Janet Roberts's Blog, page 10

Great Central Railway -= Leicestershire

It was a very long time since I have last visit this amazing heritage railway line - which is the only place in the UK's with a  double track main line, so you can see full size steam engines passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.
One of the things I love about these places is the trouble taken over recreating the platforms and waiting rooms.  Just look at this inviting room at Quorn
Then it was time to hop on the train, at first travelling from Quorn to Loughborough, when it was possible to sit right behind the driver! At Loughbourgh I had an excellent ham sandwich which I enjoyed sitting on the platform watching passenger board a vintage Pullman train, tantalised by the smell of their lunch drifting across the platform! Then it was a quick 'comfort break' with a most wonderful vintage feel! ! 
Then  it was back to Quorn, then on to Leicester.

Altogether a most enjoyable way to spend Easter, and I certainly appreciated all the hard work and dedication of the multitude of volunteers who must have been involved.
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Richard III's funeral - Leicester - Leicestershire

Richard III was born in October 1452, was King for two years, and was killed in the Battle of Bosworth when only 32 years of age. He was said to have been deeply religious, and would have had a funeral service and some prayers would have been said at the time, before being buried in an alabaster coffin in the grounds of Grey Friars, a Franciscan Holy order, in their friary church.

 Philippa Langley, of the Richard III Society, approached Leicester City Council and the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) in the hope that they would carry out an excavation of the Greyfriars Social Services car park site. Everyone was enthusiastic. Although the chance of finding Richard III were minute, ULAS were keen to find the old Greyfriars Church. With the help of University funding and an International Appeal by the Richard III Society, the dig eventually got the go ahead in summer 2012'

In August 2012, the careful process of excavation began. In the days that followed the archaeologists uncovered not only the old Greyfriars church, but a skeleton with battle wounds and a curved spine.

 Then there was DNA testing to prove that the skeleton was actually that of Richard III, and they wanted samples from Joy Ibsen, from Canada, who was known as a direct descent, but unfortunately she had died several years ago. However her son Michael, who now works in London, provided a sample, which matched. Was was even more amazing was the fact that Michael was a cabinet maker, and he made the coffin for the king!

 So this wasn't really a funeral, as Richard had already had that, but a 'Reinterment', with the slogan 'With Dignity and Honour' used on all the publicity. This was such a totally unique, never-to-be-repeated event, I just had to be there! Fortunately the day was bright and crisp, and most importantly, dry! Vast crowds gathered hours before anything began to happen, and actually I thought there would be more going on - like storytellers, or people selling white roses or flags, but I never saw anything like that. There were big screens dotted around the city showing the very slow progress of the coffin, which had started with the departure of the remains from the University of Leicester, where extensive research had been carried out, at 11am and then travelled through the villages associated with the battle of Bosworth. It finally arrived in the Leicester city just after 5pm.

 I actually thought the procession would be longer, but actually it only took less than 2 minutes to pass by, but was very impressive nevertheless, and I was so glad I was there to witness it. It was also possible to weave across the city and view it more than once! I was also very glad I'd recorded the whole afternoon on the TV, as it was fun watching it again once I got home. One thing I was disappointed about was the dreary collection of souvenirs in the side window of the Visitor Centre. I really didn't want yet another mug, or an inscribed pencil!

 Now I can't wait to go back and view the Richard III Visitor Centre, which is said to be really interesting.
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Yorkshire Wildlife Park - 1015 - Doncaster - Yorkshire

It was quite a while since I last visited this intresting place (see previous blog), and having read in the newspaper that it now had a polar bear, I just had to go and visit again.

The first thing that struck me was how much it had changed!  You now enter through the shop (very clever!) and go into the spacious courtyard where you can shop, use the toilets and have some refreshments, before entering the Park itself.

I headed straight to the new Polar Bear enclosure, most of which is still under construction, but is going to be so impressive.There is only one resident at the moment - Victor, who arrived on the park last August from a zoo in Germany.  He is 16 years old and was part of the European Breeding Programme and has many offspring, but has now retired.  Unfortunately he was sound asleep, something the Ranger said carnavores do rather a lot!

Also new, at least to me, were the Baboons, again in a very well-designed enclosure.  These two were wisely snuggling up against the cold wind.

Not far away was very big enclosure for the Painted Dogs, and I hadn't seen the Giraffe House before.  These magnificient animals were inside, where I did find it hard to photograph them because of all the thick bars.  I took this shot holding the camera up above my head!  Of course it wouldn't be a problem once they are roaming around their paddock outside.

Even though there were was much new to see, with clearly more planned from the consturction work underway, there were still my favourites, like the wonderful tigers and leopards and of course the lions.  I thought it just amazing that a relatively small body of water would hold back these fine animals, even if there is an attractive female on the other side!

Altogether it was a wonderful visit, with all the animals looking so well, healthy and content.  A highly recommended place to visit suitable for all the family
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The Miner's Arms - Carsington - Derbyshire

This delightful, old-fashioned pub is situated in the small village of Carsington, which has a population of just over one hundred.  It is close to Hopton House, so is an ideal place to stop to have a meal after visiting this interesting place.

It is also across the road from the amazing Carsington Water, a huge reservoir operated by Severn Trent Water.  This opened in 1992 and is England's ninth largest reservoir with a capacity of 35,412 megalitres.  It is the most wonderful place for cycling, walking, watersports and bird watching.

The Miner's Arms is a large three-storey building erected in the 16th century.  It was a change in the road lay-out that resulted in the rather strange arrangement whereby the back of the pub stands against the road, which can be quite confusing when you first arrive! 

Inside there is a roaring, real fire, which is something I really love on a chilly winter's day.  The food is all home-cooked and my simple meal of ham, eggs and chips turned out to be both delicious and really filling.






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'Secrets' - how I came to write the book

The Resistance Movement that developed during the Second World War has always fascinated me, and as I wanted to write a story for boys who think reading is boring - what could be more appropriate!  At the beginning of the book, 11 year-old Peter gets involved with distributing underground newspapers.  This was based on a similar account in the marvellous book 'And there was Light' by Jacques Lusseyran.  If you haven't read it, I really recommend it, as one of the most uplifting books I've ever read.


The newspapers come to an abrupt end when their organisation is betrayed, as happened in Jacques' case.  But then Peter overhears his aunt say 'But I don't want him here!'.  He is appalled, and very upset as he's always felt welcomed and happy in his French home, and certainly agrees with his parents that rural France is safer than living in the middle of London.  Then it transpires that she's not talking about her nephew, but offering their home as a 'Safe House' for escaping Allies!  Now, I've often wondered if I would have been brave enough to have done this - the risks are so enormous.  Uncle Claude makes this very clear when they take a vote on the matter, pointing out that sometimes an escaping airman is actually a German spy, who will report back about every house and safe port that he's stayed in.  All those involved will be immediately shot.

But the family decide to go ahead, despite Aunt Yvonne's understandable reluctance.

At first everything goes swimmingly, with men passing quickly through the farmhouse.

But then Peter and his uncle hear a plane in obvious difficulties, and watch a group of parachutes fall from the sky.  Then it's not only a race to get to them before the Germans, but there's the awful problem of what to do with the very seriously injured airman.  Hiding him in the grubby barn is out of the question, so he lies totally exposed in the middle of the living room.  Any minute the Germans could arrive and find him.

I was reminded of HE Bates' gripping book 'Fair Stood the Wind for France' - which I enjoyed so much.  Then the airman got away by being rowed down the river the French girl.

But will Peter's family even survive?

If you would like to read my e-book 'Secrets' it's available from Smashwords 
and Amazon. 
Enjoy!! 

Coco at the Shoulder - Hardstoft - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I'd read about this place in several publications, so couldn't wait to visit, especially as they did inexpensive lunchtime snacks.  It's in a marvellous location, and directly on our route to Hardwick Hall.

The interior is certainly impressive, and I liked the way there were small, intimate areas for eating.  In the room where I chose a table there was a real, roaring fire, which on a freezing February day was just wonderful, and I couldn't think of anywhere else locally where I would have found this.

 However, when the menu arrived it was clear there was only a choice of three inexpensive meals.  I chose 'Honey Glazed Bacon steak, fried duck egg and chips' - but was immediately informed there were no duck eggs, which was not a good start.

When the meal arrived it was on an enormous square plate, with a small hen's egg, but it was very nice and well cooked.

I then went to the Ladies, which was clearly newly installed and very swish.  However, I would have preferred it if the toilet roll had been the holder.  I always like a place with hand lotion, but as the hand dryer wasn't working, it was impossible to apply any to soaking wet hands!

As this place is very isolated and everyone is going to have to travel to it, as well as being expensive, it has got to get it's act together if it's going to survive.  They'll find people will vote with their feet at these prices.

However, I was glad I'd visited.  It had a lovely atmosphere, and would be perfect for a special occasion, like an engagement, Valentine's treat or anniversary meal.
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Peak District Mining Museum - Matlock Bath - Derbyshire

I had driven past this Museum so many times that I thought it was high time I visited!

It is run by volunteers from the Peak District Mines Historical Society, which was formed in 1959 following concerns that the remains of this ancient industry were fast disappearing.  It is known that mining, principally for lead but more recently for fluorspar and barytes, has been carried out in the Derbyshire Peak District since Roman times at least.

The Museum is housed in an impressive building next to the main road, where there is a small pay car park.  I think the floor space is quite small, but due to the very complex and clever lay-out it seemed much bigger.

It was certainly possible to get an idea of the very dark and cramped conditions for the miners, and the impressive sound affects added to the atmosphere.  The Museum covered every aspect of mining in great detail and was really quite impressive, particularly if you were particularly interested in the subject.

There was also quite a lote for children, with incredibly narrow shafts to climb, and displays with knobs to turn and buttons to push!  However, I personally didn't find a lot for the average tourist, although I wasn't too sure what I was expecting.  On the other hand, it is a cheap place to visit, and Matlock Bath itself is a very interesting place , so I was glad I'd spent time at the Museum.


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'Carols by Candlelight' - Royal Albert Hall - London

This year was the first time I'd visited The Royal Albert Hall in London, and I really loved it!  (See previous blog)

This time it was to see 'Carols by Candlelight' - what fun that sounded!  The large Mozart Festival Orchestra was formed in 1991 - the bicentenary of Mozart's death, and presumably the striking costumes were from that period.  This concert was conducted by Steven Devine, who was excellent, cracking jokes and generally getting into the spirit of the occasion

The concert started with Handel's 'Zadok the Priest,' always a stirring piece.  Then there was a real mixture of carols, with a lot of audience participation.  Something like 'O come, all ye faithful' sung by several thousand people sounded absolutely wonderful.  I also particularly enjoyed 'Good King Wenceslas' when the men in the audience sung the part of the King, and everyone else was the page.

In addition there were contributions from soprano Natasha Jouhl, also suitable attired.

The first half ended with Handel's marvellous 'For unto us a child is born' followed by The Hallelauiah Chorus' with everyone respectfully on their feet!

In addition there were two excellent readings by renown actor Christopher Timothy.  The first was the marvellous bit from Dickens' A Christmas Carol' when Scrooge secretly sends a turkey to the poor Cratchit family.  In the second half it was from Luke 2
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The concert ended  with a rousing version of 'Jingle Bells', followed by 'The twelve days of Christmas' (with lots of enthusiastic audience participation!), and ended with everyone joining in sing 'Hark! the herald angels sing'

Altogether this was a simply marvellous way to start the festive season, and I can well believe that attending this concert is part of many people's Christmas tradition  I certainly couldn't have enjoyed it more!

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Chatsworth - Christmas 2014

The run-up to Christmas just wouldn't be complete without a trip to Chatsworth in Derbyshire to see their spectacular decorations. Every year is on a different theme, and always it's absolutely marvellous.  This year it was 'Alice in Wonderland' - which I knew would be fantastic.

Of course we started by going 'down the rabbit hole' and could see the rear end of a huge white rabbit disappearing into a wall!  In fact everywhere you looked were interesting, imaginative items - just so much thought much have gone into the displays - no wonder it's so popular
One of the most amazing was The Oak Room where the caterpillar was in residence, his tail twitching and everywhere very psychedelic!

In the Painting Hall a table had been laid out for the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, with spectacular figures created by a firm in Derbyshire.  (Everything else had been created 'in-house', as Chatsworth employs sign-writers, carpenters, fabric specialists etc.)  Of course all the familiar characters were there, to the delight of the crowd.






In the Dining Room, the usual furniture had been swept away to make room for the croquet match, which was full of flamingos and of course the Queen - and everywhere there were giant playing cards.

  In fact one of my favourites was this gently rotating flamingo mobile hanging over the staircase.




However, my absolute favourite, which actually I thought most people missed, was a feature at the top of the main staircase in the Painted Hall.  The stairs were roped off, and most people, including me, just hurried past on their way to view the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.  In fact it wasn't until I was in the gallery upstairs that I suddenly saw The Disappearing Grinning Cheshire Cat at the top of the main staircase.  Just brilliant!
 Christmas at Chatsworth continues until the 4the January, 2015.  Catch it if you can!
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Spainish Riding School of Vienna - Sheffiled - South Yorkshire

It was exciting to see this picture in the newspaper before I'd even set off for Sheffield, and to learn that this was the only place other than London where this amazing event would take place.  In fact, it would  be the first time that the Spanish Riding School of Vienna had performed in Yorkshire!

The evening was introduced, and given an excellent commentary by Nicki Chapman, TV presenter and British Dressage Ambassador.

I actually had little idea what to expect, having won tickets in a newspaper competition, so it was a huge thrill when the evening began with an impressive riding display by Lee Pearson CBE.  He has won no less than 9 Gold Medals over the last 3 Paralympic Games, and I immediately remembered watching, and cheering him on TV.  Now to see him in action, absolutely at one with his magnificent horse, was a huge thrill.  What was even more amazing was watching him being helped to dismount, and then, struggling with crutches, going over to be interviewed by Nicki.
Lee was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita which he explains as "the muscles in my arms and legs grew as scar tissue in the womb".  This left his matchstick limbs bent and warped, and by the age of six he had already undergone 15 operations. That he has gone on and achieved so much in his life is truly inspirational and I was so thrilled to have seen him riding in person, rather than just on TV.

Then it was the turn of the Spanish Riding School to enter the arena wearing the traditional uniform of brown tailcoat, bicorne-style hat, white buckskin breeches, white suede gloves and black top riding boots.  This is the empire style uniform which has remained relatively unchanged for 200 years.  The excellent commentary told us that the first riding school was formed during the Hapsburg Monarchy in 1572 and is the oldest of its kind in the world.

What I found absolutely fascinating was learning about the breeding of these magnificent white horses which takes place at the  Piber Federal Stud in western Austria. I was really surprised to learn that the foals are born black, and only over several years develop their distinctive white coats.  The pictures of them grazing on the mountain pastures made it look like an idyllic life, and they don't start training for several years.

Of course the highlight of the evening was towards the end, when the horses performed their famous off-floor jumps.  What was really staggering was that the riders have removed their stirrups!
Altogether this was the most marvellous evening - spectacular, informative and very entertaining.***If you enjoy my writing why not click here