Ilkeston Life Newspaper May 2017

Remember Co-op milk tokens?

Our reporter visits Cotmanhay’s Community Kitchen

Where Teddy Boys came for their suits Mapperley village’s 750th Royal Charter celebrations

Cricketing cousins’ amazing bowling feat

30p where sold A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area

MAY 2017 www.ilkestonlife.com

Hundreds gather at new Ilkeston station on historic day

S

unday 2nd April, just after 9.45am, and Ilkeston people give a big welcome to the first train to stop at the town’s new £10million station, built on the site of the old one which closed half a century ago, along with many others when the Dr Beeching axe fell.

biggest if not the biggest town in the country without a railway station.

Passengers can reach Nottingham in 15 minutes and travel direct to Chesterfield , Sheffield and Leeds.

Work on the station site, used as a scrap yard in recent years, was delayed by a number of setbacks, The media, along with VIPs, school parties, scouts, including investigation and treatment of old mine railway enthusiasts, etc., were there to see the spe- workings, flooding concerns and the appearance of cial moment. They cheered and waved their union a protected species of newt at the site. jacks as the Northern Rail train pulled in with local The opening was good news for the nearby Junction MP Maggie Throup and other dignitaries on board. Café which had waited for a long time to have such a busy day. Stacey’s helped them celebrate with a Maggie called it “an historic day for the town as it reconnected with the rest of the rail network after an cake in the shape of the Ilkeston station sign. interval of over 50 years.”

An official opening is to take palace later in the Ilkeston had at long last shed its tag as one of the year.

Above: The first train is cheered in by hundreds of people.

Right: The BBC‘s East Midlands Today presenter Jo Healey interviews some local children who had arrived early for the occasion.

Photos: Kerry Wheatley

Three and a half pages of your letters inside

I drop in at Cotmanhay’s Community Kitchen

By Patricia Spencer

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

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 ilkestonlife@gmail.com or robert@ilkestonlife.com Staff feature writer: Patricia Spencer patricia@ilkestonlife.com Staff photographer: John Shelton john@ilkestonlife.com Advertising manager: Paul Opiah sales @ilkestonlife.com or paul@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.

The deadline for adverts and editorial contributions for next month’s paper is 15th May (unless by arrangement).

Send to us by email if possible: ilkestonlife@gmail.com Ilkeston Life. No. 21.

We are an independent community paper seeking the best for our readers and our region. First published in newspaper format in September 2015.

2 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

I

went along to the Cotmanhay Community Kitchen recently to meet Angie Young and the team of volunteers who run this facility.

For anyone who has not heard about it – it is based at the Children’s Centre on Beauvale Drive.

Angie is one of four Community Champions who work for Tesco and she wanted to tell me a little about what is happening at the centre.

Josy Hare works for Derbyshire County Council and part of her role is to co-ordinate the volunteers.

There were seven volunteers helping in the Community Kitchen that day. I spoke with one of the volunteers, Kelly Barrett, who helps five days a week and she told me she absolutely loves being there. Kelly spoke about the Spring Fair which was on 5th April between 3pm and 5pm. The aim of the event was to raise money so that they could take the children to Wheelgate Adventure Park. Kelly is also raising money for a defibrillator for the centre.

The Children’s Centre is supported by the FareShare and FoodCloud partnership. The food provision comes straight from the local Tesco and is surplus food that is donated twice a week. Any surplus food is left for residents to collect and make a donation if they are able.

This money is then used to help run the kitchen.

Have you noticed the cookery adverts on TV at the moment? ‘Food Love Stories’, there are lots of them. Nana’s Magic Soup is probably my favourite. I have picked up the recipe card in Tesco to try it for myself.

Today Tesco donated enough food to make 18 ‘one handed stir frys’ from the recipe collection, and Layla Lockley, the volunteer chef was really excited about using the recipe on the menu.

I stayed to have a two -course meal and a drink today and found it to be excellent. I had a jacket potato, which was cooked to perfection.

With it I had cheese, tuna and salad. It was delicious and served with a smile. For afters I had fresh fruit and single cream plus a mug of tea. The cost of this if you are able to afford it is £3.00. They usually serve about 25 to 30 people in a day. I am not surprised!

I have to have gluten free food and this is also available. Today I just missed out on gluten free quiche.

They had sold the last piece just before I ordered. They told me if I wanted to go back anytime to ring and they would make sure they had it on the menu for me. How good is that!

I told them I would be taking my friends in the near future.

There was someone in the café sitting on their own and Angie asked them if they would like to order a meal, and they said they were fine as they hadn’t bought any money. She explained that it wasn’t a problem. After several attempts they were able to get an order. I was pleased to see that they were soon fed and watered.

Today’s menu included breaded chicken, cauliflower cheese and homemade chips, cheese, onion and tomato quiche, ‘Tesco Love Stories’ pork loin stir fry, or a jacket potato with various fillings, and for pudding there was fresh fruit salad and cream or yoghurt.

There is no reason for anyone to go hungry in the area thanks to Tesco FareShare and the wonderful team of volunteers at The Children’s Centre.

If you have a problem and feel there is no one you can share it with, you will find a listening ear at the Children’s Centre.

Above: At your service. The team at the kitchen: Kelly Barratt, Layla Lockley, Charlene Willis, Sara, Debbie Mitchell, Angie Young, Josie Hare and Jade Lockley. Right: one of their tempting dishes.

Next month:

A cabin full of colour Patricia Spencer and Danny Corns visit Emma Britton’s design studio on Merlin Way.

OIEA students take part in debating competition at University of Oxford

LOVED LOCOMOTIVE: The Duchess of Sutherland passing through Ilkeston’s new station recently, greeted by scores of camera clicking steam train enthusiasts.

Photo: Kerry Wheatley.

Students at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy took part in a national debating competition held at the University of Oxford.

Twelve Year 10 students were selected to represent the academy at the contest held by the Ormiston Academies Trust.

The students from OIEA were split into two groups and they debated against other schools from across the country.

Subjects up for discussion included should children under-18 be allowed to vote and should celebrities be given harsher punishments if they commit a crime.

Students either spoke for or against the subject and they were given five minutes to develop their ideas before they decided who was going to speak, sum up or help.

Lottie Hardy, 15, said: “It was a really good experience. It’s the first time we’d done anything like this and it went well. You were awarded points for your style, strategy, structure, content and how professional you were. It was a really high standard and we made it through to the second round.

“The university was a great place and before we might have thought that it would be unrealistic to think we could go there but now we see that it is actually a possibility.”

Joel Uveges, 15, said: “It wasn’t easier to be for or against; if you were good enough then you should have been able to argue either way.”

Wyman Hy, 15, said: “In our team there were four speakers and two helpers. When you are talking the students from the opposing team are allowed to raise a point and you can either reject or accept it.”

Students had spent time after school practicing for the competition and they took part in a workshop with DebateMate, which offers a range of competitions and programmes to participating schools, along with training and workshops for teachers and students.

They learnt about tone of voice, body language, rebuttal and team-building as part of the workshop.

Zoe Green, English teacher at Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy, said she was extremely proud of the students.

She said: “They were just so confident and they owned the room when they were speaking, it was amazing to see their confidence coming out.

“On the way home they were taking about Oxford and university in general. They were nervous about going there as there is a sense of mystery and prestige about the place but when they were there they realised that they could be worthy of a place.

“They didn’t win the competition but one of the students said they won in so many other ways because of the whole experience that they’d had. We wanted them to see that they are capable of anything.”

Alastair Campbell inspires Friesland 6th Formers I was delighted to join Mr Puddy and Mrs Tideswell in welcoming Alastair Campbell to Friesland Sixth Form.

Alastair was a key advisor in the Blair and Brown governments, spending time in varied roles such as Number 10’s Press Secretary, and then Director of Communications for Tony Blair. He is also a prolific writer, with his diaries in particular gaining notoriety for their frank nature.

The day began with Alastair explaining to students who he was and why he came to talk at Friesland. As a big fan of his work, as well as his time in government, I emailed Alastair on the off chance he might be able to visit. To my pleasant surprise, Alastair emailed back expressing interest – I passed it over to Mr Puddy and Mrs Tideswell who organised it through Speakers4Schools.

After discussing topical issues such as Brexit, mental health, Trump and Martin McGuiness, Alastair explained why it is so important for students from comprehensive schools like ours to have confidence and aspiration, to believe in themselves and their ability to affect change in the world. He was an inspiration and many students talked to me after the event explaining how they felt they had been motivated by Alastair to believe in themselves.

The second half hour of the talk was a question and answer section where a diverse range of topics were discussed. Everything from Donald Trump to Malcolm Tucker was mentioned, and Alastair was forthcoming and frank in every exchange! He never held

back on any of his views, leading to entertaining exchanges between him and Friesland’s resident Corbyn, Brexit and Trump supporters.

At the ringing of the school bell at 2:40pm, most students left for home. A core group of around 15 people however headed over to the common room, where Alastair continued the talk. Eventually the talk descended into photographs, autographs and conversations.

Alastair also brought several of his books which he signed and generously handed out to students. He also donated money to Willow Hempell’s superb effort for Comic Relief.

To sum up the day, it was a fantastic experience. Alastair was fascinating and challenging in equal measure, debating with students and not giving any ground, while being inspiring and motivating at the same time. It was a day that most at Friesland will not forget for a long time – I know I certainly won’t.

Denny Taylor

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

3

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

How far does Ilkeston Life travel?

These pictures have come from Bulgaria and Dubai Top picture. Patricia Spencer writes: “My sister Susan Harrison spends a lot of her time in her holiday home in a small village in rural Bulgaria. She loves to pick up copies of the Ilkeston life to read. As you can see the weather is already good enough to read it on her veranda. “ Below. Vanessa Woolley writes: “Here is a photograph of me reading the Ilkeston Life newspaper whilst at the 'My Second Home Luxury Dog Resort' in Dubai with my dog Lexi. The paper is kindly sent to me from my mum Doreen Hinds who lives in Trowell.

Travels far and wide

Where was this sweet shop? where it is however I suspect it is a shop Hi there. You may recall I wrote in a that was near the Triangle. If anyone while back about my Dad and a photo could offer any information on who, which appeared about the Triangle. We got a couple of responses that were really where, etc., that would be great.

Regards good.

Sadly Dad passed away last week and in Brian Moore going through his collection of photos the Apartment 81 Quartz 10 Hall Street one above has me baffled.

Birmingham I have no information as to who it is or B18 6BN

Walking for Alzheimer’s Society Dear Ilkeston Life, I thought your readers might be interested in hearing about the adventure my daughter and I are about to take. On the Bank Holiday weekend of 27th and 28th May we will be joining a group of over 2000 people attempting to walk 100 kilometres (that’s 60 miles for those of us of a “certain” age) from London’s Richmond Park along the Thames Pathway, across the North Downs and then up and over the South Downs finishing at Brighton Racecourse.

Our friends say we must be mad, but are happy to sponsor us, as we are hoping to raise lots of money for the Alzheimer’s Society. My dad Roy has been suffering with dementia for the past three years and it’s heart-breaking to see him day by day slowly losing his memory.

There have been some major leaps forward recently in the research towards introducing new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia and we just think that every penny we can raise will bring the day these new drugs are available much closer.

We are following a 16 week training programme to build up our stamina for the trek and so far things are going well. Victoria, my daughter, lives in Hertfordshire at the moment so we are unable to train together, this does have some advantages however as we are competing against each other to see who manages to walk the farthest each week, so far she is winning hands down! I must try harder! So, if you see me training in and around Cossall give me a wave, you can’t mistake me, I’ll be the one with the red face struggling up Cossall hill! Just joking, at the time of writing I’m managing to do twelve miles in around three and a half hours. A long way short of the 60 miles I know but I’m getting there.

If you would like to sponsor us we would be very grateful, any amount will be really appreciated. We have a funding page on the web it’s – www.justgiving.com/victoriaL2B Thank you, we will let you know how we get on.

Pleasant read

Content appreciated

Just a line to thank you for your excellent April issue. You go from strength to strength.

Everybody one speaks to about Ilkeston Life says what a pleasure it is to sit down and have a pleasant read without being inundated with misery and strife.

Michael O’Neill

4 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

Sandra and Victoria Wheatley, Cossall

Hi. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the content you guys write.

I'm currently based in Australia and used to live in Ilkeston. I love being kept up to date with stories from back home.

Keep doing the good work.

Olly George

There are more letters on other pages

Essex Street mystery deepens Gloria Dampier, a member of our Bright Hour dance group brought me two Christmas cards in from the year 1918.

They were sent from her mother Miss Charlotte Stenson who you can see from the address lived at 5 Essex Street in 1918.

This is the address that came up in an article about the wireless shop featured on Ged Munro’s photograph in the March 2017 Ilkeston Life.

The Stensons lived there for many years.

Gloria finds this confusing because she has no knowledge of Mrs D Eminson living there. But as the postcard was sent to this address there must be some connection

Above: Gloria Dampier’s grandmother photographed on Bath Street.

Right: a fancy Christmas card from Miss Charlotte Stenson, with the address printed at the bottom.

somewhere. Gloria’s mum was born there in 1901. She was one of twins. Gloria’s grandma died in 1947 or just after.

Gloria herself lived at this address from when she was one year old until she was four. She was born in 1927. Her sister was born there in 1929.

She remembers that the Tomkins lived at number six. The Mussons lived at number seven and she thinks it was the Fullwoods who lived at number eight.

The lady in the photo taken on Bath Street is Gloria’s grandmother.

Patricia Spencer, Ilkeston

More memories of Charnos and Hallam Fields When I was a schoolboy in the 40s, my friend on Corporation Road had a bonfire on Guy Fawkes night. The bonfire always started well as his dad was a foreman at Charnos and supplied us with a pile of oily rags. We collected the wood from the hedgerows and trees along the canal bank. We would drag the dead branches through the allotments at the back of Charnos, which was a single storey building then in a dip in the ground just out of the photo in Danny’s article.

One year, a barrier was placed in our way when a number of very large crates were deposited on the ground below the original factory. They contained new machines from the States. After the second fire they would be needed to replace any damaged machines.

There were also replacement roofing materials.

After this, the time of prosperity seemed to begin with expansion starting on higher ground in Corporation Road, then behind that and the office block at the side. I’m not sure if the small factory producing ‘Topper’ crisps had to go to make way for the work rooms up to Hallam Fields Road but go it did. The final building constructed was down Corporation Road.

Then, as Danny said in his article, the empty gun emplacements of our schooldays were levelled and the land put to recreational use.

Then the houses and shop next to the tram waiting rooms disappeared and the land slowly went over to industrial use right along Hallam Fields Road as far as the canal. This meant the green fields we played in were lost to the next generation of children.

On the footpath from the canal to Corporation Road, built into the sloping ground, was a brick built room, 6ft x 9ft, no roof, two iron bars across the width and an L-shaped entrance. We never knew what it was for.

If you went the other way you could go through Stanton’s New Works Foundry Machine Shop and, as a small child, the machines looked enormous. They still looked huge when I worked there years later – the same machines. No moving with the times at Stanton.

Incidentally, the first two ladies to work for Mr Noskwith (Mrs Shelton and Mrs Jukes) were called into his office after their first week and told there was no money – he couldn’t pay them. The ladies couldn’t afford to wait for better times so left.

T. Carr, Ilkeston.

Bus driver told us about fire at Charnos Dear Sir, In answer to Michael Draper’s letter in the last issue of Ilkeston Life regarding the Charnos fire, he is correct in saying he was younger than 14 years when it happened.

I remember it well as I left school aged 14 in July/August 1945 and started work there.

One day, I went to catch the bus from Cotmanhay and the conductor told us it had burnt down. But we still went on the bus to see for ourselves.

I believe it was 1946/7 as I then left and went to work at Lace Web in Sandicacre.

Les Eaton, Ilkeston

We want a Derby bus I have been in touch with the bus companies to ask them to consider our area for a bus route to Derby that we are in desperate need of: one to detour down Nottingham Road via Cavendish Road. We who live down these areas need this service.

It is a bus route for 15 Sawley, Two Nottingham and 27 for Larklands to Swingate which all go through to the bottom and the 20 Nottingham which detours up Nottingham Road from the bottom up Cavendish Road only on a Sunday.

A Derby bus would only make a small detour from White Lion Square down Nottingham Road, could pick up at Dale Street, Kensington and two bus stops on Cavendish before turning on to Lower Stanton Road back on its normal route. Anyone wanting Kirk Hallam, Spondon and Derby have to trek all up hill to the Havelock for our nearest bus stop for these places.

A service this way would benefit a lot of people and also help Kirk Hallam residents who visit the doctors, shopping and the new houses on Cavendish Road.

I would like the people in these areas to support as much as possible this request to the bus companies

by doing any of the following things, it would be nice to have a bus every half hour, one from each company.

So come on my fellow Ilkestonians we all sometime need to visit relatives at Kirk Hallam and Derby and also to connect to Royal Derby Hospital, etc., please support by using any means made available. trentbarton.co.uk/ilkestonflyer Facebook: trentbartonland Tel. 01773 712265 catchyourbus.co.uk Facebook: com/yourbus Tel. 01773 714013 Resident of Kensington area off St John’s Road (name and address supplied).

PS. Four buses an hour run down Stanton Road, two for Derby, one for Nottingham via Kirk Hallam; number 23 circles Kirk Hallam also.

Charnos football team of 1958

In regards to the article about Charnos, my wife Joan, whose maiden name was Reeves and who passed away in December, worked there.

her mother of the situation. As a result, Alice Reeves got a job cooking breakfasts and dinners for Charnos workers.

My daughter Carol went from school to She left Hallcroft School at 14, went home work in Stanton offices for seven years till and told her mum and dad she was going to she was made redundant. My son worked work at Charnos. She went up to the facto- as a pattern maker at Stanton. When he left the ironworks he went to work for Bernie ry and Rolf Noskwith set her on. By the time she was 18 she was a supervisor in the Ecclestone at Brabham racing team, doing Nylon section. I met her around this time. the bodyworks on their cars.

Her father Fred Reeves worked as an elec- Playing football on the Brairley’s pitch at trician at Stanton till after the War, whence the back of the Rutland Cottage pub was not all that bad but heading a leather ball he went to work at Charnos as their chief electrician. He also helped to run the foot- soaked in water made you feel quite dizzy.

I don’t know how today’s delicate footballball team, so when I started courting his ers would have gone on! daughter I started playing for them, as it turned out for about ten years. I enclose a Back row, second left on the picture is Eric picture of the football team, approx. 1958. Severn; fourth left is me, Brian Quinn. On Meanwhile, Rolf wanted to know if anyone the front row, second left is Tommy Smith; and third left (middle) is Keith Hanger. knew of a good cook. Joan told him her mother was a very good cook and informed Brian Quinn, Bramcote

Dogs are still running loose Following the deaths of three cygnets last year at Straws Bridge caused by three dogs allowed to run loose, it seems that the obvious need to keep dogs on a lead there is still being ignored.

On a recent Sunday visit we saw two dogs being allowed to run loose by their owners, one of which was causing obvious distress to a number of swans at the edge of the lake. This dog was put on a lead only after we shouted twice after the owners that they should do this.

Straws Bridge is a wonderful nature reserve and most people treat it with the respect it deserves, but sadly some still do not.

Tesco TV gift We at the Cedars and Larches Care Home in Ilkeston got a lovely surprise when Tesco non-food team kindly donated a Samsung Curve TV for use in the home.

The set was presented to us by Sara, Alex, Amy and Jamie from the Ilkeston store.

Kind regards.

Alison Richards, activity coordinator

Neil White, Awsworth

Why was I missing from school photo?

I can recall most of the pupils on the picture of the Cavendish Girls School class of 1950 in last month’s paper (The Way We Were) but where was I ?

“I” then being Janet Fletcher (now Rooney).

Within this group were some of my very special friends who were always on hand to help me with my disability.

To jog memories: can you remember Mr

Sibley and his reference codes of “OURA1” and “OURA1-2” ? sometimes accompanied by a not too well aimed board duster !

The Head Mistress was not impressed !

At that particular time I wasn’t on that photograph and perhaps some of my fellow classmates can remember why ?

Janet Rooney, Ilkeston

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

5

Letters overflow

See also P14

More memories of living near the old railway station I was reading your article on the new station last night and in particular, the piece about Mrs Watson. (It would be good to know her maiden name.) I rang my Mammar as she was born at number 1 Willoughby Street (soon to be renamed Digby Street) in October 1927. A little earlier than Mrs Watson I know but all of the names stood out.

She recalled most vividly walking up to Mr Whatley’s farm at the top of Cossall hill next to the church with Nelly Wainwright (Milk Nelly) and getting all the milk ready, filling the horse and cart and delivering it very early in the morning.

She recalls spending her days playing on the streets with the other children and remembers getting rope from the fruit boxes at the back of the shops to then use to swing around lampposts. She says they used to play out on those streets until after 10pm at night and would play anywhere where there was a light.

She says her and her friends used to jump up and down outside the windows of the Dewdrop Inn to see what was going on inside.

She also recalls her Granny living next door to Mrs Holland and her father used to play with Herbert Smith who had Sheldons the builders on Wentworth Street.

She described how they would all have to go down what she called the Footrills on the mine when the sirens went off in the war.

They would walk from the school at Cossall to shelter.

She also explained that she used to meet her Dad after he had finished work on a Friday because it was payday and she would have a penny to buy some chocolate, similarly she would also use a penny to get a piece of chocolate out of a slot machine at the old station.

She recalls playing in the same allotments as Mrs. Watson explained and remembers Esther Brewer before she married William, she was Esther Hunt until William Brewer came up from Reading and swept her off her feet.

She remembers a wooden horse of some kind being built in the area that they all used to play in as children.

I’ve only written what I can remember from speaking to her last night but it would be good to see if anyone else around recalls any of this.

My Mammar’s name is Dorothy Brown (Hancocks) and she will be 90 this year.

Jamie Gatley

Places available at pre-school I write on behalf of the children, staff and committee of Stanley Village Pre-School.

I am a volunteer committee member and I also have a young daughter who attends the pre-school.

We are a successful, thriving pre-school, but being a registered charity (charity number 1024475), we rely on fundraising activities and donations throughout the year, in order to continue to deliver a quality, affordable, educational experience for our children.

The children that attend our pre-school not only come from the village, but also from Stanley Common, Ilkeston, Oakwood and West Hallam.

We currently have spaces available for children aged 2 years old to 4 years old and are

looking for new ways to advertise. We are aware that you are a popular, much read local newspaper and wondered if you would kindly, consider donating a small space to us please?

We realise your newspaper reaches out to our local community, so your help to promote our charity would be greatly appreciated by all of the children, staff and committee of Stanley Village Pre-school.

Yours faithfully,

Anna Taylor On behalf of Stanley Village Pre School, Stanley Village Hall, Park Avenue, Stanley, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 6FF. Tel: 07800 663062

Meeting up with Dorothy Brown We have been to see Mrs Dorothy Brown, the lady whose Grandson Jamie Gatley kindly responded on her behalf to our article in the April edition on Mrs Watson's memories of the old railway station and her childhood at Ilkeston Junction . [See above.]

Mrs Brown was born in 1927 at Ilkeston Junction on what is now Digby Street, living near to Mrs Watson but at a different period, as she is now aged 90. Mrs Brown has had an interesting life and we felt her memories may be of further interest to readers.

Mrs Brown started work at age 14 at the pork butchers shop of Robertson Birch, on Bath Street. This was during the second world war and she remembers the long queues of customers waiting to be served.

Her Grandson asked: did she get any extra meat as she worked there? To which Mrs Brown replied 'No', but when Jamie queried this she said 'Well,probably', with a smile.

Married life came in 1947 and the lucky man, F. Charles Brown had been in the 8th Army, serving in Italy and Cyprus until he was demobbed. Mr Brown worked as a motorcycle mechanic on BSA, Ariel, Triumph and Norton motorcycles at Dawson's motorcycle shop on Shakespeare Street, Nottingham.

He later became an electrical engineer at the East Midlands Electricity Board and also formed Ilkeston Motorcyle Club with Harry and Arthur Whitehead. Harry had the furniture store on Bath Street and Arthur kept a sweet shop next door.

Upon enquiring about Mrs Brown's Father, this was Arthur Flint Hancox, born in 1890.

He was a noteworthy sportsman and quite a character too, it seems. For 27 years (less the war years when the competition wasn't held) Mr Hancox was a Notts and Derby championship swimmer. This was probably the

reason he was chosen to become the second person to swim at the official opening of the newly built open air Ilkeston Swimming Baths on 31st August 1921. The first person was Alderman William Smith.

Both local newspapers, the Ilkeston Pioneer and the Ilkeston Advertiser featured the opening. Mr Hancox is referred to as the champion swimmer and mentions a Silver Cup he had won. There is a photograph of Alderman Smith diving in the pool! The newspapers can be seen at Ilkeston Library.

Mrs Brown still has one of her Father's winners cups and a swimming medal.

Of further note during the Second World War, Mr Hancox was a comedian and an amateur entertainer, playing the spoons and the bones .He used to raise money for the troops, at shows in the locality.

Going back to Mrs Brown's childhood at Ilkeston Junction, she remembers the street gas lamps that were lit each night by a man using a long pole and that as a young girl during the war, she was able to recognise the different types of friendly and enemy aircraft, by their shape and the sound of the engines.

Her father used to do plane spotting duty from the top of Lewis's factory at the Junction (now Armstrongs Mill). Mrs Brown recalled with an embarrassing smile that once she spotted an enemy aircraft and ran outside excitedly with the next door neighbour. The plane seemed to turn in the sky, she said and then drop something which she thought were leaflets. Mrs Brown said she later found out it was in fact bombs dropping over the Stanton Ironworks area.

We enjoyed listening to Mrs Brown as she recalled her memories with a cheerful smile.

Richard Parkin

From the editor: Paul and John will be sharing the editor’s desk for the next couple of months while I have radiotherapy. Please continue to send your letters, articles, pictures, reports, etc. Thank you to those who have sent me good wishes, and I hope to be back soon.

6 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

Whitworth Road Day Nursery 1946-7 I dug out some old photographs recently, among them this one of people at the Whitworth Road Day Nursery in 194647.

Back row, l-r: Marion Britton, Beryl Coleman, Pat ?, Jean Adcock, Mary Bullock, Pat Belfit.

2nd row, l-r: Mrs Spiby, Eileen Hextall, Matron Clarke, Marian Boswell (later ColLuckily my mother had written names on the back. She didn’t know how useful that lington), Miss Flint. would be!

Front row: l-r Mary Stokes, Doreen ?

Do any Ilkeston Life readers recognise Esther Collington, Kirk Hallam. someone they know or knew?

Can anyone offer funding for Lucy?

Local performing arts student Lucy Stanton-Lynch is hoping to further her career in the arts by securing a place at one of the top performing arts colleges in the country.

Lucy, 18, has attended classes at the Kerry Ledger School of Dance since she was 3 years old has had tremendous success at auditions.

She has been offered a place at Performers, SLP College Leeds, Masters, MAAD, Bodyworks Cambridge and London Studio Centre.

As her dance teacher, I am is trying to help Lucy to obtain some funding or sponsorship towards her fees. Lucy has triple talent: she is an excellent dancer as well as having a super singing voice and drama skills.

Lucy has always attained the very top marks in all her dance exams and she lights up the stage when she performs.

Due to a lack of government funding for performing arts students there isn't a grant or student loan available If any local businesses are able to offer

Lucy a bursary or donation towards her Trinity 3 year Dance and Drama training, please contact me on 0115 930 8564.

Kerry Ledger

Lucy Stanton-Lynch

Many to benefit from free local church debt help

L

ocal churches have partnered with an award-winning UK debt counselling charity to provide free help to hundreds in Ilkeston over the next few years.

West Hallam Methodist Church and Elim Christian Centre, supported by Ilkeston Methodist Church, have joined forces with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) offering

home visits for people affected by debt.

Ian Robertson, Ilkeston CAP Debt Centre Manager said: “Typically, debts can build up when a relationship breaks down, someone loses their job, or through bereavement – so often when people are least able to cope with a financial headache.

That’s why we’re so excited to open

a debt centre here in Ilkeston.

He added that every client is visited in their own home to ensure that each gets the anonymity and privacy that they deserve.

Meanwhile, CAP’s head office negotiates with creditors and creates a budget for each client, while local volunteers offer one-to-one support

Successful exhibition of knitted Bible scenes

Local Church News A Spring and Plant Fair takes place at St Giles Church, Sandiacre on Saturday, 20th May. It is in and around the Church Hall on Church Drive from 2pm till 4.30pm. Major attractions are a Classic Vehicle Display, music from the Long Eaton Silver Prize Training Band and a Grand Prize Draw. Stalls include plants, cakes, produce, books and jigsaws. Afternoon teas will be served. For children there is a Bouncy Castle.

Admission is 50p for adults and accompanied children are free. There is disabled access and free parking nearby.

Barbecue. St Wilfrid’s Church, West Hallam invites people to a Barbecue and Games Afternoon on Saturday 20th May, 2 till 5pm on the Rectory lawn. £5 per person or £10 for a family ticket. In aid of Christian Aid Week.

Messy Church at Sandiacre Methodist Church, Butt Street on Saturday 27th May 4 – 5.30pm will be exploring Feeding the Hungry. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Digging deeper into the Bible

F

or just over a year, Queen Street Baptist Church has been running series of Bible teaching classes, for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the Bible.

These classes take place on Tuesday evenings during school terms, and are led by pastor Michael Hooton; they offer teaching on Bible books and biblical theology; and they are free.

These classes have been very warmly received, and a number of people from Ilkeston and Derby come regularly. Anyone is welcome to come along to the next “halfterm” in 2017.

Apologies that this is a shorter “half-term” than usual. Michael is away for ten days shortly after Easter, so we’ll have just a series of four weeks through May, as set out here.

Tuesday 2 May: The tradition of the “scribes” from Ezra onwards – Ezra and the beginning of the tradition of biblical preaching (Nehemiah 8*) Tuesday 9 May: The principle and the practice of forgiveness Tuesday 16 May: The “hymn of Christ” (Philippians 2:6-11*) – what does it tell us about Jesus, and about ourselves?

Tuesday 23 May: What will heaven be like?

(Revelation, chapters 21 and 22*) *For sessions about Bible passages or books, it is strongly recommended that you read through them before the classes People are welcome simply to turn up. If you have questions about these classes, please contact Michael Hooton on (0115) 9193559, or by emailing michaeljhooton@yahoo.com

The Diary of a Vicarage Cat Dear Diary, I’m not sure why, it’s not Christmas or even Easter, but for some strange reason greetings cards have started to appear on the mantelpiece, with pictures and words, saying ‘Happy Birthday’.

What is a birthday? I’ve been told it’s a date on a calendar that shows you how old you are getting, but I don’t know my birth date but I think I’m getting older. I know this because, unlike that new little ginger kitten that has joined my home; I can’t run as fast as I could, and climbing trees makes my legs hurt, and falling out of them makes all of me hurt far more than it used to.

That kitten is such a pain, he doesn’t wait nicely for his food, he pushes straight past me and then wolfs his food down without chewing it – I doubt if he even takes time to recognise the flavour. And he always wants to play, I’m minding my own business watching the pigeons, and he jumps on me, well I just hiss at him, I don’t want any of his playful spirit around me when I’m in hunting mode, and you know what else – he just runs at the pigeons and they all fly off, I’m never going to get to wrestle a pigeon again with him an-

noying me all the time, he just doesn’t know what good manners are or what ‘cat etiquette’ is either.

He doesn’t appreciate proper cat toys – a piece of string, in my opinion is still the best cat toy by miles, the more chewed and dirtier it is, the better. But that’s not good enough for the ginger kitten, oh no, his favourite toy was a present from his sister – Kitkat – who lives next door, she gave him a fluffy sparkly orange ball, which he loves chasing around the hall, knocking into me when he’s not looking where he’s going.

Back to birthdays, gosh I do seem to get distracted and wander of the point a lot these days. I know the day they came to the rescue centre I was living at and brought me home – that’s my brought day. If I don’t have a birthday do I stay the same age? What is it that makes me older, I wonder? Anyhow understanding whatever it is that defines us as getting older will have to wait, as she’s just put up lots more cards on the mantelpiece and I feel the urge to strut my stuff and knock them all down, which she obviously enjoys as she replaces them there again a few minutes later, so I can do it again and again – such fun!

Bye for now – Florence

until they become debt free.

Ian Robertson said: “We hope over the next few years to help countless local people and families, regardless of their age, gender, faith or background, to put their debt nightmares behind them and start a new life.”

Weighed down by debt?

Call free on 0800 328 0006.

T

he Knitted Bible exhibition at St John’s Church was very well received last month.

There were 256 knitted characters in the scenes. As an added bit of fun, some of the crowd figures were made to resemble real life members of the congregation, which they found amusing.

Over 150 people visited including a party from Field House Infant School. They had learnt a lot of the stories at school and enjoyed looking at the knitted versions.

Organiser Diana Mckeown said, “Although only 5-6 years old, they had remembered many of the details of the stories and also knew about the Bible and the church itself.

They were able to identify church items like the pulpit, the font and the lectern. They rounded off their visit by singing "In my hand I have a book. The Book is called the Bible.

“Over the three days we had visitors from Ilkeston, Stanley, West Hallam, Derby, Codnor, Wollaton, Sheffield, Northumberland, Sutton Coldfield, Leicester and Wilmslow in Cheshire. The first visitor through the door was impressed with the exhibition and said that she had 'never seen anything like it'.

A steady flow of people followed over the three days of operation and there was a continuing feeling of companionship. Many people commented on the variety in the different characters and particularly liked Joseph and his angry brothers.

“New visitors, old friends, neighbours and St John's regulars all mixed to appreciate the Bible stories told in the little knitted figures.

It was really interesting to chat to visitors

who are also knitters. We were helped of course by excellent weather over the three days. This would have helped the turn out and, inside the church, the sun glowed through the windows and hand-painted backdrops and lit up the miniature scenes.

Overall the event made a happy and meaningful way to move towards Easter.

“Future plans for the exhibition haven't been finalised but there are ideas for using the figures with schools and it is definitely going on loan to St Bartholomew's Church in Wilmslow next year.”

The Good Shepherd

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

here Saturday 13th May: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4 - 5.30pm Saturday 27th May: Sandiacre Methodist, Butt St. 4—5.30pm Saturday 3rd June: Ilkeston URC (Green Spire) 4 - 5.30pm If you like Messy Church, how about trying the Toddlers Service at the Green Spire church (URC). It’s upstairs (entry from Wharncliffe Road). The next two are Friday 5th May, 10 am and Friday 2nd June, 10am. It’s like Messy Church but only half an hour and specially for families with very young children. Drinks, biscuits and toys to follow.

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

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

7

A Chair for a Bear

Your Space

A short story by Ilkeston writer Ann Hooker

M

rs H collected bears. Bears were everywhere in the house, they all had names. There was Polo, Jingle, Wendy, Harry, Gordon, William, Patsy, Pete, Pam and lots more. Mrs H knew them all. She kept a Bear Register!

“Oh No!” Mr H would say every time Mrs H came home with another bear, “We have no room for more bears.”

“I’ll find somewhere,” she would reply. But it was getting very difficult because the bears were everywhere!

On the shelves, on the piano, on the sideboard, on the settee, on the floor, in the bedroom, in the kitchen everywhere!

One day when Mr H came home from work he went to sit down in his favourite armchair to read the paper.

“Oh No! What’s this?” he said.

Sitting in his chair was a big brown bear!

“Oh, that’s Cornelius,” said Mrs H. “I’ve just bought him from the

charity shop. Isn’t he lovely?”

“No! And he is NOT sitting in my chair!” replied Mr H as he picked Cornelius up and dumped him on the floor.

“Oh poor Cornelius, he needs a chair,” said Mrs H rushing to pick Cornelius up. She gave him a hug.

“A chair for a bear! That’s what we need.”

“No we don’t,” muttered Mr H, but Mrs H and the bears were not listening.

Cornelius was put on the back of the settee. He really was too big to go there and Pam bear sitting next to him was rather squashed. “It’s only for a little while Pam.” Mrs H said comfortingly. “Bear up!” and laughed. Pam tried to laugh too but it is difficult to laugh when you are being squashed!

Next day Mrs H began her search for a chair for a bear. She went to the charity shop. No chairs bear size, only large ones for people.

She went to boot fairs. No chairs bear size only little chairs for doll’s houses.

She looked in the window of the furniture shop. They had small chairs but they were far too expensive for Mrs. H. She asked all her friends. Mrs P had

an old high chair, but it wasn’t really suitable. Mrs H thought Cornelius wouldn’t want to be considered a baby, not even a baby bear because he looked quite grown up.

Oh where, oh where could she find a chair for a bear?

Mr H had a friend who was the Caretaker at Tavistock Infant school. His name was Mr T. One day Mr T told Mr H that the school had some new blue chairs and he had a few old broken ones to throw away. Mrs H was making them a cup of tea. Well! She nearly dropped the teapot! An infant school chair would be just the thing!

“Mr T,” she called out from the kitchen, “Could I possibly have one for Cornelius?”

Mr T looked puzzled, “Who’s Cornelius?” He asked Mr H. “One of the wife’s bears.” Mr H replied looking a little embarrassed.

“Oh” said Mr T, “I’ll have a look and see if I can fine one with four legs. It will need four legs if it is to be sat on!”

“Thank you, Mr T” said Mrs H smiling. She was so happy. She went to tell Cornelius that a chair had been found for him at last, or at least she hoped it had. Pam hoped it

had too as she was still feeling very squashed.

The following week when Mr T called in for a cup of tea, he brought with him a CHAIR! Mrs H saw at once that it was a chair for a bear! But oh dear what a bad state it was in; the back of the chair was all scratched, the seat had lost it’s colour and was very dirty with pencil scribble and paint marks.

“Thank you Mr T,” Mrs H said trying to sound pleased (she didn’t think Cornelius would like it).

“Just give it a good wash and it will be alright. It’s the best I could find and it does have four legs so Cornelius can sit on it.” Mr T said with a smile.

Later that evening Mrs H scrubbed and scrubbed the chair. It did look a little better. When Mr H saw it he said “All that wants is a coat of paint!”

“Mr H you are clever,” said Mrs H giving him a hug. Mr H smiled; he loved Mrs H very much. He took the chair to his shed.

Three days went by. Everyday Mrs H asked “Is the chair ready yet?” and everyday Mr H said “Not yet!”

On the fourth day Mr H said “You had better get Cornelius and I’ll get the chair”. Mrs H rushed into the living room saying “Come along

Skeleton shoes

The day my mother died

With skeletons on my shoes, Through these streets I roam.

Listening out for the vocal cries, That echo from broken homes.

All the shattered glass, Embedded deep into my soul, As I pray for the sun, To shine on my aching bones.

And the anguished voices, From these drunken mouths, No inner realisation, What the arguments about.

Now hanging in the parks, The youths are smoking Spice, All catatonic stares, From their dead fish eyes.

Outside the pubs, The smokers talk and stand, The heavy duty drinkers, The nine-thirty am gang.

And as the nightfall arrives, Bringing its darkest hues, These streets seem uneven, Walking in skeleton shoes. © Steven Michael Pape 2017

for our sins– let us praise him!

April 26th 2016 was the most heartbreaking day of all In the early hours of the morning, I got the dreadful call As I got the call from my brother I rushed to the hospital to see my mother I wanted to wake her for I thought she was asleep But the angels had taken her to heaven to keep The biggest heartbreak of all, I never said goodbye You were gone before I knew it to the castle in the sky God seen the road was getting tough, when a cure was not to be He said “Maureen take my hand and walk this way with me” I was not there to hear your last breath, even to hold your hand, But God carried you like a poem, Footprints in the Sand.

God seen you getting tired, so an angel he did send You were more than a mother to me, you was my special friend You died at the age of 73, when you should have been your best God seen your pains and suffering and said you need some rest I wish I had told you I loved you, and how much you meant to me If I could walk to heaven, I would come and set you free I think of you a lot, you’re always in my prayers I know you’re looking down on me, in fact you’re everywhere No one will ever know quite how I feel inside, And on the day you left me, you weren’t the only one who died.

If you still have your mother, please cherish her with care, Because it only really hits you, when you turn and she’s not there You have always been there mum, and you loved me to the end So with all my heart and soul, I love you too, my mum, my friend.

Lisa Lowe

Tina Blyton

Easter acrostic Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross Everyone watched him slowly die Some scoffed, some stayed silent Under the darkening sky Son of God laid down his life Is it the end?

Surely not!

Reality dawns - a new day brings new life Imagine his disciples’ excitement Seeing their Master alive again Even death could erase him Now it is finished - Jesus has paid the price

8 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

Cornelius, your chair is ready!”

“Thank goodness, “thought Pam spreading herself out, “I was really squashed.”

Mrs H lifted Cornelius up and took him into the kitchen.

“Close your eyes” called out Mr H as he came in.

Mrs H laughed “alright” she giggled as she shut her eyes tightly.

She felt Mr H take Cornelius. Then he said “Open your eyes! What do you think?”

Cornelius looked perfect sitting on the chair. The chair looked lovely painted bright red.

“Oh that’s just right,” said Mrs H as she gave Mr H a big kiss. “A chair for a bear!”

Cornelius liked the chair very much and he looks very grand sitting on it. (If you call at Mrs H’s house you will see him sitting on his chair next to Mr H’s armchair.) Later that day Mr T called in. He admired the chair and Cornelius. “You’ve done a good job there Mr H” he said.

Mrs H said “If you can get any more old chairs Mr T can I have them for the bears?”

Mr H groaned “Oh no!”

But Mrs H and the bears were not listening!

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 ilkestonlife@gmail.com. Alternatively, drop in/ post to The Editor, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8AH.

Shush How quiet the hour when nature sleeps How still the air as winter creeps October dews laid down by mists on Daisy petals fairy kissed How quiet the hour when morning creeps How still the dawn as autumn seeps October mists first cold and grey Now golden lighted greet the day How quiet the rays that light the dews How soft the scents of evening hues October days are summer’s last and Stalky fields are harvests past How quiet the still before the storm Thunder clouds have yet to form Soon all will die from icy blast And autumn days will see their last

Sandy

scream but was silenced by soft but gentle lips on hers. She tried to break free but the gentle embrace and the warmth of the kiss had dulled her senses.

When she came to she was alone, the rain had stopped and the wind had died down.

Was what happened a figment of her imagination? But then she remembered the strong but gentle embrace and the soft, warm kiss.

She mused: could this happen again?

Tomorrow maybe, she thought, as she left the shop doorway into the start of a new day.

She continued her walk with a spring in her step.

G Cooper

Easter thoughts

Jesus what would it be like today If ‘they’ condemned you?

It wouldn’t be so bloody, Soldiers tormenting you.

It had been her habit for the last three years. There would be letters in the press, This young and fairly attractive lady began News reporters, the police would come her regular very early walk along the sea In the night, beating on your door, front. Would today be the same as the rest, Shouting. she wondered. Little did she know that toYour apostles would have banners day would be very different.

And parade outside the court: ‘Jesus is innocent. Let him go.’

All of a sudden the wind got wilder and it started to rain heavily. She decided to take No cross to carry, no ugly crown. shelter in one of the shop doorways. She had Barristers with portfolios, not been there long when she sensed she was A spokesman for the media. not alone.

A jury to try you, not Herod or Pilate, Before she could move she was embraced by Twelve good men and true. No Judas. a pair of strong but gentle arms. She tried to But what of the evidence?

Imagination?

You, Jesus, preaching Love thy neighbor, Turn the other cheek, have faith in God. It’s not allowed in Britain today.

Free speech is condemned so they would lock you up!

No courtyard, no whips, no mockery, No dicing for your clothes.

Prison is like a palace now.

You would be warm and fed.

You wouldn’t be there for long.

Your lawyers would see to that.

It’s human rights—they would set you free.

But how would heaven’s gate Be opened for all humanity?

P A Hooker

Shush How quiet the hour when nature sleeps How still the air as winter creeps October dews laid down by mists on Daisy petals fairy kissed How quiet the hour when morning creeps How still the dawn as autumn seeps October mists first cold and grey Now golden lighted greet the day How quiet the rays that light the dews How soft the scents of evening hues October days are summer’s last and Stalky fields are harvests past How quiet the still before the storm Thunder clouds have yet to form Soon all will die from icy blast And autumn days will see their last

Sandy

The blackbird

The lawn was damp with the morning dew When the blackbird arrived for the worms that where few With his concentration and glaring eyes He ran the lawn from side to side Stirring up the worms with the movement of his feet Waiting to strike with that golden yellow beak His patience and cunning was starting to work Pulling out the worms with sometimes a jerk With his beak filled with worms he could hold no more Flew back to his nest where his chicks shouted more!

Thomas Hosker

A Prickly Dilemma

I came home one evening And to my great surprise A Hedgehog sat upon my mat Just couldn't believe my eyes What does he want, I wondered I made a trail of slugs Whilst gathering more, he disappeared Must have had his fill of bugs Went out with a torch to look for him But of Omni there was no sight I bought a tin of dog food It was eaten to my delight It was just by chance I found his den A plastic bag he had for a door And surrounded by grass cuttings I called him Omnivore Because he'd ate all l offered Dog food, cat food and chicken Hedgehog food from the pet shop He would have said it's finger-lickin I brought offerings of dried leaves Straw and protection from the cats Made sure that there was water And cut up old mats Autumn turned to winter Activity had ceased He slept away the cold dark days Until he was released,

One bright and sunny morning I was hanging out the clothes I heard some grunts and squeals At Omni's den, I froze I started to put out food and drink A week or two went by Took a peek around the barrier To see what I could spy In amazement at what I saw Hedgehogs, One and two and three And yet another, Four!

Omni was a She, not He To pick them up I didn't try Henrietta could dessert them So, I doubled up on food and drink In that small space, it was mayhem One dark night they wandered off I just shed a tear And I wondered Would one of them come back next year.

Mary C Taylor

Hunting for Easter eggs “Not again,” wailed Gary, “we did it last year and I didn’t like it then!”

“That’s enough,” shouted his mother.

“You don’t mind Santa Claus coming every year, do you?”

“Well that’s different”, said Gary crossly.

“Any way you are twenty two now, and I must admit I am running out of places to hide the eggs. It is only meant for children after all” “You never seemed to find any and when I go to look, they seem to have disappeared and I could not remember where I had hidden them.”

“So ok we won’t do it any more.”

Old Mr Pilkington was leaning over the garden fence, listening very carefully to the conversation next door.

“Darn it,” he muttered to himself as he shuffled back into his kitchen aiming a spiteful kick at the cat.

“No more Easter Eggs for me then!”

Doris Innes

Little boy on a bike

March 2017 I was walking up my street the other day when I saw a little boy coming towards me on a bike.

“Be careful of the old lady!” he shouted in his clear voice.

I turned round to look for the old lady, but there was only me.

Pardon me, while I polish up my wheelchair, so I can give him a run for his money.

Bless his cotton socks, as my mum would have said. I thought this was very funny.

Patricia Spencer

Erin One August morning just before dawn A new arrival was about to be born The waiting and wondering was all over now As she took her first breath and cried out aloud Our beautiful granddaughter lay there in full view All smooth and pink smelling brand new With her blue eyes and blonde curly hair We felt so proud her lying there Becoming a grandparent in later years Bought emotion feeling and pride with our tears That miracle of nature had bought her to us For friends and family to cherish and love.

Thomas Hosker Ilkeston Life, May 2017

9

Tell me about it...

A problem shared with Melanie

E

xam season is nearly here and it can be a horrible time for everyone in the household. Your youngster might feel immense pressure which could result in being snappy, stressed, or withdrawing for a while. Be there for them when they need you, make sure they eat, sleep, revise, take time out, repeat.

Dear Melanie My daughter keeps saying she is stressed about her GCSEs, I’ve googled some advice but she doesn’t listen to me.

It’s great that your daughter has told you how she’s feeling and you want to help her, however as with most teenagers she may or not choose to listen to you.

How about you get another relative (who she really likes) to talk to her about coping or print off the advice and stick it up in her bedroom/place a copy in her school bag. Radio 1 is brilliant around exam time too, turn it on in the car and remember school will have provided her with some great tips so she will already know how she can help herself.

Dear Melanie My daughter has had her revision plan for months now but I think she’s spending too much time revising. It’s all she’s doing at the minute.

It can be all consuming for some. Get her to review her plan and add time in for the other important stuff e.g. a good night’s sleep. At least 8 hours with another 30 minutes to wind down beforehand. Another hour for exercise and time to see her friends.

Talk to her about getting a balance and explain that time away helps her absorb what she’s revised.

Eek... exams!

Dear Melanie My son is lovely but is not very good at school work and he won’t do well at his exams. What if he does rubbish at all of them?

Disappointing grades have a big impact on our confidence but a lot of that is because we measure ourselves against everyone else. I always think it’s better to be honest and have realistic expectations, which it sounds like you both have.

It could be that your son will thrive in a totally different environment, maybe learning a skill or being hands on.

Don’t force him to do re-sits unless he really wants to and knows it will make a difference. Being academic is only a small part of what makes us unique.

Exams are important but remember they are not the only key to a successful future. ave you identified with this H month’s topic? Have you a comment to make or a question to ask? Is

there a subject you would like to see discussed on this page? You can remain anonymous!

Write to Tell me about it, Ilkeston Life, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston DE7 8AH or email ilkestonlife@gmail.com and we’ll pass on your letter to Melanie, who is a locally based trained counsellor and hypnotherapist. www.ilkestonhypnotherapy.co.uk

The Easter Bunny visited the Cedars and Larches care homes last month, giving out Easter eggs to everyone there.

Schools show off their moves M

ore than 200 children from across the borough showed off their dance moves at a festival organised by Erewash School Sport Partnership.

Pupils from Ashbrook Junior School, Chaucer Junior, Cotmanhay Junior, Firfield Primary, Mapperley Primary, Risley Primary, Scargill Primary, Shardlow Primary and Stanley St Andrew’s all took part.

The dance festival took place at Friesland School in Sandiacre and Friesland students opened the event with a street dance entitled ‘The Age of the Phone’. Three Alevel students from Friesland closed the show with a piece that aimed to help them focus on their technical and expressive skills.

Faith Dyer, class teacher and PE co-ordinator from Ashbrook Junior School, said her pupils had been extremely excited to take part.

She said: “I brought 21 children and they did a stone age themed dance which links in with the topic they have just done in lessons. They put all of their learning into the dance and they’ve really enjoyed preparing for the festival.”

Hayley York, transition liaison at Friesland School, worked with Ashbrook Junior and Risley Junior on their performances ahead of the festival.

She said: “I worked with each school for three weeks and their dances have linked in to topics that they have been studying. It’s been all inclusive so every child has been given the chance to join in even if they couldn’t perform at the festival.

They’ve absolutely loved it.”

Rhian Lilley, Erewash School Sport Partnership development manager, thanked everyone for taking part.

She said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for pupils from across the borough to take part in a dance festival. The standard of the dances improves every year and we were all extremely impressed. It was great to

see so many schools represented and in terms of numbers taking part this is the biggest dance festival we have held. We would like to thank all of the children for their hard work and the staff who supported them and accompanied them to the event.”

Pictured (t-b): Cotmanhay, Friesland and Scargill schools.

Call in for details

10

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

Call in for details

Gardening ambassador George’s blog about his visit to Chaucer School When I was first asked to be an RHS Ambassador by the RHS boss, Sue Biggs, I asked her what I would have to do.

Sue said it would be about inspiring more kids to get involved in gardening by perhaps visiting schools and on Monday I did just that, when I went to see Chaucer Junior School’s Garden, organised and ran by Kerry Wheatley.

We set off early on our 2 hour journey to Chaucer Junior School through the beautiful Peak District. When we arrived we were greeted with open arms by Kerry’s husband, Derek and instantly we felt welcomed. After meeting the headmistress, Anna Upton and other visitors, including local sculptor Rachel Carter and school governor James Dawson, I was whisked off for press photos amongst the delightful daffodils with Kerry.

You can read what the Ilkeston Advertiser had to say about the visit here Then a group of kids gathered enthusiastically, eager to ask questions. I told them who I was and a bit about what I’ve done as an RHS Ambassador. After that, I got a few pictures with the kids and they showed me their amazing garden. Their garden was packed full of flowers; what really impressed me was that they used every bit of space to fill it with plants and other bird and wildlife friendly materials.

As the kids left for their well earned break, Carmen and Korben stayed with me as they were going to help me plant some veg. First we planted some (Pentland Crowns) spuds that had been chitting in the greenhouse, then we planted loads of Red Baron onions. I also had a sneak peak of their Bug Hotel design that they have entered in the RHS Chatsworth competition – good luck with that guys!

Next, I went to a Year 4 class so they could ask me some questions. As I entered the class they all started clapping and one kid called Kieran looked very excited and later told me he

loved nature and animals too. Miss Oldnall’s class had already wrote some fantastic questions on a flipchart and some were quite difficult to answer !

Gardener’s Question Time Katie asked – When did you first start gardening? A. When I was 4 Oscar asked – How many years have you been gardening? A. 7 years Layton asked – Do you think you have inspired people to go gardening?

A. Yes I think so; people tell me all the time on my blog that I have inspired them to get out and garden Mace asked – What is your favourite plant? A. It’s a Japanese Maple Bonsai !

Alfie asked – What did the Queen say to you? A. She spoke in a really posh voice and said, “are these for me?” and “which of these came from your

garden” Erin asked – Who supported you the most?

A. My Mum and Dad and the RHS Kieran asked – How was it appearing on The One Show? A. It was really busy, with people running about all the time and the studio was really small. I went in the Green Room and it literally is a Green Room!

Keegan asked – Who is the nicest celebrity you have met? A.The 3 Blue Peter presenters – Lindsey, Barney and Radzi defo. I’ve also met Mary Berry, which made my Mum speechless!

Alivia asked – How does our school garden compare to your school garden? A. Well now I’m at High

School, we haven’t got an official school garden as such, so I’d say yours (Chaucer) is the best!

Holly asked – What is the best thing about being an RHS Young School Gardener of the Year? A. The way people treat me, it’s really nice Kieran asked – I’ve bought my Mum some radish and tomato seeds for Mother’s Day, what advice have you got? A. Well I’m not sure about radish, but have a look at the RHS web-

site for advice, as for tomatoes they need to be left in a warm place, ideally a greenhouse with plenty of sun and water. I live in Manchester and have never had much success!

Miss Oldnall said – So who has a garden or allotment at home and who has been inspired by George today to give gardening a go? A. Thankfully a lot of the kids put their hands up !!!

Then I got a few pictures with the whole class and unfortunately it was time for me to go, but Kieran still stuck beside me and asked if I could stay longer – I wish I could have done, but I had to go over to Trowell Garden Centre.

As I’ve said this was my first ‘official’ school visit as an RHS Ambassador and I’m so glad I chose to go to Chaucer Junior School. All the staff and pupils made me feel so special and welcome. But the biggest thanks needs to go to Kerry and Derek, they are such lovely people and Kerry works so hard alongside the kids to make the garden so impressive.

Keep up the good work !!!

George Hassall

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

11

Ward Recycling supports disability sailing

MAPPERLEY VILLAGE 750th ROYAL CHARTER CELEBRATIONS Bank Holiday Monday 29th May 12 noon – 4pm Events and stalls in and around The Old Black Horse and in Holy Trinity Church.

The event will be opened at 12 noon by Bill Skinner who was the Secretary/Treasurer at the 700th Celebrations in 1967. We hope many of you who came then will visit us again.

To entertain you and the children we have Sparks Performers (stilt walkers and fire sticks) during the afternoon, Kris Katchit Jester, Pigeon Pie Band, Maypole Dancing by the children, Bouncy Castle, Children’s Ride, Stocks (volunteer on the day!) Whacka-Rat, Zoe’s Animal Experience which is well worth a visit, Face Painting, Walking Treasure Hunt, Martin and Stella Duo in church, Children’s Cello display , Pony Rides and Scott Cooks music during the afternoon.

There are many stalls of interest in marquees on The Old Black Horse garden and car park and also in church.

Punch Balloons and Sweets, Homemade Cakes, Tombola, Raffle, Numbers Board, Oh Well Betty, Creative Glass Studios, Reeds and Willows, The Fruit & Herb Company, Oakfield Farm Shop, Stella Brookes Paintings, Mimi’s Boutique, Phoenix Cards & Stationery, Candles, Usbourne Books, Jewellery, Pebble Pals, Ugleywood Company, Megan & Friends, Ben’s Den and more.

N

wards undertaking charity events throughout the year in order to raise additional funds for the charity and hope to be able to raise enough money by the summer for the new boats.

Elaine Penhaul, Commodore at Staunton Harold Sailing Club: “We have been strong supporters of RYA Sailability at the Club for over a decade and are delighted to have formed a Trust which we will continue to Staunton Harold Sailing Club in Melbourne work with to make sailing more accessible has been supporting sailing for children and for more people. The £6,000 raised by club young adults with varying types of disabili- members and a raft of local businesses on ties for the last 15 years. Working closely Saturday night, together with Ward Recywith RYA Sailability, the club has increased cling’s £2,000 donation has really set the the number of sessions it provides year-on- Trust off to an excellent start.” She added, “I year, offering a range of sailing and waterwould like to say a very big thank you to bourne activities, from accompanied sailing everyone who worked tirelessly to raise in power boats and training dinghies, to fun such a large sum.” onshore activities including essential knotA special mention should go to sponsors and tying. supporters: Andra Health Physio Needs; The next step has been to create a charity, Purely Sailing; Fine and Country Staunton Harold Sailability Trust and to (Loughborough); Green and Co; Smith

ewly formed charity Staunton Harold Sailability Trust (Staunton Harold ST) has not only secured its first major sponsor, Ward Recycling, but will have enough money to buy its first double handed Hansa dinghy thanks to a £6,000 donation which was raised by Staunton Harold Sailing Club at its Charity Ball recently.

Charity tents will include Royal British Legion and Air Ambulance.

To keep you fed and watered there will be lovely Cream Teas available in Holy Trinity and food and drink inside and outside The Old Black Horse. Hot meat cobs a specialty.

If you would like to join in with the theme then come along in a medieval costume (not compulsory).

To continue into the evening then settle yourself in The Old Black Horse for an evening of entertainment by the band Acoustic Union.

Parking is available at Mapperley Farm (DE7 6BY) which is opposite the Recreation Ground. If approaching Mapperley from West Hallam Crossroads it is on the right just before you reach the centre of the village and if approaching from Mapperley Crossroads it is on the left past the Black Horse Please visit Mapperley History stand for information and to collect a Programme of Events The Committee which consists of representatives from Mapperley History, Mapperley School PTA and Holy Trinity Church very much looks forward to seeing you there.

Email mapperleyhistory@live.com More information about this event and the history surrounding it available on www.mapperleyhistory.com

Elaine Sarson

.

Intrepid boys – David Raines with Aaron and Adam Allwood

12 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

start to raise funds in excess of £20,000 to buy specialist equipment including three Hansa dinghies (super stable dinghies with adapted seats and controls) and hoists so that these children and young adults can ultimately experience the joy of sailing on their own.

Donald Ward, Commercial Manager at the Derbyshire based company Ward Recycling, heard about the charity and immediately pledged his support, providing the charity with its first major sponsor.

He said: “This fantastic local charity really struck a chord with our company. The Staunton Harold Sailing Club have for a long time worked with the charity Umbrella to supports families living in Derby City and Derbyshire to provide a range of exciting activities.

"The drive commitment of the team at Staunton Harold is to be commended as they look to improve their facilities and extend their programme to more people in the Derbyshire area. Getting more children onto the water is valuable to build confidence, selfworth and to give families the chance to spend quality time together.”

Ward has initially donated £2,000 towards safety equipment which includes life jackets, spray tops and bibs for volunteers. The team at Ward have also devoted time to-

Cooper (Derby); Lemon and Lime Interiors; Fab Clinic; Paterson Guest House; Trent Sea Training; David Granger Design; Melbourne Deli; Amalfi White and Hartley Boats.

Thanks also go to East Midlands Community Fund for their £1,000 grant.

Mark Harden, Trustee and Secretary of Staunton Harold ST said: “Sailability can work with kids or adults of any age, however we do need particular resources – specialist boats and hoists – in order to take adults and more severely disabled children out on the reservoir, or to allow for solo sailing.

We currently have a member whose family is part of Staunton Harald Sailing Club, who suffers from brittle bones.

“It is heart breaking as he watches on longingly and cannot sail with his family. It is our ambition to get him on the water this year to join them.”

Staunton Harold Sailing Club has an ongoing objective to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take up the sport of sailing.

To meet this objective, the club has invested significantly in training, volunteers, facilities, and equipment, and as a result, has received a number of major National Awards.

For more information, to volunteer or to support The Staunton Harold Sailability Trust, please visit www.shsc.org.uk or email sailability@shsc.org.uk

Opening of new look reception at hospital

By Patricia Spencer

A

t 3pm, Thursday 20th April I had the pleasure of attending the formal opening of the new main Reception, Smiley’s Café, retail shop and most important of all Stephen’s Memory Corner at the Ilkeston Community Hospital.

None of this would have been possible without the fantastic donation of £40,000 from the parents of Stephen Harrison on his behalf. So I will begin with his story.

Stephen was born on 21st September 1960, the first born for Peter and Linda Harrison. He has one sister, Sharon, who was at the opening today with her proud parents.

Stephen was born with cerebral palsy and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as an adult. Tragically he died from pneumonia in March 2014, aged 53.

Stephen went to school locally and worked as a tap and dye setter at an auto machinists for 17 years. He also held administrative roles with the Inland Revenue and Eastwood & Kimberley Community College.

He had a range of hobbies and interests, principally as a long serving scout leader, decorated for his 15 years of service. He was a big computer fan and was very knowledgeable on all things relating to I.T. He adored photography, owning a number of cameras, which he used when travelling to Scotland, Holland, Austria and Italy on family holidays.

Stephen’s Memory Corner is a way of bringing Stephen back into the community where he is fondly remembered by the staff. This is a communi-

ty to which he gave so much. Hopefully this will ensure that the memory of Stephen will live on in Ilkeston.

His family and friends are very proud that his legacy will become a permanent fixture in the town’s much loved hospital.

His endearing smile was always present and his cheerful disposition made him very popular with other patients and the staff.

Eileen Knight, Chairman and Executive of Ilkeston Community Hospital welcomed everyone to the Charnos Hall.

Mike Perry, President of the League of Friends of Ilkeston Community Hospital started the proceedings by introducing Prem Singh, Chairman of Derbyshire Community Health Services Foundation Trust (DCHS).

Mr Singh thanked everyone for their support on this occasion and welcomed William Tucker, The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire who welcomed Linda and Peter Harrison, Stephen’s parents.

Eileen Knight, Chairman of the League of friends said it had taken about 20 months to get the new tea bar and shop up and running but at times it had seemed like 20 years.

A few of the many volunteers who have been running the tea bar for many years were in the hall and they were thanked for their tireless efforts over such a long period. Not only do they run the tea bar but organise the Summer Fete and Christmas Fair.

Before the proceedings began I had spoken to a few of the volunteers to ask how many years they had been giving their time to the hospital. I

know a lot of the ladies because I was also a volunteer on the tea bar for about ten years.

Jean Turton was a volunteer at the old hospital and worked on the wards there.

I hope she does not mind me saying, she is in her 90s and still as keen as ever.

Phyllis Beardsley will be 90 next birthday and has been working on the tea bar for about 12 years. They both joined after they lost their husbands.

Jean Thomas has also been a member for 32 years and worked at the old hospital.

At around 3.20, everyone was asked to move on to the hospital reception for the actual cutting of the ribbon to open the new café.

The Lord Lieutenant said it was a delight and pleasure to be back in Ilkeston. The last time he was at the hospital was to open the garden, also funded by donations.

He told us he had a fondness for Ilkeston as he had lived in Ilkeston for

a few years and was involved with the Round Table at that time.

He said that Stephen had put great investment into the community with his donation and it was only right he should be remembered with the opening of ‘Stephen’s Memory Corner’.

He also reminded us that this weekend was Scouts weekend and as Stephen was so committed to the movement it was a very fitting time for the opening.

Stephen’s parents then cut the ribbon and the curtain was drawn to reveal the Memory Corner, which they had not seen before. It was a very emotional moment and a few tear were shed.

Mr Singh said he was sure it would have Stephen’s approval as it had made the reception area a calmer place and made it easier for people to navigate their way through. He also said it was great to be able to actually get a parking place close the hospital here at Ilkeston, without having to wait, not to mention a no hassle appointment and check in.

He said he hoped Stephen’s memory would live on in the hospital, and that he would always be remembered by

the people who knew him.

Stephen’s dad thanked every one who helped on the project and said they should all be proud of their commitment and achievements.

He said that communities should look after themselves and Ilkeston should be proud that we have so many volunteers in the town.

Everyone was then asked to go back to the Charnos Hall for refreshments.

I went and checked out the new shop, which is on your left as you enter the Hospital.

It is a good addition to the Tea Bar and sells sweets, crisps, soft drinks, newspapers and greetings cards. I believe they are looking for volunteers to man the new shop, which I think opens from 7am to 4.30pm every day.

When I asked where the photograph of Princess Diana had gone - it has been in the entrance ever since she opened the new hospital - I was told it was still there but not in such a prominent position.

I think she would have been very proud of Stephen today. He was a man after her own heart.

Photos: John Shelton

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

13

David Potter’s

the double of taking a safe Conservative seat on East Devon Council and a day later a Tory place on Sidmouth Town Council. Relations between him and his fellow councillors were not good culminating in him dumping Looking at the local and a load of scrap metal in the middle of the council chambers in payment of national performing arts his Community Charge. scene, past and present National recognition reached its peak in Bootle in 1990 when the M.R.L.P. polled more votes than Dr. David Owen’s rump Social Democrats.

Sutch is said to have fainted with shock when told the result but recovered to offer Owen a coalition. The humiliated former Foreign Secretary refused the invitation and the S.D.P. HELLO FOLKS ! was dissolved.

DAVID POTTER TAKES A WANSutch died by suicide in 1999 but the DER THROUGH THE LOCAL party lives on. Amongst the many AND NATIONAL PERFORMING policies offered to the electorate are ARTS SCENE PAST AND PRE*Grey squirrels will be painted red to SENT aid the species recovery. *National This month sees the Derbyshire debt will be cleared by paying it off County Council elections taking on credit cards. *Puddles deeper than place and I’ve been exploring the 3inches will be marked by yellow Ilkeston link between that and the plastic ducks. *Quitters will be enMonster Raving Loony Party. couraged not to start in the first place When we last left David (Screaming to improve their self esteem. And Lord) Sutch, the self appointed Third *Vehicles will be fitted with bungee Earl of Harrow was in the process of ropes to save fuel on the return journey. severing ties with an investment in pirate radio and about to embark on a And that link with Ilkeston ? whole new phase of his career, nameWell at the last round of D.C.C. elecly politics. tions in May 2013 Whopping Lord The M.R.L.P. was established in Foghole a.k.a. Jonathan Daniel con1983 and contested its first bytested Ilkeston East and secured a election that year in Bermondsey 2.1% share of the poll with 59 votes with Sutch making the first of over after setting himself a target of 2(one 40 appearances as the candidate fund- of them his own). This impressive ed by his singing career. performance was almost certainly down to his pledge to re-designate The Party secured its first seat on traffic wardens as valets and decree Ashburton Town Council in Devon that they would help people to park when Alan “Howling Lord” Hope was elected unopposed and later be- their cars rather than issue tickets to came Mayor of the town. ( a success them. later emulated by Chris “Screwy” The recent death of Chuck Berry Driver on the Isle of Sheppy.) reminded me of the early items that formed the beginning of my record The honour of winning their first collection in the days when “imports” contested election fell to Stuart were, for a time, the only way of Hughes in 1991 when he completed

Music Cor ner

Dancing awards The Kerry Ledger School of Dance Presentation Evening was held at The William Gregg Leisure Centre, Heanor on Saturday 25th March.

100 pupils and 300 friends and family enjoyed a full evening of awards and entertainment The pupils who have passed their examinations and medal tests were awarded certificates from the Association of American Dancing, with many pupils having gained Honours. Senior Dancers received Major Awards and Student Teaching qualifications The dance school also gave special awards to three pupils who have made outstanding effort and commitment to their dancing.

The Junior Award went to 10 year old Caitlin Bell who attends Cotmanhay Junior School.

The Intermediate Award was won

by Charlotte Bird and the Senior Award was received by 18 year old Megan Lynam.

The pupils then performed a variety of routines, showcasing the many different genres of dance, taught at the dance school.

The evening concluded with a raffle in aid of The Africa Humanitarian Crisis which raised £261.00 and a family disco for all to enjoy.

Kerry Ledger

14 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

getting your hands on original recordings from the U.S.A. Labels such as Chess, offering Berry’s original output, were highly prized before later commercial deals made state side productions more widely and easily available. An example was the highly successful London American stable specialising in distributing a multitude of original American labels in the U.K under one banner featuring artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino.

Chess Records were founded in 1950 in Chicago by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess and were prominent in discovering and recording an amazing amount of blues artists who went on to become rock and roll and rhythm and blues legends. Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon, Howling Wolf, Muddy Waters and Ike Turner were but a few of the incredible array of talent associated with the label and when later, thanks to such as the Rolling Stones, John Mayall and Eric Clapton amongst many others, began to popularise real R. and B. in the U.K. Chess and their roster of artists were a rich source of material and inspiration for their British counterparts. If you have any of those original imports in your collection then I’d love to hear about them.

Finally: news of a couple of new open mic. sessions to report but first, a little gripe: Open mics seem to be springing up now all over the place and are rapidly

The Bridge Inn, Cotmanhay becoming the new “folk clubs” and nowt wrong with that. BUT many of these venues just don’t need amplification and all the attendant faffing around involved between spots when they have perfectly good acoustics already. Granted if the venue is somewhat larger than the average room or that’s the wish of a main guest who’s stint is somewhat longer than the usual 2/3 numbers then OK I see the point. However in my experience the inevitable break for adjustments does nothing for rapport and continuity especially if, dare I say it, the quality of some systems are not all that great in the first place. Furthermore, an over amplified sound often equals a less than attentive audience during performance. Rant over.

Now that’s off my chest, I do think it’s great that open mics are providing performance and experience opportunities for a whole new generation and, speaking as an old folkie, it’s good to see that.

My very first(unamplified) solo performance was at the Log Cabin Folk club alongside the Royal Oak on Main Road Watnall in 1966 and a series of Open Mics. are now underway at the very same place on the first Monday in every month.

7.00p.m. start. More inf. on 07774 858999 Closer to home Sue Woollard and Rob Gibson are the hosts at an Open Mic. held on the first and third Sundays in each month at the Bridge Inn, Bridge Street Cotmanhay which gets underway at 5.00 p.m. and is usually followed by an informal singaround session. One point Sue’s asked me to mention here: because of space, bands can’t be accommodated.

(Solo’s and duos very welcome.)

Nice to report on two new venues and please let me know of any others, or events, you’d like me to give a mention Email: davidilkeston@gmail.com Tel: 0797 1899 704

ed the grounds of All Saints Church and the ex Miners Playing field in the centre of the village now in Trust to the Stanley & Stanley I have learnt that for the Annual Common Parish Council. There are Bomber Memorial on 1st July that Every house in Stanley Common pluses and minuses for both possiwe have been allocated the BoBMF Dakota subject to the normal opera- had a A5 Flyer explaining the pro- ble sites but the SCWMG is open to posal to have an Outside War Me- other suggestions. If the original tional conditions. morial in Stanley Common. Most planned date of, November 2018 is This is the 75th Anniversary of the feedback was positive but one or to be met the group really needs an plane’s loss and I have been adtwo did have concerns, thus the early decision on site to proceed vised that approximately 30 of the SCWMG organised a Pollat the with other necessary work like perrelatives of the crew will be attend- Scout Hut on Tues 11th April (as mission from the land owner, planing. advised on the flyers.) ning permission, fund raising and I will not know the time until the Given that there are 700 properties- applying for first two weeks of June. the voting attendance was very dis- grants.

This year the Memorial Service is Terry Hall (Non-voting Member) in conjunction with the Stanley FROM On behalf of SCWMG Gala, thus the flyover will be over YOU the Playing Field, adding to the attractions there.

TO US Charnos fire date Parking is being arranged on a local Michael Draper’s memory of the farmer’s field (nominal £1 to chariCharnos fire is better than mine. ty) with a park and ride community appointingly low. However, it was More research has disclosed that transport bus back and forwards if conducted on National Polling the fire took place in 1945. It alLines and witnessed by Parishion- most gutted the top floor and serirequired. ers and others with the seal being ously damaged the machinery inThe Programme will be: broken on the voting box, indestalled on the ground floor.

11:00 hrs: Service of Remempendently counted and rechecked brance in St Andrews Churchyard with the final figures of 35 Yes and With the help of servicemen who had just returned from the War, and 13 No. 12:30 hrs: Stanley Village Comthe great encouragement of Charles munity Hall Association Gala Pro- As every individual household was Noskwith, the factory soon returned cession (Derby Road and Station invited to vote the majority is clear- to full production.

Road will be temporarily closed to ly shown by this result, thus the How nice to hear that Dennis Coltraffic.)

SCWMG will proceed with the lins’ wife Avis worked for 50 years project.

13:30 hrs approx: Stanley Gala at Charnos. He mentioned Harry events and stalls open on Playing The next question is where? and an Harris as a cricketer. Harry was Fields open meeting will be convened one of the best batsmen in the disat 7pm on Tuesday 25th April at the trict. I played with him for Ilkeston I will pass on further details when Bateman's Arms, Belper Rd, Stan- Casuals as a youngster during the known. ley Common to discuss forming a late 1940s.

Terry Hall, Hon. Secretary/ Committee and hopefully agreeing My dad and his six brothers all Treasurer, Derbyshire Submariners on a location. People have suggestworked at Stanton Ironworks for 50

years. I doubt if this could happen nowadays since the large employers have long ceased to exist.

W5795 Wellington Bomber Memorial

Stanley Common War Memorial Group (SCWMG)

Danny Corns

Walked on planks after fire Further to Michael Draper’s comments about the time of the Charnos fire, he is quite right in saying it was in the 1940s.

I started work in the offices at Charnos in December 1945 and this was just after the fire.

I recollect having to walk on planks on the upper floor as the repair work was still ongoing at the time I started.

Margaret Bacon (nee Turner)

Friend search Can you help? I have recently visited my friend in Australia, Pat Doel.

She would very much like to find another school friend: Christine Winfield. She cannot remember her married name. She lived in the Larklands area and was godmother to Pat's daughter in the late sixties or early seventies.

Pat lost contact with her when she emigrated to Australia.

If anyone knows of Christine, please get in touch with me by phone 01566 786803 or email copperkins467@btinternet.com and I will pass your details on to Pat. Olive Derbyshire (nee Moore)

POP IN OR TELEPHONE US AT PAM’S HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON, EAST STREET, ILKESTON—0115 944 2515 A view from a pew Specially written for St John's, Ilkeston after reading John Betjamin’s 'Church Poems'. My thanks and apologies to him.

Christmas, Easter, Whitsun, feasts are special days for flocks and priests.

Christening parties round the font, to join God's family's what they want.

Some come to hear the organ play, to search for God, to kneel and pray.

Drawn to the church by peal of bells, in many houses where God dwells.

Vicars preaching in their cassocks, as congregations kneel on hassocks.

The vergers hand out the hymn books to choirboys with funny looks.

At early mom or Evensong, they come in droves, the many throng.

Kneeling in communion line,

to eat the bread and drink the wine.

Jesus rose up from the dead, from that cross above your head.

God sacrificed his own son, to show the war o’er death is won.

Some only come when they need to use, no matter what their point of views.

FilI your hearts with faith and love and put your trust in God above.

As sermons from the pulpit ring, at harvest time their gifts they bring.

Tell him I know where he's at, and you've been talking to the cat.

Come any time of year or season, no matter why or what the reason.

This was done for all our sakes, Look to find the poor church to help redeem our past mistakes. mouse, All earthly men are full of sin, who lives right there in God's cast out the bad, for good must win. house.

Some don't come unless they must, when ash to ash turns dust to dust.

Derek Wheatley

But a number of items have had to be held over due to pressure on space. These include our popular The Way We Were page, Clare Smith memories and a Trevor Langley restaurant review. They will be back!

We sincerely apologise to people who have sent in items for inclusion and are disappointed to find they are not here this time.

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

15

YOUNG VOICE

Keeping up an Easter tradition

What exactly does hard work look like?

W ORK - even the term seems laborious; it is connoted around feel-

T

ings of stress and never ending hours and work friends that you only put up with.

However due to me trying to live a life of a rock star, my account needed a boost and so I was thrown into the jaws of the work field where I was greeted by the taxman. The summer has been mediocre; each year I promise the next one would be better. I got a summer job, which excited me at first then my excitement decreased as the hours seemed to increase. The only thing that kept me sane was the fact I’ll be leaving in a few weeks, when I looked around and saw mature men tients and staff were deeply grateful Ilkeston Rotarians will push a hospital and happy to receive the gifts and bed up Bath Street, Ilkeston, collecting and women working, I wonder how passionate they were about stacking many of them complimented the two donations on the way. shelves. I’m starting college now, and organizations for their generosity.

Teams from East Midlands Ambulance I’ve been warned continuously about Patients and visitors also commented and Ilkeston Fire Service staff are takthe level of work I have to do to stay on the high standard of care from all ing part throughout the day, comafloat. All the warnings sometimes the staff. mencing at 8.30 am when the first Bed translate as noise and I want to block A small baby-girl who had been taken Push sets off up the hill. Other teams it out, and experience it myself. taking part are the staff at the hospital to the Minor Injuries Unit also reI have a bunch of things to accomplish and the Ilkeston & District Retail Co-op ceived an Easter chick. before I reassume myself into educastaff who have made the League of Bed push tion. 1) Watch a ton of movies. 2) Friends their 2017 charity organizaallow myself space to move into this This year’s Bed-Push is on Saturday, tion. new chapter of my life. I’ve learnt that 29th April, so if you are reading your a promising method to do this is honIlkeston Life early enough, please con- We hope to see you n town. Have a esty. I have to be completely honest few pence in your pockets to put in sider supporting this fund raiser for with myself, even when it hurts. I’ve their bins and buckets. the hospital. always resulted to writing in my diary Mike Perry A number of teams, including the or journal whenever I stumbled across feelings I couldn’t express. Any writer diary-keeper would probably agree DERBYSHIRE ADVOCACY SERVICE or that it’s easier to live within the perimSupporting adults with learning disabilities eters of your prized writing book. I across Derbyshire come to a page filled with emotion and turmoil, and often leave with orWhy not make a one off cash donation to the Derbyder and clarity. I do work hard in order shire Advocacy Service. This is really simple for donato maintain my flow of thought; each tions up to £10. page must exemplify progress in my Just text DASD00 (that’s DASD and two zeros) and the craft. I never want my words to fall amount and send to 70070. heavy on a page, and sometimes it The radio station just for Erewash does when I’m inundated with school Great songs, local news, sport and interviews To find out more about the organisation please work. The work makes me half preListen on 96.8FM and online call 01332 206505. sent, because I’m filled with deadlines and therefore stress lines find comfort on my youthful forehead. I need to Local Govt Elections find balance this time around because USE in the past the work load has stifled Thursday 4th May my creativity. I dream of being a YOUR General Election dreamer - in the simplest terms; howVOTE ever my reality doesn’t necessarily Thursday 8th June allow this. I am in love with the idea

he Ilkeston hospital League of Friends were again keeping up the tradition of distributing Easter Eggs, Easter Chicks and flowers over the Easter holidays with the valued assistance of the Rotary Club of Ilkeston. They brought a smile to the faces of patients who had to spend Easter in hospital.

On Easter Sunday morning, League Chairman Eileen Knight and Refreshment Bar Manager Pat Morley met Rotary Club President Kevin Smith, and Past President Mike Perry in the recently refurbished Main Reception.

A hospital trolley was loaded with flowers, also chocolate eggs each knitted into an Easter Chick by Maureen Clark and friends, members of the League. The flowers and chicks were then presented to each patient, both in the Wards and in the Minor Injuries Unit.

Pictured with staff of the Heanor Ward, are League Chairman Eileen Knight and Rotary Club of Ilkeston President Kevin Smith (far right). Pa-

Children’s Sewing Groups Sewing fun for ages 7 plus

Do You Like To Write?

Have you got a story you would like to tell?

Do you like meeting people?

Then why not come along and meet like minded people in a friendly group waiting to meet you.

We are The Trowell and District Writers.

We meet fortnightly on Mondays at 7.30pm till 9.30pm at 26 Derbyshire Avenue, Trowell, Notts.

We hold our own writing competitions and produce a members' newsletter, including writing tips, hints, articles and news about other competitions and other helpful news.

If you cannot attend regularly we operate an associate membership scheme.

If you are interested please contact us on 0115 932 9568 or 01773 711127 .

We are waiting to hear from you

16 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

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.

of work not feeling like work, because it’s your passion. I recently had a conversation about passion against pride and paper (money). My cousin believed that money has precedence over passion. He mentioned the cycle of despondency being never ending if you don’t earn big bucks. I hope it is not just my naïve youthfulness that deters me from the thought of merely living to get money. I hope it is my ingrained morals to believe that there’s more to life, and the ‘more’ is worth searching for.

My mother is from the mother land and so hard work is virtually innate in her, this didn’t necessarily pass on to me and my siblings though. I think it’s because of the comfort of city life. The world we live in is very distracting, whenever I should be focused on work I instead check Instagram to see what Rihanna is wearing. As I am starting college, my parents understandably have become more inquisitive. They want to know my plans for the future, but I’m not so vocal about my passions because I don’t want to give people the chance to ridicule me. Instead I’ll opt to the conventional profession whenever I’m being bombarded with questions about my future. My mother wants me to be a doctor and my father wants me to be a lawyer. Either I cut myself into two, or follow my dreams which largely differ from their expectations. I understand they want me to be financially stable, but sometimes I believe their trying to live vicariously through me. They’ve separated, but a parallel tone of regret runs in their voices. I’ve always been told to work extra hard so my product will be suffice, as if I were born with a deficiency due to my race. I first rebelled against the idea but soon realised that all the celebrities that I watch so closely worked so hard to get to their position.

They made up their minds one day that they don’t want to live such a mediocre lifestyle; they had a dream and ran with it, no matter what. Ultimately, I can’t live to please others, because some people are just generally unpleased, to some all my hard work and efforts will amount to nothing. So it’s best I channel all my focus and hard work to my own satisfaction and live my life, not just exist.

Naomi Grant

Katie’s Column Hi, my name is Katie, I am 9 years old and I go to Kensington Junior school. Welcome to my latest column!

Easter Eggs The other month I was writing about pancakes, now it’s Easter eggs. Every year, me and some of my friends take it in turns to hold an Easter egg hunt in our gardens. We normally eat enough chocolate to last us forever! My favourite chocolate egg is the Galaxy one.

Treetops Hospice in Risley also hold an Easter Egg Hunt. It was eggcellent! Not only is it lots of fun but also it raises money for a great local cause.

Easter isn’t just about getting Easter eggs, it’s also a time for religious celebration. At Easter I also like spending time with my family and close friends.

Bikes My class has just done Bikeability which means that I can now safely ride my bike on the road and I will be practicing my new skills whenever I get the chance.

YouTube Video of the month This month my favourite YouTube video is a video of Jojo Siwa and Rebecca Zamolo, playing a game called ‘Never have I ever’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1UVYXeXwM8 To play it, you and another player must each have a sheet of paper and on one side you must write ‘NEVER’ and on the other side write ‘I HAVE’’. Get some of your other friends or family members to ask you some random questions and answer them by holding up the sign that reads ‘never have’ or ‘I have’.

Bye for now, Katie

Students at Saint John Houghton CVA take part in BBC School Report

Local Walking Groups —MAY RAMBLES

S

Erewash Ramblers

tudents from Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy explored issues that affect young people when they took on the role of news reporters for the day.

Thirty-one Year 9 students took part in BBC School Report, which gives 11-16 year olds across the UK the chance to make their own news reports for a real audience.

Schools take part in the annual News Day, simultaneously creating video, audio and textbased news reports, publishing them on their school’s website, to which the BBC aims to link.

Students at Saint John Houghton CVA, in Kirk Hallam, decided what issues they would like to cover before carrying out research and either writing stories or creating a report for broadcast.

Both tasks involved interviewing students and teachers and working to a tight deadline with the broadcast students also having to edit the final package.

A range of stories were covered including the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc), the importance of breakfast, how situations at home affect school life, animal cruelty and healthy lifestyles.

The stories were uploaded on to the internet and can be found at http://www.stjohnhoughton.derbyshire.sch.uk/bbc-schoolreport-2017/ Ian Thomson, English teacher at Saint John Houghton CVA, in Kirk Hallam, said everyone had thoroughly enjoyed the day.

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

He said: “The BBC School Report is of great benefit to Year 9 as it encourages them to become independent learners. They have to choose their topic, carry out research and present the story in the form of a BBC report which we uploaded to our school website.

“They learnt so many skills from interviewing to editing videos and teamwork and they really enjoyed the day.”

Student Olivia Cuomo, 14, said: “We looked at how situations in your home life could affect

you at school so it could be to do with mental health, money issues or divorce. We did a lot of research and looked at statistics before interviewing teachers and students. It was really interesting and good fun too.”

Student Mert-Han Harry, 13, said his group explored the issues around the Ebacc.

He said: “We’ve just picked our options so this is relevant for us. The great thing about taking part was being able to take the story in our own direction.”

Where Teddy Boys came for their suits Hickinbottom’s of Ilkeston, was a very good tailors shop that made bespoke suits for men. The shop’s reputation for quality suits and clothes was widespread.

When young men started wearing Edwardian style long brightly coloured coats or black drape coats and tight trousers, Jack Hickinbottom’s was the place to go if you could afford it.

The shop was situated on the corner of Heanor Road and Granby Street where Hamilton’s Schoolwear is now.

Youths and young men would come from as far as Nottingham and Derby to be fitted.

The suits or coats would take four or five weeks to be finally finished with a couple of fittings in between.

He would charge thirty to forty pounds for a fitted suit in the fifties, which was a lot of money when many people were only earning about ten pounds a week.

BEE’S KNEES They were called Teddy Boys, and gave everyone a good laugh in their long brightly coloured coats, tight trousers and thick-soled shoes, that were called brothel-creepers.

The lads thought they looked the bee’s knees and certainly brightened the place up, but they could look very menacing too.

There were often fights, especially outside the Premier Dance Hall, on the corner of Market Street and White Lion Square, where many of Ilkeston’s teenagers, gathered on a Saturday night for the weekly dance.

Painting and narrative by Betty O’Neill Typical Teddy Boy hair styles

Wednesday 3 May. 10.30am. 3½ miles. Awsworth.

Meet at Awsworth Village Hall SK483438. Leaders Margaret and Barry Chapman.

Thursday 4 May. 10.30am. 5 miles. Melbourne and Ticknall. Meet at Melbourne Market Place (SK386253, DE73 8DZ) (parking around village centre). Leader Brian Bennett.

Saturday 6 May. 10.30am. 5 miles. Morley area.

Meet at lay-by beside Cloves Wood on A608 (SK397422, DE7 6DG). Leader Sara Ashmead.

(07811 811802) Monday 8 May. 10.30am. 6 miles. Stanage Edge & Stanage Pole. Meet at The Dale CP, above Hathersage, (SK244829, S32 1BR). Leader Trevor Bamford.

Sunday 14 May. 10.30am. 10 miles. Stanton Moor, Bradford Dale, Alport. Meet at Woodhouse Lane CP, Rowsley (SK257656, DE4 2ED). Leaders Jacqui & Royce Drew.

Wednesday 17 May. 10.30am. 3 - 4 miles. Stanley Village. Meet at the Community Centre SK419408.

Leader Brian Bennett.

Social Wednesday 17 May. 7.30pm. Cheese and wine party. West Hallam Village Hall.

Thursday 18 May. 10.30am. 6½ miles. Bakewell & Ashford in the Water. Meet at Coombs Road CP (P&D), Bakewell (SK220686, DE45 1BU). Leader Marilyn Brown.

Saturday 20 May. 10.30am. 5 miles. Ticknall and Calke. Meet at Ticknall Village Hall CP (free) (SK353240, DE73 7JW). Leader Gordon Thompsell.

Monday 22 May. 10.30am. 7 miles. Ednaston area.

Meet at Heritage Wood CP (free), Hollington Lane, Ednaston. (SK234405, DE6 3AE). Leader Robert Mee. Wednesday 24 May. 10.30am. 3½ miles. Nutbrook Trail. Meet at Straw’s Bridge car park West Hallam SK453412. Leader Sandie Jones.

Sunday 28 May. 10.30am. 8 miles. Sturton-LeSteeple, roadside parking (SK788839, DN22 9 HQ).

Leader John Harrison (07989 651787).

Wednesday 31 May. 10.30am. 3 - 4 miles. West Hallam Area. Meet at car park, West Hallam village centre. Leader Sandie Jones.

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

Thursday 4th May: Club evening at The Poacher, 7.45pm.

Sunday 14th May: Mystery walk with Steve Palmer.

Thursday 18th May: Four-mile evening walk. Park at Morley Hayes lay-by. Leader: Clive Unwin.

Sunday 28th May: No walk.

Long Eaton Rambling Club More about Long Eaton Rambling Club at www.longeatonramblingclub.org.uk or John Aram on o115 849 5813.

Saturday 6th to Saturday 13th May – Club Holiday to Woolacombe, North Devon. Contact Margaret Reid on 0115 9731826 for further details.

Sunday 7th May – Bonsall circular (parking at the lorry park, Bonsall) 8-9 miles. Lunch and pub stop.

Leader: Sean Gallimore. Tel: 07534 625079. Meet THCP 9.00am. Sean will meet you at Bonsall.

Sunday 14th May – Darley Bridge circular (Darley Bridge CP) 8-9 miles. Lunch and pub stop. Leader: Don Merrin. Tel: 0115 9726119. Meet THCP 9.00am.

Thursday 18th May – Ticknall circular (parking at Ticknall Village Hall) 7 miles. Lunch stop. Leader: John Aram Tel: 0115 8495813 or 07970 313395.

Meet WPLC 9.30am.

Sunday 21st May – Millers Dale circular (Millers Dale CP-car parking charge applies) 9.5 miles.

Lunch and pub stop. Leader: Colin Beckett. Tel: 0115 8542545. Meet THCP 9.00am.

Wednesday 24th May – Club Night Summer Fuddle. St John’s Church Hall, College Street, Long Eaton. 7.30pm. Social evening and get together with a Quiz. Please bring some food and/or drink towards the buffet.

Sunday 28th May Bank Holiday - Ogston Reservoir circular. (Woolley CP on west shore) Highoredish area. 9 miles. Lunch and pub stop at Wessington.

Leader: Robert Turton. Tel: 0115 9720623. Meet THCP 9.00am.

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

17

Getting the ‘divi’ The use of tokens by Consumer Co-operatives ILKESTON CO-OP SOCIETY LTD 1 PINT MILK TOKENS—PASTEURISED in RED, STERILISED in YELLOW any readers will have fond memories of the Ilkeston Co-op which was founded in 1887, but who remembers using Co-op tokens? Did you leave plastic tokens on the doorstep in exchange for an early morning delivery of milk?

One of the basic principles of the early Consumer Co-operative movement was the distribution of any surplus to Society members, pro-rata on the basis of how much each member had spent in the store during the year. This was known as the dividend, or ‘divi.

‘Divi’ was rather idiosyncratically defined in the early 20th century by the Inland Revenue as, ‘a return to members of money they had overpaid for their own goods.’ But how was your ‘divi’ calculated?

Who remembers their divi number?

You needed to know it for most of the 20th century to ensure that you received the dividend that you were entitled to. In the 1960s I can still remember giving my mum’s number when I made a purchase at the Co-op and it being keyed in at the top of the cash register before the sale was recorded.

In the mid-late 19th century, however, many Co-ops would give you metal dividend tokens when you made a purchase.

NOTTINGHAM CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY DIVIDEND TOKENS FOR 6d (2½p), 1/- (5p) and £1 They would have on them the value equal to the amount that you had spent, but they had no fixed monetary value themselves. They would only become valuable when the dividend was declared, once or occasionally twice, a year. If you had dividend tokens to the value of £1 and dividend was 2/- (a florin or two shillings) in the £1, then on divi day you could exchange your £1 token for a legal tender 2/- coin. (For those too young to remember 2/- = 10p.)

It was a system fraught with problems and very soon most Co-ops phased out the issue and replaced the metal tokens with the system older readers will still remember.

The first tokens were struck in tin plated iron, copper, brass or zinc and, after the invention of the Hall– Héroult process which made it a cheap and readily available material, aluminium. Later tokens were made in pressed fibre, celluloid, Bakelite and other forms of plastic.

Tokens did not stop just because they were no longer required to pay a dividend.

In the early years of the 20th century several co-ops, that had previously refused to give credit, started to make loans to members. The loan would be handed over in the form of Mutuality or Club tokens, which could be used in the stores to purchase goods, but could not be exchanged for cash. This ensured that

M

18 Ilkeston IlkestonLife, Life,March May 2017 2017

members who took out a loan could only spend it in their Co-op.

BLACKBURN CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY MUTUALITY CLUB TOKEN in blue painted aluminium Another type of token was the one which several of you will remember using, the pre-payment check. These tokens, usually for milk or bread, but sometimes for coal or oil, could be purchased in advance, sometimes at a slight discount. They would then be left on the doorstep to be collected by the delivery man. The use of tokens meant you did not have to risk leaving real money on the doorstep and the delivery man did not have to knock on your door for payment.

LONG EATON CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY WRAPPED loaf aluminium and 1 PINT milk brass STAPLEFORD & SANDIACRE CO-OP SOCIETY ONE LOAF in pressed fibre For 50 years I lived in Nottinghamshire and so have many examples of Greater Nottingham Co-op tokens.

Recently I moved to Ilkeston and can now start to collect the tokens from that Society. I have so far only acquired two milk pre-payment tokens probably dating to the 1970s. If you have any others, or stories of using the tokens, please contact me via this newspaper!

Blackburn Mutuality Club token

Don’t leave it too late!!

by Willy Bells

By Amanda Minshull

Ilkeston milk tokens

Long Eaton loaf token

Long Eaton milk token

Stapleford / Sandiacre loaf token

Nottingham Dividend tokens

Does your child struggle at school? Are they meeting their targets? Are they happy with the grades they are getting? Do they have ADD, ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, MLD, anxiety?

Have they missed some schooling due to illness or house move?

Even the best efforts of the school, TA’s and SENCO’s may not be enough to help your child to keep or catch up with their peers.

I know of one 9 year old who doesn’t know how to multiply, due to his parent’s careers, he has been to school in three different countries and has missed that section of the curriculum in all the schools. Due to the way the curriculum works his teacher hasn’t got time to go back to this section and he doesn’t qualify for SEN help so how will he learn?

Not all children respond well to help from their parents and not all parents have the patience or time to help their children, no matter how much we might wish to, we have too many other things to think about: what’s for tea? When will I get time to wash the pots or do the laundry? What do I need to get done for work tomorrow?

This is where a tutor can help, whether it’s a single lesson to cover a particular topic that has been missed, a longer set of lessons to help with a few topics, regular lessons to help with homework and longer term issues or support for a student who is home educated. A full-time tutor will have the time, patience, knowledge and experience to help your child with any aspect of their education, but even the best

tutor cannot perform miracles...

A child who has struggled for a while will need time to rebuild confidence in their own ability before being able to complete the same work as their peers and may need to go right back to basics. If you know that your child is struggling don’t leave it too late to find help, the few weeks between mock results and GCSE’s may not be enough time for your child to do much to change their results. Early intervention is much more helpful, even as early as Primary School if they are struggling with basic literacy and numeracy as these issues will follow them through their entire education. The Institute of Fiscal Studies in 2013 estimated that a decent grasp of maths by the age of 10 could add 7% to a child’s eventual earning power, this equates to approximately £2100 per year by age 30. http:// www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ personalfinance/9918813/Mathsskills-add-2100-to-your-salary.html There are many types of tutors available and a quick look with any search engine will find various websites to help you find one.

A tutor needs to be experienced, especially if your child has SEN, preferably a teacher or TA. There are full-time teachers who also tutor outside of work but someone who works as a full-time tutor will not have to fit your child around other responsibilities. Tutors don’t need to have a DBS check but you might prefer them to have one. They need to have good knowledge of the syllabus that you wish them to teach your child; there are 5 main GCSE syllabi for each subject so it would be helpful if you know which one your child is studying. There are tutors who come to you, tutors who teach in their own home and those that do a mixture depending on the needs of the student. Most importantly the tutor has to have a good rapport with your child; it is really difficult to spend an hour in the company of someone that you don’t like!

Amanda, former teacher and now full-time tutor at https:// www.facebook.com/a.little.extra.help.1973/

Providing emotional support to families during pregnancy and the first year after birth

Who are Family Action? Family action works with the whole family to help them find solutions to problems, no matter how difficult, so that they become safer, stronger, more optimistic about their future.

Our Perinatal Service is looking for Volunteer Befrienders!!!

Help us make a difference….

Many mums and their families can struggle with low mood and anxiety during pregnancy and baby’s first year and we need volunteers who can offer emotional support and understanding.

Are you...

A good listener? Empathetic? Non-judgmental?

Do you have an understanding of mental health?

Maybe a parent yourself?

Able to give 3 hours a week?

Could you be a volunteer Befriender for our Perinatal Support Service and help support vulnerable and isolated pregnant women and their families in the South Derbyshire area?

Volunteers will be fully trained and will have opportunities for personal and professional development….

For more information contact us: 46-48 Grove Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DD Telephone: 07970 168874 Derbyshire.perinatal@family-action.org.uk

The Friends of Kirk Hallam Lake and Meadows

Lakeside Festival at Kirk Hallam Lake, Godfrey Drive on Sunday 2nd July 2017 from 12 to 4pm setting up from 10.30am

Would you like a stall? esther.collington@ntlworld.com

The Ilkeston Lions

will take place on Saturday 10th June at the Rutland Recreation Ground from 12 - 5.

There will be a parade starting from Belfield Street at 12:30and arriving at the ground about 1:15. On the ground there are lots of stalls and a funfair and in the arena there will be events all through the afternoon.

If you would like a stall or a float in the parade please contact Sue Birch on 0115 944 7737 or email sa.birch@talktalk.net

Family and Personal Announcements

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS ELECTRICAL

DECORATING

BIRTHDAY

Maureen Clark

GARY PILKINGTON ELECTRICAL Fuse Box Upgrades Sockets, Lights, Showers, etc.

18 years with EMEB Part P Registered Free Quotes

Tel. 0115 944 4128 Mob. 07723 016702 Small Jobs Welcome Your Local Electrician

Aka Mamma Mo. Happy 70th birthday on the 24th May to the kindest person we know. We all love you lots.

Love from Bob, Ju and family, Ian and family xxxxx. Happy 70th Birthday also to Auntie Mavis xxxx.

LAND FOR SALE

For Sale

BIRTHDAY MEMORIES

A plot of land for sale In Ripley town centre All enquiries please phone

0115 932 5749 SEWING

STITCH IN TIME

PC/LAPTOP REPAIRS & SUPPLIES

Geoffrey Benson ‘Geof’ 6.5.1937 to 1.3.2012 So many happy memories after a lifetime together, so much love and happiness. Perhaps some of you will remember Geof as a local cricketer. He kept wicket for Ilkeston Excelsior for many years. ‘Happy days.’

We remember you with love every day.

Wife Brenda, daughter Susan, her partner Steve, loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

IN MEMORIAM

Curtains and Upholstery 194293 Leather Sewing— Loose Covers

Chris To my loving wife Chris, three years have now passed since I lost you. 11th May 2014. The pain in my heart gets no easier.

Love you always. Joe xxx

including for boats, motor homes, pubs

Clothes alteration service

07951 066487

Audrey Twell

www.stitchintime07.co.uk

MOTOR SERVICES

Advertise in the

most read local paper

The sun still shines, The rain still pours, The blossom arrives in spring, But you’re not here.

The flowers bloom,.The grass grows, The harvest comes in autumn, But you’re not here.

Life goes on, But my heart still grieves, I miss you loads, Rest in peace my dear friend Audrey. - Mr R Watts.

DEATHS

Darren William Riley CLEANING

New stock coming soon.

Model Ilkeston Life Delivery Truck £7.50 from our office

Passed away 20th March, aged 51 years at Leicester Infirmary. Much loved son of Harold and Pat and brother to Sarah. Deep in our hearts a memory will be kept. Love from family and friends.

Family Announcements must comply with the style and standards of this newspaper. We can help you with your wording. All we ask for your Family Announcement in Ilkeston Life is a suggested donation of £10 or whatever you choose in our money bus on the counter of the U Choose Smoothie Bar, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston.

S

end a birthday greeting Thank someone Congratulate someone Announce a birth Announce a death Remember a loved one

in your local community paper DEATHS

Joseph Stuart Limb of Scotsdale U.S.A. Formerly of Newdigate Street, Ilkeston. He left England in 1973 for business reasons. Stuart was born March 6th 1943 and died March 24th 2017.

He leaves four sisters, Beryl, Marian, Josie and Janice, and one brother, Tony.

He will be very sadly missed by his extended family in England, which he visited regularly and also his loyal friends in U.S.A. He has gone to join his Mam and Dad who died on 27th and 28th March 1992.

Special thanks to Stuart and Margaret Bennison and Patricia Strong who have been a tremendous comfort and help.

THANKS

Hazel Cooper The family of the late Hazel Cooper of Kirk Hallam, Ilkeston wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to the many friends, neighbours and well wishers who visited our home, attended the service and wake, who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. Thanks also to those who have been in touch, travelled long distances, sent cards or messages of condolences and made charitable donations to the Air Ambulance( @£2000), we are truly grateful.

A special word of thanks to GT Edwards Funeral Services for their help, kindness, support and professionalism. To Rev Christine French for a truly fitting service. Jenny Florist for the beautiful flowers and finally Swancarr Country House for a memorable wake.

It would be impossible to thank everyone individually, but your kindness and contributions have helped make our loss more bearable.

Hazel will be missed by all who knew her.

Please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

Brian, Andrea, Helen, Ellie, Hannah and Family.

LOST COMPANION

ELECTRICAL

requires a

SALES PERSON to sell advertising in the paper.

We are looking for someone willing to work on a commission only basis. Applicants should ideally be outgoing, confident, self-motivated and able to work on their own initiative and as part of a team. Creativity and the ability to design adverts would be an advantage, although not essential. If interested, please contact Paul on 07539 808390 or call in at our office, the U Choose Smoothie Bar, 1 Bath Street, Ilkeston.

Eugene

11th April 2017 Today my boy we had to part It left me with a broken heart Fly those wings and be pain free Where at the bridge you wait for me.

My big blue boy Eugene. Gino. Boney Bones. If love could have saved you, you would still be here. Sweet dreams, brave boy - Jane.

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

19

Life in the Garden Hello fellow gardeners…

S

pring is here and nature is waking up. Look out for baby birds, they'll be scurrying around the garden learning how to fly, their parents will be there encouraging them to fly and teaching them what to eat. These baby birds or fledglings are not alone, they are with their family and this is a natural process for them. Every year far too many baby birds are picked up by people who think they are in trouble and that they are helping them.

Please leave them alone. A couple of days and they'll be flying and feeding themselves.

As it begins to warm up hedgehogs are out and about as well.

You can encourage them into your gardens by putting out food for them, this could include a meaty based dog food, but if you prefer to use dry food provide some dried mealworms, suet pellets or sunflower hearts, they love all of these and a bowl of water. Don't forget if you see a hedgehog out during the day it is probably poorly and needs your help. Lesley Robinson

Nordic Walkers celebrate anniversary with a donation to charity

L

ocal Nordic Walking instructor, Rachel Davis, decided to celebrate her 3rd anniversary of teaching in the area, by donating her class fees to charity. She managed to raise £78.90, thanks to the generosity of her regular walkers.

She can be seen presenting a cheque to Michelle Beecroft, the Group Scout Leader at the 2nd Ilkeston Scout Group where she regularly helps out.

FREE Nordic Walking in Erewash For anyone curious about trying Nordic Walking, the team at Midlands Nordic Walking have secured funding from the National Lottery to provide a free session to various groups in the Erewash borough.

Rachel says “Nordic Walking is a great whole body exercise which you can do while enjoying the fresh air and meeting new people. So long as you can walk, you can Nordic walk. It has numerous health benefits including increased calorie burn, improved posture, and is good for mental health and those with osteoporosis.”

If you can get a group of 6-20 friends / colleagues together and would like a FREE group lesson, please contact Rachel to arrange a session. The lesson must take place before the end of June and is open to anybody age 8 or older.

Rachel Davis

20 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

Welcome to May‘s ‘Life in the Garden’ and I hope that you have all had a lovely spring in your garden and that everything is now bursting into leaf and growing at a rapid rate!

In May we look forward to the days being longer and warmer, hopefully with a risk of a frost having passed by the end of the month, and there is plenty to do in the garden, greenhouse and vegetable garden as we leave behind the spring colour we are now greeted with the blooms of early summer.

Here are few job to keep you busy in your garden throughout May. Happy gardening everybody!

Trim lavender plants now, cutting off any old flower heads and about 2.5cm (1 inch) of the current year's growth.

To reduce the spread of forget-menot, lift the plants now to prevent heavy self-seeding.

Prune spring-flowering shrubs after flowering such as Forsythia and Spiraea.

Continue to weed beds and borders to prevent competition for water and nutrients The new shoots of hardy perennials

By Steve Walton

can be used for softwood cuttings.

similarly. The degree of cutting back is specific to each species but the closer to flowering time you The Chelsea Chop! prune, the greater the delay in flowThe Chelsea chop is a pruning ering. method by which you control the growth, size and the flowering sea- Some herbaceous perennials can be son of many herbaceous perennials cut down by as much as half which will help too. that grow in our gardens. This is Make plants not so tall and leggy; usually carried out at the end of they need less staking May, coinciding with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show which is The flowers are smaller but more of where this technique gets its name. them The Chelsea chop is a process that I Clumps of perennials can be literaluse and here are the facts… ly be chopped back by one third to Suitable for late flowering perenni- a half using shears or secateurs.

This will delay the flowering until als; later in the summer and keep plants Carry out at the end of May and shorter and more compact. early June; This is a very useful gardening Plants that respond well to the technique that I have been using for Chelsea chop include: many years and can certainly recAsters ommend it on certain herbaceous Anthemis tinctoria perennials. If you would like any Echinacea purpurea more information on this topic drop me an Helenium email gardenersteve24@live.co.uk Lavender Nepeta TOUR OF TRENT Phlox paniculata COLLEGE ARBORETUM Sedum (upright varieties) MONDAY 26th JUNE 7 - 9pm Solidago.

Join us for a tour of the Trent College arboretum in Long Eaton this Many other summer-and-autumn flowering perennials can be treated summer, If you are interested in

we were shown a series of slides from sowing through to growing and the vegetables produced. The aim is to produce vegetables over a long season t a very well attended March meeting the speaker was Graham and this is achieved with successional sowing and therefore successional Wagstaff who came with his wife, cropping. To start off larger seeds, Jane, to talk about ‘Growing vegetables in containers’. Graham and Jane such as beans and peas, Graham gave are members of the National Vegeta- us a tip which he has found very sucble Society, national vegetable judges cessful for dwarf beans such as Hestia, put 12 seeds and a handful of moist and give talks all over the country compost in a small clear plastic freezer including the Channel Islands. They bag then place this in a warm place for also featured on a BBC2 programme 10 days. Keep an eye on the seeds and in 2016. as soon as they germinate; as the Graham’s talk, ‘Growing Vegetables in white root emerges, sow the germiContainers’, came about in answer to nated seeds taking care not to damage a question asked from someone the root. This method ensures that wanting to know if it was possible to seeds planted grow on with no check grow vegetables without a garden. and stops wasted compost and gaps in Graham decided to give it a try. pots or cell seed trays.

He explained that any container could Finer seeds such as carrots can be be used to grow vegetables but he sown with a pinch of seeds at 1.5cm favoured 5 litre pots filled with good intervals in concentric circles 1.5cm quality compost mixed with a 3 month apart in a round pot. The resulting slow release fertiliser. During the talk

WEST HALLAM AMATEUR GARDENING SOCIETY

A

crop was very good. Graham said he sometimes uses root trainers that are good because there is no root disturbance when planting on. He also suggested growing mini veg varieties and recommended dwarf beans from the TeePee range and baby sweetcorn, Mini-Pop. To grow early potatoes in pots, (it’s not worth growing main crop potatoes), plant one potato in each 5 litre pot, Swift and Lady crystal are recommended. When the plants flower, Graham tips them out and small potatoes can be cropped from the roots the plant is then put back into the pot and watered to grow on for more potatoes to be produced. Several pots sown over a number of weeks can produce servings of new potatoes over several months. To get a good crop of cherry tomatoes grow 2 plants in a 9” hanging basket, feed and water well. Tumbling Tom in both red and yellow varieties are recommended. A

trees then this is an ideal opportunity to visit one of the best arboretums in the East Midlands with several hundred trees belonging to over 200 species and cultivars including over 20 rare species. There is not too much botanical detail so you do not have to be an expert to enjoy the tour! David Pinney leads the group around the attractive spinney’s choosing particular trees to talk about.

Each tour lasts about two hours and cameras are welcome. The cost is £2.50 per person this is a donation towards tree planting in the grounds of a primary school in Kenya.

For more information on this event or to book a place on the tour please contact me Gardener Steve on 07815 597570 or email me at gardenersteve24@live.co.uk Looking forward to seeing you there.

Steve bonus of growing beans in pots is that they can be moved, when in flower, to where bees are working in the garden for improved pollination. Another benefit of growing vegetables such as cabbages in pots is that they can easily be protected with fleece to stop damage by cabbage white fly.

Mixed containers can be attractive as well as productive particularly if varieties with different leaf colours are chosen.

The talk was informative and gave lots of tips and ideas for growing our own vegetables. The final slides showing the veg produced over a season are definitely something to aim for!

The next meeting of the West Hallam Amateur Gardening Society will be at 7.30pm on Monday 15th May at West Hallam Methodist Church, High Lane when Robert Barlow will give a talk on Hostas. Everyone is welcome.

Judy Pittson

Help needed

Pictured from left to right are Sam Davis – young leader, Rachel Davis – Nordic Walking instructor and Cub Scout leader, Michelle Beecroft – Group Scout Leader, Dean Bolton – Cub Scout leader

Calling all Ladies (17 years and beyond).

The 6th Ilkeston Rainbows, Brownies and Guides need you to join them and hopefully become a leader.

We all meet term time on Tuesdays at different points between 5pm and 8.45pm, at St Andrews Methodist Church, Wilmot Street, Ilkeston.

We volunteer to offer girls between the ages of 5 and 16 years a chance to socialise, have fun and learn new skills.

Currently we are struggling with regular leaders. If you are new to or returning to Guiding and would like an opportunity to make a difference, please contact Diane Wadey

on 07724 903189 or at diane.wadey@btinternet.com or via the Girl Guiding website Join us.

We would love to hear from you.

Diane Wadey

ou may not have heard of Fapi Y Mobili. It is a trade-only business importing and exporting mod-

ern and antique furniture between the UK and Italy. It was founded in 1948 by my late grandfather. He had barely finished basic training in the Italian army when he was captured and brought to Loughborough, where he spent the rest of the war.

He settled in so well he decided to stay. After trying various jobs, he founded and developed Fapi Mobili.

To our great loss, he recently passed away. He had come across many interesting items in his long life; we were often allowed to look at these treasures as kids, but never got the chance to examine them closely. Now we have been able to examine them closely we found an Ilkeston connection in one. We always called this the Burnt Book.

It is the remains of a small notebook that had been wrapped in brown paper and hidden in a desk that by my grandfather acquired. Why anyone would have taken such care of a book that had obviously survived attempted destruction is not clear, but what little remains of the contents gave us enough clues to place the recorded scenes in Ilkeston. A lot of the text has been destroyed and much is indecipherable and the story seems unfinished, and this is all we have been able to copy out. Perhaps local readers may be able to fill in some of the gaps. . . . with MB to explore what seems to be a tunnel from the . . . dark and damp, but with a gentle draught that suggests another opening . . . nearly a quarter of a mile . . . several examples of brick walling . . .

MB’s new map takes us half way up BS and shows all the properties above and to the sides of the tunnel. It is

An unusual find by Rollo Fapi fairly easy going and we have just a few hundred yards to clear of rubble and impediments to make a clear walk through. This will make an interesting tourist attraction to rival Nottingham’s caves. We must approach Mr H. with a view to advertising in the RH and the Bath House. ...

We now understand that our tunnel passes in close proximity the basements of several commercial properties, including four banks. This has caused us to think along different lines and to consider that our investments in the project thus far can be redeemed in a single week rather than several years. We will . . . absolute secrecy and . . . plans to move forward . . . essential . . . single Friday night, which will give use two days bef[ore] . . . . . . Bath Street up towards . . . October, when the Charter Fair will be a useful distraction. Expect to find the tunnel will need clearing the nearer we get. The northern entrance in the cellars has been disguised as a bay and the landlord has been squared with a promised share of the proceeds of our “tourist attraction”. We anticipate . . . . . . came across a branch tunnel heading east and down. MR says it looks too dangerous and bringing in props and equipment to make it safe would draw att . . . difficult enough getting in timbers and material for the track and trollies to run down from the top of the Bath Street end to the distribution base. AG’s work has been exemplary and the system works well in practice. Two years’ work will be paid with substantial interest. We are

expecting packaging and transport to the station to take a week and take place during the busiest times of the day to hide in plain sight. Contacts in Sheffield, Chesterfield and Birmingham are prepared . . . . . . careful as we almost broke through to the cellar of . . . cool . . . storage in the . . . clear. Work in short shifts during the day to mask noise of our clearing of the tunnel is still difficult as we have to account for unexplained absences; bringing in more men would jeopardise the undertaking, tho’ we have used some aboveground labour to dispose of spoil without raising suspicion. With . . . playing at soldiers . . . Stanton Ro [ad] . . . Government buying horses and calling for volunteers, getting hold of men has not been . . . not going to wait Christmas when it will all be over . . . . . . [Uni]ted Counties London City London & Smi[th’s] Parrs . . . chance discovered that three safes back on to our tunnel and all that separated us from their interiors were a few courses of bricks. In all cases just a single thickness of bricks remain to be removed, a simple task that should take no more than a few hours with minimal noise. The fair over the weekend will drown out any inadvertent noise coming from our tools. We can then spend Saturday evening and Sunday transporting . . . train to . . .

Morrisons and Sue Ryder Partnership ends on record high The Morrisons ‘Raise a Smile’ partnership with healthcare charity Sue Ryder has come to an end having raised £7.2 million, including over £6,000 from the Ilkeston store.

This huge sum of money, a record total for a Morrisons charity partnership, has helped Sue Ryder provide more incredible end of life care through the expansion of its healthcare and support services into people’s homes and local communities.

The shared vision of the partnership was that everyone should be able to receive the best possible care, in a place of their choice, at the end of their lives; with their families supported every step of the way. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Morrisons colleagues, customers and suppliers, this vision has become a reality for thousands of people across the UK. At Morrisons Ilkeston, funds have been raised by activities including the Ilkeston Lions Carnival, raffles, tombolas, bag packs, the Morrisons Communi-Tea Party and the ‘Morrisons to the Moon’ and ‘Road to Rio’ challenges.

Community Champions Tracy Davidson and Fay Stainsby said: “Raising £7.2 million in just three years is a fantastic achievement and at Ilkeston store we really

showed our dedication to the cause by raising over £6,000 for Sue Ryder. I’d like to thank my colleagues for all their efforts, as well as our customers who supported the partnership. We are incredibly proud to have been involved in a partnership that is making such a lasting difference to thousands of families across the UK.” Across the country, Sue Ryder has provided over 250,000 extra hours of incredible care a year to patients and families thanks to the Raise a Smile partnership; and increased our team of healthcare professionals by more than 100. The partnership has funded new Hospice at Home services, which involves taking the expert care offered within Sue Ryder hospices into people’s own homes, 24 hours a day. Additional community nurse specialists offer practical and emotional support to patients and families in their own homes, while Sue Ryder’s therapy, bereavement support and social work teams have also increased, bringing the charity’s care to thousands more families. Befriending services have been set up, ensuring nobody is left to face illness all alone, while Sue Ryder’s Online Community (www.sueryder.org/ support) is also there to provide support and advice for people coping with loss 24 hours a day.

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

21

Ilkeston bid to exhibit a show garden with an eye catching centrepiece at RHS Chatsworth next year

The Winding Garden A

rtist Rachel Carter and Ilkeston’s Community Champion Kerry Wheatley are submitting plans to create a show garden at the prestigious RHS Chatsworth Flower Show 2018.

The Winding Garden has at its heart a large hand-made cast bronze sculpture as the central feature of the garden, surrounded by rolling hills of British wild flowers.

tickets to RHS Chatsworth 2018; • Plus, a set of limited editions postcard prints.

Corporate Pledge £3000+ • Much gratitude for your support; • Many thank yous on social media as a show garden sponsor; • Your company name and logo featured prominently on our webpage with web link celebrating your donation; The sculpture and garden take inspi- • Featured within the show guide ration from the countryside and in- which includes a full page spread, dustrial heritage of Derbyshire, the including editorial, illustration and birthplace of the artist Rachel sponsor details; Carter, who is also the designer of • Featured within the local and nathe garden. tional press releases; The artists studio is in an old lace • Show garden featured on the RHS making factory in South of the county where the rolling Derbyshire website which includes; full web hills have given way to heavy indus- page including editorial, illustration and link to web page showing list of try. sponsors; This year marks ten years of profes- • Featured within the show garden sional practice for the artist and this leaflet, approx run of 10,000; will be celebrated by donating the entire garden and sculpture to a lo- • A pair of complimentary tickets for cation in Ilkeston, near Shed 2 Stu- one of the RHS Chatsworth show days; dios where the artist practice is • An invite to the unveiling event in based.

Ilkeston; Crowdfunding • Plus, a Bronze Sculpture from the The pair are due to launch a Crowd- artist, mounted on a plinth with brass funding campaign on the 1st May to plaque. allow people to get involved with their project and support their plans. About the Artist Pledgers can choose the level of Rachel Carter creates woven sculpdonation they are comfortable with tural pieces that demand a second and receive a number of rewards as look - and touch - from the viewer. thanks for their contribution.

The organic shapes are not crafted from willow as they appear, but There are several levels for you to get involved, starting as little as £10, using a method with wax the artist has developed to create the swirling, with a range of perks: spherical monuments in Bronze. £10 Pledge Fluid shapes and geometric patterns • A thank you from us on our webfound in nature have been translated site and social media; through her signature swirling • Your name listed on our webpage weave using a range of techniques celebrating your donation; including crochet, basketry and • An invite to the unveiling event in macrame.

The methods the artist once used Ilkeston; with willow are now immortalised £20 Pledge in breath-taking bronze; her unique • A huge thank you from us on our process ensuring that every creation website and social media; is an original, one-off piece.

• Your name listed on our webpage In fact, in 2013 Rachel Carter becelebrating your donation; came the first artist to weave in wax to create bronze sculptures using her • An invite to the unveiling event in wax method. Originally exhibited at Ilkeston; the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the • Plus, entry into our prize draw to first bronze piece can now be seen win a pair of tickets to RHS Chatssitting within the Derwent Valley. worth 2018.

Since then Rachel has been develop£50 Pledge ing the wax weaving method fur• A massive thank you from us on our ther, experimenting with new resistant materials and methods of website and social media; casting—that in some cases have not • Your name listed on our webpage been used for thousands of years— celebrating your donation; to push the craft as far as it can go.

• An invite to the unveiling event in Donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ Ilkeston; the-winding-garden  Entry into our prize draw to win 2

Artist sketch showing the idea for the show garden

22 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

RALEIGH ROUND THE IRON GIANT

T

he Raleigh company has been around for a long time, but not quite as long as the Bennerley Viaduct! The cycle maker started life on Raleigh Street, Nottingham in 1885. It once had a works in Ilkeston and now its main showroom and distribution centre is in Eastwood, just a short bike ride away from the viaduct. What could be more natural than for the cycle giant and the “Iron Giant” to join forces?

Raleigh will be opening their Church Street centre to the public on May 6th and 7th. The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct will be there to spread the word about the Sustrans Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore the wrought iron structure and convert it into a route for walkers and cyclists. It promises to be a great weekend for all ages and cyclists of all abilities, with, among other things, the chance to try out an electric bike on a guided ride in the Erewash Valley. The electric bike rides at 10 am and 2pm each day will be on a first come first served basis. To find out more go to http://news.raleigh.co.uk/ bennerley-viaductride or follow Raleigh on social media.

The well-travelled “Iron Giant” exhibition will make an appearance at the Raleigh event before moving to the Bike Works in Nottingham for the rest of the month. This notfor-profit company takes in donated bikes which they refurbish for sale. They also provide a maintenence and repair service.

Income from these activities and from grants allows them to offer education and training courses and to mount projects in the community.

In June and July the Friends will be collaborating with the Ilkeston Tesco store. The exhibition will be on display and shoppers will get the chance to discover more about the project and how they can support it.

The Friends have introduced a range of merchandise to help with

The Probus Club of Ilkeston The April meeting of our Club this year was well attended again and our members enjoyed another excellent lunch provided by the staff of the Arena Church.

Our presentation this month was

by Captain Geoff Dyer.

Geoff has had a long and varied career as a pilot, learning to fly and gain his pilot licence whilst still at school at Nottingham High. His career started in the RAF and here he progressed eventually to a Vulcan Bomber Captain during the Cold War. One of Geoff’s presentations is about his career as a Vulcan Bomber pilot and he has many anecdotes to tell. He then moved into the Civil Aviation Sector and spent a long and illustrious second career in various senior roles in the civil aviation business. What Geoff does not know

the match funding required by the project. T-shirts, mugs, postcards, limited edition prints and key rings are some of the items now on sale in Ilkeston public library and the Smoothie Bar on Bath Street. Other outlets will come on stream in the near future. The goods can also be bought from the Friends at the various events they will be attending over the summer, including the Raleigh open weekend. The Friends would like to thank Shipley Photographic of Bath Street for their generous support in creating these products.

As always, the latest information is

on the website, bennerleyviaduct.org.uk and the Facebook page.

Kieran Lee, the Community Engagement and Development Officer for the project can be contacted on 07823 536 941 or kieran.lee@sustrans.org.uk Jeff Wynch, The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct

about aircraft and flying is not worth knowing.

His presentation this time was about the life of Amy Johnson, the lass from Hull, who, despite not being a particularly good pilot, managed to carve herself a place in aviatrix history, breaking several records for being first woman to make solo long distance flights to Australia, Tokyo and South Africa, to name a few. Her life was certainly tempestuous, caused in part by her frequent mental disturbances and a disastrous marriage. Her death during World War 2, whilst delivering an aircraft has always been to subject of many conspiracy theories, and Geoff’s knowledge of her aircraft and biography debunked several of them. The true story however will never be known.

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 dur-

ing 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, our Secretary, on 0115 932 6185 or email slater.kg8@btinternet.com.

David Jones.

Newsagent sold out?

Live too far away to get a copy?

You can read the paper online Go to ilkestonlife.com Click on LATEST ISSUE

Ted Peck, real hero of

Bomber Command

I

have a good friend Ted Peck.

Ted lives in Stapleford and will be 92 years of age in May. So what! I can hear you thinking, I know plenty of people in their 90s.

How many do you know though that did thirty bombing missions in Lancasters over Germany at the age of 19, in fact the full tour.

Ted is not a local chap, in fact he was born on May 9th, 1925 in the Custom House area of London and probably expected to spend his working life in the docks of London.

Of course the Second World War was to change his life forever. Ted left school at 14 years of age and being better with his hands rather than academic, he began work at Bucks and Hickman’s as an assistant in their stores. Although Ted won a scholarship to learn carpentry his Dad felt there was no future in making furniture.

After one week at work the war broke out and as Ted’s home was in the London Docklands area it was always going to be a major target for the German bombers. Ted joined the A.T.C. (Air Training Corps) and, after learning all the basics of being in the R.A.F. he decided that was to be his destiny if possible. At 17½ Ted applied to join the R.A.F. and at 18 years of age was asked to go for an interview at Lord’s Cricket Ground to sign on as a regular. Typical England, at the time there was a cricket match taking place. Lords actually took a direct hit during the war. Ted was accepted for F.E. training (Flight Engineer) and was posted to Usworth near Sunderland. The R.A.F., same as the army, still had to learn drill and do P.T. (Physical Training). The army lads called them the Brylcreem Boys. He was eventually posted to St Athan in South Wales to start his F.E. training. He trained on Rolls Royce Merlin and Bristol Hercules engines which covered Lancasters and Halifax aircraft.

Their training covered engine and fuel management, extinguisher systems and, in the event of engine failure, feathering the propellers. After passing his course Ted became a sergeant and a fully qualified Flight Engineer, which meant, of course, a big increase in pay.

Ted was then posted to Stradishall in Suffolk. On a visit to his home in the Docklands of London he saw his first V.1. or, as they were humorously nicknamed “Doodle bugs”. It was at Stradishall that Ted crewed up. This was a hit and miss affair where the newly qualified personnel simply sorted themselves out into separate crews. His captain was a pilot officer from St Athen. After a week at the Avro factory at Woodford near Manchester where the Lancasters were produced, taking in lectures about the plane he was going to join, Ted’s job as a flight engineer was sitting in front of a panel of instruments which controlled the running of the Lancaster. One job consisted of lowering and raising the undercarriage, the tail wheel and making sure everything was locked into place, and also taking over the control of the aircraft if the pilot was seriously injured or killed. A pretty important job, I reckon.

BATTLE ORDER After 40 hours flight training, Ted’s crew was posted to Woolfox Lodge in Rutland for further training and then on to Mildenhall in Suffolk.

They settled in and soon discovered the mess for beer and food and where the battle order was posted, trying hard not to think of the crews that didn’t return.

After seven days they did their first “OP” operation, the target being Kiel Docks. This was a time when Bomber Command began to target industrial sites instead of cities. Encountering flack and night fighters was always dangerous but they returned from their first “OP” safely. The first

one is always the worst. That night Bomber Command lost seventeen Lancasters. A day later,Ted’s Lancaster, along with a further 601 planes headed for V2 rocket sites at Port Remy in Northern France. The German military expected the V2 rockets would be the big turning point in the war, so the sites would be a very important target. This was a daylight operation which was far more dangerous. This was a four hour round trip. After a few days they had orders to bomb airfields in Holland near to Eindhoven. It seems weird to me that around 40 years later I would be watching Nottingham Forest play Eindhoven over in Holland in the European Cup. Ted’s last trip was to bomb the marshalling yards of Duisburg. Being their last raid they were naturally apprehensive having survived 29 trips unscathed. However they did survive and were naturally jubilant on their return with plenty of back slapping with the other crew members along with their ground crew who were always upset if their Lancaster didn’t return. Ted, in fact, is the only surviving member of his Lancaster crew.

Dorothy, a young W.R.A.F. working in the stores at one of the bases, caught Ted’s eye and, after the war was over, they became married and moved to Long Eaton where Dorothy came from. Both Ted and Dorothy worked at Stanton with Dorothy working in the main offices and Ted being employed at the Concrete Plant. Typically modest about his war, even Ted’s secretary didn’t know of his war record. Bomber Command lost nearly 59,000 airmen during World War II. It is only in the last few years that they have been recognised with a memorial to their achievements. Even now I don’t believe they have received a campaign medal.

People like Ted, with his 30 bombing missions, Dennis Hunt, a Stanton manager with 9 Lancaster bombing missions, Rolf Noskwith, Bletchley Park, and George “Bebe” Daniels, first man in the S.A.S., all live locally. I know of many more. We live in an age of “Z” list celebrities. For me real heroes don’t look like George Clooney or John Wayne. They look like everyone else walking up and down Bath Street. You wouldn’t give them a second glance. We must never forget what they did for our country in its time of need.  Dean Wright’s excellent account of Ted’s flying career can be found in the December 2013 and the January 2014 issues of Fly Past magazine.

Danny Corns

Wallis Stephenson took 7 wickets for no runs

Record breaking cricketers

This month sees a remarkable anniversary in local cricket. Paul Stephenson remembers…

O

n the 17th of May 1947 my father Wallis Stephenson did a somewhat amazing feat on the cricket field.

Whilst playing for Stanton Ironworks Cricket club at Belper, he had the return bowling figures of overs 6, maidens 6, runs 0, wickets 7. Belper were all out for 14

Wallis Stephenson

runs, and Guy Stephenson, my father’s cousin, took the other three wickets at a cost of 11 runs, with three extras in total.

Belper had no hesitation in presenting my father with the ball which was duly mounted by Stanton amd inscribed over with a silver plaque which indicated the feat.

It was fair to say that the standard of cricket was indeed high in those days, but can you imagine my jubilation being a young 11year-old and scorer for Stanton’s second team on that day.

Dad had actually at 44 years of age taken seven wickets for no runs.

The ball and photograph stood in the Stanton Institute until Dad had passed away and I have been the proud custodian ever since.

It is hard to imagine it was actually seventy years ago.

Paul Stephenson

And David Burrows recalls his cricketing great grandfather Cricket historians may remember Worcestershire bowler ‘Dick’ Burrows who set an unusual world record when he sent a bail spinning 67 yards and six inches in bowling out Lancashire batsman Huddleston at Old Trafford in 1911.

His great-grandson was recently reminded of the event when he came across an Obituary in an old Nottingham Evening Post.

David Burrows, ex-Ilkeston and now living in Birchington on Sea, Kent, says his father’s grandfather passed away while living in Raglan Street, Eastwood. He had enjoyed a long cricketing career, being known mainly as a medium fast bowler but he was also a useful batsman.

He took 805 wickets in his 20-year career and scored 5,223 runs, including two centuries.

In 1923 he joined the first class umpires list and served during nine seasons. His sole test match in charge came in the England v Australia match as Trent Bridge, 1926.

David says his great grandfather was well known in Eastwood, where he died suddenly after going to bed in his usual health. The Post obituary states: “At 11.30pm his wife heard him gasping and called Doctor Black of Eastwood who pronounced life extinct, and expressed the opinion that death was due to heart failure.”

David was a former Hallcroft student and played in the school band, appearing on TV with them.

Dick Burrows

Ticket to see Robert Lindsay: 2/- (10p) A mate of mine got injured by a load of books today.... he's only got his shelf to blame !!!

John Allen.

Reader John Wilson sent in this show ticket which he found when cleaning out a drawer. ‘Stand and Deliver’ presented by Gladstone School pupils in 1967 included performances by his son, also named John, and Robert Stevenson, later to make his name as stage, film and TV star Robert Lindsay. The price to get in?

– a mere two shillings (10p).

Ilkeston Life, May 2017

23

Sport

JUST A THOUGHT Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.

Anon.

Ilkeston FC round-up by Matchman

Relegation seals Robins’ sorry season Debts, striking players and boycotting fans part of a miserable campaign finally boiled over in the final minutes. Keeper Eve, who had been on the receiving end of some rough treatment, was shown a red card Despite heavy rain the Stourbridge pitch was after he lashed out at Tyler Blake following playable. Stourbridge controlled much of the the Frickley player’s late challenge on him. first half but it was Ilkeston who went closest Max Thornberry had to go in goal for the final when Reece Horne’s shot hit the crossbar. moments. As the players left the field there Then just before half time Ilkeston took the were several scuffles. It was an unsavoury lead when Anthony Dwyer headed home from end to a game that Frickley really needed to a corner. Ilkeston had a great opportunity to win in their fight to avoid relegation. double their lead in the second half when Ryan Head put Dwyer through on goal but his Tue 28th Mar ‘17 - Northern Premier League lob over the keeper was just too high. Stourbridge were putting Ilkeston’s defence under Hednesford 3 Ilkeston 1 After a strong start from Hednesford Ilkeston inceasing pressure and they finally got their took the lead following their first real attack reward when Dante Leverock was adjudged on 17 minutes. Dexter Atkinson did really to have fouled a Stourbridge forward in the penalty area and they equalised from the spot well before crossing the ball to Tavahn Tyrell through Luke Benbow in the 75th minute. As who scored from close range. Ilkeston held is so often the case one goal leads to another out until the 42nd minute when the Pitmen and Luke Rodgers made it two for the Glass- equalised through Jordan Nadat. This was boys three minutes later. Daniel Preston add- quickly followed by a second Hednesford ed a third on 83 minutes to complete the scor- goal in first half added time by Stuart McNaught. In the second half Ilkeston were ing. unfortunate to have what would have been an Sat 25th Mar ‘17 - Northern Premier League equalising goal ruled out after Atkinson’s shot was pushed out by the Hednesford keeper into Ilkeston 1 Frickley Athletic 0 the path of Tyrell who found the net but the Ilkeston took the points in this relegation en- linesman flagged for offside. Hednesford counter with a goal from Tevahn Tyrell in caught Ilkeston on the break ten minutes from first half added time. It was a dull game retime through Thomas Thorley to make it 3-1. membered more for the bad tempered ending.

The first half was fairly uneventful until just Tue 4th Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League before half time when Leverock and Baker Buxton 2 Ilkeston 0 both had shots blocked in quick succession.

Then came Tyrell’s blockbuster from outside Buxton boosted their playoff hopes with two second half goals. It was another game of the area to give Ilkeston an interval lead. Ilvery few chances with Buxton having most keston’s Dale Eve was the busier keeper in of the possession but struggling to get past the second half making several outstanding the Ilkeston defence. The first half was goalsaves as Frickley fought back. As Frickley less and neither keeper was overly troubled became more and more frustrated the game Mon 20th Mar ‘17 - Northern Premier League

Stourbridge 3 Ilkeston 1

although Matt Baker was forced to head off the line for Ilkeston. Buxton made the breakthrough on 63 minutes when Bradley Grayson found himself unmarked five yards out and blasted the ball past Jamie Hannis. Ben Morris had probably Ilkeston’s best effort when his shot whistled over the bar after being put through by Danny Gordon but the Robins attacks were all too rare. In the final stages Ilkeston pushed forward in an effort to salvage a point but they were caught out by a Buxton breakaway from which Niall Doran made it 2-0 with the last kick of the match.

24 Ilkeston Life, May 2017

Easter Monday 17th Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League

Ilkeston 0 Mickleover Sports 1

Ashton United 1 Ilkeston 0

This was Ilkeston’s final match of the season and after four matches in eight days it was an In an uninspiring game Ilkeston came closest to understandably tired performance. Ilkeston’s scoring when a Ben Morris blast thudded best effort in the first half was a shot from Anagainst the upright and came back into play. thony Dwyer which hit the underside of the bar Jaylon Bather returned to the Ilkeston lineup before being scrambled away. As has been the after recently being out and he was probably case several times in this campaign Ilkeston Ilkeston’s most influential player. There was very little goalmouth action in the first half and went in at half time 0-0 and then conceded a the game always looked like being a stalemate. goal early in the second half. On this occasion The second half saw a few chances come Ilkes- Richard Smith gave Ashton the lead on 52 ton’s way. Morris’s fine effort was followed by minutes following a double save by Eve. An Ashton header bounced on the crossbar before a Matt Baker chance and a Dante Leverock header from a corner which drifted wide but in Dwyer fired wide after breaking forward. Hannis replaced Eve in goal on 75 minutes and did the end both sides settled for a point each. well to push an Ashton free kick round the post. Dwyer then found the net but the whistle Sat 15th Apr’17 - Northern Premier League had already gone. Ashton had a couple more Nantwich 3 Ilkeston 0 chances before the game and Ilkeston’s relegaIlkeston received a pre-kickoff blow when goal- tion season ended. keeper Jamie Hannis had to withdraw from the team due to injury. He was replaced by goalkeeper coach Kieran Tonge. Ilkeston were forced back most of the time but Anthony Look out for our Dwyer was causing the Nantwich defence a few problems. The home side nearly went ahead on articulated lorry 20 minutes when Ibou Touray’s almost perfect arriving soon... free kick hit the underside of the crossbar. Nantwich finally scored just before half time with a goal by Stephen Jones. Ilkeston were convinced that Jones was offside by a long way but he was allowed to go on and shoot past Tonge. Ilkeston made a strong start to the second half and Nantwich’s impressive keeper, Dan Gyollai was A new promotional model from Ilkeston Life forced to make two good saves from Dwyer

Ilkeston 0 Halesowen 0

30p where sold

then Bather before Ilkeston again felt hard done by when the Dabbers were awarded a penalty which was converted by Ryan Brooke. The dangerous Osebi Abadaki added a third on 59 minutes when he cut in from the left and fired home to complete the scoring.

Ilkeston were guilty of missing two gilt-edged chances early on in the game and then gave away an own goal. The own goal was most unfortunate as Max Thornberry’s header back wrong footed keeper Kieran Tongue. Ilkeston Thu 6th Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League fought back and nearly equalised in first half Spennymoor 3 Ilkeston 0 added time when a Dante Leverock shot hit the foot of the post. The second half saw chances Premier League referee Michael Oliver was spotted arriving at the match but it was his wife for both sides with Ilkeston coming closest Lucy Oliver who was officiating. Spennymoor when a Tom Gamblen thunderbolt crashed are favourites to take the the top playoff spot but against the upright. A great chance then fell to Ilkeston performed much better than they did at the lively Dwyer when he broke clear but he Buxton two nights earlier and the 0-3 scoreline tried to round the keeper and the chance was lost. Adam Baskerville hit a post for Mickleover was somewhat harsh. With Tyrell and Dwyer before Tonge made a late save to deny the visiup front Ilkeston caused Spennymoor a few tors a second goal. Ilkeston mounted a big effort problems. The home side dominated the first towards the end but they were not to be rewardhalf but the determined Robins defenders kept ed with the point they probably deserved. them at bay. Ten minutes into the second half Spennymoor finally made the breakthrough with Wed 19th Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League a goal by David Dowson. Ilkeston rallied but unfortunately slipped further behind when Dow- Workington 2 Ilkeston 0 son scored again on 77 minutes. As at Buxton Workington went into this game needing a win Ilkeston once again conceded a goal with the to ensure a promotion playoff position but Ilkeslast kick of the match with Dowson completing ton matched them in the first half and twice his hat trick to seal victory for the hosts and went close to going ahead. After a good break push Ilkeston ever closer to the relegation and cross from Dwyer, Gordon couldn’t quite trapdoor. get his diving header on target. Then seconds before half time skipper Matt Baker headed Sat 8th Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League against the post. Workington had chances too Ilkeston 1 Stourbridge 2 and Ilkeston keeper, Eve made some crucial This was Ilkeston’s third game in five days and saves. Ilkeston thought they had scored three defeat confirmed their relegation from the top minutes into the second half. Dwyer appeared to flight of the Northern Premier League whilst have timed his run perfectly before slotting the Stourbridge’s win enhanced their playoff hopes. ball in but the linesman belatedly raised his flag The visitors got off to a flyer when Ethan Jones for offside. Workington must have sensed that scored in the 6th minute despite Max Thornber- things were going their way and they started to ry’s desperate attempt to clear off the line and get on top. Ilkeston’s defence was under inthey seized control of the game from then on. creasing pressure before Workington finally The Glassboys were guilty of missing several took the lead on 65 minutes with an excellent opportunities but on 33 minutes Ilkeston were goal by Sam Joel. Their second goal on 79 rightly awarded a penalty. Tom Gamblen was minutes followed another decision which went brought down in full flight and Anthony Dwyer against Ilkeston. The ball was deemed to have equalised from the spot. Ilkeston were most crossed the line before it was hooked clear by a fortunate to go in level at half time having been defender and Sam Smith was credited with the on the receiving end for most of the half. The goal. In the final minute frustration got the betsecond half saw Ilkeston push forward more but ter of Ilkeston’s Anthony Dwyer and he was Stourbridge deservedly went ahead again on 59 sent off for an ill-judged comment to the referminutes. A long thrown wasn’t cleared and ee.

Kennedy Digie scrambled home what proved to Sat 22nd Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League be the winning goal.

Tue 11th Apr ‘17 - Northern Premier League

Rolls Royce Ilkeston football team who played in the Long Eaton and District League pose for the camera before a match in the 1961/62 season. Photo sent in by Terry Whittaker.

WIN OR LOSE Share your sports news in Ilkeston’s community paper. email ilkestonlife@gmail.com