finally, the autumn offering, Steel Magnolias, is a modern play by Robert Harling that centres around six women in the south in the US.

“We carried out a survey of our patrons and members during lockdown,” said chair

Lindsay Jackson, “which showed that there was an appetite for a mix of classic plays and modern pieces. So we’re trying different things, so far with great success.”

The Importance of Being Earnest will be performed at the theatre at Chatsworth House March 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and April 1.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed at various open-air venues on July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15.

Steel Magnolias will be performed at the theatre at Chatsworth House October 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14.

The Players are holding ticket prices for the shows at Chatsworth House to 2019 levels -- £16.50. The open-air tickets will be £12.50. For tickets and more information, visit the website www.chatsworthplayers.com

18 Steelers v Nottingham Panthers

19 Steelers v Guildford Flames

26 Steelers v Cardiff Devils

29 Sheffield Varsity Ice Hockey

Other Events

MARCH

31 Wrackline Album Tour

APRIL

 (Upper Chapel)

1 Pierrot Lunaire & More

 (Upper Chapel)

4-15 Sister Act  

BOX OFFICE: 0114 2 789 789 www.sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

MARCH

4-5 ‘STUNG’ The story of WASPIs (Women Against State Pension Inequality). 1950s-born women always thought they would retire with a state pension on their 60th birthday like generations of women before them - how wrong they were! The Government moved the goal posts - not once, but twice and these women have borne the brunt. But you can’t keep a group of strong, determined women down for long. Join members of North Derbyshire WASPI on a rollercoaster of a ride in their quest for pension justice. Performances at the Studio Theatre, West Studios, Chesterfield College, on Saturday 4th at 3pm and 7pm; and on Sunday 5th at 2pm. Tickets £6-£8, book at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ stung-tickets-439496534967

6 Oxfam Jumble Sale, Town Hall Bakewell. Come and enjoy tea, coffee and home-made cakes. Browse the stalls selling cakes and home-made produce, jewellery, bric-a-brac, toys, plants, books, clothing, CDs and DVDs, home furnishings and tombola. 10am-12.30pm.

Continued from 79

12 Chesterfield Record Fair. The most vibrant record fair in the country, 9am to 3pm at Chesterfield Market Place. Dealers from all over the country bringing a diverse collection of CDs and Vinyl LPs.

12 Ashgate Hospice’s High Peak Trail Walk. The walk returns for a third year with three different routes – 17 miles, 11 miles or 3.5 miles. A fun day out for all the family! There will be free parking at Cromford Meadows, and free transport will be provided to take you to the start point of your chosen walk. There will also be food and drink stalls available at Cromford Meadows and lots of fun activities. For more information, visit: www. ashgatehospice.org.uk/high-peak-trail/

12 Megaslam 2023 Live Tour at Technique Stadium. The #1 Live Experience for families – Megaslam is back for its huge 2023 Live Tour, featuring your favourite Megaslam stars and some brand new ones in this two-hour spectacular!

17 Discos for Grown-ups. Eighties

electronic, pop and dance floor classics at The Grand Pavilion, Matlock Bath. A night of all your favourite Eighties’ electronic and pop classics from Human

‘CHESTERFIELD IN LOCKDOWN’ EXHIBITION

CHESTERFIELD Museum has curated an exhibition to commemorate the experiences of the community during the Covid-19 Lockdown.

The community led exhibition includes a selection of art, textile, poetry, prose, music, film, and photography, as well as the Chesterfield Big Lockdown Textile, which is made up of 100 textile squares created by residents.

The exhibition is available to visit for free from March 6 until April 26 in the Assembly Rooms above Chesterfield Market Hall and will be open Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 3pm.

During the first lockdown in 2020 Chesterfield Museum began planning how to commemorate the unprecedented situation, and it was decided to create an exhibition bringing together stories, items and art created by the community.

In 2021, the museum team began promoting and coordinating the creation of the Chesterfield Big Lockdown Textile which includes 100 fabric squares that were created by members of the local community. This work has recently been on display in the Pavements Shopping Centre but the exhibition will allow visitors to get closer to the artwork.

There will also be a selection of activities for the whole family to try including paper weaving, colouring sheets, poetry, and family games.

TWO EXHIBITIONS AT BAKEWELL VISITOR CENTRE

PEOPLE calling in at Bakewell Visitor Centre in March are invited to enjoy two free exhibitions. Budding archaeologists and history fans can enjoy the latest exhibition about the Victorian collector Thomas Bateman, sometimes known as the Barrow Knight. ‘Brought to Light – the Remarkable Bateman Collection’ is on loan from Weston Park Museum, Sheffield. Fascinating information panels and photographs of artefacts are on display until the beginning of May.

Naturalists and fine art lovers will appreciate the talent of wildlife artist Richard Whittlestone – one of Britain’s most loved and respected artists. Working in acrylics, watercolour and oils, Richard draws inspiration from his deep love of the Peak District’s landscapes and nature, and his

League, Duran, New Order, Wham, Smiths, Depeche Mode, Bowie, ABBA, Soft Cell, Two Tone, Simple Minds, The Jam, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and many more. 80s fancy dress is optional. For more information, visit www.discosforgrownups.com

18 The Derbyshire Singers Concert: The Music of Mozart at Lady Manners School, Bakewell at 7.30pm. Soloists will be Ben Hulme (Horn), Alison Rose (Soprano), Beth Moxon (Mezzo), Andrew Mackenzie-Wicks (Tenor) and Tim Mirfin (Bass). Tickets ( £15, students and accompanied U16-yearolds free) can be obtained in advance at www.derbyshiresingers.org . For further information, contact the choir’s secretary at chrisbaker22@mac.com.

20 Chesterfield and District Local History Society, 7.30 pm, St. Thomas’ Church

knowledge of birds and other wildlife. His work is on display at Bakewell Visitor Centre during March.

Also new for 2023, Bakewell Visitor Centre now stocks pre-loved books – every purchase will help the visitor centres continue to provide great experiences across the National Park. People with books to donate can drop them at Bakewell or Castleton Visitor Centres.

Sharon Mosley, who manages Bakewell Visitor Centre, said: “Our centres already host a wonderful array of new reads, but with your support in providing second-hand books, we can do more. We welcome books that are Peak District related, about nature, wildlife, geography, walking, cycling, heritage, archaeology, photography, and children’s books.”

Bakewell Visitor Centre is housed in The Old Market Hall, which dates back to the early 17th century.

Lecture Room, Chatsworth Road. Parking available. David McPhie speaks on ‘100 Years of Chesterfield Music’.

25 Victorian Weekend Celebrations at The Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath. ‘Living history’ actors will be joined by musicians, strolling players and storytellers; and the estate will be decorated to celebrate its history. Come along and join in the celebrations, which includes performances from the awesome Cage of Crows! For more information, visit: www.heightsofabraham.com

31 Oxfam Ceilidh at Bakewell Town Hall. Music by The Well-Dressed Band. Doors open at 7.30pm. Dancing 8pm. Tickets from The Medway Centre, on the door, or ring Glenys on 01629 636477 (adults £8, students and under 16’s £4). Bar. All proceeds go to Oxfam.

Pre-loved books are now available to buy at Bakewell Visitor Centre – and you can donate your old books, too.

THE DIRECTORY

Prize Crossword

Congratulations to Paul Hickman from North Wingfield, Chesterfield, who won the February 2023 crossword. Paul won £25.

Why not have a go at the March 2023 crossword on page 32?