Made lifestyle magazine – issue 20. Jan/Feb 21

NEWS & EVENTS HOME & GARDEN FOOD & DRINK FASHION & BEAUTY BUSINESS & LEISURE

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Made in Notts

Welcome to issue 20. January/February 2021.

Made

Happy New Year

Made lifestyle magazine is designed and created with love by Createinn.

We hope that you have had a good festive season and here's to 2021.

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Last year was quite a rollercoaster of a year, wasn't it! We missed the festivals and the meetings, although we found, as we're sure that you did too, a new way of keeping in touch.

Facetime, zoom, teams and other methods of communication have become the norm and are sure to continue as we all find ways to work around the various lockdowns and restrictions to keep everyone safe.

We've worked hard on a plan for 2021 to keep everyone entertained with our stories, enthralled by our news and get to know more about the interesting people that we have here in our super region. The kindness and warmth of those around us and the beautiful shops and local businesses that have kept us all going throughout 2020. Thank you to them all and long may they prosper throughout 2021 and beyond.

In this issue we have some fantastic features, there's the story behind the name of the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, all about Cuckoo Boats, a historical piece on Welbeck Estate, not to mention our regulars. Our artist this issue is Suzanne Plamping with her intricate bobbin lace craft, we have a lovely circular walk from Sally Outram, the latest in marketing from Ronnie and some great breakfast recipes by Teresa Bovey.

We're looking forward to a bumper issue in March/April 21 where you can find a big wedding section with some great features along with all of our regulars, and hopefully we'll be making up for all the events missed in 2020, so do keep us up-to-date and send in your news and events and we'll keep sharing them for you.

From all the team here at Made, we wish you the very best, take care and stay safe.

All of our previous issues are online and free to read, if you haven't seen them yet have a look on: www.madeinn.co.uk

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Made In North Notts www.madeinn.co.uk

The Team MD & Executive Editor Jon Rogers • jr@madeinn.co.uk Design Manager

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Michelle Rogers • mr@madeinn.co.uk Advertisement & PR Manager

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Publisher Createinn Ltd. Retford Enterprise Centre, Randall Way, Retford, Notts, DN22 7GR Tel 01777 712610 www.createinn.com ISSN 2515-6551 Cover photo by Jon Rogers

Made is designed and published by Createinn Ltd. in collaboration with Visit North Notts MARKETING, ADVERTISING & BRAND CONSULTANCY

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All rights reserved; reproduction of any part of this magazine is not allowed without the written permission of the publishers. Prices are correct at the time of going to press.

While every care is taken, Made and Createinn Ltd, the publishers, endeavour to ensure that all the information inside the magazine is correct, prices and details including dates are subject to change.

Idle Valley, Emma Harrison.

Jan/Feb 21

Inside This Issue News & Events

Business

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42

The Local Round-up The latest news from across the region.

As a business owner, how well do you know the benefits of your own products or services? Ronnie Harris, VJH Marketing.

Features 26

Pilgrim Roots Mayflower 400 programme set to continue with postponed events.

28

Make This A Wild Winter

Home & Garden 64

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The Major & The Oak The story of the Major Oak and the work of retired local man Major Hayman Rooke.

Fashion & Style

Historical Welbeck

82

Conscious Fashion

Keep in style this season.

We take a look back at the estate’s past.

38

Bobbin About Multi-media artist and lace maker Suzanne Plamping, owner of SP Creative Crafts.

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Health & Beauty 80

Food & Drink 72

Rise & Shine Kick start your day with a healthy breakfast with recipes created by Teresa Bovey.

A Bridge Of Tales The Winners of the Clumber Park Ornamental Bridge writing competition.

The Benefits Of Exercise The importance of exercise for mental and physical health. Joanne Pritchard, Chartered Physiotherapist.

Cuckoo Boats The first working boats to use the canal were different from those used elsewhere. Rod Auton, Publicity Officer, tells us more.

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Enjoy Your Garden In Winter Landscape Designer, Sarah Murch, of Ellicar Gardens, shares her love of the winter garden and encourages us to keep enjoying our gardens throughout the colder season.

Erin McDaid, Head of Communications & Marketing, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

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Creating Desire

Travel & Leisure 54

Wells & Waterways Travel writer and photojournalist Sally Outram takes us on a stroll from Welham to Whitsunday Pie Lock.

News & Events

News

The local round-up

Retford Train Station Added To The National Heritage List Over 400 historic places were added to the National Heritage List for England during 2020, these sites have now gained protection and Retford Train Station joined the prestigious list.

There are highlights across the country including a memorial for the Beauchamp Lifeboat in Norfolk, Selfridges, on London’s Oxford Street, an 18th century shipwreck in Kent, as well as Retford’s Victorian train station café that was used to serve HM and Allied Forces meals during the Second World War. Architect Henry Goddard designed Retford Railway Station, it was built between 1891 and 1892 by the Great Northern Railway. The station was designed in the Italianate villa style that was favoured by the railway company.

The station features impressive decorative ironwork on the platform canopy and within the dining and refreshment rooms still stands a rare example of original tiled finishes that have luckily survived beneath the plasterboard for years, and were recently uncovered by Bassetlaw Railway Society, who plan to restore the rooms.

The station was repurposed as a canteen and rest room by the Women’s Voluntary Service, during the Second World War, serving HM and Allied Forces over 2 million meals between 1940 and 1946.

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Historic England stated that the reasons for the choice were: Architectural interest: The very rare survival of the original finishes in the dining room and refreshment room, notable not only for their strong aesthetic quality and fine craftsmanship but for the particularly ornate nature of their design which was not at all common for public refreshment rooms at railway stations; Its remarkably long and well-balanced composition in the Italianate style and decorative ironwork on the impressive platform canopy; Its association with the Goddard family’s architectural practice, whose work has been extensively recognised on the statutory List.

Historic interest: Its well-preserved plan form, including the service rooms in the Stationmaster’s house, and its remarkably complete elevations with their original fenestration and platform canopy, which overall represent one of the most intact medium-sized GNR stations.

Source: historicengland.org.uk

News & Events

Well, what a year it has been! We got off to a flying start at the beginning of year 3 with the very first ‘What Next in North Notts’ careers event that saw around 1,800 year 11 and sixth form students visit 200 stands representing local employers, the education sector and forces, to find out what their career options were.

Whilst it can only be described as being a ‘year of two halves, we are looking forward to seeing what lies ahead in 2021/22 - our fourth year.

We are very much ruled by what happens with the pandemic but a snapshot of our current plans includes:

In November 2019, the floods hit North Notts. Worksop was the worst affected when the river Ryton burst its banks and parts of the town centre were under water.

North Notts Journeys The launch of the 40 storybook benches was postponed, but we are hopeful that now the vaccine is being rolled out that we can forge ahead with the launch in late spring/early summer 2020. The bookbenches will be placed throughout the area, depicting journeys such as Mayflower 400, mining heritage and environmental issues.

Nobody could have prepared any of us for what was to happen in March 2020 when COVID-19 affected all of our lives, both personally and professionally.

CCTV with ANPR Continue with the roll-out of our successful CCTV into industrial areas in Carlton-in-Lindrick and Shireoaks.

We also delivered CCTV with ANPR into the industrial estates in Harworth and Tuxford.

KERS THE BOW

AMILIA

Showcase events Whilst postponed in year 3 due to the pandemic, COVID permitting we will build on the success of the inaugural North Notts FoodFest and Party in the Square events in 2021.

Training Following on from our successful workshops, we are partnering with Navitas to provide a range of online training courses to suit all our BID members, whatever their location or sector.

We will also continue to offer support through our maintenance support service and savings service. These are only a few of the benefits available to our BID members. For further information please contact us at... info@northnottsbid.co.uk or visit www.northnottsbid.co.uk

RA ALEXARNKDE BU

UTE ANDE TRIB ARIANA GR

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RETFORD, MARKET SQ - SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 2021 Follow, like and share this event: www.northnottsbid.co.uk

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STAY SAFE | BE KIND | THANK YOU

News & Events

Media Students’ Work Helps Mansfield Prepare For Cash Boost Media students from West Nottinghamshire College have played a key role in highlighting ambitious plans for redeveloping Mansfield district.

The Making Mansfield Place Board has recently outlined plans for how up to £25 million of potential funding could be spent on transforming the area.

If the bid is a success it means work can begin on some high priority improvement projects, which come under five key themes for improvement - town centres, skills and growth, transport and connectivity, health and wellbeing, and identity and brand.

Up to 13 projects have been identified by the Place Board, which is made up of representatives from a wide range of partner organisations.

A decision on the Towns Fund is expected in January 2021.

Further work will then be done to draw up plans before the final projects are delivered between 2022 and 2026.

Last October students from the Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production (Film and Television) at the college were approached by Mansfield District Council to create a video to support the funding bid application to the Government.

Learners were tasked to create a video of up to five minutes long to capture the sentiment of the Mansfield District Investment Plan using aerial filming and photography and onsite filming which would highlight key areas of the town including stakeholders who spoke on camera about key projects for Mansfield.

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The group filmed on location in the district over three days which saw them capture a number of key figures on camera including their own principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley, who spoke about how through the funding a flexible training centre could improve the skills base and aspirations for young people, as well as working closely with Nottingham Trent University which now has a presence in the town.

Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams was filmed at Mansfield’s train station speaking about the accessibility to Mansfield and the need to maintain it being well-connected to other communities and the push for greener travel and improvements in parking and transport.

Students Joe Derbyshire, Thomas Crosby, Joshua Evans, Liam Marriott, Joshua Rosindell and Joe Gardner worked professionally with their tutor Michael Rhodes and their learning company specialist for design and media, Tony Hall to film and edit all the content ready for the Council to use within their bid for the funding.

Student Joe Derbyshire said: “It felt great to be involved in this project as it gave me and the crew a feeling of satisfaction knowing that it would be used outside of college in a professional setting.

“The feedback I got for my editing was good and it felt like our work was appreciated. It's great that we're getting more and more opportunities like this which we can put on our CVs and showreels.”

Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “We are fortunate to have the college’s world-class facilities on our doorstep and it is important that we support local talent whenever possible. As key members of the Place Board, we were keen for the college and its students to be involved in this exciting project.

“The students were incredibly professional during filming and the finished video is exactly what we were aiming to achieve. Hopefully it’s given them practical experience that will help them in their future careers.”

The students’ learning company was set up to offer local people and organisations services in branding, web design and content creation and video production and editing. The learning company is enabling students to develop entrepreneurial skills, working with real customers and enhancing their business skills working to live briefs.

Design and media learning company specialist Anthony Hall said: “This was a great opportunity for our film and TV students to showcase the skills they’ve been learning at college.

“The film created by our students is of a very high standard and I am incredibly proud of them. It’s very much on par with what a professional production company would produce.”

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News & Events

Homegrown Talent Doncaster Sheffield Airport Promotes Homegrown Talent in Management Team Reshuffle Robert Hough CBE, Chairman of Peel Airports Group has announced the promotion of Chris Harcombe to the role of Managing Director and the material expansion of Kate Stow’s responsibilities as part of the Executive Management Team of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).

The Airport’s current Aviation Development Director, Chris Harcombe, becomes Managing Director with responsibility across the business, including financial, operational and commercial performance. Chris has successfully led the development of our aviation activity over many years, including Passenger, Cargo and General & Business Aviation activities, taking DSA from being a new entrant in the sector to the credible proposition it is today. He will be responsible for strengthening the performance of DSA as the UK’s best regional airport and will continue to lead on developing its Cargo and General Business Aviation activity.

Kate Stow will assume leadership of DSA’s passenger aviation development, adding to her existing remit as Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director by taking on the new role of Director of Aviation Development and Corporate Affairs.

Having played a critical role in the development of the Airport's strategic projects such as the Masterplan, Vision Plan and the development of key land assets, Kate will lead an enlarged team to develop the passenger aviation business alongside corporate affairs activity.

Chairman of Peel Airports Group, Robert Hough, said: “Chris and Kate both joined Doncaster Sheffield Airport in junior roles in 2006 shortly after its opening. Rooted in the local community, they share a passion for the economic opportunities that the development of the Airport offers the region. I am immensely pleased to have witnessed their progress over the last 15 years into these key leadership positions. They are completely committed to the future success of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and their endeavours have been instrumental in its growth to become the UK’s favourite regional airport.

“Between them, Chris and Kate have 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry, the majority of which has been as part of the talented team at Doncaster Sheffield Airport. I cannot think of a better unit to steer a steady course through Brexit, 2021 and beyond to further growth.”

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New Year, New Destinations From Wizz Air NEW Summer destinations added to Doncaster Sheffield Airport After a year or more of lockdown, travel corridors and test and release, passengers can look forward to some festive good news as Wizz Air, Europe’s greenest airline, announces even more ultra-low-fare flights to new destinations of; Dalaman in Turkey with its beautiful coastline, the Bulgarian city of Bourgas located on the Black Sea Riviera, popular Spanish resort of Palma in Majorca and the beautiful island of Crete - all taking off from Doncaster Sheffield Airport in 2021.

Despite what has been a tumultuous year for the aviation industry, Doncaster Sheffield Airport continues to buck the trend with this further expansion of routes which follows announcements in August and September of a new Wizz Air base alongside a number of new popular holiday destinations from the airline.

A dramatic rise in cargo and freight throughput this year, partly down to supporting efforts to keep supermarket shelves stocked throughout the pandemic as well as handling crucial PPE, alongside the introduction of Test and Release and more countries joining the Government’s safer travel corridor, means that DSA is confident in a positive recovery in 2021.

Owain Jones, Managing Director of Wizz Air UK, said: “We thought the best way that we could thank the Doncaster Sheffield Airport passengers for their warm Yorkshire welcome this year would be to offer even more routes to give customers plenty of choice. The new destinations come just weeks from our second Airbus A320 and six new routes giving customers more

ultra-low fares to their favourite holiday destinations.

They can also take advantage of our discounted Test and Release ‘Fit to Fly’ package and get them back in the air again.”

The four new summer-only routes from Doncaster Sheffield will take off from April 2021 with twice-weekly flights to Dalaman and Mallorca, and in May will launch twice-weekly flights to Bourgas and Crete. With the addition of these new destinations Wizz Air will operate a total of 25 routes from Doncaster Sheffield Airport, where the airline officially opened a base in October 2020.

Chris Harcombe, recently appointed Managing Director at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “This is great news to end what has been an extremely challenging year for the aviation industry with the loss of 80% of passenger traffic.

“The partnership with Wizz Air goes from strength to strength and we look forward to adding more exciting destinations that passengers tell us they are keen to see added to our portfolio. We’ve seen a significant spike in bookings following recent Test and Release announcements and it is clear that there is pent up demand from passengers keen to get away for a much-needed break.”

Passengers are advised to check with the FCO and follow the advice about the restrictions for individual destinations, and their airline, before setting off but there is certainly hope that holidaymakers can look forward to more travel certainty in future.

News & Events

S I X T H

F O R M

THE FUTURE STARTS HERE

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Support Teenage Women’s European Karting Champion Alicia Barrett in her bid to race in British Formula 4.

Alicia Barrett, the talented teenage European karting champion from Worksop College, is aiming to move into British Formula 4 and needs backing from local businesses and investors.

Alicia’s consistent performances in the UK’s major Junior X30 Karting Championships have made her the leading female driver against male-dominated full grids, and a stand-out candidate for the ground-breaking W Series for women. However, to be a contender for a future W Series, Alicia needs to make the transition from karts to single-seater cars.

Alicia said, “Racing has always been my passion and the W Series is the perfect steppingstone to a career as a professional racing driver. I am determined to prove my ability at the highest levels in the sport.”

Following her X30 Ladies Champion title win at Le Mans in 2017, last season Alicia battled 19 female drivers to be crowned European Women’s IAME X30 Champion at Varennes sur Allier circuit, France, and raced to sixth place in the hotly-contested UK Little Green Man (LGM) Championship.

At a time when most other female sports are growing exponentially, there are few females in karting despite the sport’s perception as the steppingstone to the higher ranks of motorsport. In fact, fewer women race single-seater cars at top level now than 10 years ago, and it is over 40 years since a female driver started a Formula 1 race. However, despite the tiny proportion of females in the junior single-seater formulae, Alicia’s goal is to embark on a Formula 4 testing programme and race in the 2021 British Formula 4 Championship.

The F4 British Championship, certified by the FIA and powered

by Ford EcoBoost, is the UK’s premier single-seater series and the first step on the FIA single-seater pyramid to F1. The Championship features live on ITV4 as the sole singer-seater support event on the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) package, with a 30-race schedule in front of the BTCC’s massive spectator fanbase at the UK’s major circuits. FIA Super Licence

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News & Events

points are awarded to the top seven drivers to enable their progression up the motorsport ladder.

Alicia explains, “Running alongside the BTCC, the British F4 coverage is enjoyed by millions of fans on television and trackside and offers a high-profile platform for sponsors and partners.

Being a female in motorsport at a time when this is attracting more attention and coverage than ever before, only enhances the benefits for sponsors, partners and fans even further.

For details of sponsorship opportunities for your business or brand, or if you are an individual who would like to support or invest in Alicia’s future activities, please call 07929 453481 or email britishracingtalent@gmail.com.

To follow Alicia’s racing please connect with her @_agb33_ Instagram and @aliciabarrettracing facebook accounts.

“I am the first in my family to venture into the motor racing world and from my first time in a kart have been addicted. It’s about time we see more women competing at the top of the sport and my ambition is to be one of them.”

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News & Events

Students Branch Out Their Skills For National Tree Week Students at West Nottinghamshire College’s Derby Road campus have rolled up their sleeves and helped lay down new roots in a tree planting mission.

That’s because it was National Tree Week 28 Nov–6 Dec 2020) and over a thousand young trees have been planted around the college’s perimeter fence with the help of a Branching Out grant from The Tree Council, one of the UK’s leading tree charities.

The college received the bumper donation of trees from The Tree Council following the application during 2020.

It includes field maple, hazel, spindle and blackthorn as well as bamboo canes to support them and biodegradable spiral guards to protect each plant as they grow.

Throughout National Tree Week the first year A-Level students took turns in planting the saplings which have been placed around the college’s perimeter fence to create a new hedgerow.

This tree-planting mission follows on from efforts earlier

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this year when A-Level Environmental Studies students planted 25 hawthorn saplings on the college’s wildlife garden known as ‘The Patch’. Before lockdown they were able to introduce these young trees into the garden area which attracts wildlife to the pond, bug hotel and bird feeders.

more than 50 students took part in the planting exercise.

While restrictions have limited many tree planting initiatives, schools and colleges were still open, which meant that the students could still do their bit to help to reduce UK carbon emissions and improve their community by planting trees.

These first saplings were planted as part of the group’s ‘My World, My Home’ prestigious leadership programme which is organised by Friends of the Earth and SOS-UK. Their intention was to increase tree planting in the area and it involved making a petition asking local people to sign it together with the support of Mansfield’s Mayor Andy Abrahams and Mansfield District Council’s arboreal officer Sean Davies.

West Nottinghamshire College is just one of many colleges and community groups across the UK that made a successful application for one of this year’s grants from The Tree Council.

During the week, equipped with spades and forks and instructions on how best to plant and space out the hedge,

National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration, marking the start of the winter tree planting season, which is November to March each year. The Tree Council, one of the UK’s leading charities for trees, first established National Tree Week in 1975 in response to the national replanting required after the outbreak of Dutch Elm disease.

A-Level programme area leader Alison Lincoln said: “We’ve been absolutely delighted with the amount of trees that we’ve received from The Tree Council.

“Our plan was to put them around the perimeter of the college campus, adding to the existing small hedgerows and where currently there is metal railings. Eventually we hope that these plants will replace the railings to provide a green and healthy habitat for wildlife.

“We consulted the council’s arboreal officer once again for his advice on planting. Hawthorn is an excellent early pollinator and produces an abundance of bird food.

“We’ve enjoyed involving students from all across the college with planting their new trees for the future on the college grounds.”

News & Events

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News & Events

Middlebeck Spread Festive Cheer Newark’s newest neighbourhood, Middlebeck, spread the joy last December to residents by delivering special gifts to the community.

Last year residents received a free Christmas wreath for families to enjoy and proudly display on their front doors throughout December. Organised by master developer Urban&Civic in partnership with Sustrans, the initiative has seen Middlebeck community engagement officer Sim Duhra team up with local florist, Lynne Earl-Pont, who will supply the wreaths as part of the launch of her new town centre store Johanne Thomas, Communications, communities and partnerships for Urban&Civic at Middlebeck, said: “Although Middlebeck is a new neighbourhood, we’re very proud of its strong sense of community and it has been wonderful to see our residents support one another throughout this challenging year.

We also know that, now more than ever, it’s important to support local independent businesses and we’re delighted to have partnered with Lynne to deliver these beautiful wreaths to Middlebeck homes.

We hope this small gesture will bring a much-needed touch of festive cheer and magic to the neighbourhood.”

Lynne, who plans to open her new store, “A Little Flower Shop,” in Newark this month, added: “I was very pleased to be approached by Sim to supply pine Christmas wreaths for the residents of Middlebeck.

“With thirty years of floristry experience of creating contemporary and traditional designs in the Newark and Nottinghamshire area, I feel that now is the perfect time to start my new venture. I hope that with the support of local residents and customers old and new that my new little venture will succeed, and I look forward to welcoming the community to my store when we open our doors.”

A Little Flower Shop is now taking orders online at www.alittleflowershopnewark.co.uk and the store is open at 17 Baldertongate, Newark.

Located just minutes from Newark town centre, Middlebeck will eventually offer 3,150 new homes, as well as a bustling community hub with an independent café, Gannets, which opened its doors in November 2019, plus a primary school, and extensive outdoor space.

Find out more at: www.middlebecknewark.com

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Career Moves...

2020 was unusual for us all with the lockdown giving some people time to rethink their life and their jobs and make a change in direction. Here we talk to two people who swapped city life and moved to the rural estate of Welbeck in pursuit of their dream career…

For qualified chartered accountant, Sarah Worrall, the lockdown in March sparked an ‘it’s now or never’ moment.

She was working with a high profile multinational financial company when she decided to take a career break in order to follow her dream. Sarah moved over to Nottinghamshire and is now living in the heart of the rural Welbeck estate as she studies an Advanced Diploma in Artisan Baking at The School of Artisan Food. “I had a good financial career – but I wanted to take the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do and am passionate about,” she explained.

“I was working in corporate finance having joined the company as a graduate and been there for six years, but when we went into lockdown, and having had some time to reflect, I decided that if I didn’t make the change now, I would never do it.”

With a business degree under her belt, she always had an idea that she would at some point run her own business and she was keen to work on her family’s dairy farm in Cheshire. Ideas had been bubbling away to help the farm diversify. Sarah initially took part in a short baking course at The School of Artisan Food in the heart of the historic Welbeck estate. From the start, it had her hooked and the 28-yearold began to think about a whole new career change. “I would love to convert the old milking parlour into a bakery at the farm and offer fresh artisan bread and pastries to the local community… It all may change, of course. We’re living in changing times afterall,” she added.

“But what this advanced diploma course is doing is helping me see what my options are. It is giving me the skills and the confidence to back up my plans for the future.”

She’s not on her own for one of her fellow students, Pavan Vadhesha is following a similar path. She too decided that 2020 was the year she was going to take a leap of faith, retrain and switch careers. “Ever since I can remember, I have dreamed of having my own bakery,” says the 25-yearold. “I remember baking biscuits in primary school and I was hooked then.”

Her passion for baking only grew. After school though she went on to study English at university, which led to a career in retail buying and administration in Leicester and her childhood dreams fell by the wayside. In her spare time, she continued experimenting with her baking and was inspired to take part in three short courses at The School of Artisan Food. “I realised then I was in a job that I really didn’t enjoy and I loved the idea of learning more about the technical/ science side of baking. I knew I didn’t want to stay on the same path anymore and wanted to follow my dreams,” said Pavan.

Both of them are now enjoying studying and living within the rural estate of Welbeck, where there is an established hub of artisan food producers. In fact, Sarah has already had the opportunity to work with Welbeck Bakehouse, which sits right next door to The School of Artisan Food. She says the experience gained while working with the team of artisan bakers has been invaluable.

The School of Artisan Food offers an Advanced Diploma in Artisan Baking as well as Food Business Start-Up courses. Further details about the notfor-profit organisation can be found at www.schoolofartisanfood.org.

Email enquiries@grovegranites.co.uk

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News & Events

Producers Unify Through Food From England A powerful new group has been formed to give England’s food and drink industry a strong collective voice in the wake of Covid 19 and Brexit.

Food from England has been created from more than 30 regional groups which represent over 43,000 businesses. It will specifically support small and medium sized businesses by providing a unified platform from which to communicate the industry's needs to relevant government agencies and departments. It will also highlight the impact of Covid 19 and Brexit and identify ways to help the industry navigate its way through both, while encouraging consumers to keep supporting their local food and drink producers.

“Consumers across the country are now realising the importance of connections across the food and drink supply chain, between makers, retailers and consumers - connections that have suddenly become more urgent, closer, simpler and friendlier as a result of coronavirus.

One of the founding Food from England members John Farrand, managing director, Guild of Fine Food, organisers of Great Taste, said: “The past eight months have seen disaster and innovation within the regional food and drink sector, possibly in equal measure.

“This has been balanced by independent retailers attracting new customers, adopting the internet as a tool to keep them, and unearthing previously unknown suppliers from their area to broaden the retail offer.”

“We have witnessed the rise and fall of our artisan cheesemakers and watched with sadness as our cousins in food service saw their trade plummet overnight.

The group has gained support from many influential people

in the food industry including Tom Hunt, an award-winning chef, food writer, climate change activist and author of the new book Eating for Pleasure, People & Planet.

He said: “There’s certainly strength to be gained from working collectively with all the different groups across England that represent their membership and bringing together everyone, including consumers, who make up the exceptional food and drink landscape of the UK. “We are so fortunate to have access to outstanding food that is home grown, and home produced, but Covid 19 has put tremendous pressure on the food and drink industry with many businesses suffering as a result of the pandemic, while also highlighting the UK’s food security.

“We need to be supporting all our producers and giving them a unified voice so that they can continue to grow, raise, graze and produce home grown food, and we also need to ensure more consumers support them so that the industry can thrive, even during a pandemic.

“Food from England is a superb initiative which is a huge step forward for this industry and one that I am delighted to support.”

Food from England will develop strategies for producers and artisans to help increase sales through independent retailers and agri-food tourism. This will be enhanced by linking directly to appropriate agencies and

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public bodies for access to business intelligence that will benefit micro and small producers.

Recommendations will also be developed for the retention of new customers, stimulation of business growth and strengthening of regional identities without compromising national opportunities.

Mr Farrand said: “We need the support of the food and drink trade, but most of all we need the new shoppers who have recently discovered their local producers and independent retailers. Many of us have visited our local shops, either online or in reality, and been impressed by their range, value, expert knowledge and personalised service.

“By supporting your local deli, farm shop, butcher, cheese shop, food and drink shows, community and village store, you can support your regional producers and your local pound.

“You’ll discover seasonality and you’ll find new flavours and quality in what you eat.

You’ll even uncover the stories about how your food and drink are produced and where they come from. Most important of all, you’ll help ensure that local food and drink can contribute to our food security and peace of mind.”

For further information visit: www.foodfromengland.co.uk Twitter: @FoodEngland; Facebook:@FoodFromEngland Instagram: @foodfromengland

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News & Events

Exhibition Local artist, Julian Bray returns to The Harley Gallery with his fifth exhibition ‘Lost Architecture’.

Now until 7 Mar 21.

“I enjoy making paintings in a variety of different ways and you will see a range of approaches to the depiction of my subjects that accentuate the qualities I find.”

Julian Bray

Julian continuously develops new ways to perceive the world through his artworks. He celebrates shape and colour, which he uses to influence the viewers’ perception of their surroundings, skillfully transforming and reimaging architecture into eyecatching compositions.

This exhibition is a celebration of architecture that has been lost. Perhaps the original reason it was made has disappeared, as is the case of the remaining coal bridges. Or perhaps a building is simply off the beaten track, as is the case of Papplewick church).

Julian says, "I wanted to document these lost built structures that were so much a part of my childhood. I grew up in Kirkby in Ashfield in the 1970s, playing in the woods of ‘the Warren’ and the ‘Quarries’. We used to see the spoil heaps of the collieries in the distance and dodge the trucks as they scraped topsoil. 40 years later the industry has gone, the spoil heaps are now country parks and the railway lines removed, transformed into pleasant walking trails. Dotted along them as reminders of that industrial past are numerous disused bridges, monuments to the industrial history of the area and nostalgic symbols of my youth. The structures are magnificently and solidly built. from brick and iron, often daubed in graffiti; forgotten and left behind."

An online preview of the exhibition is now available at www.harleygallery.co.uk. The exhibition is scheduled to take place until March 2021 in The Harley Gallery but is dependent on the latest Government guidelines surrounding Covid-19.

Please keep an eye on the Gallery’s Facebook page for all the latest updates.

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Julian was featured in issue 4, May/June 2018, Made - you can read the full feature for free on: www.madeinn.co.uk

News & Events

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Book your convenient virtual appointment today by clicking here! You’ll also find lots of useful guides and can meet the team. www.bannerjones.co.uk. Offices in Mansfield, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Dronfield and Sheffield.

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News & Events

Delivering A Digital Experience We take a look at how Nottingham’s premium sports car retailer has adapted to offer a digital customer experience.

Adjusting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, many customers have turned to online options for their purchases.

Porsche Centre Nottingham has positioned itself at the forefront of automotive retail by ensuring it has a variety of purchase options available, allowing customers to buy their next Porsche however they choose.

Whether in person at the Centre on Electric Avenue, Nottingham, completely online via their virtual showroom, or a mixture of in person and online, Porsche Centre Nottingham always delivers excellent customer service.

The introduction of the virtual showroom has helped to complement existing online features meaning customers can now research, reserve and buy their next Porsche completely online, with the Sales team from Porsche Centre Nottingham on hand virtually to assist them with the paperwork.

Customers can browse the full Porsche range online - from the new fully electric Taycan to the iconic Porsche 911, as well as the range of Porsche Approved vehicles.

A wealth of information is available to help guide a purchase: technical speci-

fications, images and videos, as well as the option for video walkarounds and virtual demonstration drives.

Porsche Centre Nottingham understands that customers want to experience driving a vehicle before they purchase. So, customers can book unaccompanied demonstration drives by contacting a member of the Sales team. At the Centre, safety is paramount, thanks to a number of COVID-19 safe measures.

When transacting online, customers have the option to ‘Click and Collect’ their vehicle at Porsche Centre Nottingham so they can still experience the joy and excitement of the Porsche handover experience.

Alternatively, they also have the option to choose ‘Home Delivery’ meaning the Centre will deliver the car to the customer’s front door, allowing them to get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of driving a Porsche in no time at all.

Whichever way you choose to purchase your next Porsche, the team at Porsche Centre Nottingham are on hand to assist. You can explore the full Porsche range through Porsche Centre Nottingham’s virtual showroom at www.porschenottingham.co.uk

Do You Have An Interest In The Arts?

Take A Look At The Local Group Of A National Arts Society Association, Known As The Art Society Dukeries. Usually The Art Society Has Monthly Lecture Meetings At The Civic Centre, Carlton, Two Extra Special Interest Days Trips Out To Places Of Interest, Newsletters, A National Magazine And A Holiday For Members.

The Society's Committee, Through Zoom Meetings, Have Kept Members Entertained With Interesting Arts Issues, Various Newsletters, Joined Other Societies For Zoom Talks And Art Programmes On You Tube Etc. As Normal Meetings Cannot Take Place During The Covid 19 Pandemic And It May Well Be Sometime Before Anyone Will Meet In Person Again, The Arts Society Has Arranged For Lectures To Be Seen Via Zoom.

Morning Lectures Are On The First Wednesday Of The Month, Last For Approx. 1 Hour And NonMembers Are Invited To Join In And Watch For A Small Fee. There Are No Lectures In January, Starting Next Years' Programme In February.

3 Feb, 2021 Chinamania - The Impact Of Chinese Porcelain On European Taste, Collecting And Display.

10.30 For 11am Start.

When The Very First Chinese Porcelains Found Their Way To Europe, The Beauty And Fragility Of The Material Led To Their Being Mounted With Precious Metal And Treasured Alongside Other Rare And Exotic Objects Such As Ostrich Eggs And Rock Crystal Vessels. They Were Housed In Cabinets Of Curiosities And Exchanged As Diplomatic Gifts Between Great European Rulers.

This Early And Exclusive Ownership Of Chinese Porcelain Spread Enormously In The 17th Century With The Opening Up Of Trading Routes Between Europe And The Far East. This Led To A Widespread Fashion For Housing And Displaying Collections Of Chinese “Blue-And-White; And Spawned A Whole Range Of European Imitations.

The Next Lecture Titled ' Undressing Antiques' Will Be On The 3 Mar 2021.

For Further Details On The Zoom Lecture Programme, Please Call Suzanne On 01909 29 0488, Gill On 019 09 540506 Or Contact Gordon On Gordonpmcdougall@Gmail.com Otherwise Please Visit: Www.theartssociety.org/Dukeries.

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Be

. . e n i t n e l a V y M

News & Events

Valentine’s day is on the 14th February, tell the one you love how much they mean to you with flowers.

We all have our favourite bouquets but here’s a few tips on the meanings of those chosen blooms…

Red Roses

Roses for love and passion.

Dahlias

To show a lasting bond and commitment.

Red Tulips

The flower for true love.

Carnations

Choose dark red for affection and love or white for pure love.

Red Camellias

For love, passion and deep desire.

Daisies

For innocence and purity.

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Valentines Inspiration David Fowkes Jewellery have been busy making new rings, earrings, bangles and pendants. Every piece is a one-off, unique creation. If you're considering buying jewellery this winter, do get in touch. Every piece is hand made, prices start at £1,200.

Call us and book a consultation to have your own piece designed and made in time for Valentines.

David Fowkes Jewellery Limited The Courtyard, Thoresby Park, Newark, Notts NG22 9EP +44 (0)1623 823 969 www.dfjewellery.co.uk

News & Events

Snowdrop Festival 2021 Festival celebrates the first sign of spring.

Over the last few years the National Garden Scheme’s Snowdrop Festival has attracted tens of thousands of visitors to gardens.

Following the restrictions of 2020, there has never been a greater need to start the new year with the beautiful freshness of the first blooms of spring.

Snowdrops are the perfect antidote to the winter blues and spending time at one of our Snowdrop Festival gardens is the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy spectacular scenes at an otherwise gloomy time of year.

Pre-booking is essential in 2021, to book your ticket, visit: ngs.org.uk/snowdrops or download the National Garden Scheme app.

Here are the Nottinghamshire gardens taking part in the Snowdrop Festival in 2021.

31 Jan The Poplars, Sutton-on-Trent, Newark. NG23 6QA. 11am–4pm.

Mature half acre garden featuring over 350 snowdrop varieties in early spring for the galanthophiles, set inside a series of well planted areas each with its own character.

Feb - Sept Bolham Manor, Bolham Way, Bolham, Retford. DN22 9JG. Open for pre-booked groups of 5 –30 Bolham Manor is a three acre mature garden with successional planting from February with snowdrops and narcissus, through to spring with daffodils and summer with beautiful roses and formal topiary. A garden to explore and discover hidden delights in all seasons.

Feb – Jun Holmes Villa, Holmes Lane, Walkeringham, Gainsborough.

DN10 4JP Open for pre-booked visits.

Please call: 01427 890233 Starting in spring with carpets of snowdrops, mini daffodils, hellebores and spring bulbs,

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this large plantsman’s garden features fragrant and interesting plants with areas to sit and ponder and inspiration to take home to include in your own garden.

13 Feb 1 Highfield Road, Nuthall, Nottingham. NG16 1BQ. 10am–4pm In February there are 500 varieties of snowdrops blooming in the garden and in pots, with sales of snowdrops available.

Set in a established garden with a large variety of shrubs, bulbs and alpines.

14 Feb Church Farm, West Drayton, Retford, DN22 8EB. 10.30am–4pm.

The garden is essentially a spring garden with a small woodland area which is carpeted with many snowdrops, aconites and cyclamen which have seeded into the adjoining churchyard with approx 180 named snowdrops growing in island beds, along with hellebores and daffodils. Limited amount of snowdrops are for sale.

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Pilgrim Roots

Pilgrim Roots

Pilgrims’ anniversary commemorations extend into 2021.

Mayflower 400 programme set to continue with postponed events.

Dr Anna Scott, Heritage Consultant & Chair of the Pilgrim Roots partnership.

S

ome of the events planned as part of local efforts to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Pilgrims’ story will now happen in 2021, so there is plenty more to look forward to and take part in. Many activities shifted online last year in response to the pandemic, including a successful stay-athome Illuminate event.

For November’s Illuminate, local people were asked to share photos of homemade lanterns placed in their windows on social media using the hashtag #OneSmallCandle, inspired by a quote from Pilgrim William Bradford.

People from across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire took part, as well as from further afield, including Mayflower 400 partners in Chorley. Local schools made some impressive lanterns from glass jars, and the Pilgrim churches displayed a candle in their windows.

You can also now experience the Pilgrim churches from home with new films featuring the Pilgrims’ story in a series called ‘Where it all began’, available on the Pilgrim Roots website.

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One of those churches, All Saints at Babworth, usually hosts an art exhibition supported by Bassetlaw Christian Heritage as part of the Pilgrims Festival in November, but the exhibition was hosted online instead on the Pilgrim Roots website. A range of contributions were received, including paintings, photography, poetry and embroidery, all representing an element of the Pilgrims’ story and its local connections.

The Pilgrims Gallery team at Bassetlaw Museum also produced some reflections on the significance of Thanksgiving and its counterpoint, the National Day of Mourning, which has been commemorated for the past 50 years in the US by Native Americans.

2020’s commemorations have been an ideal opportunity to shed light on hidden voices and mythologised versions of the story.

Rachel Carter’s ‘Pilgrim Woman’ sculpture has been wellreceived, sited on the riverside in Gainsborough looking over to Nottinghamshire. The bronze statue represents another part of the Separatists’ story which is often overlooked – women’s roles

within families seeking new lives elsewhere all those years ago. The sculpture was produced using a special digital photogrammetry technique to create a casting, which captured Rachel herself dressed in Tudor costume made by volunteers from Gainsborough Old Hall.

Two new publications have been released. A new online edition of Radical Routes brings together an eclectic mix of articles on the theme of ‘Journeys’ and the Mayflower anniversary. Acclaimed artist Hetain Patel reflects on the year we’ve had, ahead of his collaboration with the Arts Council England funded project ‘Few to the Many’, based in Bassetlaw and working with local young people.

An illustrated children’s story based on the life of Pilgrim Mary Brewster follows the Pilgrim story from Nottinghamshire to America.

More information about the book, ‘Journeys Over Land & Sea’, and to read ‘Radical Routes’ go to the Discover Gainsborough website.

For the most up to date news about events and activities, visit Mayflower 400, Pilgrim Roots and Discover Gainsborough.

Illustrations and imagery courtesy of Electric Egg.

Pilgrim Roots To find out more about Pilgrims Roots news and events visit: www.pilgrimroots.org www.mayflower400uk.org www.bassetlawchristianheritage.com www.imaginationmuseum.co.uk

27

Notts Wildlife Trust

Make This A Wild Winter – Whatever The Weather.

Erin McDaid, Head of Communications & Marketing, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

T

he long dark days of winter can seem foreboding at the best of times and when you add in the challenging year we’ve all had the temptation to follow the lead of the dormice and hedgehogs and find somewhere safe to hibernate until spring seems rather tempting.

However, the winter months can be a really special time to connect with nature and with a little planning and creatively there’s no need to shut yourself indoors until the warmer months arrive.

One of the simplest things you can do to let nature into your life is to plan a trip to a nature reserve or park with a friend or loved one.

Whilst there are signs that there may be glimmers of hope on the horizon thanks to the roll out of the new vaccine, it is likely that the safest way to meet up with friends in the months ahead will be to meet them outdoors – and where better that a stunning natural greenspace where you can take in the views and benefit from the fresh air.

If you want to take things a step further than a simple walk, why not get up early and watch a sunrise or head to a favourite scenic spot with a flask of something hot or otherwise warming and catch the sunset. When out and about why not get out your phone and photograph the frost or fascinating fungi. If you want a truly magical experience of nature find out where you can enjoy a starling murmuration locally or keep an eye out for a local roost where you can stand in awe as thousands of rooks, crows and jackdaws gather noisily before gathering to spend the night.

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If 2020 was a year when you’ve discovered a new passion for nature or rediscovered your love of old haunts having sought solace by visiting natural greenspaces, why not commit to fundraise for wildlife in 2021 or to seek out volunteering to give something back to nature? As you plan for the year ahead you could also create a ‘wild’ bucket list – adding all the places you want to visit and the wild species you’re determined to see in 2021 and beyond. .

Winter wildlife is out there waiting to be discovered and nature reserves, parks and gardens are ripe for exploration – you just need to wrap up warm to be sure of an uplifting experience.

Your wild acts this winter could be little things that help nature, such as recycling your Christmas tree to starting to feed the birds in your garden for the first time or planting a tree to absorb carbon and create habitat for wildlife.

Whatever you choose to do, don’t let the winter pass you by. There is a wild world out there full of joys and experiences that will warm your heart – no matter how low the temperature drops or how short the days.

In no time, spring will be around the corner but don’t wait until then to get your wild fix.

Stay connected

Back at home you could simply choose to watch wildlife from your window or perhaps invest in a new feeder or nest box for your feathered friends – the list of options is endless.

We’re also delighted that our car park at Idle Valley Nature Reserve is now back open and we’re currently working to reopen the café, shop and reception. However, to be able to do this we need more volunteer support so, if you would like to help us welcome visitors to this stunning nature reserve this winter, get in touch via nottinghamshirewildlife.org/volunteer

As well as actively doing something to connect with the natural world, you could tune in to nature by switching off your gadgets and taking a break from social media for 24 hrs. A tech detox, where you simply let nature in could be just what you need after a challenging year.

Details of all Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust sites across the county including the spectacular Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford and the ever popular Attenborough Nature Reserve south of Nottingham as well as events and campaigns can be found at nottinghamshirewildlife.org

Notts Wildlife Trust

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News & Events

The Major & The Oak

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The Major Oak

The Major Oak of Sherwood Forest attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Reputedly a shelter for England’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood, and his merry men, it has become an icon in its own right. Yet, if it was not for the work of retired local man Major Hayman Rooke, it may have been a different story…

T

he Major Oak can be found at the heart of what was Birklands and Bilhaugh Woods - crown woods situated in the ‘High Forest’ area of Sherwood in Medieval times - which today form part of Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, Edwinstowe. Crowds flock to the 450-acre forest all year round eager to see this ancient and magnificent oak landmark. In fact such is its popularity that it was voted ‘Britain’s Favourite Tree’ in a 2002 national survey, and crowned ‘England’s Tree of the Year’ in the Woodland Trust’s public poll in 2014. At an estimated 23 tons, with a girth of 33 feet (10 metres) and a canopy of 92 feet (28 metres) and between 800 and 1000 years old, it is little wonder that The Major Oak is one of the main tourist attractions at Sherwood Forest.

Once known as Cockpen Tree - due to reputed use in housing fighting cocks - and at times Queen’s Oak, The Major Oak was finally named after Major Hayman Rooke, in recognition of his writings and love of Sherwood Forest.

Major Hayman Rooke, born on 20 February 1723, was a British soldier and antiquarian who became an antiquary on his retirement to Mansfield Woodhouse following a modest military career in the army, which saw him achieve rank of major. Whilst little is known of his private life, he was associated with the Roman finds around Mansfield Woodhouse and for pioneering archaeology across the country of Nottinghamshire. Impressively, he had no formal training and yet was well versed in archaeological fields and even contributed frequently to the journal Archaeologia between 1776 and 1796.

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The Major Oak

During the spring of 1786 his most significant discovery was on the land west of Mansfield Woodhouse where he had noticed some Roman bricks and small stones which the locals called ‘fairy pavements’. From here he discovered the remains of a Roman Villa situated in the parish’s north field. A small scale model of this villa has since been made and can be seen at Mansfield Museum.

In addition to covering material on the Romans he also wrote about medieval churches and local estates such as Bolsover, Thoresby, Haddon Hall and Welbeck. Rooke took a particular interest in local natural history, and was especially keen on the nearby old oak trees, using his skills as an illustrator to sketch many examples.

It was this interest in trees that led the Major to become friendly with the Duke of Portland, who agreed to fund research Into the old oak trees around his estate. By 1790 the Major had published a book called ‘Description of Remarkable Oaks in Welbeck Park’ - a testament to his passion for the woodlands - once again evidenced when he published a pamphlet in 1799 called ‘A sketch of the ancient and present state of Sherwood Forest’ containing many excellent illustrations of the trees, all created himself.

One of the first trees mentioned in Rooke’s book was the Duke’s Walking Stick, followed by the Green Dale Oak, perhaps the most discussed in the book, and by far the most famous tree on he Duke’s estate. Towards the end of the book he introduces the reader to a ‘curious ancient oak’. We can all guess to which specimen he alluded. Now of course it is known as The Major Oak but interestingly he didn’t actually give a name to his illustration, in contrast to the other trees features in the book. It was simply titled ‘An Ancient Oak in Birchland Wood’.

The Major Oak is indeed curiously shaped. There are several theories as to how it became so huge and oddly shaped. Some same it may be several trees that fused together as saplings, or the tree could have been pollarded. (Pollarding is a system of tree management that enabled foresters to grow more than one crop of timber from a single tree, causing the trunk to grow large and thick.) However, there is only limited evidence to support this.

Some say that the Major often relaxed under the tree leading to locals to refer to it fondly as ‘The Major’s Oak’, whereas others suggest that it became a tourist attraction in Victorian times after readers of his book began visiting the area, and without a name to the drawing it was simply identified by his fans as ‘The Major’s Oak’. Over time this curious wonder of nature came to be known as The Major Oak. It has been suggested that had Rooke labelled the tree initially it would not have aroused the curiosity that has ever since, but by all folklore accounts this was a tree that would never have gone unnoticed, and will always be cherished as Robin Hood’s hideout.

Rooke died on 18 September 1806 and is buried in the chancel of St Edmund's church in Mansfield Woodhouse. His legacy and passion for ancient trees live on in the tree’s name, and whenever our descendants talk of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest.

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First recorded drawing of the Major Oak 1790.

Rooke (1790) An Ancient Oak in Birchland Wood (Major Oak).

Courtesy of Dr Mark Johnston MBE, FArborA (Hon) and Edwinstowe Historical Society. www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk

Did you know?

• Metal chains have been used since Victorian times to support its large branches and it is regularly inspected by tree surgeons.

Living our History

• The formation sign of the 46th Infantry Division of the British Army in the Second World war was The Major Oak.

400 Legacy Oaks planted to commemorate Nottinghamshire’s Pilgrims at Hodsock Priory

• In 2002, someone illegally attempted to sell acorns claimed to be from The Major Oak on an online auction site.

• A plantation in Dorset was started of 260 saplings grown from acorns of The Major Oak in 2003. The aim being to provide publicity for an internet-based study, including its history, photographic records, variations in size and leaves of the saplings, DNA comparisons, etc.

• In 2005 The Major Oak was featured as one of the wonders of the Midlands in TV programme ‘Seven Natural Wonders’.

• In July 2020 the tree was shockingly vandalised causing a three foot section of the bark to fall.

400 years ago, the Mayflower Pilgrims left England and set out for America. A number of the most influential and important Pilgrims came from North Nottinghamshire and to mark its seminal place in the Mayflower story, the Sherwood Forest Trust will be planting 400 oaks at Hodsock Priory - one for each year since that historic sea voyage. With the kind permission of landowner, Sir Andrew Buchanan, the Trust will establish the ‘Pilgrim Plantation’.

Dr Patrick Candler of the Sherwood Forest Trust explains: “We wanted to commemorate the role of Nottinghamshire in the Mayflower story and what better way than to use the most noted of our county’s natural resources. The oak is the most emblematic English tree, famed for its beauty, strength and longevity. And the Pilgrim story shows how from ‘little acorns’ as they say, great things can grow.

“We are hugely grateful to Sir Andrew who is allowing us to plant Pilgrim Oaks here in North Nottinghamshire and are delighted that this planting can be seen not only as a reminder of the past – but also as an eye to the future when, in 100 year’s time, our successors can celebrate what we have done today.

“The Trust also appreciates the financial support given by Bassetlaw District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to enable us to organise this project.”

The Made team popped over for a spot of digging and planting at Hodsock too.

33

Welbeck

Welcome To Historical Welbeck Over its 400-year history the Welbeck estate has stood the test of time. It has welcomed politicians, dignitaries and royalty and played a role in significant milestones in the country’s history. Here we take a look back at the estate’s past…

Welbeck Abbey. Historical photograph courtesy of The Portland Collection - Harley Gallery.

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Welbeck

S

et in 15,000 acres of rolling parkland on the edge of Sherwood Forest, the estate surrounding the historic Welbeck Abbey is no stranger to reinvention and change. From its foundations as a monastery in 1153, it became a Cavalier residence before its later role as the country seat to a succession of Dukes of Portland. For a short time, the estate formed a base for an army hospital during the First World War and it became an army training college from the 1950s through to 2005.

It was back in 1607 that its fortunes first changed when the former monastery was acquired by Sir Charles Cavendish, the youngest son of the famed Bess of Hardwick. Since then the estate has been handed down through the generations with family members including the 3rd Duke of Portland, who was twice Prime Minister, and Sir Edward Harley, whose extensive collection was the foundation for the British Library.

Each generation has made its mark on the estate. Not more so than the 5th Duke of Portland - most famously known as the ‘burrowing duke.’ He was responsible for commissioning an extraordinary range of buildings as well as a network of tunnels below the estate.

He was also the man behind the creation of the estate’s kitchen gardens - the biggest in Britain, no less – and the development of one of the largest riding schools in the world. It was second only to one in Moscow.

Welbeck Village at the heart of the estate was also one of his legacies. Today this private village is closed to the public and, hidden away, remains barely touched by modern day. It looks not unlike it did back in the 19th century but today behind the doors of the former stables, riding school, poultry house and barns is a thriving community of artisan food producers, artists, makers and businesses.

As part of an ambitious 20-year programme more buildings are also being given a new lease of life. Known as the Welbeck Project, it was devised to build a creative and sustainable community through the development of the estate’s buildings; many of which had been used by the army training college over its five decades as custodian.

The Stable Court today.

“Life on the estate doesn’t stand still and it continues to evolve,” said Ian Goodwin, Chief Executive of the Welbeck Estates Company.

“Estates like Welbeck exude a sense of history and permanence and it’s easy to think they will remain unchanged for centuries to come.”

“The great estates we know today are those that survived through difficult times when others were broken up or sold-off. Welbeck though has always adapted and evolved to thrive in the future.”

In 2020 a group of barns at Holbeck, along with a former farm worker’s cottage at Belph, were turned into holiday accommodation, while other properties were transformed into family homes. Former garages in Lower Motor Yard have also been converted to create new training facilities adjoining The School of Artisan Food. Funded by the Barbara Curtis Charitable Trust, it provides more space for the training of students in artisan food production.

Plans are in the pipeline too to convert other buildings including the impressive Stable Court and also the magnificent Old School building, which has so far been village school, estate office and then infirmary for Welbeck College.

Welbeck has more than 350 houses, lodges, cottages and farms across the estate that takes in the villages of Cuckney, Norton, Holbeck and Holbeck Woodhouse. Many of the properties were built originally for the army of estate workers who were responsible for the upkeep of Welbeck Abbey and its 15,000 acres. Today many of the houses and lodges are still lived in by estate workers, while others are let.

Curator, Sophie Littlewood, has lived and worked on the Welbeck estate for the past three years and loves the peace and quiet of the surroundings.

“One of the reasons I love living on the estate is the sense of being part of Welbeck’s history,” she said. “Staff have lived and worked here for hundreds of years and it’s nice to feel involved in the continuation of that.”

“Relatively little has changed and there’s something good about staff still living and working on the estate in the same way they have done for generations.”

Welbeck, of course, is also home to a large number of artists and makers. Among those is Ruth Waller, who together with Lee Hewett, creates textile art for clients across the globe from their workspace within the Harley Studios on the estate. They also live in one of the estate’s lodges just a short walking distance from the studio.

She said: “I love living on the estate; it’s such an unusual place and it’s great working here. In fact, I probably spend a large amount of time in the workshop. I enjoy the walk from home to the Harley Studios and spending my days being creative within the studios.

Welbeck is such an inspiring place.”

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Welbeck

No stranger to reinvention, here are just some of the previous transformations that have taken place on the estate:

Riding House

Pictured here in Welbeck Village.

As part of his plan to develop the grandest buildings, the 5th Duke replaced an existing, much smaller Riding School with a new Riding House to rival all riding houses. It was said to have been inspired by Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, which had been built in 1851 for the Great Exhibition. It’s now home to a publishing business.

Former Fire Stables

Pictured as it was and as it is today The Grade II listed former Fire Stables was another of the 5th Duke’s buildings and was used by Welbeck’s own Fire Brigade. As time progressed though, the area was no longer needed as stabling and was turned into garaging for cars belonging to visiting dignitaries. It’s now home to The School of Artisan Food and Welbeck Bakehouse. The former garages alongside The School have this year been converted into additional hightech training facilities thanks to funding from the Barbara Curtis Charitable Trust.

Carriage Court

Pictured during the 19th century and as it is today with space to let for businesses.

Built as part of the 5th Duke of Portland’s building works, Carriage Court was originally intended as storage for the family’s horsedrawn carriages and to provide extra stabling.

The building included carriage houses, stables, a mess room and accommodation for grooms. It was modified during the years of the army training college and later, as part of the Welbeck Project, was transformed into offices to let to businesses.

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Welbeck

Welbeck Tours Welbeck Abbey to open for tours for a short spell in 2021.

Poultry Yard

Pictured as it was in the 19th century Welbeck’s Poultry House is perhaps one of the grandest examples of a building of its type. It was built for chicken, fowl and ducks and included a little tower, dovecote, ornamental pond, and fountain. The building is still as impressive with its statues of peacocks. Today it’s home to a nursery school.

Did you know?

• Welbeck Abbey played host to Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1913 ten months before his assassination, which triggered the First World War. The Archduke is reported to have been involved in a hunting accident during his stay and narrowly avoided being killed when a shotgun accidentally went off within feet of him and the Duke.

• The estate’s very own Gas Works were commissioned by the 5th Duke in 1860 to produce the gas that lit the underground tunnels. It’s now home to The Harley Gallery within the Courtyard at the entrance to Welbeck.

• The walled kitchen gardens were inspired by the 17-acre royal walled gardens in Windsor Great Park and at 22 acres were the largest in the country. The walls now border the edges of the car park and garden centre at the entrance to the estate.

• Guided tours of the grand State Rooms of Welbeck Abbey take place each August. The tours begin from the Courtyard and visitors travel through the old Welbeck Village en route to the Abbey. More details can be found on www.welbeck.co.uk

We would like to thank Welbeck Estate for the imagery and details for this feature. For further details and for information on tours please visit: www.welbeck.co.uk.

Nottinghamshire’s historic Welbeck Abbey will once again be opening its doors for a limited period this summer for visitors keen to take a peek inside the listed building.

The former country residence of the Dukes of Portland today is a private family home but opens for a short period each year.

While the Abbey, near Worksop, has been unable to open, it has been announced that it will reopen for brand new tours between 10 August and 11 September in 2021. Visitors will be able to hear stories of Welbeck Abbey’s past and walk the corridors that have been graced by royalty, aristocracy and statesmen during its long history.

The tours are run by The Harley Gallery and Foundation, a charity set up by Ivy, Duchess of Portland in 1977 to encourage the enjoyment of the arts.

The Portland Collection museum within the Courtyard at Welbeck is temporarily closed during lockdown in line with Government guidance. However, it is due to reopen in January, giving visitors the chance to get a glimpse of the history of the families who lived within the Abbey. The museum, next to The Harley Gallery, displays pieces from the Portland Collection that were collected over 400 years by the Dukes of Portland and their families.

Lisa Gee, Director of The Harley Gallery and Foundation, said: “As Welbeck Abbey hasn’t been able to open to the public, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors again. The tours of the State Rooms provide a perfect opportunity to get a sense of the history of this fine country estate. Visitors will get the chance to see fine and decorative arts from the Portland Collection within the decorative formal entertaining rooms that were created by the Dukes of Portland and their families.”

The Welbeck Abbey State Room Tours will take place between 10 August and 11 September 2021. Tickets cost £20 for a 1.5-hour tour and can be booked by calling The Harley Gallery on 01909 501 700.

Further details can be found at: www.welbeck.co.uk.

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Suzanne Plamping

Bobbin About Multi-media artist and lace maker Suzanne Plamping, owner of SP Creative Crafts gives Made an insight into the intricacies of Bobbin lace craft, and how she is bringing her own modern take on this heritage pastime.

Photo courtesy of Neil Pledger.

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B

obbin lace traces its roots back to fashion popular in the 16th century, right through to the early 20th century. It has recently seen a resurgence in popularity as a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but for Suzanne it is a long-term love that has seen her go on to create countless collections and bespoke pieces, and brought her a legion of fans and private commissions.

A selection of the jewellery created by Suzanne.

Suzanne was first introduced to Bobbin lace just after her seventh birthday and became involved with the Nottingham Lace Society - Young Lace Makers and the Calverton Young Lace Makers. It was during her involvement at Calverton that she took part in the collective entry for an English Lace School John Bull Trophy and they won the Poole Trophy. The rest is history with lace accompanying her throughout her formative and adult years, and four years’ ago led to her giving it full focus as a successful business.

Bobbin laces, in contrast with lace making does not involve a needle, but rather it is made by using a ‘pricking’ - a pattern drawn on parchment or card - that is attached to a padded support, pillow or cushion. An even number of threads are looped over pins arranged at the top of the pattern, and each thread is then wound at it its lower end around the neck of the bobbin. The bobbin itself provides tension that makes manipulating the threads so much easier and also helps to keep the thread clean.

“The threads are crossed over or twisted around each other” explains Suzanne, “this way they produce solid areas of either linen-stich or half-stitch, areas of decorative filling stitches and a background of net or bars which links the motifs together.”

The first written mention of Bobbin laces dates back from 1536 (in the introduction to the Zurich pattern book printed in 1561) and places their origin in Venice. It seems their first use in fashion dates form the end of the 16th century when they imitated and began to compete with the needle lace Reticella (originating from the 15th century), which was already in use for ruffs and other accessories.

The very first Bobbins are likely to have been animal limb bones, although nowadays lace makers question how they could have been satisfactory since even tension requires bobbins to be of equal weight, and these would have been far from adequate.

Later, specially made bone Bobbins were used, and then wooden ones were favoured. Occasionally glass and beadwork were used to create what were regarded as novelty Bobbins, for decorative reasons more than anything else. These are now popular with collectors of needlework tools.

It would seem that Bobbin lace has been much revered through the ages, and as Suzanne explains its versatility is key, “There is no limit to lace and what you can do with it, not to mention the pleasure in creating a design. The entire process is incredibly therapeutic.”

You cannot help but admire the extraordinary intricate nature of this art, but at first glance you would be forgiven for feeling a little daunted by the prospect of taking this up as a hobby. So, is it hard to learn?

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News & Events Photo courtesy of Neil Pledger.

“Anyone has the capacity to learn and to create” enthuses Suzanne, “I have found over the years of giving tutorials and in my workshops that it is often the less creative types, usually those good at mathematic and science, that pick it up much quicker. Children, too. It is a very logical art.”

A typical piece for Suzanne can take up to 300 hours, although the lace making is the quickest part, as the pattern must be designed first. In fact the design element can take a great deal of time to create be applied to the grid. There are various grid types; 45 and 60 degree are both popular. Suzanne tends to work on 45, 52 and 72 grids, to suit the style of her work. All in all, this is along process from the first seed of a design through to the finished article, requiring, a great deal of detail and a creative vision of where you want the piece to end. The design also needs thought and Suzanne often draws inspiration from nature and movement when first sketching a piece.

“You need plenty of patience. This is not a hobby that offers an instant gratification. You have to be in it for the long haul, and emerge yourself into the journey as the lace starts to take shape.

It is incredibly rewarding though, and I find it so relaxing. It is after all an activity that promotes mindfulness. I can switch off from daily chores and worry, and accompany the lace.”

With so many commissions and collective projects on the go, you cannot help but think that perhaps this must consume every hour of the day, but as Suzanne explains “The beauty of lace making is that you can put a piece down and pick it up again however you left it, which means you can have various projects on the go at one time, making it easier for a collective body, or when accepting bespoke projects.”

From earrings and hanging decorations through to wall art and cushions, Suzanne is working on a number of beautifully designed

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pieces, with a particular demand in recent times for bespoke fascinators.

“Perhaps in the past people wanted to blend into a crowd” she muses. “Now though, so many women approach me wanting something unique and that screams statement. After all, who wants to turn up to a wedding, christening or race day, for example, and see another lady wearing the same head piece!”

Lace-aside, whenever there’s a spare moment, Suzanne volunteers as a Trustee for her local W. I. and enjoys making a host of other creative multi-media projects.

“I love a spot of photography, listening to rock music (more recently, particular local emerging bands), sketching, rubber stamping, Indian block printing and sometimes some felting. I find I benefit from the diversity these offer my creativity. And they all share the relaxing benefits of mindfulness. Actually, there are several possibilities I am considering with combining lace and Indian block printing at the moment to try something new. Watch this space!”

SP Creative Crafts has an excellent store on Etsy and E-Bay with a variety of jewellery, printed bags, decorations, fascinators, wall art and china mugs available. There are also several lace making kits and Suzanne is available for tutorials. Keep an eye out also for your local Inspire library events calendar as she often collaborates with them on community lace making courses.

With commissions coming in, pupils to teach, and talks with several galleries and craft shows for exhibitive work, there seems to be plenty a’bobbin.

www.spcreativecrafts.com

News & Events

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Business

Creating Desire As a business owner, how well do you know the benefits of

T

your own products or services?

Ronnie Harris, VJH Marketing

he answer to this question I’m guessing is extremely well.

But how well do your potential customers or clients know the benefits of your products or services? If used well, your marketing message will clearly communicate the benefits to the purchaser, which could mean the difference between a new client buying from you or buying from one of your competitors.

There are a few things you should consider so that you are front of mind when your potential client is looking to buy. Whether you have a physical product or whether you offer a service, there are some things that have to happen before your potential customer or client is ready to buy from you.

1. Clearly show your customer or client the problem that your product or service solves for them.

You have to communicate how your product or service solves a problem for your customers. That might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many business owners fail to address this, focussing on their own need to sell rather than their clients’ need to buy.

Your potential client is already in the market for your product or service, so if your marketing message is unclear as to whether you are able to solve their problem, they will quickly loose interest and go to one of your competitors.

2. Your product or service has to deliver a transformation which you must communicate to your client.

Depending on your offering, the transformation that will benefit your clients could be straightforward, for instance, storage boxes will help transform your messy space to a tidy and organised area.

Or it could be a little more subtle.

The transformational effect of working with a life coach, for example could take individuals from a place of self-doubt and low self-esteem to helping them develop confidence and greater self-belief.

Your marketing message must clearly show how your offering will be transformational for your client.

Communicating the transformational qualities of your offering may be relatively quick and easy or may take a little longer. It is not unusual for your potential new client to have encountered your offering via advertising, social media, or email marketing at least seven to 10 times before they show an interest.

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Even then, they are not guaranteed to buy from you. Your marketing message needs to tap into something more.

3. You have to create desire.

Not only do you solve a problem, not only will they experience a transformation, they will know that by using your service or buying your product, they are guaranteed the best solution to meet their needs. Who wouldn’t say Yes to that?

By creating desire and tapping into their emotions, you connect with the values of the individual. Their values may be aspirational, strongly linked to a desired lifestyle. Equally, a no-fuss, speedy solution may appeal to the individual’s values.

Why do people buy from an artisan shop over a high street chain store?

Because the whole experience is one of pleasure and joy. Or why pay thousands of pounds for a service when you can buy a similar service much cheaper? Because the company/person you are buying from understands your individual problem and your experience will be bespoke.

Remember, you are asking people to spend their money, which is guaranteed to elicit emotion. Linking that emotion to a good experience is what you should be aiming for.

In all of your marketing messaging, always ask yourself, is this what my clients want, need and desire?

Ronnie Harris • VJH Marketing ronnie@vjhmarketing.com 07970 752660 www.vjhmarketing.com

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News & Events

Cuckoo Boats.

The Chesterfield Canal is not linked to any other canals. Its only access is via the tidal River Trent at West Stockwith. It was one of the very first canals to be opened in this country in 1777. Thus the first working boats to use the canal were different from those used elsewhere. Rod Auton, Publicity Officer, tells us more.

Evelyn at Morse (Mossy) Lock, Jonathan Whaite collection.

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ver the centuries, the designs of boats using other, interconnected canals evolved and becoming fairly standard.

However, the Chesterfield boats changed very little. They were usually used for fairly short trips. They often had a crew of two who did not live permanently on the boats. Therefore they did not have large cabins and were not highly decorated.

Remarkably, they were never powered by engines. Commercial cargo carrying finished in 1955 and right up to the end the boats were towed by horses.

Sometimes they ventured out onto the River Trent, even going down the Fossdyke and River Witham to Boston. Obviously they could not be horse drawn on such a large river, so they were equipped with sails, oars and heavy chains to provide some control and steering, which again set them apart from the vast majority of other canal boats.

When these long thin boats (70′ x 7′) first started to appear on the river, the Trent boatmen thought the canal boatmen were mad (cuckoo) for venturing onto the wild river in such craft.

The boats were regarded as cuckoos in the nest for stealing cargoes from the Trent boats.

There are many old boaters who insist that the term Cuckoo refers to the boatmen, not the boats. There are historians who point to the use of the term Cuckoo referring to the boats dating back to the early 19th Century. What is not in doubt is that the term Cuckoo boats is now widely used to refer to these craft that are unique to the Chesterfield Canal.

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Wesleyan Sunday School treat Retford 1906, barge Norah (Bassetlaw Museum)

News & Events

Dawn Rose being towed by Charlie .

Thanks to various Acts of Parliament going back to 1795, there are records of boats working on the canal. For example, in that year there were at least 63 narrow boats registered as carrying coal from collieries in the Rother Valley to places between Stockwith and Lincoln. 34 of these were registered at Chesterfield. All had a crew of two, usually a master and a boy.

Unfortunately, the Nottinghamshire registers, covering Retford and Worksop, were destroyed.

Until 1912 the majority of boats were owned by individuals, but after this date nearly all were sold to Furley & Co., with the previous owners staying on as masters. Furleys was a long-established company of carriers and shipping agents, originally from Gainsborough, whose head office was now at Hull. From about 1900 they had a depot at Stockwith, where their Chesterfield Canal narrow boats were based.

The last Cuckoo boats were built in the 1920s in Tomlinson’s yard at West Stockwith. The last two boats to be working commercially were named Lord Milton and Lady Milton, run by the Hewitt family and carrying warp from West Stockwith to Walkeringham. This trade ceased in 1955 when it was transferred to road vehicles. Warp was a fine, natural silt dredged from the River Trent, at the mouth of the River Idle, which was dried in the kilns at Walkeringham and used as a powder to polish metal in Sheffield’s cutlery trade.

The very last Cuckoo boat in existence was stored at the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port. It was not in the best condition, but unforgivably it was scrapped because it was taking up space! It was called Dawn, but had previously been called Norah.

The last Cuckoo boat on the canal was named Ida. This was moored in Worksop for many years, gradually rotting away.

It was finally broken up in the 1970s because it had become an obstruction, but before then a local historian and boat enthusiast called Richard Allsopp took detailed measurements of Ida.

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Chesterfield Canal Trust

In 2002, some members of the Chesterfield Canal Trust decided to build a new Cuckoo boat. After much research, drawing heavily on Richard’s plans, they drew up a list of all the timber that was needed. This was published in the Trust’s magazine and sponsors were found for every piece. 7½ tons of fresh Lincolnshire oak and boat-skin larch was then bought and stored in a secret location to season. An appeal also went out for traditional hand tools of the type used a century ago, because the decision was made to stick to 1920s techniques, so no power tools were used in the construction.

The building work started in 2011. It was led by David Bownes who has a vast knowledge garnered by talking with working boatmen on the Chesterfield Canal. He was involved with working on Cuckoo boats as a young man, so he was one of the very few people alive - possibly the only one - with real working knowledge of their construction. David has since written a book called “Ponds, Tonzs and Boorts” about his experiences on the canal and the building of the boat. He was featured in Countryfile on BBC1 in 2019 talking to Matt Baker about the construction.

Some of the planks (or strokes) that make up the sides are 27’ long, 10” wide and 2” thick. They had to be planed exactly and then put into a home-made steamer for several hours before being bent into position. There are 90 planks along the bottom.

Each one had to be shaped precisely before being secured by 360 home-made nails each 9” long and hammered upwards.

Vast quantities of old rope, Stockholm tar, pitch and linseed oil were used to make the boat watertight.

Not surprisingly, it took four years to complete the boat which was launched in April 2015 and officially named Dawn Rose at a well-attended ceremony at Worksop Water Day in June the same year.

You can see Dawn Rose on many summer Sundays at the Lock Keeper pub in Worksop, from where it does horse boating demonstrations, towed by its faithful friend Charlie. The Trust runs the Friends of Dawn Rose to raise funds to maintain the boat. It also has an annual Boat Pull where teams of people from local clubs or organisations can tow it for a certain distance. They pay a fee to the Trust but run sponsorship for their own causes. Details of all these activities are available on the website, just search for Chesterfield Canal Trust.

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Dawn Rose under construction.

Rod Auton

Rod is the Publicity Officer for the Chesterfield Canal Trust which is campaigning to complete the restoration of the canal by its 250th Anniversary in 2027.

For further information go to www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk .

Imagery courtesy of The Chesterfield Canal Trust (various photographers).

Canal Wharf Retford 1910 (Bassetlaw Museum)

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A Bridge Of Tales The Winners Thank you to all of the fantastic entries for the Clumber Park Ornamental Bridge writing competition.

T

o celebrate the restoration of Clumber Park’s Ornamental Bridge, Clumber Park invited everyone to get creative and take part in a writing competition. Inspired by the story of the bridge, the beauty of our landscape and the personal connections we have to Clumber Park, the competition was open to all ages and abilities.

We'd like to thank everyone for the phenomenal response. The judges had a tough time deciding the winners as the stories and poems that were submitted were all of an exceptional standard.

The Winners • Young Children - 5 – 9 years George Brown • Juniors - 10 – 13 years Reece Brown • Teenager - 14 – 17 years Bethany Hall • Young Adult - 18 – 25 years William Shaw • Adult - 26+ years Christine Tomblin

A Bridge of Tales Short Story Judging Panel Stephen Booth: Local Author

Jon Rogers: Managing Director, Made Magazine

Beth Dawson: General Manager, Clumber Park

Shirley Roberts: Senior Gardener, Clumber Park

Stephen Booth is a former newspaper journalist and one of Nottinghamshire’s best-selling authors. His Cooper and Fry crime novels, set in the Peak District, have won awards on both sides of the Atlantic, and are sold all around the world, with translations in 16 languages. Described by the Sunday Telegraph as "one of our best story tellers", Stephen is also a director of the writer development agency Writing East Midlands and runs courses and workshops for aspiring writers.

“I’m delighted to be involved as a judge for ‘A Bridge of Tales’” Stephen says. “I know that many writers share my love of our country’s heritage and the beauty of its landscapes as an inspiration for their writing. I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity inspired by the story of Clumber Park’s iconic bridge.”

Jon is the director of creative and marketing agency Createinn and creator/chief editor of Made. The official first member of the North Notts Envoys, and a member of the board. He is the founder of the Notts Food & Drink Awards and the co-owner of Nott's most comprehensive online guide to the region: www.visitnorthnotts.co.uk.

With a background in the creative arts and marketing, and a passionate musician, Jon enjoys being a part of the region’s events and tourism activities on a regular basis.

“This project captures the imagination and essence of Nottinghamshire and its amazing people” Jon says.

“A creative project that brings folk together and acts as the perfect ‘bridge’ to epitomise the conclusion of this ornamental rebuild. A fitting example of rejoining in both symbolic and physical terms. What am I looking for as a judge? I always enjoy a creative description and an embellished use of language to really entice you into a read, some meat on the bones as it were. So I will be looking for a creative flourish beyond the story's structure.”

Beth has a deep love for Clumber Park, the changing seasons, stories and people which make it such a special place to work.

“The Ornamental Bridge is iconic, one of those spaces where people experience marriage proposals, watch children learn to ride their bike, or peer over or through to watch the world go by. The pain felt by visitors and the team when we saw the vandalism will stay with us all for such a long time, but this really is a celebration of the restoration and the memories we care for. I'm looking for writing which continues to celebrate all the bridge has to offer, moments where it takes centre stage, maybe glimpses of memories but also celebrating looking forwards."

Shirley joined the Clumber Park team in 2012, first as a student, then as Senior Gardener. Shirley can be found tending, caring and developing (you’ve probably seen her on TV once or twice!) our nationally renowned walled kitchen garden in any weather.

“Like the garden, the ornamental bridge gives us a glimpse of a world where beauty was valued in art and craftsmanship as much as in the natural world; where creating spaces in which to enjoy the beauty of architectural features was equally important.” Shirley says. “These many decades later, the bridge and its surrounding landscape gives me the same opportunities and one of my favourite things is to walk my spaniels along the banks of the lake, catching glimpses of the bridge as we get closer.

I'm looking for stories that evoke a strong emotional connection to the bridge and the landscape which surrounds it. I'd like them to be rooted in the present and to inspire me to look at that little piece of Clumber Park with fresh eyes.”

WINNER OF THE AGE 5-9 CATEGORY

The Rock Adventuremals

O

By George Brown nce upon a time there was a dog who loved to play at Clumber park, every day he would run around chasing butterflies and take a dip in the lake. His favourite place was the ornamental bridge where he could get a good look of the ducks. One day some nasty people were selfish and broke the bridge so no one could use it anymore and the dog was

sad.

As well as Clumber Park he also loved all kinds of music. One day he saw an advert about a music competition and the prize was lots of money, so he decided to make a band with his friends. If you are wondering who his friends are then read this…. his best friends were called Cara cat, Tipsy Turtle and Bertie Bear, Daniel is the Dog. “I’m making a band, and you’re going to be a part” Daniel said.

Tipsy giggled “Are you kidding? That’s a lot of work and anyway I’ve got jobs to do!”

Daniel worriedly said “But you’ll be famous, and you’ll have lots of money” Tipsy said “Err ok, I’ll do it!” Cara and Bertie also agreed to join the band.

Now if you’re clever you might want to know when the practice starts, well it starts in a week - so before you read on wait for a minute then it will feel like a week has passed….Now back to the story.

They decide to practice in Bertie’s garage. Daniel is plays guitar, Cara is lead singer, Bertie plays the drums and Tipsy plays the Trumpet. “We sound horrible” Tipsy angrily shouted. It took a lot of practice, but they were finally ready for the competition. But then out of nowhere – the devil took their invite “Wa ha ha!!! now WE can dress up as you, do the concert and WIN!” The devil vanished into a puff of air.

“Oh, great now what are we going to do?” said tipsy.

“Well we can’t go to hell; I mean it’s impossible” said Bertie “Oh no its not” said Cara “all we have to do is make a H.E.L.L (High-Electronic-Life-Losers) machine” “Really?! Couldn’t we just dig down until were in hell or find a secret passage?” said Daniel. The others looked at Daniel and rolled their eyes.

Meanwhile, the band snook into the lair using the ‘H.E.L.L Machine’ … BANG! All the devils saw them fall, Bertie said “RUN!” and the devils chased them.

“We’re trapped” exclaimed Tipsy.

“Hello again” said the devil evilly.

“We want our tickets back” Bertie bravely said as he snatched them off him and ran back home.

We already know readers that we have the tickets but listen to this – they did their concert a week later and they won! They used the money they won to mend the broken bridge at Clumber Park. When it was mended the band played their songs for everyone else to hear. So, they really did live happily ever after.

THE END

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WINNER OF THE AGE 10-13 CATEGORY

The Magic Adventure

O

By Reece Brown

n one beautiful morning, there were two twins called Bob and George.

They slept in a double bed. Their Mum and Dad came in and said" We're going to Clumber Park."

"YES!" shouted Bob and George together in excitement.

They got dressed and ate breakfast and got in the car. They drove to Clumber Park. They saw the beautiful and stunning ornamental bridge. They got out of the car eagerly. They went to hire four bikes. They cycled and cycled and cycled and cycled, until they reached the ornamental bridge.

"Look at that beautiful bridge!" said Bob stunned.

"Yeah" said George.

"Let's go and explore" said Bob. They went to the bridge together. But then they went down, down and down until they fell to the bottom of the bridge. Then they noticed that they were underwater. How were they breathing underwater?

They saw the glimmering bridge in the River Poulter. There were fish and an old shipwreck which had a portal. They went into the portal and it led them to a magical sea.

The Sea King exclaimed "HUMANS! " "What are you here for?" shouted the Sea King .

"We just found this portal and it led to you" they both said.

"WHY YOU HERE ANYWAY?" shouted the Sea King. " We thought it would be something exciting" explained George.

So they jumped out of the portal and cycled to the car .Then they drove back home. Hoping that the Sea King wasn't following them...

THE END

WINNER OF THE AGE 14-17 CATEGORY

The Midnight Visitor

M

By Bethany Hall

idnight. Cars tip-toed to and from Worksop. Stars shone above the A1 (although concealed by a veil of haze). Away from the A1, a lake laid encircled by fields and trees.

Despite being so near, the lake dwelled almost a world away. Moonlight rippled idly on the water. Up the bank beyond the reeds and bulrushes, sat a rim of bricks: a ghostly reminder of what was once a house. Paths ran in front of the site, lead into the woods, and laced the lake. Further down the walkway, out of the gloomy trees, was a bridge. Unaware of what had happened above, the lake flew freely. But the arches of the ornate bridge had been disrupted. Vandalism. Yet, she stood on the same spot, tracing constellations in the inky sky.

Two amethyst eyes snapped from the sky to the broken rock. She could not believe it- nor did she want to. Fussing with her headband, she should have kept watch. Like a shoal, the elf’s mahogany hair sat over her shoulders. Sighing, she abruptly grabbed a handful of stone and layered it back onto the bridge. In her rush, the loose rocks tumbled into the water below. With sore hands, she punched the wall. Why the bridge? What was the purpose? What were they trying to prove? Humans! Confusion and anger overwhelmed her-as well as her lack of sleep from staying up so late; the anger keeping her awake, the exhaustion fuelling her anger. A vicious cycle. Wincing, a sharp pain shot through her eye. A head-achy sort of pain. Another thing to worry about. Looking up the stars shone bright in the obsidian sky. Breathe. Just take it one step at a time. Bridges can be rebuilt. Can't they?

For days I sat under the shade of the trees. All I wanted was adventure. I couldn’t though. I shouldn’t have been there. However, I left the cover of the trees at night, only to stand on the bridge and see the stars. It was mid-day, that had to wait. Beyond the bulrushes and reeds, something caught my eye.

Every day it sailed, but I never properly appreciated the beauty of the boat before. Masts waved gently in the breeze. Sunlight sparkled over the water and onto the deck. Edging further out of the trees, I desired a closer look. I was usually more careful but was mesmerised by the rhythmic sway of the Lincoln.

That’s when they came out of the house. I ran (but never left). I had nowhere else to go. Every night I stood on the bridge, convinced that nothing would stop me.

Nothing, after everything that has happened on this bridge had deterred me before- so why should this?

Further down the walkway, out of the gloomy trees, was a bridge. This was where she stood. No matter what. Always tracing constellations in the inky sky.

THE END

WINNER OF THE AGE 18-25 CATEGORY

The Ornaments

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By William Shaw he only escape lay across that bridge. If the ornaments didn't catch me first.

They glinted feebly in the weak autumn light, pristine white marble against the crumbling Steetley Stone. As I placed my first, trembling foot, a crack resounded several metres away, and another chunk fell into the water below.

If I couldn't cross now, there would be no more attempts.

I began slowly, but already the ornaments were whispering. I could hear them, a faint suggestion in my mind's most sordid corners, but I continued walking, refusing to hang on their words. I could not risk them becoming distinct. A single sentence, the barest scrap of meaning, and I would pause, forced to contemplate, and be frozen into impassivity. An ornament.

I had something more ambitious in mind.

Halfway across now, and the ornaments were getting louder. Just a moment, please sir, see how the water catches the light. Isn't it beautiful? But beauty was irrelevant to my task. It was one of the things I was leaving behind.

They became more insistent, almost shouting as my paces grew quicker and my breathing grew louder. Images whirled at the edge of my vision, but I refused to focus, to let them coalesce. They had all once wanted what I wanted now, but their own relief mattered more than their destination. More than the bridge itself, groaning under the weight of a hundred marble sculptures.

The last few metres were a desperate sprint, a thousand voices screaming behind my eyes. The images were fat, stagnant, and roiling, overripe and sweet as rotting flesh. Think of the people who once knew this park. The joys of a billion summertime walks, the shyness of young couples glimpsed through autumn leaves, the communion of ramblers and lost men finally reaching this bridge, and stopping, and at last knowing where it was they stood. The heartache and camaraderie and fear and happiness and sorrow that had accreted to this bridge, when people had still dared to cross it, just stand here a while and breathe. It was too much I decided I must stay and let the bridge wash over me let it fill and solidify the gaps in my mind but my last footfall carried me over and too late, too late, I was free!

A wave of relief as I felt my bones crack and my flesh bubble and shift, my body reforming itself in the sudden rush of heat. My vision flared bright, filled with the burnt orange and insidious green of the trees, and was gone. I felt the earth lurch downwards, and my consciousness dissipate into the evening sky.

I was away. * In the dying light of an autumn evening, an ornamental bridge lay across a river, as clean and pristine as if newly built. Nothing lay across its modest stone expanse. No trace of whiteness interrupted its smooth, strong course.

There were no people for miles around.

THE END

WINNER OF THE AGE 26+ CATEGORY

Ornamental Bridge

H

By Christine Tomblin i there everybody. How are you all doing its Bridget here but my friends call me Bridge for short. I’m not getting any visitors right now so I thought I’d reach out to you on this social media thingy. I’m a bit old for this technology stuff but I’ve had to move with the times.

God knows I’ve done it before so nothing new for me there darling.

I’m having some work done, yes I know I said it’s better to grow old gracefully and it’s not for me but I was terribly down after my accident darling and they thought it might cheer me up so I’ve agreed.

I’ve already had one or two things done and they weren’t too painful so I’m going right ahead with it.

I can see the improvement already when I look at my reflection from all angles and I do feel better. It’s difficult for me darling I was so so beautiful when I was young. People came from miles around to see me I was quite the toast of society. Oh the parties we had when the old Duke was alive they were so wonderful, everybody dressed in their finery, laughing and enjoying themselves and oh the admirers I had. It was wonderful.

Everybody gets older though don’t they darling, even me. They were all very kind though but I didn’t have quite so many visitors or admirers. To tell the truth I didn’t mind too much I still enjoyed the ones I saw. But then disaster struck you must have heard darling, we had that terrible fire and the house was ruined. Yes I know we rebuilt it but it was never the same after that and then that awful war changed everything and people stopped coming even the young Duke eventually. I’m afraid I slept most of the time.

I wasn’t abandoned completely though the Duke arranged for somebody to look after me and very nice they were too. We started having visitors again young families with children and older people like me and it was all very jolly. But then I had my accident. To tell the truth I’m not sure what happened it’s all a bit hazy darling but I remember the people looking after me were very upset. I looked terrible I could hardly bear to look at myself so when they suggested having work done I decided to go ahead and I feel better already. Just a few tweaks more and I’ll look better than ever. I tell you what darling when all this Covid 19 is over let’s have a party. It’ll be just like the old days.

THE END

Leisure

Wells & Waterways Circular Walk Travel writer and photojournalist Sally Outram takes us on a stroll from Welham to Whitsunday Pie Lock.

R

eady to explore? Then get your walking boots on and camera at the ready! This super hike is jam packed with fabulous views, follows beautiful countryside tracks through typical North Nottinghamshire villages, ambles along sleepy waterways and has a few interesting snippets of history and local legend along the way.

One mile to the east of Retford lies the small hamlet of Welham, where we begin our walk. First mentioned in the Domesday book it was originally known as Wellun, Wellum, and by the 16th century Wellom. In c1775 local maps and documents referred to the hamlet as Welham, its name derived from an ancient spring and holy well.

The well site on Bonemill Lane, formerly Wellhouse Lane, became a bath house in the 1700s, the waters renowned for healing qualities, were said to be cures for many ailments such as rheumatism and skin conditions because of the ‘high mineral content, soaking from the gypsum in the Clarborough Hills’. The stone bath still exists under the floor of a private cottage, and the spring pours into a dyke close by.

The Baulk in Welham is a high ridge country lane, with fabulous far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside and leads directly to the neighbouring village of Clarborough. It is a paradise

54

for wildlife and the hedgerows are always bursting with life, I love to come up here with my dog and my camera, especially in the warmer months.

The Chesterfield Canal runs through Clarborough, and in the 1700s provided passage to the River Trent, with a wharf which is now the Gate Inn, a different environment to its peaceful tranquillity off today, as it carried coal, agricultural goods and most famously, 250,000 tons of local stone, which was used to construct the Houses of Parliament. The canal totals 46 miles and is known as the ‘Cuckoo Dyke’ The stretch between Clarborough and Whitsunday Pie lock is so peaceful and picturesque. Wildflowers such as violets adorn the bank side, there is plenty of fish to be seen in the canal too, and if you are lucky you may see a Kingfisher, Heron, or a Tern diving for a tasty morsel.

One of many local folklores, Whitsunday Pie Lock was said to have been named so, due to a lady who lived in a cottage close by, baking a huge scrumptious pie for the hard-working navvies who were excavating the locks one Whitsunday; a tradition of pie eating at the lock still takes place on Whitsundays by visitors and boaters alike. One for the diary and don’t forget your pie!

I hope you enjoy this walk as much as I do, happy rambling!

Leisure

Directions 1. We begin this lovely walk on the old

2.

3.

4.

5.

Welham Road which runs parallel alongside the main A620. With the public house behind you, walk along the road until you come across the waymarked footpath to your right. Proceed through the gate and continue keeping the hedge to your left. After a short distance you will cross a stream, continue until you reach a stile.

Cross over the stile, proceed on and you will come to the railway crossing.

Advance over the crossing taking extreme care, as this line is still in use.

Once over the railway line, walk along the tree lined track/lane ahead for approximately ¼ of a mile.

At its end you will reach Little Gringley Lane. Turn left, crossing over the road with care, and proceed to the junction (large corner on the A620).

Here turn right along the footpath which merges onto a lane (Pinfold Lane). Continue along (slight incline) for approximately ¾ of a mile, to an intersection. Follow the path to the left and onto The Baulk. The views from here are superb, and on a fine day you can see for miles around. Continue along crossing over the railway line, descending the baulk until you reach the village of Clarborough and onto Church Lane. (Whinleys Road is to your right).

Bear left onto Church Lane along the footpath, passing the pretty church of St. John the Baptist. (It is worth taking a few minutes to explore this beautiful grade 1 listed building). Continue

The basics along Church Lane until you reach Main Street A620.

6. Turn right along Main Street and walk for a short distance, until you are opposite Big Lane. Here, cross over with care and proceed along Big Lane until you reach Broad Gores, turn right and continue along Broad Gores until you reach its end, where you will merge on o a field.

7. Follow the track/path (bear right) over the field, where the path forks bear left and head to the play park area.

8. At the play area join the footpath to the right then immediately turn left, follow the path and head up towards the main road and the canal bridge.

Cross over the bridge and join the tow path. Turn right proceeding under the bridge and walk along the canal path passing the Gate Inn. This is a great little spot to stop and take refreshments, if you are lucky you may even see a narrowboat or two, as they often moor here, especially during the spring and summer months.

9. Follow the pretty towpath, go under the next bridge at Bonemill Lane, (formerly Wellhouse Lane, another great photo opportunity). (There are super views over both sides of the bridge.

10. Continue along the towpath until you reach the legendary Whitsunday Pie Lock. You can leave the route here and cross over the main road back to the start point or continue a while longer along the towpath to the next bridge opposite the Hop Pole, and cross over here. I prefer the latter!

Distance: 4.97 miles (8 km) Severity: Moderate.

Gradient: Mostly flat.

Approx time: 2hours 10 min (allow for

exploring and photo opportunities).

Stiles: None.

Maps: Explorer 270 & 271.

Path info: Some road, field, track, towpath.

Start point: Small road by the A620, next

to Hop Pole public house,

Retford. SK719818.

Dog friendly: Yes, on lead – respect the

countryside code.

Public Toilets: There are pubs along the

route, if open, the perfect

place to call in for

refreshments too!

Refreshments: Some cracking picnic

spots and public houses:

Hop Pole (start point) and

the Gate Inn at Clarborough.

55

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Food & Drink Home & Garden

Brave Ground For 2021 Kelly Roden, owner of Meliora Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms in Bawtry rounds up the latest trends, most fashionable colours and how we're all loving our home working spaces in 2021.

We're loving Brave Ground, Dulux's colour of the year.

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Food & Drink

A

s we say goodbye to 2020 and the year that we spent more time at home than ever before, we look to a new year one which is under an immense amount of pressure to perform much better than the previous year has done. The pandemic really has shaped the way in which we look at interiors and trends are emerging from the way in which Coronavirus has shaped our lives.

Our homes have become more than a place to sleep and eat, they are now our offices, gyms, yoga studios, and even classrooms.

These inevitably has impacted how we view the décor and spaces we are living in.

Earthier tones are emerging as comfortable colours that allow us to create hubs and pockets of privacy in our open plan spaces.

Allowing for separation of spaces without impacting on our mindset or create distractions. When Dulux unveiled their Colour of the Year as Brave Ground many questioned the choice but as a grounded colour with a wholesome feel it makes sense that we would look to these tones in uncertain times.

Utilising unused space for storage is also another way we are trying to make our likes easier – places to easily store the children’s toys that move from one room to another and make life easier to clean everything away at the end of the day. Our clients consistently ask

Creating perfect home working spaces in neutral and earthy tones.

for cabinets to the ceiling in their kitchens to make the most of all available space in the kitchen and utility spaces with maximum storage are high on the wish list.

The negative stigma surrounding working from home has well and truly been lifted and with more companies appreciating this, one of the main consequences of lockdowns will be the need for a home office in some capacity. Whether it be a stand-alone garden studio or repurposing an otherwise used space. Home working even on a part time basis seems here to stay and trends are seeing the need to create a private work from home space, to allow for those uninterrupted zoom calls with a backdrop you don’t mind colleagues catching a glimpse of.

Similarly, multi-functional spaces will be the key to home layouts.

We’ve started to see desks being incorporated into bedrooms, kitchens and living areas as part of our new normal. Creating multiple workstations so two people can work from home at the same time without bothering each other.

Kelly Roden Meliora Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Tel: 01302 711007. Email: info@meliora.uk www.meliora.uk

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Home & Garden

How green is my…

Roy Wakeman OBE is Chairman of the CTI (Confederation of Timber Industries) and of local Window and Door installer The New Window Company at Frieston Heath

I

t is now widely recognised that global warming is a real issue, and that mankind has been the major factor in influencing events leading to the causes. Amongst them is the release of CO2 or carbon into the atmosphere and that this has been a significant factor in damaging the Ozone layer leading to global temperatures rising.

So much that now all governments are targeting zero carbon either before or by 2050. In the UK the preferred target is to cut emissions by 68% by 2030.

We already know that petrol and diesel driven vehicles are going to be phased out and that the burning of fossil fuels will cease at some time.

Major changes, therefore, but the single biggest action the world can take is to make use of the world’s oldest and versatile material for building and construction, namely timber.

It's time to put timber at the heart of the climate debate.

This was the headline used this week to report on the Climate Change Committee (CCC) release of their sixth Carbon Budget report which sets out a detailed and achievable “Balanced” route for the UK to drastically reduce emissions by 2050.

The report recommends that the UK cuts its territorial emissions by at least 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.

To achieve this the CCC suggests ramping up the use of wood in construction, a £12 billion investment in a long-term refurbishment programme to existing housing stock that would create an additional 200,000 jobs by 2030 and planting two billion trees in the UK.

So, timber framed houses should be used which are quicker to build and much easier to keep warm using less energy.

We also need to recognise that using wood as the material for our windows and doors is a no brainer as timber any form and particularly in finished products is a natural carbon sink and the carbon will be stored within the products for their life time which has been proven in Life cycle analysis to be at least 65 years (Herriot Watt University and the BRE green guide).

Timber windows and doors as supplied locally by The New Window Company come in hardwoods and softwoods that are engineered to suit the customers bespoke needs and to avoid the issues of warping or rotting. Modern paint finishes are offered in a myriad of colours to match the customer’s needs and are now guaranteed for 12 years before any further decoration is necessary.

There are lots of initiatives sponsored by government grants (Green Deal) and help for listed buildings where heritage products meeting todays demanding performance standards but also fit in with local planning rules.

So, our world wants to grow green and we can help the cause by using timber wherever we can. Your valley and establishment would then be very green.

Roy Wakeman is Chairman of the New Window Company based in extensive showrooms at Frieston Heath near Caythorpe Grantham.

www.newwindow.co.uk Elm Farm Frieston Heath Caythorpe Grantham 01400 272538 62

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Home & Garden

Enjoy Your Garden In Winter

Landscape Designer, Sarah Murch, of Ellicar Gardens, shares her love of the winter garden and encourages us to keep enjoying our gardens throughout the colder season.

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Home & Garden

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inter is the season I enjoy my garden best. It slows into an undemanding, peaceful space where I can relax and step off the treadmill. It’s a time to absorb and observe. And marvel. For there is so much beauty in the winter garden for a quiet observer.

I love the pared back beauty of a garden in winter.

Without frills and distractions. But it’s the transient changes wrought by the elements that draw me outside, leaving me in awe of nature’s beauty in this stark season.

Winter Garden Magic My own garden becomes a tawny landscape in winter.

Transfigured into sublime beauty when illuminated by the low winter sun. Transformed into a fairy land with a dusting of frost. Turned into an ethereal space as morning sunshine casts dull mist to glowing haze or sparkles like magic off dewdrops.

There’s Life In This Desiccated Landscape The garden seems dead yet is so alive. I enjoy watching the wind stirring desiccated grasses in our prairie borders, delicate stems shimmering in the golden light.

And once beautiful flowers keep on giving in the form of dark seed heads, punctuating the bleached backdrop in tonal contrast. The garden is brought to life as tiny finches flit to and fro thankful for this valuable feed source.

Then there’s the winter flowers and blossom, so delicate and intense and even more appreciated for being so few in numbers. Finding a single tiny iris flowering in February thrills me as much as a garden full in June.

Gardens Are A Lifeline And in an extraordinary year like 2020 our gardens and outdoor spaces have been a lifeline for many of us. A place to escape, relax, feel safe, enjoy a socially distanced gathering with family and friends. Gardens are even becoming the new home-work stations for many of us.

Our gardens are hard-working, multifunctioning spaces and I think if anything positive has come out of this pandemic it is perhaps we have learnt to enjoy and value our outside spaces and look to nature for nurture through tough times.

And judging by the demand for plants, vegetables, turf, trees, bulbs, gravel, paving, railway sleepers, cobbles and pond liner- it appears the nation has got the bug and taken up DIY gardening in a big way!

So, if you are one to hide indoors in winter and peep out at your garden through the windows, here are a few seasonal activities to entice you back out there, put a glow in your cheeks, give you a dose of vitamin D and leave you feeling good, whatever the weather.

Ten Ways to Enjoy your Garden in Winter 1. Cook Outdoors.

Fire up the BBQ, light the fire pit, set out some lanterns, string up fairy lights, dress up warm, crack open a beer and get grilling outdoors.

Every weekend in winter we cook outside, whatever the weather, huddled around a smoking fire looking out at the stars, under a lean-to with a tin roof that is our log store.

It feels good to take a few steps outside, escape the domestic world, relax and watch the flames flickering in the dark.

And it’s funny how food seems to taste even better cooked outdoors in winter.

Serious winter grillers should check out www.biggreenegg. co.uk

2. Plant A Tree.

According to the Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

Winter is the best time to plant a tree. Do it. Plant a tree with your family. Plant a tree on your own, with your partner, with your dog, plant it for a loved one. Plant a tree for the planet.

It feels good. And you will be doing a great thing for the environment and your heirs.

More information at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk Buy mail order trees from www.frankpmatthews.com/treeshop

3. Weave A Wigloo.

Are you looking for a hideaway in your garden? A green retreat? A playhouse for your children? Try weaving your own green and leafy bower using living willow.

Now is the best time to plant living willow rods weaving them into domes, arbours, arches, tunnels, children’s wigloos and fedges (a living fence). You don’t need Bear Grylls’ den building skills, it is super easy to do, and great fun with children. Simply push the living willow rods about a foot deep into the ground to shape the base, then weave and twist the stems together into whatever structure you are building.

Wigloos will need pruning back hard each winter and they prefer a sunny position.

Have fun weaving coloured willow stems into the structure.

Buy mail order living willow kits from www.musgrovewillows. co.uk

4. Plant An Eatery.

Build your own raised beds, available to purchase as kits with minimal DIY skills needed.

Sow winter greens and peas now and enjoy tasty salads in the depths of winter.

Plant soft fruit and enjoy delicious superfood berries picked from the bush in summer.

Order blueberries, gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries and other unusual edibles now.

Mail order fruit from www.frankpmatthews.com/tree-shop Raised beds kits available from www.harrodhorticultural.com 65

Home & Garden

5. Build A Pergola.

Fragrant Hamamelis x intermedia Diane flowering in the depths of Winter at Ellicar Gardens.

Our gardens have to work hard these days, and pergolas are multitasking structures adding height and creating an intimate living space within our gardens.

Our pergola is built from UK larch and green oak. During #Lockdown1 it became an outdoor gym, strung with weights and lifts. It provides a shaded dining area in summer, doubles as a frame for a relaxing swing seat and hammock, grows grapes for summer eating and is a nesting destination of choice for many of our garden birds.

Add a roof and you have the perfect year-round setting for a hot tub, fire pit, to socially distance and entertain whatever the weather.

Pergola kits are readily available online, you will need some joinery skills and tools to build one yourself. Or leave it to the professionals and commission a bespoke pergola to suit your garden and lifestyle.

6. Set Up A Bird Feeding Station.

Frosted berries of Viburnum opulus in Ellicar's woodland.

January and February are lean months for garden birds and putting up a bird feeding station will bring them to your garden giving you hours of pleasure watching them feed and interact. We have a bird table, several feeding stations and multiple feeders filled with complex seed mixes and straights to cater for our tits, finches, robins, wrens, blackbirds, woodpeckers and more. The station is close to the house and we even have window mounted bird feeders to enjoy watching the birds at close quarters.

Include a bird bath or shallow tray of water and change the water frequently.

Mail order seed, feeders and great advice available at Vine House Farms www.vinehousefarm.co.uk

7. Plant A Mini Meadow.

Iris reticulata J S Dyt is a welcome flower in Ellicar's winter garden.

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Fill your life with flowers, bumblebees and butterflies.

It’s a great time to plant a meadow now. Make life easy and put down meadow turf. Clear a space in your borders, or strip off some grass, cultivate and simply lay down meadow turf on the soil’s surface. It is that easy.

Choose perennial meadow turf for its long flowering season with thousands of flowers per m2. Add a bench, sit back amongst the flowers and enjoy watching butterflies and bumblebees flock to your garden in droves. www.pictorialmeadows.co.uk

Home & Garden

8. Dig A Pond.

One of the best things you can do for wildlife is put a pond in your garden.

A small wildlife pond or even a tiny frog pond will quickly increase biodiversity and help support struggling species like amphibians, wild birds and pond life. Even hedgehogs will welcome a drink from the shallow sides.

Ponds are best planted in spring, and frogs and toads are looking for spawning holes as early as February, so start digging now and your pond will be ready in perfect time.

Visit local aquatic specialists Wayside Watergardens www.waysidewatergardens.co.uk for aquatic plants and pond liner.

For tips and advice on making a wildlife pond see www.froglife.org

9. Put Up Nest Boxes.

There’s a range of nest boxes available to purchase on-line and in garden centres to suit your style and garden. I think the wild birds are less fussy about style, so if you enjoy a bit of DIY build your own nest boxes, a great activity with your children.

There are plans to follow for different species, sparrows like to nest together so consider a sparrow hotel, whereas wrens and robins are solitary and require different sized hole openings.

If you want to go a step further and really connect with the birds treat yourself to a nest box with a webcam and watch the brood hatch and grow up.

For tips and information about building a nest box visit www.bto.org/how-you-can-help/providing-birds/putting-nestboxes-birds/make-nest-box

10. Get A Garden Bench.

Find a sunny spot for it, go outside and sit on it whenever you can. Buy some woolly gloves, put on a hat, dress up warm, get a blanket. Take your coffee or hot chocolate out in a thermal cup, read a book, have a cup of tea, even eat your breakfast sat out in your garden. Just a few minutes now and then, soaking up the sunshine, to pause, switch off and recharge your batteries outside does wonders for the soul.

Long tailed tit at Ellicar Gardens, photographed by Des Lloyd.

So please don’t forget about your gardens in winter. Enjoy them like I enjoy mine. Get out there and celebrate the elements. Reconnect with nature. Gardens are good for us whatever the season.

For gardening advice, garden design and landscape services contact sarah@ellicargardens.co.uk

Pennisetum Fairy Tails back lit by the low winter sunshine beside Ellicar's natural pool. Imagery courtesy of Sarah Murch.

Visit Ellicar Gardens in winter and enjoy the winter garden specials 19th Feb, 24th Feb, 26th Feb, 3rd Mar 11am-3pm for more visitor information see: www.ellicargardens.co.uk 67

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Made to order. An outstanding linen cushion with a large embroidery on one side depicting a pair beautiful Asian tigers applied as a patch and on the other side made of Patola linen fabric.

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For all interior decor, furnishings, walls and lighting.

Find the Decor Clever selection on www.decorclever.com Ancestor Portrait Framed Art by Mind The Gap , £342.

Made to order. A Chinese artwork made of ink and colour on silk, depicting a bearded official with serene expression, adorned with a winged black hat and long flowing red robes. Dated to late Ming dinasty, the reproduction is framed with Lincoln black frame and white slip.

Asian Crane Cushion by Mind The Gap , £189.

Made to order. A designer cushion with one side made of a large scale embroidery depicting a beautiful Asian style crane and the other side made of Uzbek Ikat heavy linen fabric..

Paulownias and Chrysanthemums Framed Art by Mind The Gap , £288.

Made to order. A beautiful diptique artwork inspired by an old Japanese hand painted folding screen made by Sakai Hoitsu. The painting is depicting a familiar landscape with Paulownia and Chyrsanthemum flowers on a gilded paper background. Framed with contemporary black frame and white slip..

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Metallic charm...

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Food & Drink

Rise & Shine Kick start your day with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast is an important meal essential for good health and vitality, remember you are breaking the fast after a period of not eating so it is important to make it special.

Try to eat well every morning to help boost your immune system and give you energy. It will satisfy your appetite and help to stop you snacking. All recipes by food demonstrator & home economist, Teresa Bovey.

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Breakfast Muffins Ingredients 100g self-raising flour 100g deluxe museli 1 banana, chopped 1 desert apple, peeled and chopped 1 large egg 100ml milk 50g butter, melted Method 1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 6/200ยบC/ Fan 190ยบC 2. Place flour and museli into a large bowl.

Add chopped banana and apple.

3. In a jug whisk together egg, milk and butter, and add to dried ingredients.

4. Spoon into 6 large muffin cases.

5. Bake for 20-25 mins.

Makes 6

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Food & Drink

Ouefs En Cocotte With Spinach Ingredients 200g spinach leaves 5g butter 10g butter 4 large eggs 4 tsp single cream 4 tsp grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper Method 1. Heat the oven to 190ยบC/Gas 5/Fan 180ยบC. 2. Wilt spinach by placing in a sieve and pouring over boiling water.

3. Squeeze out excess liquid, roughly chop and saute in 5 g butter if desired.

4. Season and divide between 4 buttered ramekins.

5. Break an egg over each ramekin and add 1 tsp cream and 1 tsp grated Parmesan on top.

6. Place the ramekins into a roasting tin half filled with hot water and cook for 10-15 mins.

7. Serve immediately with brown toast and butter.

Makes 4

Pancakes With Oranges And Maple Syrup Ingredients 3 tbsp orange or satsuma juice 225g self raising flour Pinch of salt 25g melted butter 40g caster sugar 2 large eggs 80 mls milk 1 large orange, peeled and sliced or 2 satsumas segmented Butter or oil or greasing To Serve Maple syrup or honey Method 1. Place 3 tbsp orange or satsuma juice into a food processor.

2. Add all the remaining ingredients and blitz for 30 seconds or until the mixture is blended and is free of lumps.

3. Drop small ladlefuls of the mixture onto a very lightly greased frying pan and allow to cook on one side for approximately 2 mins until you see bubbles forming.

4. Flip the pancakes over and cook for another minute.

5. Serve warm with fruit slices or segments and a little drizzle of maple syrup or honey.

NB. Canned mandarins can also be used for this recipe

www.teresabovey.co.uk 75

Food & Drink

Breakfast Smoothies

Overnight Porridge

Banana & Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients 40g porridge oats 200g Greek or natural yoghurt 3 tbsp water or milk Fresh fruit or canned fruit eg. blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, chopped banana, mixed nuts

Ingredients & method 2 tbsp frozen banana, or half a fresh banana 2 strawberries 3 tbsp of Greek or natural yoghurt Place all ingredients into a large jug. Blitz with a stick blender and add 300ml apple juice. Blitz again.

Add 2 tbsp porridge oats and serve.

Serves 1

Tropical Smoothie Ingredients & method 440g canned tropical fruits 330mls coconut water 1 small banana 5 tbsp natural yoghurt Blitz together all the ingredients and serve .

Serves 4

Vegan Breakfast Shakes Ingredients & method Use almond, cashew or coconut milk, bananas and vanilla extract.

Oats , museli, wheatgerm , chia or flax seeds can be added to add extra Vitamin E and Folate into your diet.

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Method 1. Mix together the porridge, yoghurt, milk or water in a large jug. Cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight.

2. Serve with blended fresh fruit or fruit and nuts in the morning.

Serves 3-4 .

Food & Drink

Vegan Pancakes Ingredients 150g plain flour Pinch of salt 1 tsp baking powder 250mls almond milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Oil for frying To Serve Alpro yoghurt Method 1. Place all the ingredients except the oil into a bowl and hand whisk until smooth.

2. Heat a thin layer of oil in a small frying pan and add 1 tbsp batter cook for 30-40 secs, flip over and repeat.

3. Serve with fresh fruit.

Serves 12 small pancakes .

www.teresabovey.co.uk 77

ae r!

New Y

Benoit Badoz Crémant du Jura Brut £20.99 This crémant from Jura has a creamy mouthfeel with some chalky mineral notes. Packed with Green apple & citrus, herb flavours come to the fore, demonstrating the fresh, zippy style from this predominantly Chardonnay led sparkling wine.

Great with shellfish, poultry or with appetizers and snacks.

Lunetta Prosecco Spumante Brut 20cl £3.99

A deliciously light and fruity Prosecco with hints of apple and peach on the nose and a fresh, softly sparkling palate with characters of soft ripe stone fruits. Please note this is a 20cl bottle. This is a single serve, by the glass bottle. Perfect as a small gift or a stock filler at Christmas!

Anyone who just wants to have a little treat in the New Year, these mini bottles are just the trick.

Perfect for a couple of flutes with a splash of liqueur or simply to enjoy on its own.

Edmond Briottet Creme de Peche. £19.99 The smooth sweet flavour of Creme de Peche (Peach Liqueur) adds a delicate flavour to white wines, cremants and champagnes, as well as icecreams, sorbets and fruit salads.

Edmond Briottet Creme de Rhubarbe, £19.99 A subtle mix of macerated green and red rhubarb confers upon Briottet’s Rhubarb Liqueur its unique taste and its slightly pink colour. A powerful and generous nose, a round palate with a hint of acidity, and a charming finish.

Drink it straight, accompanied by an ice cube, or with a dry or sparkling white wine.

For a full sized bottle of enjoyment we have the fabulous Nani Rizzi Extra Dry which works perfectly with the Rhubarb or Peach liqueur – nice balance of dry fizz to compliment additional flavours.

y pp Ha ! r a e Y w e N

Nani Rizzi Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG £15.99 Hand harvesting and sorting and made from 100% Glera grapes grown at between 250m and 300m ensures this is fresh and pure, it’s all about the bright apple fruit that is concentrated and with good length. Suitable for Vegan and Vegetarian.

Why not start the year off with a treat and pop the cork on our fizz options with a drop of some real quality liqueur from the Briottet range we have in store. A family run business focusing on creating high-end quality fruit liqueurs. A lovely sparkling glass with breakfast or two! Mr & Mrs Fine Wine.

a e r Y w e

Chinese New Year we have picked out three of our top picks, all which go well with Asian cuisine, they work well with by balancing the fruit and acidity with the many Asian dishes.

Lyme Bay is a small, dedicated West Country company passionate about producing delicious and award-winning English Wines, Fruit Wines, Ciders, Meads and Liqueurs from their home in Devon’s beautiful Axe Valley. A refreshingly balanced and complex English still wine with lemon, lime and tropical aromas with a crisp saline finish!

C hinese N

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Lyme Bay Shoreline, Devon £14.99

Kung Fu Girl Riesling £16.99 An awesone example of a white wine from Washington State, this riesling is packed full of citrus. Notes of lime, nectarine and hints of peach and apricot zing through this medium bodied wine.

Excellent with Chinese and other aromatic dishes.

Give it a go.

Julienas Chaintre Velour de Coteaux, Beaujolais Villages £10.99 A fabulous ‘lunchtime’ wine with all the hallmarks of a Beaujolais Villages; lots of fresh berry flavours, lovely soft mouthfeel and a clean finish.

A delightful wine.

Mr & Mrs Fine Wine - The Wine Bank, Independent Wine Merchant & Bar IWSC Independent Wine Retailer of the Year 2018 www.mrandmrsfinewine.co.uk

Food & Drink

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Health & Beauty

Working from home?

Some easy exercise can make a real difference!

The importance of exercise for mental and physical health. Joanne Pritchard, Chartered Physiotherapist.

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ollowing on with our working from home theme, did you know that exercise not only has a huge impact on your mental and physical health, but it can also help to prevent injury and improve and increase your work productivity too? So how can you exercise at home?

Firstly, make sure you break up prolonged periods of sitting with short bursts of activity. This can be small amounts of light walking, moving around the house, cleaning, gardening or going up and down the stairs every 30 minutes.

Increasing your daily activity by doing some more structured exercise, such as a brisk walk outside, Pilates, or weight training, can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. If you struggle to exercise by yourself, and local Covid-19 restrictions do not permit face-to-face classes, your local gym or Physiotherapy clinic may be running structured live online classes.

Other ideas on how to get started with a new activity this year can be viewed here: www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/keepingactive-healthy/love-activity-hate-exercisecampaign/getting-started Finally, simple stretches, designed by expert Physiotherapists, are available for free on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website. These can help ease the aches and pains associated with sitting for long periods at home: www. csp.org.uk/public-patient/keeping-activehealthy/staying-healthy-work/desk-basedexercises *Please ensure you consult your GP before starting any new form of exercise* Joanne Pritchard BSc (Hons), MSc, MCSP, HCPC registered Principal Physiotherapist and Director Physio Pilates Retford. www.physiopilatesretford.co.uk Reference: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/stress. pdf (accessed on 21/12/2020).

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Did you know?

Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions in our society and over the course of one year, approximately 1 in 4 of us will experience one, or both, of these conditions. In 20192020, 17.9 million working days were lost due to stress, anxiety and depression, and with events in 2020, these figures are likely to rise.

Exercise or activity releases endorphins (your happy hormones) into your blood stream. This feel-good factor helps to prevent the escalation of stress and help manage mild depression and anxiety. Research also suggests that exercise increases both the quantity and quality of your work with reduced sickness absence. Start moving and exercising now to reduce the risks of stress affecting you and your work.

OUR SPA, SAUNAS & STEAM ROOMS REMAIN OPEN Whilst in tier three, you can choose to just Spa, try one of our shared experiences or have some free spa time on us when you book a treatment of 60 minutes or more.

TINY, TWEEN AND FAMILY SPAS ARE BACK! We’re delighted that from Wednesday 13th January we will host our New Year spa events for our younger spa guests. With sessions for 5-10 years, 11-15 years and family sessions for 5-15 year olds, this is a chance for children to experience all the spa has to offer with some thermal rooms running at cooler temperatures for safety.

Spa access is for 3 hours and food is included for each child. Prices from ÂŁ85 for 1 adult and 1 child.

Visit our facebook page or www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk for dates and further information.

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Barnby Moor, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 8QS 01777 705121 enquiries@yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

0115 727 0025 www.consult-hc.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

! ou Y ” s ou i c s n o C “ w e N r a New Ye Sarah Rockley and Lisa Holland of Conscious Closet look at mindful ways to update your style in 2021.

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s we wave goodbye to a difficult 2020, we can look forward to starting the New Year surrounded by the things that make us happy.

Fashion and dressing up is a perfect way to feel more positive, and as the photographer Bill Cunningham wisely stated, “Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life”.

Whilst we have grown to love working from home in our slouchy joggers and sweats, replaced lipstick with face masks, and felt guilty for not washing our hair all week, 2021 is definitely giving us time to think about our personal style and how to dress for the outside world again!

Whilst we all want to look good and show our masked face to the world in smart new outfits, we need to do this guilt free. Lockdown and isolation taught us to appreciate the things close to us, and “make do and mend” rather than rush out to purchase more. Buying clothes to wear once and throw away is no longer the way forward, we must invest time and money in clothing that lasts the test of time and shop with a more mindful approach.

It's common knowledge that nearly 20% of global waste is produced by the fashion industry – with manufacturing processes and water consumption harming our eco system.

An estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is created annually, and every second the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned globally. Mountains of discarded fast fashion sit on wastelands like a toxic warning of a dystopian future.

But there is light at the end of the fashion tunnel!

Many clothing brands are making it their priority to tackle this, and we can all make a difference in our own way - and still look stylish. Don’t feel guilty with a new purchase – just make sure it is not a wasted purchase.

At Conscious Closet HQ we know a thing or two about looking your best, and we strongly believe in sustainable ways to look good, feel good, keep up with the trends but simultaneously keeping the planet happy too.

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Fashion

This image: Green Tulle Dress, Conscious exclusive.

Below image: Lyocell-blend blouse £59.99 Imagery courtesy of H&M.

Imagery courtesy of H&M www.hm.com 83

Fashion

So, let's challenge our wardrobes to work for us.

These months are still chilly, so layer your favourite pieces for warmth, invest in a few pieces to update, add some colour to brighten the days, and keep to the simple mantra “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle”.

A great way of ensuring you are making good use of your wardrobe is to organise your clothing.

Sounds obvious but how many of us do this?

• Get everything out of your wardrobe and put in to piles.

• Consider items you want to keep and wear.

• Store those seasonal items you will wear later.

• Pull out clothes you can pass on to friends or a charity dear to your heart.

This image: Jacquard-patterned trousers £79.99. Shirt sold separately.

Top left: Lyocell-blend dress £99.99 Bottom right: Tailored silk-blend trousers. £79.99.

Jacquard-patterned top £99.99.

Imagery courtesy of H&M.

Or you could even take unwanted clothing to clothes swap parties (yes, we will hold some again this year ladies!)

Wardrobe storage ideas make it easier to navigate.

A well-known Swedish homeware store sells fantastic wardrobe storage at good prices. Hang your clothes in colour groups or sit them together in outfits that are ready to go when you are in a rush. Place your accessories in separate trays.

Whether you have a huge walk-in wardrobe or a small rail full of clothes, you can make it a more organised and relaxing space.

The popularity of the clothing rental market is growing rapidly. Why don’t you rent for that next special occasion rather than spending money on a one wear item? There are lots of rental sites online, and look out for our very own to launch in March 2021.

Make sure you repair or upcycle older pieces so that you can love and wear them again. There are lots of great local tailors that can alter your unworn clothing.

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Imagery courtesy of H&M www.hm.com

Health & Beauty This image: Sequin Long Sleeve Top. £119. Metallic Dobby Skirt. £129. Martha Mini Beaded Bucket Bag. £89.

Barkley Zip Front Boot. £185.

Top right: Brushmark Animal Print Dress. £159.

Imagery courtesy of Whistles.

Think about what you are buying - invest in good quality materials that will last a lifetime, and don’t be afraid to question the processes behind what we are consuming. Some high street brands are now dedicating part or all of their ranges to more eco conscious retailing - recycled fabrics, organic cotton, upcycled processes, and offering a clothes swap or charity incentive for unwanted items. Many stores provide bins by their tills for you to drop in unwanted items – which are recycled and donated to charities H&M group is promoting a drastic sustainable strategy and working to achieve its circular fashion goal by 2030. The group's chemical restrictions are also among the strictest in the industry. The new H&M Conscious Exclusive range boasts several gorgeous pieces to feel beautiful in.

Update your current items with new accessories to make them wearable in the colder weather.

Lots of brands are selling timeless pieces that will last way beyond the next season. Whistles is a perfect example to get modern pieces that will last you a lifetime. Update a summer skirt or dress with some layering knits, great accessories, and on trend chunky boots – to make it perfect to wear now. And don’t shy away from sparkle after Christmas! Keep wearing your sequins but calm down with daywear layers.

So, let's rethink our wardrobes, be mindful of what we do with our clothes, refresh our love of dressing up, and look forward to Spring 2021 with hope and style!

Follow us for style advice, wardrobe edits, and rental/ fashion sale events: www.conscious-closet.co.uk  @consciouscloset.uk This image and top right courtesy of Whistles. www.whistles.com

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T o t n I Step

r a e Y w e N he In style & comfort in 2021.

Top: Dune London Fern Slippers. £40.

This Image: Dune London Wolsey Slippers. £85.

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Imagery courtesy of Dune London www.dunelondon.com

Wardrobe refresh...

A few new key pieces will keep you looking fabulous and fashionable all through the winter.

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From top: Barbour Cascade Bucket Hat £24.95 Barbour.com. Dune London Orin Scarf £35 www.dunelondon.com. Burton Menswear London Collection Brown Dogtooth Joggers £28 www.burton.co.uk. Dune London Morale Boots brown £120 www.dunelondon.com. Barbour 4oz Hinged Hipflask £39.95 Barbour.com. Barbour Bristol Wax Jacket £219 Barbour.com.

Dune London Fern Slippers £45 www.dunelondon.com. Burton Menswear London Khaki Stripe Crew Jumper £25 www.burton.co.uk. Barbour Bristol Wax Jacket £219 Barbour.com.

Barbour Abigail Boot £129 Barbour.com.

Imagery courtesy of Barbour, Dune London and Burton Menswear.

more than 8 in your party, the 9th suit is free.

Sherwood House Dale Lane | Blidworth Notts | NG21 0SA

NEW EXTENDED OPENING TIMES

Mon 9am ~ 4:30pm Tue 9am ~ 4:30pm Wed 9am ~ 7pm

Thu 9am ~ 5:30pm Fri 9am ~ 5:30pm Sat 9am ~ 4pm

01623 793073 | 07807 889795 glyn4660@hotmail.co.uk www.blidworthmenswear.co.uk

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Health & Beauty

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Made

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During 2019 Regulators handed out globally $8.14 billion in AML penalties – nearly double the value for penalties during 2018!

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Made Recommends Balmoral Conservatory Insulation Ltd

North Notts Bid

Conservatory insulation

phone 01777 861601 globe www.northnottsbid.co.uk

phone 0115 75 27768 globe www. balmoralconservatoryinsulation.com

Nurlex

Business Improvement District

Cabin Master

Beautiful kitchens designed specifically for your home

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phone 01949 861275 paper-plane enquiries@nurlex.co.uk globe www.nurlex.co.uk

phone 0115 932 8888 globe www.cabinmaster.co.uk www.arcticcabins.co.uk

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Framin’ ‘Ell Wickedly good picture and sports memorabilia framing. phone 01636 679603 paper-plane info@framinell.co.uk globe www.framinell.co.uk

Graypaul Maserati Nottingham phone 0115 672 9290 globe www.sytner.co.uk/maserati/ graypaul-nottingham

Hill Farm Furniture Inspired individual interiors

Porsche Centre Nottingham phone 0115 986 0911 globe www.porschenottingham.co.uk

Retford Enterprise Centre Serviced offices in Retford phone 01777 712712 globe www.retfordenterprise.co.uk

RAF Recruitment paper-plane CRN-RecruitSelect-LogsCLT-503@mod.gov.uk globe www.raf.mod.uk

Stratstone Jaguar Nottingham phone 0115 957 8000 globe stratstone.com/jaguar

Worksop College

HL Brown Jewellers

A broad-ability school educating children aged 2-18

phone 0114 272 4388 globe www.hl-brown.co.uk

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89

Leisure

Made's New Year's Reading List...

Here's a few of the top choices for this year's reading list...

A Promised Land Barack Obama

The Ickabog J.K. Rowling

A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the makingfrom the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy

The Ickabog is coming… A mythical monster, a kingdom in peril, an adventure that will test two children’s bravery to the limit. Discover a brilliantly original fairy tale about the power of hope and friendship to triumph against all odds, from one of the world’s best storytellers.

A Promised Land is extraordinarily intimate and introspective-the story of one man's bet with history, the faith of a community organizer tested on the world stage. Obama is candid about the balancing act of running for office as a Black American, bearing the expectations of a generation buoyed by messages of "hope and change," and meeting the moral challenges of high-stakes decisionmaking.

The Thursday Murder Club - The Thursday Murder Club 1 Richard Osman In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved killings.

But when a local property developer shows up dead, 'The Thursday Murder Club' find themselves in the middle of their first live case.

The four friends, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron, might be octogenarians, but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late?

Shuggie Bain (Hardback) Douglas Stuart Douglas Stuart's Shuggie Bain lays bare the ruthlessness of poverty, the limits of love, and the hollowness of pride. A counterpart to the privileged Thatcher-era London of Alan Hollinghurst's The Line of Beauty, it also recalls the work of Edouard Louis, Frank McCourt, and Hanya Yanagihara, a blistering debut by a brilliant writer with a powerful and important story to tell.

Helpful ideas on visitnorthnotts.co.uk The Visit North Notts website not only helps you to find local courses, classes and events it also has a guide to local food stores and farm shops, a guide to take away services and also a section of ideas for you and your family to keep you entertained.

Visit: www.visitnorthnotts and take a peek at what is happening in your area.

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Nature created electricity.

Porsche gave it soul.

The Taycan. Soul, electrified.

Porsche Centre Nottingham Electric Avenue Riverside Retail Park Queens Drive Nottingham NG2 1RS 0115 986 0911 info@porschenottingham.co.uk www.porschenottingham.co.uk