Ilkeston Life Newspaper August 2017

Donald Trump makes a scary appearance in West Hallam

30p where sold

We hope to see you at the

5th Ilkeston Heritage and Classic Vehicle Show

on Sunday 13th August 2017 10am—4pm AUGUST 2017 A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area

www.ilkestonlife.com

A memorable free day out for all the family

Birds steal the show at sunny Lakeside event

A surprise visitor to West Hallam’s annual Well Dressings and Scarecrow Trail was none other than USA President Donald Trump! The lifelike effigy was the big talking point at the event which attracted lots of people to the village throughout the week. We have photos of more scarecrows inside.

More pictures inside

School adopts station

C

haucer Junior School Gardening Club has adopted our new railway station, along with Tesco Ilkeston.

They have taken on the task of brightening up the platforms and helping make Ilkeston a pleasant stop-off for passengers.

Kerry Wheatley, leader of the green-fingered Chaucer group, said it all came about after she heard of people being able to adopt stations to make them look prettier and more inviting.

“As you know, at Chaucer Junior Gardening Club we love our community and taking a pride in it. So I thought with our school being only around the corner from the station, what a great opportunity it would be.

“My friend Councillor James Dawson saw a poster on the platform a few weeks ago asking if anyone was interested in adopting the station, and he knew I would be!

“So with the help of Alastair Morley, Community Rail Officer, Laura Andrews and Donna Adams from East Midlands Trains, it has all happened. We were thrilled when they accepted our request.

“Before we could begin planting at the station, I had to have a safety briefing, and Network Rail very kindly came and gave a station safety talk to the whole school about railway safety which the children found very interesting.

“I then contacted Steve Walton from Landmark, the Landscape Gardeners of Nottingham, and they were more than willing to donate the plants for the station. Steve has been brilliant, giving help and expert advice with the project.

“We also owe a big thank you to Amberol UK for their kindness in donating our first planters which complement the plants really well.

“On planting day our local MP Maggie Throup came down to help us and congratulated the children Charlotte and Maia and told them what a great job they were doing. .

“I think the project will be great for the children to be involved with in our town, and it gives them a real sense of pride in taking care of our environment and community.”

Pictured: Charlotte, Maia, MP Maggie Throup and Steve Walton.

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

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Strawberry Cream Tea at Dale Abbey

Local

Independent Fresh Entertaining

I

f you don’t get a copy through your door, Ilkeston Life is available online and from various outlets including newsagents, shops, cafes, Post Offices and supermarkets in our growing circulation area. Besides Ilkeston, we are currently supplying: KIRK HALLAM COTMANHAY SHIPLEY VIEW HALLAM FIELDS LARKLANDS STANTON-BY-DALE DALE ABBEY WEST HALLAM STANLEY

STANLEY COMMON AWSWORTH COSSALL TROWELL SANDIACRE STAPLEFORD LONG EATON HEANOR

On Saturday 24th June, my friend Carol reminded me it was the Strawberry Cream Tea at Dale Abbey - did I still want to go? Of course I did!

It was a lovely afternoon for it, and I am rather partial to a cream tea.

As we walked up the drive we noticed there was a wedding group around the Arch, so we went over to take a look.

All the men were dressed in Victorian costume. Black suits with long coats and stove pipe hats. I took a photo, but it did not turn out too well.

I got the chance to speak to the mother of the groom who told me that her son was James Stanbury, a freelance journalist and his new wife was Teri David, a theatre sister at the Derby Royal Hospital.

I told her about the Ilkeston Life newspaper and said I would put the photo in the paper. So Mrs Stanbury, if you are reading this please accept my apologies for not putting my photo in, but we would be very pleased if you would send us one for next time’s edition. Email news@ilkestonlife.com. We would be very pleased to receive it.

So, back to the cream tea, it was

delicious. Carol also bought some cake to take home. There were only two other ladies there when we arrived, but the tables soon filled up and everyone seemed to be having a grand time. The children had plenty of toys to occupy them and there were one or two dogs for me to make a fuss of.

What could be better!

Ruth and Roger Allen put on the event and all the funds went to the United Reformed Church.

Ruth is a retired Minister and Roger is a lay preacher. Ruth also plays the organ in Dale Abbey Church on a Sunday afternoon and sometimes at the United Reformed Church too.

We also give free copies to Ilkeston Community Hospital, nursing and care homes, doctors waiting rooms, schools, etc

Editorial office: 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Tel: 07539 808390 Editor: Robert Attewell Deputy Editor: Paul Opiah news@ilkestonlife.com Staff feature writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Staff photographer: John Shelton john@ilkestonlife.com Advertising: Christine Chell Paul Opiah sales @ilkestonlife.com Webmaster: Adam Newton adam@ilkestonlife.com © Copyright 2017 The material in Ilkeston Life is protected by copyright. If you wish to reproduce anything, please contact the editor.

While every care is taken to be accurate, we are only human and mistakes do occur occasionally. If you are unhappy with any of the content in the paper, please contact the editor in the first place. We accept news and information from correspondents in good faith and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. We try not to include stories which may cause distress to anyone. If you have a view on any of the articles, please write and let us know. Your letters are always welcome, but we reserve the right to withhold or edit. Anonymous letters will only be printed in exceptional circumstances.

COPY DEADLINE The deadline for adverts and editorial Is always the 15th for following month’s paper (unless by prior arrangement).

Send to us by email if possible. We prefer to receive images as jpegs.

Mill. However Langley Mill do not nally receive the ticket. have a ticket machine, so they then Whilst they were at Ilkeston StaOn the 13th June, my friend Joyce had to travel to Nottingham to fition they met another lady, who Straw went down to the new Ilkessaid she had been every day since ton Railway Station as she required the previous Saturday to get a ticka pre-paid ticket to go to London. et but the machines had always been out of order.

Her brother took her down to the station, only to find both the ticket Someone else told Joyce to get on machines were out of order. the train without her ticket, as the staff would have been able to They phoned the emergency numtrace it, and would have known the ber and they were sent to Langley

Station gripe

They made over £300 for the church. Thank you for a lovely afternoon.

Patricia Spencer

local machines were out of order, but as Joyce was travelling alone she was afraid to do this.

This is surely not a good start for the station. Surely there is no good reason for these machines to be out of order for days.

However, Joyce did say that the staff on the train were very friendly and helpful, so that is good to know.

Patricia Spencer

I have been given this seventyyear-old photograph of an Ilkeston Grammar School football team. Can any of our older readers recognise themselves or someone they know? Who is the teacher/coach holding the ball? Was the picture taken to celebrate an achievement? Where was it taken?

Any information about the players or the staff member would be appreciated.

Patricia Spencer

Email us: news@ilkestonlife.com letters@ilkestonlife.com stories@ilkestonlife.com poems@ilkestonlife.com sales@ilkeston life.com or ilkestonlife @gmail.com Ilkeston Life is registered with the British Library.

ISSN 2515-1231

Weeping Window Display in Derby On the 15th June I went into Derby with my granddaughter to see the Weeping Window Display at the Silk Mill.

As I am sure you know these displays are to remember all the soldiers who died in the Great War.

Paul Cummins is the Derby Artist who conceived the idea and they were originally installed in London on the walls of the Tower of London for about four months.

Every Poppy is an original and they have all been made by hand.

They will be on tour, going to various cities all over the country, representing those places where the people were of major help in the war

effort. The Silk Mill in Derby used to grind the corn and supply our forces with it. The Poppies represent blood bouncing off the walls, which is very macabre but gives a very forceful image when you see them.

I found the experience very thought provoking and strangely peaceful. It is very strong imagery.

I wasn’t able to go to London when they were on display there so I am

very pleased they are now touring round the country. I do hope teachers have been taking the children to see them.

H

ave you seen the collection of Ilkeston Railway Station memorabilia in the town library? It’s a fascinating display and the Ilkeston Life May edition front page is part of it. Find it at the top of the stairs.

Patricia Spencer

www.ilkestonlife.com

HS2 Statement Maggie Throup MP, Member of Parliament for Erewash, has released the following statement on HS2 Phase 2b: “The Secretary of State for Transport has announced the final route for Phase 2b of HS2. This brings much needed clarity for the residents of Long Eaton, Sandiacre and Stanton Gate by confirming that the route through Long Eaton will be on a high level viaduct.

“Whilst I am disappointed that the option to tunnel under Long Eaton was not seen as a viable option, the decision to pursue a highlevel viaduct gives us a fantastic opportunity to create a truly iconic structure. I believe the design of the viaduct will be a key factor in the public acceptance of the project and I will be lobbying the Government to provide HS2 Ltd with the funds to design and build a viaduct that puts our area truly on the map.

“As I have said previously, the most import task remains to secure the best possible deal from HS2 Ltd for those residents directly affected by the line of route and I will continue to fight for this over the coming weeks, months and years.

“I also believe the way in which HS2 Ltd has treated local residents up to now is quite frankly scandalous. If we are to move forward, Ministers and the board of HS2 Ltd must address these issues and quickly, otherwise they risk undermining the whole project.”

August 2017

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West Hallam Open Gardens attract 300 visitors

On Sunday 25th June gardeners in West Hallam opened their gardens to the public in aid of West Hallam Village Hall.

Thirteen gardens and two allotments were on show on an afternoon that stayed cool and cloudy - a welcome relief following the high temperatures of the previous week that had seen many plants suffer in the heat and the levels in water butts go down dramatically.

It's always good to have a look round other people's gardens looking for ideas for our own, and there was certainly an array of styles to inspire the 300 visitors who took a stroll around during the afternoon - formal bedding, containers, courtyards, cottage gardens, water features, patios, gravel beds and quirky ornamentation all showed off the gardeners' efforts to wonderful effect.

No matter what size of garden or level of ‘greenfingeredness’, everyone would have gone home with something, and probably a plant or two from the many that were on sale along the way or in the Village Hall, where tea and homemade cakes were also available.

Many thanks to all concerned, enabling well over £1000 to be raised for the Village Hall charity.

Pete and Jean Lilley

Gardener Steve’s column—Page 18

Some of the splendid gardens that were open to the public in West Hallam recently.

The event was part of a national scheme to promote gardening and the enjoyment of gardens and to raise money for charitable causes.

Ding ding ding!

All aboard for a pretend emergency. This miniature fire engine ride was greatly enjoyed by families at a recent Open Day put on by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service at Ilkeston.

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Have your say Get in touch with your views— Email: letters@ilkestonlife.com Post: The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH

Nearly knocked down by drivers ignoring No access sign again to avoid another car. Yet again, I gathered myself together, (shaken not stirred) and made my way home, picked up my camera, returned to the scene and began to take photos of ALL vehicles that drive I recently found myself walking down Alillegally up Albert Street from Queen bert street from the old police station toStreet....it turned out to be approximately 3 wards Queens street. I stopped at the end of in 10. the road and checked that the road was clear I realised that taking photos without permisbefore crossing (as I had been taught to do sion was probably illegal and so I deleted some point 50 years ago). I was confident them, especially after the last one I took was that no vehicles would be driving up Queen that of a police car.....no blue lights!!!

Street and turning into Albert street other I have a suggestion..... than a bus or a bike...because that is the Rather than charge for parking, why don't law...after all there is a great big sign forbid- the council punish those who flagrantly ding cars to go up Albert street. Oh and a break the law and impose statuary fines to cctv camera as well. I digress, as I stepped the law breakers, thus allowing people to off the kerb confident that no cars would be park for nothing. Perhaps this may help to turning up Albert street (because that would generate trade in the centre of a town that be breaking the law) a car...yes a car!...a big has become perhaps the deadest town in blue car, turned up into Albert street totally Derbyshire ......as opposed to one of the ignoring the great big sign and in full view most vibrant towns as it was when I moved of the camera (assuming it was turned her some 30 years ago..... and stop charging on) ....Causing me to dive out of the way of people to pay for visitor permits go park it. I picked myself up dusted myself down, outside their own houses!. composed myself, shook my fist, cursed and Very unhappy local resident then continued on my way, BUT .....unbelievably, I had to take evasive (Name and address supplied)

It takes a lot for me to put pen to paper, and for many reasons I do not want my name and details publishing but here is my story(although it's the truth).

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Tesco offering Bags of Help to local good causes Do you know a local community group or school would not have been able to fund this project themselves and we are really grateproject that would benefit from a cash ful to the Tesco Bags of Help scheme. Now grant?

At Tesco we have a scheme called 'Bags of Help'. You can find out about it by visiting htpps://www.tesco.com/carrier-bags/ Bags of help funding is available to projects that bring benefit to the local community.

For example: Improving community buildings and outdoor spaces, Buying new equipment and kit, Training coaches or volunteers, Hosting community events.

I have been to Bennerley Fields Specialist Speech and Language College recently which is in Cotmanhay.

The school benefitted from the 'Bags of Help' award. I saw their 'Gardening Together Project' as part of my Community Champion role.

The parents who had formed 'Friends of Bennerley Fields group' applied for this funding said it was an online process that was not difficult to apply for. They received £12,000 award.

A spokesperson from the school said: “Before the grant was received the garden area was inaccessible to any of our pupils who need walking aids or wheelchairs. The

all of our pupils can access the raised beds, greenhouse and shed. The Groundworks team were incredibly helpful and made the application process easy to complete. The whole area is now widely used across school and the children and staff are enjoying the benefits of gardening together.”

The process has now evolved. Tesco have agreed that it is more beneficial to help more projects by giving smaller pots of money more regularly. There are three awards given and this is decided by the customers who come into the store as they are given a blue token at the till and then they choose which is their favourite project by popping the token in the slot. The box with the most tokens receives £4,000, the box with the middle amount of tokens receives £2,000 and the box with the least amount of tokens get £1,000.

Two other local projects that have benefited from Bags of Help, they are the Canal and River Trust who were awarded £10,000 which helped with hedgerows along the canal and West Hallam Parish Church Council who were given £8,000 for the Beech Lane play area project.

Kind regards Angie Young, Community Champion

Use the Market Place more With reference to Danny Corns’ letter last month on the use of Ilkeston Market Place, I totally agree with Danny, the Market Place should be used a lot more throughout the year.

I have a vision that we could hold a small Music Festival there, Friday ,Sunday and Saturday afternoons after the market had finished, and Sunday to fit in when the Church was not used. By small I think split the market into three and use local talent to provide the music, and local pubs to supply the beer.

I have been told the Police would stop it and object due to unruly behaviour. Well, we attended a Beer Festival on the 2nd July at the Spanish Bar and the event was tremendous, no trouble at all, with people of all ages enjoying the music and the beer.

I am sure such an event would generate a lot of interest and make money for the town.

There is loads of talent in Ilkeston, dancing as well as singing. Take a look over this amazing area and tell me why it can’t be used more.

Dave Gunn

The improved garden at Bennerley Fields, made possible by the Tesco Bags of Help scheme

Betty’s article struck a chord Some childhood memories were stirred by Betty O'Neill's piece on Anniversaries in Ilkeston.

I was regularly despatched from home in Cossall to attend Sunday School at the now demolished Wesleyan Chapel on Station Road. It was down the steps alongside leading into a sort of underground meeting room which, as I recall, also served as the Auction Room for the Harvest Festival produce donations and the venue for the annual Sunday School prize giving.

I never figured out how I won prizes for "attendance" being frequently diverted to the Motor Cycle Scrambling race meetings held at Cossall Marsh as I made my way there.

Anniversaries were preceded by the parade which arrived back for a service in the chapel. The children and choir were installed on a temporary sloping platform facing the main body of the hall. Probably one of my very first stage appearances.

David Potter, Ilkeston

Betty O`Neil`s item on Anniversaries stirred some memories for me. In the late 1940s – early 1950s, we lived near the bottom of Little Hallam Lane, and I went to the Methodist Sunday School on Nottingham Road. I well remember the excitement as the platform was constructed at the front of the chapel, and then, scrambling up into our allotted places to practise for the “Big Day”. My memories do not include any rainy days for the morning parades around the local area! I do recall that, as a very small child, after a short distance of walking, I, together with other younger members, would be taken up onto the open back of a lorry, to travel “in style” on tiny chairs for the rest of the route.

The Saturdays before the event were spent searching for a new pair of sandals in Lally`s shoe shop on Bath Street, and around the children`s clothes shops, for a new frock to wear for the occasion. Happy childhood memories!

Margaret Dawson, nee Booth.

30,000 station users so far Congratulations to the new Ilkeston railway station on achieving 30,000 passengers using the station since April. I am one of those people!

there’s a steam train going through.

There’s always a good turnout to see these trains, like The Flying Scotsman. Even though they’re gone in a flash, the kids’ and grown-ups’ eyes light up in excitement.

It’s nice to see that Chaucer Junior School gardening club have adopted the platforms The new station with its long sloping walkmaking them look nice for travellers as they ways, which are great for viewing, has pass through and for people arriving at or meant many more spotters are turning up dismounting at the station. these days.

As a keen ‘anorak’ I’m doing my bit to cre- Bill Smith ( a recycled teenager) ate interest, informing people whenever

Cob was a treat!

I recently tried a Stacey’s cheese topped cob. I know cheese topped cobs have been around for a while, but these are in a different league.

They are flatter, rounder, moister, cheesier than any other I’ve tried. I slit one in two

and inserted three slices of crispily fried bacon and some apricot chutney.

Nicest thing I’ve ever tasted! Well done, Stacey’s. See you soon.

Hungry Horace (Name and address supplied)

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Transport extravaganza is back in town

Scargill is rated ‘outstanding’

S

taff and pupils at Scargill CofE Primary School are celebrating after being graded outstanding by a church schools inspector.

The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report states that the West Hallam school, which has 398 pupils on roll, is a “welcoming and nurturing Christian community

grounded in a strong Christian ethos.”

Inspector Lizzie McWhirter, who carried out the inspection last month, found that pupils were proud to be Scargill citizens and displayed Scargill values such as generosity, respect and forgiveness in daily life, linking them to biblical teaching.

She also praised the partnership between the school and St Wilfrid’s Church and added: “Strong leadership at all levels, good governance and dedicated staff ensure excellent team work within a supportive Christian environment. As a result, pupils grow in confidence and achieve well.”

The SIAMS inspection is carried out in addition to Ofsted inspections and determines the distinctiveness and effectiveness of a church school.

The report states that the school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners and that the impact of collective worship on the school community is outstanding. The inspector found that the effectiveness of the religious education was good and that the effectiveness of the leadership and management of the school as a church school was outstanding.

Andrew Poole, head teacher, said: “I am proud of our whole Scargill Family. To be rated as outstanding is a wonderful end to an eventful year.”

There were only two points highlighted as areas to improve, which had already been identified by the school. These were to embed monitoring of RE by the school’s governors and to extend the programme of visits and visitors to enable pupils to meet people of all faiths more frequently and deepen their knowledge of Christianity.

Linda Webster, chair of governors, said: “The Governors were delighted that the SIAMS report described the Scargill we know and love. We have reorganised our committee structure to include a School Improvement Forum, which will help the Governors to monitor RE and Collective Worship more efficiently and effectively.”

Rev Gill Turner-Callis, rector at St Wilfrid’s Church, added: “I am so pleased to have received this confirmation from the inspector that our school is outstanding in their spiritual and relational life, as well as in their religious education. This is a true reflection of the ethos of the school and my sincere thanks to the children, parents, teachers and governors who make Scargill what it is.”

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O

rganisers and exhibitors are revving up for town's popular transport extravaganza. Preparations are well advanced for a popular heritage and classic vehicle show that has become an established part of Ilkeston's annual social calendar.

The fifth show organised by enterprise agency Erewash Partnership will bring the sights and sounds of yesteryear to the town's historic Market Place next month.

The free show, which attracts exhibitors and spectators from a wide area, and appeals to family members of all ages, will take place on Sunday August 13 in the square and surrounding areas from 10am-4pm.

Last year's event attracted around 7,000 visitors and so this year the Partnership has catered for expansion of the exhibitors' area to include the whole of Pimlico car park to make the show even bigger and better.

So far participants have booked in more than 200 exhibits and organisers expect this to rise to almost 300, beating previous totals.

The oldest exhibit entered is more than 110 years old. The 1904 car was made by the American Brennan Motor Manufacturing Company which qualifies it for Bonham's London-Brighton veteran car run, where it is a regular participant.

So far more than 16 classic lorries have been entered, along with classic and sports cars, motor-bikes, buses - reminiscent of the days when services operated by Trent, Barton, and Midland General ran to and from the Market Place – and steam engines.

Owners are not just keen to show their gleaming pride and joy, but also hoping to win prizes sponsored by various firms, mainly from the motor trade. New headline sponsors include the Porsche Centre Nottingham, and Vauxhall Repair Centre, Ilkeston.

Ilkeston car dealership Ron Brooks will again be awarding a prize for the car of the show, and the there is also an Erewash Mayor's award for an exhibit of their personal choice.

Last year a number of people attended in appropriate period dress to match their vehicles, so the Partnership has decided to embrace this idea and award a prize for the best dressed owner. This is sponsored by new Bath Street shop Fabulous Things.

Two special attractions will make their fourth appearance – characters from the Star Wars film in the guise of 501st Legion UK Garrison will storm the area, much to the delight of younger visitors, and mystery man The UKG Stig will also be present.

There will also be a craft fair, music from Ilkeston Brass and St Mary's Church will be open. The event gives local businesses nearby an opportunity to open up, and two charities Ilkeston Hospital League of Friends and Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance will benefit.

Partnership chief executive Ian Viles said: “We are delighted to again be hosting this show which has become a firm favourite in Ilkeston and for people from miles around.”

Roads around the Market Place will be closed to normal traffic as vehicles start to arrive around 5.30am—6.30am.

Letter

Save the 23 bus!

TrentBarton advertise themselves as a friendly, reliable service, but now they are putting elderly people in a stressful situation if they axe the 23 route bus.

Residents on Church Street and Nelson Street will have to walk a considerable distance to Cotmanhay Road to access an alternative service. Also the residents will no longer have access to a bus service that calls at Ilkeston Community Hospital.

I have left a petition in the U Choose Smoothie Bar, 1 Bath Street. Please sign it if you are against this change.

Brian Brown, Ilkeston Welfare Officer, Royal British Legion

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

radiation dose lasts less than a couple of minutes. As soon as it is done, you are lowered back down and can leave. enni Wyn Hyatt, a former English teacher and family history reThe treatment is painless but there searcher who moved from Aberare numerous possible side effects ystwyth to West Hallam in December over the ensuing weeks. Almost certainly you will feel very tired, 2014, has recently published her first have dizzy spells, hot flushes and poetry collection, ‘Perhaps One Day’. need to wee more. Other possible The cover design of the book has side effects include irritability, back pain, diarrhoea, some body hair loss been created by Jenni’s daughter, Knight, who lives in Worcester My Prostate Cancer Journey and skin rash. I had everything ex- Cathy cept the skin rash, but everyone else and is also an English teacher. by the editor I spoke with said they got off much Jenni sometimes reads her poems at lighter. Some said they had ‘hardly the ‘Open Mic’ sessions in the any’ side effects.

Smoothie Café in Ilkeston. Her gery is a much quicker fix – a couple At regular intervals you have a radi- themes include childhood memories, his article has been written in of days in hospital and the removal ographer review, nurse review or the hope that it will help and nature, Wales, the tragedy of war, of the offending prostate. But there doctor review to discuss and remedy social commentary and accounts of reassure others facing the most is a slight risk that it may leave you any problems. common cancer among men. her personal life, both poignant and incontinent. Radiotherapy is a long Half way through the treatment you humorous. Most of her poems use I was first diagnosed with prostate term treatment – mine was 37 seshave a blood test. This should hope- traditional rhyme and metre and all cancer at the Royal Derby Hospital sions – giving an equally good refully reveal that your PSA level has are clear and accessible to poets and about ten years ago. As it was sult. I made radiotherapy my choice ‘benign’ I chose to do nothing at the because my dad and my brother had reduced dramatically. It comes as a non-poets alike. She has had a numgreat relief to know that the treattime, just keep an eye on it through previously had it and made a good ber of poems published in magazines. ment is working! regular blood tests. recovery.

‘Perhaps One Day’ by Jenni Wyn As you near the end of your treatThen in mid-2016, the cancer beHyatt, was published by Rowanvale Before radiotherapy begins your ment you look forward with eager came active. My PSA level, as reBooks on 31st May 2017. Priced at body is tattooed with marker spots. anticipation to not having to come vealed through the routine blood £5.99, it is available from the publishOn the 18th April 2017 I had my tests, was going up. I was advised to first radiotherapy treatment. Thirty- anymore. er’s website using the following link: have a biopsy, which confirmed the Having said that, you make friends www.rowanvaleboooks.com/book/ bad news. in the waiting room, and some may perhaps-one-day or from Amazon.

When first told, you feel as want to keep in touch. You learn a When first told you have cancer and Ilkeston Library has a copy and it can if a crushing burden has lot from fellow cancer patients. I later when it has become active and also be ordered from Waterstones in found them to be a source of good needs to be treated urgently, your come upon you Derby. advice, wry humour and encouragemind goes into overdrive. It is a very worrying time. You feel as if a six more were to follow Monday to ment.

Right: an excerpt from one of the pocrushing burden has come upon you. Friday except for cancellations or I have nothing but admiration for the ems in the book.

You wonder if your life is coming reception staff and radiotherapy bank holidays. to an end. You fear that the cancer team at The Royal Derby. They Letter might have spread elsewhere. Nurs- The Royal Derby Hospital has two became friends and confidants. machines, both fairly new: True es are on hand to help you through Their dedication, kindness and supBeam 1 and True Beam 2. You are this initial panic. given a timetable showing your dai- port enabled me to get through a My biopsy procedure was unpleasly treatment times, but there may be most stressful and difficult period. I was almost sorry to say goodbye! ant but what followed was far worse. changes along the way.

Nevertheless, ringing the bell at the I caught an infection and that night I was extremely ill. It took me a long You are asked to arrive at the hospi- end of the treatment was a great In answer to the letters received from tal an hour before your treatment moment. time to get over it. This probably Danny Corns and Bill Smith, regarding time.

This is to allow time for you won’t happen to you though! the cancellation of this year’s Ilkeston to use your enema (these are provid- After the final treatment you are Lions Carnival.

Then followed an MRI scan and a ed in advance) to ensure you have an given some patient information: a pamphlet called ‘Finishing RadioCT scan. The MRI scan was scary Moving the carnival to the market empty bowel, and to drink three therapy’ and a booklet called ‘Living place is not a viable alternative for for me as I am a bit claustrophobic. cups of water (in my case) half an several reasons:The results of these scans showed no hour before your treatment to ensure With and Beyond Cancer’. These are to inform you that the side efcomplications and I was referred to you have a full bladder.

It is too small. fects you have experienced during Dr Chakraborti at the Royal who We could not get seventy stalls on The treatment involves lying on a radiotherapy may continue for severchatted about what would follow. bench which is raised upwards. The al weeks—they may even peak dur- there plus the fairground and arena.

The gymnastics team and other arena He gave me a month’s course of radiographers spend several minutes ing this time. Useful contacts are events would not be willing to perBicalutamide tablets which would be getting you in exactly the right posi- listed if you need help, including followed by monthly (then three tion. The arms of the machine then Macmillan nursing services who can form on the hard surface and we have to give a lot of consideration to Health monthly) injections which were to travel around you taking pictures. If help in many ways, including and Safety. continue for at least two years at my the team are satisfied your position providing emotional and practical How would stallholders fasten their own GP’s surgery. (These reduce is spot on, the machine is activated support to those who may feel they gazebos to the ground without grass the level of male sex hormones.) and the radiation is delivered. You are facing cancer alone. to put their pegs in? are usually in the treatment room for I was offered two choices of treatI would say to any man who is diag- There would be no parade as we could ment: surgery or radiotherapy. Sur- around 15 minutes but the actual nosed with prostate cancer, don’t not ask for the lorry drivers to work on panic. Early on in my cancer a Sunday and it would be difficult to journey, someone said to me: park the floats for unloading.

“Prostate cancer is the best cancer to have because it is the most POPULAR EXPRESSIONS AND treatable.”

WHERE WE GET THEM FROM Advances in treatment are being made all the time.

In the 18th century people from The chances are you the lower classes simply could not will recover. If you afford to buy enough alcohol to opt for radiotherapy, get themselves drunk. Only men it will seem like your life is on hold of noble rank or high office had for several weeks, the means to do so. As a result, but you will reach excessive consumption became a your goal eventually clear sign of wealth. and you will be able Top left: Ryan the receptionist. to offer hope to Bottom left: Some of the Radio- someone else facing therapy team. the same crisis.

Above: Me ringing the bell to Follow-up appointsignify I’ve completed the ments are made to course. keep a check on Top of page: The entrance to your progress.

6

West Hallam resident publishes poetry

J

T

Ilkeston Carnival correspondence: A response

Drunk as a lord

the Royal Derby Cancer and Specialist Services departments.

The Hijacker All needles must be carried in the hold.

You cannot do your knitting on the plane, for needle-toting thugs must be controlled.

Just what do they imagine will unfold when this old lady plies her purl and plain?

But needles must be carried in the hold.

“Brave pilot held at needlepoint,” we’re told.

It makes the front page of the Daily Pain.

Such needle-toting thugs must be controlled.

Over the last couple of weeks I have spoken to several stallholders and the fairground owners and they have all said that they would not like It to be on the market place, plus moving dates for some of them is not possible as they book venues a year in advance.

As to the point about the weather, that is the one thing that is out of our control, but you seem to be forgetting that it was only last year when Long Eaton’s carnival was cancelled as the ground was flooded!

Ilkeston Lions Club is a very small club most of our members are in their late sixties and older, it’s very easy to criticise us, perhaps you should consider coming along to help on the day instead. The parade nearly didn’t happen this year as we were desperately short of marshals to control it You mention the carnival queen. May I point out that interest in being the queen has been non-existent this year, we did not have one enquiry.

Suzanne Birch Carnival Chairman Ilkeston Lions Club

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Then she got a paper towel and stroked me with it, absorbing lots of the water off my fur. Then she Oh dear, she wasn’t happy with cleaned up all my paw prints from me, again, but I just don’t understand. After seeing her come back the table and started to do the same home, I followed her in, she didn’t where I’d walked beside her in the hall. Honestly – what was wrong stop to fuss me like she normally with her, doesn’t she like the pretty does, or pick me up and give me a paw prints my wet muddy paws left squeeze, but she rushed in and put everywhere? her bags down. Then when I jumped up on to the table, she firm- I don’t understand humans and ly picked me up and put me back on water. They don’t like it outside – the floor – but with no cuddle. I they put up those nasty umbrellas was on my best behaviour and being and can’t see where they are going friendly so why she being so uncar- and end up bumping into things and ing with me? each other. But rain is lovely. Yes,

Dear Diary,

My favourite Bible verse I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10)—Rev Christine French, All Saints, Kirk Hallam.

The Lord your God is with you and his power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you (Zephaniah 3:17) —Sarah Dawson.

‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. (Isaiah 43 : 1-3a) - Karen Padley.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (Galatians 5:1).—Ruth Allen, retired URC minister.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

(Matt. 11: 28-30)..—Peter Davey, Vicar, Christ Church, Cotmanhay and Shipley.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need. (Ps 23:1) - Dorothy Haywood.

In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made. (John 1:1) - Rev Ken Johnson, St Giles’ Church, Sandiacre.

I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28:20) - Joan Whysall.

The Diary of a Vicarage Cat in the winter it is cold but in the summer its warm and refreshing. I love watching the rain hit different surfaces and textures, seeing how it bounces back, have you watched the rain bouncing off leaves? It’s so fascinating. Or the ripples cascading out as one huge drop lands in a puddle – rain is amazing.

But then she seems to enjoy indoor rain, indeed she seeks it out most days. These humans stand under the shower head and enjoy getting

wet with indoor rain. Also, humans seem to like sitting in big puddles too – again indoor – and these big deep puddles are often with bright mountains of foam – I do enjoy playing the ‘tig-toe’ game – she pokes her toes through the foam and I pounce on them – although sometimes it’s just a short game if I’m a little too eager with my claws in her toes!

Bye for now - Florence

One Sunday, I stood by the lake, delighting in the beauty it brings to our otherwise built-up area. I felt myself relax as I watched the swans glide across and listened to the birds chirping. I paused to give the Lord thanks for how He helps us to find rest for our souls.

The Lord instituted a time of Sabbath—a time for rest and renewal— for His people in the ancient Near East because He wanted them to thrive. As we see in the book of Exodus, He tells them to sow their fields for six years and rest on the seventh. So too with working six days and resting on the seventh. His way of life set apart the Israelites from other nations, for not only they but also the foreigners and slaves in their households were allowed to follow this pattern.

In our faith and service, rest is as important as work.

We can approach our day of rest

with expectancy and creativity, welcoming the chance to worship and do something that feeds our souls, which will vary according to our preferences. Some will like to play games; some to garden; some to share a meal with friends and fami-

The Tennis Foundation

is delighted to announce the launch of our Junior Visually Impaired Tennis Festival.

The Festival, taking place on the 23rd September 11am – 4pm at Loughborough University Tennis Centre, aims to get more blind and partially sighted young people playing tennis.

The Festival is open to anyone of any age or ability, costs only £10 and all equipment will be provided. A FREE racket will be provided to every participant that books on to the Festival.

What can you expect? A fun filled day with lots of games and activities, a free racket to use and take away, and opportunities for parents to get involved. You can book online by visiting www.bit.ly/juniorVIfestival

Local Church News New Minister. Rev Stephen Pratt and his

wife Ruth will be moving from Sheffield to join the Mid Derbyshire Methodist Circuit from 1st September. They will be taking pastoral charge of Ilkeston Methodist Church at St Andrews and Nottingham Road churches, along with West Hallam Methodist Church and Stanley Common LEP (UCAS). The Welcome Service will be at West Hallam Church on Tuesday 29th August at 7.30pm.

Erewash Canal event. Ilkeston Churches

have been invited to have a presence at the Inland Waterways Association’s Water Festival to be held by the canal at Gallows Inn and playing fields from 26th to 28th August (Bank holiday). The Boaters Christian Fellowship will be there, along with decorated

Local church news, events and Christian comment

ly; some to take an afternoon nap.

How can we rediscover the beauty and richness of setting apart a day to rest, if that’s missing from our lives?

Amy Boucher Pye (ODB Ministries)

barges, onshore trade stalls and entertainment. The festival will be open from 10am till 6 pm each day.

Posh Coffee. A new format was tried for a

coffee morning at Holy Trinity Church, Ilkeston, with hall decorations, cake stall, tombola and barista served coffee, giving the event a different feel. Despite bad weather (causing the cancellation of the Ilkeston carnival) the event was a success raising £374.35.

A school leavers service on Wednesday 19th July was planned at the church for pupils of Granby Junior School.

Selling well. A book produced by members of St Luke’s, Stapleford is being snapped up.

Glimpsing the Past with an Eye to the Future sold over 200 copies very quickly after its launch event on 17th June.

Church but not as you know it Activities, music and a simple meal for you and your children Get messy

here

When responding to an advert, please make it known you saw it in Ilkeston Life. This enables the advertiser to see the value of using our pages to stimulate business and involvement.

The Journey into Faith page is brought to you by members of the local Christian community and with occasional inspiration from

and

7

Our Daily Bread

Saturday 12th August: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) Messy Barbecue at Abbey House, Dale Abbey 4 - 5.30pm Monday 14th August: All Saints Church at Kirk Hallam Community Hall, Kenilworth Drive 10.30—12.30pm Tuesday 15th August: St Wilfrid’s West Hallam 10.30—12noon Wednesday 23rd August: Ilkeston Methodist Church, Nottingham Road 10—12noon No Messy Church at Sandiacre this month

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Without players like George, local cricket teams couldn't survive.

Big hitters and accurate bowlers move on, but plodders like George stay loyal. Just to be in the team was reward enough for him. Hardly ever did he hear any praise; it was more likely to be groans when A tribute to a team he dropped a catch or wasn't quick enough to stop a boundary. Right player now I wished he could have had one moment of glory.

We were all in shock. One of our As I gazed out on to the pitch and team had died suddenly. It was imagined George standing there, I one of those moments when you were knocked for six (definitely no realised there is no such thing as ordinary. We all have something pun intended). George had gone into hospital without any fuss and extraordinary about us. It's just that we don't realise it sometimes we just expected him to come through his operation without any till it's too late. George may not problems. But it wasn't to be. We have been a great cricketer but he all knew that Hambledown Cricket was a great sport and would be sadly missed.

Club would never be the same.

Robert Anthony What could you say about George? He would never score a stack of runs or take a load of wickets, but he played the game with a smile on his face and would always be there with a word of consolation or encouragement for his team mates.

Just a bread and butter player I suppose you could say. Never the star but a much valued colleague. Right now we were realising how big his contribution was. He was happy when those around him were getting the applause.

Goodbye George

Life won't wait Life won't wait, For traffic lights, For nightmare dreams, In the dead of night.

Life won't wait, For ticking clocks, For hot water bottles, And old bed socks.

Life won't wait, For the young or old, For the tune it plays, We all sing the song.

Life won't wait, For the fear inside, For those shaky hands, Holding sharpened knifes.

Life won't wait, For our indiscretions, For our lack of empathy, Our own misdirections.

Life won't wait, For us to hold its hand, For the time trickling down, Depicted by the sand.

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Your Space The memories I have of each one Are of good times and fun Now they're at rest where no shadows fall.

I keep these fond memories of them all.

I really hope we will meet again What a reunion that will be, but when?

I loved you all equally Are you sitting waiting for me?

Mary Ann McPhedran

When my children were young No mobile phones glued to their ears, No tablets, Facebook, Twitter, They made their own amusement, And kept a whole lot fitter.

Then they’d ask to leave the table, And run off outdoors to play.

They’d go climbing trees, play hide and seek, Fish for tiddlers in the brook, Then come home and raid the breadbin, To go and feed the ducks.

I really enjoyed those good old days, With much less stress and strain, I would love to turn the clock back, And live those times again.

J. Heath

Sad limerick

There once was an Ilkeston bloke, Who slept on a bench and was broke, He passed away today, So this tribute we pay, They had no expensive toys back To a man who rarely spoke. then, Sisters, I once had three He was known to a lot of folk, They used their imagination, Jeanie, Lily ,Cathie, and now there A cardboard box could be a garage, And was the butt of many a joke, is just me.

But he wasn’t so bad, Shop or fire station.

They have gone to a world where I It really is sad, We had our meals around the table, The death of this poor lonely bloke. can’t follow And the tears for them I just have to Discussing what we’d done that A.F. day, swallow.

©Copyright Steven Michael Pape 2017

My sisters three

TIME TO CELEBRATE Most people have something to celebrate, at one time or another, from a child’s birthday, through reunions, to major celebrations, perhaps for several decades of a marriage, for example. I searched for a quality venue that satisfies a wide range of requirements, both on and offsite.

Simply Celebrate UK specialises in celebration cakes, including bespoke productions, handmade personalised gifts, wedding décor, plus celebration balloons, baby showers and party supplies, etc, for any occasion or event. The cakes are all custom-made.

Children’s party packages are a ‘godsend’ if time is of the essence and does not allow to organise them yourself. Included is venue hire, invitations, food, cake, party bags and more, plus an activity – plenty to keep young ones entertained. The party and event planner, cake maker, balloon decorator and marketing specialist are all available to assist with planning a fabulous celebratory occasion.

Simply Celebrate UK also has the added bonus of a quaint coffee shop where you can sit and plan your next event or sample some excellent cuisine, all made fresh to order. The selections of Panini, from Chicken, Bacon, Mozzarella & Red Onion Chutney, Parma Ham & Smoked Cheese, to 3 Cheese & Red Onion Chutney, but to name a few, are all very popular. Tempting Bruschetta and glorious Sharing Plates, plus The Classics, will have you going back to try them all! Gluten-free options are catered for. And if you are eating 'on the run' there is a meal deal menu, still made fresh to order but ready to takeaway. Just looking for a treat? There is an irresistible selection of cakes freshly made in store every day, perfect for satisfying that sugary desire.

The Italian-themed Lunch or Afternoon Tea delivers an undeniable twist on the classic. A 'mountain' of Mediterranean delights ranges from mixed meats, marinated vegetables, olives, crostini and cheeses, plus drinks, through sweet treats to finish. If you are looking to try something different as a special treat then this is a 'must try'.

If you have a reason to celebrate – fantastic! If not, then I consider Simply Celebrate UK a great place to visit, at any time of year, to escape the ‘hustle and bustle’ of everyday life. Perhaps meet with friends, to enjoy a well-earned break, during the day. It will not disappoint!

Simply Celebrate UK 2B Nottingham Road, Borrowash, Derbyshire DE72 3JU Tel: 01332 493543 Email: enquiries@simplycelebrate.uk.com www.simplycelebrate.uk.com As always,

Enjoy!

Trevor Langley

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

o you enjoy writing creatively? Lots of local people do, so why not share your poetry, stories, songs, sketches, limericks, memoirs, humour, etc., with other Ilkeston Life readers?

Preferably send by email to poems@ilkestonlife.com. Alternatively, drop in/ post to The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH.

Our wish for you Two golden haired brothers kicking a ball Under the flowering cherry tree Laughing and shouting in the Spring sunshine Loved and cherished - how lucky you are To feel happy and secure in these uncertain times When we're told to look out for the enemy within For those who bring terror to our streets!

Our wish for you is to go where you please Be free to enjoy the gift of youth To appreciate the beauty of our troubled world Not to look over your shoulder with suspicion and fear Be accepting of people of different beliefs And to work for tolerance, understanding and peace.

Pamela Stevenson

The museum of the past And as we all walk down these halls, Living in the museum of the past, Our reality may seem jaded, But our memories, are surpassed.

As we then recall our childhood, And all those lost innocent ways.

Those everlasting summers, And the never ending days.

And all our minds were so free, Not troubled by the adult world.

We seemed to survive in a vacuum, Like since the day we became uncurled.

Still we all walk down these halls, Observing the textures, the colours, Our memories are still alive, Because of our Fathers, our Mothers.

This museum it never closes, And these thoughts they never quit.

This is the museum of our past, And we all still walk through it.

© Copyright Steven Michael Pape 2017

Life’s Treasures Our life is like a wheel just spinning around, gathering up treasures forgetting where found.

So often forgotten, hidden far away, because they were given to us everyday.

Travelling on through time, full of good and bad, much of it really joyful and sometimes it sad.

No gold, diamonds or pearls and not even health, determine our value; true friends are our wealth.

These are riches to count, as we’re growing old.

The treasures we gathered, are worth far more than gold.

Train robberies and train wrecks, It had become a star.

Marilyn

The Locomotive was thought to be, Man's answer to the world.

Until new and better innovations, Soon would be unfurled.

The Old Foundry It still bears the scars from a bygone time Brick walls crumbling, windows covered in grime A large metal door hangs on a broken hinge Ghostly voices from the past still echo in the wind.

The foundry door stood ajar, held by a rusty spring Slowly I entered, throwing caution to the wind A strong pungent smell of burnt sand hung in the air And the foundry rat footprints were seen here and there.

Through a broken window, appeared a beam of light Showing a million dust particles dance along its flight This now god forsaken place was bread and butter for many Where hard working men tried to earn an honest penny.

A pang of emotion suddenly filled my eyes with tears Thinking back to those days when I was young with no fears This brief written insight about the foundry and its men Is an era in time which may never be seen again.

Thomas Hosker

The Locomotive The mighty Locomotive, Was the muscle of its day.

Moving freight and passengers, Down a steel highway.

It’s beauty and it’s romance, Made headlines near and far.

9

As all things do there come a time, It certainly looked for sure.

That the mighty Locomotive’s day, Was going to be no more.

It had all but died away, Till it was born again.

The Diesel took the place of Steam, New life it had regained.

It still hauls freight as always, That will never end And passengers get more scenic rides Across this majestic land.

The mighty Locomotive, May not be the star these days.

But it will be a long time coming, Before it fades away.

D’Artagnan

The Mermaid I laid my clothes upon the beach With a letter that said goodbye And waded out into the waves Where the sea did touch the sky I sank below into a silent world Waiting for death to come But at five fathoms deep ,it wasn’t Death that came, nor was it fish or man She carried me gently to the air And laid me upon the shore A mermaid saved my life that day And I will live once more

Sandy

The Bears on the Bed by Ann Hooker Three bears sit on Mr. and Mrs. H's bed, Jingle, Polo and baby Brumas. They are all white. Mrs. H likes to pretend they are a family, just like the three bears. It was Jingle that started it, Mrs. H thought he looked like a Father bear.

Jingle belonged to Mr. and Mrs. H's daughter Jo (short for Joanne). He was happy sitting on the bed because he has been rather lonely in Jo's bedroom since she had grownup and left home to go to university.

Jingle had been a special offer one Christmas long ago when Jo was small; spend £20 get Jingle bear half price, the shop advertised on large posters all around the store.

Jingle was very proud that he came with a set of saucepans! He also came wearing a red hat, which had a bell in it (that's how he got his name) and a red scarf with white bobbles. Mrs H had taken them off and kept them in a drawer, because as she said to Jingle: “It's too hot indoors for hats and scarves and anyway your hat keeps falling off.”

Jingle didn't mind not wearing his hat and scarf. He really enjoyed sitting up high on the pillows with Polo every day for he loved Polo very much.

Mrs. H pretended Polo was Mother bear, Polo didn't have a hat or a scarf but she did have a lovely red necklace, which had come out of a Christmas cracker. She is a gentle bear with such a kind face, very tidy feet and oh so soft and cuddly.

Mrs. H had seen Polo amongst lots of soft toys at a table sale. Polo was a big bear, but not quite as big as Jingle. She looked so neglected and dirty and very sad. Mrs. H

had looked at her for a long time before she picked her up. "How much is this bear?" she asked anxiously in case she was expensive.

“Fifty pence,” the lady at the table replied.

“Fifty pence?” Mrs. H couldn't believe it she thought the lady would have wanted a lot more than that for such a nice bear. Mrs. H bought Polo and took her back to her table where she was helping her friend Irene sell plants. When it was time to go home Mrs. H carried Polo tenderly, she was dirty but she was still very cuddly.

Mr. H opened the front door. “How many bears this time?” he asked. He was used to Mrs. H bringing home bears! The house was full of them and Mrs. H kept a bear register.

“Only one Mr. H, there's always room for one more,” Mrs. H replied cheerfully.

Mr. H looked at the new bear she was cuddling. “Well that one looks a right mess, I must say.”

“She will be lovely when she's been washed,” said Mrs. H going through to the kitchen and popping Polo into the washing machine, “I'll make us a cup of tea.”

While they had their tea and some raspberry buns that Mrs. H had bought at the table sale, Polo went round and round in the washing machine. At first she, didn't think she would like it, but after a while it was quite fun with bubbles everywhere and whirling round and round.

“There,” said Mrs. H, taking Polo out of the washing machine, “you do look lovely now, 1 thought you would. Doesn't Polo look nice now,” Mrs H called out but Mr H Continued on Page 15

PEOPLE, PLACES, NAMES, FACES

Erewash celebrates another hat-trick

rewash Borough Council has E again retained its Green Flag awards at three popular leisure sites

in the borough.

The good news means Long Eaton’s flagship West Park and Straw’s Bridge Local Nature Reserve at West Hallam have secured the prestigious award for the third time while Victoria Park at Ilkeston celebrates the honour for a seventh successive year.

The Green Flag award is the benchmark national standard for England and Wales and is presented to high quality parks, green spaces and nature reserves that have excellent facilities and are well-maintained and well-managed.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says: “This is another tremendous achievement and more good news for Erewash.

We are very proud to fly the Green Flags at the three sites, which are now rightly confirmed as among the best in the country.

“Our continued success is testament to the hard work of our dedicated team who work all year round to manage these sites and we also send out a very big thank you to the volunteers and the Friends Group members who enthusiastically help us to maintain and further develop the popular sites. They play such a big part in making them such beautiful places for all to visit and enjoy.”

Cool for cats

Carl Insley’s recently opened home -from-home for pampered felines has taken two years to complete and cost him £100,000.

Cats have their own pods (‘apartments’) complete with scratching posts, toys, music and heating, and there is a wide-ranging meal-time menu including fresh fish or chicken as well as favourite brands such as Felix, Sheba, Gourmet and Whiskas.

Carl lives on the site and decided to create the cattery when his neighbour announced plans to close hers.

He knocked down a barn to make way for it.

“I decided to make the cattery as homely as I could, and I’m really pleased with it,” he said. “I hope I’ve thought of everything to make their stay enjoyable.”

Carl designed everything himself and is thrilled with the feedback he is getting from users. The cattery can take a maximum of 36 cats.

have no close family, or their partner is at work, or they are new to the area, can come and meet people in similar situations for friendship and conversation, children welcome. The group runs during school term time between 1 and 3pm. More information can be had from Nina on 01629 531576.

Florence is found

F

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

have been offered a place on the programme and was looking forward to it.

The 15-year-old said: “When I submitted my application I had to write 300 words about why I wanted to attend. I really like History and Oxford has a good History course and I love books and I know that the university has a large library. I didn’t really think about my application once I submitted it so when I got an email to say I had a place I was so excited, even though I won’t know anyone when I go there—I don’t mind.

“I think we will get the itinerary closer to the time but I understand it’s being organised by a History major. I’m sure it will be interesting.”

Charlotte visited Oxford University in March to take part in a debating competition with the Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy.

lorence, our diary writing vicarage cat was back safe and sound but very dusty after her latest adventure recently.

She spent the night in a garage after going missing—causing her owner and fans to have a worrying time.

Rev Christine French wrote on Facebook: “A big thank you to folk on Belvoir Close for finding her and sorry about the paw prints on your car, Bob.” ichelle Normans and staff at It was not the first time Florence, Argos Retail are doing a he Kerry Ledger School of Dance will be holding a Disney the deaf cat with a mind of her own, charitable 12 hour spin in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and themed summer school between 1st had gone AWOL. they will be joined by some gym and 3rd August from 10am to 2pm, members from the Rutland Sports. for children aged 5-13 years.

Michelle says “We need sponsors!

The price is £25 per day or all 3 Please come into the Ilkeston Argos committed student from days for £65. There will be Dance, store at Waterside Retail Park to Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Drama, Singing and Acrobatics add your name to the sponsors list.

Academy has won a place on a with guest teachers. prestigious summer school at OxChildren who are not pupils of the ford University. dance school are invited to join in. Charlotte Turner will stay in the university’s Please ring Kerry on 0115 930 halls of resi8564 to book a place or to find out Young dence for a more. performers week during in Friesland’s August and end-of-term experience new group for parents of young workshops and production of children looking for help and social activiAlice support has begun at the Charnos ties.

Family Centre on Lower Whitworth She said she Road, Ilkeston. Mums and dads who was thrilled to may be feeling isolated because they

September Spinathon

Disney theme

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T

Summer school place

A

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The spin takes place on the 18th September at Rutland Sports Park, Ilkeston from 7am till 7pm. There will also be a ‘sponsor bucket’ available at the event. Please put the event in your diary and come and support this wonderful cause.” https://www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/michelle-normans1

Students shine in Alice lice by Laura Wade was perA formed at Friesland School in Sandiacre to round off the academic

year. Over 120 students took part in the production which had flying playing cards, upside down chairs hanging from the ceiling, rabbit holes hidden in arm chairs and a variety of weird, wonderful and sometimes completely bonkers characters.

A rabbit hole was created in the foyer for the audience to go down to enter the theatre which had been transformed into a modern Wonderland where the audience met tap dancing lobsters, two rappers (Tweedledum and Tweedledee) and three line dancing Cheshire cats from Texas.

The show featured a very modern Alice, a young girl with a vivid imagination and a family life that was far from perfect.

Well done to all the students involved on a fantastic and original production.

Katy Maclaughlin, Head of Drama, Friesland School.

Centre offers advice

oing on holiday? Looking for A G somewhere to board your cat while you are away? The Dale Abbey Cattery on Ladywood Road may be the purr-fect solution.

Male Voice Choir is seeking new members The Pye Hill and District Male Voice Choir is regarded as the oldest continuing Male Voice Choir in the country.

Members continue to have new experiences, which have included this year a tour to South Wales singing with Cwmbran Male Voice Choir and opening the East Midlands Choirs event in May with four other choirs.

In previous years the choir has toured Devon, Durham, Surrey and Norfolk.

Although the choir is known nationally, most of its concerts are performed locally in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and over the years they have

raised many thousands of pounds for charities and good causes by providing concerts.

The choir recently entertained at the United Church of All Saints (UCAS), Belper Road, Near Stanley, Ilkeston.

The audience was treated to a full programme of songs from the shows, popular ballads, spiritual and male voice choir favourites and a variety of solos from talented choristers. The choir was excited to sing at such a welcoming church and enjoyed a wonderful time there.

Why not join the choir? A warm welcome awaits you. It could not be easier; it’s fun, good for your physical and emotional health, inexpensive and

you will soon make new friends.

Whether you are an experienced or a non-experienced singer of any age, you will be made equally welcome and given every assistance.

Practices are held at the Dale Club, Jacksdale every Monday evening at 7.30pm, other than Bank Holidays.

There are already choristers who travel from Ilkeston and they say it is one of the best things they have done in years.

If you require any further information on joining the choir, concert bookings and arrangements, please ring Malcolm Hill on 07706 036946 or 01773 602743, or visit the choir’s web site at www.pyehillmvc.co.uk

Community Notice

Are you sick of being an addict?

Are you tired of trying and failing to get free?

Teen Challenge is a Christian organisation that works with people, especially younger adults, with addiction problems. Again and again over the last 50 years, we have seen the love and power of Jesus set men and women free of drug and alcohol addictions, and enable them to stay free.

What are you waiting for?

Give us a ring on 0115 919 3559

Or call in any Tuesday between 11am and 12.30pm at the U Choose Smoothie Bar, top of Bath Street.

Or any Thursday in the hall at Queen Street Baptist Church (off South Street, behind where the Co-op used to be) between 10.30am and 1.30pm. Free lunch at 12 noon.

Come along and find out more.

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

‘Interesting Ilkeston’ The Year 3 children at Kensington Junior School have been learning all about where they live. During the topic, called ‘Interesting Ilkeston’ they walked to the town centre to investigate how the old and new buildings are different and made a tally chart showing the types of shops on Bath Street. Potters Lock was also visited to measure how deep the canal is. They also found out about entertainment (cinema, the Fair, football) and the recently opened railway station. They held a showcase in the school hall and invited our editor and photographer to come and see. Olivia, Nancy and Ryan (3S) showed us round.

Marshall Ostler, Blake O'Neil, Oliver Manners and Riley Loynes show off

their Canal findings.

The Probus Club of Ilkeston The July meeting of our Club this month was attended by 27 members, with one prospective new member. The presentation this month was provide by John Bown of the Air Ambulance Service for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Before John’s presentation all our members enjoyed yet another freshly prepared excellent lunch provided by the staff of the Arena Church.

Like the RNLI, the Air Ambulance Services are paid for totally by charitable donations. A new fully kitted helicopter can cost from £5M upwards and running costs are £1.5 to £2M per year. Our local Air Ambulance Service attends over 1,800 incidents each year. The Northampton and Warwickshire Air Ambulance Service was started in 2003, closely followed by the Derbyshire one in 2008 and both share a common Admin. base near Rugby.

John told our members the total story of a typical incident from receiving the first call through to finally writing up the incident on completion.

It takes only 3 minutes to get the helicopter into the air with pilot, doctor and paramedic, and, on average, 13 minutes to get to the incident. John emphasised the need for speed to ensure the best outcome for the patient and the need to get them to the best hospital for correct treatment.

John then explained the various means by which money is raised for the Service which is solely

by Public Contributions.

The Probus Club of Ilkeston is open to all retired / partly retired men who have a professional background and business men who would like to meet once a month and for other organised events during the year. Our aim is to provide a convivial atmosphere, in pleasant surroundings, to meet for conversation and the development of friendships.

We also provide an excellent lunch and a diverse range of presenters. If you wish to learn more, please contact Michael Slater on 0115 932 6185 or email slater.kg8@btinternet.com.

David Jones

CROSS WORD

By Daniel Opiah

Last month’s solution is on Page 16

How well do you know your Ilkeston?

Willow-Iris Smith, Ila Foster, Blossom-Lilly Smith and Keira Harris with their Buildings display.

A quiz by Danny Corns

1. Where was Burgin’s Yard?

2. An Ilkeston man born in 1795 became Mayor of Nottingham in 1851. Who was he and what was he famous for?

3. What was Wood’s Chemist on the corner of Chapel St and Bath St known for?

4. East Street had an earlier name—what was it?

5. A well-known barber at the bottom of South Street had an interesting nickname—what was it?

6. Straw’s Bridge on Derby Road had an earlier name—what was it?

7. Where was Stack Yard?

8. What Edwardian building was demolished to make way for the construction of the Albion Centre?

9. Where the old Post Office stood on South St, now Hogarth’s, what was it used for during the 1914-18 War? 10. Andrew’s was a well known shop on Bath St for many years, occupying the spot where the Nationwide Building Society now stands. What type of shop was it?

Answers: Page 22

several ‘stakeholders’ like Network Rail, Erewash Council, Derbyshire County Council and the Press in attendance. Only Northern Rail, apparently, were missing - and they run the majority of the trains that call at Ilkeston: a

By Godfrey Holmes brilliant hourly service to Leeds and In last August's Ilkeston Life, I wrote back! about the huge and exciting project to I gave a speech concentrating on the re-open Ilkeston Station to the public way one single person can save a railand to stopping trains for the first time way line, or railin 50 Years...overcoming so many ob- way station, or stacles in its pathway. preserved railCrowds turned out on 2nd April to way, or railway catch a glimpse of the first train. Now engine, or railway this brand new Derbyshire station has round-house. One gained its formal recognition as a vital person. part of the national rail network....with And it was a very the added bonus of an announcement small band of that early passenger traffic is twice as Ilkeston folk who high as initial expectation: the most never let their journeys, as predicted, Ilkeston to Not- jawbone drop till tingham, Ilkeston to Chesterfield. they had achieved On a warm and breezy 13th July , Mag- a re-opening of gie Throup, Ilkeston's MP spoke warm- Ilkeston Junction ly and appreciatively of the project, & Cossall. then awarded certificates to all scholars Dreams come at Ilkeston Primary schools who had true. submitted successful artwork. East Midland Trains hosted the event - with

Official opening of Ilkeston station

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Right: Writer, speaker and railways expert Godfrey Holmes.

Below the scene at Ilkeston station on official opening day.

How it works. People telephone CAP on a freephone number 0800 3280006 requesting help. The local debt centre manager with a support worker visits the enquirer in the privacy of their own home and collects all the financial information. On receipt of all the details CAP analyse the problems, recommend a way forward and seek the client’s agreement. A support worker will offer support to the client until they become debt free.

Tune in to your local radio station

Great songs just for Erewash

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Headteacher’s got talent?

The Headteacher at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy serenaded students throughout the school day to raise money for charity.

Joan McCarthy took requests and sang tunes ranging from pop to rock as students filed into lessons, during the morning’s Act of Worship, and at break and lunchtime.

She decided to run the Singathon on a non-uniform day held to raise money for Mellon Educate, a charity that helps to build schools and improve education for African children.

Mrs McCarthy is aiming to raise £2,000 ahead of a trip to South Africa with Mellon Educate during the summer to work in schools, when she will be supporting teachers and finding out more about the country’s education system.

She said: “I thought that the Singathon would be a bit of fun for the students, especially with all the bad news there has been recently. I also thought I could raise money and awareness of Mellon Educate at the same time. I sang during our Act of Worship and I encouraged students into lessons

by singing to them, I’m not sure how much they enjoyed it but they certainly moved a bit quicker than usual. “ Mrs McCarthy flies out to South Africa on July 29th for two weeks and will be based in a secondary school called Silverlands.

She said: “Mellon Educate started out by building homes in townships in Africa and has moved into building schools and they need teachers to go out and help with the running of the schools.

“Hopefully we can share ideas. I don’t really know what to expect but I’m looking forward to it and I’ll be able to experience their education system and bring that back to our children at Saint John Houghton.

“I think a trip like this will show how lucky we are and I’m hoping to establish links with the school and learn from them.”

With support from 25,000 volunteers, Mellon Educate has built houses for 125,000 homeless people in South Africa’s poorest townships and the charity has pledged to provide better education for more than 100,000 African children.

Year 6 leavers have a day out

Mapperley Church of England Primary School's Year 6 children attended a Leavers' Day at Derby Cathedral to focus on their future. They also saw the Weeping Window poppies display at the Silk Mill and the cathedral peregrine falcons while they were there.

Friesland Reading Evening On June 22nd, Friesland School had a first 'celebration of reading evening' with over 40 students being awarded for their progress in reading this year.

Many students celebrating had been involved in the completion of the 'Friesland reading challenging' - having read 100 times this year and some had been involved in our mentoring scheme either as mentees or mentors.

Overall, it was an enjoyable evening had by all with students sharing pages of their favourite books and their experiences of the mentoring scheme.

Many students brought their parents along to celebrate in their achievements and to enjoy the buffet! It was brilliant to see so many students coming together to celebrate their love of reading.

Thank you to all those who came along to help us celebrate.

S Inight.

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Students learn to cook Navy-style

Students at Kirk Hallam Community Academy heard about life in the Royal Navy during a cooking demonstration by one of its chefs.

Petty officer Wayne Claridge and leading chef Steve Thewliss visited the academy to talk to Year 10 students.

Mr Thewliss showed students how to cook and present a chicken roulade with bacon, mozzarella and tagliatelle while Mr Claridge talked about life in the Royal Navy.

He said: “I’ve been in the Navy for just over 15 years and have worked on aircraft, destroyers, frigates and submarines.

“The Royal Navy is there to protect the nation but we are only at war for one per cent of our time.

For the other 99 per cent we are travelling around the world on anti -drug smuggling operations, tackling pirates, working in fisheries protection and delivering humanitarian aid.

“I’ve travelled to over 50 different countries with the Navy.”

Mr Claridge said that anyone who

joins the Navy undergoes 10 weeks of basic training and everyone has a secondary role.

He said: “I also learnt how to put drips into people and I was trained as a firefighter. When I was on HMS Kent my secondary role was as a flight deck officer so I was marshalling helicopters on and off the flight deck.

“I was in charge of the catering when I worked on submarines and when you are going away you have to make sure you have everything you need with you. You can’t say after two weeks that you have run out of food. The only reason a submarine would come out of service is to bring more food on board because obviously you can’t grow it on there.”

Claire Linley, Food Technology teacher at the academy, organised the visit.

She said: “All the Year 10 GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition students benefitted from seeing an expert use a range of skills to produce a beautifully presented dish which many wanted to try out for themselves.”

The Way We Were

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Ilkeston, West Hallam and Little Hallam in the early 1900s Left: Ilkeston’s War Memorial, Market Place and Parish Church of St Mary; Top right: West Hallam village.

These two postcard scenes were sent in by reader Mrs Roberts.

Right (below first picture going down): Another West Hallam village scene, 1908; Looking down Bath Street, Ilkeston in 1909; Little Hallam leading to Kirk Hallam, 1903.

These three pictures were sent in by D Luckuck.

CELEBRATION, 12 noon 7pm. Free family fun day to celebrate the completion of the restoration work in the Park. Bands, singers, stalls, historical parade and children’s entertainment.

Monday 21st August. Friends of Bennerley Saturday 5th August: Friends of Bennerley Viaduct MEETING at the Dewdrop Inn, 7pm.

Viaduct WORKDAY. Details on Facebook or Saturday 26th to Monday 28th August: FESfrom Kieran Lee on 07823 536941.

TIVAL OF WATER at Gallows Inn, Ilkeston, Sunday 6th August: BAKEWELL SILVER 10am to 6pm. Decorated boats on the caBAND CONCERT at West Park Bandstand, nal and onshore entertainment. Ilkeston Long Eaton, 2pm.

Churches stall and Boaters Christian Fellowship will be there.

Tuesday 8th August: TUNES ON THE HILL, Victoria Park, Ilkeston 4 till 8pm. Live music Saturday 2nd September: WEST HALLAM and a DJ. VILLAGE SHOW at the Village Hall. Fruit, vegetables, flowers, floral art, bakery preSunday 13th August: ILKESTON HERITAGE AND CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW 2017 on Ilkes- serves, crafts, photography, largest sunton Market Place and surrounding streets, flower, art and children’s classes. Full details on website: 10am till 4pm. Hundreds of interesting www.westhallamvillageshow.com exhibits make this Ilkeston’s biggest one day family attraction - and it’s free. Band, Saturday 2nd September. Friends of Benhog roast, barbecue, souvenir stalls, craft nerley Viaduct WORKDAY. Details on Facedisplays, etc. Organised by Erewash Partbook or from, Kieran Lee on 07823 536941. nership.

Saturday 2nd September: SANDIACRE AND Monday 14th August. Friends of Straw’s RISLEY GARDENHOLDERSS ASSOC. ANNUAL Bridge BAT WALK Free event but booking SHOW at Cloudside Junior School, Stanton essential. Caroline Pollard on 0115 907 Road, Sandiacre, 3pm.

2244 ext. 3889 or CaroTuesday 12th September: TUNES ON THE line.pollard@erewash.gov.uk HILL, Victoria Park, Ilkeston, 4 till 8pm. Live Sunday 20th August: VICTORIA PARK: A music and a DJ.

Ey up mi duck!

It’s not often tufted ducks are seen out of the water, but this curious fellow was snapped close up by Marilyn Gough at Straw’s Bridge recently.

Photos: John Shelton

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www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Monday was Washday

Daz and Persil—still washday favourites today

the slightest speck of soot or a smudge on them he would go absolutely spare, and throw them across the room in temper.

“Don’t you shout at her,” Mama would say, “fetch them yourself if you aren’t satisfied.”

The copper used to have a fire lit under it, for boiling clothes. The house fire would be up the chimney back, it was very hot and steamy, and tempers would get very frayed.

When you got home from school if it had been raining your stomach would sink when you saw all the washing strung across the kitchen.

In the evenings, you would be plonked into the copper, which was still full of hot water, for a bath. This could be pretty horrible.

The fire had often not long gone out from under the copper so the bottom was still hot, and it felt all slimy with all the soap that had settled.

You were hopping about from foot to foot, slipping and sliding all over the place complaining loudly.

You would often come out with red finger marks on your leg or bum from a slap.

All the germs on you were dead though. Boiled alive!

Washday at our house was a day to be dreaded; it was a pleasure to go to school on Monday morning to get out of the way, it was a full day’s job.

Mam used to be pounding away with the dolly tub, or turning the mangle. Mama would be scrubbing collars.

Most men’s shirts were made with no collar; a collar would be attached separately with a small stud that would fix to the back of the shirt, called a collar stud.

A man might only own two shirts, one on his back and the other in the wash, but he could have seven clean starched collars to fasten to his shirt, one for each day if he was well off.

Most workmen would usually only own a couple, to be used when wearing their best clothes.

Shirts with collars attached were more expensive to buy and didn’t get cheaper until later.

I would have to fetch my uncle’s collars (when he lived with us) from an old woman at the bottom of the street who used to starch collars to Drawing and narrative earn a few shillings.

by Betty O’Neill.

If I bought them back with

Arena Church’s Serve Day

14

circus skills and balloon modelling.

In other areas around the town, Saturday 15th July saw Cotman- teams of volunteers helped out with problems people were fachay's Beauvale Park taken over

by Arena Church for their ‘Serve ing, including spending the whole day working on tidying up Day’ event, which has become an annual tradition under a vari- overgrown and underused gardens. ety of names.

Tents, gazebos, a bouncy castle A splendid time was had by all as were set up ready for the open- the church achieved its mission of serving the local community. ing at 10 o'clock. Youth leaders Adam Newton. took charge of the basketball court area, playing games of basketball and football with local children all day. Free refreshments were served, and there was fun to be had at Tin Can Alley and in the children's activity area, while a pampering tent gave free hand massages and nail painting. A picnic was served and volunteers appeared in fancy dress. An area was set aside for those wanting to know more about the church, while Mr Balloony took centre stage to provide entertainment including

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

15

Tribute to lost air crew on Stanley Carnival day

A

Second World War Spitfire flew over in tribute to the crew of a plane that crashed in a field in Stanley 75 years ago.

The crowd at the village’s carnival celebrations watched excitedly as the plane soared above. Among the onlookers were relatives of the ill-fated five-man crew who had been invited for the now annual service of remembrance.

The W5795 bomber was on a secret experimental flight when it came down suddenly killing all occupants.

The crash was witnessed as a boy by former churchwarden Bernard Walters, whose conversations with current memorial organiser Terry Hall led to the research which uncovered the story of the tragedy and the tracing of relatives.

Fittingly, the carnival procession had a 1942 theme. The Leicestershire and Rutland County Pipe Band and decorated vehicles paraded through the streets to the Recreation Ground where there were stalls, games and competitions.

Fine weather helped make the occasion ‘one of the best galas we have ever had’ and it attracted people not just from Stanley but other surrounding villages as well.

The day was organised by the Stanley Village Community Association, with Royal British Legion official Terry Hall making arrangements for the memorial service and flypast.

Terry said as usual the remembrance part of the day had been a moving occasion with some tears shed. But the rest of the day was all smiles.

"Just one more and that has to be a white baby bear to make a family of bears, then just grunted. “I shall call you Polo," said they can be just like the three bears," Mrs H Mrs. H, "because you remind me of the real said happily. polar bears at the North Pole. They are white A long time went by and no suitable baby you know." bear was found; Britanny bear came to stay She hung Polo on the washing line and told from Tavistock infants school fete but she her "When you are dry you can sit with Jin- was pink, so that wouldn't do. gle and be Mother Bear."

Jo came home with her boyfriend Andrew Jingle and Polo were very happy sitting tofor a short holiday. They bought Mrs. H a gether on the bed. Mr. H wasn't very pleased little beanie bear called WaIter Fuzz. Mrs. H to see two bears sitting on the bed that night. was delighted with him and set him on her “Two bears to move now, every night before bedroom shelf, but he was brown, so that I can get into bed" he grumbled. wouldn't do.

"Never mind, Mr. H," said Mrs. H comfort- Mrs. H's friend Mrs. Lowe came to tea and ingly. "They are company for each other". bought Mrs. H a very special beanie bear "Well I hope there won't be any more," Mr. especially made for the millennium, she had H. replied. a badge with the year 2000 on it. Mrs. H

The Bears on the Bed from Page 9

thought she was wonderful, and she called her Millie, but she was purple, so that wouldn't do.

Where was a white baby bear to be found?

When it was Mrs. H's birthday Mr. H gave her a soft parcel. "Happy Birthday love," he said smiling. When Mrs. H opened the present she was really surprised. "Oh Mr. H you have found a baby bear! Thank you dear."

She gave him a big hug and a kiss.

"You are clever dear, he's just right" Baby bear was just like a miniature Polar bear, he was white, he had a smile like Polo and eyes like Jingle. "He's perfect" said Mrs. H. "I must show Jingle and Polo." Cuddling the baby bear she rushed upstairs to the bedroom.

"Here we are at last dears, a baby bear to

complete our family of three bears". Then she sat baby bear beside Polo and Jingle. His name is Brumas she told them. Later that evening whilst Mr. and Mrs. H were having their supper, Mrs. H said "I am calling my new bear Brumas after Brumas the baby Polar bear who was born at London Zoo years ago, when I was a girl. Do you remember Mr. H? But Mr. H didn't.

Now if you were to peep into their bedroom you would see Jingle, Polo and baby Brumas sitting high up on the pillows. They are three happy bears, just like the three bears, Daddy, Mummy and baby bear. Although they don't eat porridge!

Mr. H doesn't complain now about moving three bears at bedtime - after all he did buy Brumas.

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

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Lots to see and do at Kirk Hallam Lakeside Festival

On the Scarecrow Trail in West Hallam Kirk Hallam’s Lakeside Festival was again a great success with hundreds coming to enjoy the many attractions at this picturesque spot, nicely kept by the dedicated Friends Group. Our photographer John Shelton captured some of the enjoyment on the day.

As always, there were wildlife experiences to be had including getting close up with parrots and birds of prey (see front page). Representatives of local groups such as Ilkeston Local History Society, Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, Guide Dogs and RSPB were on hand to talk to anyone interested. Food stalls, novelty stalls, stalls selling pet products, pony rides and The Chutney Lady all did well on the day.

Children’s Sewing Groups Sewing fun for ages 7 plus

20 Market Place Ilkeston Derbyshire DE7 5QA 0115 944 2818 @dragonfliesilk

We will teach your child all the basics of sewing, how to safely use a sewing machine before moving on to either dress making or decorations.

Mondays 4.15pm– 5.45pm 6pm- 7.30pm Thursdays 6pm- 7.30pm Cost is £5.00 (does not include materials for projects) Please call to book a place.

Solution to last month’s crossword puzzle

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

A

cyclist who spent seven years travelling around the world gave a series of inspiring talks to students at Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy.

Leigh Timmis returned from his epic trip just seven weeks ago after setting off from Derby on his bike in 2010.

He raised £10,000 for Derbyshire Children’s Centre and travelled 43,000 miles across 51 countries, coming face to face with a mountain lion in North America, cycling in minus 40C temperatures in Tibet and fearing that he might die after losing a bag of water in the Australian desert.

After talking to different year groups at Saint John Houghton CVA, in Kirk Hallam, Leigh met a group of students and staff who are keen cyclists and answered their questions.

They asked him about his trip, his bike, adjusting to life back at home in Derby and if he would do it all again.

Leigh said: “It was a great learning experience which totally changed my life and I just don’t worry about the insignificant things any more but seven years was a long time. I would like to do more trips and have more adventures but perhaps not as long.

“I’m just a normal guy from Derby but what I have done has brought me a life that I love. I talked to the students about what I did and hopefully I can have some effect on the next generation. I just love to see students’ eyes lighting up and being able to motivate other people.”

Joan McCarthy, head teacher at Saint John

Quad Kids event held at Rutand Sports Park Budding young athletes from across the borough came together for a special festival run

by Erewash School Sport Partnership.

Children from Kensington Junior, Shardlow Primary, Scargill Primary, Sawley Junior, Dallimore Primary, Mapperley Primary, Hallam Fields Junior, Stanley St Andrews, Ladywood

Round the world cyclist visits St John Houghton

17

Local Walking Groups Where they’re going this month

Erewash Ramblers

Houghton CVA, thanked Leigh for visiting the academy.

She said: “We would like to say a big thankyou to Leigh for visiting us and telling our staff and students all about his amazing trip. Hopefully Primary and Chaucer Junior took part in the Quad Kids event at Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston.

They all had a go at events including running, soft javelin and standing long jump and one of the aims of the festival was to enthuse the children about the upcoming World Championships in London this summer.

Harley Rose, 10, said he enjoyed being part of the festival.

He said: “It was really good. I liked the standing

our students are feeling inspired by what Leigh had to say and are thinking positively about what the future could hold for them and maybe some of them are even planning their own adventures.” long jump and managed to jump quite far. We just had to stand on the blue line and jump. It was nice being with my friends and trying different things and being there with other schools too.”

Gabriella Guadagni, 10, said: “I enjoyed it. For my first few jumps in the standing long jump I didn’t make it into the sandpit but I did it in the end. It was good fun and different to what we would normally do in school.”

Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partnership Development manager, said it was great to see so many children trying the different athletics disciplines.

She said: “With London hosting the World Championships this summer this is a fantastic opportunity to inspire even more children across Erewash to be active.

“Hopefully by trying a range of different athletics disciplines they left us feeling excited and enthusiastic about sport.

“The weather was fantastic and it was great to see so many smiling faces and everyone just giving it a go.

“The children clearly enjoyed themselves and hopefully their teachers will go away with some ideas for activities that they can run in their own schools. We would like to thank everyone who came along, took part and supported the festival.”

Sports leaders from Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy helped to run the event along with leaders from ESSP.

More about Erewash Ramblers from Yvonne Ashby on 0115 930 4054.

Wednesday 2nd August. 10.30am.

Short walk. River Soar/Trent Area. Meet Warren Lane, Sawley Marina. SK473309. Leaders Fay and John Blackburn.

Sunday 6th August. 10.30am. 8 miles. Hartington & Tissington Trail. Meet at Hartington Village Square. SK128604, SK17 0AH. Leaders Linda Hunt & Dave Bird.

Wednesday 9th August. 10.30am. 3½ miles. Cossall. Meet at Tesco car park, Rutland Street, Ilkeston. SK465425. Leaders Margaret and Barry Chapman.

Thursday 10th August. 10.30am. 6 miles. Froggats Edge. Meet at Haywood car park (National Trust).

SK255776, S32 3ZJ (nearest). Leader Marilyn Brown.

Saturday 12th August. 10.30am. 4½ miles. Erewash Canal & Cotmanhay. Meet at Bridge Inn, Cotmanhay. SK468440, DE7 8RD. Leaders Margaret & Barry Chapman.

Monday 14th August. 10.30am. 7 miles. Bonsall Area. Meet at Bonsall main car park.

SK273582.Leaders Jacqui and Royce Drew. (07592 263284).

Wednesday 16th August. 10.30am. 4 miles.

Breaston Area. Meet at Blind Lane, Breaston.

SK459335. Leader Brian Marshall.

Sunday 20th August. 10.30am. 8½ miles. Ambergate/Heage. Meet at Ambergate Station.

SK349516, DE56 2EN. Leader Marilyn Brown.

Wednesday 23rd August. 10.30am. 4 miles. Swarkstone. Meet at Crewe and Harpur pub. SK368286, DE73 7GW. Leader Ann Crean.

Thursday 24th August. 10.30am. 6 miles. Silverhill Country Park. Meet at Hardwick Inn overspill car park. SK457633, S44 5QJ. Leaders Linda Hunt & Dave Bird.

Saturday 26th August. 10.30am. 5½ miles. Bestwick memorial walk. Meet at West Park car park, Long Eaton. SK478332, NG10 3SD. Leader Gordon Thompsell.

Monday 28th August. 10.30am. 6 miles. Ashover & Ogston Reservoir. Meet at Ashover Parish Hall.

SK351632, S45 0AD. Leaders Jenny and Leo Cortes.

Wednesday 30th August. 10.30am. 3½ miles. Dale Area. Meet lay by, Potato Pit Lane, Dale Abbey.

SK444385. Leader Joyce Mold.

Ilkeston Rambling Club More about Ilkeston Rambling Club from Jim Cresswell, 07747 419380.

Sunday 6th August: 9-mile walk starting from Hathersage Station and taking lunch at the Fox Inn. Leader Clive Unwin.

Thursday 10th August: Short walk (4 miles) beginning at Bramcote Park. Leader Mick Brown.

Sunday 20th August: Ten-mile walk starting from Ilam and with a lunch stop at Waterfall. Leader Len Smith.

Thursday 24th August: Local evening walk of 4 miles in the Awsworth area. Leader Clive Unwin.

Sunday 3rd September: Park at Heath Road J29 M1 for the start of a 10-mile walk leading towards Bolsover (lunch). Leader Clive Unwin.

Long Eaton Rambling Club

Having a go at ‘soft javelin’

Sunday 6th August- Rowsley Circular, 8-9 miles.

Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall Sunday 13th August - Thrumpton Circular, 8-9 miles. Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall Thursday 17th August - Heanor Circular, 7 miles.

Meet 9.30am West Park Leisure Centre Sunday 20th August - Whatstandwell Circular, 9 miles. Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall Sunday 27th August - Youlgrave Circular, 8-9 miles Meet 9.00am Long Eaton Town Hall.

All walks meet in Long Eaton to car share to keep travel costs to a minimum. Many more events and activities are organised throughout the year, including day trips out, weekends away and holidays.

So come and join our friendly club on one of our forthcoming walks.

Full details can be found on the web site above or alternatively you can phone John for more inforLife, August 2017 mation onIlkeston 0115 849 5813

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www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Hello fellow gardeners…

Welcome to August’s ‘Life in the Garden’. In this month’s issue I have your usual monthly jobs to keep you busy, my plant of the month and it’s been judging time in Ilkeston for East Midlands in Bloom. My contact details are below too so please keep getting in touch with your questions, events and any gardening news in general,. It’s great to hear from you.

Happy reading and happy gardening!!

Pick runner beans regularly to prevent them becoming stringy and to make room for developing beans.

Keep on top of weeds as they compete with plants for nutrients and water.

Stake tall or top heavy Dahlias and Lilies to prevent wind and rain damage.

Keep patio container plants well watered and feed with a liquid high potash fertiliser every fortnight.

Trim your lavender plants after they’ve finished flowering to keep them compact.

Continue to feed tomato plants with a tomato fertiliser and remove leaves lower down on the plant to help with air circulation and prevent disease.

Dead-heading is an important job this month - bedding plants, perennials and roses to stop them selfseeding, encourage further flowering. Dead-heading also improves

West Hallam Village Show 2017 West Hallam Village Hall on Saturday, 2nd September Don’t forget the closing date for entries is the 26th August! All the information about entering is on the show website at www.westhallamvillageshow.com OR please phone 0115 9305386 or 0115 9303340 for further information or help.

Entries should be brought to the Village Hall between 5pm and 7pm on Friday, 1st September apart from baked goods which should be left between 8am and 9am on Saturday.

The Hall will be open for everyone to come and view the entries on Saturday afternoon between 1pm and 4:30pm: entrance £1. Light refreshments will be available and there will be a raffle to support the ongo-

Life in the Garden appearance of plant.

Apply a high-potash fertiliser such as tomato food once fruits start to form on peppers, cucumber and aubergines.

Pinch out the top of tomato plants to concentrate the growth into the fruit that has already formed. Aim to leave 5 or 6 trusses of fruit per plant.

Lawn growth slows down in late summer so raise the cutting height of your lawn mower to help the grass from going brown.

Gardener Steve’s plant of the month (pictured) RUDBECKIA FULGIDA VAR. SULLIVANTII ‘GOLDSTRUM’ (Coneflower) Rudbeckia can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous perennials, with simple or pinnately divided leaves and large daisy-like flower-heads with yellow or orange rays surrounding a prominent conical disk. It is a plant genus in the sunflower family. The species are commonly called coneflowers and are native to North America and many species are cultivated in gardens for their showy yellow or gold flower heads.

ing maintenance of the Village Hall.

Come and see the wealth of talent that exists in our local community and be inspired to make your own entry in 2018!

The school holidays will soon be upon us and you might like to encourage your children (or grandchildren!) to spend a wet afternoon producing an entry for the children’s categories in the show. 3 to 5 year olds can decorate a paper plate on the theme of butterflies. There are some templates on the show website to help along with all the other details about entering. 6 to 8s can make and decorate a mask (again there are some templates to get them started) whilst the 9 to 12 year olds can design and create a “junk space ship” made from recycled materials. Children can also enter the class for the largest sunflower head.

Good luck to everyone who enters!

raised beds. There was vast array of berries and currants which were also available as jams being sold by Wendy.

It was on a beautiful summers evening Upon reaching the top of the slope we turned around to look at the spectacuthat we journeyed out to Woodend lar views. The local farmer has built a Cottage, Repton. We were warmly greeted by our hosts Wendy and Ste- dry stone wall which was straight but phen Longden. Wendy gave us a brief followed the contours of the land. This feature just added a unique touch to overview of the garden, explaining the vista. We tried to imagine how the that the soil was of poor quality and view would look during different times they were fully organic and that neither her or Stephen ever watered the of the year, and all agreed it must look stunning. We then ventured down to garden, which was hard to believe finish the evening with delicious cake seeing the quality and abundance of and coffee served as the sun began to the plants and flowers. As we venset. A very pleasant Monday evening. tured out onto the two and a half As we are having another garden visit acres of upward sloping land over different levels, we discovered herba- in August our next indoor meeting will be on September 18th when Rob and ceous borders, mixed woodland, lawns, pergolas covered with clematis, Diane Cole will talk on Garden Styles. a grass labyrinth leading to a well Julia Shearer stocked fruit and vegetable garden in

WEST HALLAM AMATEUR GARDENING SOCIETY

18

By Steve Walton

'Goldsturm' is an herbaceous perennial forming a clump to 60cm in height, with erect stems bearing narrowly ovate leaves and dark-eyed, deep yellow flowers to 12cm across.

This award winning coneflower is mostly used in flower borders and beds, as cut flowers, cottage garden, and informal garden prairie planting.

Flowering period: August to October Height and Spread: 60cm x 60cm (2ft x 2ft).

Soil: Any soil but well drained Hardiness: Hardy Propagation: Propagate by division in spring or autumn Pruning: Deadhead faded flowers Pest and Diseases: Generally pest free.

community ambassador Kerry Wheatley, along with a few pupils from Chaucer Junior school caught up with this years bloom judge Simon Lucas (photo). The judges made their way around paying attention to the wonderful town centre planting with the hanging baskets, troughs and the carpet bedding used throughout the flower beds. They have now made it to the market place and the beautifully planted cenotaph, where they were met by Kerry and the children to present their school portfolio of gardening events and projects throughout the year, such as the miracle growers at Chelsea Flower Show, bug hotels at RHS Chatsworth and a planted wheelbarrow competition at

East Midlands Flower show. Results will be announced in September and a great afternoon had by all.

Gardener Steve would love you to get in touch to share your gardening stories, news and photos from around Ilkeston or to ask a garden question. I look forward to hearing from you.

Email me at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk

Judging time in Ilkeston It has been judging time again in Ilkeston! The town as entered into the large town category of the East Midlands in Bloom competition and local

Open Show at Sandiacre Sandiacre and Risley Gardenholders’ Association will be holding its 60th Anniversary Annual Show at Cloudside Junior School, Stanton Road, Sandiacre on Saturday, 2nd September 2017.

This is an open show, so anyone can enter as many vegetables, fruit and flowers as they wish provided that they have been grown by themselves.

There are also classes for cookery, crafts and photography, as well as a special section for children under the age of 12.

Exhibits can be entered on Friday evening betweeeen 7pm and 8.30pm or on Saturday morning (8am - 10.45am).

The show opens to the public at 3pm when the trophies will be presented by the Mayor of Erewash.

At the end of the show, you can stock up with locally grown fresh produce which will be available in the auction. The raffle, tombola and home-made refreshments will be available all afternoon.

For more details or a copy of the Show Schedule, please contact the Show Secretary on 0115 939 8057.

Vandals target security camera in car park A reader has sent us these pictures showing how bricks have been removed from a wall and thrown at a security camera in the Club Row car park. The bricks can be seen on the climbing guard. The man, who does not wish to be named, says he is disgusted by it and also mentioned the history timeline near the Toll Bar House at the top of Stanton Road which as become unreadable through vandalism. He puts it down to a lack of parental discipline and a lack of police presence in town ‘like there use to be in years gone by.’

He told us: “I have lived and worked in Ilkeston all my life and hate to see anything like this. What must visitors think? When I was a lad you’d see policemen all over town. Near that wall where the bricks have been taken, there are some well worn steps—a part of Ilkeston history—walked up by decent local folk for hundreds of years. It’s sad that they’re now frequented by destructive people.”

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www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Fred Fletcher – Ilkeston’s Cycling Champion Part Two – Fred does the Double The National Cyclists’ Union held its first safety bicycles championships in 1889 at the Paddington Recreation Ground, London. The 25 mile event was on the 20th July, Fred Fletcher winning by 5 yards from L. Shute and W.C Jones of the Polytechnic Cycling Club in a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, 34.5 seconds, thus setting the first authenticated record for the distance. The Pioneer declared him “Amateur Champion Safety Bicyclist of the World”…“Ilkeston can well feel proud of having given birth to such a champion of the cycling world… a splendid performance…

Fletcher, calculating to a nicety, came in a deserving winner by barely a length.” The Pioneer took great delight in “Fletcher’s performance against the “Cockneys”.

A week later, back in Ilkeson for the IBC Annual Sports, Fred was in the team which came second in the Three Mile Inter-club race, but he won no individual cycle races.

The Pioneer reported that “In the cycling events Fletcher found the track too heavy, and retired from the mile race… and from the final of the two mile safety race, after winning his heat magnificently”. To make up for it he entered, and won, the 100 Yards Handicap Foot Race!

On Friday, 23rd August, the Pioneer told its readers that “Fred has been in London all week practising for the one mile safety championship….and I am inclined to think he might pull it off”. On Saturday, the day of the championships, there was such a downpour that the 50 miles contest was postponed but Fletcher’s event went ahead and the Pioneer made the most of it: “Fred Fletcher seems to be invincible. He will very soon be able to place as many initials after his name as the Shah of Persia. After winning the 25 miles…he was encouraged to “have a pop” for the Mile Championship…The Ilkestonian representative… was in his best form, and provided the spectators with a genuine treat in the shape of a really exciting and close finish. W.C. Jones, known as “the Polytechnic Crack”, was the man Fletcher had most to fear in the final. The “Cockney” was at the heels of the Ilkestonian within a stone’s throw of home, but he was never permitted to get his wheel in front, and the champion came in the winner of a well judged race by a distance of not more than a yard.

The Advertiser’s story, though briefer, sounds more like an eyewitness account: “Jones had inside position and Fletcher the outside. Morris led off followed by Fletcher and Jones, but the 25 mile champion was leading as the bell rang and 80 yards further on Jones passed Morris and fixed conclusions with Fletcher. The Ilkestonian responded to the challenge and holding his lead gamely won by about a length in 3 minutes 16.35.” The national sporting journals were unanimous in their praise for Fletcher’s win, Athletic News declaring that “Fletcher fairly and squarely proved himself the fastest safety rider we have, outpacing the whole of his opponents in three heats …he can call himself the first Safety Champion”. Wheeling concluded that “Fletcher…stands out in safety racing about as far as Synyer does in ordinary scratch racing” But some magazines, like The Cyclist, were surprised to see him outclassing more experienced and better known riders. The Pioneer would have none of this: “the editor of The Cyclist must have been asleep during the past two years or he would never make the remark that ‘Fletcher was an unknown man but a few weeks ago’.

The splendid collection of prizes he has now on view will give some idea of the many victories he has gained since he entered the cycling arena two seasons ago.”

These prizes (forty in March total) were displayed Ilkeston Life, 2017

18

in William Fletcher’s shop window on Bath Street. The NCU did not allow cash prizes or any prize that might be useful for the pursuit of cycling. This explains why Fred and thousands of others often appeared to be returning from a shopping trip when they made their way home from a race meeting. Press reports do not always reveal the prize or its value, but here are the ones I know about: 1887. Afternoon Tea Service with Tray (£7); Silver matchbox.

1888. Gold English Lever Watch; Lock-up Spirit Case; Silver Cruet Stand; Dressing Case (£60); Pair of Vases; Barometer (2 guineas); Fish Carvers (1 guinea).

1889. Pair of Bronzes; Case of Silver Spoons; Gold Watch (£11); Gold Watch; Set of Vases; Silver cream and sugar set.

1890. Silver milk jug. 3 unspecified prizes worth 10 guineas each.

So far the only ones known to have survived are the tea service (see last month’s article) and the trophy from Tewkesbury pictured here. Both are in the possession of Fred’s grandson, Giles Fletcher In 1889 the local papers said that Fred was “retiring from the path” to concentrate on his studies, nevertheless stories appeared about him in a handful of local races in the next two seasons. On August 2 at the IBC evening sports he won the one mile handicap despite being penalised 50 yards for using the new pneumatic tyre. In 1891 he managed two firsts at the IBC sports in July in the one mile handicap and as part of the IBC team in the three mile inter-club race, and a first place in the two mile handicap at the Long Eaton on Saturday, 1st August. At the Nottingham Castle CC sports the following week he was again part of the winning IBC team in the 3 mile interclub race, finishing with a flourish by crossing the line first.

Strangely absent from Ilkeston’s weekly papers in 1890 and 1891 however were reports of Fred’s exploits further afield. In 1890 he returned to Torquay where a second consecutive victory in the five mile safety scratch race would have allowed him to retain the cup won the previous year. In the event he came second to R.J.McCredy of Dublin University, but he did win first prize in the half mile safety handicap. At Torquay he entered as a member of the IBC, but the following year in all his races outside the local area he was listed as a member of the Catford CC, and herein probably lies the reason why the Ilkeston papers ignored his successes: yet again Fred had upset the local press by seeming to disown his home town.

1891, which really was his last season on the track, Fred competed in London and the South West, racking up several wins and another record. His wins, reported in the Sporting Life and other papers included the one mile scratch at Cheltenham (10 guineas); the one mile handicap and the one mile scratch at Tewkesbury (10 guineas in each).

In October, at the second attempt and with the help of pacemakers, he broke the national half mile safety record at Herne Hill in a time of 1 minute, 7.25 seconds.

Fred Fletcher did not disappear entirely from the sport of cycle racing. As a race judge he officiated at the IBC Sports and the Ilkeston Hospital Sports for a number of years at the Manor Ground. On qualifying as a chemist he worked for his father in Ilkeston and then moved to Derby, opening his own business at 242 Osmaston Road. Fred married Dorothy Foster in 1893 and had one son, William, who served in the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War. Dorothy died in 1919. Agnes Montgomerie, his second wife, also predeceased him in 1944.

As well as being a “crack” athlete and a professional man Fred had other talents and wider interests. Together with his brother

20

by Jeff Wynch

William George (Ilkeston’s Registrar for births, marriages and deaths) he took out four patents and a further three in his own name, mostly for improvements to motorcycles. His interests extended to music and the arts, and he was a founder member of the Ilkeston Banjo Club (yes, there really was a Banjo Club!) and the Ilkeston Camera and Arts Club. He won prizes at exhibitions including a diploma for honourable mention at the Japan-British Exhibition for a photograph entitled “Bringing Home the Catch”.

Fred Taylor Fletcher died on 24th June, 1947 at Willow Grove, Horsley Woodhouse, and was buried in Park Cemetery, Ilkeston on 27th June, where his headstone can be seen to the left of the path on the Park Crescent side.

Strictly speaking Fred was not the World Champion as such a competition did not yet exist, but so great was the prestige of the NCU that their events were considered to be the unofficial world championships, and the plain fact is that he held two titles in one year “by dint of sheer good riding against competitors who were the cream of the talent” (The Cyclist). There is no point in comparing him to present day professional cyclists; he was competing in the amateur age and can only be judged by the standards of the time. He stopped racing in 1891 at the age of 22 and never even got to race on the Manor Ground cinder track. Without the need to pursue a career he might have succeeded at the national level for years; today he would probably have turned professional

and achieved international and Olympic honours under Sir Dave Brailsford. (They might even have been neighbours!)

The Manor Ground and its cycle track are long gone, so there is no visible evidence in Ilkeston of the sport which was so popular here for many years. And apart from his grave nor is there any reminder of Ilkeston’s double champion. As the 150th anniversary of his birth comes up in less than two years isn’t it time to celebrate Fred Fletcher’s achievements with a permanent memorial of some kind?

My thanks once again to John Hall for valuable additional research and to Giles Fletcher for the photograph of the trophy

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

AL NASEEB: TAKE OUT OR DINE IN The cuisine of India is now recognised globally. The aromas and flavours of Indian cuisine are loved by many and can vary, most interestingly, in the different regions of India. The UK has numerous Indian takeaways and restaurants, so we can all now have the opportunity to enjoy this style of cooking.

Award-winning Al Naseeb was opened during 2012 and quickly gained a reputation for providing cuisine to an exceptional standard. Located in the centre of Long Eaton, with free car parking at the rear, Al Naseeb’s proprietor, Tariq Mahmood, is extremely passionate about cuisine and has over 30 years of culinary experience. The very talented chefs have had experiences working in several top hotels and produce high-quality cuisine.

The Al Naseeb Takeaway Menu has 30% off all orders collected and includes complimentary poppadom and pickles tray. There are numerous impressive choices, including vegetarian options. Nans and parathas are also a speciality. Starters include Chicken Tikka. This traditional appetiser of chicken breast pieces is cooked over coals in a clay oven. Prawn Puri is another very popular starter dish, lightly-spiced and served with hot puri bread. Other starters, regularly chosen, include Tandoori Chilli Paneer and Anaari Jinga (large king prawns marinated in spices and then barbecued). Tandoori Sea Bass, cooked in a clay oven and the Safari Meat Platter (a selection of chicken on the bone, chicken tikka, garlic tikka, lamb chops and seekh kebab) are extremely popular also, amongst an array of superb main courses available. Speciality dishes are often chosen and include Desi Butter Chicken – one of the signature dishes. Everything is cooked and presented to a high-standard, with complementing flavours of ingredients for all cuisine. Desserts include Shahi Kulfi (flagship) and Coppa Amarena, plus other temptations, to create an incredible finish to a meal. The take out service and restaurant have impeccable cuisine quality and presentation.

All dietary requirements can be catered for, plus parties, occasions and events accommodated. The Head Chef, his team and all staff ensure absolute quality and customer satisfaction, at all times.

Al Naseeb, 45 Market Place, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire NG10 1JL Tel: 0115 946 8222 www.al-naseeb.co.uk

Enjoy!

Trevor Langley

21

Letter

Where are my aluminium ladders?

I

was sitting outside my front door trying to recuperate from a bad fracture of my left thigh. Suddenly I became aware of someone standing at the gate. He was a complete stranger.

He had a hang dog look about him.

I didn’t know it but that was a specially prepared look for a sucker householder.

You might guess that was me.

interested in them.

I was with him all this time and was thinking he’s not really my kind of person.

Suddenly, while having a cup of tea, he asked, “Can I borrow your ladders please for 20 minutes?”

Like a fool, I said “Yes, OK.” With that over, I realized he’d gone like a shot and that’s the last I saw of him.

“Please can you give me some work? I’m After nearly a month I phoned 101 (non broke and unemployed. I have a partner emergency police number) and a wpc from and two children to look after,” he said Long Eaton came to see me. I gave all the sorrowfully. details including a description of the blue Like an idiot I let him in. “Go to the gar- ‘racer’ cycle and the distinctive dark blue age, pick up my ladders and clean the gut- crash helmet he had with some paint markings at the front. ters,” I told him.

He laid his bicycle down and got to work. He had a small 6-year-old child with him and led me to understand he had a partner He scooped muck from the gutters with his and another child at home. He told me he hand and flung it everywhere – front door, lived on Park Road and that his name was windows and all over the front paving Wayne. Maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t bricks. I thought he’s never been in the his proper name. building trade like he made out. It was ‘Wayne’ will find himself in serious trouobvious something wasn’t right. ble. I have begun to wonder if he might be He half-trimmed a bush in the back garden a ‘special needs’ person. I’m still hopefulfor me and I thought he’s doing well, but ly waiting for my ladders but I don’t think suddenly he came back in the kitchen I will see them again. he’d decided he’d done enough for his P.S. I have been scanned at Derby Royal £20.

Hospital and diagnosed with cancer in both He had a good look round the kitchen, and lungs. At 93 years old, I may be too old had a look round the bed sitting room, of for treatment. I told Wayne this, but his which I’m very proud because I’ve made it mind was on money. Karma will catch up nice and pleasant. He walked round look- with him one day. ing at treasured photos and pictures, some of them hand-painted, but he wasn’t really Geoff Hayes, Ilkeston

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

David Potter’s Music Corner

Inspire Nottinghamshire County Youth Arts. The Heanor contingent at Elvaston were enhanced by the Mansfield branch to form a steel band Looking at the local and national per- “supergroup”; something which now happens regularly and with so many forming arts scene, past and present. instruments and personnel to move Hello Folks, around the band are looking to invest in their own van to cut the cost of One of the pleasures of writing this hiring transport as new contacts, allicolumn is getting out and about and ances and friendships steadily grow. taking in the wide array of talent in our own backyard and its surrounds. There’s surely a sponsorship opporThis month saw me spending a day as tunity for someone there? a guest at the annual Elvaston Steam Their popularity at Elvaston means they’ve become a regular annual feaRally and a perfect day of weather ture and other notable landmark perand events was capped by discovering, in the beer tent, yet another shin- formances on the band’s CV include the Royal Concert Hall, Disneyland ing example of what’s on offer on Paris and a tour of Italy (to where our own doorstop. they’ll be returning at about the time No I’m not talking of alcoholic refreshment here but a bunch of amaz- you’re reading this). Add in appearingly talented and enthusiastic young ances at weddings, various functions, people who go by the name of “Pure Caribbean evenings and even the odd busking session and you have a very Steel”. busy and thriving outfit who are gainNow I’ll admit to knowing nowt ing admirers and new fans wherever about the steel band scene but I do know talent when I see it and this lot they go.

Plans are afoot for further expansion have got in spades. throughout Derbyshire and NottingThe core of the band is based at the Heanor Gate Science Academy under hamshire and to offer the opportunity to get involved via workshops in the driving force of music teacher schools, youth clubs, scout and guide Nicola Coker. groups and summer camps as well as Nicola has over 30 years experience corporate events. Anyone interested in the world of steel bands and first became involved in the scene back in 1988 at Bolsover.

When she began work at Heanor Gate it didn’t take long to introduce Pure Steel to the Academy and that initial work has mushroomed to over seeing 3 separate bands involving over 70 students with ages ranging from 11 to 18 with three rehearsal nights a week.

Nicola also runs a rehearsal session at the Old Library in Mansfield on Monday evenings which is supported by

in offering possible venues and collaborations in this respect are welcome to get in touch.

The band is available for bookings all year round and the email address for enquiries is pan.niccoker@gmail.com Make a note in your diary for the next Charity Open Mic. session at the Village Hall West Hallam on Sunday August 20th from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

All enquiries to: rhythmcafe@outlook.com And finally if you’re out and about in North Norfolk anytime soon I can thoroughly recommend checking out the ‘Albatros’ now firmly moored alongside the Quay in Wells-NextThe-Sea (picture below). An original Dutch barge with a fascinating history now converted into a restaurant and bar offering some excellent live music sessions. Details on www.albatroswells,co.uk That’s all for this month folks. Have a great August and I’ll see you in September with news of what promises to be an interesting period market and an entertaining concert at the Flamsteed Centre.

Email: davidilkeston@gmail.com Tel: (0115) 9306534 (note new number)

22

Pure Steel

Answers to How well do you know your Ilkeston? (Page 11) 1. It was renamed Coronation Street in 1901 for the Coronation of Edward VII. Burgin was a well-known Ilkeston family.

2. William Felkin, thought to be born in Bath St. He wrote The History of Machine Wrought Lace Manufacturers.

3. A customer could buy a mixture of home-made remedies for various ailments without seeing a doctor.

4. Bull Street—cattle were kept in that area. It is one of Ilkeston’s oldest streets.

5. Vincent Dampier was known as ‘Slasher’ because of his skill with a cutthroat razor when shaving a customer.

6. Moore’s Bridge named after the earlier occupier of the cottages that stood alongside the Nutbrook Canal.

7. It was a piece of waste land near where the Theatre Royal (later renamed New Theatre cinema stood. Part of Ilkeston Chrter Fair was held there until Pelham St was finished.

8. The Westminter Bank, later Nat West Bank.

9. Horses were paraded on a piece of waste land and only those considered fit for duty and up for the job were purchased by the Army.

10. It was an ironmongers. They sold everything in that line and even sold their own cast iron fire places. I purchased my first set of tools prior to starting work as an apprentice fitter in 1951—I still have most of them.

Danny Corns.

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

23

Sixty-four years after we left school, we still meet up

W

ay back in 1949, a group of 75 youngsters from Junior Schools in and around Ilkeston, passed their 11 + Examination which qualified them for entry to Ilkeston Grammar School.

During the first week of September, 1949, wearing new school uniform, new shoes, new satchels containing new school equipment, they entered the school gates for the first time. Only 4 years after the war ended, rationing was still in force; the school uniforms had been bought, using clothing coupons, with money from very low wages earned by their fathers. None of their parents owned a car so the journey to school was by bus or on foot.

During the ensuing five years, those boys and girls forged friendships which last to this day ; the majority left school in 1954 with a few staying on until 1956 in preparation for University. Some of the boys continued to meet every week until 1957, playing either football or cricket for the Old Boys teams, under the guise of Old Ilkestonians but most of them disappeared far and wide, literally, when they became eligible for National Service at the age of 18.

One of the boys was John Camm who joined the Derbyshire Constabulary in 1954 but left in 1960, using his Police experience to start his own Private Investigation Agency in Manchester. He lost touch with most of his school friends after 1957 but continued to visit the Ilkeston area to see family members on a regular basis.

In 1994, he and his wife, met up with cousins and family members to celebrate a family birthday, one of the cousins suggested the venue to be a new restaurant in South Street, Ilkeston. The premises had been the town’s main post office back in the day.

After the meal, John was paying the bill and recognised the lady hostess as Pat Whitehead, a Grammar School girl but in the year above. He asked Pat if she knew of any Reunions being planned and left his business card with her, suggesting she might make contact if she heard of any plans.

By sheer chance a few days later, Pat met a lady named Nina White

who was in the same class as John so she handed over the business card. Nina rang John and suggested a jointly organised Reunion to celebrate 40 years since leaving school, ending with the words ‘I know where 5 of them live in Ilkeston’.

Earlier in 1994, John had acquired his first computer which was being used for his business, even more importantly a Liverpool Company had created a new database consisting of all UK Voters Lists on one CD. Within a few days, John had used the CD to find another 22 former classmates making 27 in total, sufficient to arrange a Reunion during September at Morley Hey Golf Club. The icing on the cake was finding two former popular teachers who had married and moved to Heanor, Ruby Starkey and Ray Starkey.

Ruby and Ray agreed to attend the Reunion and a great evening was enjoyed, 27 people were present from all over the UK. After 40 years, name badges were needed for identification purposes, weight had been gained, hair had been lost, but the sense of friendship and humour had been retained.

Word of mouth and Press publicity resulted in other colleagues making contact asking Nina and John to organise another Reunion, by the time John finished searching his CD, he had located the addresses of 66 classmates from the original 75 in the 1949 intake.

In 1995, a second Reunion was organised at the same venue and every couple of years thereafter, the highest number of attendees was 40 in 2000. The venue changed to Ilkeston Co-op and later to Horsley Lodge Golf Club. When retirement age was reached, the format changed from evening buffet to a sit down lunch, always on the last Wednesday in June and it became an Annual event.

The number of attendees has remained constant, usually around 30, the highlights being visitors from Overseas, Pat Aldred and her husband from British Columbia arranged their UK visit to coincide with the Reunion. Likewise, Janice Cadman from Australia graced the event with her presence in June 2016.

Inevitably and sadly, as that same group of youngsters reach their 80th

birthdays in 2017/8, about a dozen of them have died; others have suffered illnesses which prevent travel.

This year the Reunion Lunch at Horsley Lodge Golf Club attracted 20 former classmates, five spouses and one daughter. In addition to local residents, others travelled from Yarm, Bury St Edmunds, Doncaster, Bridgnorth and Altrincham.

The organiser, John Camm, told Ilkeston Life, “Every year, we all arrive at the bar around half eleven and the laughter and chatter continues just as it did when we were all at school. Apart from a few walking sticks and the occasional tablet, nothing has changed much. I am hoping that in celebration of us reaching 80 in the next 12 months, we can reach an attendance figure of 30 classmates with spouses always made to feel most welcome.

Sixty four years after we left school, we still meet up; the friendship and, above all, the comradeship continue. I am very proud to organise such an event, despite my much anticipated annual speech being the butt of derision and ridicule !”

JOHN CAMM PHOTOS: Men: Back row: David Kirk, John Stiirland, John Camm, Graeme Webster, Edward Marshall. Front row: Brain Davis, Howard Pilkington, Derek Gregory, John Blackwell, Tony Buck.

Women: Back row: Megan Parker (nee Webster), Marion Briggs (nee Howe), Barbara Buxton (nee Bramley). Front row: Daphne Patrick (nee Williamson), Janter Wesley (nee Bassett), Sylvia Gething ( nee Stevenson), Glenise White (nee Law), Jeni Smedley (nee Rice), Nina Blackwell (nee White).

Single photo: Peter Hopkinson

It’s written in the stars ARIES ~ 21 MARCH – 20 APRIL You could have a bold insight that breaks away from tradition. A bit of impulse-buying could be a strong temptation, and you could have a very social time around mid month. The support you get from those around you makes it a happy time. Enjoy!

LIBRA ~ 24 SEPT – 23 OCT Having a spontaneous personality that fascinates others are key ingredients for your success. You can seem like all things to all people, and they tend to trust you instantly. Make sure these talents of yours are on top form this month!

TAURUS ~ 21 APRIL – 21 MAY Looks like you'll be sorting the wheat from the chaff this month.

Clearing the way forward and getting down to the bare bones of the matter.

A successful outcome should be the result of your efforts.

SCORPIO ~ 24 OCT – 22 NOV Good things (The support you need), friends, co-workers, and plain old lucky circumstances should offer you encouragement and backing. It looks like you'll now get what you need, when you need it. Your intense, loyal feelings, should pay handsome dividends this month.

GEMINI ~ 22 MAY – 21 JUNE Your mind, as always, is ruling the roost this month. Wading through long term possibilities for some special project, or as the best answer to a particular problem. It's a personal learning curve that moves you closer to one of your chosen targets.

CANCER ~ 22 JUNE – 23 JULY Homeward bound! With the domestic scene is ideal. You like to feel secure.

One thing that helps you feel secure this month, is your excellent sense of discrimination when it comes to practical issues.

I queued for ages at the bank today and then the woman at the counter said: "Sorry about your wait.”

I told her: “You ain't too skinny yourself!”

John Allen

LEO ~ 24 JULY – 23 AUGUST With the Sun and 'Action planet Mars' together in your sign this month, your ambitions are backed up by the will to get things done. You will push on toward whatever goals you have in mind.

Then share your joy and light with the rest of the world – as usual!

VIRGO ~ 24 AUG – 23 SEPT Your fine mind and great appetite for detail could help you find a new solution to a nagging problem.You may feel like talking a bit more than usual, exploring new ideas or getting happily lost in a conversation. Perhaps a short trip or a special phone call will make your day.

SAGITTARIUS ~ 23 NOV – 21 DEC Your natural ability to concentrate on what is essential, could be very useful this month. You don't like to waste words, and are very determined and deliberate when it comes to mental work. Communication is the key feature to success.

CAPRICORN ~ 22 DEC – 20 JAN Your home and family situation could be a focus for growth and real learning.

Sensitive issues need careful handling, but your hard, determined efforts to sort it out – should be warmly rewarded.

AQUARIUS ~ 21 JAN -19 FEB Deciding exactly how you're going to get your creative project off the ground, is your important job this month. Finding the right, realistic frame of reference to work with, is the first step to success.

PISCES ~ 20 FEB – 20 MARCH You are very imaginative when it comes to your health, and how you take care of yourself. Passing on your health and welfare knowledge to others, is something you enjoy. Sharing the benefits all round!

Richard Servante

Sport

Resurrected ‘Town’ ready for the big kick off Notts County Football Club owner Alan Hardy is now also the owner of Ilkeston Town FC. He has purchased the club from Ilkeston FC liquidators Smith Cooper for an undisclosed fee.

Hardy said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have completed my purchase of Ilkeston FC and can confirm that the club’s name will revert to Ilkeston Town Football Club with immediate effect.

“It is with great excitement that I also announce Steve Chettle as the club’s new manager following his departure from National League North side Nuneaton Town, where he was assistant manager.

“Steve is an Ilkeston and Nottingham Forest legend who I’m sure will prove to be an exciting appointment for supporters. He will be assisted by Ian Deakin, who brings plenty of experience and local knowledge after managing Kimberley last season.”

This news comes as a great relief to followers of Ilkeston football at the New Manor Ground following a long period of uncertainty.

Last season Ilkeston FC (nicknamed the Robins) struggled to complete the season amid mounting debts and an exodus of senior players. They finished next to bottom in the EvoStick Premier Division and were relegated, but then Evo-Stick threw them out of their structure altogether.

Following liquidation, the club now finds itself dumped in the Midland Football League Division One and begins the 2017-18 season with an away match on 5th Alan Hardy August against Uttoxeter

Town. First home match is the following Saturday v Heath Hayes.

With the new season so close, Alan Hardy and a link with Notts County was the only realistic option if football was to take place this coming season. Most if not all of last season’s players (all owed wages) joined other clubs, along with some officials.

Many fans will be delighted with the appointment of Steve Chettle as manager – he was a well-respected member of the coaching and managerial team in the ‘good old days’.

Ilkeston FC Supporters Group were making plans to form a community club if no suitable buyer could be found, but the situation has now been resolved with Hardy taking over.

The new owner went on to say: “I am absolutely committed to making Ilkeston Town not only self-sustainable, but also competitive and ambitious in aiming to claim a place in the second tier of non-league football in the medium term.

“Until this particular opportunity arose it was never my intention to acquire another football club. There are very few, if any, other clubs I would rescue. As I touched on earlier, Ilkeston are a special case for me personally and, as was the case with Notts County, it would have genuinely hurt me to see them die.

“I vividly remember my seven-year-old self standing behind the goal, bang in the centre, lapping up every minute of derbies between Ilkeston Town and Eastwood, as well as other local matches involving the likes of Long Eaton, Heanor Town, Belper, Kimberley and Arnold. They were all blood-stirring encounters and all those memories have enabled me to carry great enthusiasm into my career in football. I am now looking forward to working with the people of Ilkeston to develop a club they, and their town, deserve.”

The way we used to say it 30p where sold

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Gerroff ert an’ plee.

An’ dunna get ya skewl trersers dotty.

Less a ya chelp!

What ya chunterin’ abert nah?

Yer eyes are greedier than ya belly.

Sit aside may.

Ay scored a rasper.

Dunna wittle.

Just in case you didn’t understand: 1. Get off out and play; 2. And don’t get your school trousers dirty; 3. Less of your chelp! (Don’t answer back!); 4. What are you muttering about now?; 5. Your eyes are greedier than your stomach (You want more than you can eat); 6. Sit next to me; 7. He scored a good goal; 8. Don’t worry.

www.ilkestonlife.com August 2017

Former Robins stars roll back the years

Saturday 8th July 2017

Robins Legends 4 Robins Fans 1 New Manor Ground favourites of yesteryear turned back the clock to thrill a crowd of over 100 on a very warm summer afternoon at Eastwood. The game, marked to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ilkeston’s New Manor Ground had to be staged two miles up the road because the Robins’ ground was unavailable following the recent liquidation of Ilkeston FC. Nevertheless a great time was had by all, despite some mystifying decisions by the referee, and it was all in a good cause with more than £150 being raised for Breast Cancer Care.

Robins manager Danny Boyes revealed, “I warned my players before the game that the fans team would come flying out the traps and that we’d need to keep our shape early on before we’d let our football do the talking.”

That was precisely what happened although many of the crowd were surprised at how even the game would turn out to be. The fans team gave as good as they got and manager Maculay Dunmore said, “I was so proud of how my team played against the Ilson legends. Everyone in our changing room was so excited to play against them. I said to my team before the game whatever the result, just go out and enjoy yourselves because it’s not every day you get opportunities to play matches like these.”

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The Legends included big favourites such as Christian Moore, Jason Campbell, Dale Igoe, Scott Huckerby, John Knapper, Ryan Hindley, Ross Turner, Craig Ludlam, Gary Middleton, Larry Burrell, John Humphreys, Dale Wright, Craig Swinscoe and many more. Although they had lost a little of the pace they showed in their younger days they had lost nothing in terms of skill and after spurning a couple of chances they took the lead after being awarded a soft penalty, through Knapper after 25 minutes.

The Fans never gave up and created several chances throughout the game and unluckily hit the bar but the Legends added to their tally with goals from Hindley and Huckerby before Moore added a late fourth after he had missed several earlier chances. The Fans finally got a much deserved consolation goal from the spot at the death, expertly taken by Lewis Durow.

Dunmore added, “Goalkeeper Neil CumminsSmith put in an outstanding performance but everyone gave it their all. Our performance was excellent and we played some good football throughout the game.” There were fine efforts by all of the Fans team with Durow, Danny Ancliff, Carl Tatham, Lewis Fletcher, Liam Attwood, Jaden Baker, Danny Baker and Daniel Dobbie among the many who caught the eye.

The Legends thoroughly enjoyed the occasion which culminated in a gathering of fans and players in the New Manor Ground clubhouse after the game where Boyes declared he wanted to make the match an annual event.

Knapper never misses: John Knapper fires the legends ahead.

Duncan Payne