Made lifestyle magazine - Issue 5

Jul/Aug 18 Issue 5

Made lifestyle

ÂŁ3.25

060075 060075 5 5

ISSN 2515-6551

555893 555893

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Made in North Notts News & Events Home & Garden Food & Drink Fashion & Beauty Business & Leisure

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • SUNDAY LUNCH • EVENING DINING • EVENTS • FESTIVITIES

www.spencersonthesquare.co.uk An up-market bar and restaurant in the historic setting of The Square, Retford.

A commitment to quality throughout, from carefully designed dishes incorporating the finest ingredients to impeccable service - all brought together through expert precision and beautiful presentation.

Whether it’s a casual coffee or dining experience, you’re catered for.

Open 7 days a week from 10am Thursdays and weekends from 9am

Mention MADE lifestyle magazine and receive a free coffee with any cake or dessert purchase*. (*July 2018 only)

20 THE SQUARE • RETFORD • DN22 6DQ • 01777 800230

Welcome

H

ello summer, welcome warm air, summer rain and light balmy nights. In this issue we have our fantastic regular features, beautiful berry recipes from Teresa Bovey, Sally Outram takes us on a walk starting off in the picturesque conservation village of Laxton and Sarah Louise has a few beauty essentials to get us summer ready, just to mention a few.

Made Made lifestyle magazine is created through the collaboration of the following partners:

We were lucky enough to have a preview of one of the open gardens in the National Garden Scheme, a beautiful inspiration to all garden fanatics out there. If you’re looking to spend more time outside, Emma Drohan shares her outdoor space with us and looks at garden buildings that create a unique space to escape to.

Finally the ‘Great Summer Escape’, we have lined up all the best events over July and August to keep you busy every day. Outdoor cinema, day trips, even a little camper van inspiration to whet the appetite of any explorer in the area.

We have quite a few competitions in this issue to look out for and some great vouchers to take advantage of. So while you’re out don’t forget your copy of Made, just in case!

Have a fabulous summer, we’ll see you out there!

On The Cover Fresh British summer strawberries Photograph: Jon Rogers

Follow us: /madeinnorthnotts @madeinn_ madeinn_

Made In North Notts www.madeinn.co.uk

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

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Content Editor Steve Cawthorne • sc@madeinn.co.uk Design Manager Paul Chance • pc@madeinn.co.uk Content & Layout Manager Michelle Rogers • mr@madeinn.co.uk

General Editorial Enquiries editorial@madeinn.co.uk Advertisements advertising@madeinn.co.uk General Email hello@madeinn.co.uk Tel 01777 712609

Publisher

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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. 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.

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Jul/Aug 18

Inside This Issue 10

News & Events

Home & Garden

06

44

The Local Roundup Macmillan Cancer Support’s new

Emma Drohan talks about the joys of

latest festivals and shows and

be another room.

Nottighamshire campaign, the

the sponsored boat pull on the Chesterfield Canal.

16

a space in the garden that can also

48

The Great Summer Escape offers for adventurers in the area and those venturing out of the area too!

An English Country Garden Beverley Perks, talks about her garden and joining the NGS.

July and August’s events, special

Fashion & Beauty 60

Summer Lovin’

Features

A few essentials to keep you looking

32

summer.

your best whatever the forecast this

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust How Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is supporting initiatives to help

34

29 6

A Room With A Garden View

re-introduce the dormouse.

Food & Drink

Focus Collection Celebrates

62

Celebrating 10 years since The

James Wood, chef, foraging expert

Focus Collection was formed.

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Leading For Tomorrow Steve Harrison looks closely into

and also one of the tutors at The Artisan School Of Food.

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inspiring future projections for your

fabulous summer berries.

Precious Metals Sculptors, Hilary and Mike, welcome

Business & Leisure

Styrrup.

70

Made into the Dovecot Gallery in

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Berrylicious!

Teresa Bovey, shares recipes for

business.

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Where The Wild Things Are...

Plain Sailing Behind the scenes of three of the

windmills in this region, to find out

Hidden Treasures Sally Outram shares a beautiful walk in this issue that begins in Laxton.

more about their stories.

5

News

News

The local roundup

Thoresby’s Historical Bazaar One thousand years of history were crammed into one weekend at Thoresby in May, in a massive celebration of Nottinghamshire’s heritage.

There were fights, gunfire, costumes and crafts. Visitors had lots to see with the full programme of events on at the arena and there were plenty of stalls with historically themed items to buy. The costumes and vehicles were outstanding and the event was a great success for all involved.

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News

Local Macmillan Cancer Support Macmillan Cancer Support has launched a campaign to raise over £1 million to fund new cancer services in Notts, over the next three years

T

he charity is looking for local people to get behind the campaign to raise vital funds to support the growing number of people living with cancer.

Every year in Nottinghamshire 6,151 people are told they have cancer and more than 28,000 are living with the disease. This number is set to double by 2030 and Macmillan Cancer Support says urgent action is needed to improve services and ensure people receive the support they need.

Sue Sanderson, Macmillan Partnership Manager for Nottinghamshire, said: “Improvements in treatment and an ageing population mean more people than ever before are living longer with a cancer diagnosis, which is obviously good news, but this huge population of cancer survivors have their own complex needs.

“When there is already a huge amount of pressure on the NHS with tightening health care budgets, it’s important that we step up to fill the gap in these times of need.”

The Macmillan Cancer Partnership in Nottinghamshire has already invested more than £6 million to improve local cancer services over the last three years but says more needs to be done.

Macmillan is introducing new cancer support services across Notts, these include: A Macmillan Information Facilitator at the recently opened Macmillan Information Centre at the QMC in Nottingham; a Macmillan Clinical Psychologists at Kings Mill Hospital; a new specialist team to support people with Brain Metastates; continued financial support to people affected by cancer through Macmillan Grants – which can be used to fund things such as travel to treatment, energy costs, new clothes or even a day out with loved ones.

Stacey Smalley, fundraising manager for Macmillan in Nottinghamshire said: “We want to do more, but we need your help.

98% of Macmillan’s funding comes directly from people fundraising or donat-

ing so we’re hoping that people reading this will get in touch so that we can fund more essential cancer services in Nottinghamshire.”

Macmillan Cancer Support’s - 5 Ways to support Macmillan in Nottinghamshire 1. Choose Macmillan as your chosen charity through your work or group of friends 2. Organise an event to support the Nottinghamshire Campaign 3. Take on a challenge and join team Macmillan, either running, walking, swimming, cycling 4. Make a donation online at www. justgiving.com/nottscampaign or 5. Become a Macmillan volunteer To lend your support contact Stacey on 07809 554 963 or email ssmalley@macmillan.org.uk You can also stay in touch with the latest information on the campaign by liking Macmillan Cancer Support’s Facebook page, search Macmillan – East Midlands. www.macmillan.org.uk

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News

Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard at Full Steam A new and unique retail destination investment at Belvoir Castle

A

n exciting new luxury destination for food, drink and retail therapy has been launched at Belvoir Castle, following a £2.4 million investment.

The Engine Yard is a collection of 19th century historic buildings by the entrance

of the Castle, originally used to house maintenance workshops servicing the Castle and other properties site, that have been developed into an engaging and contemporary social space.

The new area will host a number of local businesses, luxury retail brands and food producers, as well as a restaurant and spa. The first phase of the development, the Idle Mole plant centre, now open to the public, will stock plants, homeware and gifts, and expert staff will be on hand to offer advice, both one-to-one, and in workshops throughout the year.

The Engine Yard will also play host to the Duchess’ Gallery, which will offer a range of clothing, accessories and gifts,

Gate To Southwell Festival This year the Gate To Southwell Festival had four fabulous days of music and entertainment for everyone.

Over the four main stages there were over 50 different acts, alongside this there were children’s activities and entertainment, street theatre, comedy and stalls to spend time perusing. Onsite camping meant that you could stay the whole duration, enjoy the atmosphere, the food, beer and cider and see why it is now established as a premier roots and acoustic musical event to be added to your diary for years to come.

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curated by the Duchess of Rutland, CEO of Belvoir Castle and the inspiration and driving force behind the development.

The Duchess of Rutland explained that she hoped the venue would become a luxury destination for food and drink enthusiasts, to be enjoyed by the local community in the Vale of Belvoir and visitors from further afield. Her Grace said: “The Engine Yard was once used by skilled craftsmen to create furniture, doors and windows for the castle and we wanted the new development to reflect the same ethos, with talented entrepreneurs showcasing their artisan products.

Visit: www.engineyardbelvoir.com

News

Charter Day This May, Retford celebrated its 25th Charter Day. Over 30,000 people turned out to enjoy the celebrations, activities and shows that spread from the town centre and town hall to Kings’ Park.

The bandstand was filled throughout the day with various dance shows, bands and choirs entertaining the visitors to Kings’ Park and the weather stayed fine allowing everyone to enjoy the day and the fun fair. The annual Lions Duck Race on the River Idle went down a treat and there were plenty of stalls and shows to see, including birds of prey, Harworth Drummers, dog displays. In the town centre there were vintage and rally cars and street entertainers.

New fully licensed Mobile Bar service suitable for both indoor and outdoor events.

Ideal as a featured Gin Bar, Cocktail Bar, Prosecco Bar or simply a Mobile Bar to greet your guests as they arrive. We can offer Beer, Cider, Wine and Prosecco all on tap served directly from the keg and chilled to perfection alongside a full range of spirits, cocktails and soft drinks.

Viking Spring Thing The Vikings arrived in Sherwood Pines in May, complete with 9th Century authentic Viking camp, hosted by the local organisation the Friends of Thynghowe.

The camp invited visitors to see life and medieval crafts from the Viking era over 1000 years ago, along with a huge battle re-enactment between the Saxons and the Vikings, when the Vikings came to invade!

We hold a full Personal Alcohol Licence enabling us to provide our mobile bar services right across the country. We are also members of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) so you can be assured of the highest standards.

07719 587553

hello@dncevents.co.uk

www.dncevents.co.uk EVENT MANAGEMENT WEDDINGS • PROMS • CORPORATE EVENTS PARTIES • & MORE...

Top Quality Equipment & Service dnceventsnotts

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News

Notts County Show Newark Showground hosted the 135th Nottinghamshire County Show in May. It was an impressive weekend with over 16,000 attendees enjoying the displays and attractions. Heavy horses, record livestock entries and world-class show jumping, the Atkinson Action Horses, Lawnmower Racing hosted by Nottinghamshire Young Farmers Club and Derek Tindall’s magnificent birds of prey display.

The RAF made special flyovers on both days with a Hurricane on Saturday lunch time, and a Mark IX Spitfire on Sunday.

Farm animals were on display at every entrance to the showground, there were food demonstrations and an 8ft stilted character, made up of 25 different fruit and to inspire healthy eating with the children visiting. There was indeed something for everyone with more than 140 local producers, traders, florists and craftsmen to meet and buy from.

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Events

A New Chapter...

The Barrister’s Book Chambers in Retford has officially opened the doors to its new bookshop and tearoom, offering visitors the chance to browse through thousands of pre-loved books and enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat.

The grand opening included, among other guests, crime author Stephen Booth, who Made featured in the first edition last October, and popular children’s author Helena Pielichaty.

The new building is bigger than the original shop and offers more space for the thousands of books that fill the shelves on the ground and first floor. The new location on Churchgate is just around the corner from the original base, which remains open as a guesthouse with a difference. Guests staying at The Barrister’s Clerk Bookshop, not only get the chance to stay in a real bookshop, but also have the opportunity to open the shop up and run it themselves during their stay.

Owner and qualified barrister Angela told Made: “A lot of people like the idea of being a bookseller, so we’ve given people the opportunity to do just that with our guest house.”

Watch out for various special events taking place on www.barristersbookchamber.com

Unique photo based experience to capture the modern demand for selfie pictures. Fully interactive touch screen, red carpet, prop box and an experienced attendant to help provide your guests with a special memento of your special day.

Totally customisable, create your own cover screen and colours to match your theme, then add instant social media so everyone can share in the event. Ideal for Weddings, Birthdays and Kids Parties too.

Relax knowing that DnC Events will do everything required to make your event a real success and one to be remembered.

07719 587553

hello@dncevents.co.uk

www.dncevents.co.uk EVENT MANAGEMENT WEDDINGS • PROMS • CORPORATE EVENTS PARTIES • & MORE...

Top Quality Equipment & Service dnceventsnotts The owner Angela, Claire and manager Laura.

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News

Dawn Rose Sponsored Boat Pull Groups and organisations from across the area helped raise plenty of money for charity by taking part in the Friends of Dawn Rose Sponsored Boat Pull recently.

T

he annual event ran from the end of April to the beginning of May and gave people the chance to raise money for charities of their choice. A number of teams took it in turns to pull the boat during the two-week event, from Shireoaks to West Stockwith, a total of 28 miles.

One of the organisers and trust member Michael Edwards, said the event, now in its third year, was a huge success. “It all went brilliantly – even the weather was nice to us. We raised £500 for the upkeep of the Dawn Rose and those taking part raised money for their charities.”

Those taking part pulled the boat along in pairs and averaged between three and four miles, before handing the ropes over to the next pair. “The difficult part is getting the boat moving in the first place, after this it’s relatively straight forward, apart from the grassy or slippery ground making it a little more challenging,” said Michael.

Stopping the boat is also quite tricky and the Trust had two people on hand using break ropes. “Getting the boat to stop is quite difficult as it hasn’t any breaks – you have to use break ropes to essentially pull the boat backwards to stop it, which we had to do when approaching locks.”

The journey took the boat through a total of 23 locks. “The boat was pulled at about 2-3 mph, which is nearly as fast as a horse would have pulled it,” said Michael. Dawn Rose, the boat pulled, belongs to Chesterfield Canal Trust, and is a replica Chesterfield Canal Boat. A group of volunteers started working on building the boat in 2010 at Shireoaks Marina. Michael said it wasn’t just the boat’s design that was replicated. “We made a conscious effort early on to build the boat by hand using the same tradition tools and methods that would have been used originally. It’s 70ft in length, about as long as it can be and still fit into a lock, and it’s made of Lincolnshire oak.”

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The boat is also thought to be the only one of its kind to have a sail mast. Acting as a support vessel during the event was another Chesterfield Canal Trust Boat ‘Python’. The boat, originally built in 1929, acted as a welfare boat, supporting the groups of people who were raising money pulling the Dawn Rose as part of the annual event. Volunteers recently completed a four and a half year restoration of the Python, and it will be used as a maintenance boat, allowing volunteers to clear the canal of vegetation and litter. Jan Warsop, a trustee responsible for the Python, said: “The boat is a great tool for volunteers to use for clearing litter that gets blown into the canal and caught under the bramble and bushes. With the work that has been done, we see no reason why she would need a significant amount spending on her over the next 20 to 25 years. She has a whole generation’s work ahead of her.”

The Chesterfield Canal Trust has been busy in recent years restoring and refurbishing its boats. Along with work on Dawn Rose and Python, it has also refurbished another of its boats - The Seth Ellis. The boat, used by the Trust for passenger trips throughout the year, has had various parts and sections replaced and re-fitted by volunteers. The work included using thicker oak plywood to replace the boat’s roof lining, side panels, and window frames. The wood has also been used to build a new shelf and table, brand new front stairs and handrail.

The boat’s stern deck seats have been replaced and varnished and areas of rust on the deck have been treated and painted along with the boat pole.

Rod Auton, of The Chesterfield Canal Trust, said: “Seth Ellis was originally fitted out by volunteers in 2005. Since then it has been kept in beautiful condition by more volunteers. The latest works mean that it is probably in the smartest condition of its life.”

To find out more about the Chesterfield Canal Society visit: www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk

Events

The Major Oak Festival Sherwood Forest Country Park was alive with all sorts of woodcrafts, arts and entertainment this June. In some areas of the woodland visitors stepped into the past, experiencing traditional woodland crafts and demonstrations of age-old forest skills.

The Green Man paid a visit to enthrall his audience with tales and songs, and to share his knowledge of the surrounding trees.

Visitors could find out how Sherwood, the former royal hunting forest, and other areas of conservation, are cared for today, with archaeologists, conservation organisations, ‘Friends of’ Groups and heritage charities.

The sun shone and it was a great family day out to see the craftsmen, find out about the forest and to take a stroll through the woods.

We offer an exciting range of game tables to add a thrilling element to your event. Guests exchange DnC cheques for game chips to play. This is for fun only and the host can decide to award a small prize to the winner. Professional Roulette, Blackjack, Chuck a Luck and Wheel of Fortune tables.

Black Polo or Black Tie. It’s your event so you choose. Our croupiers are happy to wear the right outfit for your event and help teach your guests how to play.

Our Fun Casino also includes a variety of banners and backdrops to bring that authentic feel to your Wedding, Birthday Party or Fundraiser.

07719 587553

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www.dncevents.co.uk EVENT MANAGEMENT The VIP tour at the Major Oak Festival, lead by Patrick Candler. Pictured here, Mick Burrows, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire, Cllr Celia Brookes, Chairman of Edwinstowe Parish Council, Gemma Howarth, RSPB and new General Manager for Sherwood Visitor Centre, Graeme Turner, Sherwood Forest Ranger and main organiser of the Festival Cllr Sue Saddington, Chairman of Notts County Council, her daughter Caroline and grandson, William, and Jen Turner, Trustee for Sherwood Forest Trust.

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Events

Hope & Elvis Hope & Elvis is a large inspirational creative studio located in the beautiful grounds of the Welbeck Estate, supported by the Harley Foundation.

The new owner of Hope & Elvis is Louise Asher, a mixed media artist who has been involved with the creative workshops run there for a number of years. Louise took over the business and all its chattels in January this year.

The studio offers creative weekend workshops lead by leading artists and makers from all over the UK and Europe; including Julie Arkell, Richard McVetis and Tilleke Schwarz to name but a few. “Having tried myself to previously find local art classes, I recognised that the wealth of local talented artists and the thriving art community were not catered for,” Louise commented.

In a response to this, Hope & Elvis have this year introduced a range of short course mid-week evening classes by artists from this region, including Julian Bray, offering still and life drawing classes, sewing social nights with Alison Baker and botanical watercolour painting with Amy Bailey. Louise says: “A Hope & Elvis weekend workshop is a great experience, a place full of warmth, materials and great food, a place to explore your own creativity whatever your ability. A warm welcome awaits you.”

To find out about workshops, or request further details, please email: louise@hopeandelvis.com

Look out for artists’ profiles from the Hope & Elvis workshops in future editions of Made.

hopeandelvis

hopeandelvis

www.hopeandelvis.com

HOPE

&

E LV I S

Creative Studio Workshops

Short Courses & Evening Classes

by Local Artists Supporting the wealth of local talent and art community.

Explore your creativity, whatever your ability.

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www.hopeandelvis.com www.

The Place Where Flowers Bloom Just outside the historic cathedral town of Southwell is Flower Pod, a beautiful garden where the staff, volunteers and people with learning disabilities work together to grow and sell beautiful cut flowers.

J

ane Hufton, manager of Flower Pod, was really touched when one of the clients told her “I love it here, I’d come every day if I could. It makes me feel relaxed.”

Flower Pod is part of Reach Learning Disability which supports over 200 people with learning disabilities through Day Centre provision in Newark, Mansfield and Southwell and Reach Care, a domiciliary care support service. The idea was conceived in 2012 when Reach decided to expand its service to people with learning disabilities by offering a horticultural based facility in Southwell closely integrated with the local community.

Volunteers have been key to the success of this social enterprise, whether they come on Corporate Volunteering Days, with friends or as individuals. Julie Squires, who volunteers to arrange flowers every week, says: “It is so rewarding volunteering at Flower Pod – I would encourage anybody to come along. We are one big family, with the staff, volunteers and clients all working together.”

Flower Pod is currently looking for volunteers, especially in the garden, so if you have a couple of hours to spare please phone 01636 918271 or email flowerpod@reachuk.org for further information. Group visits to Flower Pod can also be arranged by phoning or emailing Flower Pod. For further information, please visit: flowerpod.org

Events

Retro Festival Retro Festival, the largest festival of all things vintage in the UK, visited the Newark Showground for the second year running in June.

With over 30 live bands, 20s to 40s swing and jive, 50s rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly, cabaret acts, classic cars, American RVs, vintage caravans, Hot Rods, Airstream Caravans, Portafold Caravans, steam engines, a vintage 100 year old funfair, army reenactors, as well as vintage stalls selling everything from clothes to furniture. For weekend festival goers there was the option of camping and glamping. Retro Festival also helped in raising money and awareness for a local charity in Newark, Little Liams Trust. www.facebook.com/love4littleliam #love4liam If you missed the Retro Festival in Newark, make sure you visit the next Retro Festival this year in Newbury from the 10 – 12 August. www.retrofestival.co.uk

Rufford Abbey Great Food & Drink Festival Celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses, The Great Food & Drink Festival was a feast for all.

This year a great selection of the finest purveyors of all foods and drinks were brought together at Rufford for this fabulous weekend event.

Visit the next Great Food & Drink event in August at Newstead, the Big Bake 2018. www.greatfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk

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Events

t a e r G e h T e p a c s E r e m Sum

We have found the best places to be, the greatest shows to see & the great summer escapes for adventurers of all ages. Enjoy July & August, wherever you decide to explore!

1 Jul Family Conservation Fun: Task Morning Sherwood Forest Country Park 10am - 12.30pm Join the Sherwood Ranger Team on the family task morning. This task will be tackling an

area of the Country Park in need of a little extra TLC. To book call: 01623 823202. £2 per family.

1 Jul Creswell Crags Walk Creswell Crags 10am All welcome to join the walk from Creswell Crags visitor centre, eight miles to Elmton and back, £3 pp, dogs on leads welcome www. creswell-crags.org.uk

2 Jul Food For Free Creswell Crags 10.15am - 3.30pm

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Join Dr Patrick Harding for this one day edible wild and medicinal plants course, looking at useful wild plants. Illustrated talks on

For details call: 01909 476592 or email: clumberpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

plants for food and drink and also about plants with medicinal properties. Includes

4 Jul Tween Spa

trips out to look at wild plants and to learn

Spa at Ye Olde Bell

how to identify them. Bring a picnic or get

4.30pm - 7.30pm

food and drink in the cafe. £22 pp. www.creswell-crags.org.uk

An exclusive event for the younger guest

and their ‘responsible adult’ to spa together.

3 Jul Drop In Walks With Volunteer Rangers

£69 for one tween (age 11-16) and one adult Call: 01777 705121

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

Join volunteer rangers on a guided walk

4 Jul Florence: Women & Changing Traditions

reflecting a diverse range of habitats. The

3pm - 5pm

up to 6 miles. Covers a mixture of surfaces

tea and scones. Meet at No.5, Endcliffe Villa.

Clumber Park 10.30am - 1.30pm around less familiar parts of Clumber Park

Mr Straw’s House, Worksop

walk will last between 2-3 hours and cover

New for 2018. A series of talks followed by

across heathland and woodlands so paths

Booking essential. Tickets: £15.00. To book

may be muddy in places. Meet at Discovery

Centre which is located within the main facilities area.

call: 01909 482380

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Campervan Friendly Festivals in the U K

Events

Just a few of the festivals listed on the Camp Quirky website blog to inspire.

Visit: www.campquirky.com for all the best campervan ideas in their blog.

Camp Quirky Earlier this year, around 30 of the Quirky Campers uniquely converted camper van fleet, travelled to a farm site in Newark to open their doors to the public at Camp Quirky.

Along with workshops and talks on various elements of creating your own custom built camper van, there were stalls to peruse, food to enjoy, live music and plenty to do and see for both adults and children alike.

It was an inspiring weekend for anyone who wants to hit the open road and explore the countryside in comfort, the vans boasted everything you could think of – including toilets and showers for some (definitely a winner for the team at Made!).

If you fancy exploring in one of these unique vans visit: www.quirkycampers.co.uk - how can anyone resist when there’s so many places to be this summer!

13 - 15 Jul Tropical Pressure Festival, Cornwall Celebrating the rich cultures of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean on the cliffs of Cornwall! www.tropicalpressure.co.uk

19 - 22 Jul Larmer Tree Festival, Salisbury Enjoyed by up to 4,000 party goers Quirky Campers love that Larmer Tree Festival identifies as quirky! www.larmertreefestival.co.uk

8 - 12 Aug Starry Skies, Usk Valley (Welsh Borders) Starry Skies is the ultimate family festival. Forest school, drama, dance, fancy dress and family sports day. www.starry-skies.net

10 - 12 Aug Farmer Phil’s Festival, Shrewsbury Winner of Best Tiny Festival by Festival Kidz in 2015 and 2017, with entertainment for kids including animal experiences and circus entertainment. www.farmerphilsfestival.com

16 - 19 Aug Purbeck Valley Folk Festival Harman’s Cross between Swanage and Corfe Castle. The standard of music is extremely high and ranges from small acoustic performances to a big rollicking klesma band. Folk is a loose term to describe the performers. Lots of other activities on offer such as laughter yoga, children’s crafts, adult storytelling etc. www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

6 - 9 Sept Festival No.6, Snowdonia The UK’s most unique festival. Set on its own peninsula in Snowdonia, No.6 Festival is known for its Italianate location. www.festivalnumber6.com 17

Events

4 Jul Creswell Hyenas

26,000 members enjoying it in over 380 local

Creswell Crags

ence to the traditional classic or community

7pm A talk on the Creswell Hyenas, by Jane Ford.

Learn how Hyenas of the Ice Age survived

choir, no auditions or previous singing experience. Tickets: £14.00

www.palacenewarktickets.com

to Canterbury, a new set of pilgrims will be

providing insight into their lives. £5 pp, or £2

5 - 7 Jul Sister Act

ets £5 from: RST Music, Cartergate, Newark

www.creswell-crags.org.uk

The Retford Majestic Theatre

4 Jul Robin Hood & His Merry Men

geous dancing and a truly moving story, Sis-

ter Act is a tribute to the universal power of

7 Jul Bat Walk

friendship. Performed by the talented mem-

Sherwood Forest Country Park

bers of Retford MOB Sister Act will have you

8.45pm - 10.30pm

dancing in the aisles.

www.majesticretford.com

Did you know that a pipistrelle bat can devour over 3,000 midges a night and baby

here and the finds from ongoing research if you’re a member of Crags Club.

Southwell Minster 6.30pm - 8.30pm (Doors open 5.45pm) A brand new version of Robin’s notorious story is brought alive with sword play, song, music, dance and stunning medieval cos-

Filled with powerful gospel music, outra-

tumes. Adapted by award-winning writer Laura Turner with Chapterhouse Theatre. Set

6 - 7 Jul The Greatest Showman

amidst the ruins of The Archbishop’s Palace

Rufford Abbey Country Park

next to Southwell Minster. Refreshments bar

7pm (doors open: 6.30pm)

available. £16 adults, £10 children, £46 family (2 adults, 2 children)).

Our first of three weekends of cinema fun

To book, visit: www.bit.ly/RobinHoodandhis-

in front of the Historic Rufford Abbey Ru-

ins continues with two family evenings.

MerryMen or call: 01636 812933

This year’s box office smash, The Greatest

travelling from Newarke to Canterbury. Tickand the cathedral shop, call: 01636 812933. www.southwellminster.org

bats cling to their mothers when mum flies in search of food? Learn more about the bats

of Sherwood Forest and their association

with the world famous ancient oaks. A gentle stroll of approx 1.5 miles, finishes in the dark.

Please bring a low powered torch and insect repellent is recommended. Not suitable for under 8s. To book call: 01623 823202. £5 pp.

Showman. We’ve put on two dates over the

7 Jul Byron Festival Concert

disappointment.

St Mary Magdalene, Church Walk, Newark

Family ticket £35 for up to four or £10 pp.

7.30pm - 10pm

story and based on the hit movie, Made in

Dagenham is an uplifting musical comedy

7 Jul Open Churches Weekend

Newstead Brass join with the Bingham and

about friendship, love and the importance of

Southwell Minster

fighting for what is right.

10am - 4pm

www.mansfieldpalacetheatre.ticketsolve.com

Visit the minster and tour the tower. Tower

6 Jul Peter Kay Tribute Evening with Lee Lard

suitable for children under 7 years of age.)

4 - 7 Jul Made In Dagenham The Musical Mansfield Palace Theatre From the Musical Theatre Ripley & Alfreton Musical Theatre Company. Inspired by a true

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa 7pm - 1am Homemade pie and peas, comedy and disco £29 (Table of 10: £250).

Call: 01777 705121

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

7 - 8 Jul Rock Choir

weekend but advise booking early to avoid www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk

tours are £5 pp; children under 14, £3. (Not

Turn up and make yourself known at the

£10 (concessions £8, Under 18, £5).

District Choral Society, Pueri Cantores della Cattedrale di Sarzana (Italy), The Newstead Abbey Singers and the Choir of St Mary’s,

Newark as part of the Byron Festival, marking the 230th Anniversary of Byron’s birth. www.newsteadband.co.uk

Information Desk. Last tour starts at 2pm.

Please note there may be a rehearsal taking

7 Jul Shireoaks Carnival - Superheroes

place in the State Chamber of the Archbish-

Shireoaks Rd, S81 8NA Worksop

op’s Palace that afternoon for an evening

1pm - 5pm

performance of The Canterbury Tales. www. southwellminster.org

The theme of Shireoaks Carnival 2018 is Superheroes! Please come dressed as your fa-

7 Jul The Newarke Canterbury Tales Southwell Minster

Palace Theatre, Newark

7.00pm in the Archbishop’s Palace (doors

7.30pm

open 6.45pm)

Rock Choir is the pioneering contemporary

More than 600 years after Geoffrey Chau-

choir of the UK and remains unique with over

18

communities. It offers an alternative experi-

cer’s pilgrims told their tales before going

vourite superhero. The afternoon begins with a float parade of vehicles travelling through the village to Shireoaks Sports and Social Club where an afternoon of fun awaits. Fan-

cy dress competition, games, brass band, archery, children’s rides, side stalls, craft

stalls, catering vans, bar and much much more. Adults £1, children free.

Events

Go Ape Nets Kingdom. Grand Opening!

14 Jul Go Ape, Sherwood Go Ape Nets Kingdom in Sherwood Pines

like netting – safe as treehouses, speaking

Everyone is welcome to see the new area

of those, too. Well, what adventure is com-

invites you to its grand opening on 14 July!

to explore at Go Ape in Sherwood Pines and put yourself to the test, reaching new heights and test how daring you are!

See you there!

Go Ape Nets Kingdom An expansive network of tree top trampolines, giant ball nets, walkways and slides

all 30 feet up in the forest canopy. Fun

for your whole tribe to bounce, crawl and

clamber through, the new adventure at Go Ape is completely encased in hammock-

of which, Go Ape will soon be building a few

plete without a treehouse? With an endless supply of fresh air and nature, it’s a refreshing alternative to the usual indoor haunts.

There’s nothing better than spending time

in the great British outdoors. Nets King-

also offers the Treetop Adventure course,

to discover, but if your bigger monkeys are

excursions all at the Sherwood Pines Site.

dom will be great fun for the whole tribe feeling independent, why not kick back

Treetop Junior Course and Forest Segway

in our beautiful leafy glade? Grab a cof-

For details and to book visit:

If that isn’t enough for you then Go Ape

to start your adventure.

fee and watch them reach new heights.

www.goape.co.uk or call 08450948782

THE UK’s NO.1 FOREST ADVENTURE at Sherwood Pines, near Mansfield

e.co.uk DESH18 Book at go08ap 45 094 8782 quote MA or call

†

*Offer valid until 30th November 2018, excludes Saturdays, Corporate Events, bank holidays and purchase of gift vouchers.

Discount code must be entered at time of booking. Only valid at Sherwood Pines. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website.

10

% O F F PE R PERSON*

Events

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Win!

Family tickets

For the Wild Safari Nights!

Branton, South Yorkshire

The popular Wild Live Safari Nights are set to return, bigger and better than ever at the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park this summer, with headliners including Russell Watson, S Club 3 and former Westlife lead-singer Shane Filan.

10 Jul - 10 Aug Clumber Park’s Lost Mansion Clumber Park 10am - 5pm Discover Clumber Park’s biggest lost

treasure. An exhibition showcasing items

relating to Clumber House, demolished in

1938. Featuring images of the house, finds from archaeological digs on the mansion

site and objects loaned from Bassetlaw

Museum. Free event, normal admission

charges apply. Exhibition in the Discovery Centre, located in main visitor facilitles.

13 Jul Speciality Dining Evening

Top live acts will perform full individual concerts every Saturday throughout August, with extended opening hours at the UK’s number one walk-through wildlife adventure.

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

This fun-packed series of family entertainment at the park in Branton near Doncaster will certainly make summer 2018 one to remember!

12 July Heritage Talk “Worksop Town Football Club Part 2: 1930-1970”

follow the link on the competitions page.

Fantastic line-up includes: 4 Aug

This illustrated talk explores the history of

Double your chances!

S Club 3, The Honeyz, Big Brovaz & Booty Luv

Worksop Town FC.

There’s one set of family tickets for each show available to win for the amazing Wild Live Safari Nights at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

How to win...

Email to: competitions@madeinn.co.uk With the subject: “Made To Be Wild” State your name, email and the show you’d most like to see with a contact number or visit: www.madeinn.co.uk and

Like the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Wild

11 Aug

Safari competition post on our facebook

Shane Filan

page: @madeinnorthnotts and follow the

18 Aug

competition link.

Heather Small

Good luck! The competition closes on the

25 Aug

20 July 2018. For details of the concerts visit: www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Russell Watson www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

7pm Cocktails and canapes. £45 Call: 01777 705121

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

Worksop Library 7.30pm (doors open 7pm) one of the world’s oldest football clubs, Local author, John Stocks, and Sheffield historian, Dave Pickersgill, will present re-

search and photographs from the second volume of John’s history of the club. Dis-

cover the fascinating story of their fortunes

from the Great Depression of the 1930s,

to the end of the Swinging Sixties, when Worksop won the Midland League Cham-

pionship and joined the new Northern Premier League.

Tickets £4.00 from Worksop Library, call:

0115 8044373 or go to the ‘What’s On’ section online: www.inspireculture.org.uk

A licensed bar will be available (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult).

12 Jul Handlebards - Twelfth Night Newark Castle 7pm (Gates open at 6pm) The world’s first cycling theatre company, The Handlebards, pedal from venue to venue with all the set, props and cos-

tume necessary to perform environmen-

20

tally sustainable Shakespeare across the

globe. Join the all-male troupe at Newark Castle for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night like none

other. In usual Handlebards style, expect riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack of chaos, and a great deal of laughter.

For tickets call: 01636 655755

13 Jul Barry Steele & Friends The Roy Orbison Story The Retford Majestic Theatre 7.30pm Barry Steele is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading vocalists playing hom-

age to legend Roy Orbison. He’s stunned audiences across the globe with his uncanny similarity and ability to authentically revive the exquisite toe-tapping sound of this music giant.

www.majesticretford.com

13 - 14 Jul Antic Disposition present: Much Ado About Nothing Southwell Minster 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm) Antic Disposition presents a new production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies - a feast of music, romance and verbal jousting that will delight and entertain anyone who’s ever been in love. www.anticdisposition.co.uk

13 Jul Mercian Events Mansfield Museum 10am - 2pm Was your Grandfather a soldier? Was a member of your family in the Mercian Reg-

iment? Join Mercian Curator and Archivist Jennifer Bookman to discover more. This event is free.

www.mansfield.gov.uk

14 Jul - 9 Sep Mischief Makers: Summer Reading Challenge Exhibition Worksop Library Gallery Two Worksop schools worked with our talented artist and author in residence Dun-

can and Emma Pass during the summer à p.22

Alton Towers Resort Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB

New for 2018, the Wicker Man: the first wooden rollercoaster built in the UK for over 20 years. Wicker Man is the world’s most immersive rollercoaster experience to date, combining cutting edge special effects with classic wooden coaster technology!

To enjoy this incredible new attraction again and again, as well as over 50 more breathtaking rides and attractions, buy an Alton Towers Season Pass for just £55: pay for a day, and come back for free all season (exclusion dates apply).

Season Pass holders will be the first to know about the latest news, with special offers and updates straight to their inbox.

Younger visitors can tackle 22 ‘Things To Do Before You’re 1.4 metres: a Mini Mission’, designed especially for those who haven’t quite reached the height limit for the biggest coasters. At no extra cost, this mission takes little ones the length and breadth of the park, discovering new surprises and fantastic adventures along the way, to earn the title of Towers Explorer or Towers Voyager.

Alongside Wicker Man and iconic rollercoasters including Nemesis, The Smiler and Galactica, for families with little ones the Season Pass is the perfect way to escape to the colourful world of CBeebies Land. With rides, shows and interactive experiences featuring their favourite CBeebies friends, CBeebies Land is now bigger than ever before with the addition of Go Jetters Vroomster Zoom Ride and The Furchester Hotel Live Show, which join firm favourites including Postman Pat Parcel Post and In The Night Garden Magical Boat Ride.

Alton Towers Season Passes are available to purchase from: www.altontowers.com/seasonpass and can also be purchased from the theme park entrance on the day.

Win!

Two Season Passes For Alton Towers Theme Park!

Season Pass includes: Entry to Alton Towers Theme Park from the date of issue until 4 November 18*.

How to win...

Email to: competitions@madeinn.co.uk With the subject: “Made Alton Towers” State your name, email and contact number or visit: www.madeinn.co.uk and follow the link on the competitions page.

Double your chances!

Like the Alton Towers Competition post on facebook page: @madeinnorthnotts and follow the competition link!

Good luck! The winner will be drawn on the 15 July 2018.

*Details regarding the Season Pass along with exclusion dates can be found on: www.altontowers.com

21

term to create this year’s fabulous ‘Mischief

Perlethorpe. Ducks are £1 to buy and avail-

Join one of the Rangers on a butterfly stroll

bition!’ Read the cracking stories that were

www.whatsonatthoresby.co.uk

learn the basic identification skills needed to

Makers: Summer Reading Challenge Exhicreated, meet the array of superb heroes and

able on the day.

naughty villains. All have been brought to life in comic strip form with the help of a washing

19 Jul Evening Wedding Fair & Showcase

mangle and a large dollop of creativity. Join

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

in with one of our free family workshops to

5pm - 8pm

create crazy comic strips this summer. Write

and print your own comics with Duncan and

Range of exhibitors plus stylish reception

Emma as your local library becomes a print-

suites, four posters, luxury lodges and gar-

dens on show. Fizz, canapes, complimen-

ing press for the day!

www.inspireculture.org.uk/summerreadingchallenge

tary admission. Call: 01777 705121 www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

take part in Butterfly Conservation Big Butterfly Count.

Create your own butterfly mask to take home. The walk is approximately one mile.

Booking essential. Call: 01623 823202

£2.50 children (accompanying adults free).

21 Jul The Greatest Showman Outdoor Theatre Hodsock Priory

15 Jul Family Fun Day

20 Jul The HandleBards present: Romeo & Juliet

A new family favourite for our outdoor cin-

Southwell Racecourse

Southwell Minster

Family Fun Day, one of Southwell Race-

6.30pm in the Education Garden (gates

the plot is imaginative and creative.

of children’s entertainment and other attrac-

In usual HandleBards style, you can expect

once again.

of chaos, and a great deal of laughter.

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

ema calendar, the songs and the music are infectious, the costumes are stunning and For details visit: www.hodsockpriory.com

course’s busiest days of the year. With lots

open 5.45pm)

tions on the day, it is sure to be very popular

riotous amounts of energy, a fair old whack

22 Jul Family Sunday Lunch

www.southwellminster.org

‘Holiday Time’ at our family themed lunch

15 Jul Duck Race

20 Jul Ibiza Twilight Spa & Dine

games and more! Four course lunch inc. cof-

Thoresby Park

Spa at Ye Olde Bell

3pm

5.30pm - 9pm

One of Thoresby’s most popular events, the

Twilight spa with Ibiza music and social din-

duck race on as hundreds of ducks set sail

Call: 01777 705121

www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk

Children’s entertainer, mini disco, party fee: £29 (under 8’s eat free).

Call: 01777 705121

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

22 Jul Peter Pan Outdoor Theatre Production

buy from and the Duck Race will commence

21 Jul A Magical Event!

4pm - 7pm

funds for the beautiful St John’s Church in

Bassetlaw Museum, Retford

duck race! Come and join in at the annual

down the waters at Thoresby. Picnics start on the lawns from 2pm a bric-a-brac stall to at 3pm. This event is organised by and raises

ing in the Spa Brasserie. £65

10am - 4pm In the morning help Fairy Ella get ready to meet a Unicorn, the Fairy Queen and Elven Prince who will arrive in the afternoon. Bring

your camera for a unicorn selfie. Games,

crafts, music and face painting. Please dress up! Fairies, elves, knights and pirates wel-

come (free event). Don’t wait for an event,

come and explore our enchanted garden

Clumber Park, The Parsonage Lawn, near the café.

Immersion Theatre returns to Clumber Park this year with a new adaption of J.M Barrie’s

Peter Pan. Pack your picnics and join the

playful Peter Pan on his adventures in Nev-

erland. Tickets, adult £12, child £8.00 (2-15 years). You may bring low backed chairs, no gazebos or umbrellas.

To book call: 03442 491895

Email: clumberpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

through the summer during our opening

23 Jul - 5 Sep BrickMinster Summer Fun

www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

Southwell Minster

21 Jul Mini Butterfly Hunt (under 7s)

the Cathedral, telling its story from Saxons

hours. Why not bring a picnic?

Sherwood Forest Country Park 10.30am to 12pm

22

to see how many species can be found. Also

Centuries trail, find Lego models hiding in and Romans to the present. www.southwellminster.org

Events

Gloworm Festival 18 - 19 Aug

Thoresby Park This August the family-friendly Gloworm Festival returns in its new location, Thoresby Park. Now in its third year, the new venue boasts new camping areas that include glamping pods and even VIP glamping.

This family festival caters for children from the ages of 0-13 years and encourages families to play and have fun in a safe environment. The festival is focused around creative experiences as well as music, entertainment, workshops and theatre production.

Characters including ‘Peppa Pig’ and ‘PJ Masks’ will be performing on the main stage this year, along with performances from ‘Little Mix’ and ‘Daft Punk’ tribute acts to name just a few from the weekend.

The 40-acre site has various areas and zones including the ‘The Great Outdoors’, which has a miniature version of the popular White Post Farm and climbing activities by ‘Clip and Climb’ Nottingham, there is also ‘The Bazaar’ which is home to a ‘circus arena’, ‘The Trapeze Show’ a Victorian fairground and the family favourite ‘The Beach’.

This year, Gloworm has teamed up with toy giant Playmobil as headline sponsors of the event and has also joined with Toymaster who are this year’s main sponsor. Organisers say the event has proved popular with the families as once entry tickets have been purchased, all the entertainment is included so there are no hidden extras.

For more information and tickets visit www.glowormfestival.co.uk

Win! Gloworm Family Pass & Camping!

Win a weekend family pass (2 x adults & 2 x children) with camping worth £250!

How to win...

Email to: competitions@madeinn.co.uk With the subject: “Made Gloworm” State your name, email and contact number or visit: www.madeinn.co.uk and follow the link on the competitions page.

Double your chances!

Like the Gloworm competition post on our facebook: @madeinnorthnotts and follow the competition link!

Good luck!

Competition closes on the 31 July 2018.

Details regarding Gloworm can be found on: www.glowormfestival.co.uk

23

Events

Robin Hood Festival 27 Aug - 2 Sep

Sherwood Forest

S

herwood Forest will come alive with the spirit of Robin Hood this summer as thousands of local, national and international visitors arrive in Nottinghamshire to celebrate the famous legendary outlaw.

the day, and daily programme sheets will be available to help families plan their day. It’s a great stage on which to show off our new visitor centre to the public for the first time, and a fantastic celebration of Sherwood’s most famous son.”

The Robin Hood Festival, now in its 34th year, is a celebration of all things medieval and associated to Robin. The annual event takes place 27 Aug – 2 Sept, and will see Sherwood Forest transform into a medieval feast of entertainment, displays, character appearances and food and drink. Organised this year by the RSPB, Nottinghamshire County Council and a consortium of partners, visitors can try their hand at archery, wander around the stalls, enjoy storytelling, street theatre, medieval combat displays and traditional music, sample local food and drink, take part in traditional crafts and maybe even meet the man himself and his merry men.

Visitors will also have the chance to see the new Sherwood Forest visitor centre before its official opening in September.

The RSPB is leading a consortium which, working together with Nottinghamshire County Council, will be responsible for the new visitor centre being built there and will take over guardianship of the forest later this summer. It includes a brand-new outdoor play area too, which has an exciting Robin Hood theme, and includes a look-out tower and den, climbing nets and even a wooden target for budding archers to practise their shots. The new, state of the art, visitor centre offers the perfect welcome to visitors while they take a break, grab some lunch and their Robin Hood gifts, between visiting the many shows and entertainment that take place throughout each day.

Gemma Howarth, RSPB Senior Site Manager for Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, said: “We’re really excited about hosting our first Robin Hood Festival. We know how well-loved the event is, and want to ensure we maintain all the things people enjoy so much about the festival, whilst also adding in a few new attractions. Robin himself will be battling with the Sheriff of Nottingham, so be sure to watch out for them skirmishing near the Major Oak! There will be lots of activities for children and families including storytelling, medieval music and performances happening at different times throughout

Councillor John Cottee, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Chairman of Communities and Place Committee, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Robin Hood Festival at Sherwood Forest once again, especially as visitors will have the opportunity to see the new visitor centre.”

To find out more about the festival and a timetable of activities go to www.visitsherwood.co.uk

Below: Legends, skirmishing in front of the Major Oak at the 2017 festival - look out for them at this year’s event!

Left: A young visitor enjoying the fun of the 2017 Robin Hood Festival, photo courtesy of Stephen Morgan.

24

Events

28 Jul Derbyshire Heritage Showcase

ryone together for a big volleyball, football or

Creswell Crags

nis, cricket, skipping, games and much more

11am - 4pm Hosted by Derbyshire Museums and Heritage Forum and Creswell Crags. Join

Creswell Crags for the Mega Derbyshire Heritage showcase.Come and see the heritage on your doorstep. With display stands

from a range of members of the Derbyshire Museums and Heritage Forum. www.creswell-crags.org.uk

30 Jul Centuries Family Day Southwell Minster 11am - 4pm Join Robin Hood and friends for crafts, music, stories, archery and various and activi-

rounders match? Tennis, hockey, table ten-

nying adults free).

To book call: 01623 823202.

on offer. Local sports providers will be mak-

ing special guest appearances throughout

28 Jul Twilight Creatures

the summer to give live demonstrations and

Sherwood Forest Country Park

have a go sessions. Please note: there will

8pm - 11pm

be plenty of free activities, however some activities do incur a small charge.

What comes out after dark in the forest? Join

the RSPB, Birklands Ringing Group and oth-

26 Jul Summer Holidays At Mansfield Museum Mansfield Museum 10am - 1pm ArtBeat! Paper Plate Pokemon £1.50

www.mansfield.gov.uk

er experts and find out! We’ll take a gentle

stroll through the forest to Budby Heath and find out more about the moths, bats, birds

and other creatures that become active at

dusk. Involves a walk of around three miles over some rough terrain in low visibility, so

not recommended for people with mobility issues or young children. Please bring a low

powered torch and insect repellent. Sorry, no dogs. Pre-booking essential, call: 01636

ties. Picnics welcome.

26 Aug Dirty Dancing Outdoor Cinema

www.southwellminster.org

Hodsock Priory

25 Jul Handmade Butterflies

weekend in August - following last summer’s memorable Mamma Mia party, there will be

28 - 29 Jul Lammas Celebration

a screening of another dance favourite. This

Clarborough Church

time it’s a classic with the one and only Dirty

10am - 4pm

Dancing.

www.hodsockpriory.com

The the only church in the Retford area cel-

ebrating Lammas (Loaf mass - the traditional

For details call: 01636 817993

The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate 11am - 12pm/12pm - 1pm Bring your garden to life with your own colourful handmade butterfly. These well thought out activities are perfect for enter-

This year to celebrate the bank holiday

taining your child and igniting their creative

28 Jul - 11 Aug War Poetry Festival

To book call: 01909 501 700 or email:

The Workhouse, Southwell Nottinghamshire

www.harleygallery.co.uk

The Workhouse poetry festival this year will

25 - 30 Jul Archaeology Live

etry from men and women.

side. £2.50 per child.

portlandcollection@harleygallery.co.uk

focus on war poetry from WW1 including po-

893611 or email: Angela.roberts@rspb.org.uk

£10 pp, cash on the day. RSPB members receive 20% discount.

festival marking the start of the harvest,

and the first loaf of bread made with the first wheat harvested) Featuring a display of

artwork, serving refreshments on Sat, and

afternoon tea with jam and cream scones on Sun. Free entry, small charge for refreshments.

applies).

28 Jul Concert By The Celebration Choir Of Sheffield

Or call: 01636 817269

Clarborough Church

Clumber Park, followed by a weekend celebrating archaeology. This event is free,

28 Jul Butterfly Hunt (ages 7-12)

A Christian/Gospel choir singing a mix of

but admission charges apply for the venue.

Sherwood Forest Country Park

Email: clumberpark@nationaltrust.org.uk,

freshments £5 each, in advance call: 07551

Call: 01909 476592

10.30am to 12pm

Join one of the Rangers on a butterfly stroll

Clumber Park 11am - 3pm Discover what remains of Clumber house.

Archaeological dig on the Mansion Site at

26 Jul - Onwards Summer Of Sport Clumber Park 11am - 4pm Why not challenge friends and family to a

shoot out on the archery range, or bring eve-

Booking not needed. Free event (admission Email: kim.drabyk@nationaltrust.org.uk,

7pm uplifting music. Tickets including light re381965 or email: LesleyK21@outlook.com

to see how many species we can find to-

day. You will also learn the basic identifica-

28 Jul - 7 Oct Laid

tion skills needed to take part in Butterfly

The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate

Conservation Big Butterfly Count. Get the

chance to create your own butterfly mask to

A new, ‘human-scale’ sculpture by Laura

take home. The walk is approximately one

Ellen Bacon will twine its way around the ground floor gallery.

mile. Family event, £2.50 children (accompa-

www.harleygallery.co.uk

25

Events

Station Of Nations D

uring World War Two Royal Air Force Balderton was a wartime RAF station which hosted, among others, No.408 (Goose) Squadron RCAF, the USAAF 437th and 439th Transport Carrier Groups, the Rolls-Royce jet engine trials unit and No.227 Squadron RAF. After several years of detailed research, Colin Savill BA (Hons) has written a new history of RAF Balderton, from its beginnings to its demise as an RAF station, the book is called Station Of Nations.

The book is published by the Newark (Notts & Lincs) Air Museum. The museum is located on part of the former RAF Winthorpe airfield site, itself just five miles from the former site of RAF Balderton. Copies are available from the museum shop or by mail order, call 01636 707170 for details.

Win!

A copy of Station Of Nations & a day family entry pass to Newark Air Museum Win a copy of the Station Of Nations book

and a family day pass (two adults and three children).

How to win...

Email to: competitions@madeinn.co.uk With the subject: “Made Newark Airfield” State your name, email and contact number or visit: www.madeinn.co.uk and follow the link on the competitions page.

Good luck! The competition closes on the 31 July 2018.

Newark Air Museum details can be found on: www.newarkairmuseum.org

28 Jul - 7 Oct Bright Woods, Dark Peaks The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate Prints and paintings from Sheffield based artist and designer Jill Ray, including large

scale works that have not been seen at the gallery before. www.harleygallery.co.uk

28 Jul - 2 Sep Summer Of Spies National Civil War Centre, Newark Extra-special espionage themed actvities Summer of Spies! Hear two of the Civil War’s top secret agents spill all their secrets and create your own spectacular spy kit. www.nationalcivilwarcentre.com

30 Jul Summer Sports Mansfield Museum 12.30pm - 3pm Why not have-a-go at different sports with

Mansfield District Leisure Sports Activators.

Please wear appropriate clothing and bring a drink. Suitable for all ages. www.mansfield.gov.uk

31 Jul - 1 Sep It’s The Bees Knees Mr Straw’s House, Worksop 10.30am - 4pm The Straw Family kept bees in the orchard,

11 & 12 Aug 1940s Weekend

1 & 2 Sept Shackleton Boys Book Launch

Newark Air Museum

Newark Air Museum

10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)

10am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)

A follow-up event from the 1940s Week-

A two day event to celebrate the launch of

the Anderson Shelter, Dig for Victory Gar-

publishers of a range of books featuring dif-

end in 2017 including attractions such as: den Experience, music, re-enactors, period traders, tea tent, period food, vintage civil-

ian/military vehicles, firefighting and rescue demonstrations, displays of period clothing and other items; all set amidst the museum’s aircraft collection.

The aim is for there to be an American forc-

es focus to pick up on their time at nearby RAF Balderton. The organisers would like to

hear from any local history groups or societies that might be interested in participating at the event. Anyone interested should contact the museum.

www.newarkairmuseum.org

26

the Shackleton Boys book, by Grub Street ferent aircraft types and stories from their aircrew. The event is centred around the

Shackleton aircraft that was dismantled and

helping provide produce for the house, a tra-

dition, we believe started by Florence Straw

and continued by her sons. They have left the equipment needed around the orchard, can you help us find it all? £2.00 per trail.

The trail will begin from the reception in No

5, Warwick Villa. To combine your trail with a

visit to the house, please book a timed ticket in advance by calling: 01909 482380 or email: mrstrawshouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

moved to the museum by road in spring

1977, in what remains the largest aircraft

31 Jul - 31 Aug 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4

dismantling project ever undertaken by the

Mr Straw’s House, Worksop

museum and its members.

11am - 3pm

Contributors to the book will be attending to sign copies and meet and talk with the

Join us this Summer holidays to kick start

museum visitors. Details of a reunion as-

your ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4’ adventure. If you’ve never taken part in 50

pect of the event will be released later in the summer.

For further details please visit: www.newarkairmuseum.org

things to do before you’re 11 3/4, Mr Straw’s

House is the perfect place to begin your adventure. From making a trail with sticks, to

hunting for bugs there is always something

Events

to do on these self guided activities.

free Portland Explorer Trail. £2.50 per child

Free event - There is no need to book but if

or call: 01909 482380

landcollection@harleygallery.co.uk

a place to become available

Email: mrstrawshouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

To book call: 01909 501 700 or email portwww.harleygallery.co.uk

1 Aug Tween Spa

the session is busy you may need to wait for www.mansfield.gov.uk

Spa at Ye Olde Bell

2 Aug Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland

4.30 - 7.30pm

Southwell Minster

4 Aug Fairy & Wildlife Sculpture Workshop

An exclusive event for the younger guest

6.30pm in the Education Garden (gates

Bassetlaw Museum, Retford

and their ‘responsible adult’ to spa together.

open 5.45pm)

10.30am - 3.30pm

£69 for one tween (age 11-16) and one adult Call: 01777 705121

Prepare for a trip into this well-loved tale,

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

based upon the original novel written by

Sculpture with Julie Willoughby (free event).

Lewes Carroll and specially adapted for the

www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

stage. With live music and characters you won’t forget, Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonder-

6 Aug The CHaOS Science Roadshow

land will engage and delight audiences of

Mansfield Museum

all ages. Tickets: www.thisismytheatre.com/

10am - 3pm

tickets

A wide range of hands-on science experi-

Show your regal side and make a crown fit for a king or queen during our summer crea-

3 Aug Giant Inflatable Twister

Free event, no need to book but if the ses-

tive sessions. Visit The Portland Collection to

Mansfield Museum

see if you can find a sparkling tiara on our

10am - 3pm

1 Aug Hands on Holidays - Paper Crown Creative Family Sessions The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate 11am - 12pm, 12pm - 1pm

ments. www.chaosscience.org.uk

sion is busy you may need to wait for a place to become available.

www.mansfield.gov.uk

hop S e e Coff

DESIGNER HOME

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01777 711007 www.thechocolatekitchen.co.uk

5 West Street (off Carolgate) Retford, Notts, DN22 6ES

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Events

7 Aug A Day Walking In The Park With Our Volunteer Rangers

Create natural crazy faces, from pine cone

‘Pirates and Princesses’ at our family themed

Clumber Park

workshop you and your child will create your very own funny faces from all things natural.

ty games and more! 4 Course lunch inc. cof-

9.30am - 4.30pm Join volunteer rangers for a guided walk exploring the different landscapes and habitats

of Clumber Park’s less well known areas.

Choose to do a full day walk of about 12

£2.50 per child.

To book call: 01909 501 700 or

email: portlandcollection@harleygallery.co.uk. www.harleygallery.co.uk

lunch. Children’s entertainer, mini disco, parfee: £29. (Under 8s eat free).

Call: 01777 705121

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

22 Aug & Other Dates Mischief Makers Comic Strip Workshop

miles (19k) or a morning or afternoon walk of

17 Aug Speciality Dining Evening

Free event (admission applies).

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa 7pm

25 Aug - Retford Library 22 Aug - Mansfield Central Library 28 Aug - Newark Library

8 Aug Hands On Holidays - Natural Weaving

Sangria and seafood themed evening. £45

10:00am - 3:00pm

The Harley Gallery

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

mer with author Emma Pass and artist Dun-

about six miles (9.5k). Booking not needed.

11am - 12pm, 12pm - 1pm

Call: 01777 705121

Combine creativity and the outdoors during

natural weaving summer activity sessions.

17 Aug Ibiza Twilight Spa & Dine

Using natural materials, visitors will be led in

Spa at Ye Olde Bell

creating a three-dimensional structure. £2.50

5.30pm - 9pm

per child To book call: 01909 501 700 or email portlandcollection@harleygallery.co.uk

Twilight spa with Ibiza music and social din-

www.harleygallery.co.uk

ing in the Spa Brasserie. £65. Call: 01777 705121 www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

Write and print your own comics this sumcan Pass as your local library becomes a printing press for the day. First, Emma will

help you create a cracking story. Then Duncan will show you how to turn your story into

a comic strip. You’ll make printing plates and print them on one of Duncan’s hand-built mangles, which is made out of a 200-yearold washing mangle. By the end of the day

you’ll have your very own full-colour comic!

9 Aug ‘Gruffalo Day’

18 -19 Aug Outdoor Cinema

Bassetlaw Museum, Retford With Debutots (Free, booking required, lim-

18 Aug - Jumanji 19 Aug - Beauty & The Beast Rufford Abbey Country Park

help her hunt down the Gruffalo in our very

in front of the Historic Rufford Abbey Ruins

Various times/venues

edy, Jumanji. The original film was released

For further information and listings of all con-

10am - 3pm

Free workshop. Children 5+ and their fami-

lies. Booking essential. www.inspireculture. org.uk

ited places). Join the Gruffalo explorer and

Our final weekend of outdoor cinema fun

22 - 27 Aug Southwell Music Festival

own deep dark wood. Includes Gruffalo

gets underway with popular adventure com-

Southwell Music Festival

in 1995 and the sequel hit cinemas at Christ-

certs and events please go to: www.south-

games, Gruffalo songs and stories, Gruffalo treasure hunt and Gruffalo crafts. www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

10 Aug Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland Creswell Crags 6.30pm - 9pm (Gates open at 5.30pm) Hosted by Chapterhouse Theatre Company and Creswell Crags in the meadow. Ticket

mas last year. Sing-a-long to the Disney classic, ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

wellmusicfestival.com

Fancy dress is encouraged, so dig our your Belle and Beast costumes and join us for an

22 Aug Warren Wood School Charity Lunch

evening of song and dance. A great evening

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

of fun for all the family.

www.parkwoodoutdoors.co.uk

Two-course lunch, fashion show and gift stalls. Tickets: £25. Call: 01777 705121 Email: sylvieannibal@tiscali.co.uk

information and purchasing available from Creswell Crags Visitors Centre. Adults £16,

19 Aug Ladies Day

child £1, family £46. Bring your own blankets,

Southwell Racecourse

rugs, picnics, chairs/low backed seating.

22 Aug Hands On Holidays - Bug Houses

Cafe open for food and drinks. Well behaved

A big crowd and a great atmosphere is guar-

anteed, with live music from Abba Arrival and

The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate

dogs welcome. www.creswell-crags.org.uk

a best dressed competition.

11am - 12pm, 12pm - 1pm

www.southwell-racecourse.co.uk

Make a home for insects, bugs and mini-

The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate

19 Aug Family Sunday Lunch

£2.50 per child. To book call: 01909 501700

11am - 12pm, 12pm - 1pm

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

15 Aug Hands on Holidays - Nature Faces

28

smiles to leaf eyes. During the one hour

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

beasts during our creative summer sessions.

or email: portlandcollection@harleygallery. co.uk www.harleygallery.co.uk

Events

& d u o L ear Cl H Work from some of the fi nest glass artists in Britain is currently on display in the Loud & Clear exhibition at The Harley Gallery on Welbeck Estate and is showing until 15 July.

The work on display has been selected by The National Glass Centre, a centre that celebrates a relationship with glass dating back to 674AD when Benedict Biscop brought glaziers from Gaul to the area to create the first known coloured glass window in the country. Today, the centre provides training for artists and develops exhibitions to inspire and educate people about this extraordinary material.

The work includes floating glass panels etched with photographs, brightly coloured vessels and extraordinary sculptures by a range of artists including Scott Benefield, Heike Brachlow, Effie Burns, James Devereux, Erin Dickson, Carrie Fertig, Choi Keeryong, James Maskrey, Helen Maurer, Joanne Mitchell, Helen Pailing, Jeffrey Sarmiento, Ayako Tani, Angela Thwaites, Elliot Walker, Emma Woffenden and Jeff Zimmer.

Visit: www.harleygallery.co.uk for details.

29

Events

25 - 27 Aug The Big Bake

£3 (adult or child). Non-library members: £6

Newstead

(adult or child). To book a place on the cast-

22 & 28 Aug Overnight Bushcraft For Families

ing and registration day please email: iya@

Sherwood Pines Forest Park

inspireculture.org.uk or call: 01623 644377

The Gingerbread Man is touring 20 Inspire

Could you survive a night in the woods? Join

libraries. Visit: www.inspireculture.org.uk

the rangers to find out! Build you own shelter to sleep in using forest materials and cook

The Big Bake at Newstead Abbey is brought to you by the Great Food and Drink Festi-

vals. See Sophie faldo - The Great British Bake Off Winner, Molly Robbins - Channel

4 Extreme Cake Makers, and many more.

Also a variety of stalls and competitions.

29 Aug Hands On Holidays - Seed Heads

For full details and tickets visit:

The Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate

wwwgreatfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk/

11am - 12pm, 12pm - 1pm

newstead-abbey/

Creative Family Sessions. Learn how to

26 Jul Dementia Friendly Film Screening Of Send Me No Flowers

day summer session, then water and watch

Mansfield Central Library 2pm - 4.30pm Aa series of dementia friendly screenings of

it grow. Adults must stay with their children at all times. £2.50 per child

To book call: 01909 501700 or email:

portlandcollection@harleygallery.co.uk

classic films and musicals particularly suit-

able for people living with dementia and

30 Aug Bat Night

memory challenges, their family and friends

Creswell Crags

but anyone is welcome. Please feel free to

7.30pm - 10pm

talk, sing and move during the screening. For additional requirements or questions before

Join Derrick Eames, resident Bat Man at

booking please email: arts@inspireculture.

Creswell Crags, for a guided talk and walk of

the gorge to see these incredible creatures

org.uk

27 Aug Classic Car Show Thoresby Park 10am-4pm

feed at nightfall. This is a sell out event, so pre-booking is a must! £8pp. Sensible cloth-

ing required, as you will be outdoors for a lot of the event. Call: 01909 720378 or email: kat.middleton@creswell-crags.org.uk

lighting techniques, how to use a knife safely and how to purify water. We’ll search for bats

on a night walk, play night-time games and

have a go at a forest craft. Suitable for children aged 8+. £45 pp. To find out more or

to book your places, contact Emily on: 0300

0674255 or email: emily.butt@forestry.gov.uk www.forestry.gov.uk

31 Aug ‘The Wizard Of Oz’

by Talegate Theatre Bassetlaw Museum, Retford 2pm Click your ruby heels together and join us

over the rainbow for a magical adventure suitable for all ages. A fast-paced, highly en-

tertaining show featuring pop songs, magic,

puppets and your favourite Oz characters.

Free event.

www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

Every Sat In July/Aug Parkrun Sherwood Pines Forest park 9am

owned and club vehicles on display, full con-

cours overseen by Mercedes Benz Club Co-

31 Aug Hugs Cinema The Greatest Showman

ordinator Richard Lee, trade and autojumble

Newark Castle

stalls, children’s entertainment and quality

8.30pm (Gates open at 6.30pm)

ti-clockwise lap. The route is primarily com-

food and drink options. Free parking, For details visit: www.classicshows.org

Bring your picnics and a bottle and enjoy

www.whatsonatthoresby.co.uk

this outdoor cinema experience. Supporting HUG helpusgrieve.co.uk.

The Classic Car Show will see 600+ privately

29 Jul The Gingerbread Man

All enquiries to: amy@helpusgrieve.co.uk

Southwell Library & Other Libraries

31 Aug - 2 Sep Fake Festival

10.30am - 11.30am

Thoresby Park

The Spark Arts for Children presents: Hiccup

12pm - 12am

Chase after our cheeky gingerbread hero as

Festivals massive end-of-season finale, they

Theatre in association with Derby Theatre.

The “Big One” is back! This is Fake

he sets off on the biggest adventure of his life!

like to go out in a big way! 24 of the finest

Hiccup Theatre cook up a brand new version of this classic tale adding delicious original

live music, tasty storytelling and dollops of fun. For children aged 4+. Booking advised.

Running time: 55 minutes. Library members:

30

make a seed head during our hands on holi-

your breakfast on the open fire. Learn fire

Fake Bands, as featured on the 2018 UK tour, will perform inside the giant big-top

marquee. With a variety of tickets available which include free secure parking and

camping. www.whatsonatthoresby.co.uk

The parkrun course at Sherwood Pines For-

est Park is 5k long and is made up of one anpleted on the ‘Green’ Family Cycle Route and is a combination of trail and compacted stone paths and park roads. www.forestry.gov.uk

For the latest events visit:

www.innorthnotts.co.uk If you have an event you’d like to share with Made we’d love to hear from you.

Email: hello@madeinn.co.uk Although we endeavor to ensure that all of the events listed here are correct it is advisable to check before the event in case of alterations or planning changes.

Events

At The Movies!

The Savoy Cinema in Worksop shows all latest cinema releases and also holds live screenings of the major exhibitions, most famous operas and the best theatre to viewers to enjoy from the comfort of their cinema seats.

Visit: www.savoyworksop.co.uk for full listings of your most awaited movies and live screenings not to miss.

Win! Win two tickets to see a live performance or movie of your choice at the Savoy Cinema in Worksop.

To win two tickets simply email to: competitions@savoyonline.co.uk with the subject: Made Jul/Aug Cinema Stating your name, email and contact number and the show that you’d most like to see.

Good Luck! The winner will be drawn on the 15 July 2018.

Competition terms and conditions can be found on the Savoy website: www.savoyworksop.co.uk

Top movies for this summer we recommend . . .

Mamma Mia 2, Mission Impossible Fallout & Disney’s Christopher Robin

Screenings 5 Jul Everybody’s Talking About Jamie 165 minutes The new award-winning five-star hit mu-

sical about Jamie, sixteen and living on a council estate in Sheffield.

12 Jul Muse: Drones World Tour 90 minutes Muse, the world renowned multi-award winning band, in concert.

18 Jul RSC - Romeo & Juliet 210 minutes Set in a world very like our own, a generation of young people born into violence and ripped apart by the divisions of parents.

28 & 29 Jul, 12 Aug Andre Rieu Maastricht Concert 2018 145 minutes One of the most popular live acts in the

world, the King of the Waltz André Rieu’s 2018 Maastricht concert.

30 Aug Jonas Kaufmann: Under the Stars 120 minutes Join Jonas this summer for a spectacular outdoor concert, captured live at Berlin’s iconic Waldbühne amphitheatre.

All imagery courtesy of Savoy Cinema.

Feature

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust How Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is supporting initiatives

W

to help re-introduce the dormouse.

ith the population of hazel dormice falling across the country, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been supporting initiatives by working with other groups to help boost the local population and give the tiny animal a foothold.

The trust’s focus has been at Treswell Wood, Eaton Wood and nearby Gamston Wood. With expert support from The People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the efforts of the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group, a handful of dormice have been turned into a healthy, growing population. The project has been made possible as a result of existing habitat and woodland management to create what the dormice and other species need to thrive.

Erin McDaid, of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, says these woodland areas and in particular Treswell Wood, have been a focus of conservation and habitat protection work by Notts Wildlife Trust

One of the locals. Dormouse, courtesy of Michael Walker.

Right top: A Dormouse nest, courtesy of John Black.

Right: The boxes for the re-introduction of dormice.

Courtesy of Lorna Griffiths.

32

for more than 20 years. “All three of these woods have always been important for us. Treswell, for instance, was the first woodland we had an appeal for and bought in around 1973. Since then it has been a real focus for us.”

In the 1990s a group of craftspeople approached the trust offering to help restore Treswell Wood to its former glory in return for materials to make traditional woodland craft items. The group developed an interest in activities such as making charcoal and from here a crafts group became established. “All of a sudden we had this interest around the crafts and it all just started to fit together.”

Now, more than 20 years later, the woodland is a thriving area that is able to sustain a group of working woodsmen, who now carry out much of the woodland management on behalf of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. “We’ve found a happy balance in that it is well managed for wildlife and the group is able to continue making products,” says Erin.

A jumping spider native in the UK, image courtesy of Tim Sexton.

“We were struggling, originally, to get the woodland back to its former glory, but in the early to mid-1990s, we really started to crank up the restoration of the woodland.”

This working environment, combined with the trust’s continued conservation activity, has created the perfect habitat for a variety of species, and of course the hazel dormouse. The first of the dormice were introduced in the 1990s, in a collaborative project between The People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the Wildlife Trust, but the habitat wasn’t quite right for them to thrive in. More dormice were introduced to Treswell in 2013 and since then have also been introduced to Eaton and Gamston. Each of the sites is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which means they are a protected area and ideal for dormice.

Now Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is keen to work with neighbouring landowners to help restore and maintain hedgerows in a bid to ‘link’ the three woodlands to help the dormice increase in numbers further. Erin says the type of linking work was very important in the long-term future of dormice and habitat. “The work we have done to identify possible linkages and to build relationships with neighbouring landowners is really important as it could ensure the long-term viability of the dormouse populations. If we can successfully reconnect these three valuable ancient woodlands, we will create a much more robust area of habitat giving the populations of dormice and other species an opportunity to interbreed with animals from other sites, making them less vulnerable to disease and to any changes that may occur within one isolated wood.

“Larger areas of habitat are more resilient to threats such as climate change or to impacts of diseases such as Ash Dieback – so whilst the effort to connect these woodlands is being driven by our determination to create great conditions for Nottinghamshire’s dormice it will benefit a wide range of woodland species.”

The population of dormice is constantly being monitored by members of the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group. “The dormice population is being surveyed and monitored by members of the Nottinghamshire Dormouse Group, a voluntary group that is also helping us carry out important habitat improvements in our woodlands to benefit the dormice.

Spider weekend This August, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is inviting families to take part in a range of spider-themed activities at a special event at its largest nature reserve.

O

n the 18 - 19 Aug, families can take part in a ‘Citizen Science’ activity, to gather records of species of spider as part of a partnership with the University of Nottingham’s ‘Spider Lab’. This is one of a series of events taking place across Europe designed to make science more accessible. There will be other spider-themed activities throughout the weekend.

The university’s ‘Spider Lab’ studies the behaviour of spiders and tries to understand why this is important. The lab is dedicated to public engagement and citizen science and participates in many events around the country. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Head of Communications Erin McDaid, said: “We’ve been working with the Spider Lab for a number of years now and were really excited to be working with them on a special event at the Idle Valley as it’s our largest reserve. We’re very hopeful of uncovering new species’ records for the reserve and gaining a better understanding of spider populations”.

The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre acts as the gateway to the wideopen spaces of the Idle Valley Nature Reserve. The welcoming café, shop and reception are open seven days a week and the café serves a range of home-cooked specials including hand-made cakes and puddings. From the centre families can access a shaded play area and a circular walk around the lake featuring a rubbing trail. Special ‘Discovery Rucksacks’ can also be hired from the centre for a nominal fee to add interest to your walk.

The event is taking place at The Idle Valley Rural Learning Centre, Retford, off the A638. For further details about the event and the café visit www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org or call 01777 858 245.

“The group carries out surveys and monitoring visits to check on dormice numbers and to record their spread – essentially checking how healthy the population is following the releases.”

Work to protect dormice and their habitat at these three woodland areas is just part of what Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust is doing across the county. For information on what the trust is doing in your area visit www.nottinghamshirewildlife.org

Pop into our Idle Valley Nature Reserve Café with this voucher and enjoy a

FREE Tea or Coffee*

and stunning views of our Nature Reserve *With Any Cake Purchase. Not redeemable for cash.

Idle Valley Nature Reserve, North Rd Retford, DN22 8SG

Business

The Focus Collection Team Celebrates!

It’s been 10 years since The Focus Collection was formed, and to mark the milestone, Claire Weingaertner and the rest of her team are inviting current clients and suppliers to help them celebrate.

F

ormed in 2008, Focus Accounting, as it was known then, has developed consistently over the last decade, but remains true to its core values of providing the best quality service and advice to clients. “We like to reward and support businesses that work with us and that’s why we’re inviting people along to celebrate with us,” says Claire.

Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa is the venue for the two-day celebration, with invited guests being given the opportunity to have exclusive access to the hotel’s new spa followed by an evening of celebrations in the Bradgate Suit.

The ticketed event, which has been heavily subsidised by The Focus Collection, includes dinner, entertainment and a ‘light-hearted’ business awards section that is set to include awards for ‘The Most Patient Supplier’; ‘The Funniest Question Asked’; ‘The Best Excuse of The Year; ‘The Most Fun to Work With’ and ‘The Eternally Late Award’.

“The celebrations, on September 26th and 27th, are designed to be fun and

entertaining, with a few surprises along the way,” says Claire.

Marking 10 years in business is a welcomed achievement for Claire, who embarked on a self-employed journey out of frustration after being made redundant from her accountancy job. “I can remember the day I decided to go self employed. I’d sent out over 100 job applications and had nothing back – I’d become really frustrated, so decided to set up myself and why not?”

“We like to reward and support businesses that work with us and that’s why we’re inviting people along to celebrate with us,” Claire says along the 10 years there have been plenty of challenges, highs and lows, but says sustaining a business was about putting in the hard work from day one. “Over the 10 years it’s been about hard work and determination and connecting with the business community.

Speaking to other people in business is a great way of discussing ideas and going over common ground.”

Since it’s inception, Focus has added to its portfolio of services and today can help with cashflows, budgets and forecasting, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, training, workshops, consultancy and mentoring. The company also holds regular Business Club meetings designed to give businesses the opportunity to meet other likeminded people in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Looking ahead to the next ten years, Claire says the businesses will concentrate on developing and continuing to provide a top quality service. “The plan for the next ten years is to continue to deliver a quality service and to ensure my team grows and develops to enable us to offer a large range of services to help our lovely clients.”

For further details and to contact the team call: 01777 712617 www.thefocuscollection.co.uk

The Focus Team, from the left: Jenny Stephens, Claire Weingaertner, Paul Mallatratt, Megan Ducey.

Business

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Business

Leading For Tomorrow Steve Harrison - future projections for your business.

L

et’s project a few years ahead…

What will the work place look and feel like in five or ten years’ time? What will employees be demanding in the future that hasn’t been thought of yet? How will organisations be using their talented people in order to maximise their skills? How will the role of a leader have changed? What are tomorrow’s ‘norms’ that are either today’s strange concepts or haven’t even been considered yet? And how have things changed in the past 5, 10 or 20 years?

For me, 20 years ago, I set up the Coaching Company and my business card said, ‘Performance Coach’. Back then it was a strange concept, I was fairly unusual in the business world, yet now it’s the ‘norm’ and many leaders and teams actively seek a coach so that they can progress.

About ten years ago, I started discussing the idea of ‘The Corporate Athlete’ in business as a concept to positively influence performance, enable that type of culture and create effective leadership. This was born from my work in elite sport coaching, where a model for an athlete’s development was as follows: Elite Athlete Development Key Areas Technical

Tactical

Mental

Lifestyle

Spiritual

(Skills)

(Game Plan/ Goals)

(Mindstate/ Emotion)

(Nutrition)

(Values/ Beliefs)

Today, I’m talking to businesses clients who are serious about introducing the concept of the Corporate Athlete - organisations that are linking the idea of lifestyle issues and nutrition into the development of employees. The language of values and beliefs has rapidly become common language in organisations.

36

What is for sure is that change, a constant need to raise the bar, the need to attract, develop, retain talent and maximise that talent, is essential and becoming more so rapidly.

“You must upgrade or you’ll be left behind. Yesterday’s world records are merely today’s qualifying times” Linford Christie So to explore the idea of Corporate Athlete a little more closely – from the performer/job holder’s point of view.

A Corporate Athlete: • Operates in a culture that serves great performance.

Their environment enables the freedom to thrive.

• Is well served by a skilled and committed support team.

This includes their leader who is committed to the performer’s success and achievement.

• Is clear and committed to a personal strategy for sustainable high performance.

They know what winning is and how to play to win. They have a clear direction of travel, with a compelling vision and bold, stretching goals.

• Has a high level of skill and knowledge to be able to excel in their role.

They recognise the importance of continually learning and embracing change and are hungry to do so.

• Is a cultural architect (influencer), a game changer/play maker.

They constantly add value and make positive things happen and constantly explore the possibilities.

• Knows success is not a solo mission.

They are collaborators, willing to seek help, advice and to return it.

• Owns and takes responsibility for performance and success.

They focus on what they can control or influence and never blame others or lean on excuses.

f

i

n

a

n

c

i

a

l

“Yesterday’s world records are merely today’s qualifying times.�

Linford Christie • Flexible, nimble and agile.

They have the ability to operate in various roles and willingly use their expertise for best team fit so as to best serve the business. • Is well ‘conditioned’ or â€˜ďŹ t’ to perform at peak. Through: The alignment of values, mind, body and more speciďŹ cally: - They are at ease with self, with a strong sense of identity, meaning and purpose.

- They have an enabling mindstate of positive attitude and enabling emotions, such as desire, will, drive, pride, resilience, focus.

- They have a level of physical fitness to perform their role; which yields energy and enables peak brain function.

- They have a lifestyle that fuels performance, attending to quality nutrition and diet, pacing of work and allowing rest and recovery.

Here’s the challenge! Does this seem odd or in some way wacky? Well its already happening in some organisations! Not always as a total concept, often just specific areas. The idea of work pacing, varying the intensity of performance over time is frequently discussed. We can’t operate at ‘peak’ continuously!

I’m working with a business partner who is a nutritionist. Her research has proven that higher levels of performance and academic achievement can be gained as a result of quality diet and nutrition. Organisations are now engaging in this. Our fitness instructors and personal trainers have been working with this for years; the same principle applies at work as in the gym!

So as leaders we ignore what’s coming and emerging at our peril. We’re all venturing into the unknown, which is why we have to do everything to maximise our people and facilitate great work and great performance.

As a parting shot, here’s a thought to ponder.

“Our people are tomorrow’s champions. How can we hope to help them if we only teach them what we know?� Anon CoachSteveH www.coachingcompany.co.uk

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Promoted Content

Duncan & Toplis How two Nottinghamshire accountants built one of the UK’s largest practices

I

n 1925, two accountants in Nottingham, Stanley Duncan and Eric Toplis, decided to form their own company. Although Lincolnshire is where the company has most of its offices today, the first office of the new accountancy company was on the junction of Mansfield Road and Huntingdon Street in Nottingham, a short distance from what is now the Victoria Centre.

Back then, George V was on the throne, John Logie Baird was about to make his first television transmission and a future prime minister was about to be born around the corner from the company’s office in Grantham, which opened a short time later.

In Nottinghamshire, the city’s Council House was yet to be built, the original tram network through Nottingham was expanding and coal mines across the county were thriving. DH Lawrence had returned after several years of travelling the world and the James Hole Brewery was still producing beer from the building that is now the company’s Newark office.

Tragedy struck in the 1930s when Stanley Duncan passed away, but the company continued under the leadership of Eric Toplis until the early 1960s, when he retired to spend more time with his family in Radcliffe-on-Trent. By that stage, Duncan & Toplis had opened its office in Grantham after the firm merged with accountants Baldock & Gregory, beginning the expansion of what has become a top 40 firm today. The Grantham expansion proved to be a success and enabled the company to broaden the services it could offer and helping to drive its continued growth. While the 1970s saw a great deal of expansion, the company also made the decision to focus its efforts on supporting owner-managed businesses in the North and North East of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. By 1975 the Nottingham city centre office closed and the firm traded from offices in Grantham, Sleaford, Gainsborough, Boston and Skegness.

1st January 1985 saw the return of the firm to Nottinghamshire when it merged with the well-established Newark practice of A.G. Ward & Co., which had been operating in the town since

38

Stanley Duncan

Eric Toplis

the 1950s from an office on Castlegate. It became clear, almost immediately, that more substantial offices would be needed and in 1986 the company purchased the former offices of the James Hole Brewery on London Road. The firm spent three years restoring and refurbishing the property, which had been substantially derelict for years and moved in during May 1989.

Curiously, as well as housing the brewery offices, it had also been home to several Newark residents, including a local dentist, Mr McBride, who had a surgery in one of the upstairs rooms.

A year after moving in, the company expanded further and purchased the neighbouring brewmaster’s house, which was again renovated and integrated into the main office block. The company’s Newark office is still based in the two buildings and now employs over 40 team members. By adopting a forwardlooking approach to its work, Duncan & Toplis has built up a strong reputation in the area for its years of honest, expert advice and support.

Today, the company has 11 offices across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire and it has more than 400 team members. It’s recognised as one of the 40 largest accountancy practices in the UK and is part of the 12th largest accountancy network in the world, which enables its team members to connect companies in our region to international markets and trading partners.

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The firm’s client list includes many businesses that have been with the company for generations, with some having been using the practice for 40 years or more. The company has assisted some family-run companies through several generations of ownership and it continues to help many well-known Nottinghamshire businesses thrive.

While many things have changed since 1925, a few things have stayed constant and one of those is the need for honest, expert business advice and accountancy support.

If you’d like to find out how Duncan & Toplis can help you or your business, visit www.duntop.co.uk or call 0808 169 1196

what can we make for you?

The Newark office.

Leisure

Precious Metals Hilary & Mike’s sculptures, some shining in the sunlight, others rusty & weathered, welcome guests into the Dovecot Gallery in Styrrup.

Beautiful creations that grow into their surroundings, living sculptures inspiring for everyone they meet.

H

ilary Cartmel and Mike Johnson have been creating beautiful, eye-catching and inspiring sculptures for the best part of 25 years. The couple started creating art after leaving Trent Polytechnic Fine art course and have designed and produced pieces that today stand in towns and cities across the country.

Creating and developing from outbuildings in the yard of their 18th century farmhouse, Hilary and Mike make mainly commissioned work that can often take up to a year to design and complete. From large, steel figures to intricate detailing, they use a variety of techniques to produce beautiful pieces, which have been built to last hundreds of years.

Hilary Cartmel in the 270 year old farm building that has been beautifully transformed 40 Dovecot Gallery.

Married for over 30 years, the couple moved from their home in Nottingham 26 years ago to settle in their family home in the centre of the village of Styrrup. They work from separate workshops, often working on individual projects, but the couple do collaborate occasionally, combining their collective skills and experiences. Working on a number of projects at any given time means both Hilary’s and Mike’s workshops are full of on-going work, test pieces and ideas for future designs. It’s an evolving ‘work in progress’ environment that continues to inspire.

Leisure

As well as creating art, the couple have also been busy converting another outbuilding at their home into an art gallery. The Dovecot Gallery, as it has been named, was used for the first time last Christmas, when it acted as a venue for local artists to show their work.

The Dovecot Gallery hosts a range of paintings and sculpture.

Alongside the gallery the outbuildings and yard host Mike and Hilary’s welded scultpures, ranging in all sizes, depicting figures, chairs that range from portraits of faces to cats and many more including a a stunning dragonfly finished with blue glass.

The gallery, complete with original wooden beams and brickwork, has been created to provide the best possible environment for displaying and showing art, and it has proven to be the ideal vehicle to support Mike and Hilary’s drive to support local artists.

“There was a lot of work involved in getting it ready,” says Hilary.

“I can remember we had to repair a huge gap in the ceiling that you could put your fist through and I spent all last summer scrubbing the pigeon poo out of the building! We went for it really and ended up spending quite a bit of money on it, as you do. It’s got to earn its keep now.

“Last Christmas we had ran a series of four-day weekend events.

We ended up with 69 artists and makers. It was our first use of the building. It was a really successful show and we sold lots of art work from regional artists and makers, which was just a joy really.”

41

Leisure

Mike’s mussel sculpture at the point where it was almost ready for shipping, and close-up of the unique detailed areas on the surface.

Mike has had sculptures commisioned across the UK, from the far north to the most southern points, including cathedrals, business centres, town halls, sculpture parks, town centres, castles, railway stations and schools.

The artists were mainly from the region and spread the word about the Dovecot through their own connections, which in turn brought in many more visitors and added to the success. It’s a space Hilary and Mike both feel will continue being used to support and promote fellow artists. In May, the Dovecot Gallery once again showcased the work of a number of Nottinghamshire-based artists as part of Open Studios Notts.

Both Hilary and Mike are currently in the middle of large, commissioned projects that have been keeping them busy for months. Hilary is currently working on a dragonfly sculpture for St John’s Hospice in Balby. The dragonfly is around 2 metres high, made of stainless steel will sit within a flowerbed for visitors to see. “I had this idea at their summer fair of taking thumb prints from some of the staff, visitors and patients to use on the sculpture. The rest of the sculpture is stainless steel with Italian glass mosaic.”

Mike is currently working on a couple of projects. One is for an entrance sculpture for a new retail park in Sheffield, while the other is a large silver-coloured steel mussel shell, destined for the Scottish town of Musselburgh, near Edinburgh.

The mussel shell is a huge design made from stainless steel and polished to a gleaming finish. On the surface Mike has created a number of small ‘barnacles’ that have various images cast into them depicting scenes that reflect Musselburgh. “Sometimes the community input or heritage input comes from people and my discussions with them about what they like about their town and then from some of these ideas I will get, If you like, poetic inspira-

42

tion. On the mussel for instance, we have images such as golf, the Scottish thistle, fishing industry, racehorses and wireworks.”

They have created a series of inlays in the pathway of the Cathedral Close in Exeter, a huge apple in the County Hall in Ruthin, North Wales, a sculpture in the town centre of Ellon in Aberdeenshire and a large pair of ‘healing hands’ at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. In all they have completed around 250 commissions over the last 26 years, throughout the British Isles. “A lot of our work involves community engagement work,” says Mike. “We go out and meet people and run sessions where people can give their views and we do hands-on art making projects for adults and children.

The largest piece produced from the studios was a work for Doncaster’s new Nigel Gresley Square, which was around 35-feet high and weighed about four tonnes. “It took a day to remove and transport and about five of us to get it out of here,” says Mike.

Once a piece has been completed and moved on, Mike and Hilary have been known to hold ‘leaving parties’ to send their work off in style! “We’ll have a party in the yard or a celebratory coffee morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Care” says Hilary. “It’s great that people are so interested that they come along to see the pieces leave.”

For information about future events at the Dovecot Gallery visit: www.dovecotgallery.co.uk, or you can join the mailing list by emailing: dovecotgallery@gmail.com

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Leisure

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43

Home & Garden

A Room With A Garden View Interior designer Emma Drohan talks about the joys of a space in the garden that can be another room, a uniquely personalised escape, an office space or anything your imagination can make it.

I

am sat in my summerhouse writing this article, which is rather appropriate as in this edition I shall be talking about outdoor rooms. I am not describing patio spaces or garden zones but proper rooms, with walls, floor and a roof.

Our summerhouse is situated away from the house with a fine view of the garden and surrounding woodland. It’s built from wooden panels with a cedar roof and large windows on three sides. I can hear the birds singing even with the doors closed and, as our garden is south facing, it remains warm even on a chilly day. Today, the dog is keeping me company, snoozing on the old sofa, and our little flock of chickens are having a dust bath in the flowerbed at the side of me! The house is eclectically

furnished with the focal point being a large painting of my grandmothers of a charming Mediterranean cove, complete with boats, seagulls and little fishing cottages. It used to hang at the back of her seaside summerhouse when I was a child and brings back lots of happy childhood memories. I also have an antique sofa, a couple of wicker chairs and a table, the old Ikea armchair from the boys’ nursery and a large rug (eBay find). Nothing matches and one day I shall ‘design’ it properly and have the sofa recovered but, for now, it is perfect. It also houses the croquet set and an old trunk full of jumpers for chilly evenings.

My outdoor room is fairly traditional but the opportunity to create something spectacular is becoming evermore

Home & Garden

accessible. Whether you want a home office or studio space, somewhere to entertain or a quite place to retreat to, the possibilities are endless.

If you are looking for something really spectacular as well as functional then employing the services of an architect may be the way forward. This fabulous ‘Shoffice’ (shed/office) was designed by Platform 5 Architects for a client in St Johns Wood. They have made use of the small space and created a useful building with a definite Wow factor. I love the way the deck sweeps up the side of the building and encloses the small courtyard at the side of the room. You could even plant a tree to grow up through the open roof.

Your outdoor room does not have to have walls on all four sides. At home we have an old carport that my husband keeps threatening to pull down, but I would like to develop it into an outdoor entertaining space complete with a kitchen and pizza oven at the back. Inspired by a recent trip to Morocco, I plan to tile the floor in geometric tiles from Fired Earth and build an open bench around the sides with space to store wood for the pizza oven below. The bench will be filled with colourful cushions in outdoor fabrics that are now widely available from fabric houses such as Christopher Farr, Sunbrella, Zinc Textiles and Manuel Canovas. These fabrics are specially designed to be water-resistant, fade-proof, mould and mildew resistant and impervious to substances from chlorine to sun-tan lotion!

I am going to put a couple of sofas in the centre with a coffee table and outdoor rug from Weaver Green (made from recycled plastic) and finish it of with strings of lights from Garden Trading and maybe a Rockcoco outdoor chandelier from Fatboy.

Whatever the size of your outdoor space, and even if you only have room for a tool shed with a chair in it, getting outside is good for the mind and soul and so important in today’s fastmoving world. We often overlook our own needs and a space where you can concentrate on being you is a treat we should not ignore.

emma.drohan.interiors emmadrohaninteriors www.emmadrohan.com

With thanks to: www.platform5architects.com Photos courtesy of: Alan Williams Photography www.alanwilliamsphotography.com

45

Home & Garden

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Get The Best From Your Lawn Ian Stephens from Lawn Master Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire shares his top tips for keeping your lawn in great condition during the summer.

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buster and when it’s hot, it cools the urban environment; just two of the many reasons lawns, parks and green spaces are vital in our towns and cities.

Here are my top tips for keeping your lawn looking great all summer long: • Play, and then clear away - There is no better surface for sport and play than grass. If possible, move slides, paddling pools and other play equipment off the lawn when they are finished with. Grass will die underneath things left in one place and weeds will establish.

• Avoid barbeque scorch - Enjoy dining ‘al fresco’, but don’t place disposable barbeques on the lawn or throw the embers from larger ones over it.

• Don’t mow too low! - ‘Scalping’ your lawn stresses the plant. Leaving your grass to grow a little longer will help it to stay healthier during hotter spells. For a splash of colour and a little oasis for bees, consider leaving a patch of unmown grass in the corner that can be developed as a little wild flower meadow.

• Water efficiently - If you want your lawn to stay greener for longer, it will need regular watering. Water first thing in the morning while it’s cool to ensure you lawn receives the full benefit.

• Plan repair work for the autumn - If your lawn is patchy or matted, book in scarifying and overseeding for the autumn when temperatures cool and rainfall increases.

Spot a problem? We have started to see chafer grubs in lawns we treat locally. If you see birds or other animals pecking or digging in the lawn or patches forming which look dead, please contact us so we can help.

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47

News

A Perfect English Country Garden Since moving into her Halam home near Southwell over 20 years ago, Beverley Perks has moulded, shaped and ultimately transformed her garden into the beautiful space it is today.

A

s Assistant County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme (NGS), Beverley is used to showing her garden to visitors. This year, along with 55 other garden owners across Notts, she’ll be opening her garden to members of the public on various dates throughout the summer.

Beverley has been a member of the NGS for the last 16 years, first opening her garden seven years after transforming a blank canvas, (previously pony paddocks). She hugely enjoys and feels privileged in sharing this delightful area with hundreds of people every year.

It is a garden full of surprises and beautiful colour and, because of its size, Beverley doesn’t feel she is limited in terms of scale or variety. “The garden is just under two acres so I can allow almost anything to grow to whatever height it likes. I do prune, of course, but I allow my plants to make their own shapes. So, if you like, that’s what makes it feel natural – plus it’s in a rural setting.”

Born and brought up in Sri Lanka where her father was a tea planter, Beverley and the rest of her family moved back to England when she was seven. She returned abroad again after she married, when she moved to live in Australia. “I lived in Melbourne for six years. People used to walk passed the house and say, ‘I can tell you’re English by the design and changes to your garden’. I think it was because I had several varieties of roses. But it was obviously English to them.”

Beverley, a nurse, having trained at Guy’s Hospital, London, went on to run the coronary care unit at Kings College Hospital, London. Today Beverley’s home is a 110-year-old former vicarage, surrounded by garden. She moved here in October 1995 with her husband Graeme and four children. Beyond her garden are open fields, giving an overall feeling of depth and space. It’s a space her many visitors are able to appreciate during her open days. She opens publicly four times a year from May to July – attracting 500-600 visitors in total. As well as the open days, Beverley also organises ‘by arrangement’ garden openings, where gardening groups and horticultural societies enjoy private visits. It all makes for a busy time prepping the

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Home & Garden

garden. “It can take between seven and eight hours to mow and prepare the garden. Preparation of course is enormous because you have no idea what the weather is going to throw at you. It takes three days really, and if you don’t get those three dry days you’re juggling in your head as to how you’re going to be ready in time – particularly as there is so much mowing !”

Beverley has raised about £50,000, principally for the NGS and her village church since first opening. “I am very proud of raising these funds, particularly as I was a nursing sister for many years (and miss it hugely) so to raise funds for NGS and all their chosen nursing charities is the icing on the cake.”

My team of friends, who volunteer their help with refreshments are equally proud to give of their time so I am very lucky.”

As you would expect, Beverley’s garden boasts a variety of plants and shrubs each working perfectly within their environment. She is particularly fond of her trees, which form the backbone of the garden. Among her favourites is a striking Sophora – a Japanese Pagoda tree, which stands towards the centre of the garden. There is also a wonderful Indian bean tree known as a Catalpa Bignoides. “It doesn’t have beans here,” says Beverley, “possibly because we are too far north, but it does flower and has the most stunning scent in August.”

There are other trees too, huge, well-established ones that look over the rest of the garden. Beverley points out the beautiful 130-year-old walnut and the Bramley apple tree, which she believes is around 120 years old. Beverley’s fascination with her garden and plant life in general, is a trait that runs through her family, particularly on her mother’s side. Her great-great great uncle Sir Hugh Low was a naturalist and plant hunter, who was knighted for the many new specimens sent to Kew Gardens. Sir Hugh’s father, who was an orchid ‘nurseryman’, sent him overseas in 1842 to search for orchids in Borneo; he was just 19 at the time and the adventure marked the start of a life-long passion for plants, many of which are named after him.

Her parents were also keen gardeners and lovers of plants.

They ran a farm and as a tea planter her father loved the land.

On her maternal side, her uncle Angus Valentine, inherited the orchid nursery Stuart Low & Company in Enfield, from his mother Irene Stuart Valentine (nee Low). “My grandmother, an artist, made paintings of the orchids for her sister, Eileen Low to take to America as an illustrated catalogue of the orchids available from the family nursery in Clapton.”

Beverley will be opening her garden again as part of the NGS on August 12, from 1 to 5pm and will be delighted to welcome many more visitors. Adult admission is £4 and children are free of charge. For details on other gardens opening as part of NGS, visit: www.ngs.org.uk

The Open Garden Scheme To visit Beverley Perks garden and to see the full listings of other open gardens in your area, visit: www.ngs.org.uk All the gardens are open for charity. To find out about the donations made by the National Garden Scheme visit: ngs.org.uk/beneficiaries

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49

News

Pla i

nS

Windmills and watermills have played a huge role in communities over the centuries, providing an important source of power before the advent of later technology.

It’s no surprise then that north Notts, like other areas across the country, had its fair share of windmills and watermills built in towns and villages across the area.

Made looks behind the scenes of three of the windmills, to find out more about their stories.

T

ail

ing

uxford Windmill

It was while on board a flight home from the US that Paul Wyman first thought about owning a windmill.

He’d been taking a nap mid-flight and when he woke he leaned over to his wife Fari and told her of his idea to run a windmill.

Within days they had spotted a ‘for sale’ sign outside Tuxford Windmill and immediately put their house on the market. Six months later they were proud owners of their very own mill.

It was a huge move for the couple, who both moved from successful careers – Paul directed a mail order business while Fari worked as a HR manager.

Today the couple sell a variety of different types of flour, show visitors around the windmill and serve customers cakes and pastries from their mill-side tearoom. The couple have been able to gradually develop what the windmill offers, expanding the choice for their growing number of visitors. The windmill had originally been restored by the Ostick family and was in very good condition and in working order. The couple initially applied a fresh coat of tar to the tower and freshened up the sails and windows with new paint.

The tearoom was up and running very early on to supply the demand from customers for food on visits. “We needed to sell our flour and also provide refreshments, which our visitors wanted from the first day our gates were opened,” says Fari.

50

News

“We wanted to showcase the flour that we milled, and we continued to do so in the extended tearoom. With the exception of pies, we bake and cook everything ourselves. These include freshly baked bread rolls, quiches, a variety of cakes, teacakes and scones, and not to forget our own soup. The building of the extended tearoom was designed by a local architect and built by a very talented local builder. It is in harmony with the site and the rest of the building.”

The windmill produces different types of flour including wheat, rye, spelt, maize, barley, buckwheat and rice. Paul also mixes various flours, to make new ones including 4-grain, Tuxford Gold and Tuxford seeded flour.

As well as the business side of producing the flour, Paul and Fari enjoy being part of a historic working windmill and are conscious of their role in keeping a traditional production method alive for others to enjoy. “We enjoy keeping our heritage going and milling delicious flour which brings not only joy to ourselves but also to our customers,” says Fari. “We’re also very fortunate that we can see the beauty of the windmill and the site in different seasons of the year as well as different times of the day.”

Obviously wind plays a big part in flour production at the mill.

When it’s particularly windy, the couple make full use of the elements to make an over production of flour for the ‘lean times’ and when there are long periods without wind, electricity is used – but only when absolutely necessary. “When our sails broke in 2015,” says Fari, “with help from a local electrical company, Paul designed and installed an electric engine to run the stones. Once the sails were installed we’ve been using wind power mainly and only use electricity when we’ve not had wind for a couple of weeks and need to fulfil flour orders.”

Both Paul and Fari admit to missing the job security and perks that came with their previous jobs, but enjoy in a different way the trappings of windmill life. “Our new career is a life style business and our previous experience and skill sets enabled us to successfully build a new business 13 years ago,” says Paul.

“Having said that, it’s also been a steep learning curve for us both and we’re grateful to our customers who saw beyond our shortcomings and have continued to support us.”

And any advice for anyone thinking about owning their own windmill? “Do your homework,” says Fari, “and don’t look at the new venture through rosy glasses, as what you see on the surface is not always how it is in reality. Talk to people/ businesses who are already doing what you intend to embark on and plan the short and medium term of your new business/ career and have a sensible idea of your long term goal.”

For details on opening times, tours and educational visits see Paul and Fari’s website www.tuxford-windmill.co.uk

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Feature

North Leverton Windmill Since it was built in 1813 as a subscription mill, North Leverton windmill has never stopped milling. It is thought to be the longest, continually running windmill still in operation in the country.

It was originally built by and for a group of farmers who lived in the parishes of Fenton, North Leverton, Habblesthorpe and Sturton-le-Steeple. The group of farmers instrumental in its build were William Rogers, William Ellis, William Ashton, John Bower and Thomas Olivant. The subscription mill was eventually replaced in 1956 by a limited company. Today it is run as a charitable trust to ensure the mill survives for future generations to enjoy. The miller, and member of the trust, is local farmer James Barlow. He is a direct descendent of Thomas Olivant and started working at the mill as an apprentice. “As I was growing up, the miller at the time was a man called Bill Heathershaw, who was a family friend, so I used to come down

52

here when I was 10 and, I’d say help out, but it was more likely hinder! As I left school I started to work here and did a miller’s apprenticeship under the watchful eye of Bill.”

James split his time between working at the mill and on a local farm – working mainly on the farm during the busier summer months and at the mill during the winter. He continued at the mill until he went to study at university, at which point James’ brother Keith took over duties for some 25 years. James eventually returned to the windmill again after moving back to the area, taking over as miller again. Today the trust includes a group of trustees and volunteers, who together ensure the mill remains open and continues to run. “The mill still does what it has always done, in that we grind animal feeds and flour for the local community. In the winter months we probably spend more time making animal feed and in the summer months more time making flour for sale here in the mill to visitors and we do supply some pubs and some local bakers.”

Feature

James works with other members of the trust to open the building up to visitors and enjoys the reactions of people when they enter the mill. “People enjoy looking at something where you can actually see the workings. They can see the wholegrain going into the mill and the flour coming out.”

Originally the windmill had a shorter tower, which meant its cloth sails could be changed from the ground. Its height was increased by several feet in 1884, when new ‘patent’ sails were fitted. The windmill continues to require regular maintenance, including the replacement of the sails, which were last replaced in 2012. “We’d been running on two sails for a little while before this because two had been found to be rotten and had been removed. We had quite a lot of major repairs to do in the cap, and while we were doing that we looked at the other two remaining sails and found they were getting towards the end of their working lives as well, so we replaced all four at the same time.”

James visits the windmill on most days as he farms close to the building. He carries out routine maintenance to ensure it remains open to visitors. “Between myself and others we open the mill every weekend, throughout the year,” he says. “I personally visit the mill almost daily. If it’s been windy I come and check there’s been no damage and everything’s OK. I farm locally so as I’m driving past I regularly drop in. I’ll also try and meet visitors at anytime if it fits in with the farm work. We all enjoy the fact we’re keeping what is a 200-year-old building in good working order, so it will be there for the next generation.”

As well as opening every weekend, Leverton Windmill will open as part of the National Heritage Weekend for its family fun event on September 15th and 16th, which will include displays, food, refreshments and classic vehicles and more.

For more information on the windmill visit: www.north-levertonwindmill.co.uk

Lindley’s Windmill, Sutton-in-Ashfield Lindley’s Windmill in Prospect Place, Sutton-in-Ashfield was built around 1823 by the man it is named after, James Lindley.

An early post mill collapsed while being relocated to Prospect Place in 1818. Lindley’s tower mill was built as a replacement for the post mill. It was a working mill until 1895 after which it gradually fell into ruin.

Today it is owned by Ashfield and District Council and run by Sutton Heritage Society. The society was set up in the early 1990s and serves to protect and promote buildings of interest in Sutton in Ashfield.

The mill itself is a rare example of stone-built tower mill – it is the only complete stone tower of a windmill in Nottinghamshire.

The mill is short compared with others and the base is also

Lindley’s Windmill, images courtesy of Sutton Heritage Society.

relatively small – it’s 30 feet from the top to the ground and the internal diameter of the ground floor is 16 feet and across the top 11’ 4”.

Ian Morris, who is a member of Sutton Heritage Society and manager of the mill, says the mill was thought to have had cloth sails throughout its working life. “There are no photos of the mill in working order, but we believe it originally had cloth sails – it didn’t work after 1895. We believe it had two sets of mill stones, one set would have been Derbyshire stone for animal feed and the other pair would have been French burrstones for flour. The animal feed would have been produced for the local farming community.

“Local farmers would have brought their grain to the mill for grinding into flour – three consecutive owners of the mill were bakers in Sutton, so they’d produce flour for their own baking.”

James Lindley himself was a farmer who lived locally.

The structure has been refurbished in recent years with work including re-roofing the mill. “We managed to gain funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the roof, which is basically glass.

The funding also paid for new windows. A wooden floor was also installed with additional funding from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.”

In 2016 the windmill officially opened as a museum, offering visitors the chance to learn more about the building and its history. “The museum tells the story of the mill and the other mills that were in the area as well. There were at least four in Sutton in Ashfield within a radius of two miles,” says Ian. Ian says they have recently had schools booking visits and members of the public can contact the trust to arrange visits themselves. It will also be open on the second and third weekends in September as part of the national Heritage Open Day Scheme.

For details on please visit: www.suttonheritage.org.uk

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Experience & Expertise Kate Firth has an exciting, but busy role. As general manager at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa, there is always plenty happening and, as Kate told Made when we met recently, it pays to always be one step ahead.

M

ade sat down to chat with Kate on the garden terrace, which sits neatly at the back of the hotel, overlooking the gardens and the beautiful new spa, which has just celebrated its fi rst anniversary.

Kate herself marked 36 years at the hotel in July, half of which has been as general manager, overseeing the hotel and ensuring things run smoothly. “My first job here was a summer job just before I was about to head off to university, however, I was bitten by the hospitality bug and didn’t want to leave so I stayed” says Kate.

“Things have changed over the years, particularly with technology,” says Kate. “I clearly recall the hotel’s switchboard – it was nearly as big as a bedroom - but it worked and it was almost impossible to lose a call. Now the switchboard is no bigger than a normal telephone. I can remember our first fax machine, I was absolutely blown away by it. I couldn’t get my head around the fact you could pop a piece of paper in and an exact copy would come out the other side of the world!”

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Email has also played its part by reducing paperwork. Kate remembers the lengthy task of sorting through piles of post every morning, letter opener firmly in hand. “It was quite a task back then, sorting through invoices, booking confirmations and general enquiries. The arrival of email helped speed that side of things up.”

Whilst technology has changed, there is one core element of the hotel that remains the same – its commitment to service and guest satisfaction. The hotel has extended its welcome to stars of the stage and screen over the years, including Charlie Chaplin, Bing Crosby, Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black. Guests have also included Sir Harold and Lady Wilson, Margaret Thatcher and in recent years, from the music world, the likes of Ronan Keating, One Direction and Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber.

Ye Olde Bell is well thought of by guests past and present and prides itself on its growing number of returning visitors. “The hotel is quite unique and our priority is without doubt ‘hospitality’.

We always remember that our guests are central to everything we do. There’s no such thing as a typical day, that’s why my passion and enthusiasm is the same as it was on day one. Every day is different and you never really know what may happen. I always have a list of what I need to get through, although I think I’ve only managed to complete that list twice in my entire career!

It’s a very busy environment.”

Having been part of a larger parent company for a number of years, the hotel was bought by the Levack family in 2007, a move that, according to Kate, became a real turning point. “This was a real big change for me personally and the hotel. When you work for a corporate company you have very, very strict guidelines to stick to in terms of budget and there was a massive chain of authorisation to go through, even to buy a light bulb, so it was quite frustrating. But Paul and Hilary Levack made me see things very differently. Their emphasis has always been on providing an

experience for the guests and this continues to this day. They’ve empowered me to speculate more and deliver the level of service our guests deserve” High standards at the hotel are never taken for granted and it is this continued drive for perfection that in 2010 saw the hotel gain a further star, transforming this hotel into a Four Star establishment.

The multi-million pound spa, opened just 12 months ago, has been another key development, and has already firmly secured its place in the hotel’s future and history. It complements the hotel perfectly and increases the guest experience, providing a fabulous choice of treatments and an array of experiences to provide relaxation and inspiration. “The spa is certainly helping to attract more guests – it’s providing a whole new market segment. People who have used the spa may have not used the hotel before and we encourage people to stay over and use the hotel facilities, come in and have lunch or dinner, or even breakfast before the spa. Both the hotel and spa really do complement one another perfectly.”

To ensure guest’s experiences are delivered to the hotel’s exacting standards, staff numbers have risen and so has the depth of talent. Since 2007, when the Levack family took ownership of the hotel, staff numbers have more than doubled. Rooms, suites

and lodges have also increased due to growing demand. Food has been an evolving offering at the hotel, with different dining options now available for guests. The Bistro has been introduced where there was previously only a formal dining restaurant, and guests can also now enjoy al fresco dining in the gardens with the introduction of the terraces.

Food options are available at all times, whether guests are looking for a quick cappuccino, a light snack or a traditional afternoon tea with a contemporary twist – it’s all about choice and quality for guests. “We never stand still,” says Kate. “We’re currently taking a little bit of time to enjoy the spa. We’re hoping to get a kitchen garden created soon to enable us to produce our own fruit and vegetables, which will be great for our carbon footprint – most is sourced locally anyway, but this will be literally on our doorstep.

“Our outside area is also such a great space and an area we’re always improving. We have fabulous gardens. The terrace bar is a real winner and we’ve added extra lighting and heating in the form of our gorgeous new fire pit so guests can experience the area all year round.”

To find out more about Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa visit their website: www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

Stay, spa, dine & celebrate with us…

Traditional Lunch Every Sunday Wide choice inc. local roast sirloin & extensive dessert trolley

Family Sundays Sun 22 July: ‘Holiday Time’ Sun 19 Aug: ‘Pirates & Princesses’ Children’s Entertainer + mini disco, party games etc.

3-courses + coffee : £29 (Under 8s eat free)

Barnby Moor, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 8QS 01777 705121

enquiries@yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

www.yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

y a D e c Ra y d a Re

Fashion

Simple Style

Clean and crisp lines, pretty florals & elegant lace are all perfect for a day at the races, a summer wedding or any occasion that’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a new outfit.

AWARD WINNING SALON PROFESSIONAL STYLING

Dorothy Perkins Navy all over lace jumpsuit with belt. £45

BOONS Hair Salon

26 Exchange Street, Retford, Notts DN22 6BL Tel: 01777 702187 www.boonshair.co.uk

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boons

www.dorothyperkins.com

Leisure

Dorothy Perkins Tortoise round clerk master sunglasses. £8 Lace pencil dress. £40 Cream daisy print chiffon ruffle midi skater dress. £38 www.dorothyperkins.com

Cuckooland Knotted bow tie in blue and red stripe design £30 www.cuckooland.com

Cuckooland Knitted bow tie in black and grey stripe design. £30 www.cuckooland.com

SUITS • JACKETS • SHOES • TIES •

WEDDINGS

With the new spring and summer menswear collection now in store, there has never been a better time to visit Suits Marie.

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Leisure

! t u O Sta n d Be Bright & Bold Stand out from the crowds this summer be daring with contrasting colours, bright florals and striking monochromatics.

This page: Tortoise round clerk master sunglasses. £8 Orange floral print ruffle maxi dress. £48 All items on this page can be found at Dorothy Perkins. www.dorothyperkins.com Opposite page: Top: Laura Ashley Spotted fit and flare dress. £100 Magenta angled cross body bag. £35 Below: Laura Ashley Orange ottoman shift dress. £95 Wide leg floral trousers. £75 Tipped edge jacket. £80 www.lauraashley.com

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Fashion

Pe

s e i r o s s e c c A t c e rf

Accessories by Powder Fabulous jungle print scarf, which can double up as a sarong. £22 Natalie Hat Fantastic crushable hat, perfect to pop into your case for that trip away or bag for a day out! £25

Sunglasses

Sassy and stylish ‘Adele’ sunglasses, shown in cream, complete with hard-body case and cleaning cloth. £28

Katie Loxton Clutches

Gorgeous shiny metallic clutches with wrist strap, available in a variety of colours, includes gift packaging. £30.

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Beach/Holiday Tote Bag

Brightly coloured, soft bodied tote bag with drawstring top for extra security. £25

All of these beautiful accessories and many more can be found at Fifth Avenue, Carolgate in Retford.

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LADIES & GENTS ACCESSORIES

62 Carolgate, Retford, Notts, DN22 6EF 01777 707938 www.lauraashley.com

Health & Beauty

Summer Lovin’ As we turn up the heat this summer, let’s keep things minimal & natural. In this issue Sarah Louise shares a few essentials to keep you looking your best whatever the forecast this summer.

BOBBI BROWN - ‘Long Wear Cream shadow Stick’ £23

CHARLOTTE TILBURY ‘Beach Stick, Ibiza’

Ginzing SPF 40’ Energy Boosting Tinted Moisturiser

S

ummer makeup for me is all about seeing natural skin with minimal use of products and a look achieved with as little effort as possible. Perhaps you make the most of your natural tan, freckles or pale skin. There’s also no harm in giving your tan a helping hand with gradual or instant fake tan. Here are a few tips on how to keep the summer glow, whatever your style.

Sarah Louise’s summer must haves…

ORIGINS - ‘Ginzing SPF 40’ Energy Boosting Tinted Moisturiser £30 A refreshing and uplifting tinted moisturiser with buildable coverage and a much higher SPF rating than many other tinted moisturisers. Perfect for the summer sun at home or abroad. A real makeup bag essential that leaves skin glowing, not greasy.

BOBBI BROWN - ‘Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick’ £23 I love shade ‘Sunlight Gold’. This completely waterproof formula has up to eight hours of wear without creasing. It is easily applied to eyelids and blended with your finger for hassle free application, instantly ‘glamming up’ your summer routine.

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No.7 - ‘Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara’ £13 I have tried a lot of waterproof mascaras, and this is by far the best I have tried. This lengthening mascara is buildable and smooth and is easy to apply with the flexible applicator. The best part is... it stays put!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY - ‘Beach Stick, Ibiza’ £30 No summer look is complete without a killer bronzer. Applied where the sun would naturally touch the face for a bronzed youthful glow. These beach sticks come in a variety of colours and double up as a perfect lip blush too.

Faking it!

Avoid fake tan ‘faux pas’ with these fool proof top tips…

1 - Make sure you choose a tan depth to suit your skin tone.

I see so many people with a fake tan that is patchy or streaky because they are using a tan far too dark for their fair skin. Most ‘fake its’, be it a cream or a tanning solution, will come in a minimum of three different shade groups - light, medium and dark. These can often be built up to create a deeper colour. A good way to tell which shade would suit your skin tone is to assess how easily your skin would naturally tan in the sun. For very fair skin tones, or skin prone to burning easily, usually a light tanner is best, and more natural looking. For warmer or more golden skin tones, use a medium shade.

For skin that tans more easily and deeper olive skin tones, usually the dark shades are ok.

2 - Remove any deodorant & perfumed products from the skin before applying any fake tan.

These will turn the tan green while developing in areas where they remain on the skin.

3 - Exfoliation & moisturising.

It is recommended to exfoliate the day before applying fake tan to reduce risk of patchy and over-tanned areas. Use a non-perfumed moisturiser around your elbows, knees, ankles and any other dryer parts of the skin where excess tan may stick.

4 - Use a tanning mitt!

I recommend using a tanning mitt to apply manual fake tan of all kinds, cream, spray or liquid. The product spreads over your skin with a much smoother finish and is less likely to cause streaks, this way the palm of your hand is protected from absorbing the product. Always wash your hands after to remove any residue, after all, a tanned palm is always a giveaway.

Lastly a little summer tan trick.

Use a little of a darker tone ‘spray on’ tan on to a fine makeup brush and dab a few flecks of the colour across your nose and cheeks for a sunkissed freckled look.

Made loves the VITA LIBERATA range of self tanning and tan enhancing products.

Featured here: Body Blur, Self Tanning Tinted Lotion and Foaming Tan Water.

All the products featured here are available at Ye Olde Bell Spa!

sarahlouisemua

facebook.com/SarahLouiseMUA

www.slhairandmakeup.co.uk 61

Food & Drink

Where The Wild Things Are...

K

nowing where to look and what to look out for is a good starting point when setting out on a foraging expedition. From mushrooms to edible flowers, searching in the right areas can bring on a plentiful harvest and the freshest of ingredients to make the most wonderful concoctions.

One man who has plenty of practice in searching for food outdoors, is expert forager and author James Wood.

Demonstrating the art of foraging nationally through his company Totally Wild UK, James also regularly teaches at The School of Artisan Food on the Welbeck Estate, giving people the opportunity to get hands-on experience. “You can forage pretty much anywhere – in cities as well as the countryside,” says James. “In a city you will be amazed at what you can find growing through the cracks in the pavement for instance, or in a park.

“I see foraging as going and collecting food that wasn’t originally specifically grown for collecting and eating,” says James, “so I wouldn’t be foraging potatoes, for instance, it would be more like weeds, dandelions, wild mushrooms.”

James has been in love with the wild since he was a young boy and has spent the years since developing his approach to foraging, passing on his skills and knowledge to others. He first got into foraging when he was about 18 years old after collecting wild plants for an art project that eventually turned

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Take a walk on the wild side with James Wood, chef, foraging expert and also one of the tutors at The Artisan School Of Food, where you can spend a day on a course that is a feast for the eyes, the taste buds and the soul.

into a book. Inspired by his finds, James went on to forage further to find other foods and so his interest grew. “I got really excited about how foraged plants and things such as mushrooms, can play a part in food and food preparation and this interest just expanded from there.”

James enjoys experimenting with his finds and using his foraged ingredients to create something different and unexpected. For instance, he points out wild garlic can be used to make a form of edible paper, which in turn can be used to make sushi sheets. He also has a great recipe for making a wonderful sherbet lemon from a specific type of plant and has been known to turn mushrooms into a beautifully sweet chocolate. “I enjoy foraging for mushrooms. The UK has an abundance of them – although some are poisonous and can be difficult to distinguish.”

James introduces people on his course to the different families of wild mushrooms so they can learn at an early stage which to forage for and which to avoid. “We have a vast array of mushrooms in the UK and the key is to know where to look and obviously what to look for. Seaweed is also a great food to look for and is among the most safest of things to forage for in the UK.” James knows his habitats well and is aware of how other plants and trees can influence what types of forageable foods will also grow in the area. You have a head start, he says, if

Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

James leading a team of foragers.

you know what might be growing in an area and what definitely wouldn’t. “The environment can be very important. You can think you are in the middle of nowhere and the perfect spot to forage for mushrooms, but if you are surrounded by certain trees or plants, then you aren’t going to find any.

“Mushrooms don’t like sycamore for instance, so avoid these places and generally speaking they don’t grow around rhododendrons. Look for beech and ash, mushrooms love these trees.”

Just a few generations ago foraging was common place and was a fixture of many people’s food preparation. James believes we can regain the knowledge and foraging skills that our ancestors once used regularly. “Most people in the UK aren’t really brought up anymore to forage – but go back a few generations and it was reasonably common.

“My grandma often refers to her grandmother foraging for items such as herbs and they would use these herbs for cooking. It was common for them to do this and of course it wouldn’t cost a penny. Nowadays foraging has become quite uncommon, although there still are families that pass on skills and techniques, but for the majority of people it has become a lost art.”

But, James says more and more people are becoming interested in foraging and excited by this way of collecting and preparing food. His course at The School of Artisan Food - Foraging & Wild Food Cookery – proves his point, with places always eagerly taken up on a regular basis. “Most people use about 15 ingredients when cooking at home – when we go out foraging we collect about 50. People on the courses always comment on how fresh what we prepare tastes, and this is because what we’ve made was literally picked from the ground 30 minutes before – how fresh is that!”

Foraged chick weed, fireweed, nettle and wild garlic - a perfect accompaniment to a salmon dish

For more details visit: www.schoolofartisanfood.org/foraging or visit James’ Totally Wild UK website: www.totallywilduk.co.uk

Win! Win a place on the amazing foraging course at The School Of Artisan Food.

To win a place on one of the future foraging courses simply

Food & Drink

CELEBRATE THE BEST OF SUMMER As summer reaches its peak and seasonal produce bursts with vitality, we enjoy longer sun soaked days outdoors and our appetites turn to lighter food.

email to: competitions@madeinn.co.uk with the subject: Foraging Food Stating your name, email and contact number.

Or visit: www.madinn.co.uk/competitions and click the link for the foraging course.

Good Luck! Competition closes on the 15 July 2018.

Foraging & Wild Food Cookery Venture out with James Wood on a unique experience around the beautiful grounds of Welbeck Estate. This one-day course will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to source and cook confidently with wild seasonal ingredients.

Armed with your forager’s basket, following a breakfast of wild teas and coffee with scones and wild jams, you will head out with James to discover the vast array of wild edible species that can be found on the Estate. James will first teach you how to accurately identify each species, including tips on avoiding potential look-alikes, and share his insight into how seasonal foraged ingredients can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes.

You will then harvest a range of wild and fresh ingredients.

After which you’ll have the chance to enjoy a selection of pre-made wild food tasters, from jams to pickles, syrups, chutneys, cordials, alcohol infusions and salt pickles.

The afternoon session, back at the School, will be dedicated to cooking with the wild ingredients you’ve found. You will be guided through the process of sorting, cleaning, chopping, boiling, baking and mixing your wild ingredients to create a delicious seasonal meal for the whole group to enjoy. At the end of the course you will be provided with basic foraging information and the recipes from the day. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Dates Available in 2018: 21 Jul, 11 Aug, 6 Oct, 27 Oct. 28 Oct, 4 Nov. Time: 9:30am - 4:00pm (1 day course) Cost: £125.00 For more details and to book visit: www.schoolofartisanfood.org/foraging

This summer we have a host of exciting and practical courses to help you celebrate the season, including: An Italian Summer with Valentina Harris Best of British Summer Preserves & Pickles Fire & Smoke - BBQ Cooking Vegan Baking with Henrietta Inman Introduction to Ice Cream Making The Kitchen Garden - Botanical Cocktails A Taste of South East Asia Foraging & Wild Food Cookery Make Your Own Afternoon Tea Italian Baking & Pizza Making

01 July 06 July 14 July 23 July 23 July 31 July 04 Aug 11 Aug 16 Aug 19 Aug

We are offering Made readers an exclusive 10% discount off summer courses.

Simply enter code MADE10 when booking.

(Code valid until 31 Aug 2018. Discount only applicable to new bookings.)

Based on the beautiful Welbeck Estate, North Nottinghamshire, The School of Artisan Food is a registered charity dedicated to teaching skills in all aspects of sustainable and artisan food production.  @artisanschool  artisanschool  schoolofartisanfood  www.schoolofartisanfood.org  01909 532 171  info@schoolofartisanfood.org BAKING | BREWING & DRINKS | BUTCHERY | CHEESEMAKING | CHOCOLATE CURING & SMOKING | COOKING | FOOD BUSINESS START-UPS | ICE CREAM PATISSERIE | PRESERVES, PICKLES & CHUTNEYS

Food & Drink

Berrylicious!

Teresa Bovey, food demonstrator & home economist, shares recipes for summer berries not to be missed.

It’s the perfect season for berry lovers, so get picking!

Individual Baked Raspberry Cheesecakes A beautiful baked cheescake, perfect for garden parties.

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Ingredients

Method

50g oat biscuits, crushed into fine crumbs 25g ground almonds 25g butter, melted Filling 200g low fat cream cheese 50ml soured cream 50g caster sugar 1 medium egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tbsp lemon juice To serve 200g fresh berries of your choice and ‘Best of Taste’ coulis.

The Best of Taste Coulis is available in Strawberry, Raspberry, and Summer Fruit flavours - it can be frozen in ice cube trays once opened too.

Add any summer berry on top of this cheesecake recipe - blueberries, blackberries, strawberries may also be used.

1. Preheat the oven to 150oF / Gas 3 2. Combine the biscuits, ground almonds and butter in a bowl and press a tablespoon of the mixture into the base of a silicone muffin tin or into muffin paper cases if you are using a metal tin.

3. Beat or blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, caster sugar, egg, vanilla, lemon zest and juice.

4. Divide the mixture between the muffin cases.

5. Bake for 18-20 mins until set.

6. Allow to cool and then refrigerate to chill.

7. Top with fresh raspberries and drizzle with raspberry coulis before serving.

Makes 6

Food & Drink

Strawberry & Rhubarb Mousse Rhubarb is the perfect addition to add a little bit of ‘zing’ to this beautifully light strawberry mousse.

Ingredients 150g strawberries, sliced 100g rhubarb, sliced 100g marshmallows, halved 200g Greek yoghurt or fromage frais To serve 4 strawberries, mint leaves and a dusting of icing sugar

Method

1. Reserve four strawberries for decoration.

2. Hull and roughly chop the rest and place them into a medium-sized pyrex bowl with the rhubarb. Cover loosely with cling film and microwave for 4-5 mins. Alternatively put the fruit into pan and simmer over a gentle heat until softened.

3. Put the marshmallows into the warm

fruit and stir until melted. Halving the marshmallows speeds up the process.

4. Cool slightly and add yogurt or fromage frais.

5. Spoon the mixture into four small wine glasses and leave to set in the fridge for a couple of hours.

6. Decorate with sliced strawberries before serving Serves 4

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Food & Drink

Strawberry & Rhubarb Jam A jar of jam can easily be made in your microwave. The flavour is fruity and delicious and the method time-saving and successful, eliminating the use of sticky saucepans.

Ingredients Fills 1 x 500g jar 50g rhubarb or cooking apple, cut into small pieces (this helps with setting) 200g strawberries, halved 250g granulated sugar 5ml /1 tsp butter 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

Cooks tip

1. Place the rhubarb or apple into a large pyrex bowl, cover and microwave on Full Power for 1-2 mins until softened.

2. Add the strawberries, sugar, butter and lemon juice and stir well.

3. Microwave on Full Power for 6-7 mins, stirring half way through cooking.

4. Test for setting and pour into a warmed sterilised jam jar.

5. Seal, cover and label.

Always use a large pyrex bowl.

To test for setting, place a teaspoonful onto a saucer and refrigerate for five mins. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger setting point has been reached.

Alternatively twizzle a wooden spoon in the jam and lift it out. the jam should run together to form a droplet in the middle of the spoon.

Quick Berry Granita Granita is a good way to use up small selections of summer berries. It is a lovely quick frozen treat, delightfully crunchy, a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Perfect eating all on its own, as a addition to puddings, fruit dishes or even cocktails!

Ingredients

Method

150g caster sugar 500g mixed fruit - strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, peeled Bramley apple slices Juice of ½ lemon To serve - mint leaves

1. Place the sugar into a saucepan with 200mls water. Bring up to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes to make a sugar syrup.

2. Place the fruit into the hot syrup and cook for 5-10 mins.

3. Blend the fruit until smooth, add the lemon juice.

4. Freeze for 4 hours, stirring well every hour (or blend in an ice machine) 5. Spoon into glasses and serve garnished with mint.

Serves 4-5

To sterilise the jar, rinse and ¼ fill with water and heat for 1-1 ½ minutes until water is boiling. Drain. Be careful the jar will be hot.

Food & Drink

Cookery demonstrations with Teresa Bovey You can see Teresa Bovey’s cookery first hand by booking a cookery demonstration day. It will be a day of fun and relaxation and the chance to learn simple recipe ideas, a few technical skills and lots of handy hints and tips, lunch is also included!

Andrea Wallace a trained chef and demonstrator joins Teresa at all her classes.

Teresa has also been involved with many Food and Drink Festivals and Farming Shows for the past 10 years running back of theatre and making sure celebrity chefs are well looked after as well and also giving cookery demonstrations.

For a full list of dates and events where Teresa will be featured in cookery demonstrations, or to book onto a demonstration day, please visit www.teresabovey.co.uk

www.teresabovey.co.uk 69

Leisure

Hidden Treasures Some areas of North Notts are just bursting with history, from medieval times through to the second world war. Sally Outram begins her walk in this issue with one of those places, Laxton. Happy rambling.

T

he picturesque conservation village of Laxton, in North Nottinghamshire, is bursting with history and is known for having the last remaining medieval open field system in England, which is still in use to this day. This beautiful village has a labyrinth of paths, alleyways and tracks, which take you deep into the heart of this fascinating example of living history.

The ‘Open Field System’ was agriculturally prevalent during the middle ages, where each village had two or three large fields, which were divided into narrow strips. Each strip of land was cultivated and tenanted by individuals or farming families.

Today, Laxton has three open fields remaining, South Field, Mill Field and West Field, which can be seen as you walk through and around the village. Clusters of barns and farms nestle along the streets, each displaying the name of the farmstead.

You can’t help but notice the church, its stature dominates, is quite magnificent, and is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, with the oldest parts of the church dating back to around 1190. Seeing many changes over the centuries, it was once renowned as being one of the largest and most superb churches in Nottinghamshire, and even served as a school room towards the end of the 1800s. The graveyard is a haven for wildlife - springtime and early summer see it bursting

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into life! Look out for the old millstone and the remains of a medieval stepped cross, and the War Memorial to the north of the church, in commemoration to the men who served in the Great War 1914-1919. There is a further memorial in the church dedicated to the Second World War. Across from the church, you can follow the track to the site of Nottinghamshire’s most complete example of a medieval motte and bailey castle. Said to have been constructed around the time of the Norman Invasion, its castle mound and ditches are clearly visible. Nobility and royals would have most likely stayed at the castle, as the guardians of the Royal Forests of Nottinghamshire, managed and maintained the forest laws of Sherwood Forest from Laxton Castle.

This treasure of a village is most definitely worth a visit and exploring the area by foot is the best way to experience all it has to offer. With a superb pub and visitor centre, it makes for a truly unique day out.

Just a short distance away from Laxton village is the Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre, it’s England’s only National Holocaust Museum, with exhibitions and memorial gardens, an ideal addition to your Laxton walk.

Leisure

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Leisure

The basics Distance: Severity: Gradient:

2 ¾ Miles (4.4km) Easy to moderate Mostly flat, some slight ascent and descent Approx time: 1 ½ hours (Allow extra for stops and exploring) Stiles: None - gates Maps: OS Explorer 271 – Newark on Trent, Retford and Saxilby Path info: Paths/pavement, tracks, lanes, field edge tracks Start point: Dovecote Inn/Laxton visitor centre NG22 0SX Parking: Visitor centre Dog friendly: Yes, on lead.

Public toilets: Dovecote Inn; support the local and enjoy a tasty pint whilst you’re there!

Refreshments: Dovecote Inn; super menu (home cooked) great selection of drinks. NG22 0SX

1. We begin this super walk at the village visitor centre. Walk from the car park downhill, until you reach the road. Bear slightly right, crossing the road junction, and by the beautiful old tree in the central island, cross and continue to walk uphill, noticing the farm buildings on the right of you, and the iconic Grade II listed telephone box on the left.

2. Walk along uphill, the impressive Grade I listed Church of St. Michael the Archangel is to your left; here you can take a moment or two to explore, look out for the old millstone in the church yard and admire the early 13th century architecture. The churchyard is a haven for wildlife, flora and fauna too.

3. After exploring the church, re trace your steps returning to the route and back onto High Street. It’s at this point you have the option to cross over the road to the farm lane opposite the church gate - I’d recommend this extra diversion as it takes you to the motte and bailey castle site. Continue along this lane for a short distance until you reach its end. The site is directly ahead, you will see the information board, a super spot to view from. Access to the site is restricted and accessible

by Permissive Rights only, so gained by prior arrangement with the farmer.

After viewing the site, turn around, walking back to the village High Street. Turn right at the information board and proceed up and along the High Street. The farm buildings are just wonderful - passing School Farm, Ivy House Farm, Smithy Farm and Lilac Farm - you can almost feel the history, a real sense of days gone by. Many of the farm buildings were restored, remodelled in the 1700s, and would originally have had thatched roofs. A truly quintessential sight!

4. Passing Holme View Farm on your right, continue along and bear right when you reach the fork in the road, Top Farm will be on your left.

Continue along the surfaced road, Town End Farm is to the right, this then becomes a track (notice the information board). Walk along the lane for approximately 110 meters, until you see a raised earth banked path to your left. The path/track is locally known as ‘Raddle Turn’, a place where sheep and rams would have been penned, whilst being marked or ‘raddled’. Continue along the track until you reach a road, cross over the road and continue along the track, noticing the farming strips as you walk along.

5. After a short distance, around six minutes, you will reach a path on your left. The far-reaching views are super, a perfect spot to stop and admire! Take the path to the left and continue along, there’s a slight descent, passing a wooded area, down towards the road. Here you will reach a gate. Pass through the gate and onto the road. Notice the farm buildings around.

6. Turn left along the road, be mindful of farm traffic and proceed with care.

Continue to walk back up through the village along the main Kneesall Road to your starting point at the visitor centre and the Dovecote Inn. As you make your way, notice the enclosure, or pinfold, to the right.

Once used to retain stray livestock, it’s now an outside classroom area for visiting schools and groups.

7. That’s it! Now time for a tasty pint and a bite to eat at the pub!

8. If you have the time, I’d recommend exploring the village further, the paths and snickets around the church area are lovely!

Leisure

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Leisure

Bookworm, A New Chapter The Retford bookshop has been a familiar sight on Spa Lane, Retford, for more than 25 years. Although the shop is now moving, the passion for books and the services available, all remain.

A

ngela and Paul Meads specialise in a bespoke bookordering service and over the years this has expanded to include DVDs, CDs and secondhand books. Now a new chapter in Bookworm’s history has begun following the closure of the store on Spa Lane at the end of June. Bookworm’s book-ordering service is now being enhanced to include free delivery, or if the customer prefers, the order can be collected from The Hub (Cannon Square, Retford). “We’re really pleased to be working with The Hub,” says Angela. “Our shop has always been involved in community activities so it seems like a natural progression to link up with the volunteers at The Hub and help each other.”

books and can suggest something to suit all tastes and ages.

“Some customers hear a snippet of a title on the radio or read something in the newspaper, but forget to write it down,” says Paul. “Weeks later they might call us to trace the book – we usually find it without a problem and the end result is a happy customer!”

Bookworm’s popular Books-by-Phone book-ordering service continues to be very straightforward to use by simply phoning 01777 869224. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t know all the book details – or any details at all! Books have been traced by just a vague description. Angela and Paul know how to locate the most obscure titles, whether it is a new or old book, DVD or CD.

Books-by-Phone your local book experts are only a phone call away

Any subject can be found, fiction or non-fiction; reference books or biographies; children’s books or poetry - there is no limit to what you can order. You can even request a recommendation if searching for the perfect gift. Angela and Paul know their

Call 01777 869224 (mornings only) Text 07972 367381 email sales@bookwormretford.co.uk

So, if you enjoy personal service (with no extra charges, not even for postage) try Bookworm’s Books-by-Phone service, and see for yourself just how easy it is to order the perfect book for your reading pleasure.

from Bookworm

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FREE or collect from

THE HUB Churchgate, Retford

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