Janet Roberts's Blog, page 2

'Made for the Table' - Harley Gallery - Welbeck - north Nottinghamshire

I love the exhibitions at the Harley Gallery, and this one 'Made for the Table' certainly didn't disappoint. In the lower gallery the most fabulous collection of silver cutlery from the Goldsmith Company Collection was on show, and very lovely it was too.  On the wall was this fascinating video by Rebecca De Quin.

 


Up a few steps took visitors to the bespoke table by furniture designer Tom Vaughan, which had been laid out with newly acquired sliver, curated specifically for the exhibition.  It blew me away it was so lovely, and utterly fascinating.


Look at this gorgeous bread basket and elegant pepper pot, who couldn't love them.
 I thought this was the most amazing, and really beautiful and interesting exhibition.  However, it's only at the Harley until the 7th January, which is closed on the 1st and 2nd, so drop everything, and hurry over!

'Beauty & the Beast' - Tissington Hall - Derbyshire

I just love going to Tissington and it's especially nice at Christmas when the Hall is decorated.  This year it took the story of 'Beauty & the Beast' by Gabrielle-Suzanna Bardot de Billeneuve.  (You can read this delightful story by clicking here)

The tour started in the Main Hallway, as soon as you enter, and as in the story, a very warm welcomed awaited, not just from the roaring fire and tempting food, but from Sir Richard Fitzherbert himself!

In every room banners explained the story - and it was good that the helpful guides were prepared to read these to a visually-impaired visitor who was touring at the same time as me.  The East Drawing Room had become The Castle Rose Garden and the banner read:

"Remembering his promise to Beauty, he bent down to pick a rose.  Instantly, out of the rose garden, sprang a horrible beast, wearing splendid clothes.  Two bloodshot eyes, gleaming angrily, glared at him and a deep, terrifying voice growled: "Ungrateful man!  I gave you shelter, you ate at my table and slept in my own bed, but now all the thanks I get is the theft of my favourite flowers!  I shall put you to death for this slight!".  Trembling with fear, the merchant fell on his knees before the Beast."

How exciting is that?! Of course Beauty agrees to come and live in the Palace, and in the beginning she is frightened of the Beast and shudders at the sight of it, but in time she tranquilly sits and embroiders by the fire, while the Beast sits and gazes at her.  Arrrgh!!


Up at the the top of the Hall, in an area I don't think is usually open to the public, was a most splendid room, with impressive sky lights, a bay window overlooking the gardens, and another roaring log fire.  Here a most splendid banquet had been laid out, just dripping with gold!  What a feast!!
 I thought this experience quite marvellous and couldn't have enjoyed it more.  The it was time for a lovely lunch at Herbert's Fine English Tea Rooms, a stroll to the marvellous Edward and Vintage Sweet Emporium (This is my previous blog.)  Then along the country lane to the butcher's and a visit to the Craft Fair in the Village Hall - what a grand way to spend a Saturday!
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Have you seen my web page?  Just click here

Matlock Illuminations - Matlock Bath - Derbyshire

I'd seen posters for this annual event for years, but never attended, so I thought it was time I did!

It is a totally unique occasion, with a parade of illuminated and decorated boats sailing on the River Derwent.  It runs from early September until the end of October, every Saturday and Sunday evening.

Very fortunately I'd booked tickets on-line, mainly because it was cheaper this way, but in fact on Saturday evening, when I went, it was a total sell-out, and a lot of people were disappointed, as you can only see the event from one area of the river.

Whilst waiting for the parade to start I got talking to a delightful gentleman who said he's been involved with the parade all his life, and had been building floats since the 1970's, and had never missed a year.  Since you need to start planning and building about May each year, that's some commitment.

At last it was dark, and the count-down started, and suddenly all the little boats switched on their lights.  It was really exciting.


However, to really see them at their best, you need to see them floating, when the blackness of the night conceals the rowing boats beneath!

However, my absolute favourite had to be the stately galleon - how marvellous that looked against the inky blackness of the river.  However, it did strike me that we were very fortunate that it was such a still, calm evening.  What would have happened if it had been very windy or wet?

The evening ended with an impressive fireworks display.  As the town is in a deep ravine, the fireworks were being let off high above us, so it was really spectacular.

Altogether an excellent event which I thoroughly enjoyed. ***Have you seen my web page?  Just click here

The Miners Arms - Sutton in Ashfield - Notts

It was an article in the local paper that drew my attention to this newly-opened pub on Stoneyford Road.  For the past four years owners Gabriella Pearson-Day, her husband Jon Pearson and mother Maureen Day have worked at renovating and transforming this old building.  It now has the most amazing 1920's decor, painted by Gabriella.

Of course I couldn't wait to go and see it for myself, and it certainly lived up to my expectations, if not more so!  This is the comfortable snug/lounge area and I loved the decorated stairs.

However, it is the amazing Function Room that they were keen to show me, and what an achievement this is!  I just loved it, and can imagine how popular it is going to be for receptions, christening, quiz nights etc.

To my immense amusement, even the loos doors were decorated!

I was also particularly pleased to know that they serve afternoon tea, and very nice it was too! (I do like a place that has proper china cups and saucers!)  Later on, when they are more settled they plan to make stews and soups - now that really appeals to me!

I thought this was the most delightful place, and am certainly planning to return, especially as the owner was so kind and friendly, something that counts a lot with me. 

*** Why not take a look at my web page?  Just click here

Gastro Pod - Stone Centre - Wirksworth - Derbyshire

It was a long time since I last visited the Stone Centre (see my blog) so it was certainly time for a return visit, although the signage for the place is poor, and you have to have your wits about you to turn in, and to find the cafe

The refreshments are now served in a really lovely, new building which is so airy and clean, with stunning views over the countryside.  I particularly impressed that the disabled toilet had a full-sized bed so it was possible to change an adult - what a brilliant idea.

However, the range of food on offer was very poor and uninspired, and there was a sharp cut-off point for serving basic things like breakfast and sausage cobs, which I thought was ridiculous.  When people have been out walking in this vast site what would be nicer than getting back to scrambled eggs on toast?

They had also run out of several basic items when I called in, like tomatoes.  How hard is it to get in a car and drive the couple of miles into Wirksworth and buy a few more?

Nice place but take your own picnic, and just buy drinks at the cafe!

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 Have you seen my web page?  Just click here

Poppies at the Silk Mill - Derby

I was a little undecided about travelling to visit this event, as I had been disappointed when I went to see the poppies in Lincoln Castle last year.  (see previous blog).

However, as soon as I arrived at the bus station I realised that this experience was going to be different, for not only was there a welcoming poster, but poppies painted onto the pavement directing visitors to the Silk Mill - a less than 5 minute walk away!  Of course this town's response may have been because the sculpture, and originator of the idea, Paul Cummins comes from Derby.

The whole atmosphere and the clear delight of the residents to this installation was infectious, and everyone was having such a good time.  On hand were guides to hand out leaflets explaining that the poppies - entitled 'Weeping Window', were back in the city were many of them had been created.  They were of course part of the installation Blood Swept Lands' which I was fortunate enough to see at the Tower of London - a really memorable event.  (see previous blog)

It was interesting to read in the free leaflet that during the First World War, The Silk Mill was divided into two businesses - one grinding corn and the other making medical supplies, both of which were integral to the British war effort and scarce by 1916.

Derby as a whole played a vital part in production during the course of the First World War with Rolls-Royce developing the Eagle Engine at the request of the government in order to power Allied aircraft.

From here it was just a short walk to the Cathedral and it was nice that here too the poppies were in evidence, and even the widow display of the Cathedral Cafe was decorated, and I was pleased to see that white poppies, the  symbol of pacifism, had been included in the display.
I was so glad that I had made the effort to see this amazing installation - it was certainly a memorable day.

The poppies remain in Derby until Sunday 23rd July 2017.

***Have you seen my web page?  Just click here 

E. Mildands Flower Show 2017 - Newstead Abbey - Nottinghamshire

I so enjoyed this show last year (see previous blog)  that I definitely wanted to attend this year, especially as the weather was so much better!

First stop was the few Show Gardens, which are always interesting.

Then it was into the Demonstration tent.  The very loud music was actualy coming from the entertainment stage which was at the other end of the Show ground!

Then it was time to look round the multitude of stalls selling everything remotely connected with gardening, and to compare prices, which varied enormously.  (I thought the Hollybeck stand was by far the best!)  There was also a large marque selling a large range of goods and crafts - always an interesting place to visit.

Whilst having lovely hot bacon cobs from Johnny Pusztai - Nottingham's Prize Winning Butcher - I listened to these excellent singers.

Dessert was cake from the W.I. stand - it's a hard life!

Then it was time to return to the Demo Tent for an excellent cookery demo.

Laden with plants and well content I headed back to the car.  I could have toured lovely Newstead Abbey (for free) or explored more the grounds, but instead I headed for home, having had a lovely day out.

***Did you know oil was used from Nottinghamshire during the Second World War?  For my e-book about this little known fact, just click here

Olivier Leger - Harley Gallery - North Nottinghamshire

The Harley Gallery, next to the Dukeries Garden Centre, and on the edge of the impressive Welbeck Estate, holds the most interesting exhibitions, and it's always worth going and having a look.  This latest on is entitled ' Whale Wails & Waves' and has been created by Olivier Marc Thomas Leger.

When I first walked in and saw black and white drawing that are so fine that a magnifying glass had been provided by each one, I was a little unsure.  Initially they look so strange and unfamiliar.  Just the outline was recognisable - for example this humpback whale.

However, it all became so much clearer on viewing this video, featuring this delightful young artist.

As he himself says 'I draw using fine line pens to achieve intense level of detail and to create a sense of infinite discovery.  In my drawings animals are turned into planets and landmasses that have their own ecosystems.'

The work is certainly fine - Olivier uses 0.003 - 0.8mm pens.

This is one of my favourite - and is just entitled 'Seahorse' - and whilst the original is not for sale, prints cost £120 each. In the descriptive write up, Olivier tells us that '..they are the only species in the world in which the male bears the unborn young.  They anchor themselves on plants or coral for camouflage, and feed on drifting plankton or small crustaceans.  Despite their seemingly slow and relaxing lifestyle, they eat in excess of 30,000 brine shrimp per day!"

This one of course reminded me of a Japanese print and is just entitled Land Ho!


 
This fascinating exhibition is only on until 20 - 08 -2017 ***
Are you familiar with the lovely Clumber Love Story - set just a few miles from this gallery?  If not, why not see my e-book by clicking here 

Chatsworth RHS Flower Show - Derbyshire

This was the first time that a Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show has been held at Chatsworth, and was, I thought, too good an opportunity to miss!

Of course, the first thing that stuck me was the vast number of people who had turned up, but fortunately the queue moved quickly and it was only a few minutes before we were inside, marvelling at all the stalls, all offering the most tempting array of goodies!

I was particularly impressed with the stall arranged by Rhubarb Farm (for more about this interesting place just see my previous blog.  This section was called 'Hard Times' and showed what could be produced even when there was little money to spare.  The containers were everything from recycled bags, to an old toilet and bath, and the greenhouse was made of glass bottles, with tyres being used as containers.

Of course I was particularly interested to see what was inside this amazing, and dominant structure, which replicated Paxton's Great Conservatory.  It was dedicated to the work of this amazing man, and boards told of how, in December 1843 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had visited Chatsworth, and in the evening they had been driven through the grounds.  12,000 lamps were lit to illuminate the garden, while the National Anthem played, and they drove in their carriage, right through this amazing structure.

The marquees were, as always, totally spectacular and I particularly enjoy the impressive displays.  Who would have thought you could have made something so attractive, and perfect from vegetables!  This was created by W. Robinson & Son (Seeds & Plants) Ltd.

Then it was time to cross over the water, using the amazingly decorated bridge.  (At least this part would have been undamaged by the appalling weather all this week!).

On the far side were the Show Gardens - always a star attraction.  This was my favourite.  It was created by Jackie Knight and entitled 'Just Add Water'. It celebrates the design elements that have proved popular with her clients and the planting has been selected to entice wildlife and to harmonise with the pink sandstone rocks.  I was just surprised that it only got a Bronze Medal.

 ***I love telling true stories.  Are you familiar with the tragic tale of Bess of Hardwick's granddaughter?  If not, why not click here for my e-book 

Cathedral Church of Saint Phillip - Birmingham - West Midlands

This building was pointed out to us as I travelled on the Big Bus Tour of the lovely city of Birmingham.  Unlike say York or Lincoln, where their cathedrals dominate the skyline and can be seen for miles, this building is in the heart of the city, yet surrounded by a lovely green space. It is the third smallest Cathedral in the UK.
Of course, I couldn't wait to walk back and take a better look!

It was built in 1715 as the new parish church 'on the hill' and is a rare and fine example of elegant English Baroque architecture. The land was donated by Robert Philips and is one of the highest points in the district and is said to be at the same level as the cross on St Paul's Cathedral in London.

For me the big attraction was the Edward Burne-Jones windows.  He was born nearby, and baptised here.  There are three of his windows above the altar, and whilst the middle one is clear to view, the other two are much harder to see and really appreciate.

At the other end of the Cathedral, is the west window, which is also by Burne --Jones and is dedicated in memory of Bishop Bowlby in 1897

 I thought this was such a beautiful, special place and I was so glad I'd been and visited.
***Are you familiar with the beautiful Clumber Love Story.  For more information just click here