Wildness! by Pollyanna Pickering

Country YO U R c o m p l i m e n ta ry L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E . Est. 1994

June 2012 North Edition

Make an EntranceWedding DreamsAppleby Horse Fair The Sculpture Trail

Read Country Images on-line at www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

Local artist Ronald Pope Talk on Life - The Good Life? Derbyshire’s Lost Houses - Tupton Hall Hayley Mills talks to Country Images A walk around Lyme Park and Sponds Hill

Pollyanna Pickering - Wildness! Furlong - Fare and Fairs A cosy corner in the garden

2 country images

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As midsummer(!) approaches it’s hard to grasp that the nights

will now start to draw in so, whilst the good weather is here,

let’s make the most of the daylight hours.

The Olympics would appear to be a major event this summer

and we have tracked down the story of3 Alfreton lads who took part in the 1928 Olympics.

If you are looking to create a cosy corner in your garden

we have local businesses who will help

to invent your own special place.

Brian Spencer is up in Appleby in Westmoorland

to unearth the history of the Big Fat Gypsy Horse Fair

Maxwell Craven digs into our architectural past at Tupton Hall

We do hope that you enjoy this issue

Garry & Jane

Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7FQ

Tel: 01773 830344www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk.

info@imagespublishingltd.co.uk

Images Publishing Limited is a totally independent publishing company and is not connected with any

other newspaper group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is

strictly prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any views expressed, or statements

made, in signed contributions or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne

for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claims made by any advertiser which are incorrect. The

publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising deemed unsuitable, for any reason . All material

submitted is done so at the owner’s own risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publishers for its

return. Copyright Images Publishing Limited, Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ.

Origination by Images Publishing Limited 01773 830344

Directors: Garry M Plant, Jane E Plant Editor: Garry Plant

Advertisement Manager: Scott Burgess

Advertisements: Lisa O’Reilly, Carol Wilson,

Susan Foster, Vicky Plant, Adam Randall

Operations Manager: Alistair Plant

Origination & Design: David Dykes

Accounts: Charlotte Burgess

taste

Competition WinnersCrossword: Answer: Codnor Park. Winner: F Porter. Upper Lea.

What am I: Cloves. Answer: Winner: R Johnson Breadsall.

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Welcome to the June edition of Country Images

Country Imagesis carefully distributed

to selected homes and businesses in Derbyshire and

Nottinghamshire; see our website for details.www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

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Every June since at least 1685 the

sleepy Cumbrian village of

Appleby is invaded by upwards

of 10,000 Gypsies and Travellers

who come from all over Britain

and the Republic of Ireland, not

only to buy and sell horses, but

to socialise and take part in a

kind of parliament.

Brian Spencer looks at their

unusual lifestyle.

My Big Fat

Horse Fair

Gypsy

A few years ago, while driving along the A65 between

Settle and Ingleton, I spotted a brightly painted

traditional gypsy caravan parked in a layby. The horse

was peacefully grazing on the verge, watched by the

family of Mum, Dad and three children as they waited

for their kettle to boil, suspended over an open fire.

Being somewhat nosey I pulled in to find out a little of

what seemed to be their idyllic way of life. Apparently

they were not real Gypsies or even Travellers, but every

year they took to the road in their beautifully restored

caravan, aiming to reach Appleby in time for the annual

horse fair.

From the first Thursday in June to the following

Wednesday, the largest horse fair in Europe descends on

Appleby. This annual event takes place on a field just

outside the village, a field which is now known as Fair

Hill, but in older times was called Gallows Hill. No one

seems to know why the site was chosen, but it has been

used for centuries, almost certainly before King James II

granted the village its Royal Charter in 1685.

Traditionally Gypsies and Travellers from all over Britain

and Ireland come to meet up with old friends, celebrate

Weighing up the talent

country images 9

their music, history and folklore and conduct business,

particularly buying and selling horses. This part of the

fair, horse trading, is both exciting and bewildering to

anyone not steeped in Gypsy traditions. To show the

animals at their best they are ridden bare-backed at

breakneck speed on public roads, but before the buying

and selling can actually take place, young people wash

the horses in the River Eden making them look their

best in order to tempt prospective buyers. Men (it

always tends to be men) stand around in silent groups

just below the campsite, seeming to ignore the horses

tethered a short distance away. No one appears to do

any bidding in the strictest sense of an auction, but

suddenly and without warning the whole group

becomes animated when both buyer and seller, after

spitting on their palms and noisily slapping them

together, signify that the deal is done.

There are several different Gypsy groups visiting the

Fair. The Romany Gypsies, or Romany Chal, are a

distinct ethnic group made up of extended families,

whose origins are traced back to Northern India over

1000 years ago. Each extended family, or clan, will

have its own Head Gypsy or Sheara Rom. The second

major group is the Travellers; their ethnic origins are

unclear, but it is widely thought that they were in

Britain before 1506, when the first Romany arrived in

Scotland. It has even been suggested that the ancestors

of the Travellers brought ironworking and blacksmithing

into Britain. Even though both Travellers and Romany

Gypsies share a similar culture, their ethnic origin is

quite different. The Traveller community includes Irish

and Scottish Travellers and the Welsh, who call

themselves Gypsies or the Kale, have been in Britain

since around 1400. Each of these cultures has its own

distinct family groups.

A Gypsy Vanner Wash and brush-up in the River Eden

A typical Gypsy caravan, one of many at the fair

10 country images

There is some intermarrying between Traveller

and Gypsy families, and they certainly share a

number of common characteristics – for example

skill with horses, strongly defined gender roles

and strong moral values regarding courtship, the

sanctity of marriage, loyalty and honour; it soon

becomes evident to anyone visiting the fair that

pairing of the unmarried is certainly high on the

list of reasons for coming to Appleby. The TV

documentary My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding was

mostly filmed in and around the Appleby Horse

Fair. Girls in all their finery parade up and down,

strolling past boys who despite their apparent

nonchalance are quite obviously eyeing up the

‘talent’. The only time we were aware of an

active police presence was when they had to

break up a rather violent disagreement between

two lads who fancied the same girl.

Although there is a kind of Gypsy and Traveller

Parliament, held mainly to protect their interests

in the outer community, Appleby Fair is not an

‘organised’ event and is not run or licensed by

any organisation. Until 2007 it was simply

co-ordinated by a kind of ad-hoc committee, but

since 2008 a group of public sector organisations

including the police, district and county councils,

RSPCA, fire and ambulance services, NHS and

Photographs on this and the opposite page, clockwise from top left:

Two lads from Ireland busk for pocket money.

Crown Derby for house proud caravan dwellers.

Everything from children’s dresses to horse tethers is on sale at the fair.

A Vanner, the favourite horse used by Gypsies, is put through its paces

pulling a traditionally painted cart.

country images 11

the Highways Agency took over the co-ordination of

the Fair so that it can continue as safely and enjoyably

as possible while considering the impact it has on local

people. Apart from the slight young male, hot-headed

disagreement while we were there, exciting though it

was, we saw nothing that could be said to be anything

other than a group of people carrying out their time

honoured traditions. All horses in particular although

of widely differing qualities were in excellent

condition; speaking to a vet and an RSPCA officer on

site, they were able to confirm that the animals were

well cared for and all the vet was looking out for was

the possibility of any horse with the beginning of a

contagious disease. But as he said, ‘no one in their

right mind would deliberately bring in a sick horse’.

Amongst the more easily recognised breeds of horses,

the traditional speckled grey Gypsy Vanner stands out.

This sturdy medium height creature has its ancestry

almost as far back in time as its owners; a placid, hard

working beast, it can pull a caravan at a steady pace,

uphill as well as on the flat, for as long as its driver

demands.

Travelling people, despite living in small mobile homes

whether it is a horse-drawn caravan, or one of the

palatial chromium plated motor homes, are probably

more house proud than the average ‘four walls and a

roof’ dweller. This pride is soon evident by the number

of stalls selling the most expensive ornaments, such as

top of the range Royal Crown Derby, or stainless steel

water carriers. Everything a travelling family could

desire is on sale in rows of stalls around the site, from

the humblest horse rope tether to the most elaborately

flounced child’s dress in all the garish colours that can

come out of a dyer’s vat.

Visitors to the Fair may well hear a variety of languages

being spoken. As well as English, many speak Romany

and you might hear English or Irish Cant (similar to

Cockney), Shelta, Welsh Romany, as well as French and

German, as the visiting families are widely spread over

Europe. With the onset of darkness, horse trading stops

for the night, but with campfires flickering among the

horsedrawn carriages, the whole site takes on a

magical aspect; it is then that the musicians, fiddlers,

flutes and penny whistles being traditional Gypsy

instruments, draw out their nostalgic tunes from both

sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.

Appleby is an ancient market town of some 2,500

inhabitants. Sitting below the west slopes of Cross Fell,

the highest point in the Pennines (2930feet- 893

metres), its oldest part is a single medieval street

running uphill between the church and castle (privately

owned), where the indefatigable Lady Anne Clifford

made her home after the Civil War.

Several local coach operators run day tours to the

Horse Fair.

12 country images

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These days this not only applies to fine art sales but to fortnightly

general sales too. Having bidders on line slows the selling down a

trifle but makes each sale available to a much wider public. We

can also sell items with a strictly local appeal just as successfully

and there is so much of local interest out there. This means

collectors who specialise in locally originating artists or locally

produced wares can come along to a sale and be guaranteed a

good selection - and have an excellent chance of getting

something at a reasonable price, too.

Some of our less well known local artists deserve to be much

better known. One is the late Ronald Pope, primarily a sculptor in

timber, stone, ceramics and metal, and a fairly prolific and

accomplished one, too. If his work has a fault, it tends to abstract

or semi-abstract modernism expressed in a very emphatic

mid-20th century way, although some of his later works in metal

are clearly influenced by Giacommetti in their spare verticality.

This means that he is slightly out of fashion at present, which

might, combined with the credit crunch, be an excellent reason

to start seeking his work out and perhaps begin a modest

collection.

Metal has generally struck me as the medium in which he felt

really at home, having honed his skills as an engineer at Royce’s

during the war. Yet at Bamfords three years ago there was a fine

sculpture in terracotta and another two in fired brick-clay, media

that lend themselves well to the sort of texturing that he liked.

Pope was born, not in Derbyshire but in Gloucestershire, in

August 1920 and his work at Rolls-Royce came about through his

having gained a BSc in engineering in 1941. Two years later

though, the artist inside the engineer was struggling to gain

expression so he signed up to attend Derby Art College part time

as a student, proceeding thence to the Slade in London in 1946 to

study under F E McWilliam (the Ulster-born surrealist sculptor,

1909-1992) and later ceramics at Woolwich Polytechnic under

Heber Matthews, gaining his diploma in 1948. Thereafter he

returned to Derby to lecture in art at his alma mater as well as at

Nottingham, whilst gaining a national following for his sculpture.

He lived for some years in Derby before renting the romantic

retreat at Knowle Hill, by Ticknall, an impossibly romantic and

sequestered house now a Landmark Trust holiday let but then part

of the Foremark estate. Here he was the last resident before it fell

into decay in the 1970s. He later moved with his family to

Melbourne. In the years leading up to his death, he stopped

producing sculpture and returned to painting watercolours,

mainly atmospheric landscapes of Derbyshire and Norfolk. He

died on 14th May 1997 leaving a widow and two children. Derby

Museum has a particularly good collection of his work of all

periods but regrettably, little of it is currently on display.

His work also suggests that he was much influenced by that of

Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth; his style is certainly part of

One of the strengths of an auction house like Bamfords, where

I work, is that it is so adaptable. For instance, items of national

importance can be taken on and attract international bids.

In recent years this has been greatly aided by the advances of

technology giving us the ability to post catalogues on the

internet and offer an online bidding facility.

RONALD POPE:SCULPTOR

by Maxwell Craven

Above: Cube and Struts (Bamfords)

Left: Ronnie Pope sculpture fibreglass, ex

King Edward VII Technical School, est.

£60-100 (Bamfords)

country images 23

Tel: 01335 360 114 Mob: 07990 583 326The Cedars, Main Street, Hollington, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 3AG

www.heldreich.com

T R A D I T I O NA L F U R N I T U R ER E S TO R E R S A N D F R E N CH

PO L I S H E R S

this genre however he used to claim that he actually drew

inspiration for much of his work from landscape forms within the

Derbyshire Peak District and Lake District, and from his belief in

the essence of harmony within the human spirit.

He never seems to have gone in for the culture of self promotion

within mainstream art and his relative isolation in Derbyshire

enabled him to develop highly individual sculpture, in various

forms and styles, over four decades. Yet his work was much

favoured by the diminishing coterie of architects wishing to use

sculpture to enhance their buildings and was commissioned by a

number of very distinguished ones including Sir Basil Spence, the

architect of the new Coventry Cathedral.

Personally, I prefer his metal creations. The Steel Cube and Struts

is very much of its time, the cube taking on almost the

appearance of a Troika pot! A green patinated underwater work,

Woman Swimming Through Reeds, was particularly striking, too.

Before he went to the Slade, Ronald Pope painted as much as he

sculpted and his work is delightful, assured and entirely figurative,

unlike his carving and sculpture. We have one of his watercolours

at home, a particularly agreeable small mountain landscape that

was painted when he was fifteen although I saw recently a

particularly fine Yorkshire landscape done in his Rolls-Royce

period as a wedding present for a friend in 1942, when he was

his best man.

The late Ron Beddoes, Provost at the Cathedral for 25 years until

his retirement to Edensor in 1980, was a keen and perceptive

aficionado of contemporary art and commissioned many works

for the Cathedral from a number of artists. He valued Ronald

Pope’s works highly, commissioning work from him including the

Lenten processional cross, the altarpiece for St. Catherine’s

Chapel and for the Bridge Chapel, the altar (of local stone) and

tall metal candlesticks.

He said of him in 1970, “The paradox of life is his theme - death

and resurrection, light and darkness, order and chaos, vertical

and horizontal man. The polarity is calmly accepted as true, the

resolution of apparent contradictions attempted - almost tenderly

in his paintings and drawings, but tautly in his sculpture. The

male/female idiom of some of his sculpture shows a

reconciliation and unity which is not only basic to understanding

his work, but is an essential part of a long-sought and emergent

personal idiom of himself as an artist."

Ronald’s work was widely collected locally in his lifetime and

from time to time comes up for sale. If you see a piece, it would

make a worthwhile investment, especially as prices are still –

perhaps undeservedly – modest.

26 country images

If you go down to the woods today…Brian Spencer meets

the man who made the

wood carvings on the

Sculpture Trail at the

Crich Tramway Village.

Over the past few years I have become

more and more conscious of imaginative

wood sculptures, usually in or near

countryside visitor car parks, or in

woodland glades close to popular walks.

Often depicting a bird or some other wild

creature, all of them are carved from the

remains of a dead tree trunk, or perhaps

made from a log culled from felled timber.

The earliest example of this form of art, for

art it certainly is, is to my recollection the

one now regrettably in the later stages of

decay, close to the engine house at the top

of Sheep Pasture Incline above Cromford

on the High Peak Trail. Carved from the

bulk of a fallen tree, it cleverly shows (or

at least it did until the ravages of wood rot

took over), a man imaginatively carved

from a side branch. Wearing protective

gear of hard hat and goggles and holding a

chain saw, beyond him are owls, badgers

and other woodland creatures that he has

just brought to life.

The Sheep Pasture sculpture was the first

work of Andrew Frost who lives in

Cromford but works mainly from a corner

of the Woodland Sculpture Trail at Crich

Tramway Village. Andrew is an artist by

inclination, but a woodsman by

profession. He worked for several years

on Scottish forestry projects and with

timber readily available, began his career

as a woodcarver in 1998 with, as we have

said, the Sheep Pasture man with his

woodland friends.

If you wander along the Crich trail, away

from the Bowes-Lyon Bridge, the first The Green Man

country images 27

…you’re sure of a big surprise.

sculpture you will come to is a carving of the rare breed Bagot

goat that stands defiantly on top of a pile of rocks, looking for

all the world like a Billy Goat Gruff from the Hans Andersen

children’s fable. Incidentally the troll he tricked is further on

inside the wood.

The billy goat is a fitting introduction to the Woodland

Sculpture Trail and beyond it is a labyrinth made from locally

quarried limestone blocks and based on a German design of

interlocking spirals, known as a ‘Wunderkreis’, or wonder ring.

A party of children from Wessington Junior School were

happily following the magic path towards a tall wooden spiral

that marks the centre of the maze and is just one of Andrew

Frost’s work. Twin stone pillars, the rocks of Peakland, one

made from gritstone and the other limestone, that mark the

entrance have slots filled with coloured glass glowing in even

the poorest light.

It’s easy to pick out Andrew’s outdoor workshop from the piles

of logs in all shapes and sizes waiting for him to bring to life in

some form or other. Here we found him putting the finishing

touches to the head of a troll who was destined to hide in

some secluded dell deep in the woods. Having seen smaller

scale wood carvers at work with fine chisels and files, it was

an eye opener to watch Andrew work with nothing more than

a chain saw. All he seemed to use was a medium length saw,

the kind of thing that would be used for cutting logs, but in his

skilled hands a wicked troll was taking shape, just waiting to

jump out on some unsuspecting passer by. For closer detail

Andrew used a short saw that almost came to a point at its tip.

28 country images

An angle grinder more at home in metal

work and a power file complete the tools

needed to bring a figure alive from a log of

wood. Only occasionally does he need to

use conventional wood chisels or hand files.

The sort of occasion needing these

conventional woodworking tools became

obvious when Andrew showed me the bust

of RSM Stokes, ex Coldstream Guards who,

until recently was in charge of military

ceremony and marching discipline at the

Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. To

mark RSM Stokes’s retirement his colleagues

commissioned the wood sculpture of him

and it was from this that I was able to realise

the intricacies and problems of wood

carving on the grand scale. For realism,

Andrew was planning to carve the Sergeant

Major’s Sam Browne leather belt and his

medals with painstaking attention to detail

by using wood chisels; all within the

constraints of a single massive log. On the

problem side of working with wood,

incidentally he mainly uses oak for its

durability or yew for colour, what he was

working on was splitting, but he planned to

overcome this by packing the cracks with

special fillers. From a critical point of view

as an ex soldier, I noticed that the figure’s

cap was rather on the small side of realism,

certainly not Guards’ style, but that did not

seem to faze Andrew as he planned to saw it

off level and replace it with one the correct

size. All this just goes to show that wood

sculpting on a grand scale is not the easiest

of occupations, but I am sure that RSM

Stokes will be pleased with the result when

he sees it in pride of place in the Sergeants’

Mess at RMA Sandhurst.

If you go down to the woods today…

Wessington School visit the Stone Maze

Andrew Frost at work

country images 29

As befits a woodland situation, the

Green Man appears several times in his

enigmatically benign form and you can

almost imagine him being the friend of

all the woodland creatures that will

come out once the sun goes down. Not

though, I would hope, the monster ant

that despite its apparent ferocity seems

to attract children who just love to play

on its smoothly rounded back. Along

with the Green Men and insects, whose

real life counterparts no doubt seek

refuge in the artistically piled twigs and

branches, there are several other

examples of Andrew’s work where he

has created the gracefully curved

abstract shapes that fill the rest of the

Woodland Trail.

On our way out we stopped again to

thank Andrew for his help and could not

avoid noticing a welcoming chair being

carved from a single massive log as work

in progress by Rick, Andrew’s

‘apprentice’. Apparently Rick, who is an

electrician by trade, like so many at

present is from time to time without

work, so to fill this void he is

successfully turning his hand to wood

carving.

Bagot Goat

RSM Stokes, retiring RSM of Sandhurst Work in progress

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36 country images

In 1929 the County Council acquired an architecturally important small country house

near Chesterfield with the intention of turning it into a school to expand the educational

provision of the burgeoning suburbs of the area. In 1936 it opened as the Clay Cross

Secondary School, the old house being surrounded by modern buildings. Two years later,

one of the Council’s builders, undertaking routine maintenance work, allowed a blowlamp

flame to get into the wrong crevice and the entire building caught fire and burned out. The

following year the shell was dismantled and replaced by a modern building. Thus ended a

327 year story which, in architectural terms at least, is somewhat enigmatic.

Tupton Hall was built in 1611 for Thomas Gladwin, a Yorkshire

gentleman who purchased it from the Hunts of Ashover (and

subsequently of Aston-on-Trent) and was proud enough of his

status to emulate his former patron, Bess of Hardwick, by having

his name and that of his wife Helen, carved on the balustrade on

the top of the house. Not only that, but the architect of Tupton was

almost certainly John Smythson (or conceivably his elderly father,

Robert), the man who at this time was building the closely related

‘Little Castle’ for Bess’s son, Sir Charles Cavendish.

Both houses are examples of what are called ‘Midland High

Houses’, providing a style of building in which the most important

rooms were set on an upper floor of an unusually tall building by

the standards of the day. Early examples included Wingfield

Manor, Prior Overton’s tower at Repton and Eastwood Hall; the

idea was fully developed with Robert Smythson’s three

masterpieces, Wollaton Hall, Worksop Manor and Hardwick. John

Smythson continued his father’s work, both at Bolsover which

began as a modest High House and gradually mutated into a great

ducal palace and at Welbeck.

Several smaller houses were influenced by this style - Holme Hall,

Bakewell, Cutthorpe Old Hall, Mosborough, Overton, Tissington,

Alsop, Stydd and North Lees Halls in Derbyshire alone - and a

number of them may well have been the Smythsons’ work,

especially those erected by the followers and others whose lives

DERBYSHIRE’S LOST HOUSES

TUPTON HALLby Maxwell Craven

Tupton Hall from SE c1925 (M. Craven)

country images 37

'Tupton Hall' - the c18th engraving of another (lost) house entirely

(M. Craven)

Tupton Hall: Dining Room ceiling

(Private Collection)

Tupton Hall from SW c. 1900:

children of Mr. Barnes seated on lawn

(M. Stanley)

Bolsover, Little Castle, 1984, showing

similar changes of level and detailing

to Tupton (M. Stanley)

fell within the ambit of the Shrewsburys and the Cavendishes.

Tupton was iconic in its Smythson-style sophistication. Built over

vaulted, possibly earlier, cellarage, the three bay ends of the house

were of no less than five low (12 ft) storeys and included the

staircases (the best one, in carved oak, rising right up through the

house) whereas the centre three bays of the five bay, south front

are of only three tall storeys (16 ft) with string courses over the

window tops. The top floor is really an attic storey and the ‘state’

rooms were originally the central section’s first floor rooms, easily

the loftiest. It was set in a park of 60 acres and was taxed on 6

hearths in 1670.

The house was rebuilt to suit standard Georgian taste around

1755. The five storeys at the east end were rebuilt in conformity

with the ‘state rooms’ but leaving the string course still cranked

over the missing fourth floor mullioned window and the inserted

deep window out of line with those alongside. Within, a new

dining room was created with a particularly lushly stuccoed

Palladian ceiling centred by the Gladwin coat of arms (ermine a

chief azure on a bend over all gules a gladius argent hilt and

pommel or) and the other important rooms were provided with

fine Georgian polished limestone chimneypieces. A mildly Gothic

service wing and peristyle enclosed a farm court at the rear,

suggesting the Lord was a keen agricultural improver, although

most of the estate’s income derived from the exploitation of coal

reserves.

The enigma I mentioned lies in a well-known engraving published

in the 18th century, clearly labelled Tupton Hall. This shows a high

house of the same period but of four equal storeys and three by six

bays. Here, the centre section of the long front is shown as being

lower overall – three storeys instead of four – the ends being

effectively towers, again a typical Smythson conceit, presaged by

the towers of Hardwick, Oldcotes and Barlborough Halls. It is

topped by a balustrade continued on both levels. There is only

one string course, between the ground and first floors. If this is

Tupton, then an awful lot of rebuilding must have gone on, to say

the least. Even the number of bays on the south front differs,

which suggests that in fact we are either looking at a view done by

the engraver from (imperfect) memory or at a view of a completely

different house altogether, subsequently mistitled Tupton.

38 country images

The first possibility is in reality extremely unlikely. Furthermore,

that amount of rebuilding to have changed a house with two

towers into the one seen in photographs would have shown up

in the fabric, even from photographs. As it is, we have the

County Architect’s Department drawings made of the house in

1930 to double check and they make it pretty clear that the

house was as rebuilt in c1755 and that there never were towers

at either end. That said, one might reasonably ask which house

it is in the engraving which regrettably is a question one cannot

at present answer. There were a handful of houses which were

built in this style but which did not survive, being replaced

entirely in subsequent generations and of which no images are

known to exist. The mystery – unless a reader can clear it up –

remains.

Meanwhile the house and estate descended to Lemuel Gladwin,

who opened up the coal pits on the estate, a move which

ultimately paid for the modernisation of the house. His daughter

and heiress brought it to her husband William Allwood of

Wickersley (Yorks) and their heiress in her turn to the father of

William Allwood Lord, who seems to have done the rebuilding.

Lord’s son sold it all to Dr Frederick Packman whose tenant,

Joseph Cokayne, was a timber merchant grown rich on

supplying his landlord with pit-props. In the late 19th century

the tenant was Arthur Gorell Barnes, a member of a local family

also grown rich on mineral extraction and now represented by

5th Lord Gorell of Brampton. The last tenant prior to the sale of

the house to the County Council by the Packmans’ executors

was Major H. H. Jackson of the Clay Cross Company family.

Tupton Hall was eccentric, intriguing and small enough to have

made a manageable home. Its destruction in July 1938 was a

sad day and a great loss to an area today not over-furnished

with historic buildings.

Architect's elevation: south front 1930 Architect's elevation: east front.

Architect's elevation: west front.7. Architect's elevation: north front,

seemingly much less affected by Georgian alterations

40 country images

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42 country images

country images 43

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country images 45

CED’s Midlands Depot Langley Mill now has a new indoor show area that is

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46 country images

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JuneYes, I know this is June’s issue but I have just found out

(May 14th) that I will be going to Chelsea Flower

Show this year on media day. So by the time you have

read this it will all be over but because of the

publication deadlines for Country Images, I’m going to

have to include pictures from the day next month

(July) – it’s very strange writing about an event that

hasn’t happened yet......!

Hope you’ve got all your red, white and blue colour schemes all readyfor the Jubilee celebrations, but if you haven’t there’s still time to ‘dressup’ the garden for the partying. Most plant nurseries or garden centreswill still have plenty of plants to brighten up the garden – as theseason started cold, most summer bedding plants have been delayed.Normally, bedding plants run out by the middle of June.

Allotment or Vegetable Patch:

• Check for signs of woolly aphid on fruit trees• Protect strawberries from birds by covering them with netting• Hang pheromone traps or bird feeders in apple and plum trees to

control pests• Water strawberries and gooseberries to help fruits to swell• Stop cutting asparagus by the end of June to allow the “ferns” to

form• Feed fruit trees and bushes with liquid sulphate of potash, such as a

tomato feed• Feed tomato plants every time you water with a suitable fertiliser

In the Greenhouse:

• Paint greenhouse glazing with “Coolglass” to help with keepingtemperatures down and reduce scorching to foliage

• Water tomatoes regularly to help prevent fruit splitting• Try hanging sticky traps over plants to catch any whitefly • Important to water growbags and pots regularly, sometimes daily if

needed in very warm weather • Take out side shoots of developing tomato plants • liquid feed any planted up hanging baskets• Place pots of tagetes (you will find them with the bedding plants)

near greenhouse doors to deter whitefly• If going on holiday this month, set up a watering area using a

growbag tray and some capillary matting

General Garden Maintenance:

• A great time to sow new lawns with grass seed – remembering towater well if we finally get some sunny weather

• Feed the lawn with a suitable lawn fertiliser• lower the blades of lawn mowers• Plant out container grown trees and shrubs - remembering to water

well if there is a lack of rain• Cut back climbing plants that look straggly• Turn over and refill compost heaps to help composting process• Apply bark mulches around newly planted or established trees &

shrubs to retain moisture and help suppress weeds• look out for greenfly and blackfly developing on shrubs, perennials

(mainly lupins) and roses, spray with a pesticide• Pick off dead flowering heads of rhododendrons and azaleas• Remove “suckers” from standard roses, ornamental and fruit trees

with secateurs

country images 47

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The firm was established in the late 1800s as builders and over theyears it has progressed through a series of family generations andchanges in structure and services.

Clowers stock a wide range of building and DIY products for bothtrade and public customers at our branch based in Ripley Derbyshire,uK. However, if we don’t have it in stock then we can get it - just giveus a call and our friendly customer service team will be happy to help.

Clowers supply most building and DIY materials for all those jobsaround the house and garden, as well as the tools to assist the DIYenthusiast to complete the work. We can deliver those items whichmay require crane off-loading for example bricks, blocks and slabs.Advice is readily available to assist in the selection of the relevantmaterials for your job.Below is a sample of the range of products that we can supply:

Fencing • Patio Slabs • Block PavingInsulation • GutteringHousehold Plumbing • ToolsDoor Furniture • Bath SuitesWood Preservatives • AdhesivesNails and Screws

However, we do provide a much wider range of products so pleasecall if what you are looking for is not listed and our friendly customerservice team will be happy to help.

48 country images

Written by Mark SmithIf you need any help or advice, please contact

me shrubman@ntlworld.com or

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Clematis:Clematis is a must have inthe garden. Very versatilethey can be grown in a pot,used as a screen, grownthrough trees or used asground cover. The hybridvarieties such as ‘ThePresident’, ‘Hagley Hybrid’ or‘Nelly Moser’ have bigdinner plate sized blooms.The species varieties such as“Tangutica” and “AlpineConstance” have smallerflowers but masses of them.If you decide to grow one ina pot, pick a variety thatgrows no more than 6ft –Raymond Evison Clematisdo a range that grows nomore than 3 to 4ft which is perfect for a container. My personalfavourites are ‘Rebecca’, ‘Ice Blue’, ‘Oh la la’ ,’Cartmanni EarlySensation’ (evergreen – winter flowering) and this year’s new additionat Chelsea Flower Show ‘Alaina’. If planting in the ground make surethe soil is well drained and the base of the Clematis is shaded by ashrub or a very thick layer of bark.

Weigela Rubidor:There are many varieties of Weigelabut ‘Rubidor’ is by far my favouritewith the vivid bright golden leavesthat contrast well with the crimsonflowers. Compact growing ideal for acontainer needs little care apart fromthe old flowers need pruning backstraight after flowering. Height 4ft,needs a sunny well drained position.

Escallonia:Fantastic evergreen shrub withhealthy looking, glossy leaves andeither white, pink or red flowers. Willhappily grow in sun or shade and inany type of soil. Prefers a slightlysheltered position – my personalfavourite varieties are ‘AppleBlossom’, ‘Iveyii’ and ‘Red Elf ’ but allvarieties will make a great evergreenhedge if planted about 2ft apart.

country images 49

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50 country images

country images 51

52 country images

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 52

LEISUREm n h Celebrity Interview Diary The Walk Gallery Food & Drink

Hayley Millstalks to Country Images

country images 53

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 53

52 country images

Speaking almost laboriously slowly and sounding more like a

newly qualified drama school graduate than a Hollywood A-list

actress, Hayley Mills is probably the antithesis of most people’s

idea of a genuine star.

She makes no outrageous demands, answers questions honestly

and apologises profusely for not switching off her mobile phone,

which goes off while we’re chatting.

The interview took a long time to arrange, but you get the feeling

that it was nothing to do with Hayley. She is very keen to talk

about her current project, the stage play Ladies in Lavender which

is coming to the East Midlands.

It is her first appearance on stage in this country for nine years

and despite a career lasting more than half a century, she still gets

nervous, incredibly so.

When asked for advice about acting, Noel Coward once famously

said “speak clearly and don’t bump into the furniture”. This must

have been on Hayley’s mind during the first performance of

Ladies in Lavender, the stage play of the 2004 film written by

Charles Dance, which starred Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.

“The opening in Northampton was life-threatening - it was so

frightening. It’s quite a complicated production – there are a lot of

lighting cues, music cues and costume changes and in the

half-dark, with a very thin blue light, it’s terribly easy to put on

the wrong thing and come out of the wrong door. There was a bit

of that bumping into the furniture backstage, which was really

awful.

“Everybody got a cold or a throat infection, then I got an abscess

on a tooth and had to go to London on the train and have root

canal therapy and then go back and do a show. Everything was

thrown at us in that first opening week.”

Despite that, the tale of two sisters living in a picturesque village

in Cornwall whose lives are turned upside down when a

handsome young violinist is washed ashore near their home has

found favour with critics. Hayley though, does not read reviews.

“It’s much too discombobulating. If they’re bad, they’re

devastating. And if they’re good they throw you and make you

self-conscious.”

Hayley plays Ursula, the part Judi Dench depicted so memorably

in the film. Hayley has tried to put her own stamp on the role.

“You have to find your own journey. A

character has to come from your own

private sources. As Meryl Streep says, you

have to pack your own bags.”

“I was just going to make this movie and that was going to be it – I was going back to my

boarding school in Camberley in Surrey. Which is what I did for a year and nobody

thought any more about it until Walt Disney saw Tiger Bay and got in touch wanting me

to do Pollyanna. And one thing led to another.”

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 54

country images 53

Steve Orme interviewed Hayley Mills for Country Images

Ladies in Lavender is currently on an eight-theatre tour including

Nottingham where audiences will be able to experience what

Hayley believes is “the most wonderful play” which she could not

refuse to do.

“I’d seen the film of course and when I read the play I thought I

just had to do it. I wasn’t sure that the subtle quality of the film

would translate onto the stage because the mediums are so

different.

“But Sean McKenna has written a brilliant – and I use the words

advisedly – adaptation. It focuses more clearly on the emotional

journey of all the characters involved, particularly Janet and

Ursula, the two sisters.”

Hayley’s own journey has been remarkable. Born the daughter of

actor Sir John Mills and playwright Mary Hayley Bell, the younger

sister of actress Juliet Mills was only 12 when she had her first

film role in Tiger Bay in 1959. It earned her a BAFTA award for

most promising newcomer.

“I don’t think anybody thought anything was going to happen

beyond that,” says Hayley.

“I was just going to make this movie and that was going to be it –

I was going back to my boarding school in Camberley in Surrey.

Which is what I did for a year and nobody thought any more

about it until Walt Disney saw Tiger Bay and got in touch wanting

me to do Pollyanna. And one thing led to another.”

Hayley utters the words as a matter of fact, yet the role catapulted

her to superstardom and won her an Academy Juvenile Award. It

prompted Walt Disney to offer Hayley a contract.

“I remember my parents sitting me down and saying ‘this is what’s

involved – it will mean you will do a film every year. What do

you feel about that? It will interrupt your schooling.’ Of course my

eyes lit up!

“Apparently, although I don’t remember this, I said ’will it mean I

can buy a pony?’ They said ‘yes’. I said ‘okay, I’ll do it then’.”

Since then she has had a varied career in films, television and on

stage; her credits include Whistle Down the Wind, Roy Boulting’s

comedy The Family Way, three episodes of The Love Boat, Tales of

the Unexpected and Murder, She Wrote.

Her career has taken off again over the past few years, appearing

as Caroline in the ITV drama series Wild at Heart. She was not in

the first series but got a part through what she describes as

“another extraordinary incident in my life”.

Hayley says: “I was going to Paris on Eurostar with my partner

(Indian-American actor Firdous Bamji) for his birthday.

“Amanda Holden (Sarah Trevanion in Wild at Heart) was on the

train. I didn’t know her but she saw me and texted the producer

and suggested me for her mother in the series.”

Hayley has spent five months of each of the past six years in

Africa filming Wild at Heart. But the programme will shortly be

coming to an end. After the Ladies in Lavender tour, she will be

going to Africa again, this time for about five weeks, to record a

two-hour special which will be shown around Christmas.

Few people know what will happen in the last episode. Hayley is

one of those who have not been let in on the secret: “I’m most

curious to find out how they are going to round it off. Are we all

going to get squashed by a herd of buffalo or something?”

After that she is hoping Ladies in Lavender will transfer to the

West End – “it deserves to” – and she would like to remain a part

of it: “That would be perfect.”

Hayley considers herself “extraordinarily lucky” still to be

working at the age of 66. “It is ironic because the older one gets –

and I’m talking about all actresses because it is females who have

a tough time as we get older – the more experienced you

become, the more life you’ve lived and the better you become.

“But at a time when you’re really able to use your talent and your

experience, the work starts getting thin on the ground. I’ve been

very, very lucky.”

Ladies in Lavender is at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham from 18 to

23 June

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 55

56 country images

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THE WALK

walk with ramblerm n h yThis month’s walk is on the

western part of the Peak where

it makes its last dramatic

sweep before the Cheshire

Plain and Manchester’s

suburbs.

The walk is mostly through the hunting

park of Lyme Hall, a twice altered

Elizabethan mansion once home to the

Legh family, but now jointly run by the

National Trust and Stockport

Metropolitan Borough Council. Mary

Queen of Scots stayed here and though

officially a captive, she was allowed to

travel to and from Buxton to take the

waters, for she suffered badly from

rheumatism. A herd of red deer have

roamed the woods and nearby moors for

centuries. Inside the hall there is a

painting of a servants’ ball. It was

painted at the height of the Edwardian

age when this great sporting estate was

enjoying a golden era and captures the

moment when Lyme was at its best, but

life would never be the same again after

the tragedy of the Great War. Spend time

if you can to admire the hall’s lavish

interiors, treasures and beautiful gardens

set against a back drop of sweeping

moorland.

The walk starts from the hall’s car park

and climbs through woodland with

tantalising glimpses of the hall before

reaching out on to the high moor of

Sponds Hill. At the top of the climb and

away from the hall you will pass a pair of

enigmatic stones which have stood there

for centuries without divulging their

original purpose. On the return leg of the

walk the way is through a delightful

wood where the path is lined by masses

of purple rhododendrons in late spring.

ABOUT THE WALK

5 miles (8km) of Easy/Moderate walking on fairly good paths throughout, but with

muddy sections in wet weather; one 478ft (146m) climb.

Car parking: Pay (free to National Trust members) at the start of the walk.

Trent Barton ‘TP’ Nottingham/Manchester hourly buses stop at the park entrance

about 1½ miles from the start of the described walk. NB - if using the bus the climb

past Lyme Cage hunting tower not only avoids traffic on the drive into the park, but

is a rewarding diversion.

Refreshments at the old saw mill beyond the car park.

Recommended map: Ordnance Survey Outdoor Leisure 1; 1:25,000 scale The Peak

District, Dark Peak area.

From the car park bear right and then left

away from the hall and go through a

kissing gate to follow a wide track with

trees on your left and a rough open field to

the right.

Go through another gate and into a mature

wood, continuing to follow the wide track.

On the first part of the walk keep your

eyes ready to take advantage of gaps

in the trees. Beyond them is the

classic view of Lyme Hall across its

ornamental lake. Closer to hand and

just through the trees is a (usually)

green and slimy pond. This is where

Colin Firth (aka the dashing Mr Darcy)

in the BBC version of ‘Pride and

Prejudice’, emerged in his sexily

clinging wet shirt.

Go through the gate in the top of the wood

and follow the still wide track climbing

towards an isolated moorland farmhouse.

Cross the moorland boundary wall by a

A Walk Around Lyme Park & Sponds HillWith Rambler

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 56

country images 57

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ladder stile and walk on towards the

access drive to Bowstones Farm and turn

right.

Bowstones. These are two stone pillars

enclosed by a low fence near the farm.

The name suggests that they might have

been used in the making of bows, but they

probably pre-date these weapons by at

least a thousand years.

Follow the enclosed moorland track as far

as a second gate.

Turn right on leaving the gate to follow a

narrow path alongside the moorland

boundary wall.

At the bottom of a shallow

depression, look over the wall on your

right to the distant view of Lyme Hall

and its surrounding pine woods.

Closer to hand, about a hundred

yards beyond the wall, a wire fence

protects the ruins of a deer shelter.

Hollows dotted around the moor are

the long abandoned remains of

shallow coal pits.

The path widens into a track and then

starts to bear left away from the boundary

wall, passing trough an old gate; beyond

the gate follow the track for about 120

yards and then bear right to make for a

slight depression on the skyline.

Cross a stile and begin to go downhill

through the heather of a rough moor. Aim

for a tiny cottage sheltering amidst a pine

wood.

Turn right beside the cottage and follow an

access drive for about a hundred yards

and as far as a stile on your left.

Cross the stile and bear right to follow a

narrow but well defined path across the

rough field as indicated by waymarks.

Go over a side stream and then past a

timber holiday cottage set in an old quarry

to reach the access drive to two converted

old farm houses.

Bear left along the drive as far as the road

beside a small chapel

Do not join the road, but turn immediately

right and then go down another access

drive away from the chapel. Go down to

a wide bridge next to what was once a

keeper’s lodge.

Turn right at the cottage and go through a

gate to follow a wide track, gently uphill

through mature woodland (West Park

Woods).

In late spring rhododendrons make a

contrasting splash of pink and red

against the dark green of the pines.

At the top of the woods go through a gate

and join the wide macadamed track on its

far side. Follow it as it curves right and

then downhill back to the car park.

As you begin to descend along the

track the magnificent Palladian

frontage of Lyme Hall can be seen to

its best advantage. A Dutch garden

now out of sight at the top of the

retaining wall between the car park

and house is well worth a closer look.

Accessed through the hall, it is

famous for its displays of tulips in late

spring.

Rambler

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Main Road, Morley, Derbyshire

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Valid Mon-Thu. Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, time restrictions

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Golf on our championship

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North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 57

58 country images

Derby Assembly Rooms, Derby Theatre& Guildhall Theatre01332 255800June1 One Night in Vegas1 Dodgy: Stand Upright in a Cool Place Tour3 Derby Jubilee Celebrations & Festival ofYouth - Market Place7 University of Derby Graduate FashionShow8 The Tom McConville Band8-10 Cirque du Ciel: ShangHi9-10 Barry & Stuart: Show & Tell10 The Big One at Chaddesden Park13 sinfonia ViVA residencies: A collaborativesinging and instrumental project15-16 Kaleidoscope Players present OneNight in the Spotlight20 We'll Meet Again: The Diamond JubileeShow22 Sing–a–long–a Grease23 Jimmy Carr: Gagging Order24 Joe Longthorne29 London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay:Evening Celebration30 The Darley Park Concert Darley ParkJuly1 Grimethorpe Colliery Band2-8 Wimbledon. Market Place4 The Reduced Shakespeare Company in TheComplete World of Sports (abridged)5 Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Everest, The Eiger andmore6 Let's Hang On7 Andy Zaltzman: Armchair Revolutionary11-14 Gatepost Theatre Company: A SpaceOddity11-15 CAMRA Beer Festival16 The Royal Ballet Metamorphosis:Titian2012

Royal Centre Nottingham & ConcertHall 0115 989 5555www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk

June3 Dionne Warwick. Scintillating, soothing andsensual best describes the familiar and iconicvoice.4-9 South Pacific. This breathtaking and lavishLincoln Center Theater production 4 Nigel Kennedy Gala Concert. There are fewviolinists who have changed the classicallandscape like him.7 Buddy Holly - A Legend Reborn9-10 English National Ballet & FlawlessThe UK's national ballet company with theWorld Dance Champions.11-16 Death by Fatal Murder. Pratt is back!14 The Drivetime ConcertThe Drivetime Concert is the perfect placeto experience the hair-raising sound15 Magic of Motown18-23 Ladies in Lavender21 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.From the saga that changed Life, TheUniverse And Everything 25-30 Avenue Q26 Strictly Presents...Dance to the Music27 James Morrison30 The Best of Russell WatsonJuly2-7 Birds Of A Feather. One of BBC TV'smost popular and fondly-rememberedsitcoms. 3 George Benson. Musical legend GeorgeBenson visits the Nottingham Royal ConcertHall.5 The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert6 The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain®13 Oliver Samuels - Who A Di Don?

Lacemarket TheatreBox Office 0115 9507201June18-23 Boston MarriageJuly16-21 Jack The Ripper

Nottingham Arenawww.nottingham-arena.comMay 22 and June 5 WestlifeJune 9-13 Download 201219-23 Mrs Brown Rides AgainJuly11-12 Blink 182supported by All American Rejects20-22 Disney Live - Mickey’s Magic ShowSept 3-8 Michael McIntyre

Nottingham PlayhouseBox Office 0115 941 9419www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.ukJune2 Francesca Martinez7 Andrew Motion13 Buddy Holly and The Cricketers16 you Havent seen Nothing YetPresented by B-Cos ProductionsComedy: Musical comedy with a host ofguests.16 Liam O”KaneLiam O’Kane is a Nottingham basedsinger-songwriter and the lead singer ofSka/Reggae band Jimmy the Squirrel.22-23 Reduced Shakespeare CompanyThe Complete World of Sports (abridged)Comedy: Experience a marathon of madnessand mayhem that sees the world’s greatsporting events shrunk down to theatricalsize.23 Hare and TortoiseFamily Friendly: An enchanting newadaptation of Aesop’s well known story.23 Kalagora

Indian-born poet Siddhartha Bose exploresthe megacity with a collective mix of theatre,poetry and video.29-30 MADD College Nottingham Presents

their latest showcase of musical theatre anddance.

DIARYm n h WHAT’S ON LOCALLYemail: diary@imagespublishingltd.co.uk

The Final TestDerby Theatre Mon 2 – Sat 7 July

Calling all cricket and comedy fans!

The world premiere of a wonderful new comedy about cricket, The Final Test stars Colin Baker,

principally known for two very contrasting roles - as the scheming and universally-loathed

Paul Merroney in The Brothers and as the sixth incarnation of the universally-loved Doctor in Doctor

Who, Peter Amory who played Emmerdale bad boy Chris Tate, Grange Hill’s Karen Ford,

who played the art teacher, Miss Booth for seven years and Nicola Weeks.

Peter and Ruth have had a long and happy marriage. Or so Peter believes. They both have their own

interests – he loves listening to the cricket on the radio, she likes to travel. But all is not well as Peter

discovers one afternoon when he’s dozing on his deckchair and listening to the last test from The Oval.

His wife announces that she has sold the house and she’s moving to Bexhill-on-Sea with her lover.

When the new owners move in they discover they have an elderly cricket-loving squatter living in the

garden. The Final Test is the first stage play by highly-acclaimed novelist Chris Paling. It’s a touching and

poignant comedy about marriage, cricket and the dangerous lure of Bexhill-on-Sea.

Tickets: £8 - £24, concessions £8 - £21. For more information and to book tickets call the Derby

Theatre Box Office on 01332 59 39 39 or book online at www.derbytheatre.co.uk

Tickets: Adults: £8 - £24 Concessions: £8 - £21 Box Office: 01332 593939

www.derbytheatre.co.uk

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 58

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July 6-8 Angelina Ballerina. Ballet Girls and HipHop Boys. Family Friendly. Everyone’sfavourite little star pirouettes onto thePlayhouse stage in her brand new Mousical!13 -11 AugustGrandpa in my Pocket comes to the stage forthe first time!

Buxton Opera Housewww.buxtonoperahouse.orgJune1The Big Chris Barber Band 1The Ash Girl 2 Diamond Jubilee Last Night of the PromsConcert 2 The Ash Girl3 Jazz at the Arts Centre - The SteveChadwick Quartet 3 An Audience with John Motson 4 Dancing Queen 5 The Parson’s PiratesBritish touring theatre troupe who specialisein comic operettas – Opera della Luna will bedelighting Buxton Opera House audiencesyet again with their much-loved version of

the Gilbert & Sullivan inspiredclassic The Parson’s Pirates.The Parson’s Pirates is particularly impressiveas a feat of storytelling since the second halfof the evening comprises a full performanceof The Pirates of Penzance, presented by acast of just six performers (andmany costume changes!). Certain to have yourolling in the aisles, this production is a classicin the Opera della Luna canon. Theproduction features live music performed byan on-stage band.6-9 Murder Mistaken

8 Recitals at the Arts Centre - Jing Ouyang(piano) 8 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club9 Murder Mistaken10 Così Fan Tutte11- 12 Gulliver’s Travels14 The Fantastic Mr FoxIn order to feed his family, Mr Fox has beenusing his crafty skills to rob the local farmers.These farmers are the meanest, nastiestfarmers around: Boggis, Bunce and Bean, butalthough Mr Fox is a master of trickery, thefarmers are sly and sinister, so much so thatone fateful night the farmers ambush Mr Foxand shoot off his tail! But for how muchlonger can Mr Fox outwit his farmer enemiesand steal their food from right under theirnoses? Come and join the KaleidoscopeJunior Theatre Company as they tell thischarming story of the lovable rogue, Mr Foxand his wildly mischievous antics.14 - 16 The Final Test 16 Flat On My Back, Seeing Stars17 The Velveteen Rabbit17 Jamie Andrew17 Nearly Dan in Concert - The Spirit &Sound of Steely Dan18 Reduced Shakespeare Company in TheComplete World of Sports (abridged)19 Beanbag Stories - Summer Sun19 Cool Britannia20 The Bear, The Telephone & Hand of Bridge 22-23 Mort24 The Kinder Children’s Choirs of the HighPeak - Gloriana29 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club30 King Arthur & The Sword in The Stone(Outside in the Pavilion Gardens)30 Voices (Pavilion Arts Centre Studio)July1 Jazz at the Arts Centre - Peter Frank’sDixieland All Stars (Pavilion Arts Centre)1 King Arthur & The Sword in The Stone(Outside in the Pavilion Gardens)4 Buxton Festival Fringe 20124-8 A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Poole’sCavern (Poole's Cavern)6 Contemporary Dance Triple Bill 6 Sinful - 7 Comedy Shorts for 7 Deadly Sins(Milton's Head)7 Buxton Festival 2012. Visit web site fordetails.

Palace Theatre Mansfieldwww.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre01623 63313June6-7 Charlie and Lola's Best Bestest Play9-10 Expressions Academy of PerformingArts - Expressions The Show 913 There'll Always Be An England14 Halfway To Paradise - The Billy Fury Story16-17 Excelsior School of Dance - Alice19-20 Copacabana23-24 Let's Dance Studio - Wonker

Wonderland29 to July 1Stage Door - Live, Love Dance!Friday 29 June - Sunday 1 JulNottingham Royal Concert Hall Sun 14thOctob

DIARYm n h WHAT’S ON LOCALLYemail: diary@imagespublishingltd.co.uk

The one and only Ray

Davies brings his songbook

of classic British hits – from

his days in The Kinks up

through his recent solo

repertoire – to the forefront

ofthe national psyche with

an appearance at Hop Farm

June 29th and a UK tour

with his band later this year.

Tickets now on salefrom

www.bookingsdirect.com /

0844 338 0000. Prices start

at £32.50

Nottingham Royal Concert

Hall Sun 14th October

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 59

60 country images

Folk ‘n’ Roots Music

THE TOM MCCONVILLE BANDFriday June 8th 8:00pmBBC Musician of the Year, TOM McCONVILLE, is one of the leadingplayers of our time, creating his own unique, instantly recognisablestyle.Thurs June 21st.Join us for our AGM (membership £6 per annum) followed by anillustrated talk entitled 'My Life in the Music World - Memories andMelodies' by Alan Hopkin. Meetings at 7.30 pm in Chester Green

Community Centre, Old Chester Road, Derby. Admission

non-members £1. Annual membership £6. For further information Tel

Derby 559615.

BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS WALK at

CARSINGTON WATER

The reservoir is filling up with water, just in time for the summer

migrants’ return and from March-June onwards, this is the best time of

the year to join the Volunteer Rangers and start looking for swallows,

martins and warblers, perhaps the great northern diver and maybe an

osprey, in a leisurely free 2 hour walk. Volunteers will help you identify

at least 30 different species and give plenty of useful tips on bird

watching. All walks start from the visitor centre at 10am prompt and

are on the first Sunday of EVERY month. Adults accompanied by

children are always welcome - bring binoculars and appropriate wear.

Future dates - 1st July and 3rd June. To ensure a place book on

T:01629 540696

Allestree Art

Whether you are a raw beginner seeking encouragement and advice

or a seasoned artist looking for an informal venue in which to paint

with like-minded people, Allestree’s art group welcomes you. We

meet on Monday mornings between 10am and 12noon at the

Memorial Hall, St. Edmunds Close, Allestree. There will also be an

opportunity to exhibit your work at Kedleston Hall and Elvaston Park.

For further information contact Joan Garrett 0n 01332 552906 or

Wallace Spence on 01332 557858

Uppertown Social Centre

Sat 16th June Jo-Ann and Becky, The Haley Sisters Country, Folk, Blues

and Rock 7:00 for 8:00pm £12 including supper.Contact Eddie

Marriott for information and tickets on: 01246 590502 or 07966

154798. Website www.uppertown.org

Derby Wine Circle

Social club with a variety of activities. Meetings are held on the 1st

Friday monthly at 7.30pm in The Evergreen Club, Cornhill, Allestree.

Contact Des Wall on 01332 551447

Allestree Flower Group

Tuesday 19th June 2012 A Flower Demonstration by Shasha Gallagher

entitled ‘Joy in my Heart’. At the Evergreen Hall, Time 7.00 For 7.30

pm Admission £3 members, £5 non members. Further details contact

the Chairman on 01332 675727

Duffield Singers Summer Concert

Wednesday 27th June 7.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church. King Street.

Duffield. DE56 4EU. Join us for a lively evening of popular music and

song for a summer’s evening! Tickets available from choir members

and on the door. ALL WELCOME!

DARLEY ABBEY GARDENING CLUB

Friday 22 June 2012 “FROM THE TROPICS TO THE TRENT” – An

illustrated talk by Ian Cooke will be given at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall,

Abbey Yard, Darley Abbey. Admission for non-members £2.

Further information can be obtained from Kathryn Redfern on 01332

553270.

Little Chester Local History Group

Thurs June 21st. Join us for our AGM (membership £6 per annum)

followed by an illustrated talk entitled 'My Life in the Music World -

Memories and Melodies' by Alan Hopkin. Meetings at 7.30 pm in

Chester Green Community Centre, Old Chester Road, Derby and all

are welcome. For further information Tel 559615.

Ashbourne Animal WelfareArk Royal Jubilee Open Day and Fun Dog Show. Sunday 3rd June11am - 4pm. The Ark, Wyaston Rd, Ashbourne. Dog Show starts 12.30classes inc. Most Handsome Prince, Pretty as a Princess etc. We areholding a Street Party with stalls, music, facepainting and right royallunches and teas There will be tours of the cattery and kennels and achance to meet some of our residents. Dog lovers can also enter theDoggie Sports and give their dog the chance to Save the Sausage orDive for a Duck! Microchipping is available at only £10 to promoteresponsible pet ownership.For more info please ring 01335 300494 or visitwww.ashbourneanimalwelfare.org

The Watson Players PresentDancing at Lughnasa by Brian FrielDerby Theatre – Studio Theatre Walk within the Westfield shoppingcomplex. Wednesday 20th – Saturday 23rd June 20128pm & Saturday Matinee 3pmDancing at Lughnasa – a drama that mixes memory and desire,humour and sadness a play startlingly true, tender and fresh.This extraordinary play, widely regarded as Friel’s masterpiece, is thestudy of five unmarried sisters named for Friel’s mother and sisters,(“those five brave Glenties women”) who live in a modest cottage inDonegal. On the threshold of the autumn of 1936, the householdrevolves around the eight year old love-child, Michael. Book your tickets today from Derby Theatre Box Office, Theatre Walk- within the Westfield Shopping Complex.Tel: (01332) 593939 or buy online at www. derbytheatre.co.uk

The Marlowe Players.The Marlowe Players are putting on Ray Cooney and JohnChapman’s farce “There Goes The Bride”. Set on the morning of hisdaughter's wedding, things don't go to plan for Timothy Westerby asthe day starts with a bang to the head and things take unexpected andbizarre twists with hilarious consequences. The production will be atDarley Abbey Village Hall, Abbey Yard (off New Rd), Darley Abbey fromTues 3rd until Sat 7th July, 2012. Tickets are all priced £6.00 and doorsopen at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. To book please contact theMarlowe Players Box Office on 07961 607372 or visit the website:www.marlowe-players.co.uk

Art Challenge at The WindmillThere is a great opportunity rapidly approaching for all the artisticminded persons in the area to participate in the ‘Heage Windmill ArtChallenge’ . The challenge is for them to compete against like mindedpersons and to produce a wonderful image of the beautiful six sailwind mill at Heage in the media of theirchoice. The competition will take place onSunday June 10th and they will need toregister at the mill between 10am and10:45am, when they will be able to startwork. Making the images will continue apaceuntil everything stops at 2:45 pm, to befollowed by judging and awarding of prizes inboth the senior and junior categories. Entryforms are also available before the day at thewindmill mill on Chesterfield Road, Heage,or can be obtained from mortimerwilson@yahoo.co.uk

DIARYm n h WHAT’S ON LOCALLYemail: diary@imagespublishingltd.co.uk

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 60

country images 61

8th August 2012

The 81st

ENTERTAINMENT AND ENJOYMENT FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY AT THIS TRADITIONAL COUNTRY SHOW

9.00am until dusk

Browse a wide selection of over 40 vehicles from leadingmanufacturers at the Denby Motorhome Show over the JubileeWeekend 2nd – 4th June (free entry). Join in the festive atmospherewith entertainment by the popular ‘Victory Belle’ as they sing live inthe courtyard on Monday 4th. In the Denby Craftroom there will bespecial ‘craft sessions’ running all week where everyone can have a goat making unique Jubilee Souvenirs. Sessions last an hour and includemodelling with raw clay, decorating a selection of fired pieces andpainting on mugs or plates. Entry is £4.25 per person and includesunlimited raw clay items to keep and up to 2 fired souvenirs (to keepa plate or mug there is a firing charge of £7.95). To book call 01773740799.

Denby’s special 200 limited editions ‘Great British Byngo’ for 2012 areavailable now, exclusively from the Visitor Centre Reception shop intwo sizes with presentation box and certificate. Call or pop in fordetails.

Family Fun Weekend at Denby takes place on 23rd and 24th June witha selection of fun inflatables, pedal karts, face painting, Pinxton puppetshows and other activities. Plus Pottery Beach opens from 18th July.For details of all forthcoming events at Denby seewww.denbyvisitorcentre.co.uk or call 017743 740 799.

JuneEvents atDenby

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 61

62 country images

Wildlife Artist Pollyanna Pickering is

proud to present an exhibition of a

collection of over fifty new paintings to

officially launch the new book Wildness.

This beautiful book is a collaboration between Pollyanna and

Richard Bonfield, poet in residence for the Born Free Foundation.

The anthology features a retrospective of his poems alongside a

specially selected portfolio of paintings from Pollyanna’s archive,

many of which are reproduced here for the first time, along with

new pieces created especially for the project.

Pollyanna will be opening her private gallery at Brookvale House,

Oaker, Matlock, DE4 2JJ (AA signposted) from 16th June – 1st July

10am – 6pm, visitors will be able to view the paintings on display

to the public for the very first time, in a relaxed and comfortable

atmosphere. Admission is free.

Many branches of the creative arts thrive on collaboration. A

company of actors work together with a team of directors and

producers to create a film or play. Musicians come together in

bands or orchestras to work quite literally in harmony with each

other. However most wildlife artists work alone, spending hours

and days in isolation in a studio to create a piece of work.

So when Pollyanna was asked if she would collaborate on a

project for the Born Free Foundation she jumped at the chance to

work alongside their poet in residence, Richard Bonfield, to

compile a book which would feature a retrospective of his poems

alongside a specially selected portfolio of paintings from her

archive, many of which will be reproduced here for the first time.

“It was an interesting experience to spend time with Richard

working on a project of this nature – we spent hours selecting our

favourite poems and then discussing which paintings we felt

would best complement the words. It was incredible how many

'natural' matches there seemed to be. It was a very interesting

experience to get another perspective on my work from someone

who is also creative, but in a very different field.” Pollyanna also

found that Richard's expressive and thoughtful poetry also

suggested new pieces of work – while he wrote new poems

inspired by her paintings.

The resulting book 'Wildness' will raise funds for both The Born

Free Foundation and Pollyanna's own charitable foundation.

Pollyanna has a longstanding association with Born Free, first

working with them in 1990 when she travelled with their

international vet to see five tigers who had been rescued from

appalling conditions in a British roadside zoo, in their new home

in a sanctuary in Southern India. Since then she has visited many

of their international projects, with exhibitions of the resulting

paintings raising funds for their work – as well as providing

exclusive Christmas card designs. Ten percent of all sales at the

exhibition will be donated to the charity.

The foreword to Wildness has been written by Born Free founder,

actress and conservationist Virginia McKenna. When Virginia

invited Richard to accept the post of 'Poet in Residence' she

commented “The beauty and vulnerability of nature, the need to

live in harmony with other creatures, their plight when we don’t –

all this is expressed in the most poignant, perceptive and original

language in Richard’s poetry”. The combination of these

inspirational, thoughtful and often humorous poems alongside

Pollyanna’s expressive and powerful images has created a book

which conveys both the untamed beauty and plight of

endangered animals.

The book will be printed by one of the most environmentally

ethical printers in Britain using non-soya vegetable oil based inks

and launched at an exhibition of the same name at Pollyanna’s

private gallery in Derbyshire in June. A special celebration day

will also be held at the gallery in July when Pollyanna, Virginia

and Richard will all be present to sign copies of the book.

Wildness!

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 62

country images 63

The theme of the book 'Wildness' reflects The Born Free

Foundation's commitment to taking action worldwide to protect

threatened species and stop individual animals from suffering.

They believe that the place for animals is in their natural habitat,

in the wild. Meanwhile Pollyanna believes that the unique

quality of her work comes from the time she spends studying real

animals in their natural habitat. Zoos and reference books are no

substitute for experiencing the heat and dust of the Masai Mara, or

the biting, vicious cold of the High Arctic. It is this dedication

which brings unmistakable realism and vitality to her work.

Pollyanna’s determination to paint only animals which she has

observed in their natural habitats has lead her into a remarkable

and unique series of journeys into some of the most inhospitable

areas of the globe. Her expeditions to study threatened species

have taken her across five continents, from the jungles of India to

the deserts of North America. She has painted big cats in the rain

forests of Central America and wolves in the forests of

Transylvania. One of her most challenging expeditions took her to

the wastelands of Siberia where she braved temperatures as low

as -60 to paint the Amur Tiger. The award-winning book 'Giant

Pandas and Sleeping Dragons' was inspired by Pollyanna’s most

famous journey – she was the first westerner to visit a remote area

of the Tibetan Borderlands of China where she worked in a clinic

for rescued pandas. 'On Top of the World' tells of her expeditions

into the High Arctic to paint polar wildlife and her fourth book

‘The Eye of the Tiger’ is an account of her travels in India. In 2007

Pollyanna was granted a fellowship from Canada based society

The Worldwide Nature Artists Group in support of her expedition

into the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Pollyanna is the first

woman ever to be granted a fellowship by the group – and the

first artist to be selected from outside Canada or North America.

She has most recently returned from Vietnam and Thailand with a

folder full of sketches of tigers, elephants and other wildlife,

which will provide the inspiration for future exhibitions of work.

Later this year she will fulfil a longheld ambition, travelling to

Rwanda in search of the mountain gorillas.

All the paintings in the book bring back specific memories from

Pollyanna's journeys - from the heartstopping moment when a

huge African elephant turned in a cloud of red dust to charge her

open jeep, to the joy of watching a male lion patiently play with a

young cub, gently allowing his tiny offspring to pull at his tail and

mane and clamber onto his back. Although many of the animal

subjects are those you would expect to find in a book inspired by

the beauty of nature, there are also some unexpected creatures to

be found between the pages - including a ‘Daddy Long Legs’,

vultures and even a yeti! Richard's thoughtful musings on this

mythical creature - "Sometimes glimpsed amongst the frangipani,

he lumbers on the edge of our imagination" are partnered with a

sketch Pollyanna made while trekking in the Himalayas. Here she

visited a very remote Buddhist monastery, where she got into

conversation with the sole caretaker monk, who took her into a

part of the temple which was hardly ever shown to either foreign

or local visitors. There she was shown an object mounted on a

pole, which through her interpreter she was told was a yeti scalp

which had been in the temple for many generations and was

regarded as a holy relic. No photography is allowed in the interior

of any Buddhist temple in Bhutan, but Pollyanna was able to

sketch an outline of the scalp in her expedition journal. Later she

also completed a ‘photo fit’ sketch of a yeti, working from

descriptions given to her by the local villagers, who regularly

report sightings of and encounters with yetis in the mountains.

Richard has composed many new poems for the anthology,

inspired by his love of the natural world and the wonderful work

of the Born Free Foundation. The combination of these

inspirational, thoughtful and often humorous poems alongside

Pollyanna’s expressive and powerful images has created a book

which conveys both the untamed beauty and plight of

endangered animals. Claire Riggall, the former editor of Poetry

Nottingham says in her preface “In this handsome volume,

Pollyanna Pickering’s superb portraits of wild creatures partner the

poems in a veritable marriage made in animal heaven. Her skill

and empathy are breathtaking and the resulting pages

magnificent.” Pollyanna enjoyed working on the book “Wildness”

alongside Richard so much, that the pair are already planning

their next joint project – a book which will celebrate the beauty

and diversity of British Wildlife. In the meantime however she is

hard at work completing the paintings to be featured in her next

book 'The Way of the Wolf' , which will document two of

Pollyanna's journeys to paint wolves in the wild. Firstly she

followed in the footsteps of Dracula, travelling to Transylvania,

home to the highest remaining density of wild European wolves

and then to the mountains of Ethiopia, home to the only wolf in

Africa, the most endangered wolf species in the world. The book

is due for publication next year.

As well as the Wildness book, two new limited edition prints will

be exclusively launched during the forthcoming exhibition. Also

on display throughout will be Pollyanna's extensive ranges of

greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints and a wide

variety of giftware including books, stationery, china mugs, cross

stitch kits and much more. Several ranges are exclusive to the

gallery, including signed sets of her postage stamps issued in

Africa, first day covers for the Royal Mail and a display of giftware

commissioned by Harrods. All of Pollyanna’s books will be

available and she will be pleased to sign any copies purchased at

the exhibition. Further information and directions to the gallery

can be found at www.pollyannapickering.co.uk

North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 63

64 country images

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North June 2012 Pages 52 - 71_Layout 1 24/05/2012 11:03 Page 64

country images 65

The Studio, No 2 The Galleries,New Lane, Alfreton.

01773 836907

u

Norma GentDerbyshire Artist

Pets, Portraits, Scenes, Still Life,Executive Caricatures, Victorian Life.

SPECIAL DAYWORKSHOP

Saturday 14th JulyWatercolour Classes Tuesday

mornings & evenings & every Thursday 9am - 10.45amSt Thomas’s Community Centre

Somercotes

Framing Now Available

01773 602961Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm.

Wednesday by appointment. Sunday 11am-4.30pm

Leabrooks House, Leabrooks Rd, Somercotes, Derbyshire

www.leabrooksgallery.co.uk

Prints • Originals • Framing

GALLERYm n h

The Ridgeway Gallery

Is delighted to host its second solo exhibition of paintings by Michael

Barnfather, one of England's leading landscape painters. Michael was

born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, later studying at the Derby College of

Art. Whilst working for Rolls Royce as a technical artist, he pursued

his love of painting and received acclaim for his work at various

exhibitions and galleries. Having spent nine years as an amateur

artist, he turned professional in 1964. His style is unique and instantly

recognisable, combining broad panoramas and tightly drawn detail

with great skill, producing pieces that are just as satisfying in close-up

as from a distance. There is an opportunity to meet Michael at the

gallery on Saturday 30th June.

Looking lively at Leabrooks Gallery

This month Jenny Oldknow, a talented water colourist, is filling the

main Exhibition Room at Leabrooks Gallery with a range of

endearing but life-like portraits from the animal kingdom. She

conveys the energy and unique qualities of her subjects in a clean,

economic style which testifies

to her keen powers of

observation as well as her

skill. Everyone, of whatever

age, will find something to

enjoy in this exhibition and

very probably, something they

would like to purchase!

Exhibition runs from 9th June

- 29th June.

Ruth Gray, like Jenny Oldknow,

a successful member of the

Desperate Art Wives group, is

also exhibiting her work at the

Gallery.

Don’t forget the Jubilee

Weekend, Derbyshire Open

Arts at Leabrooks Gallery.

With spring flowers gingerly popping up above the cold ground anddaylight hours lengthening, the opportunities arise to put brush topaper. Norma Gent holds watercolour classes weekly and specialday workshops once every 3 months with something for beginnersto the more experienced. VisitNorma at her studio - 2 TheGalleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

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66 country images

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country images 67

Renishaw Hall – a treasure on your doorstep

Started 35 years ago by a group of dedicated steamenthusiasts as a one day event to raise funds for localcharities, the Rally has gone from strength to strengthto today’s two day extravaganza which draws crowdsof 12,000 – 15,000. This year’s event is to be held atthe Elvaston Castle Showground on 7th-8th July2012.

There will be a record number of steam exhibits thisyear, ranging from steam road rollers and ploughingengines to magnificent showman’s engines. There willalso be static engines, tractors, vintage cars andmotorbikes, military vehicles and models. They aim tomake a fun day out for all the family with vintagefairground rides, children’s entertainers and many stallsselling everything from hardware to attractive jewelleryand gifts including outdoor food and drink facilities.

There will also be a full weekend’s events in the mainarena including a falconry display and performances byJC Balls Dancing Diggers. Elvaston Castle Steam Rally has donated over £100,000to charity over the years; this year we will bepresenting cheques to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire &Rutland Air Ambulance and Derby Mountain Rescue

Team. All the profits made from the rally are donated tocharity.

So come and enjoy a great day out and help to support localcharities at the same time - Adult admission is £8,concessions £6, with accompanied children free and amplefree car parking, there is also a free bus service available frommany areas. For more information see the Rally web sitewww.elvastonsteam.co.uk.

The Elvaston Steam Rally

Renishaw is famous for its Italianate gardens which were laid outin the late 19th century by Sir George Sitwell, the brilliantlyeccentric great-grandfather of the current owner Alexandra. Thegardens are ideal for group tours, offering plenty to see in arealistic timeframe for a day visit or even as part of a stop withina day’s schedule. Groups will love the gardens with thedelphiniums, roses and herbaceous borders looking particularlylovely. New for this Jubilee year is the Royalty and Renishawexhibition.

Visit during July or August for stunning High Summer events such asguided garden walks; see the highly crafted sculpture exhibition byLorraine Botterill; sample local food and purchase beautiful plants atthe August Food and Plant Fair Weekend on the 11th and 12th August.This year on the 25th August Chapterhouse Theatre Company willperform Pride and Prejudice in the gardens at Renishaw.

To book a group tour, please contact the Events Office on 01246432310 or enquiries@renishaw-hall.co.uk.

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Valley Lodge: Bakewell Road, Matlock DE4 3BN

Mayor Alan Cox visited Belper carehome, Spencer Grove, to celebrate

their recent achievements.

Following an unannounced inspection in November2011 the Care Quality Commission have foundSpencer Grove to be ‘fully compliant’ in accordancewith the new Essential Standards of Quality and Safety.

As one of the first homes in Belper to be inspected under the newHealth & Social Care Act, and found to be fully compliant, SpencerGrove are really proud of their outstanding report, which includedcomments such as “Staff interacted positively with people at all times.Conveying warmth, acceptance and respect, whilst promoting theirprivacy, dignity and inclusion. “Staff observed were also seen to adopt a relaxed pace with peopleand to appropriately support the individual reality of people withsignificant confusion”.

Spencer Grove have also recently been awarded a certificate forcompletion of the Macmillan ‘Life Enhancing Care Programme’. Theprogramme is aimed to train and support staff so that they can keepresidents who are at the end of their lives in the care home, in familiarsurroundings, cared for by specially trained staff, who they know.

Additionally in the last week Spencer Grove achieved the ‘End of LifeQuality Award’, which is the Derbyshire equivalent of the GoldStandards Framework. The award recognises Spencer Grove’scommitment and passion for end of life care and the high quality ofnursing provided.

Milford Care Director, Pierre Falleth commented “We are extremelyproud of the achievements at Spencer Grove. The home has only beenopen for three years and has already achieved numerous prestigiousawards for its care and facilities. The home has in fact become sopopular that we’re looking to open up several new care suites thismonth, with unique facilities where people can have their own privatelounge, kitchenette and en-suite as well. This is a modern alternative tothe traditional care home”.

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Walking into the Marquis of Ormonde on

Codnor's Denby Lane was quite a shock

to the system, gone is all the old wood

cladding and the pool table, in fact it has

been totally gutted and is now

unrecognisable. This fresh, clean

approach is all down to a man who

decided to buy his own local pub and

turn it into a place where he could enjoy

eating good quality, well prepared fresh

food and enjoy a drink in comfortable,

pleasant surroundings. A noble quest I am

sure you will agree, after all isn’t that

what we all crave? The Marquis of

Ormonde's owner John is a local

businessman with a very down to earth

approach and we had opportunity after

our meal to spend a little time with him

while he explained his passion for the

Marquis, his local for years and just a

short walk from his home. John wants

everyone to enjoy it too, his name is on it

and you will probably see him there

enjoying a drink.

Let’s start at the beginning though. As we

entered through the main door on a wet

Tuesday night the newness hit us straight

away. New carpets, fresh paint, logs

burning in a central fire, well laid tables,

a bright welcoming bar and Shaun the

manager to greet us with a cheery smile.

With 2 new chefs installed to provide

freshly cooked food at very reasonable

prices, Shaun was confident that we

would enjoy our evening. Shaun’s

background was in ‘high end corporate

hospitality’ in one of the richest areas of

South Africa, before moving to England

10 years ago and on a wet Tuesday

evening we were mystified as to why!

Shaun gave us a choice of tables,

provided a drink and gave us menus and

as usual we asked for recommendations.

“It’s all good” said Shaun, a bold

statement but then he is confident in his

chefs to come up with the goods. Our

waiter for the evening Sonny, also

explained the dishes he has enjoyed since

joining the Ormonde team 3 weeks ago.

His fresh friendly approach to looking

after us was just what was needed from a

waiter, not too fussy but there when

needed.

My paté starter was absolutely delicious,

lightly flavoured with orange and thyme,

a medium consistency, served in a pot

with clarified butter on top along with

slices of crostini and delicious rich

beetroot chutney. A good start and I

would have to say I was surprised.

Perhaps it’s not fair to say that but when a

place changes so much you think 'can the

food match the change?'. My wife’s

fishcakes were lovely, a very fine crisp

coating and white flakes of fish inside.

Circled with a drizzle of oil and balsamic

vinegar which was in sharp contrast to

the fish.

For my main, Shaun said he had enjoyed

the beef pie with caramelised onions.

Being partial to this I decided to try it. It

was piping hot with small chunks of meat

that just fell apart in the mouth, the sauce

rich with the onions. Topped with a light

pastry crust this was served in an

individual dish and was exceptional. My

wife surprised me by ordering the chicken

marinated in piri piri sauce. She said the

chicken was rich like butter, a good sized

portion and the coating interestingly was

spicy and then the heat kicked in. Hand

cut chips and a cool salad of three beans

with dashes of red chili kept the theme of

the dish going.

Rhubarb and apple crumble and a Tia

Maria crème brulée with espresso coffee

were our very different desserts and they

capped off a lovely evening.

Having only opened 3 weeks ago, we

have to say we were impressed with the

all round success of our evening. Keep

this up guys and a fine reputation is

assured. LO

CA

L T

AV

ER

NS

A NobleDifference at

The Marquis

country images 73

35 Codnor-Denby Lane, Codnor, Derbyshire, DE5 9SP

01773 745222www.marquisoformonde.co.uk

Main Menu served Monday-Saturday 12-3pm and 6-9pm

Except Wednesday Mid-Week Carvery £5.95 12-3pm • Sunday Carvery 12-6pm

Freshly preparedfood daily usingfresh, locallysourced ingredients

TheMarQuisOf Ormonde

Beautifully refurbished

and under new

management, the all new

Marquis of Ormonde

between Derby and

Codnor – a traditional

pub offering a modern

and contemporary feel.

Disabled Access • Children Welcome • Huge Car Park • Real Ales

Don’t Forget Fathers DayJune 17th

Bluebellthe

Country Inn & Restaurant

Opening times are

Lunch 12 - 2.30pm

for food and evening

6.30 - 8.30pm mid week

and 6.30 - 9.00pm

Friday & Saturday.

Sunday is lunchtime only 12 - 3 pm.

The bar opening time is

12 midday until 11.30 each night.

The Bluebell Inn

Farnah Green, Belper

DE56 2UP

01773 826495

Ladies Evening every Wednesday

Two course meal£14.95 with acomplimentary glass of wine.

New Day and EveningMenus available Friday 8th June

Once in a while something very

special happens and it’s often

very unexpected. Our visit to La

Rock Restaurant in Sandiacre,

Nottinghamshire was just one of

those occasions. Easy to pass by

without giving a second glance,

La Rock hides in a quiet street,

waiting to be discovered.

From the moment we walked through the

door, into the glass roofed reception

area, we sensed the evening may be

quite different from our expectation. We

were greeted by Matt Roe, the restaurant

manager and straightaway felt

comfortable and relaxed. Matt chatted to

us, giving us a brief history of the

building and also explained his love of

food with great enthusiasm and passion.

Whilst we pondered over the interesting

menu choice, I had a glass of Merlot and

my husband had a Peroni lager before

being escorted to our table. The dining

area is simple and uncluttered, the oak

tables inlaid with slate, matching

perfectly with the clean bare brick walls,

to create a warm, rustic atmosphere. We

ordered our starter and main course and

our waiter Malcolm presented us with an

amuse bouche for two, compliments of

the chef, consisting of a mini farmhouse

loaf, salted butter squares, chicken liver

mousse and special Scottish recipe

chutney, made from apples, tomatoes,

sultanas, onion, chilli and vinegar. We

were both very impressed by this dish,

simple but wonderfully tasty, if this was

the standard we could expect, then we

were truly in for a treat.

Our starter arrived, for me the pear and

stilton ravioli served with walnut beurre

blanc, tarragon and pea shoots. The

Colsten Bassett Stilton was a perfect

accompaniment to the sweet pear, the

walnut beurre blanc adding a nutty

flavour and all blended beautifully to

create a terrific starter. My husband had

the British scallops with garlic purée,

cucumber, mint, vanilla oil and lime.

Again, the flavours in this dish were

superb, the sweet scallop meat being

offset by the zesty lime with the fresh

hint of mint in the background. Both

starters were excellent.

Matt and Malcolm brought our main

course; I had chosen twice-roasted belly

pork, oyster mushrooms, pickled mooli,

coriander, anise, orange and mango. The

food was presented with real care and

attention to detail, perfectly cooked and

a joy to eat, the orange and mango a

sophisticated addition to the pork with

the oyster mushrooms providing balance.

My husband had Gressingham duck

breast, seared foie gras, plum, creamed

apple and a clove jus. The medium

cooked duck breast had a crispy, slightly

salty skin and combined with the plum

and apple with a hint of clove, made an

exceptional dish. Both main courses

were served with fresh vegetables and

the whole experience was a delight.

Malcolm offered us the dessert menu and

described some of the dishes to us. After

much deliberation I chose the ‘Textures

of Chocolate and Lime’ and my husband

decided on the interestingly titled ‘La

Rock Full English’. My dessert was

simply beautiful, a design of chocolate

sitting on a bed of chocolate soil, with

lime ice-cream, truffles, white chocolate

and syllabub. My husband’s ‘Full English’

was just that, a clever use of meringue,

ice cream and fruit to create a dessert

version of a breakfast plate, complete

with a cappuccino mousse. Served on a

piece of slate, this dessert is guaranteed

to raise a smile and was a credit to the

skill and imagination of the owner and

chef, Nick Gillespie.

Our meal was finished off with coffee

and a 10 year old Suntory Yamazuki

Japanese whisky from the large selection

of malt whisky and liquors on offer. As if

we hadn't been treated to enough

gastronomic delights Matt served up our

final surprise of handmade petit fours, a

combination of chocolate, fudge and a

delightful creation made from salted

peanuts, white chocolate and chilli that

really packed a punch.

Throughout the meal both Matt and

Malcolm described each course to us as

they presented it and we were very

impressed with their knowledge and

attention to detail. One interesting thing

was that Matt did not write down any

orders, he simply noted them to memory

with ease. When we commented on this

after our meal he explained that as well

as being the restaurant manager he was

also involved in the creation of some

dishes which helped explain his

expertise.

To sum up we have never had such a

complete dining experience; from the

relaxed surroundings to the excellent

food, the evening was exceptional. Nick,

his wife and his staff are to be

congratulated on their achievements and

should be very proud of La Rock. As we

said when we first arrived, La Rock is a

secret, special surprise, so when you

have been don't tell too many people, as

it is our secret too!

La Rock RestaurantD

inin

g E

xper

ience

country images 75

The White HorseWoolley MoorSituated in the rolling hills of Derbyshire

Badger Lane, Woolley Moor

Derbyshire, DE55 6FGTel. 01246 590319

Opening TimesMonday to Saturday: 12.00 - 15.00

and 17.30 - 23.00Sunday: 12.00 - 15.00

www.thewhitehorsewoolleymoor.co.ukBooking advisable to avoid disappointment

Lunch & EveningMenu

Monthly Menu& Special Board

4 Bridge Street, SandiacreNottingham NG10 5QT

t: 0115 9399 833

www.larockrestaurant.co.uk

la rockrestaurant

TheHolly Bush

M A R E H A Y(Free House)

• Exceptional food • Friendly chef and staff• Real ales from around the counties• Log burner to keep you warm on

those cool evenings• Completely refurbished to our high standards• Serving the famous steak pie and fish & chips.

We would like to welcomeold and new customers

The Holly Bush Inn51 Brook Lane, Marehay, DE5 8JA

Phone: 01773 570830

Food Served:Monday-Saturday 12pm ‘til 2.30pm & 6pm ‘til 9pm.

Sunday 12pm-7pm

We look forward to seeing you at The Holly Bush where a

warm welcome awaits you.

The White Horse – WoolleyMoorOffer monthly menu changeseach month and is available allday Monday to Thursday. It isin addition to their normalmenu and offers a number ofcourses for a set price. Fromsalmon goujons with lemoncrème fraiche to pork loinsteak with mash, roastvegetables and red winesauce, the quality and service still remains the same. Prices rangefrom £10 to £16, to reserve your table telephone 01629 590319

76 country images

“We’re passionate about qualityand freshness because we know

you are too.”Fresh fruit and vegetables, locally producedbeef, lamb, pork and poultry, award winningsausages, free range eggs, freshly baked bread,home-made cakes, organic produce, local ice

cream, local beers.Farm shop café now open.

www.croots.co.ukFarnah House Farm, Wirksworth Road, Duffield,

Derbyshire DE56 4AQ

Tel 01332 843032email:info@croots.co.uk

Open Tues-Sat 9am-5pm Sundays 10am-4pm

Send your entries (including your full name and address) to: Country Images Magazine (food comp.)

Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ First correct entry chosen wins.

Closing date for entries: June 16th 2012

Remember me? I am the phantom one of old London

town! Well blow me I thought you would have guessed

by now. The cane for you I fear. So, what am I?

WHAT AM I?WIN £20 Croots Vouchers

Pesto and Fresh Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients225g fresh medium pasta shells1/3 cucumber 100g cherry tomatoes 150g fresh tuna fillet Fresh lemon juice Olive oil

Method1. Fill a large saucepan with water.Add a generous pinch of salt andbring to the boil. Add the pasta andcook according to packet instructions.2. Dice the cucumber into small chunksand halve the cherry tomatoes.3. Strain the pasta and place in alarge bowl. Stir in the pesto.4. Heat some oil and a knob of butterin a flat-bottomed pan. When thebutter has melted add the fillet of tuna,cover with a lid and gently cook. 5. Gently prise apart the centre of thetuna to check that it is cooked. Itshould only take a few minutes.6. Roughly flake the tuna and stir intothe pasta, along with the choppedcucumber and tomatoes. Season andadd a squeeze of lemon juice and adrizzle of olive oil.

2nd - 5th JuneJubilee Weekend & Derbyshire

Open Arts Exhibition

Exhibition of Quilting & Mosaics ‘Stitch & Stone’ Home Baked Cakes & Scones

English Aernoon Teas and Morning Coffees every dayEnglish pink Roast Beef on Sunday

Jubilee Summer Lightening & other Cask AlesGlorious countryside Garden Terrace

Family Friendly – something for everyoneSpecial Dad’s Day Menu 17th June

New summer a la carte & bar menusmore exotic specials!

01773 828771 fishermansrest@btconnect.com

Broadholme Lane DE56 2JF 1mile north of Belper right in the countryside just off A6

Twenty five years of Natural Choice

Twenty five years ago saw the start ofa new venture in Ashbourne.At 32 St Johns Street, Steve and Roy Parkerhad decided on something quite different forthe people of Ashbourne and the DerbyshireDales. One move and three expansions laterand the results speak for themselves at their17th century, town centre property of 24 StJohns Street. Over the last century the type of businesses at number 24 havecome full circle and Natural Choice couldn’t have a better base forall that it offers.

Natural Choice Milestones: Circa 1625 - 24 St Johns Street was built.1919 - Mr James Osborne, a pharmacist in Ashbourne from 1870,produced a herbal mixture for the ‘relief and cure’ of epilepsy,actually on the premises and distributed it worldwide.1987 - (June 29th) - Natural Choice opens at 32 St Johns Street. 1989 - Expansion including 30 St Johns Street.1992 - (January) Move to 24 St Johns Street .1992 - (May) Opening of the Therapy Rooms above the shop.2006 - Basement retail area closes and the rear ground level spacewas expanded.2012 - June 29th is both Natural Choices 25th Anniversary and theOlympic torch reaches Ashbourne!!

Today Natural Choice offers an extensive range of whole foods,special dietary foods, fair trade, organic, cruelty free skincare, greenhousehold products, gifts, cards, recycled glassware and relaxationmusic. In our Therapy Centre we have a wide range of qualifiedtherapists to complement our holistic approach to health and weare always available to offer free advice and information.

country images 77

The newedition of

taste is now on

sale

visit www.tastederbyshire.co.uk for details

Natural ChoiceHealthfoods, Organic and Fairtrade, Therapy Centre.

We have an extensive range of wholefoods, nutritional supplements,cruelty free products, gifts,

cards, jewellery, fair trade goods,new age and relaxation music.

We are proud to offer in our

THERAPY CENTREA wide range of qualified therapists

to complement our holistic approach to health.

Information and free advice always available.24 St John Street, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1GH

Tel/ Fax: 01335 346096Email: naturalchoice@tiscali.co.uk

78 country images

WeddingDreams

country images 79

40-44 Babington Lane, Derby

01332 347647Opening Times:

Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5.00

Stunning Selection of Wedding Outfits

starting from£129.00

in sizes 10 – 22

Hats, fascinators,shoes, bags and

jewellery available tocomplement all

outfits.

Step out in stylewhatever theoccasion….

K&S • Van Dal • Caprice • Peter KaiserRieker • Camel • Gabor

www.johnbarclayshoes.co.uk

OHN ARCLABINTERNATIONAL FOOTWEAR

YJ46 Babington Lane, Derby 01332 342260

PanacheLadies Fashions

JewelleryAccessoriesShoes & Bags

Hats &Fascinators

1 Stoney Street Beeston,

Nottingham, NG9 2LA

Open: Tuesday - Friday

10am - 5pm

Saturday 10am to 4pm

0115 922 5278

www.panache-nott ingham.co.uk

80 country images

www.chapelstudiophotography.co.uk01773 852277

1 Newbridge Road, AmbergateDerbyshire DE56 2GR

Gorgeous Polka Dot Dress and Bolero by Michaela Louisa perfectfor weddings, Ascot and special occasions; the classic outfit…available at Jillian Hart Fashions, 40 – 44 Babington Lane, Derby tel: 01332 347647

The stunning Cabotine collection is available at Panache,perfect for weddings or a special occasion. The shop located at1 Stoney Street, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, also stocks a lovelyrange of shoes, bags and accessories. If there is a specialoccasion on the horizon a bespoke range of fascinators can bemade. For more information regarding their collectionstelephone the shop 0115 922 5278. Beautiful nude peep toe shoes by Peter

Kaiser perfect for weddings and specialoccasions to complement any outfit. ThePeter Kaiser collection is available atJohn Barclay Shoes located at 46,Babington Lane, Derby. For moreinformation call into the shop ortelephone 01332 342260www.johnbarclayshoes.co.uk

Wedding Dreams

country images 81

“Occasions inSerenity”

Restaurant Dining with Full

Menu & Specials Boardwww.lumbfarm.com

Thurs – Fri 5.30pm – 8.30pm. Sunday Roast 12noon – 2.30pm.Saturdays: open for weddings,

special events and private functions.Derby Road, Marehay, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 8JN

T: 01773 744299 E: info@lumbfarm.com

A complete Wedding Day service for a perfect day!

(Including Civil Ceremonies License.)

Kay HobsonDesigns Designer

Dressmaker

www.kayhobsonbridaldesign.co.uk

email: k_hobson58@yahoo.co.uk

Telephone Kay on

01773 828268for an informal chat or appointment

Exclusive bridalwear & accessories

individually designed for you.

Handmade Tiaras, Flowered Veils,

Waistcoats and Hats etc.

formal and occasion wear for children

from birth to 10.

www.thankheavensfor.co.uk

Let’s go to a WeddingMarlaine caters for yourentire wedding party…

Stunning New BridalCollectionNow In Stock

Bridal by Appointment OnlyAlteration Service Available

Designs by Marlaine82, High Street,

Alfreton, Derbyshire. DE55 7BE

Tel: 01773 830787

Book Your Appointment Now!

Just Look And Bookw w w. d e s i g n s b y m a r l a i n e . c o . u k

1 High Street, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3AA

T: 01773 747226

Join us for drinks and nibbles on

Friday 8th June 10am - 4pm

Buy 3 Beads and

get the cheapest bead free

Half Price Silver Snap Bracelet

for the first

25 Customers

Jubilee

Garden Party Event

england barker jewellers

Offering Designer Clothing, FabulousJewellery, Accessories & Gifts…

Wanted - Quality Ladies Clothing,Handbags & Accessories…

The Courtyard, Draycott Mill, Market Street, Draycott, Derbyshire DE72 3NBTel: 01332 875572 www.froxshop.com

Current Season

PippaHandbagsin stock

Derbyshire’s Largest Dress Agency

82 country images

U-DUIT

DMC • Anchor • Books • Tablecloths • Tapestry Wools • Threads • Frames • Hoops

• Embroidery Charts • Fabrics • Metallic Threads

‘PictureFraming Service

Available’

Established

19757a Church Street, Ripley DE5 3BU Tel: 01773 745824

www.u-duitknitandstitch.co.uk

We are a good wool shop

Specialist Needlework Shop

X-Stitch - Surface Embroidery - Daylight Magnifying Lamps & Bulbs

Tapestry - Lowery Workstands

Stunning New Mother of the Bride Collection now available atDesigns by Marlaine. The collection is available in up to size 24 withprices to suit all budgets. Designs by Marlaine will cater for yourentire wedding party! For more information regarding thecollection telephone or just pop into the shop. 82 High Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire. tel 01773 830787 www.designsbymarlaine.co.uk

Chapel Studio are pleased to be able to offer you a complete andprofessional wedding service. Photographs can be taken at thebride’s home prior to the ceremony, as well as at the church andreception. We also cater for the smaller wedding at the church orregistry office where fewer photographs may be required.Tel: 01773 852277.

'Thank HeavensFor... Occasion wearfor your littleangels'.The online shopspecialising in formaland occasion wearfor children frombirth to 10 years.Visit our website atwww.thankheavensfor.co.uk

The ideal Father’s Day gift; silver plated Swarovski

cufflinks from the Fred Bennett men’s jewellery

collection. Available from England Barker Jewellers,

High Street Ripley.

Wedding Dreams

country images 83

City centre choiceTown centre

serviceFriendly personal servicefrom assistants who care,in a truly independent

store that’s big enough tostock the quality brands

you want.

An independentdepartment store, with

Fashions, Lingerie,Accessories, Shoes, Mens,

Homeware and Coffee Shop.

Pop in soon and free yourself from chain

store sameness.

full of surprises

8-18 Grosvenor Road,Ripley

Tel: 01773 742151pomodoro

David Nidd Jewellers of Belper

High Quality Watchmakers • Jewellers • Silversmiths

15 Bridge Street, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1AY Tel: 01773 880470

beautiful ringsmade for you…

Your wedding at the

Bentley BrookInn

The BentleyBrook Inn has afull weddinglicense and is theperfect place tohold yourwedding andreception.Ideal countrylocation amidstbeautiful scenery.Packages tailoredto suit your needsat realistic prices

Telephone: 01335 350278 Fax: 01335 350422

all@bentleybrookinn.co.ukwww.bentleybrook.co.uk

Bentley Brook Inn, Fenny Bentley, Ashbourne,

Derbyshire, DE6 1LF

Formerly MarcellesSizes 14 to 30

Upper StonesFASHION

20 Midland RoadDerby

DE1 2SL

Tel: 01332 298208www.marcellesfashion.co.uk

email: info@marcelles.eu

Free Parking

Opening Hours:Tuesday - Friday

10am - 4pmSaturday

10am - 5pm

84 country images

U-duit7a Church Street, Ripley, DE5 3BU Tel: 01773 745824

www.u-duitknitandstitch.co.uk

SIRDAR • PATONS

• SUBLIME • RICONORO COLLECTION

for

Babies, Children &Grownups

Your localwool shop

Precis’s signature use of bold bright colours lifts

and contrasts beautifully with the crisp

sophistication of black, ivory and navy. Available

from the fashion department at Clarkes of Ripley,

Grosvenor Road, Ripley.

Sublime tussah silk dk has the

most subtle texture,

understated lustre and

luxurious drape, made from

luxurious and soft silk it is

machine washable. This classic

design and yarn is available

from the Wool shop, U-duit,

Church Street, Ripley.

Wedding DreamsWelcome to Upper Stones Fashion, nowback in our original shop at 20 MidlandRoad, Derby. We are happy to welcomecustomers old and new to visit us andsee our extensive new collection ofcasual and occasion wear. Although asmaller unit, we still offer the samepersonal service and exciting labels aswell as a selection of hats, fascinators,bags and jewellery. With free parking, callin to our new store, Upper StonesFashion on Midland Road, Derby.

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FREE Sight Tests for over 60s and children under NHS*Conditions apply, when you order complete frames (frame value £69 or over) and lenses to include

single vision, bifocal and varifocal. Terms and conditions apply.

HurstO p t i c i a n s

5/7 High S t ree t R ip ley 01773 748112/744333

Designer frames:Lulu Guiness

Fendi Pucci

Janet RegerCK

Christian LaCroixDiane VonFurstenberg

Plus many more Designer Sunglasses

We arehaving a

Right RoyalSale. Up to

70% offFrames andSunglasses

12 & 18 Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire Beauty Salon Tel 01773 741945 Hair Salon Tel 01773 741962

ALISON CLARESKIN CARE CENTRES TEL: 01773 741945

JUNE OFFERS

St. Tropez spray tan £15 normally £25

Gel Fx nails £15 normally £25

Minx nails £18 normally £25

Eyelash tint,eyebrow shape and eyebrow

tint £17.50 normally £23

Colour, cut and finish £45Elemis lime and ginger salt glow, with free deep

tissue back massage £33.05 worth £62.50

T: 01773 608616 Major House, Wimsey Way, Alfreton Tr. Est.,

Alfreton DE55 4LS Mon-Fri: 9.00-5.30 Sat: 9.30-5.00

A contemporary design andtraditional craftmanship

New to Rock Fa

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Loake shoes are for those who wantcontemporary designs with traditional qualityand craftsmanship.Available now from Rock Fall, Major House, Wimsey Way, Alfreton. DE55 4LS

Jane Allsop, proprietor of Cakes for SpecialOccasions, produces stunning cakes for reallyspecial occasions including weddings, birthdays,christenings, anniversaries and more.Customers with special dietary requirementscan also be catered for. With a reallypersonalised service, Jane works with hercustomers from start to finish, with cakes madeto the customer’s design and requirements. Forfurther information regarding Cakes for SpecialOccasions contact Jane Allsop by telephoning01773 761423 or visit her websitewww.cakesforspecialoccasions.co.uk

Derbyshire’s Largest Dress Agency recently heldone of their well followed Fashion Shows inconjunction with the Mayor of Erewash. Modelsshowcased some of the superb designer clothing onoffer along with fabulous jewellery and accessories.

Frox sell pristine ‘once loved’ ladies clothing atunbelievable prices.

Max Mara, Coast, Karen Millen, Olsen, Planet and AllSaints are just a few of the many brands they stock.Everything from cocktail to casual, hats to handbags,sunglasses to sandals - with exciting new itemsarriving daily!

A beautiful, stylish, light and airy place to visit,friendly service and free parking awaits you. Ifyou’ve not paid them a visit - what are you waitingfor? Telephone 01332 875572 or visit the shop atThe Courtyard, Draycott Mill, Market Street,Draycott, Derbyshire. DE72 3NBwww.froxshop.com

A cocktail of spring

and summer colours

to compliment the

sunniest days . A very

attractive range

available from Inspired

Interiors, Grosvenor

Road, Ripley,

Wedding Dreams

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Tudor JewellersSouth St, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 5QT

Tel: 01159 303 004

CelebrationCharmsUsing sterling silver

and 14ct gold,choose and combine

your favouritecharms to create aunique piece of

PANDORA Jewellery

We offer a wide choice of wedding hats,fascinators and co-ordinating bags, jewelleryand scarves to add the finishing touch to anyoutfit. We also have a range of clothing direct

from Italy

10 The Market Place, Ashbourne DE6 1ES01335 347247

3b Portland Square, Bakewell DE45 1HA01629 812514

Unit 8 Cavendish Arcade, Buxton SK17 6BQ01298 79244

Unique range of ladies’ accessories at affordable prices

Keep that salon looking

hair every week

MOBILE SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE

MONDAY & TUESDAY

Colouring • PermingCutting • Styling • Blow dry

SPECIAL PENSIONER RATES

RING FOR APPOINTMENTS

Mobile: 07772 608192

182 Victoria Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 8ATSonia 07935 206111 or John 07910 390744 jandsbutterworth@yahoo.co.uk

Open 10am till 4.30pm (Closed Wednesday & Sunday)

The Designerand the Seamstress

Unique weddinggift ideas

Weddings hats,handbags, jewellery and

Italian design ladiesoutfits now available

VvanityIt’s all in the name of…

Hair & Beauty

UNDER NEWOWNERSHIP

3-4 Highfield RoadKilburn, Belper

DE56 0LTT: 01332 880609

SewingCorner

A comprehensive range of Fabrics, Silks,Cottons, Satins, Laces, Curtaining andFelts. Curtains, Curtain Tracks, Poles,Trims, Tie Backs and Key Tassels.

Haberdashery. Throws and Fitted BedCovers. Hats Sold & Hired.Tiara & Veils. Suit Hire.

Wools, Needles and Patterns.

135 Dale Road, Matlock DE4 3LU

T: 01629 760299Open; Tues, Weds, Fri 9.30-5.30

Thurs, Sat 9.30 – 2.00

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Wedding DesignsFinding your perfectwedding dress is one ofthe most exciting partsabout your weddingplanning and weddingdress designs come in allshapes and sizes.

Sewing Corner makestunning and uniquewedding dresses andbridesmaid gowns toyour own design includingneckline, train length,fabric and colour at verycompetitive prices. Forfurther details telephone01629 760299

Chic of Ashbourne,Bakewell and Buxton offera wide and variedselection of ladies weddinghats, fascinators, bags,jewellery and scarves tomake that special day evenmore special. They alsooffer a unique range ofItalian clothing; you will bespoilt for choice. Telephone Ashbourne forfurther details 01335 347247

Join the Fake Bake Elite!

The choice of Beauty Editors, the choice of Senses... Skin CareCentre. Many people fear fake tan, frightened by orangehands, stained feet and streaky legs... and it’s not surprisingbecause most of us will have had a poorly applied tan at somepoint in our lives. Senses... Skin Care Centre along with FakeBake, their chosen tanning brand, are trying to changeattitudes. Fake Bake became an instant success after it wasvoted No1 self tanner. Senses Skin Care Centre isre-launching Fake Bake with a product evening, being held atthe Alfreton Salon on the 14th June.

The evening will include a talk and demonstration on spraytanning and will also see Senses... showcase the revolutionary60 minute tan along with some brand new retail products sothat you can keep that golden glow for longer.

Senses... will be offering a 50% discount on all spray tans at theevent with an extra 5% if you bring three or more friends.Please contact the salon to reserve your space at Senses Skin Care Centre, 25 High Street, Alfreton. 01773 835866 www.senses-skincare.co.uk,info@senses-skincare.co.uk

Unique Designs

The Designer and the Seamstress is a lovely boutique, it’s full of pretty

unique pieces from vintage chairs, handbags and bespoke Italian

dresses. If you are looking for that unique dress, scarf or jacket this is

the place to visit. It is well worth a trip to Kirby in Ashfield, you will be

amazed at what you find. Call Sonia on 07935 206111

Wedding Dreams

Minx Nails helps women extend their fashion

right to their finger tips. The latest must have

accessory, worn by many famous celebs’, it is

now available from Alison Clare Beauty Salon,

Nottingham Road, Ripley.

Wedding Packages

Vanity Hair and Beautyoffer bespoke weddingpackages tailor-made tosuit your individualtaste and needs.Whether in the salonor the privacy of yourhome or at yourchosen venue, Vanitywill provide expert hair,makeup and nails.Telephone 01332 880609 forfurther details

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DENTURE CONSULTATIONSAVAILABLE

Having a General Dental Councilregistered Clinical Dental Technician,we are now able to offer patientsconsultations to discuss their denturerequirements, taking into account theirneeds and wants, which we can thenturn into reality, utilising many years ofworking with dentures.

In a discreet andprofessional environment,the team at RefineSpecialist Dental Care areable to offer patientsdenture services withoutrequiring prior clinicregistration, nor will ourpatients endure a longwait for appointments.

We specialise in creatingbeautiful, natural denturesthat are tailored to yourindividual needs andbudget.

We do all our work'in-house' from taking theimpressions to designingand constructing thedenture.

Transform your confidence

Alfreton Primary Care Centre, Church Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7AH

For a no obligation FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Call Refine Specialist Dental Careon 01773 830560

Our Dental Services Include:

• Full Dentures• Partial Dentures• Implant Retained Dentures• Copy Dentures• Relines

SPECIALIST DENTAL CARE

Mark MelbourneGDC registered clinical dental

technician, RCS (Eng)

In the image-obsessed culture we live in, many peoplepoint to the smile as the first thing they notice. NationalSmile Month, taking place from 20 May to 20 June, is theideal opportunity for people to find out more about whatgood oral health how to obtain it and how to keep it.

What do people really think about bad teeth? According to the generalpublic, missing and stained teeth don’t make them smile. In total, 57 percent of respondents labelled missing teeth as the oral health problem leastdesirable to the way you look, with stained teeth turning off nearly one infive people (18 per cent).

Dr Carter says “Images portrayed in the media of celebrities have lead toa society where image and the way we look is an important facet of dailylife. Young people particularly associate celebrities with attractiveness,achievement and affluence, so it is only natural they will seek to mimicwhat they see on TV and in print. Whether it’s the way we dress, do ourhair or invest time in dieting, image is a large driving force behind today’sculture. The same holds true for teeth. Celebrity smiles can be particularlyendearing, so it is little wonder survey results indicate missing and stainedteeth are the least desirable oral health issues for the way you look. Toothloss can be attributed to a number of causes, but the most commonreasons are tooth decay and gum disease. Since gum disease is totallypreventable with a good home oral care routine this tooth loss is totallyunnecessary and with a little extra care we can all keep out teeth for life.It is important that a good oral health routine is learnt at an early agewhich will set children up for a lifetime of healthy teeth. Simple things suchas brushing for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste,cleaning in between the teeth daily with interdental brushes or floss,cutting down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visitingthe dentist regularly, as often as they recommend will help to prevent bothtooth decay and gum disease and reduce the chances of losing any teeth.”

National Smile Month

ALISON BUILDERSoffer

Dry Stone Walling Services

All work to full conservation and listedbuilding specifications.

Also: Mortared Stone Walling.For free advice phone 01773 832676

Established 1985

www.alisonbuildingandwindowcompany.co.uk

• New Builds • Roofing• House Extensions

• Loft & Garage Conversions • Natural Stone Work

• Property Refurbishments• Window Fitting

• General Building Work • Driveways & Block Paving

• Bathroom & Kitchen Alterations

TheCompleteBuilding

Specialist

Contact Dale on01773 528 726

or 07740 678 687

WELCOME TO

20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCEQuote “Country Images” and get

10% off your computer repair

5-7 Rodgers Lane, Alfreton.

alfretoncomputers.co.uk

01773 520481

Alfreton Computers specialise in

• Computer Repairs • Laptop

Repairs • IT Support • XBOX and

PS3 Repairs • Website Design.

We are your local, friendly

Computer Shop.

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Tel: 01773 863393 Mobile: 07711066568

MERRETT CATERERS

Established Over 60 YearsExperienced and

Professional ServiceAll types of catering and budgets catered for

We can provide an extensive choice of menus,which can be amended to our customers’

specific requirements.Celebrations, Parties, Corporate Events,

Business Lunches, Sporting Events,Conferences, Christenings, Weddings,

Contracts and FuneralsCall us for prices and menus

FOOD HYGIENE RATING 5

Why call Perce Electrical… Well, we are:• Highly trained and experienced• NICEIC registered• Members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen• Fully insured• Reliable, clean and courteous• Give free quotations• Use a Gas Safe plumber for heating, bathroom& kitchen alterations

Telephone: 01773 782899 Mobile: 07776 144262Email:enquiries@perce-electrical.com

ww: perce-electrical.com

Removal of all traces of grease, fatand nasty built up layers fromovens, hobs, extractors or

microwaves.

No aerosols, no mess, no fuss…

CALL NOW!National availability… local service.Spectacular results, 3 hoursbetween appointments

Images Directory

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

To advertise call 01773 830344

FREE QUOTATIONS & CONSULTATIONS07855 593716 • 01773 813665

PropertyServices

A complete installation service onyour Kitchen or Bathrooms including

plumbing, electrics and tiling.

NDS

Upholstery

Mobile: 07960 849642Tel: 01773 856082

All work carried out by our own skilled craftsmen with over 20 years of experience.

JOHN’S SOFA STUDIO

UPHOLSTERYRE-UPHOLSTERY

REPAIRS

Home visits a pleasure for a Free Quotation for re-upholstery

or furniture repair.

Aerial Specialists Freeview & Digitaln Analogue DAB and FM n Aerials Approved fittersn Sky Multi Room Multi point n European Satellite Free estimatesn Satellite Services n OAP Discounts n All work fully Guaranteed

Tel: 01773 761 575 Mobile: 07986 816867

A.Eley & SonFurniture Restorers

n French Polishing n Upholstery n Spray Finishes n Cane Seating n Kitchen Repolishing n Repairs

16 Heanor Road, Codnor, RipleyTelephone: 01773 742103

All types of building

work undertaken

Tel: 01773 828516

Mobile: 07966 207758www.ksbuildingservices.co.uk

Country Images

TRUSTED TRADERS

RICHARD BOOTH UPHOLSTERY

*Reupholstery *Loose Covers*Bespoke*Wide selection of fabrics

1 New Road, Heage. Derbyshire

01773 853338

Amber Valley Driveways

For a professional finish on:Blockpaving • Fencing

Tarmac drives & paths laid Patios & slabbing • Excavation

• New for 2012 power jetcleaning for drives, patios,

block paving etc.

01773 85734107521 516272

PhoneBrendan on

DEREKSTAPLETONAll types of work undertaken,

Kitchen Work TopReplacements, Kitchens,Joinery & UPVC work

undertakenOver 40 years’ experience(Time served City & Guilds)

For freequotationsplease call

01773 83614507800 928564

CompletePlasteringCompletePlastering

Fast, friendly, no mess, reliable servicesCall Anthony for a free noobligation quote & advice

Tel: 01773 512209 or 07902 272541

COMPETITIVE PRICES • FULLY INSURED

All Plastering, Artex Cover-ups,Repair work, Coving, Drylining& Insurance work undertaken

IT and Phones

connectaphone.net

Friendly ex BT Engineer. 1 yr guarantee!

BT QUALITY 1/2 THE PRICE!Call Dave 07729 037667

TELEPHONE, INTERNET,TV AND SKY, EXTRAPOINTS FROM £50!

Faults / broadband problemsfixed or proved to service

provider. Wires to externalbuildings, loud external bells,

Ethernet & TV around the house.

All types of general buildingwork, re-pointing,

plastering, brickwork andgeneral alterationsundertaken.

No job too smallFREE QUOTES

01773 301922www.rhbuildingservices.co.ukinfo@rhbuildingservices.co.uk

07870 642169

Even the small jobs count!

RoofingRe-roofs, slating, re-bedding chimney

pots, lead flashing, re-bedding ridge tiles,roof repairs, cleaning roofs

GroundworkFencing timber/concrete, flagstones,

slabing, block paving, Tarmacing

BuildingRe-pointing chimney stacks and walls,

soffit & fascias, gutter

Insurance work undertakenFor your free quotation please call

Darren Hutsby on

07912 691958 01773 532121

For all enquiries Tel: 01773 825341

Text/Mobile 07963 321201email: peter.leam@btinternet.com

www.belperdecorator.c.o.uk

All Aspects of Decoration Work Undertaken

Internal & External Works

Paperhanging

Painting & Gloss WorksFULLY INSUREDAND TRUSTEDTRADER MEMBER

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Call Us Now For A Free No Obligation Quote• Aluminium Welding • Quality Wrought Iron • Automated Gates • Stainless Steel Welding

• Ornamental Gates & Railings • Security Bars & Gates • On Site Welding

Tel: 01773 741416 | Mobile: 07970 208290

www.sbwroughtiron.co.ukUnit 2b, Bradley Park, High Holburn Road, Codnor Gate Industrial Estate, Codnor, Derbyshire. DE5 3NW

Ian Smith 07843 675998

Tel:01773 834006isheating@googlemail.com

NEED A PLUMBER?I.S Plumbing & Heating

• Landlord Certificates• Solid Fuel Installer -

biomass• Central Heating• Solar Thermal• Bathrooms• Showers• Tiling

Boiler Breakdowns• Full Central Heating Systems

• Bathrooms & Showers

• All Aspects of Plumbing

• NO VAT

Tel. 01773 744389Mob. 07776 150274

MARTIN SHIPMANPlumbing & Heating

OAPDISCOUN

TS

MARTIN SHIPMANPlumbing & Heating

All plumbing workundertaken. Specialist inBathroom & Kitchen

installations and generalmaintenance.

Leaks and drips repaired.

PLUMBING

PEAT

Call John on

01773 830493

07812 845473

Bring your driveways and patios back to life

Tel:01773 768955 • M:07886 742856

Driveseal.co.ukDriveseal.co.ukHigh pressure cleaning and sealing

We clean: Block Paving, Patios, Concrete

Driveways, Tarmac, Brickwork, Stonework.

Graffiti Removed • Leave the job spick & span

• Why move? Extend your property and invest in your home

• Plans drawn to your requirements• Plans and forms completed to council standards

• Free estimates

Please call Phil Lingwood on 01773 742936 or 07811810761

www.contract-planningservices.co.uk

CONTRACT PLANNING SERVICESEstablished 1979

BondsCeramics

Domestic and CommercialworkTop quality tiling for floorsand wallsFull bathroom installationsSpecialists in bathroominstallations and tiling forkitchens, bathrooms,extensions and conservatories

Contact Keith Bond

01773 607276 07971 011137

Architects & Planning

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Images Directory

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

To advertise call 01773 830344

country images 93

Flat Roof Problems?

HOMES. GARAGES. EXTENSIONS. DORMERS.PORCHES. OFFICES. FACTORIES. WAREHOUSES.SCHOOLS. COLLEGES. CLUBHOUSES

Professional service from expertswith over 25 years’ experience.

• Maintenance free• Rot-proof, frost-proof & highlyresistant to ageing

• Moss & fungus resistant• Fire resistant & easy installation• Long life span offers excellentvalue for money

• Environmentally friendly materials• Finalist in World RoofingChampionships.

Please call your local surveyor for FREE survey & quotation

T: 01773-513500

www.derbyshirerubberroofing.co.uk

Specialising in superior materials with total protection forall Flat Roofs, with a life expectancy of 50+ years!

Up to 25 years’ Insurance Backed Guarantee

Derbyshire Rubber Roofing Ltd

Soffits and Fascias are fundamental to a house’s exterior, their primarypurpose is to keep the guttering system attached to the building. Theunderside is called the ‘soffit’ and the ‘fascia’ is the part that yourgutter is attached to, bargeboards are also an important part of thisconstruction; these are fixed to the gable end of the roof whichprotects the roof rafters.

PVCU soffits and fascias saves endless hours of painting and upkeep.Replace your exisiting timber soffit and fascia boards and give yourhome the ‘just painted’ look which will last for years. PVCU soffitsand fascias protect the roof space from the elements and preventexpensive damage.

For a free home consultation to get a maintenance free rooflinetailored to your home, please ring Classic Design 01773 761260 orvisit www.cdwindows.co.uk

WHATARE

SOFFITSAND

FASCIAS?

INVEST IN YOUR HOME. Call now for all your building requirements fromconcept to completion. Offering high standards

of workmanship at prices you can afford.

All aspects of building workExtension Specialists, Alterations &

Renovations, Maintenance & Repairs,Upvc Conservatories, Windows & Doors,

Soffits & Fascias, Fireplaces,Woodburners & Flues

01773 81993307980 435236

www.clsbuilders.co.uk

info@clsbuilders.co.uk

Interior & ExteriorPrivate & Commercial

Tel/Fax: 01773 820656Mobile: 07966 296925

dmayesdec@aol.com

34 George Street Belper

DARREN MAYESDECORATORS

Fitted Kitchens

Doors

Skirting Boards

Stud Walls

1st & 2nd fix joinery

Mob:07500 015534

Tel:01773 747288

... from Modernisation to Restoration

• windows and doors• fencing and decking• roofing• kitchens and bathrooms• domestic and commercial• bespoke joinery

m: 07917 005 733t: 01773 749 063

e: skstatham@talktalk.net

TONY WRIGHTHANDYMAN &

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Tel: 01246 463161Mob: 07530 607010tonywright_handyman@hotmail.co.uk• General Handyman Services• No Job Too Small• House Clearance• General Joinery • Garden Maintenance• Painting & Decorating• Free Assessment Given with No Obligation

• Competitive Rates (Discount given for the elderly)If what you want isn’t among

this list. Give me a call and if I can help, I will!

RVW Building ServicesQuality building services.Project management. New build, extensions,

renovation and alterations.City and Guilds Qualified.

Work carried out to a very high standard.

Free quotations, for awarm and friendlyservice, please call:

01332 780275 or07971 978657

www.rvwbuildingservices.co.uk

To advertise

in the

Directory

call

01773

830344

GROUNDS, ESTATE &LAND MANAGEMENT

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL WORK

Tel: 07812783102Web:

www.pmjgroundsmaintenance.co.uk

• FULLY INSURED AND QUALIFIED• SERVICES INCLUDE ALL ASPECTSOF LAND MAINTENANCE, RANGINGFROM FORMAL LAWNS TO SPORTSFIELDS

• REGULAR OR ONE OFF VISITS• FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE SERVICE

P M JQuality Grounds Maintenance

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‘Fare and Fairs’

GAS SERVICINGDavid Wragg Plumbing Services

Corgi registered gas servicing contractor

Boilers and Fires Serviced Landlords’ Gas Safety Inspections • Gas installation work

Combi-boilers, conventional gas boilers and gas fires supplied and

fitted. • Central heating and all types of plumbing work carried out.

Telephone 01773 836873 or 07976 365233

Early summer and the countryside is at its best with all thepromise of full summer to follow. The land has had a goodsoaking, putting money in the bank for farmers and wildlifebut as we know, the weather is a critical component in anyseason and fortunately is beyond the control of man. Cerealcrops and oilseed rape are now in full flower and grass isdeep and lush so winter seems far away; how quickly thingschange in response to warmer conditions and more hoursof light.

I had arrived at a gap in a tangled, old hedgerow from where I had agood vantage point to view the deeply rural scene. Such hedgerows arebecoming less common, as was evident from the slice of countrysidethat stretched into the distance. My thoughts wandered back in timewhen there were far more old hedges surrounding smaller fields thatwere not trimmed geometrically by mechanical cutters. As boys, wetraipsed for miles along such field boundaries that provided food andshelter for a whole variety of plants and animals. In those now far-offdays, we made much of the countryside for food and many activities.Throughout the summer we would forage for and collect blackberries,raspberries, wild strawberries, cow parsley, pignuts, elderberries andelderflowers, sloes, crab apples, horse chestnuts, nettles, coltsfoot anddandelion flowers, rosehips, mushrooms, daisies, burdock, watercress, avariety of wild flowers, fruit from abandoned gardens and semi-wildtrees, walnuts and sweet chestnuts. Any ideas what they were all usedfor?

Many forms of livestock have been turned out into lush meadows. Ifind it very satisfying to see many animals grazing contentedly and thusfar I have seen herds of dairy cattle, beef cattle, flocks of sheep andlambs, pigs, hens, ducks and geese. One hand painted sign at the end ofa farm drive said ‘Eggs and Hens for sale’. Many farmers are now sellingproduce from these creatures at farm shops and farmers’ markets, allthis giving greater confidence in the origins and quality of some of thefoods we eat. Many young trees have been planted in field boundariesand one farmer had erected simple barriers to stop his cattle browsingon such trees until they have put in a few years’ growth.

Over the centuries, people who lived in the countryside had theopportunity to see visiting entertainers and fairs at different times ofthe year. These were in addition to local activities and events that tookplace within and between communities, many now no longer takingplace. One such fair visited the local market town recently, dating backover eight hundred years and it still attracts thousands of people fromthe surrounding countryside. I didn’t have to think of my childhood asI drove along the wide main street. I was thrust back in time and what

I saw had changed little over sixty years. The attractions included thewaltzer, cake-walk, dodgems, various types of roundabouts, ahelter-skelter, haunted houses, a ghost train, a palace of fun and stallswhere you could throw darts with a win every time, play hoopla, rollcoins and buy candy floss and hot dogs. There is still an air of magicabout these visiting fairs for many children, but for how long?

This is a time of year when plants, insects, birds and animals aredeeply involved in reproduction. If one has the time and inclination it ispossible to experience many moments of beauty and wonder at themicro and macro level.. Here are a few I have recently seen and heard:-a small white butterfly feeding from a cowslip flower, a buff-tailedbumblebee, a cock crowing from a far-off farmyard in the early morning,newly shot barley two hundred days after being drilled, flowers openingon cow-parsley plants, the sound of bees feeding on willow catkins, acrow’s tail sticking over the edge of its nest, the songs and calls ofskylarks, curlews and peewits, the sight of shelduck, mallard, coots andgreylag geese on and around a pond, pink and white crab apple blossom,swooping, twittering swallows, creamy mare’s tails against a deep bluesky, the yellowness of a dandelion flower, rain lashing against anorth-facing window, a pied wagtail attacking its reflection in a mirror,rapidly growing tadpoles, purple flowers on ash trees, a dunnockbursting into song a few feet from me, a pair of red-legged partridgesfeeding in the early morning sun and the wistful song of a willowwarbler.

Bye for now,

Furlong

country images 95

Win a Family Ticket to

Crich Tramway

Museum

Just find the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire village in the crossword below and send the place name

on a postcard to: Crossword Comp. Country Images, Unit 5, Keys Road, Alfreton Derbys DE55 7FQ

Entries to reach us by June 16th 2012First correct entry drawn wins the prize of a family ticket to Crich Tramway Museum

Terms and conditions apply

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Across: 1 Wander off 4 Worn 9 They hold the roof up 10 Road covering 12 The act of using 13 _ and behold 14 Give off 15 Without wings 17 Egyptian god 18 Financial times in short 19Not out 20 Beverages 24 Hem in 27 One Day International

28 Small axe 29 Hidden spy 31 He was paranoid! 34 Two Roman50s 35 Assist 36 For example 37 Line connecting places 40 A

measuring instrument. 42 Payment protection insurance 43 To beshown pity 45 Close 46 Unusual 47 Small amount 48 Honesty

Down: 1 Comfy 2 Overwhelming defeat 3 Type of veil

4 Remain 5 Set in motion 6 Unorthodox in religious matters

7 Decay 8 Pass on 11 Snake 14 Eric and ... 16 Make bigger

21 Bread ones! 22 North European fish 23 Take legal action

25 French no 26 Cube! 29 Comfy footwear 30 Grate with a rough

implement 31 Short on administration 32 Take away 33 Drug

38 Not inner 39 Chopper 41 Part of the cage

44 Morse code character

Crich, Matlock, DerbyDE4 5DP T: 01773 854321

Welcome to Let's Go Caravanning - specialists in site delivered touring caravan

hire holidays in DerbyshireExperience & Go - for an introduction to caravanning. Delivery oftouring caravan to your chosen caravan site in Derbyshire and step bystep demonstration and overview on siting and setting up yourcaravan on arrival.

• Touring caravan delivered to your chosen caravan site in Derbyshire• Let's Go Caravanning representative on hand for your arrival anddeparture

• Overview of caravan site facilities and general site protocol• Step by step demonstration and overview on siting and setting upthe caravan on arrival and departure including:Hitching up and unhitching of caravan from towing vehicle -Operation of the caravan motor mover - Caravan levelling andlowering of corner steadies - Setting up of caravan includingconnection of electricity, gas, water & waste - Operation of caravanequipment including heating, water, shower & toilet.

96 country images

You can save up to 42% on theGovernments Bike2Work SchemeBike 2 Work Scheme Ltd is a nationwide Government initiative thataims to get the country's workforce out of their cars and into thesaddle.

This is made possible by the Government's Green Transport Plan,which aims to reduce environmental pollution, promote healthierlifestyles and make cycling to work a cost-effective option foremployees.

Bike 2 Work Scheme support local independent bike shops andcurrently have over 1,100 partner stores all over the UK. Each storeprovides employees with great customer service and also offers awide variety of bikes, brands and cycling equipment.

Who is eligible for the scheme?All company employees qualify for the scheme, providing that they areUK Taxpayers via the PAYE system and over 16 years of age. Earningsmust be above the national minimum wage after the salary sacrificehas been deducted. Employees under the age of 18 would need aguarantor to be able to participate. Self-employed individuals are notpermitted to participate in the scheme.

How does it work?1 Employer registers with Bike 2 Work Scheme.

2 Employee visits one of our partner bike shops to make theirselection and obtain a written quote.

3 Employee presents written quotation to the employer forauthorisation.

4 Employer provides authorisation to Bike 2 Work Scheme.

5 Employer makes payment to Bike 2 Work Scheme as per initialwritten quotation.

6 Bike 2 Work Scheme issues voucher to employee.

7 Employee presents voucher at the relevant bike shop and collectstheir chosen bike/equipment.

8 Employee's Interest Free monthly payments commence.

MOTORCYCLES SCOOTERS & CYCLES

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March saw plenty of attention given to

our climate in ‘Climate Week’. I watched

one programme which highlighted the

problems we have with methane and it

showed that just one joint of lamb

produces lots of methane, due to the fact

that sheep produce plenty of methane

because they have wind. I was

wondering about this though, surely

animals throughout the history of time

have trumped, so methane has always

been there?

Animals have always been used on farms and

nearly everyone had a horse; horses pulled

stagecoaches, the postman used a horse, in fact

virtually every delivery around Britain relied on a

horse, being as there were 17 million people in

the UK in 1750. That’s a lot of methane. Possibly,

one cure would be to give animals ‘Rennies’ to

cut down on wind.

I did have this idea that getting rid of my car may

be the answer and just to catch the local bus. I

soon abandoned that idea though, as the bus

always seems to be broken down and not only

that, kicks out so much black smoke in any low

gear that nothing would be gained in the process.

I even came round to completely abandoning my

principles and watched Gardeners’ World for tips

on growing my own vegetables. Previous attempts

have yielded very little success and would not

have fed us for very long - a day or two at the

most and that’s stretching it. Can you live on red

onions? I’m not sure!

I did plant some apple trees in the thought that I

was helping photosynthesis, but according to the

NHS web site apples cause flatulence. So, rather

than help I was adding to the problem.

So what do I plant? Well apparently it is the time

to plant carrots, beetroot, broad beans, salad

onions, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts,

spinach, leeks, lettuce, rocket, coriander, mixed

salad or stir fry leaves, radish, turnips, peas,

lettuce and Swiss chard. Can you see any

problems in that list? Well cabbage, sprouts and

broccoli are all known to cause wind thereby my

healthy eating kick is once again making a

problem not only for the atmosphere but

everyone around me.

I have realised that it is a fight to help the climate

but there is another process, cut out the middle

man and just rear some sheep and then eat them!

We tried that once. A friend who has a farm asked

if we would like fresh lamb when available. We

said yes but then foolishly took the children to see

our designated animal (Olga) growing up. When

it eventually arrived frozen and in bags ready for

the freezer none of us could eat it. Hey

ho......looks like lettuce this year.

5 days to make a sandwich!

On the subject of food we picked up a leaflet in a

supermarket which advertised that they would

make sandwiches for special occasions. Because

we had moved offices we thought we would

make use of the service only to be told at 9.30am

that you have to give 5 days notice because they

have to ‘order in the ingredients’. Bearing in mind

we were stood in a major supermarket near the

bread counter and opposite the cheese section

we felt a little confused as to who they were

ordering from. ‘Get a tray and run round a bit I

thought’ Within an hour I could have made a tray

of butties. I also wondered if they have so many

orders they couldn’t cope with ours of

sandwiches for 8!

Talk on Life

by GP

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The Good Life?

JUBILEECELEBRATIONS

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Freephone 0800 389 65 28Alfreton 01773 832222

www.thekitco.co.ukShowroom: 159 Mansfield Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7JQ

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