country images - north edition - may 2013

Cuckoo Calls by John Connolly

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

May 2013 North Edition

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

Michael Ball

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PEAKFOREST

MODERn

Kitchen Living

BRETBYArtPottery

Doveridge HallRESTORE IT!

Belperat a glance

Planning

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The summer months present us withan ideal time to get out and about, soto that end our regular editorialcontributors have certainly got intothe swing of it and have gone to theextremes of the county. Brian Spencer is in Peak Forest and theHistoric Peaklands, whilst MaxwellCraven is in Doveridge and alsoexamining Bretby Art. Just to equalthings out the walk is around TheChevin. Steve Orme goes global and interviewscelebrity Michael Ball.

All of our regular features are there foryou to enjoy along with the history ofthe cookbook.Cookbooks are a feature in mosthomes. Where did all this cookingstart? We investigate.....

Whatever your summer habits,Country Images will still be droppingthrough your letterbox just like a friendcalling in. Please enjoy this edition.

Garry, Jane andall the staff

on-line

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Download a QR scanner to your iPhone or

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Sitting Pretty by Richard Whittlestone

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CorrectionLast month we incorrectly stated that the Abraham Lincoln Library inAlfreton was up for sale. We are happy to print the following statement thatwe have received:

“The Abraham Lincoln Library was transferred into private ownership in1970 and is a well preserved and cared for historical building, and is anadmirable landmark approaching Alfreton from the A38 major roadway.”


No forests and no peaks, neverthelessPeak Forest has an interesting history.Brian Spencer visits one of the oldestvillages in the Peak District

PEAKFOREST

The village is a straggle of isolated stone cottages and farms sitting at right

angles around the crossroads of the A623 and along minor lanes going east

and west. Its parish church fits nicely into a corner more or less opposite the

Devonshire Arms, a pub which has cared for the needs of travellers since this

became the main route from Chesterfield to Manchester. This road was a

turnpike dating from the eighteenth century.

Derbyshire Villages


The name Peak Forest has nothing to do with trees, in fact it is unlikely that dense bodies of trees ever

covered the thin soil of the surrounding limestone moors. Forest in this case refers to an area set aside as

a pleasure ground where royalty could hunt; but woe betide any commoner who had the temerity to

take any of the game reserved only for the upper classes. When William, Duke of Normandy was

carving up the land after the Battle of Hastings, he gave a huge slice of the North Midlands to William

Peveril, one of his knights. Part of it, one suspects the least profitable as agricultural land, was reserved

for hunting and became the Royal Forest of the Peak where deer and wild boar could be chased by the

privileged few.

Anyone found poaching game, even if driven

by hunger, was hauled before the Steward of

the Forest, a kind of manager who presided

in the Swaincote based in what became Peak

Forest. Even the taking of rabbits was

forbidden as was the creation of

smallholdings hidden away in secluded parts

of the forest; punishment as a result was

severe, ranging from branding or having an

eye or hand removed to possibly hanging.

Punishment was meted out for the most

trivial offence and was so cruel that death by

hanging may have been considered the less

painful option. Hunting continued

throughout the Middle Ages, but it was not

until the latter part of the sixteenth century

that the land became settled; the last deer to

be killed, if records are right, was in 1674.

Eventually and along with the rest of the

country, small agricultural settlements were

merged into larger farms as decreed by the

Enclosure Acts of the eighteenth and

nineteenth centuries. This then set the pattern

of Peak Forest which still applies in the

twenty-first century.

Like much of the White Peak, small scale

lead mining occupied the efforts of many of

Peak Forest’s inhabitants, both women as

well as men. Most of the mines were dotted

around the moors above Conies Dale where

rabbits were encouraged to breed mainly for

their fur. In Oxlow Rake to the south east of

the moor, the word Dam crops up in several

places and suggests that water was stored

there, perhaps for washing lead ore, but it is

unlikely that there was any appreciable

amount of water able to be stored in the

otherwise dry valley. The only standing water

in Peak Forest was a dew pond near the

angle made by Old Dam Lane and Church

Lane, that was created by lining a man made

hollow with impervious clay.

The easy pace of village life


Most of the village settlement is around the area known

as Old Dam; there is still a village shop lower down

Church Lane, but apart from Sweet Knoll Farm, most of

the farms husbanding dairy cattle and sheep are

scattered across the higher ground leading towards

Eldon Hill and on either side of the A623, or along the

by-road leading to Peak Dale and Buxton. Although

there was once a cotton mill at Damside south of the

main road and possibly another for grinding corn, non

agricultural industry now sits neatly beside the A623 on

its way to Chapel-en-le-Frith, where the vehicle repair

garage has a neighbour specialising in hand made

kitchen furniture.

The Romans built their Batham Gate to link Aquae

Arnemetiae (Buxton), to the outpost of Navio between

Bradwell and Hope. The line of the road passes to the

east of Peak Forest, keeping to the high ground for much

of the way. Little remains of this once important link,

although several minor roads still follow parts of its

route. It may have been this route that an eloping couple

were following in 1758 in order to get married at Peak

Forest. Their finery and obvious wealth attracted the

attention of a group of out of work lead miners when

they stopped at Castleton. From there they were

followed into the Winnats Pass where they were robbed

and murdered. Their bodies were hidden down an

abandoned mine shaft and not found until prospecting

miners reopened the mine several years later. None of

the murderers were brought to justice, but all died

miserable deaths, either by accident or suicide, with the

last one admitting the crime on his death bed.

If the eloping couple had completed their journey, they

would have made themselves known to the vicar in

charge of Peak Forest church. Known by the unusual

dedication to King Charles the Martyr, one of only a

handful commemorating the execution of King Charles

I, it had the unusual distinction of allowing couples to

England’s equivalent to Gretna Green - the Parish Churchdedicated to King Charles I

The villagereading roomwith anattractiveVenetian glasswindow.


marry without the statutory need for the reading of banns. The minister’s official and long winded title

was that of ‘Principal Official in the Peculiar Court of Peak Forest’. As the position was also outside the

jurisdiction of a bishop the minister was able to grant marriage licences, no doubt with considerable

financial advantage to the incumbent. As a result the chapel became a kind of Gretna Green and for a

time marriages averaged one a week. The act of 1753 was supposed to have checked runaway

marriages, but local parsons who also had the lucrative privilege of proving wills, went on performing

these unusual weddings for another 50 years.

Set amongst a fine group of sycamores, the church was endowed by Christina, Countess of Devonshire.

It was devoted to the memory of King Charles I and also reputedly to that of one of her sons who died in

the Royalist cause. There are several memorials to members of the Cavendish family whose money

helped build the church. Two of its windows are memorials to tragic pages of our history; one shows

Charles I in armour, with an axe, a block and the fallen crown beside him. The other window recalls

Lord Frederick Cavendish who was murdered in Phoenix Park, Dublin in the dark days of Ireland before

Home Rule. The original church suffered from the Victorian rebuilding zeal in 1876, this time on the

orders of the 7th Duke of Devonshire. We have little idea of what the original seventeenth century

chapel looked like, but much of its fabric found its way into the reading rooms next door along with an

attractive Venetian glass window.

There is a signpost pointing to the Donkey Village at the traffic lights next

to the church. Follow this road for about half a mile into open countryside

and then go to the right on to a very narrow road for a mile or so, then

through a gate to cross a field leading to an old farm house next to a group

of modern farm buildings. This is Freshfields Donkey Village, home of the

Michael Elliot Trust. Founded by members of the theatrical profession, as a

result you might bump into the likes of June Brown aka Dot Cotton of

Eastenders fame for she is the very hands on president of the Trust, along

with stage luminaries ranging from Dame Judi Dench to Lord Richard Attenborough CBE.

If the eloping couple had evaded their murderers, one of the routes and the most direct they could have

taken, was up the Winnats Pass from Castleton and then out on to Eldon Hill. Descending by way of

mines with names like Slitherstone which sounds like something out of a Harry Potter story, their way

would have taken them past Eldon Hole. About 180 feet deep and proven to link with Peak Cavern in

Castleton, the hole appears as a deep gash on the side of 1540ft high Eldon Hill. Once known as the

Bottomless Pit it was listed by Thomas Hobbes, tutor to the Cavendish family as being one of his Seven

Wonders of the Peak. It was in his days that a local farmworker was lowered by rope down the chasm,

but returned speechless and with pure white hair. At another time a goose that was sent down

reappeared in Peak Cavern, reputedly with singed feathers, apparently having journeyed through Hell!

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Art pottery entered the national consciousness in the 1860s on the back of the

Aesthetic Movement and the craze for all things Japanese, which arose from the

1862 International Exhibition. It was a move away from the cheap transfer printed

wares then emanating from Stoke-on-Trent, towards hand crafted pottery which

could be acquired for its own merit.

Bretby was the first such pottery in Derbyshire and was founded

in 1883 by Henry Tooth and William Ault, originally in makeshift

accommodation at T G Green’s works at Church Gresley, not far

from Bretby. Tooth was born into a bucolic family in

Buckinghamshire in 1842 and by his twenties was employed as a

theatrical scenery painter in London, gradually moving on to

execute murals and general decoration for country houses. In

1878 we find him managing an art pottery at Linthorpe, not far

from Middlesbrough, although how he obtained such a position

from the pottery’s proprietor - Christopher Dresser no less - so far

removed from his known talents and abilities is a mystery; it may

be that he was a persuasive talker with a personality to match!

At Linthorpe, Tooth appears to have been responsible for the

famous flown clear glazes they produced. His time there enabled

him to learn the techniques of pottery production and he

oversaw the production of pottery in ‘every conceivable

description, shape and colour.’ In contrast, William Ault brought

business management and accountancy skills to the partnership,

having previously been T G Green’s manager.

In 1885, the newly fledged art pottery moved to Woodville

where their ‘arts and crafts’ style office and showroom still

survive, albeit long derelict. Unfortunately, Ault left the business

in 1887 to start an art pottery called Ault Faience at Swadlincote

railway station, which took over the assets of Linthorpe not long

afterwards and used freelance designers, including Dresser

himself. The only tragedy is that few products emerged actually

Local Antiques

bretbyArt

Pottery

by Maxwell Craven

Bretby stick stand 1880s Bretby vase 1890s

Bretby impressed mark


SPRING EXHIBITIONNOW ONTuesday to Saturday

10am-5pm

marked so those that are constitute great rarities. This venture

lasted until 1923 when a merger led to the production of

functional items.

Meanwhile, Bretby had started off making vases and plant pots

very reminiscent of Linthorpe shapes, also with bright or flown

glazes and in the 1890s a great number of new designs were

added, frequently unconventional in form and decorative

treatment – ‘nothing could be too brilliant and glowing in colour’.

Much experimentation went on, with lustre and flambé glazes

being tried. Unfortunately, little is known about the decorators and

modellers, who seem to have all been local except for Mellor and

Metcalfe who were head hunted from Linthorpe. Also, Tooth’s

daughter Florence did apparently produce some ‘beautifully

modelled’ pieces showing ‘skill and ingenuity’ – this even after

her marriage to a Yorkshire parson. Bretby pieces rarely bear an

artist’s identification mark.

From the outset, the firm used a sun symbol rising from a horizon

bearing the word ‘BRETBY’ which was universal on the firm’s

wares until 1933, after which its use gradually declined. Most

pieces were also marked with a number or shape mould followed

by a letter indicating the size of the piece. The word ENGLAND

was added in 1891 and MADE IN ENGLAND after c1910. An HT

cipher was used on very early pieces and Tooth’s Linthorpe

products, surviving in occasional use to c1900. Some pieces have

a date hand painted on the base, generally in black, but otherwise

one can only date by the introduction of a particular numeric; for

example 917 = 1910, 1116 = 1897, 1678 = 1907 up to 3045 =

1929, however these digits were often produced for years, even

decades, so is no secure guide.

Most Bretby wares were produced by rapid and inexpensive press

or slip-cast methods, allowing items to be sold within the means

of the most frugal purchaser – code for people of the poorer sort.

Local clays were used and glaze recipes ‘similar to those used in

stained glass’ were made on site. In its early decades the firm was

widely acclaimed and won a number of medals at international

exhibitions.

In 1912 the firm became a limited company with Tooth (who died

in 1918) and his son as directors. The son and his sister kept things

going after Henry’s death, introducing new wares but, in the view

of most collectors, at the expense of quality. The Great Depression

also took its toll and in 1933 the firm was sold to the Parkers, who

were its proprietors until its closure. Production ceased during

1939-1947 in favour of war work, but in the 1950s the old biscuit

and glost kilns were replaced with a gas-fired tunnel kiln, a new

canteen was built and working conditions for the 70 staff were

much improved. At this time some 2000 or so wares were being

turned out, about half of which went to export.

Towards the end of the firm’s existence, it was producing

anonymous lamp bases, plant pots, souvenir material and

advertising materials for chain stores and the Burton breweries. It

closed in 1996.

If you are keen on Bretby, the bible is Michael David Ash’s Bretby

Art Pottery: a Collector’s Guide (David Ash Publishing 2001) – if

you can get hold of a copy!

Bretby Pottery Marks

This page,

left to right:

Bretby cat 1912.

Bretby Pottery

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When Doveridge Hall was demolished for want of a tenant in 1938, the

county lost a house of architectural importance and fascinating

connections. Built between 1770 and 1777 it was one of Derbyshire’s few

grand, formal, Palladian set-pieces.

LOST HOUSES OF DERBYSHIRE by Maxwell Craven

Above: An 18th century engraving

of Doveridge Hall showing the

park reaching maturity.

Right: A similar view of the Hall

120 years later.

Doveridge Hall

A grand, formal Palladian set-piece

When we talk of Palladian

architecture we are looking at a

building designed in Classical style,

but as interpreted by the

Renaissance Venetian architect

Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) who

set out his ideas in his I Quattro Libri

del’ Architettura (1570). Rather than

ancient Roman architecture revived,

it is essentially re-interpreted

through a Renaissance lens.


Palladio’s influence arrived in England with

Inigo Jones during the reign of James I and

had undergone an astonishing revival at

the expense of the Baroque tradition on the

back of the Whig supremacy from 1714,

led by Colen Campbell and the Earl of

Burlington. Although the Whig dominance

of British political life had ended with the

death of George II in 1760, ushering in an

era of Tory political dominance and

spurring a revival of Neo-Classical

architecture, the Whig gentry still adhered

to the Palladian style. The new Tory

ascendancy on the other hand, espoused

Robert Adam, James Wyatt and the purer

Neo-Classical style. It was the only time in

UK history in which architecture became

hopelessly politicised.

The man who commissioned Doveridge

Hall was the Rt Hon Sir Henry Cavendish,

PC (I) who had gone to Ireland in 1737 as

secretary to his kinsman the 3rd Duke of

Devonshire, who had been appointed as

Lord Lieutenant. He remained there until

the 1760s as Teller of the Exchequer. The

Dukes of Devonshire were amongst the

most prominent Whig families, descended

from one of the younger sons of Bess of

Hardwick and Sir William Cavendish. The

eldest of their sons was Sir Henry

Cavendish of Tutbury; the Sir Henry who

commissioned Doveridge Hall was a

descendant of his natural son, also Henry,

on whom his father had settled the 1,704

acre estate there.

In 1769 Sir Henry chose as his architect a

complete tyro, the 26-year-old Edward

Stevens, a pupil of the renowned Palladian

Sir William Chambers, who was teaching

A view of the pleasure grounds and park looking south to the Dove, Richard Keene c1870

The monumental south façade in the 1870s,

from a photograph by Richard Keene [M. Craven]


architecture to George III. He trained with

Sir William from 1760 to 1766 and his first

house was Spye Park in Wiltshire. He went

to Ireland to compete for the design of the

Dublin Royal Exchange, where he

probably met Sir Henry, coming with a

recommendation from Chambers.

The site chosen for the house (which

replaced the mainly vanished Old Hall in

the village, being reduced to a tenanted

farm) was a spectacular one on the top of a

ridge looking south over the Dove. To

complement this, Stevens designed a

monumental but very conservative two and

a half storey façade in Keuper Sandstone,

designed with some subtlety. There was a

broad central pediment covering three

close-set central bays as well as two

further, wider-spaced bays flanking them,

each divided by a column of a giant

attached Ionic order, all set on a rusticated

ground floor. The first floor windows within

the pedimented aedicule had alternating

triangular and segmental pediments in true

Palladian style. The façade was set off with

a three bay single storey link to two storey

end pavilions.

The remainder of the house was in brick

with six bay sides and the entrance front,

which faced north, was quite different to

that facing the river, being of only five

well-spaced bays, with pedimented

tripartite windows, very much in the idiom

of Stevens’s old mentor, Sir William

Chambers, on the end bays on the piano

nobile – the main (in this case first) floor.

The ground floor fenestration was

embellished with blocky surrounds and the

angles with stone quoins, making it all

look rather busy. The house had a double

pile hipped roof behind a low parapet

supported by a modillion cornice.

The grand rooms were all on the piano

nobile and were reputedly embellished

with fairly lavish plasterwork, perhaps by

Abraham Denstone of Derby who worked

extensively with Pickford. The staircase,

accessed through a screen at the far end of

the hall, was top lit, running round three

sides of a well with a mahogany rail

supported on fine quality wrought iron

balustrade, probably by Benjamin Yates,

Robert Bakewell’s successor. The parkland

was clearly laid out by a professional hand

and may well have been the work of

William Emes of Bowbridge House,

another associate of Pickford’s. Emes was

celebrated for relating houses to fine lakes,

but here he had an entire river to play with

as he had at Darley Hall (1777-78),

although it is not clear whether he tried to

manipulate it into being wider where the

house overlooked it; the 18th century

engravings rather suggest that something of

this nature this might have been attempted.

Despite it taking five years to build,

Stevens, who was elected ARA in 1770,

went off to Italy in 1774, leaving matters in

the oversight of his friend Joseph Pickford

who in turn seems to have delegated

Above: The north (entrance) front c1904, from a postcard [M. Craven]

A lavish interior


matters to his assistants Thomas Gardner

and Thomas Freeman, who appear to have

acted as joint clerks of works. Meanwhile,

Stevens, who had been visited in Rome by

his friend Joseph Wright, promptly took ill

and died there on the 27th June 1775. What

Sir Henry thought of his architect swanning

off to Italy (and then dying) is not recorded,

but in 1776 Gardner and Freeman added

the pavilions before moving on to build the

stables which were ‘now carrying on’ in

1777.

Sir Henry’s daughter-in-law Sarah, an Irish

Bradshaw, was in 1792 created Baroness

Waterpark in the Irish peerage in

recognition of her husband’s notable career

in the Irish House of Commons and

government. This was remaindered to her

heirs male, and the title has descended in

this branch of the Cavendish family to this

day. At this time however, the family had a

seat in Ireland at Leixlip, County Kildare

and a town house in York Place, Dublin, so

Doveridge Hall must have been used only

occasionally. After the Act of Union in

1801, her grandson the 3rd Lord Waterpark,

was elected for a number of English

Parliamentary seats, including the Southern

Division of Derbyshire and Lichfield where

he re-established Doveridge as the family’s

main seat. As part of this he turned the

upper floor of the western pavilion of the

house into a ballroom, connecting it to the

main building with a glazed passage.

The 4th Lord Waterpark moved to West

Lodge on the estate (which he retained)

and sold the house to Frank Addison Brace,

who in turn later sold it to the brewery

magnate Sir Samuel Allsopp, 1st Lord

Hindlip. However, his successors preferred

their Worcestershire house, Hindlip Hall

and Doveridge Hall by the inter-war period

was largely unoccupied.

In April 1935 the 3rd Lord

Hindlip put the house and

part of the park up for

auction with Bagshaws who

obtained a paltry £4,000 for

it. Those parts of the pleasure

grounds nearest the village

were sold off as building

plots and the hall fell into the

hands of a local contractor

who demolished it in 1938.

Only the stable block, lodge,

bailiff’s house and part of the

incomparable landscape

survive.

As a footnote, it is worth

mentioning that the last

member of the Waterpark

family to remain in

Derbyshire was the late

Geoffrey Cavendish, who

died at Wheathills in

Mackworth, after having

lived in Allestree for many

years. A son of Tyrell Cavendish, by an

American heiress, he was born in 1910,

but was left behind when his parents sailed

to New York less than two years later. This

was fortunate in the extreme, for his father

died on RMS Titanic, although his mother

was saved. Geoffrey played Rugby for

England and worked as an engineer in

Derby, dying at a redoubtable 97 in 2007.

Left: The Meynell

Hunt meeting in

front of the Hall in

1910; note the

glass corridor

leading from the

piano nobile to the

ballroom in the

western pavilion.

[M. Craven]

The sale anddemolition

Below: The late Geoffrey Cavendish


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Most channels on TV nowadays feature programmescovering the art of restoring things, be it house,furniture, garden makeover or car restoration. Weseem to be turning the clock back and restoration isthe new ‘new’ if you see what I mean.

I have become quite a fan of British architect George Clarke

‘The Restoration Man’. There is a passion there that comes

across to me in a way that shows how a property, or any

object for that matter, needs delicate treatment to retain

character, quality and style. George Clarke’s advice as an

architect always seems to hit the mark and enhance the project

and I like that input.

We could all have a stab at doing something up but when we

look back at our efforts it is usually with a little regret. I notice

with all these programmes that an expert is eventually brought

in to sort things out because they have the knowhow and can

usually spot things a mile off that are wrong, could have been

done more efficiently, or at less cost if it was done in the right

way in the first place.

I loved one particular programme, not sure which it was, where

the builder was sacked because he was costing a lot. I felt sorry

for him because he was in a no win situation with changes

being constantly thrust onto him, which are bound to cost. So

the person took up the management and work themselves and

it still went off beam and over budget plus the workmanship

was pretty poor to say the least. That’s where the experts

come into play.

A couple of hundred should sort this!

restore it!

continued page 40


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Many years ago a friend of mine had a beautiful car that only

needed a little work on two doors. So, in true ’I can restore

it mode’ he decided to rub it down himself and give it a coat

of primer and that’s as far as he got, until the day he sold it as

a ‘half red/half gray colour, low mileage vehicle’ and obviously

got less than its true worth.. There are just some things we

shouldn’t attempt. I’ve seen people who shouldn’t be allowed

anywhere near a paintbrush, carpet stretcher, spanner and

neither should they ever pick up a trowel.

A lot of self help sites on the internet will talk you through

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Belperat a glance

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ARE YOU COMPLETELY IN THE PICTUREREGARDING YOUR FINANCES?Do you need answers to one or more of the following questions?

How do I stop the taxmangetting a large chunk of myestate on my death?

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Positive Solutions (Financial Services) Ltd. is authorised andregulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered as aLimited Company in England and Wales No. 3276760. TheFinancial Conduct Authority does not regulate advice onsome taxation matters and some buy to let mortgages.

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Planning

AheadPlanning ahead can take on manyforms as the years go by. We can’tescape making plans, whether fortonight’s tea, who to invite up atthe weekend or where to goon holiday.

We seem forever to have to make

decisions on what to do. Planning

our finances is vital, whether we

earn one pound or a million, it all has

to be accounted for one way or

another as if not, we would find

ourselves in a bit of a mess!

Mortgages, rates, food, cars, health

are all aspects we have to consider.

The decision where our homes are

concerned is do we rent or buy? Many sadly

have to make choices of where to live in

older age or make end of life decisions.

Planning ahead doesn’t necessarily have to

take the spontaneity out of life though, in fact

the opposite can be true, it can add to the fun

because planning may mean there is a bit left

to enjoy after a life of work.

It seems strange that the big spends in life are

generally planned for but it can be the smaller

things from day to day that can trip us up as

they all mount up each month. Mobiles,

satellite, holidays, meals out, the need for

new clothes all can catch us out if we

haven’t planned for them. A golden rule

is ‘to think before you buy’! Managing

money long term can be a challenge

for many and that’s why it can be

helpful to contact a financial adviser.

continued page 48

The Apartments at Berry Hill HallMansfield NG18 4FH

NEWLY FINISHED

APARTMENTS

AVAILABLE

• Underground Parking Available• Fully Fitted Kitchens With AllAppliances

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Luxury apartments and Mews properties available.

PLEASE TELEPHONE OR EMAIL FOR FURTHERINFORMATION AND OPENING HOURSGill Sage - Sales & Marketing ManagerMobile 07500 434940 Email: [email protected] contact Gascoines Ollerton office Tel: 01623 860328


Coxbench Is About Caring!

Coxbench Hall Residential Home

Coxbench Hall

Alfreton Road, Coxbench, Derby DE21 5BBTel: 01332 880200 Fax: 01332 881199www.coxbench-hall.co.uk e.mail: [email protected]

l Highly trained staff l Superb home cooking l Lift to all floors

l Most rooms have en-suite toilets l Ample lounge space with large

conservatory l Call Care System to all rooms l Loop System

l Own mini-bus l Extensive activities and entertainment

Sustain and enjoy independence throughout your retirement years in

elegant surroundings with the support of top quality family-style

care. This high quality retirement home is a beautiful Georgian

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When our health fails there are many companiesaround to help with planning ahead. Mobilitycompanies abound, care homes cater for those whoneed specialist care when families can no longer handlethings or even when there is no family to do so.

Property choice has come to the fore recently with homes specially

built for those who either wish to downsize or to have a place where

maintenance is cared for by others. Downsizing is not necessarily a

matter of a smaller home but can also be one which is just easier to

look after or more conveniently placed in relation to town when we

have to stop driving.

The companies on these pages are all ready to help you plan ahead.

Planning

Ahead

Reminiscence Lounge -Designed with yester yearin mind but enhancedwith contemporarycomfort – reminisce awhile over a cuppa!Enjoy a warm andinviting dining experiencein our newly decoratedAutumn Dining Room.Street themes in ourcorridors and traditionalfront doors for bedrooms. More on the way! –Lounges are beingdecorated to reflect theSummer Season withbright, contemporary andcheerful shades andfurnishings. Many newstylish furniture and anew residents’ kitchen foractivities such as baking.

EXCELLENT RESULTS (FULLY COMPLIANT) IN CARE QUALITY COMMISSION INSPECTION OCTOBER 2012

Recent comments from Relatives“We are eternally grateful for the dignity andcare shown to [our relative] by Julia and herwonderful staff. Thank you all.” March 2013

“…for everything that you have done and allthe joy you’ve brought – Thanks again.”February 2013

“You have all been outstanding in every wayfrom attending to all her needs and care whilstgiving us all the help and support we neededto get through such a difficult time. Wordscannot say how grateful we are for everythingyou have done. So thanks again for all yourhard work and dedication. It will never beforgotten.” February 2013

Exciting News!We are having a bit of a makeover at

Welcometo The Meadows

To arrange a visit or an informal chat regarding The Meadows Telephone 01773 52049176, Mansfield Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE56 7JL


EXCITING NEWS

The Meadows

Care Home is having

a Makeover!

The management and staff are very pleased toannounce that they are having a bit of a makeover atthe Meadows Care Home in Alfreton! They haverecently been updating the dining rooms withautumnal shades, creating a very inviting and homelyatmosphere – now aptly called The Autumn DiningRooms.

The main lounges are currently undergoing refurbishment. The

lounges will become the Summer Lounges with uplifting tones to

create a truly sociable setting. Intimate seating areas will form the

layout alongside contemporary floral curtaining and scatter cushions.

They are also thrilled with the new Reminiscence Lounge - designed

with yesteryear in mind but enhanced with contemporary comfort.

This is a cosy lounge area where residents and friends of The

Meadows can go to reminisce and have some quiet time. The aim of

the room is to help residents tap into their past, triggering memories

that can give them a grounding when they may be confused. We have

displayed 1940/50’s memorabilia and framed displays to create a bit of

a talking point.

An update of the bedroom corridors is underway with each corridor

being given a local name and all bedrooms having their own

traditional front door – with the aim of aiding orientation.

Bedroom refurbishments are on-going with the scheme incorporating

warm shades to create a truly inviting haven.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own ornaments and pictures

to individualise bedrooms reflecting their taste and personality.

The staff are so excited about the makeover, they invite locals to pop

in for a cuppa and see for themselves!

“Please don’t ignore this. Spring may have finally sprung. Now sounds

like the right time to address some of those financial matters that may

have sat at the back of your mind festering.

For example, how well are your old pensions really doing for you?

“The latest statement you received may have been better than the

previous one, but how does your pension fund compare with other

pension fund performances? Is the fund that your retirement money

is invested in working well for you? Is it expensive? What is the risk

level being taken with your monies? More importantly though is

knowing now - not when it’s too late! - how much the pension might

generate for you when you retire.

“Only independent financial advisers can provide the sort of

comprehensive review of your pensions that will ensure you are not

disappointed at retirement.

“So now it’s spring, make the most of it and have a financial health

check to see your financial affairs are in good order.”

Belper IFS 01773 599585

Make the most of spring and have afinancial health check


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embersofalfretonNOWOPEN


He felt that this commercially driven

approach was not necessarily in the best

interests of patients and so set up his own

practice offering a more personal approach to

clients. Stephen has been working

independently for over 15 years in Oxford,

but has chosen to return to his Derbyshire

roots spending two days a week in Oxford

looking after his existing clients.

Stephen prefers to consult at his patient’s

home where problems such as hearing the

TV, talking on the telephone, or hearing

speech over noises such as the washing

machine or boiling kettle can be addressed.

During the initial consultation there will be a

discussion regarding any concerns you may

have over your hearing. This will include any

factors that may contribute to hearing loss,

such as medication, health issues, past trauma

or noise exposure, as well as covering any

particular situations where you have difficulty

in hearing clearly.

After this an aural examination will take place

to check the physical health of the outer ears,

the ear canals and the Tympanic membrane

(Ear Drum) as well as making sure there are

no obstructions present that would affect the

Hearing Test.

Providing all is well the hearing test will

commence. This consists of presenting a

series of different pitched tones that cover

the various sounds of speech, such as vowels

and consonants and plotting a graph from the

patient’s responses. The resulting graph will

show any deviation from the norm and at

what level the patient hears the various

speech sounds.

A detailed explanation will then be given,

explaining the graph, any difficulties that the

patient may have understanding speech and

why this is the case.

Following on from this, if appropriate, the

patient will be offered a demonstration of

hearing aids. This will consist of programming

a pair of aids to the prescription of the

patient, so they are able to experience

firsthand how hearing speech can be

enhanced by the latest hearing systems.

When choosing which hearing system will

suit you best, the single most important thing

is to trust that the Audiologist understands

your needs, is able to recommend with total

impartiality and has your best interests in

mind.

Stephen is able to prescribe the aids he feels

are the most ideally suited to your specific

hearing requirements. However, due to low

overheads, his prices will match the large

internet providers whilst still enabling him to

give unique aftercare. Stephen’s wife has a

severe hearing loss and this gives him a

greater understanding of the problems faced

by the patient and also their family.

As you would expect from a leading

practitioner, Stephen offers a 60 day exchange

facility. If, during the first 60 days of use, you

feel that the wrong choice has been made,

your aids can be exchanged for a different

make or model better suited to you. Simply

put, you have the reassurance of knowing that

you’ll end up with the aids that are perfect

for your needs.

To arrange a consultation or to discuss your

own personal needs contact Stephen Toon

Hearing Care 01246 766912 or email

[email protected]

Prior to becoming independent, Stephen practised for many years at a well known, leading

high street hearing care provider. During this time he became aware that many hearing care

providers were forming commercial partnerships with various hearing aid manufacturers.

Stephen Toon - a bespoke approach to hearing care

“Hearing every word,capturing every

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• Free audiological test• Detailed explanation ofyour hearing loss

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Stephen Toon Hearing CareStephen Toon RHAD Audiologist and hearing specialist

A bespoke approach to hearing care...Thorough, detailedconsultation & hearing testExpert prescription,ensuring the right choicesare madeOutstanding aftercare,providing on-going peaceof mind

Stephen workedwith the BBC on the“Don’t Die Young”television series

Bespoke personal care -coupled with internet-level pricing

To arrange your free home consultation and initial assessment, call 01246 766912 or email [email protected]

for more information see www.stephentoon.org

Empathy…Stephen’s wife has a severehearing loss and it is hisphilosophy that he treats allpatients in the same dedicatedmanner in which he treats his wife.

Living with someone who has ahearing loss gives Stephen aneven greater understanding of thepotential difficulties faced not onlyby those with hearing impairment,but also their family and friends.

Professionalism…Previously, Stephen practised at awellknown, leading high street hearingcare provider. Stephen combines thevery best aspects of corporateaudiology with his bespoke, morepersonalised approach to patient care.

Free from the fetters of corporatetrading relationships, he is entirely atliberty to offer the particular hearingsolution that he feels is appropriate forthe individual patient’s needs.

Stories from the Countryside

Tawny owls are the night hunters of night hunter; having large eyes,ears that pick up the faintest rustle in the undergrowth, silent flight,strong beaks and talons, the ability to turn their heads throughalmost 360 degrees as they search for prey, yet often giving awaytheir presence by hooting and making a whole series of odd, eeriesounds. I have rarely seen them except when one was being mobbedby birds that had found it at roost one morning, the noise attractingmy attention. The last time I saw a barn owl was over 40 years ago,quartering a small field at dusk. Owls are carnivores and I cameacross some interesting statistics in an old nature book about theirdiets. Obtained from the indigestible material found in regurgitatedowl pellets, 700 barn owl pellets revealed the remains of 239 mice, 93voles, 1500 shrews, 19 sparrows, 16 bats and 3 rats. Most predatorsavoid shrews because of their taste but owls swallow their preywhole, hence the material in the pellets, in the process bypassingtheir taste buds. It would be revealing to carry out the same exercisenow and see what differences come to light, 70 years on. I was quitesurprised at the variety of creatures eaten by owls. The little owl, anintroduced species, is thought to kill small birds and pile them up intoa heap to attract scavenging beetles that the owl feeds on. Owls maynest in nest boxes, holes in trees, in rabbit burrows, on bare groundor on a patch of trampled vegetation. A little research can revealmuch about these birds and their habits, making them a little lessmysterious.

I was collecting logs at twilight, or owl-light, from a pile under a

pantiled roof area between two buildings. They were apple logs, mosscovered and gnarled from an old orchard that had been cut down.The ‘log man’ is an interesting character who can talk about mostthings, an ever-decreasing breed. The sun had set, leaving the westernsky with a yellowish hue in contrast to the dark, eastern sky wherethe rising moon was shining bright. The nocturnal world of naturewas slowly taking over from the diurnal world of man. I lookedwestwards at the shapes of many different trees against the rapidly-darkening sky. The last few alarm calls and scoldings came from someblackbirds in a mature hedge and dark shapes appeared as small birdssped by en route to their roosts, carefully chosen spots away fromthe gaze of owls and other predators. One has to be very lucky tofind such roosts; secrecy is of paramount importance as there arefew second chances in the natural world. The air was turning cold, afrost was on the cards, so I finished my jobs, thoughts turning to thered glow produced by the apple wood as it burned and the smell ofthe smoke.

I was jolted out of my reverie by the loud hoot of a tawny owl almostoverhead. Another replied from a different perch and soon hootscould be heard from all around. The logs would have to wait as Imoved onto the cart road to try and find the whereabouts of theseowls; needless to say, I didn’t. No doubt they could see me and Iimagined them having a chuckle at a member of a race that hadvirtually lost all its senses, used when it hunted food at owl-light. Itwas impossible to say how many tawny owls were hooting, but whata performance! We hear tawny owls every night and at various timesduring the day but never before like this. Could it have been ameeting rather like a rooks’ parliament or were they excited by theclear sky and the rising moon, an abundance of prey, the clear still airand the lack of any human activity, making hunting easier for thesecreatures that hunt by sound? I had no answers. The calls abruptlyceased, the owls had determined the length of the performance andsilence reigned. I let the night loving cat out in the early hours as anowl called from a nearby wood but he wasn’t in the least impressed.

Bye for now

Furlong

Furlong

‘Owl pellets’

‘At Owl-light’

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55 | CountyImagesMagazine.co.uk

After a couple of weeks of decent weather, the

plants are starting to play catch-up and it’s nice to

see flowers appearing along with fresh new

growth on trees and shrubs. I found all the things

I wanted to do in the garden were compressed

into one week although I’m lucky that my wife

Michelle has ‘found’ gardening over the last

couple of years so does almost all the jobs

around our garden. I’m looking forward to the

end of the month as it’s Chelsea Flower Show and

the centenary show this year, so it should be a

fantastic one.

Allotment or Vegetable Patch:

Feed strawberries as they are forming fruit with a liquid tomato

fertiliser or powder sulphate of potash.

Earth up potatoes by moving soil or compost up around their

stems.

Hang pheromone traps in apple and plum to control pests.

Remember to pick rhubarb as it develops and water clumps with

liquid feed.

Remove strawberry runners as soon as they grow because they

take nutrients from the mother plant. Pot up runners in plant pots

to plant up in the autumn.

Feed fruit trees and bushes with sulphate of potash.

Watch for signs of powdery mildew on

fruit trees and bushes and treat with a

fungicide.

Plant out crops raised under glass, such as

tomatoes, marrows and courgettes.

Prevent birds from eating your soft fruit by

covering small bushes with netting.

In the Greenhouse:

Remember to properly ventilate your greenhouse as poor air

circulation can encourage disease.

Keep a look out for pests, check under leaves and new shoots for

signs of attack – usually red spider mite, whitefly or greenfly.

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.

Pinch out the centre of any cuttings to promote bushy growth.

Liquid feed any planted up hanging baskets.

General Garden:

Still a great time to sow new lawns with grass seed – remembering

to water well if there is a lack of rain.

Rake out any dead grass from lawns.

Feed the lawn with a suitable lawn fertiliser.

Check for daisies and dandelions and dig out

Plant out container grown trees and shrubs - remembering to

water well if there is a lack of rain.

Tie in any new growth of climbing plants, such as honeysuckle

and clematis etc.

Buy a water butt to collect any rainfall to

use later.

Buy a compost bin to recycle any green

waste from the kitchen and garden.

Apply bark mulches around newly planted

or established trees & shrubs to retain

moisture and help suppress weeds.

Sprinkle a handful of sulphate of potash

around fruit trees and bushes

Give camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and pieris a good handful

of ericaceous (acidic) fertiliser.

Clip hedges and apply a granular fertiliser.

Keep topiary in check by giving a light clip now.

Hand weed beds to prevent weeds establishing.

Watch out for red lily beetle on the leaves of lilies. You can easily

squash any you find or spray with a suitable pesticide like Provado

Ultimate Bug Killer.

Apply teak oil to wooden garden furniture to condition and

improve the look of it for summer.

Look out for greenfly and blackfly developing on shrubs,

perennials and roses, spray with a pesticide.

notes

A Gardener’s

Mayfresh new growth


Maintenance, Grass/Hedge Cutting, Rockeries, BlockPaving, Fencing, Ponds, Planting (various)

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T: 01773 856602 T: 01629 828101M: 07739 834553

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Would you like to have a lush green lawn, thatnever needs mowing,weeding or watering?

Envi-Lawns offer artificial grass to suit your individual needs.

They are natural looking and provide a clean surface for children, pets and all the family 365 days a year.

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CountyImagesMagazine.co.uk | 57


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Exochorda x macrantha ‘Niagara‘:

A NEW variety of Exochorda - A simply stunning shrub with

light green rounded leaves, a mass of pure white flowers

starting from the end of April into mid May, but unlike ‘The

Bride’ this also flowers in autumn. Likes full sun or part

shade – some books say acidic but will be ok in neutral, well

drained soil. Will reach about 4ft in height.

Chaenomeles : or ‘Flowering Quince‘

Some newer varieties are available now – which is great

because this plant was fast becoming a lost gem. Makes a

fantastic show of flowers from late April to the end of May

followed by fragrant fruit in autumn. Flowers range from

orange, red, pink and white. Does best in full sun but will

stand partial shade – great as a free standing shrub or trained

against a wall or fence.

Deutzia:

Another great shrub that may become forgotten - attractive

deciduous shrub with masses of starry blooms from late

April to May. There are several varieties but strawberry fields

is my favourite. Will grow happily in most soils in full sun or

partial shade.

Try these three shrubs

that will give you

great late spring colour

notes

A Gardener’s


T: 01773 834455 [email protected]

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Over 100 years of Building KnowledgeClowers of Ripley was established as a builders in the late 1800s.Over the years it has progressed through a series of familygenerations and changes to both its structure and services.

Prior to the 1st World War the core activity was building and the

merchanting side developed when local people came to the builders’

yard to enquire as to whether materials could be bought. This was the

start of the Builders’ Merchants.

The Joiners’ Shop, established between the wars, was to provide

purpose made goods for house building and then later to provide the

joinery required for the firm developing a Funeral Directors’ business,

the transport consisted of a horse and cart which doubled as a hearse

at the weekends.

At the onset of the 2nd World War, merchanting became the driving

force, as it is today. Clowers of Ripley are proud to state that the

business is continuing as a private family concern.

Michael BallSteve Orme interviews

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


Being in the public eye can often be a curse: you

are regarded as a disreputable hell-raiser if you

are featured in national newspapers all the time or

you can be seen as too good to be true if your

name never appears in the gossip columns. Some

people regard Michael Ball as being in the second

category.

The singer, actor, broadcaster and heart-throb is never pictured

falling out of a nightclub or in a clinch with someone else’s wife.

But is that the real Michael Ball or it just his public persona?

I first met him in Nottingham a while ago when he was fundraising

for two charities. I found him pleasant and amiable and after

speaking to him on the telephone on behalf of Country Images, I

can confirm that he really is a good bloke.

He utters a mild swear word when I inform him that it is eight years

since we met at Nottingham Castle. “Time just runs away with

you,” he offers.

Later he utters an amusing phrase that borders on shocking when

he predicts how ecstatic he would be if he were to win a second

Olivier Award for his performance in the musical Sweeney Todd.

On the whole though, with Michael Ball what you see is what you

get.

We originally met when he released 200 balloons as part of his

fundraising for the Great Britain tennis team, who were competing

in the Special Olympics in Glasgow, and his own charity ROC,

Research into Ovarian Cancer.

This was set up to honour his sister-in-law Angela who died of

ovarian cancer. Eventually the government provided a grant of

£22million to pay for screening; Michael’s work on the project was

complete.

Michael Ashley Ball was born in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire to a

Welsh mother and an English father.

He studied drama at Guildford School of Acting and after

graduating his career soon took off. His first part was in Godspell at

Aberystwyth Arts Centre but his first major break was a star part in

The Pirates of Penzance at Manchester Opera House.

Shortly afterwards Cameron Mackintosh cast him as Marius in the

original London cast of Les Misérables. Despite catching glandular

fever which later resulted in panic attacks, he had convinced the

right people that he had the talent to succeed.

Parts as Raoul in the second London casting of The Phantom of the

Opera and Alex in Aspects of Love confirmed his potential.

Fifty-year-old Michael has now been entertaining audiences for

nearly three decades with concerts, musicals and as a BBC Radio 2

and television presenter, but he had modest hopes for his career.

“I wanted to be an actor – I trained as an actor. Musicals kind of

“I believe in giving value for money.

With Michael Ball what you see is what you get


Steve Orme

happened by accident but they were absolutely the right genre for

me.

“I never thought I’d make records, do concerts, do broadcasting –

that all happened by chance. But once they came along they felt

the right sort of fit for me.

“I love talking to people. I interview people myself and I find that

really fascinating and having been interviewed so many times you

get a feeling for broadcasting. It’s just being connected with

people.

“That’s all I do, in whatever way it manifests itself, be it playing a

character, singing songs in concert, talking to people over the

airwaves, it’s just being connected with people.”

I point out that he did it the hard way because there was nothing

like The X-Factor when he was starting out.

“I did it the proper way, the old school way, which is still the best

way to do things.

“I grew up very quickly. But I was surrounded by people who

knew what they were doing and they mentored me and guided

me. I was really, really fortunate.”

You might think that Michael would criticise shows that offer

instant fame to youngsters who have little experience of

performing. Not a bit of it.

“I think they’re great television. I love watching them. The ones

that Andrew (Lloyd Webber) did were particularly good. I think he

found some great talent and it gave a wonderful boost to musical

theatre, got a whole new generation interested.

“What I don’t care for are the people who are used and dropped,

the people who are exploited.

“It’s a tough old business to be literally the top of the pile and the

one everybody’s talking about one minute and the next you can’t

get anybody on the phone. It’s a very hard lesson to learn.

“But it’s been going on long enough now for people to be aware

of it. If people are going to go into that kind of programme,they

know what to expect.”

Michael’s varied career even led to his representing the UK in the

1992 Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden. One Step Out of Time

came second – and we have had little success since then. Why is

that?

“It’s no longer a song contest, is it?” says Michael. “It’s a European

popularity contest. It’s an excuse for some of the worst songs

being put on television and I love it. Long may it reign.”

Michael’s diehard fans have seen different sides to him in the past

five years, not only as the demon barber in Sweeney Todd but

also as Edna Turnblad in the musical Hairspray.

He won an Olivier in 2008 for best actor in a musical for his

performance as Edna and would jump at the chance to play the

role again.

“It was an amazing experience.To play opposite Imelda Staunton

every night was a masterclass in acting.

“It’s the best musical that Sondheim’s ever written and I think it’s

one of the best musicals ever written.

“I had such a nice time, doing it in the West End and doing parts

of the tour. I loved it. It’s one of those shows you know an

audience is going to leave feeling better than they came in.”

Michael has just visited Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall again as

part of a tour to promote his new album Both Sides Now, his 18th

solo album which will no doubt achieve gold status like all the

others.

Michael, who has been in a relationship with Cathy McGowan,

the former presenter of Ready Steady Go! since 1992, says he has

no specific burning ambition about what he wants to do next.

“There’s a lot of choice on what you can spend your money on in

the arts - you go to the theatre, you go to concerts and buy

records. And the fact that people will still feel that I’ve got

something to say and I can make them feel better is the best

compliment in the world.

“I work hard to make sure every show is different and exciting. I

think that‘s the secret of longevity - making sure people want to

come back, that they’ve had a good time.

“I believe in giving value for money. That’s my ethos. And I get

such a kick out of it.

“If an audience is giving that energy to you and you give it back,

that’s how you keep going, that’s how the adrenaline kicks in and

the momentum keeps going.”

So how long does Michael Ball intend to continue in show

business?

“As long as they’ll have me. It’s that simple. If there’s somebody

out there who’s prepared to come, I’ll be there for them.”

And I get such a kick out of it.”

I did it the proper way, the old school way


walk with ramblerm n h y

BELPERChevinThis walk follows the Derwent downstream beneaththe Chevin which is then climbed to its airy viewpoint.A gradual descent reaches the river crossing atMilford, one of the Derwent Valley Heritage sites.Over the river the way is through the tiny village ofMakeney and then along an ancient bridleway backinto the old part of Belper.

In the 13th century Belper was known as Beaurepaire, within Duffield

Frith, the hunting ground of Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster.

The scant remains of his once massive castle, stand just inside the

confines of Duffield on the northern approach along the A6. Chevin

is an Anglo-Norman word for ‘Chase’; a jealously guarded hunting

preserve where any peasant caught poaching to feed his starving

family would suffer harsh punishment.

Jedediah Strutt built the first of his cotton mills here in 1776 by using

the power of the Derwent as its driving force. It burned down a

decade or so later, but part of its 1797 replacement still stands and is

open as a museum of his industry. Unlike his associate Richard

Arkwright, Strutt was a more benevolent employer who provided his

workers with comparatively spacious housing in what became known

as ‘The Cluster’. The last part of the walk is down cobbled Long Row,

the first part of the development. Nail making was an important

cottage industry in Belper until it became mechanised. Strutt made

provision for this industry to flourish alongside cotton spinning and so

small foundries-cum-workshops sprang up in the back gardens of

some of the houses – there are still one or two preserved nailer’s

shops left standing, the best being in the garden of N° 8 Joseph Street.

These provided work for the male members of families while the

wives and daughters worked in the mill. Tenants were encouraged to

grow their own vegetables and some cottages even had a pig sty; the

narrow alley next to the Drill Hall on Cluster Road is still known as

‘Piggy Row’ as it led to a butcher’s shop.

Milford, where the walk crosses back over the Derwent, grew as a

busy little village. It’s where Strutt built the second of his

water-driven mills and also spent the last years of his life. He also

built the bridge over the river and so allowed the road which became

the A6 to develop in the valley bottom; prior to this the only way

along the west side of the valley was by the now abandoned track

along the Chevin, now an attractive high level walkway.

Relatives of Anthony Bradshaw, the main signatory on Charles I’s

death warrant lived in the Old Hall at Makeney. The lovely stone built

hamlet once stood on the coach road from Duffield and an old stone

near its inn has the words Derby Coach Road 1739.

Helpful Information6 miles (9.5km) of moderate walking

along riverbank and through

meadowland and woods. Two climbs; the

first a steep 406 ft (127m) from the

riverbank and the second an easier

214ft (67m) across meadow and

through woodland.

Car parking is usually available on the

roadside across the bridge from Strutt’s

North Mill at the start of the walk –

take care not to block driveways. Local

bus services between Ripley, Derby and

Belper are plentiful.

Recommended Map: Ordnance Survey

Explorer Map 1:25,000 scale, sheet 259,

Derby, Uttoxeter, Ashbourne & Cheadle.

Refreshments available in Belper and at

Milford.Beaurepaire, within Duffield Frith


• At the north end of the bridge go down to a path leading to the

riverbank and follow it downstream.

Pause and admire the tiny garden filling the apex of the triangle created bythe junction of two roads above the bridge. The whimsey of one man, thegarden is full of delightful nooks and crannies.

• Go past two converted farmhouses and a closed off bridge. Count

your way through four narrow fields as far as a stone stile.

• Turn diagonally right immediately after the stile and climb up to

houses and a farm on Chevin Road. Turn left along the road. Theturning on to this path is not very clear, but counting thepreceding fields can help with navigation. If you miss theturning don’t despair, but continue downstream as far asthe Sewage Works and turn right along Chevin Road torejoin the described route as follows:

• About 120 yards left along the road (100yards from a bungalow if

following the alternative as above), go through a stone stile and

climb steeply uphill through two fields, aiming towards an isolated

tree-screened house. (There is a convenient seat and a view to

admire at the top of the climb).

• Turn left along the ridge-top of The Chevin and follow the ancient

bridleway over its tree-lined summit.

The rather incongruous high stone wall on the left is the rear of a shootingrange once used by Strutt’s volunteer militia, a kind of territorial unit. Thetower a little further on is a bit of a mystery and has many storiesattached to it, ranging from a robber’s hideout, to a survey markeraligning the railway tunnel which passes deep beneath the track.

• Follow the track, going between sections of the golf course and

ignoring a path turning right waymarked Midshires Way, begin to

drop down and bear left into the outskirts of Milford.

The small triangular roadside public garden has a seat convenient for alunch stop. Alternatively there is a pub on the far side of the road bridgeand a riverside pub restaurant is behind the still closed Strutt’s Arms.

• Cross the A6 at the pedestrian lights and turn left to go over the

bridge.

• Turn right in front of the pub and follow the side road as far as

Makeney.

• Look out for a side turning on the left that could be mistaken for a

private drive. Walk up it until it turns sharp right (another pub is a

little further on).

This lane was once the coach road from Derby by way of Duffield.• Turn left along Dark Lane as far as the last houses on your left.

• Go through a stile, bearing left away from the lane and begin to

cross a series of fields with the footpath marked by purple and

yellow waymarks of the Derwent Valley Heritage Way...

• Diagonally cross Shaw Lane using stone steps on either side and

then contour around the hillside towards a narrow wood. Keep to

the right and on the upper side of the trees as far as an imposing

stone gabled farm house.

• Turn left in front of the farm to follow its access lane, downhill and

then up, past another farmhouse and reach a street on the

southern outskirts of Belper.

• Turn right along the street and at its top go to the left on side lane

as far as open scrubland.

• Walk steeply downhill through the area known as The Park and then

uphill into the oldest part of Belper.

The Park is a unique relic of Beaurepaire’s one time life as a huntingground. Part of it is built on with a housing estate, but the rest is acarefully preserved nature reserve for the enjoyment of the people ofBelper.

• With the market place to your right, turn left down King Street,

Belper’s main shopping street.

• Turn left opposite the Ritz Cinema along Green Lane, continuing to

its end and then left down cobbled Long Row and past the school

in order to reach the main road.

• Using the pedestrian crossing, go over the main road and The

Triangle to follow the road opposite, past the mill and over the

bridge to where you started from. The mill museum is well worth a

short diversion at the end of the walk.

The Walk

on-line

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Derby Assembly Rooms & GuildhallTheatre. www.derbylive.co.uk01332 255800May3 Jimeoin – What?!4 Sean Lock5 Mick Foley – Tales From Wrestling Past 7 Lee Nelson8 UK Touring Theatre presents Miss Julie ByAugust Strindberg8 Jack Dee9 Dominic Kirwan – My Ireland! DominicKirwan again brings his own inimitable style tothe vast and rich musical heritage of hishomeland, in his brand new show ‘My Ireland’.Throughout a memorable evening spanning Folk,Country and Popular music at its best, Dominicalso revisits the fabulous days of the showbandera. Sure to be a hit, not only with Dominic’s evergrowing legion of followers, but lovers of Irishmusic everywhere.9 Tom Crean – Antarctic 9 The Halle10 The Noise Next Door:11 Bob Fox – Just an old War Horse ConcertTour11 The ELO Experience12 Sid's Show14 Rich Hall15 We'll Meet Again15 The Gramophones Theatre Company –End to End16 Magic of the Beatles17-18 Rule Britannia19 Think Floyd Live in Concert21 Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers23 Julian Clary Position Vacant: Apply Within.24 Chris Wood - Folk Singer of the Year &Best Original Track Hollow Point BBC Radio 2

Folk Awards 2011.Folk Singer of the Year and Best Album BBCRadio 2 Folk Awards 200925 Al Murray – The Only Way is Epic28 Snooker Legends29 Interplay Theatre Spit Nolan written byMick Martin30 The Krazy Kat Theatre Company (SignLanguage Arts) Present The Waving Cat ofJapan31 Richard Herring – Talking Cock31 The Drifters – Diamond Dynasty Tour2013 (60th Anniversary)31 Folk RisingJune

1 New Perspectives Theatre Companypresents Entertaining Angels2 The Big One @ Chaddesden ParkChaddesden Park7 Only Fools And Boycie7-9 Kaleidoscope Players present Oliver8 Bourgeois & Maurice: Sugartits

Royal Centre Nottingham & ConcertHall 0115 989 5555www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.ukMay1OMD - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Darkare back on the road 2 Nottingham Classics - The Hallé3 Reginald D Hunter8 Nigel Kennedy presents: Bach8 Suggs: My Life Story. Madness front mantakes to the stage in a hilarious, yet moving, oneman tour.10 Birmingham Royal Ballet13 The Mousetrap23-25 Miss Nightingale - The BurlesqueMusical brings vintage glamour24 Cordelia Williams

25 Bill Bailey - Bill Bailey had Doubts about themodern world, but these have now grown intoQualms. He will be channeling these feelings ofUnease and Apprehension, with the help ofReligious Dubstep, his folk bouzouki, Horntallica,a re-appraisal of some of the world¹s greatestworks of art and perhaps a dub version ofDownton Abbey.29 - June1 Propeller - Twelfth Night &Taming of the Shrew. Propeller is aninternationally renowned all-male Shakespearetheatre company. 31 Jimmy CarrJune3 Jake Thackray Rides Again4-8 High Society - Get ready for the musicalevent of the season as Cole Porter's timelessclassic.9 to 5 The MusicalA BRAND SPANKIN' NEW MUSICALFROM DOLLY PARTON! 14 The Drivetime Concert15 The Moody Blues - Consisting of guitarist/vocalist Justin Hayward,bassist/vocalist John Lodge and drummer GraemeEdge, The Moody Blues are one of the mostimportant rock acts ever to come out of the UK.With a legacy of hit music spanning four decades- including "Nights in White Satin", "TuesdayAfternoon", "The Story in Your Eyes", "Isn't LifeStrange" and "I Know You're Out ThereSomewhere" - over 55 million albums soldworldwide and 18 platinum discs, their tourscontinue to sell out - making them one of thetop-grossing album and touring bands inexistence, so make sure you book early.

Lacemarket TheatreBox Office 0115 950720113-18 Women of TroyWith the world at war, the city burning and allthe men savagely murdered, Hecuba, once

DIARYm n h WHAT’S ON LOCALLYemail: [email protected]

Inspired by a book by William Feaver, Directed by Max

Roberts. Derby Theatre Tuesday 28 May – Saturday 1 June.

Written by Lee Hall, creator of the worldwide sensation

Billy Elliot, The Pitmen Painters has received huge critical

acclaim and won the Evening Standard award for Best

New Play.

In 1934, a group of Ashington miners hired a professor to

teach an art appreciation evening class. Rapidly abandoning

theory in favour of practice, the pitmen began to paint.

Within a few years the most avant-garde artists became

their friends and their work was acquired by prestigious

collections; but every day they worked, as before, down

the mine. Examining the lives of a group of ordinary men

who did extraordinary things, The Pitmen Painters is a

humorous, deeply moving and timely look at art, class and

politics.

The Pitmen Painters – by Lee Hall


Queen, is now a prisoner like the rest of thewomen. She must watch as her family are takenfrom her one by one.She must learn to surviveand give hope to the people as the mother oftheir nation.

Nottingham Arenawww.nottingham-arena.comMay15 Walking With Dinosaurs20 Meatloaf22-23 Eddie Izzard25 Journey/Whitesnake28 Alicia KeysJune1 Rod Stewart

Nottingham PlayhouseBox Office 0115 941 9419www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk26 - May 18 The Kite RunnerBased on Khaled Hosseini’s hugely popularinternational best-selling novel.10 RAM1- Catch one of the UK’s mostpromising Reggae singer/songwriters whileyou still can!16-18 The Lost Plays Review - Drama: Thisexciting event celebrates the work of well-knownwriters alongside newly commissioned work.19 Daniel Kitson - Award-winning comedianDaniel Kitson returns for a night of stand-upcomedy.20 Music Mondays23-31 Grandpa in my Pocket - Teamwork! isback! The stage version of the hugely popularCBeebies television series returns to the

Playhouse before it heads off on a nationwidetour. Sunnysands Pirate, Horatio Heave Ho takesJason and Jemima on a pirate adventure insearch of treasure. But when things go wrong, it’stime for Grandpa to put on his Shrinking Capand save the day. It’s Teamwork!Imaginative and highly theatrical, children will fallin love with “Grandpa in my Pocket” all overagain.29 Lee NelsonJune1 EMCCAN Carnival Queen Show6 The Magnets10 An evening with Stuart Maconie

Buxton Opera House & Pavilion ArtsCentre. www.buxtonoperahouse.orgMay

1 Velocity2-5 Losing The Plot3 Recitals at the Arts Centre - Wolpe PianoTrio3 Buxton Buzz Comedy Club - May4 Superhuman 5 Jazz at the Arts Centre - The Old GreenRiver Band 5 Four Farces 5 Henning Wehn6 The Snow Queen7-11 Cadfael – The Virgin in the Ice 12 Peak District Music Centres Gala Concert 13 That’ll Be The Day 14 Swinging At The Cotton Club15The Searchers 16 La Traviata17-19 Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Live! 17-18 Ubu

17 Sean Lock - Purple Van Man 19 The Nightingale of South Bank (PavilionArts Centre Studio)19 An Evening With Tracy ‘TJ’ Higgs 21-22 An Evening With Birmingham RoyalBallet 23 The Dublin Legends24 The Count of Monte Cristo24-25 The Firework Maker’s Daughter27 Eliza Carthy & Jim Moray28 Jack Jones30 AC/DC UK31 Charley’s Aunt31 Morgan & WestJune1 Morgan & West1 Lee Nelson 2 Alice In Wonderland3 George Orwell’s 19845-7 Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors

Palace Theatre Mansfieldwww.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre01623 63313May3-4 Syncopation School of Performing Arts10-11 Spotlight Studios

Derby Theatre (formerly Derby

Playhouse) Theatre Walk, St Peter’s

Quarter, Derby,

Box Office: 01332 593939

www.derbytheatre.co.uk

May

28- 1June - The Pitmen Painters


Buxton Opera House will be transportedback to 1139 for a stunning stageadaptation of the medieval sleuth dramaCadfael – The Virgin in the Ice, taking placefrom 7th - 11th May.

It is winter 1139 and raging civil war hassent many refugees fleeing north fromWorcester, among them an orphaned boy,his beautiful 17-year-old sister and a youngnun. But they seem to have disappearedsomewhere in the wild winter landscape offrost and snow. Brother Cadfael embarkson a dangerous quest to find them, but willhe succeed?

Middle Ground Theatre’s Cadfael is in factthe world premiere of Ellis Peters’ famousnovel, lovingly adapted for the stage. TheCadfael novels written between 1977 and

1994 sold millions of copies worldwide andspawned a very successful television seriesstarring Derek Jacobi as Brother Cadfael.

Featuring film projections, lavish settings,bespoke music and starring Gareth Thomasas Brother Cadfael, the stunning newproduction is produced by the samecompany that bought the hit drama TheHolly & The Ivy to the Opera House in2010.

Cadfael – The Virgin In The Ice takes placefrom Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 May. Ticketsare priced from £15 to £23 and discountsare available.

For more information or to buy tickets callthe Box Office on 0845 127 2190 or buyonline at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk

Cadfael – The Virgin in the Ice


BIRDWATCHING FOR BEGINNERS WALK

at CARSINGTON WATER

The Great Northern Diver - 4 of them - are back, the summer birds

are arriving - and there is every chance of seeing an Osprey, if the

number of sightings in 2012 is anything to go by!!! Join us for a

leisurely 2-hour stroll with the volunteers to see what is around, get

some useful tips on bird identification and where to find them. 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

-5th May, 2nd June and 7th July. Due to the high number of bookings,

Tel 01629 540696 to ensure a place

The Derwent Singers and The Sitwell Singers

Celebrate with us on Saturday 22nd June 2013 at 7.30pm in Derby

Cathedral when The Derwent Singers and The Sitwell Singers present

their 40th Anniversary Concert of the splendid Monteverdi Vespers

of 1610.

Directed by Malcolm Goldring, soloists include Faye Newton and

Philippa Hyde with instrumentalists including Nicolette Moonen,

Jamie Savan, Paula Chateauneuf and Michael Overbury. Further

information: 01283 561826 or [email protected]

Allestree Flower Group

Tuesday 21st May 2013 Flower demonstration by Diane Fair entitled

'In the Midst of Time 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm Venue - Evergreen Hall,

Cornhill, Allestree

Admission: £5 members, £3 non members Friends and visitors

welcome. For further details please contact our Chairman on 01283

702601.

Darley Abbey Historical Group

Friday 17 May ‘Nightingale Heritage’. Brings to life Florence

Nightingale and the era she lived in. Presented by Clive Tougher

Friday 21 June. 'Alice in the Bacon Box' Evicted from her home, Alice

lived for many years in a bacon box in Little Eaton, become a local

tourist attraction. She eventually went into the Poor House in

Shardlow where she spent her last 16 years. Presented by John Easter

All meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in Darley Abbey Village Hall,

Abbey Yard off New Road, Darley Abbey,, DE22 1DS

There is a charge of £1 for members of the Historical Group and £2

for visitors. For further information contact Sheila Hartle on 01332

557597.

Derbyshire Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild

The next meeting of the Derbyshire Branch of the Embroiderers’

Guild will be held on Saturday, 11th May 1.30pm for 2pm at

Derbyshire House, Sherwin Street, Derby DE22 1GP.

The talk will be “Rethinking Embroidery” by Kit Watts.

Duffield Carnival

Duffield Carnival would like to invite you to join us on Sat 29th June

for a street procession followed by lots of fun on Eyes Meadow. We

have an arena with sheep racing as our main attraction this year, plus

music, fairground rides, stalls and an evening of live bands. Procession

at 1.45 pm, through onto Eyes Meadow til 9pm. Further info on

Facebook: Duffield carnival Twitter: @duffieldcarnival

Email: [email protected]

Uppertown Social Centre

May 25 The Cadillacs. Rock and Roll 7:00 for 8:00pm. £11

including supper

Sat 20th April The Shaydes, Vocal Harmony Group 7:00 for 8:00pm.

Uppertown, Ashover, S45 0JF. Contact Eddie Marriott for information

and tickets on: 01246 590502 or 07966 154798 Website

www.uppertown.org

Say hello to spring at Felley Priory

The first garden to open for the National Gardens Scheme charities

this April is at the wonderful Tudor mansion of Felley Priory, on the

Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border. Whatever the residual problems

of the dreadful winter and early spring Michelle Upchurch is confident

of offering an enjoyable visit for all. As well as the expected spring

bulbs there will be a craft fair and demonstrations of wood turning.

Floral sculpture in lead by Design Floral and artisan cosmetics by

Nowt'added will be available. The garden will be open on Sunday 7th

April from 10am until 4pm with admission at £4. Children are

admitted free and refreshments will be available in the garden's

tearoom.

Little Chester Local History Group

Thursday May 16th - a talk by David Templeman entitled 'Arbella

Stuart - the Queen that never was' We meet at 7.30pm in Chester

Green. Community Centre, Old Chester Road, Derby Admission

non-members £2. Everyone welcome. For further information Tel.

559615.

Birch House Barn Dance

Saturday May. 18th. Birch House Barn Dance Starts at 8pm Hosted

by David and Isobelle Goodall. Wallop the Pot Ceilidh Band, a

well-known barn dance group provides the entertainment, cask ales

from the Saracens Head and a BBQ by Nigel’s of Ashbourne provides

a splendid family event. Tickets £15 Adults £7.50 Children. Tel 01335

360645

Best Folk ‘n’ Acoustic Music in Derbyshire

Wed 8 May 8.30pm - THE DERBYSHIRE VOLUNTEERS - Charity

Night FREE admission. Old Oak, Main Street, Horsley Woodhouse,

DE7 6AW

Sat 11 May 8pm - BOB FOX in concert

Making a welcome return to the concert stage - following his highly

successful run as Songman in the West End stage production “WAR

HORSE” - Bob brings songs from “War Horse”, new material from

the “BBC Radio Ballads”, and favourites from his vast repertoire of

contemporary and traditional songs.

Guildhall Theatre, Market Place Derby DE1 3AH

Box Office 01332 255800, www.derbylive.co.uk, PR Ticket Hotline

01773 853428

Tues 14 May 8pm - JAKE IN A BOX - the songs of Jake Thackray

Belper Folk Club, Old Kings Head, Days Lane, Belper

Fri 31 May 8pm - FOLK RISING - showcasing talented young

up-and-coming artists:

JOE DANKS plus BBC Radio2 Young Folk Award Winners GREG

RUSSELL & CIARAN ALGAR

Guildhall Theatre, Market Place Derby DE1 3AH

Box Office 01332 255800, www.derbylive.co.uk.

Fri 7 June 8pm - THE BOYS FROM TANGLEFOOT -

Ritchie-Parrish-Ritchie . Concert Room, Nailers Football Club, Bridge

Street, Belper DE56 1BA

Ticket Hotline 01773 853428

For tickets and information ‘phone Ticket Hotline 01773 853428

www.prpromotions.org.uk

In aid of THE DERBYSHIRE CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY

CENTRE, SKEGNESS

'Carry-On-Singing' present: "BURST INTO SUMMER"

a fundraising evening of fun for all the family with songs, sketches,

poetry and music. Come and sing along with us (not compulsory) at

The Engineers Club (Wheelchair access), Osmaston Road, Derby (bar

available) on Friday the 7th June 2013 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm).

Adults £6, Children £3. For tickets, contact Barbara on 01332 515432

or come and pay on the door.

Please help us to support this important worthwhile local charity.KIRKBY LIGHT OPERATIC SOCIETY will be spending a memorable

'SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES' on SATURDAY 11th MAY 2013 at

Ashfield School, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and we cordially invite you to join us. Lights

go down at 7.00 pm for the second of our 50th Anniversary Concerts and we

bring you music from the silver screen - from James Bond, Grease, Shrek and

Sister Act to the wonderful melodies of Jerome Kern and the Astaire/Rogers

films. And we are delighted to welcome as our guest artist, BRETT WALES

playing the WERSI SCALA ORGAN as only he can. We know you'll love to

hear the themes from 'Gladiator', 'Deliverance' and 'Chariots of Fire' amongst

many others from Brett, the choir and the world of cinema. Tickets (£7 each)

can be reserved by contacting any hoir member or our Secretary, Carolynne,

on 01773 775176. Do come along - no extra charge for back row seats



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Free Trial Membership

Chevin Golf ClubDuffield

www.chevingolf.co.uk | [email protected] | Telephone 01332 841864

• Trial memberships available for lady and gentleman golfersas well as those wishing to take up the game.

• Come and experience a superb golf club with an excellentcourse and social scene

• Join us at our open day and let us show you our friendly club

We know that choosing a support provider isn’t easy!

We specialise in the delivery of support and care for people of allages who have:

Learning DisabilitiesAutism and sensory impairments

Physical disabilities and complex health issuesAcquired brain injuries or associated mental health issues

Challenging behaviour and communication issues

Our role is to support you in the environment of your choice andto enable you to maximise your opportunities (this could includeyour access to the local community, improving your social circles

and exploring the possibility of you becoming a working citizen onthe electoral role).

Supporting You to enjoy your life and make the most ofopportunities and friendships

SENAD COMMUNITYSUPPORT SERVICES

T: 01332 200300 E: [email protected] Community Support Services7, St James Court, Friargate. Derby. DE1 1BTSenadgroup.com

A Support Team with YOU at the Centre


SLACKSTRAVEL

BRITISH COACHING 2013

GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-28 MAY (HB) £327IRELAND MAGICAL MAYO & CONNEMARA COAST 26 MAY-01 JUN (HB) £499AUSTRIA, TRAINS & BOATS OF THE TYROL . 26 JUL-04 AUG (HB) £723ITALY, LAKE MAGGIORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05-14 AUG (HB) £733IRELAND, BANTRY BAY & WEST CORK COAST . 08-14 SEPT (HB) £487ITALY, LAKE COMO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05-14 OCT (HB) £741IRELAND, BRAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17 OCT (HB) £327 BELGIUM, BRUSSELS CHRISTMAS MARKET . . . . 05-08 DEC (BB) £220

EUROPEAN COACHING 2013

ETERNAL GARDENS OF ROMEAir Holiday with specialist guides . . . . . . . . . . . . .23-28 AUG £1,769ANDALUCIA, LAND OF CASTLES, PALACES AND GARDENSAir Holiday with specialist guides . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-26 Sept £1,819Jersey & Guernsey . . . . . . . . . . .Various Dates From £459/£499

AIR HOLIDAYS

DAY EXCURSIONS EARLY BOOKINGS ADVISABLE Admission included* Adult / OAP / Child

MALVERN SPRING GARDENING SHOW* SAT 11 MAY £36/£36/£21 LIVERPOOL SAT 18 MAY £19.50 CARDIFF SAT 25 MAY £29 SKEGNESS SUN 02 JUN £19.50 APPLEBY HORSE FAIR SAT 08 JUN £29 BBC GARDENERS WORLD LIVE* SAT 15 JUN £37/£35.50/£19.50 CROSBY & SOUTHPORT* SUN 23 JUN £20SCARBOROUGH SUN 30 JUN £22.50RAF WADDINGTON AIR SHOW* SAT 06 JUL £44 / £44 / £34RHS HARLOW CARR* SAT 13 JUL £29.50

(RHS MEMBERS £19) HARROGATE TOWN ONLY SAT 13 JUL £19YORKSHIRE LAVENDER & BEVERLEY SAT 20 JUL £19.50TATTON PARK FLOWER SHOW* SAT 27 JUL £40/£40/£19.50 WHITBY SAT 03 AUG £23THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2PM PERFORMANCE*INCLUDING LEVEL 2 TICKET SUN 10 NOV £60THURSFORD CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2PM PERFORMANCE*INCLUDING LEVEL 1 TICKET TUES 12 NOV £62INCLUDING LEVEL 2 TICKET TUES 12 NOV £60

Telephone 01629 582826/584192K.V & G.L SLACK LTD, THE TRAVEL CENTRE, UPPER LUMSDALE, MATLOCK, DE4 5LB

Website: www.slackscoaches.co.ukEmail: [email protected] E.&O.E.

SIDMOUTH DELIGHTS OF DEVON . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-19 MAY (HB) £ 349GREAT HOUSES & GARDENS OF NORFOLK . . . .20-24 MAY (HB) £ 317BOURNEMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-31 MAY (HB) £ 255HEART OF ENGLAND, MALVERN & WORCESTER 27-31 MAY (HB) £ 327LLANDUDNO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 MAY-03 JUN (HB) £ 293EASTBOURNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .03-07 JUN (HB) £ 241GREAT YARMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .06-10 JUN (HB) £ 326PAIGNTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .08-12 Jun (HB) £ 299 DISCOVER DURHAM INC. BEAMISH . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-14 Jun (HB) £ 330 WARNERS NIDD HALL BAND THEME . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-17 Jun (HB) £ 296 BARNSTAPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-20 Jun (HB) £ 331 WOBURN EXPERIENCE & WREST PARK . . . . . . . . . .21-24 Jun (HB) £ 241LYTHAM ST ANNES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-30 JUN (HB) £ 143 WEST COUNTRY HORSE, BOAT & STEAM TRAIN . .05-08 JUL (HB) £ 291 WARNERS HAYLING ISLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .08-12 JUL (HB) £ 356BABBACOMBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-15 JUL (HB) £ 194SIDMOUTH, DELIGHTS OF DEVON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-17 JUL (HB) £ 351SCARBOROUGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-21 JUL (HB) £ 221 WEYMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-26 JUL (HB) £ 283 NEWQUAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-26 JUL (HB) £ 343 ISLE OF MAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27-31 JUL (HB) £ 420PERTHSHIRE WILDLIFE ADVENTURE . . . . . . . .28 JUL-01 AUG (HB) £ 382LIVERPOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .02-04 AUG (HB) £ 133SOUTHSEA/PORTSMOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05-09 AUG (HB) £ 301

Luxury coach travel with guaranteedseats & local boarding points

Telephone 01629 582826/584192K.V & G.L SLACK LTD, THE TRAVEL CENTRE, UPPER LUMSDALE, MATLOCK, DE4 5LB

Website: www.slackscoaches.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

SLACKS TRAVELWarner Luxury Hotels (Exclusively for Adults)

NIDD HALL 4* HARROGATE BAND THEME . . . . . . . .4-17 JUNE (HB) £296SINAH WARREN 3*, HAYLING ISLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-12 JULY (HB) £356BEMBRIDGE COAST 3* ISLE OF WIGHT . . . . . 30 SEPT - 4 OCT (HB) £299ALL INCLUDE EXCURSIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT.

Wednesday 14th August 2013

The 82nd

Something new is happening to the Ashover Show

ASHOVER SHOW

Visit our factory shop todayRock Fall UK LtdMajor House, Wimsey Way, Alfreton Tr. Est.,Alfreton DE55 4LS Mon-Fri: 9.00-5.30 Sat: 9.30-5.00T: 01773 608616


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 13th JulyWatercolour Classes Tuesday

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

Somercotes

Framing Now Available

GALLERYm n h

An Exhibition by Carole Baker RBSA

‘A RIOT OF COLOUR’Sunday 12 - Sunday 26 May 2013

This exhibition is ‘A Riot of Colour’ inspired by the Derbyshire

landscape and beyond. It is Carole’s second exhibition at Ingleby

Gallery and features places where she has worked on location with a

sketchbook, painting ‘en plein air’, getting a real feel for the place so

that her paintings are an emotional response, not a literal copy. A

vision of uncompromising colour and beautiful landscapes, the scenes

that Carole captures simply shimmer, awash with feeling. Art is a

passionate and instinctive pursuit and this certainly resonates with her.

Colour is a vital aspect of Carole’s work: “I play with colours and see

how I can work with a limited palette, no more than seven colours but

generally only three or four. I try different colourways to achieve the

right mood and atmosphere so that they may spark some emotional

response within the viewer. In addition, I have used a different format,

using just part of the canvas and letting the white form part of the

image.” All of the paintings are acrylic based some incorporating

collage and mixed media.

Ingleby Gallery, Ingleby, Derbyshire. Tel: 01332 865995 or

07980332873 [email protected]

www.ingleby-gallery.co.uk

For a free Auction Catalogueplease contact us on

01773 528743 • 07969 [email protected]

Also accepting lots for futureauctions. Please call for details.

KLEEFORD COIN AUCTIONS

Regular monthly sales of Coins, Medals, Notes, etc

3 Artists at Pentrich25th - 27th May 11am - 5pm

Sandy Hillyer - Original Oils & WatercoloursSarah Blandford - PhotographyDaisy Hillyer - Contemporary Photography

Part of Derbyshire Open ArtsPentrich Village Hall DE5 3RE

3 Artists at Pentrich

Sandy Hillyer will be

exhibiting original oils and

watercolours inspired by

the landscape along with

Sarah Blandford who will

be exhibiting photography

inspired by travel and fine

art student Daisy Hillyer

will be showing

contemporary black and

white photography as part

of ‘The Derbyshire Open

Arts’ event on 25th – 27th

May at Pentrich Village Hall.

DE5 3RE. Open 11am-5pm.

Tel: 01773 541664 email:

[email protected]

www.sandyhillyer.com


on-line

01773 602961Open: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Wednesday by appointment. Sunday

11am-4.30pm

Leabrooks House Leabrooks Rd

Somercotes, Derbyshirewww.leabrooksgallery.co.uk

P r i n t sO r i g i n a l s

F r a m i n g

Celebrating Artists at Leabrooks Gallery

John Connolly is the first of the artists whose work will be celebrated

at Leabrooks Gallery during May. His exhibition, which features in the

Main Exhibition Room from the 4th-7th May 2013 comprises a number

of new canvases exploring the colours and light of a vibrant natural

world. This gifted artist can be relied on to produce images which please

the eye and capture visual experiences which resonate with the viewer:

they convey the scene, its atmosphere and also its unique appeal. With

the demand for his work growing it’s worth investing in it now!

From the 18th-31st May the Main Exhibition Room is occupied by the

work of Ruth Grey whose impressionistic, acrylic interpretations of

Derbyshire villages, ‘South of the Peak’, afford another kind of visual

pleasure worthy of celebrating: they are characterised by a lightness of

touch and warmth of colour which have general appeal and lasting

value.

At the end of the month, on the 25-27th May, Leabrooks Gallery,

together with a variety of other venues throughout Derbyshire, will be

hosting the annual Derbyshire Arts event; six artists will be

demonstrating their skills and selling their work during the Bank

Holiday weekend at this location. It’s hoped that they will inspire others

and demonstrate the artistic prowess of a very special county!

www.leabrooksgallery.co.uk

Matlock Artists

'The Matlock Artists Society's annual exhibition is

taking place in the big gallery at Arkwright Mill,

Cromford from the 5th - 19th July. It is open daily

from 10am to 5pm and admission is free. Exhibited

pictures, unframed prints and cards are for sale.

Entries are judged by professional artists and

winners of each category will be awarded trophies.

There is parking, disabled access and refreshments

are available at the cafe.

For details about our society please go to our

website www.matlockartistssociety.co.uk or contact

secretary Liz Chisnall on 01629584595

Norma Gent

With spring flowers about to pop up above the coldground and daylight hours lengthening, theopportunities arise to put brush to paper. NormaGent holds watercolour classes weekly and specialday workshops once every 3 months with somethingfor beginners to the more experienced. Visit Normaat her studio - 2 The Galleries, New Lane, Alfreton.

You are cordially invited to an exhibition

and demonstration of

WILDLIFE SCULPTURES IN BRONZEby Eddie Hallam at Greenways Farm,

Riber, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5JU

Friday 24th May - Tuesday 28th May 201310a.m. – 6p.m.

www.wildlifesculptures.co.uk

TEL: 01629 583108


Orchard Well-Being Open Day

Orchard Well being are pleased to invite you to join themat Orchard Well-Being, for their Open Day on Saturday,18th of May, anytime between 10am and 3pm.

Orchard Well-being is the New complimentary heath Clinic consisting

of Mark Clutton, Robert Sanby, and Marianne Sterland. During the

day, we will be available to show you around the clinic and talk to you

about the treatments they offer and how they may help you to

achieve optimum health and well-being.In addition to this, we will each

give a talk about our therapies:

11am - Therapies for a range of common conditions and phobias with

Mark Clutton

12.30pm - Acupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture with

Marianne Sterland

2pm - Remedial Massage and Mobilisation Therapy With Robert

Sanby

The Open Afternoon is an informal opportunity for you to meet us

and find out more about what we do. Everyone is welcome, so please

feel welcome to bring along guests. Light refreshments will be

available.We hope we can count on your support and we look

forward to seeing you.

The team from left to right:Mark Clutton, Marianne Sterland and Robert Sanby.

Chevin Ladies Raise Money For Charity

On April 3rd Chevin Golf Club Ladies Section held a charitycoffee morning to raise funds for the Becker Strain of MuscularDystrophy. The guest speaker was Melissa Reid, a member of theEuropean Tour, who competes in golf tournaments around theworld.

Melissa joined Chevin as a junior member and her golf has progressed

over the years by playing in county and national amateur tournaments,

until she turned professional in 2008.

Now a four times winner on the tour and a Solheim Cup team

member in 2011, Melissa answered many questions from the large

audience of members and friends about her life ‘living out of a

suitcase’. She recounted many amusing anecdotes of her life on tour

and the trials of travelling with suitcases and clubs, even on one

occasion finding her clubs did not arrive at the destination!

Local businesses,

members and some

local golf clubs donated

raffle prizes and £649

was raised to be

donated to the Becker

Strain of Muscular

Dystrophy, which is

Ladies Captain Kay

Dakin’s chosen charity

this year.

The charity helps fund research into this strain of Muscular Dystrophy

in order to help prevent progression of the disease and to give

sufferers a better quality of life.

Chevin would like to thank Melissa and all who donated prizes,

attended on the day and gave their time to help this worthy cause.

Trial membership categories and lesson offers available.

Chevin Open Days, Friday May 17th or Monday May 20th or visit

www.chevingolf.co.uk

It’s often difficult finding footwear which feels truly comfortable. Andwhen looking for shoes or boots for a specific purpose – such as hikingor safety wear – that task becomes harder still. But Rock Fall UK canmake choosing the right footwear a walk in the park.

Rock Fall UK are designers and manufacturers of a range of hiking

and safety boots and their Alfreton site is home to a spacious factory

shop with over 150 styles of hiking footwear and safety boots. You’ll

also find a range of formal footwear from top English shoemaker

Loake, in addition to their wide selection of shoes and boots

A recent expansion has made the shop 50 per cent bigger, and you’ll

find the full Rock Fall UK range instore along with other leading

brands including Snickers – the globe’s biggest safety wear brand –

Caterpillar, Timberland and Dr. Martens, amongst others. For hiking

and mountaineering footwear, there is Aku and Salewa – respected

European brands, difficult to get hold of in the UK. A truly

comprehensive range.

Rock Fall UK stock a range of clothing and accessories too. Clothing

for uniforms, including sweatshirts, polo shirts, formal shirts, trousers

and hoodies are available, as well as waterproof jackets and trousers.

A great choice of high-visibility workwear and related accessories,

including ear defenders, eye protection, dust masks and helmets, safety

wear, hiking boots, formal footwear and specialist clothing.

Pay their newly-expanded shop a visit and see for yourself. Rock Fall UKMajor House Unit 1/3, Wimsey Way, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4LSTel: 01773 608 616 www.rockfall.co.uk

Where choosingfootwear is a walk in the park


Open from 11am until 5.30pm

• Fun Fair for all the family• Arts and Crafts Section

• A variety of stalls• Farmers Market - Sunday only

• Hot and cold food stalls

ALL PROCEEDS TO LOCAL CHARITIES

*Anyone wanting to enter the cake competition or have astall at our event please email

[email protected] or call 01332 553374

On both days local groups will perform • Dance routines

• Singers and Live bands • A cake competition held

on Sunday*

Allestree Community Trust in partnership with the

Park Farm Centre present

Visit our factory shop todayRock Fall UK LtdMajor House, Wimsey Way, Alfreton Tr. Est.,Alfreton DE55 4LS Mon-Fri: 9.00-5.30 Sat: 9.30-5.00T: 01773 608616

Look Forward tothe Future

If your child’s choices for Year 7 are worrying you, take alook at what Ockbrook School has to offer.

We operate an open door policy and welcome visitsbetween 10am and 2pm

We offer full project managementfrom concept to completion,

from drawing plans and completingforms to decoration of the

completed project.

Call for free advice and a no obligation quotation

Tel: 01332 780114 or 07964 407238 email: [email protected]

SPECIALISTS IN Extensions & Alterations


For thousands of years the cookbook has played a huge part

in our general lives. Family recipes are passed down from

generation to generation until their secrets are eventually

revealed. Although the entire history of the cookbook may

never be completely clear, it is believed that the world’s first

cookbook, still in existence today, was written in 1390 by

chefs employed by King Richard II.

Much of the book, named ‘Forme of Cury’, which is believed to

mean ‘form of cooking’, has been translated from Middle English

by Manchester University’s John Ryland’s library, who discovered

the manuscript. The 150 recipes that have been translated from this

cookbook contain seemingly unusual ingredients. Swan, peacock

and even porpoise are all used in various recipes - none being an

ingredient you could just pop down to the local shop to pick up!

For all the keen cooks who want to try something out of the

ordinary, the translated recipes are now available to read online.

They may be difficult to actually follow however because none of

them state any ingredient quantities or cooking times, so it will

probably prove to be more of a trial and error job.

An example of one of these recipes, for

‘Geese in Hodgepodge’:

Take geese and smite them into pieces.

Cast them into the pot and do thereto half wine and half water.

And do thereto a good quantity of onions and herbs.

Set it over the fire and cover it fast.

Make a layer of bread and blood and cover it therewith

Do thereto powder fort and serve it forth.

Thought to be Britain’s oldest recorded dishes, dating back to 6000

BC are Nettle Pudding and Nettle Soup. The mixture of nettles,

various other leaves such as dandelion and sorrel, with barley

flour, salt and water doesn’t sound exactly appetising to us now,

yet this would have been a popular meal at the time. Another less

appealing dish that would have been regarded as a delicacy 8000

years ago is Roast Hedgehog. The hedgehog would have been

preferred ‘freshly killed’ and seasoned for cooking. How

delightful!

A recipe that dates back to Ancient Egyptian times is one for beer.

For the Ancient Egyptians (both adults and children) beer was a

very important drink. Workmen at the pyramids were given beer

three times a day, which only leaves us to assume it can’t have

been very intoxicating. It was most likely thick and without

bubbles which goes to show just how much the beer we have

nowadays has changed and developed. An ancient recipe from the

Mesopotamians has also been found by archaeologists on a clay

tablet, dating back 4000 years. The recipe was meant to have been

handed down from the God Enki, who is said to be the God of

‘sweet water’.

Recipes from the 17th Century also include peculiar ingredients;

eels, gurnard (a type of flying fish), quince and primroses were all

favourable in various dishes during this time. A complicated meal

that is assumed to have once fed the Ancient Greeks and Romans

involved stuffing a chicken inside a duck, stuffing the duck inside a

goose, the goose inside a pig, and then finally stuffing the pig

inside a cow. A completely different take on the 3-bird roast that

some of us may be familiar with today!

Looking at all the popular cookbooks that fill our shelves

nowadays, it’s quite unbelievable to think how they have altered

and developed over 700 years. Now, discoveries of new and tastier

ingredients have provided us with a greater selection of choice so

we are able to create a wider range of recipes and dishes. If nettle

soup or roast hedgehog, with a side order of porpoise was to

appear as one of the featured recipes in a regular cookbook today,

you’d think it to be a wind-up. However, it is quite fascinating to

think that the things we’d turn our noses up at now, were once the

greatest delicacies amongst the people of our past.

theCookbook

By Laura Banbridge

THE HISTORY OF

Nettle soup or roast hedgehog, with a side order of porpoise

A selection of

pages from the

14th century

‘Forme of Cury’,

believed to be the

world’s first

cookbook.


Steve and andrea welcome you to the

Canal Inn Bullbridge hill

Serving home made food using locally sourced ingredients

Tuesday-Saturday 12-2.30pm & 5.30-8.00pm Sunday 12-2.30pm

Daily Special2 COuRSe

ROaST DInneR

£6.95TueSDay TO SaTuRDay lunChTImeS

Boots, Barkers & Bikers Welcome!

large Car Park

extensive Beer Garden

Certified Caravan and Camping withelectric hook up. Open all year

The Canal InnBullbridge hill, Ripley,Derbyshire De56 2eW

01773 852739

Food &Drink


Ingredients2 Pork Tenderloins450g (1 lb) Small, White Potatoes8 Bay Leaves1/3 Cup Grapeseed Oil4 tbsp Butter2 Cups Veal Stock (or chicken stock)Salt and Pepper

Method1. Make 3 incisions in the potatoes, butdo not cut all the way through. Spreadsome butter in each incision and sprinkle with salt. Place a bay leaf in the centre ofeach potato. Wrap in foil and place on abaking sheet.2. Bake for 40 minutes at 220˚C.3. Heat the oil in a skillet, season the porkand sauté on both sides for about 10-15minutes. Remove from the skillet andplace on a roasting pan, place in the ovenand cook for about 15-20 minutes.4. Pour the stock into the skillet and heat.Sieve the stock and return to the pan.5. Bring to the boil, remove from the heatand add 1 tbsp butter in cubes and whiskin cube by cube. 6. Cut the pork into slices, place with thepotatoes, pour over the sauce and serve.

Roast Pork Tenderloin with Herb Potatoes

Preparation time: 5 minsCooking time: 40 minsOven temperature: 220˚C


Wining and DiningIdeas for

this month

The White Horse at Woolley MoorThe White Horse at Woolley Moor offers really great food and good hospitality. Their wide andvaried menus change on a regular basis and their bar snacks are not bad either! They arecurrently offering one, two and three course dishes from £10, £13 and £16, Tuesday through toThursday and Friday and Saturday lunchtimes. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming,offering great food and service.

Telephone: 01246 590319

NEW SUMMER MENUWhy not try our

Piled High Fillet SteakMeat Supplied exclusively by CN

Wright Award Winning Butchers ofCodnor, cooked to your liking, served

with home made, hand-cut chips,mushrooms, tomatoes and beer battered

onion rings

Carvery served Wednesday and Sunday!

Extensive Main Menu available up ‘til 9pm

Booking Advisable

Fully Air Conditioned

Function Room – full catering serviceavailable or cater for yourselves!

ofA traditional family run pub serving good beer and excellent homemade food

Tel: 01773 745222Monday-Saturday Specials 12 - 3.00pm, 5 - 6.30 pm

FINE SELECTION OF REAL ALES

Codnor Denby Lane, Codnor, Derbyshire, DE5 9SP

Nico’s Italian Restaurant A little bit of Italy can be enjoyed at Nico’s. Head Chef Christopher Stannard brings a wealth ofexperience with his own take on Italian cuisine which includes pizzas, pasta dishes andvegetarian lasagna. They also offer ‘speciality’ dishes on their evening menu. Nico’s is adelightful family run Italian restaurant where you can enjoy fine food in pleasant surroundings.Weekend booking is essential. Nico’s is on Brick Street, just off Friar Gate, Derby.

Telephone: 01332 208220


PEROTTI • DENTS • THE BRIDGE • FOSSIL • YOSHI • SMITH & CANOVA • ANTLER •

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PEROTTI • DENTS • THE BRIDGE • FOSSIL • YOSHI • SMITH & CANOVA • ANTLER • R

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NY2a Chapel Street, Belper, Derby DE56 1AR Tel: 01773 822794

Fabulous range of Italian “Gianni-Conti”leather bags Now available

The Fabulous

LeatherShopof Belper

Colourful

Cool&Far right:Is summer here? Wonderful selection of summer tops and trousers,printed dresses and latest occasion wear for a cruise, wedding or anight out. All available at Upperstones Fashion, 20 Midland Road,Derby. 01332 298208 (formerly Marcelles).

Right:Through popular demand, partners Liz and Allison have launched‘The Wedding Collection’. In a beautifully appointed new showroomabove Glitz and Glam, they have everything for that very specialwedding day. A vast array of stunning gowns from leading bridalsuppliers, pretty flower girls and bridesmaid dresses, cute page boyoutfits and a lovely selection of accessories.Call and enjoy a glass of champagne in the relaxed surroundings of‘The Wedding Collection’, or to book an appointment call Allison on07980 015 631 or Liz 07530 208 987.

Below:The great spring/summer collection by Libra is now available atPanache of Beeston. This lovely range of clothing will head anylover of clothes in the right direction for spring/summer days.Panache stock a great range of jewellery, accessories and footwear tocomplement their clothing collections. Panache of Beeston, 1Stoney Street, Beeston Nottinghamshire. Tel: 0115 9225278www.panache-nottingham.co.uk

Below right:The girls from the Leather Shop Belper holding a selection of thespring range of ‘Fiorelli’ bags, and a Modalu ‘Pippa Bag’


BridesBridesmaids &Flower GirlsPage Boys

Accessories

ABOVE

NOWOPEN

22 Grosvenor Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3JF

Tel: 07530 208987www.glitzandglamripley.co.uk Join us on facebook.glitznglam

Upper StonesFASHION

20 Midland Road, Derby DE1 2SLOpening Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm. Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Tel: 01332 [email protected]

Spring/Summer2013 lines

now in stock

“Mother of theBride OccasionWear Specialistsfor over 20years”

Formerly Marcelles -

Sizes 14 to 30

Free Customer Parking

Keeping It SweetFor city-centre choice andtown centre service

Friendly personal service from assistants who care, in atruly independent store that’s big enough to stock the

quality brands you want.

An independent department 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 742151

Celebrating 100 years

GrandPrize Draw60 prizes to

be wonDrawn May

31st


David Clarke says, “For us and our staff, as afamily business it is quite a landmark to celebrate100 years of trading. Our grandfather WilliamEdwin ‘Eddie’ started the business; ourgrandparents lived over the shop and our fatherWilliam Herbert ‘Bert’ was born on the premisesin 1923. The business has gradually expandedover the years and we look forward to celebratingour centenary with our prize draw winners!”

Today, Clarkes of Ripley is run by David Clarkeand his sister Deborah Matthews. Theirgrandfather originally started the business in1912 as a tailor. In those days quality and servicewere given and they are still key to what is offeredhere today.

A family run department store is a rarity thesedays, let alone one that has been part of aDerbyshire town’s life for a century, is still runby the grandson and granddaughter of its founderand continues to thrive and adapt to thechallenges of modern retail.

Times have changed in some ways and while theshop no longer carries a large credit roundextending to Mansfield, which David andDeborah’s father Bert covered by bicycle in his

younger days, the variety of goods for sale hasever been wider.

Over the past ten years, Clarkes has diversifiedfrom being a purely fashion-based store intocookware, linens and towels, children’s shoes,giftware and lingerie, as well as expanding otherlines such as bags and luggage. The new in-store‘Coffee House’ has proven a popular destinationin itself, with many customers travelling aconsiderable distance for ‘real’ coffee andhomemade cakes.

The business has strong ties with the community,raising funds for Ripley hospital throughout the year as well as being involved with local schoolsand training schemes.

With a loyal customer base and a position in theheart of the Amber Valley, David and Deborahare still mindful of the need to plan for the futureand respond to trends. They take particularpleasure in meeting customers who canremember their father and grandparents at theshop.

Clarkes proves that there is a place forindependent family run businessesalongside superstores and malls and that personalservice and innovation can go hand in hand.

The family run department store will be holding a grand prize draw -free entry with every purchase throughout May - the prize draw will beheld at the end of May. There are over 60 prizes to be won frommenswear, ladies fashions, footwear, handbags, the cook shop and ourgift departments. It will also include gift vouchers for brands donatedby suppliers of the store, as well as Clarkes store vouchers.

Clarkes celebrate 100 yearsClarkes of Ripley would like to celebrate

over 100 years of serving the local community with you this spring.

Country Images Editorial Feature


HurstO p t i c i a n s

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

FREE pair ofprescription sun glasses!*

FREE Sight Tests for over 60s and children under NHS*Conditions apply, when you order complete frames (frame value £69 or over) andlenses to include single vision, bifocal and varifocal. Terms and conditions apply.

The BesT…

Simply

Designs by Marlaine82, High Street, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7BE

Tel: 01773 830787w w w. d e s i g n s b y m a r l a i n e . c o . u k

Bridal by Appointment Only

£50.00OFFProm StockGarments

Marlaine caters for your entirewedding party…

Stunning New BridalCollections always in stock

Bridesmaids, Ladies Suits and PartyDresses etc…

Book Your Appointment Now!

General Tailored Alteration ServiceAlways Available

PanacheLadies Fashions

www.panache-nott ingham.co.uk

1 Stoney Street Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2LA

Open: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am to 4pm

0115 922 5278

New Spring/SummerCollections by

Also stockists ofJewellery, Accessories,Shoes, Bags, Hats &

Fascinators

1 High Street, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3AA

T: 01773 747226Now open Wednesday until 4pm

England Barker Jewellers

…for yourspecial moment

Latest designs

now in stock

in 9ct, 18ct

and palladium.


Below centre:A new range of summer frames are available from top designers at Hurst Opticians,High Street, Ripley

Right:Designs by Marlaine are offering £50 off Prom Stock Garments…the shop stocksan array of stunning prom dresses. So if you are looking for a unique dress for aprom or special occasion then Designs by Marlaine is well worth a visit! For moreinformation call into the shop at 82 High Steet, Alfreton, Derbyshire or telephone01773 830787 www.designsbymarlaine.co.uk

Below right:New Season- New Style- New You! Promotion Day at Jillian Hart…Thursday 16th May 2013 between 11am and 4pm sees the exciting launch of theJoseph Ribkoff Summer Collection at Jillian Hart located on Babington Lane,Derby. Why not visit the shop along with a friend and enjoy a glass of wine andnibbles whilst viewing the Joseph Ribkoff model showcasing their hot new styles forsummer. Customers will receive 10% off plus a free gift with any Joseph Ribkoffpurchased on the day. For more information regarding the event contact the shopon 01332 347647 or call in at 40-44, Babington Lane, Derby.

Below left:Lovely stylish ballet pump by Gabor, great for spring/summer smart casual wear.These lovely shoes are available at John Barclay. The shop is well worth a visit if youare looking to update your shoe collection for spring/summer. John Barclay arelocated at 46 Babington Lane, Derby. Telephone 01332 342260www.johnbarclayshoes.co.uk

Colourful

Cool&


40-44 Babington Lane, Derby Tel: 01332 347647

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm

Spring/SummerCollection

Step out in style…

K&S • Van Dal • HB • Peter Kaiser • Rieker • Camel • Gabor

www.johnbarclayshoes.co.uk

OHN ARCLABINTERNATIONAL FOOTWEAR

YJ46 Babington Lane, Derby 01332 342260

Spring &Summer

Collection


Right centre:This little Coco Chanel inspired number is created using Ella double knittingyarn. Both yarn and pattern are by Sirdar and are available from U-duit, TheWool Shop, Church Street, Ripley.

Below left:Preparing for a holiday or the summer season? Look a million dollars withoutspending a fortune…Frox stock designer and high street clothing for far lessthan the original price. The shop which is located at Draycott Mill, also have agreat range of jewellery, handbags and accessories which complement thefabulous clothing range on offer. Frox, The Courtyard, Draycott Mill,Draycott, Derbyshire. Tel: 01332 875572 www.froxshop.com

Right bottom:If you are looking to add to your footwear collection for spring and summerthen Tarltons located at Somercotes are worth paying a visit. This smalltraditional shoe shop stocks a lovely range of sandals perfect for holidays,weddings, special occasions and everyday wear. Tarltons also cater for the widerfoot with comfort fit from Wauldlaufer, Equity, Padders and Marco Tozzi toname but a few. Call into the shop which offers free parking at 185Nottingham Road, Somercotes, Derbyshire. Telephone 01773 602816

Below centre:Innovative, inspiring and sometimes quirky the new Spring 2013 collection ofItalian design ladies fashion has now arrived at The Designer and Seamstress atKirkby in Ashfield. Beautiful embroidered coats and jackets to suit all tastesand styles, dresses and stylish tops for day or evening wear. T: 07914 755891

Right top:Celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth ll, 2nd June 1953. Designed byJune Branscombe, packed with symbols and emblems relevant to the occasion,these four pieces by Royal Crown Derby are now available from EnglandBarker Jewellers, High Street, Ripley.

Colourful

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Restaurant Dining with Full Menu & Specials Board

Country Club &Leisure Facilitieswww.lumbfarm.com

Thurs – Fri 5.30pm – 8.30pm. Sunday Roast 12noon – 2.30pm.Squash and Snooker available.

Saturdays: open for weddings, special events and private functions.

Derby Road, marehay, Ripley, Derbyshire, De5 8JNT: 01773 744299 e: [email protected]

A complete Wedding Day servicefor a perfect day!

(including Civil Ceremonies Licence)

Luxuryaccommodation

now availablePlease call

for further details

Your Professional MobileFamily Hairdresser

Cutting • HighlightsBlow Dry • Wedding/Party Hair

RiNG FOR APPOiNTmeNTS

Mobile: 07772 608192Becky Hair

Cutting edgeof the latest

trends

Derbyshire’s Premier Dress AgencyTel 01332 875572 www.froxshop.com

Try Something New

For Spring 2013The Designer

and the Seamstress

Inspirationaland uniqueladies Italianfashion nowavailable

182 Victoria Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 8ATSonia 07914 755891 or John 07910 390744 [email protected]

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

TARLTONSStylish Selection of Shoes,Sandals, Handbags andAccessories forSpring/Summer 2013…

Stockists ofother Leading Brands185 Nottingham Road, Somercotes, Derbyshire

Tel: 01773 602816Telephone or call into the shop for more details

Closed all day Wednesday

Specialist Needlework and Wool Shop

X-Stitch - Surface Embroidery -Lowery Workstands,

Purelite Magnifying Lamps •DMC • Anchor • Books • Tapestry•Tablecloths • Tapestry Wools • Threads • Frames Hoops • Embroidery Charts

• Fabrics • Metallic Threads

SIRDAR • PATONS • RICO

SUBLIME • HAYFIELD NORO COLLECTION

for

Babies, Children &Grownups

Your localwool shop

U-DUITEstablished

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

www.u-duitknitandstitch.co.uk


Right centre;Bodysculpture has become the leading inch loss clinic in the north ofEngland, utilising acoustic wave therapy™ developed in Switzerland.The average client loses 26.25 inches within 10 one hour sessions whichinvolve a three pronged approach. The process is completely safe, does not include the use of radio wavesor lasers and is endorsed by the Association of Cosmetic Surgeons as themost effective and inexpensive way to reduce unsightly cellulite.Telephone Heather 07540 763945

Right below;These striking, brightly coloured watches from ‘ICE’ are now reducedby a great 25% at England Barker Jewellers, High Street, Ripley.

Senses Skin Care Centre is re-launching their price list in May toinclude additions to their extensive range of skin and beautytreatments. Senses specialise in facial and skin care treatmentsoffering a variety of relaxing and indulgent treatments. Solestockists of Decleor and DermaQuest in the area, enables themto effectively treat any skin condition or concern. To speak toone of the therapists contact the salon this month to receive acomplimentary consultation. Tel: 01773 835866

Below:‘Bathroom Rules’ order our bespoke signs or visit our shop with overtwo floors of home and gift ideas only at Primsisters, Belper

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ORCHARD WELL-BEINGPentrich Lane End, Pentrich, Nr Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3RH

www.orchardwell-being.co.uk

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY PROFESSIONALSAcupuncture and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture with Marianne Sterland tel: 07902 259 485

Mark Clutton Provides therapies for a range of common conditions and phobias tel: 01773 650052

Remedial Massage and Mobilisation Therapy with Robert Sanby tel: 07960 442 957

Have you ever wished you

could just rub out the bits of

you that you hate, dieted like

crazy and worked out in the

gym, only to find the best bits

of you have disappeared and

the worst still remains… well

now you can and safely too!

• Lose up to 26 “ in 10 sessions

• Reduce your BMI

• Eliminate stretch marks & thread

veins

• Increase the elasticity of your skin

Endorsed by the Association of

Cosmetic Surgeons as the most

effective and safest form of fat

reduction.

Call Heather Robinson on 07540 763 945to book an appointmentOr Email: [email protected]

Available at 2–6 Mill Street, Macclesfield SK11 6LY

and Cavendish House, 37 Green Lane, Buxton, SK179 DL

Visit our website at www.bodysculpture.me.uk

Average

loss per client

through 2012

25.4inches

Step into Spring with a Zing

• £69 per session or• £600 for 10 sessions• Lymphatic massage 1hr £50

THE LEADING INCH-LOSSCLINIC IN THE NORTH


The

The mission at Aveda is to care for the world we live in, from the products they make to the ways

in which they give back to society. At Aveda, they strive to set an example for environmental

leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.

Big CleanseConnecting beauty, environment and well-being

Botanical Kinetics™ Purifying Gel Cleanser £17 100mlBegin and end each day with a gentle, plant-derived

gel cleanser that foams-away impurities and helps

normalise skin. Enriched with camomile, lavender

and anti-oxidant vitamin E.

• Gently dissolves make up and impurities

• Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed

• Refreshing new aroma with 16 certified organic

essential oils

Outer Peace™ Foaming Cleanser £18 100mlCleans deep into pores, dissolving oil, make up andother impurities – without irritation or overdryingskin.• Ideal for blemish prone skin• Infused with powerful plants – tamanu, amla,boswellia and saw palmetto• Certified organic lemon tea tree and rosegeranium aroma

Embrightment™ Intensive Massage Masque£42 100mlBi-weekly intensive treatment massage-inmasque with plant-powered brightening blendto diminish the appearance of discolourationand dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation.• Helps enhance skin’s visible radiance andtone• Moisturises skin• 100% naturally derived Plant-PoweredBrightening Blend including ascorbyl glucoside(a vitamin C derivative), mulberry root andgrape extract to help diminish the appearanceof discolouration and dark spots• Vitamins C&E enhance the skin’s visibleradiance and tone.

www.aveda.co.uk

T&T T&T T&T T&T T&T


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.

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.

FOR ALL ENQUIRIESTelephone: 01246 277311Mobile: 07973 911404

Family Run Business with Over 15 years’ Experience• High Quality Professional Service at Reasonable

Prices • Deep Cleaning Service Keeping yourCarpets, Curtains & Upholstery in Perfect ConditionSpecialist Cleaning and Care for Leather Upholstery

Covering North East Derbyshire & The Peak District

Prestige Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Spotless Service Guaranteed!Like us on Facebookand print a voucherto SAVE £5

Lynne Siddons CT, FVCM (Hons)

PIANO, KEYBOARD &THEORY OF MUSICPrivate tuition.

CRB checkedFor all age groups

to exam standard or just for pleasure.For details telephone01773 745303

or 07837 080253

Interior & Exterior Private & Commercial

Tel/Fax: 01773 820656Mobile: 07966 [email protected] George Street, Belper

DARREN MAYESDECORATORS

BELPER SKIP HIRE

Phone: 01773 822898(Please Quote C/Images 1)

All Skip Sizes Available

For Domestic and

Commercial plus

Grabhire

Competitive Rates

For All Enquiries

• 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

www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk

RICHARD BOOTH UPHOLSTERY

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

1 New Road, Heage, Derbyshire

01773 853338

Norfolk, Blakeney. Lovely 19thC flint cottage.

Newly renovated, equipped &furnished. Cosy & warm. Dog welcome.

Short Breaks Available

01773 746110www.heartcrosshouse.co.uk

Directory


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

Fully Qualified Plumber •Personal & Efficient

Gas Servicing & Repair •Tiling Service

For a free no obligation quotation

Telephone 01773 540854 Mobile 07968 772224


www.bsoleplumbing.co.uk

QualityBathroom andCentral HeatingInstallations &Servicing

Block Paved, Pattern Imprinted Concrete, Patios & PathsCleaned And Sealed & Tarmacadam Refurbishment

Local and Trusted Business

Call now for a quote 01773 768955 - 07886 742856

Fitted Kitchens

Doors

Skirting Boards

Stud Walls

1st & 2nd fix joinery

Mob:07500 015534

Tel:01773 747288

Roy RowlandPainter andDecorator

Tel: 01332 882626Mob: 078665 88110

Free Quotes

Interior & Exterior

-Tidy &

Reliable

• All aspects of

Internal & External

Joinery

• Staircases

• Windows & Doors

• Flooring & Skirting

• Kitchens

• Decking

Tel: 01773 602446

Mob: 07960 222298

M Scott Joiner

Tel: 01773 302222Mobile: 07812 995634

Your LocalBuilders

All types of qualitybuilding work

extensions, roofing and plastering work No job too smallFree quotations

TDBBUILDERS

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

Massage/Sports Massage, Reflexology Therapist

Paul Bullock ITEC/VTCT Qualified

at Elite Hair & Beauty Salon233 Nottingham Rd, Somercotes

Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Tel: 07766 996345Home visits possible

www.headtotoestherapy.co.uk

Specialists in Damp ProofingTanking • Renovation & Home AlterationsNo Job Too Large & No Job Too Small

ALL WORK GUARANTEED OVER 33 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

For all enquiries

Tel: 01773 409591 Mob: 07763 154 870

Excellence Comes as Standard

Home Improvement SolutionsH.I.S.

The complete property servicesplastering, damp proofing, joinery,guttering, decorating, kitchens and

bathrooms fitted, all trades covered!

From hanging a door to afull house renovation!fast, friendly & professional service,

free estimates and reports.

Matt: 07597 905 804 01773 810804

[email protected]

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

• 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

SpecialistContact Dale on01773 528 726

or 07740 678 687

STEVEÕSSTONEWORK

All aspects of

StoneworkDry Stone Walling

Brickwork

Please call Steve on

07930 151902

Over 32 years experience


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

Loft ConversionSpecialist

Over 20 years’experience

All joinery workundertaken

Kitchens andBedrooms fitted

UPVC windowsdoors and

conservatories

J H JOINERY SERVICES LTD

For a free quotation call Justin on

T:01773 775166 M:07815 287092www.jhjoineryservices.co.uk

TRUSTED

TRADERS

• Small joinery jobs• Decking• Slabbing

• Concrete base• Patios

• Gardening

• Hedge trimming• Fencing• Painting

• Unblocking drains• Any job considered

J.T. Handyman Services

Call Jamie on 07523423962CSCS certificate (Health & Safety)

Your Local D.I.Y. Expert for all the odd jobs around the home

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, Derbyshire, DE55 7FQ

Entries to reach us by May 16th 2013

First correct entry drawn wins the prize of 2 tickets to this

years Ashover Show. Terms and conditions apply

WIN 2 tickets to this year’s Ashover Show on the 14th of August.

ASHOVER SHOW, 14th August 2012

Rectory Fields, Ashover, Derbyshire

Tel: 01623 811545

www.ashovershow.co.uk • [email protected]

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11

12

13 14 15 16

17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28

29 30 31 32 33

34 35

36 37 38 39 40

41

42 43 44

45

46 47 48

Across: 1 Rigid philosopher 4 Rise and fall 9 Division of matins

10 Baby’s bed 12 Like Norfolk! 13 Past 14 Beer carrier

15 Put up 17 High definition in short 18 Dad 19 Royal Academy

in short 20 Deep dish 24 Swiss potato dish 27 Vessel or duct

28 You can call Paul Simon this! 29 Decorative design

31 Follower! 34 Either 35 Thanks 36 Hurricane 39 Rock

41 A worker! 42 Hanging ice 44 Raise up 45 -- suite

46 Abominable snowman 47 Plunge in briefly

48 Before New Year.

Down: 1 Happy 2 Lovely 3 Middle age expedition

4 Supporter 6 Blurred 6 Shreds 7 Turn away 8 Egg laying

mammal 11 Boat propeller 14 Box 16 Language of Northern

Spain 21 Grape 22 Rodent 23 And not 25 Not in 26 Of this

sort 29 Frighten 30 Grandma 31 Method 32 Make amends

33 Rotas 37 Mark made by pressure 38 Band round shield

40 Avoid 43 Finish

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 819933 07980 435236www.clsbuilders.co.uk [email protected]

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

Amber Valley Driveways

For a professional finish on:Blockpaving • Fencing

Tarmac drives & paths laid Patios & slabbing • Excavation• Power jet cleaning for drives,

patios, block paving etc.

01773 85734107521 516272

PhoneBrendan on

COLIN GREEN**ROOM REVIVAL**From Papering a Wall

to Total Room Refurbishment

A Complete Service

• Decorating• Joinery, Coving, Dado etc• Electrical Alterations• Laminate Flooring• Kitchen Fitting• Tiling

To discuss your requirements

and for a free quotation

Tel 01773 605947 or Mobile 07779 291577

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

BELPERBASED

PAUL HASLAM

BuilderBricklayer07974 27210301773 821943

All types of general buildingwork, re-pointing,

plastering, brickwork andgeneral alterationsundertaken.

No job too smallFREE QUOTES01773 301922

[email protected]

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,

slabbing, 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 522927

Tel:01773 513339 www.sunset-windows.co.uk

*Terms and Conditions

28 Church Street Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3BU

• Windows & Doors• Conservatories• Fascias & Soffits• Misted Units

For details contact

SUNSETWINDOWSThe area’s favourite Window Company

SAVINGS ONCOMPOSITEDOORS*

• TARMAC SPECIALISTS• BLOCK PAVING SPECIALISTS• DROP KERBS (COUNCIL APPROVED)• DRAINAGE CCTV SURVEYS & INSTALLATIONS

• FENCING & PATIOS• LANDSCAPING• ALL GENERAL BUILDING SERVICES

Driveway SpecialistsOver 30 Years’ Experience

PLEASE CALL DENBY OFFICE: 01332 883048OR JOHN GRACE DIRECTLY ON 07971 288920EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: WWW.JGSLIMITED.CO.UKJGS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LTD - DENBY, DERBYSHIRE

*Very competitive rates* Underfloor heating* Extra sockets to a full re-wire* Showers and extractor fans* Security garden lighting*All work undertaken

01773 608278Mobile 07817 591686

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

LIMITED

REGISTERED ELECTRICAL INSTALLER

‘Part P’ Qualified

A Local Family Run Company

No High Pressure Sales – Guaranteed • Each Quotation Attended by the Proprietor• Our own Fully Experienced Installers, No Sub-Contractors

• 20 Years’ Experience in the Window Trade

Tel: 01773 747265Mobile: 07967 419 504


Suppliers and Installers of uPVC Fascia Board

• Full Insurance Backed Guarantee• Shoot- Bolt Locking With Push Button (Autolock Handles as Standard)

• High Security Internal Glazing Bead as Standard• A Rated Energy Efficient Windows As Standard• Hook Bolt Door Locks as Standard

WEATHERSEALWindows, Doors and ConservatoriesYour 5 Star Piece of Mind…

NOVAT

• New SLS AMG GT and the mighty SLS AMG BlackSeries, available to order now

• SLS AMG GT replaces current SLS AMG Coupéand Roadster with enhanced standard specificationand dynamic upgrades

• SLS AMG Black Series marks fifth Black Seriesmodel from Mercedes-AMG – the fastest and mostpowerful production vehicle ever from the brand

• SLS AMG GT Coupé from £165,030 OTR and SLSAMG Black Series Coupé from £229,985 OTR

The new UK line up for the SLS AMG, available to order now, has

been unveiled, with two models – the new SLS AMG GT Coupé and

the mighty SLS AMG Black Series Coupé – boasting significantly

enhanced specification and greater driving dynamics than ever before.

SLS AMG Black Series

Joining the SLS AMG GT in the new super sports car line up is the SLS

AMG Black Series; a vehicle inspired by the SLS AMG GT3 racing car.

The 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine generates a staggering 631 hp and 635

Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds.

Helping the SLS AMG Black Series to achieve these figures is its

lightweight construction, reducing the kerb weight to 1,625 kg (70 kg

less than the SLS AMG). This is part of the “AMG Lightweight

Performance” strategy, with numerous body elements such as the

bonnet, the rear panel behind the AMG sports bucket seats, the

diagonal braces on the underbody, and the torque tube between

engine and transmission, made entirely of motorsport-grade

carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic. In contrast to its 26.6 kg counterpart

with sand-cast aluminium housing, the carbon-fibre torque tube weighs

now just 13.3 kg.

AMG Ride Control Performance suspension, AMG ceramic

high-performance composite brake system, wider flared wings

(increased in width by 26 mm at the front and 52 mm at the rear), a

new AMG titanium sports exhaust system, and the electronically

controlled AMG rear-axle differential lock further boosts the driving

dynamics of the SLS AMG Black Series.

Outside, the 19”/20” AMG five twin-spoke forged bi-colour alloys;

carbon-fibre front splitter and flicks on the front apron; and

carbon-fibre rear aerofoil and diffuser with two chrome twin tailpipes

set the Black Series apart from the SLS AMG GT.

The interior blends comfort with track-focused versatility, including

AMG sports bucket seats in designo black leather and Alcantara, with

upholstery across the dashboard, console sides and door panels in a

mix of nappa leather and Alcantara. Additionally, the interior benefits

from AMG carbon-fibre trim, COMAND system with AMG

Performance Media, and the AMG Performance steering wheel in

Alcantara with a red 12-o’clock mark.

Mercedes Epic New SLS Line-up

SLS AMG Black Series


Or call in to our workshop at Prospect Court,Nottingham Road, Ripley, Derbyshire DE5 3AYwww.sandccaravanservices.co.uk

[email protected]

Derbyshire's LeadingCaravan & MotorhomeAccident Repair Centre

Caravan and Motorhome Repairs including:-Shower tray repairs in-situ now available.Smart Repairs on Caravans, Motorhomes and Cars.Accident Repairs.Damp Repair Specialists.Caravan Tyres supplied, and fitted.Insurance Work Undertaken.Caravan/motorhome worktop repairs now available using the Konig repair system.

Call Sarah or Chrisfor friendly advice on

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Visit our website for more information on any of the services we offer. www.sandccaravanservices.co.uk

H.J.Morris Motors Ltd.

Servicing & Repairs For All Vehicles • Cars • Vans • Light Commercial• Classic Cars • Brake & Clutch • Car Engine Tuning & Conversion

Gear Box Repairs • Steering • Vehicle Inspection

Unit 1A, Monk Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7RL

Te l : ( 0 1 7 7 3 ) 8 3 6 5 1 1 Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 8.30–5.30pm Sat 8.30–12.30pm

Established in Alfreton for 25 years!

MOTs - £33.99Service & MOT - £99

Tel: 01773 74833319 Wellington Street, Ripley.

book on-line at www.cxauto.co.uk

Need your Air Conchecking/re-gassing?

• MOT for cars and bikes• Servicing and repairs• Fuel injection engineers• Air-con service & repairs

automotive Ltd

• All makes and models• Citröen specialists since 1994

SLS AMG GT


A little while ago I went to the Assembly Rooms in Derby to see

stand up comedian Mike Harding. I had seen him on television

back in the 1970s when there weren’t too many doing stand up to

the extent that he, Jasper Carrot, Billy Connolly and Max Boyce

were. I loved his wry, sharp, dry Lancashire humour which, linked

with the northern accent, seemed to make things even funnier.

Local company PR Promotions got me 4 tickets to the show and

off I went, wondering whether his humour had stood the test of

time and also wondering if my daughter would ‘get’ this

humour, from before her time of Michael Macintyre, Peter Kay etc.

Mike was soon in flow and regaling us with his observation on life

in his younger days. However, it transpired that as he turned 60 a

few years ago he received in the post a request from the NHS for

a stool sample. From there on in I have never been a part of an

audience that laughed so much. With tears running down my face I

risked a glance across the row at my daughter and was pleased to

see her also crying with laughter. Ah, so humour does stand the

test of time and without a swear word in sight. Probably a lesson

for comedians today to ‘keep it clean’. I won’t spoil his show by

telling you his experience.

We all went home with aching sides, not just from laughing but

also because the man in front of me kept leaning to his left for

some reason and blocking my view, which meant I also had to lean

to my left, meaning the man behind me had to lean left too. I

imagined that the back row was perfectly horizontal.

A couple of days ago the post arrived with its normal mix of

happiness, sadness (bills) and rubbish. I thought my wife’s contact

lenses had arrived and so put the box to one side. On realising it

didn’t say the name of the opticians I took another look and

noticed it said my name. I opened it waiting to see if the normal

array of 6 numbers were there! I was pretty shocked to see that

the NHS were asking me to make a contribution(!) but not in the

way I had first envisaged. So, I too have reached that age which

not only entitles me

to free parking in

Ripley or Alfreton

between midnight

and 3am? I never

knew that it was so

complicated to give a

stool sample. I just

thought you took a sample in a bag into the doctors. At our

careers classes we had never been given the ‘contortionist’

option. I read the instructions with glee at first, thinking this is a

farce. The highlighted panel on the final page of the instructions

said ‘Any Questions call this number’. I’ve got plenty I thought. It

also said that ‘The leaflet is also available in Braille’. If I could

readBraille I wouldn’t need help with this test. It explained how I

had to use a spade to spread the sample over the windows. Being

as our window cleaner comes every month I thought I would wait

until he was due.

I quite enjoy my job, it’s varied, interesting and rewarding. Walking

into the office is full of mystery as to what that day may hold but I

just wonder what the person who has to test all these samples

feels like on a Monday morning when the post sack arrives and he

opens the first envelope. Training for many years to be a specialist

can’t have prepared anyone for this job. How do you decide what

sandwiches to pack for lunch? There were 3.4 million people

between the age of 60 and 64 in 2012. That’s an awful lot of

samples to process.

Whilst visiting someone in hospital a couple of weeks ago I saw a

surgeon who was going to perform a hip replacement

operation having his lunch beforehand. It must make you think

carefully before making your choice from the canteen. I admire

the dedication of those doing all these things and we are grateful

to all who do.

Talk on

Life by GP

Smoking kills and I can finally prove it. Well nearly.....

Whilst driving down Oxford Street in Ripley, a woman, busy

concentrating on trying to light her cigarette walked straight

between two cars and out in front of me. It was a close thing

but there was no surprise on her face, just a look of disgust as

though I should have known she was going to do it! Amazing

what you can be blamed for these days!

How does this work? We recently searched on line for trains

to London. Eventually we settled on the 9:15 from Derby

when it suddenly flashed up that we could go first class for

only a little extra and that first class got there 30 minutes

earlier! That had us completely baffled. So, we sit in second

class and the front bit gets there 30 minutes before us does it?

Really clever that. I envisaged a huge elastic band and the front

half flying away first and then the hoy polloy in cattle catching

up with a massive twang!

Chatting to someone the other day and they told me that

Benedictine monks made beer out of bees! A smidgen of

knowledge can be dangerous!

Mike is currently ontour makingfolk laugh up

and down thecountry

Things to ponder…

A little sackful of surprises...

There was no other way to illustrate this story.

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country images - north edition - may 2013

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