Janet Roberts's Blog, page 18

Tideswell Food Festival - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I read about it in the Peak Advertiser - this delightful place was about to hold its third annul Food Festival, and that sounded too good to miss!
The first thing that struck me were the crowds!  Clearly I wasn't the only one who thought this was a grand place to be on a Bank Holiday!  With over 50 stalls dotted all over the village there was certainly plenty to see and goodies to buy.

I started by having a really lovely lunch in one of my favourite eateries - 'Vanilla Kitchen' (See previous blog)
 
Whilst in there I could hear a choir, and glimpse what looked like all-female Morris Dancers, but unfortunately both had left by the time I was outside again.  However, there were masses of stalls to peruse, and plenty of tasty samples. There was also the back of Tindell's open so you could actually see where they made all their lovely breads and cakes, and I left with a bag stuffed with treats!

So what did I buy from all the goodies?  These Madras Sausages tasted so good from the bit I tried I couldn't resist them! The lady from The Tea Experience, based in Doncaster, was so helpful that I think I ended up getting just what I wanted, and will be using their mail order service in future. Altogher a lovely experience, and now I'm just looking forward to next year, and doing it all over again!

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Trentham Gardens - Staffordshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
The first thing that struck me about Trentham was the size - the place is enormous!  There are masses of shops, 14 cafes, an on-site hotel and a vast garden centre!

However, there was only one thing that interested me, and that was the garden, which on a perfect sunny day looked spectacular.

I started with a boat ride on the mile-long lake, which was lovely and tranquil, but I found it somewhat eerie that it was so silent.  Presumably it was an electrict engine, but a commentary would have been nice, and some soft music, not just the sound of the 'pilot' talking on his mobile!
I hadn't realised that it was one-way, these trips are usually circular, but the walk back along the lakeside, watching U3A row a long boat was nice.  I stopped at the bird hide, but I think more would have been attracted if all the feeders had been full.
Then it was time for a snack.  I found the service slow, and was frustrated as I wanted to see more!

Then it was into the amazing Italianate parterres created by Charles Barry.  At the beginning of May they were hardly looking at their best, but were still spectacular, especially from the handy viewing platform, although I did wonder why only one of the pair of fountains was playing.

Behind the gardens are a collection of the most striking buildings, including what looked like a church.  They were in various states of delapidation, although there did seem to be some activity.  More information would have been appreciated.

I was particularly keen to see Piet Oudolf's 'Rivers of Grass' having loved the garden he created at Pensthorpe.  (See previous blog) However, at this time of the year the clumps were only about a foot high, but it was possible to appreciate how large an area has been created.  Now I can't wait to go back in late summer to see it in all its glory.

I travelled to Trentham by train, but unfortunately there is no direct bus service from Stoke railway station and I had to have an expensive taxi both ways.  However, it was such a stunning place it was well worth the effort, and I'm looking forward to returning in the not too distant future.

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ECO - Centre - Middleton-by-Wirksworth - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This delightful little building is tucked away above The National Stone Centre, with stunning views over north Derbyshire. It is the county's hub for courses and activities focusing on education for sustainable development, and mostly it is aimed at adults.

The very attractive, curved building has a green roof, made up with species found in the local limestone area, which will provide a suitable habitat for invertebrates and other local fauna.  The substrata used on the roof was designed to mimic the free draining, low nutrients and high pH characteristics found in the local grasslands.

There is a large range of courses available including dry stone walling, as well as teaching skills to help conserve the natural world and to live healthy lifestyles.

I thought this a very interesting concept, and whilst it is too far away for me to attend any regular classes, I do look forward to attending one-off events in such lovely surroundings.
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Gibraltar Point - Skegness - Lincolnshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This is a National Nature Reserve and covers over 1,000 acres along three miles of the coast from Skegness to The Wash.  The variety of habitats is amazing, from sand dunes and  saltmarshes to

freshwater ponds and lagoons.
Next to the car park is a very nice Visitor Centre where a number of events run throughout the year.  The cafe was excellent and a I had a really nice meal.
There are clearly marked paths and a lot of signs, as well as several bird hides.  What I particularly like about these places is quite apart from all the birds, you meet such nice people!  One delightful chap told me there was a lone seal on the beach, and sure enough there was, although I was careful to use my telephoto lens so as not to cause any stress.

It was the same in the bird hide, where a delightful lady pointed out a group of birds which she said were avocets, the symbol of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.  I never knew they had blue legs before!
Altogether this was the most delightful visit.  It must be somewhere that changes by the day, and I can't wait to go and visit again and see quite different birds.

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National Stone Centre - Wirksworth - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/

The National Stone Centre is high on the edge of the Peak National Park, and is set in 50 acres containing six former quarries, four lime kilns and over 120 disused lead mines.  There is no charge to visit, and the site is open all year round, with a small shop.

At the entrance are these striking Geosteps which show the amazing variety of stones to be found in the British Isles and have been arranged in order of age.  The rises are British rocks, with the treads created from Hopton Wood Stone, which is so decorative.

Dotted around the site were these striking stone towers designed by Denis O'Connor and built by Gordon Wilton and his son Jason, champion wallers from Biggin near Buxton..

For me the most fascinating part of the visit was the Millennium Wall when members of the Dry Stone Walling Association from all over Britain constructed a trail on site.  They brought their own unique traditional material, and the 19 sections show the incredible variety of walling skills and traditions available across the country.  This is a Cumbrian Slate Fence and is now relatively rare and largely confined to small areas where slate is produced such as Snowdonia and Cumbria.  The slate is cut so as to 'interweave' with each other to provide greater strength.

A complete contrast was the section created using Galloway Boulders.  It must have been so difficult to construct with such heavy material and the information board said that it was necessary to roll the larger boulders into position using a wooden plank as a ramp.

Whilst I must admit there was wasn't too much of interest inside the building, the exterior was fascinating.  and some people were taking a course on how to construct a dry stone wall.
This is such a unique place - a really ideal venue to take visitors!

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Northern Tea Merchants Ltd - Chesterfield - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/


I had heard so many favourable reports about this place I really thought it was high time I visited.  Situated on the busy Chatsworth Road just outside the market town of Chesterfield, the first thing that struck me was the quite wonderful smell!  They have been roasting Organic Coffees for the last 14 years, and the aroma was delicious.

The Northern Tea Merchants, run by the Pogson family, have had connections with the trade since 1926.  From 1959, when they were delivering tea door to door from an Austin 7 van, they have expanded to having over 3,000 satisfied catering customers ranging from small cafes and snack shops to some of the largest catering organisations and supermarkets in the UK.

I just loved the way each table displayed a range of carefully labelled teas within its glass top, and the large boxes containing such a variety of coffess!  I was absolutely spoilt for choice, but eventually settled on a pot of Ceylon Orange Pekoe tea and a cream cheese bagel.

This is definitely a place that needs visiting again!
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Gunby Hall - Lincolnshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
 Gunby Hall is 13 miles east of Horncastle and only 7 miles from Skegness.  I had driven passed many times, so thought it high time I stopped for a visit.  There are 8 acres of grounds and vast surrounding farm lands, and the 18th century house, with its links to Kipling and Darwin, is certainly impressive.

Inside the House I could immediately hear music, and assumed it must be a recording, so it was a delightful surprise to find a talented volunteer actually playing a piano that was built especially to be disassembled for when the musical family travelled.  In fact it had been to India and back - twice!


It was also very interesting to go into the basement, which was much lighter than in many of these grand houses, and see it all set out ready for action. In every room very friendly guides were on hand to explain things, and I thought it the most lovely, interesting place.

Outside the gardens were just immaculate and even at this bleak time of the year, the atmosphere was so quiet and tranquil.


The only disappointment was the food!  Being used to being rather well fed at National Trust properties I was expecting more, and the harrassed staff were both giving tickets, answering questions, and plugging in the kettle!  However, the soup was very nice - and hot!

Speaking to the staff it would appear that now the last tenant has left, and the property is in sole management of the National Trust plans are afoot for improved car parking, better toilet facilities (at present woefully inadequate) and decent catering facilities.

It clearly is a case of keep visiting this rather special place, and watch all the improvements!  For more about me and my many e-books just click here

 

Tour - St Pancras Renaissance Hotel - London

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/

It was so good to watch this magnificent building being restored to its full glory, and when I heard that it was possible to go on tours - well that was just irresistible!

Incredibly it survived serious damage in the war, but falling trade, other uses and years of neglect left it in a very sad and sorry state for many years.  It was only the action of Sir John Betjeman that halted the plan to demolish the building - a really dreadful thought.


The building is the result of the genius of renown architect George Gilbert Scott, whose designs are scattered throughout Britain, although this is his only hotel. He promised the Midland Railway that he would create a station hotel that  would eclipse every other terminus in London.  He was particularly keen to use materials and skills from the Midlands, thus creating new wealth for that region. The final bill came to a staggering £438,000 - around £500 million in today's money. 

We started the tour at the bottom of the grand staircase, with its original tiled floor and wrought iron balustrade.  We then went up the stairs to 'The Ladies Smoking Room', newly restored to its original 1873 design.  It was the first room in Europe where women could smoke in public. Now of course smoking inside is banned, but there is still the most attractive terrace outside, with views across London. Later we walked across a narrow 'bridge' giving interesting views both into the reception area of the hotel, and out across London.

We were very fortunate and briefly visited one of the many luxurious suites that had just been vacated after a corporate event.  Apart from the very large lounge, with it's table for many guests, there were 3 bedrooms, a butler's kitchen, study and private study.  This is a glimpse into the bathroom!

I thought giving tours of this incredible building a really good idea, and it made a splendid gift.  My only criticism was that the tour was very 'wordy'.  Whilst I was fascinated by all the history, design and people who were involved, I did feel concerned about the majority of our group who did not have English as a first language.


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Edensor Tea Cottage - Edensor - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Edensor is the charming hamlet just hidden from view at Chatsworth House.  It was largely designed by Joseph Paxton and every house is different, and delightful.  The Post Office used to house a small tea shop, but this closed some time ago, but the same place has now opened as the Edensor Tea Cottage, and works in close association with Chatsworth House.

The first thing that struck me was how bright and clean it was, particularly compared with previously, and how smartly dressed all the welcoming staff were.  There are three separate rooms for eating, two with wood burning stoves.

It serves predominately snack-type food like soup of the day and sandwiches, but there are specials, and when I visited I could have had liver and onion casserole, which seemed a rare menu option.  The couple on the next table each had salmon fillet, salad, new potatoes with a herb sauce, which looked absolutely wonderful.

I chose ham, two free range eggs with bubble and squeak (£6.95).  I hadn't quite reckoned what a very substantial meal this would be, and was certainly unable to have any dessert! Next time I visit, which I hope will be soon, I intend to try one of the many tempting varieties of cake on offer!  No wonder the place was packed when I visited, as it could become a firm favourite for many people. 
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Hartington - Tissington Trail - Derbyshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
The Tissington Trail covers 13 scenic miles, and follows the old Buxton to Ashbourne railway, which was part of the London and North Western Railway.  This was opened in 1899 and was closed in 1967.  After the track bed was removed it was decided to use it for recreational purposes, and it was one of the first experiments of its kind in the country.  The trail was first opened in 1971.  Now it has a pathway  made of firm crushed limestone, ideal for cyclists and walkers of all abilities, and suitable for wheelchairs.

I joined the track at Hartington.  This used to be one of the busiest stations on the line, from where many walkers set off for a day's ramble in the Peak District.  Then the station had two platforms, with a booking hall and waiting area, ladies and gentlemen's toilets and two ladies waiting rooms.

There were also regular goods trains as there were several quarries nearby extracting limestone.  These formed an important part of the line's freight.

The regular rail passenger service ended in 1954 but Hartington continued to be used for popular special excursion trains.  The Hartington signal box has been converted into an Information Centre, but is unfortunately only open in the summer, and then only at weekends and Bank Holidays.

The views along the trail are truly delightful, and it certainly is an easy track to walk. When I visited there were only a few other walkers, making a lot more pleasant than parts of the Monsal Trail (See previous blog)
Of course I don't know if this always applies - perhaps it's different in the middle of the summer.

I only walked a short distance, but really enjoyed it and look forward to returning later in the year.  It's certainly nice to know that within 2 miles of returning to the station there's The Rook at Hartington for an excellent meal.