Janet Roberts's Blog, page 20
November 30, 2012
The Portico Library - Manchester
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
The entrance to this amazing library is hardly auspicious. But ringing the bell allows access up a winding stone staircase and into this gorgeous space.
The Foundation Stone was laid in 1802 and it was opened in 1806. The architect was Thomas Harrison of Chester who was responsible for Chester Castle and the Lyceum Library in Liverpool amongst many other prestigous buildings. It cost around £8,000. Situated on Mosley Street, named after the family who at one time owned the manorial rights of the town, it was described as 'the most elegant and retired street in the town".
The library now houses a fine collection of approximately 25,000 mainly 19th century books, which reflect the social and cultural interest of the early members. In addition there is an extensive collection of North West fiction, newly published books for loan to membetrs, and the Gallery which holds art, historical and literary exhibitions.
The library is open to the public and to the evening events. Access to the Permanent Collection for research is by arrangement with the Librarian.
I thought this a quite marvellous space, and I was so glad I found it, as it's hardly prominent. It immediately reminded me of Bromley House in Nottingham and the Phil & Lit in Newcastle.
Well worth a visit.
blog links
For all my ebooks just click here
The entrance to this amazing library is hardly auspicious. But ringing the bell allows access up a winding stone staircase and into this gorgeous space.
The Foundation Stone was laid in 1802 and it was opened in 1806. The architect was Thomas Harrison of Chester who was responsible for Chester Castle and the Lyceum Library in Liverpool amongst many other prestigous buildings. It cost around £8,000. Situated on Mosley Street, named after the family who at one time owned the manorial rights of the town, it was described as 'the most elegant and retired street in the town".
The library now houses a fine collection of approximately 25,000 mainly 19th century books, which reflect the social and cultural interest of the early members. In addition there is an extensive collection of North West fiction, newly published books for loan to membetrs, and the Gallery which holds art, historical and literary exhibitions.
The library is open to the public and to the evening events. Access to the Permanent Collection for research is by arrangement with the Librarian.I thought this a quite marvellous space, and I was so glad I found it, as it's hardly prominent. It immediately reminded me of Bromley House in Nottingham and the Phil & Lit in Newcastle.
Well worth a visit.
blog links
For all my ebooks just click here
November 26, 2012
Christmas Decorations - Chatsworth - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
For me, Christmas would be incomplete without a visit to see the decorations at Chatsworth House. This year it was called 'A Pantomime Trail' and what fun the staff must have had creating the amazing scenes, and then dressing up as well.
One on my favourites was the Oak Room, which changes character completely for every event! Now it was the bedroom where the children were asleep, as Peter Pan flew in through the window. The Steward was having the greatest fun, playing the part of Captain Hook. Standing completely still everyone thought he was a mannequin, until he suddenly moved, to squeals of surprise from visitors of all ages!
Even the impressive space over the staircase had been used to create this striking image of Jack and the Bean Stalk, with the cow peeping out from the alcove!
In the Dining Room, always one of the most impressive rooms, the table had been decorated to follow the theme, and these delights were available in the shop too!
From this video see how many pantomimes you can spot!
I really thought this was one of the best years for decorations at Chatsworth. It will be hard to imagine that they can get any better - but I'll just have to wait until next year to find out!
blog links
For information about my ebooks just click here
For me, Christmas would be incomplete without a visit to see the decorations at Chatsworth House. This year it was called 'A Pantomime Trail' and what fun the staff must have had creating the amazing scenes, and then dressing up as well.
One on my favourites was the Oak Room, which changes character completely for every event! Now it was the bedroom where the children were asleep, as Peter Pan flew in through the window. The Steward was having the greatest fun, playing the part of Captain Hook. Standing completely still everyone thought he was a mannequin, until he suddenly moved, to squeals of surprise from visitors of all ages!
Even the impressive space over the staircase had been used to create this striking image of Jack and the Bean Stalk, with the cow peeping out from the alcove!In the Dining Room, always one of the most impressive rooms, the table had been decorated to follow the theme, and these delights were available in the shop too!
From this video see how many pantomimes you can spot! I really thought this was one of the best years for decorations at Chatsworth. It will be hard to imagine that they can get any better - but I'll just have to wait until next year to find out!
blog links
For information about my ebooks just click here
November 25, 2012
Open Studios - Harley Foundation - Welbeck Estate - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
It's always a treat to get to see the artists at work in the Harley Foundation Studios. Although there was a Farmer's Market and Craft Marquee, I headed straight up the Tan Gallop to start the Trail. The building itself is quite strange, and seems out of keeping with the historic Welbeck Abbey Estate, but the studios inside are just wonderful, and must be the most delightful spaces to work in, with views across the parkland, although they are quite isolated.
First stop was at Phil Neal's, who is described as a sculptor, and was certainly quite a character - together with his delightful dog, Stanley. He was keen to demonstrate his musical contraption, called a Mellophonium, which he plans to take round schools in a trailer! It was certainly causing a lot of interest and delight! I was just annoyed that I forgot, and turned my little camera into a vertical position, which distorts the image.
It was a musical encounter next, in the studios of Goetze and Gwynn who are organ builders and restorers. This was just so amazing, and the huge organ they were working on is nearer completion and will be transported to a Roman Catholic Church in Westminster, London in the next fortnight. In this picture one of the partners is showing the display board featuring organs they have worked on from all over the world. Absolutely fascinating.
Further along the block there was a studio that wasn't listed in the leaflet, and wasn't open to the public, but by looking through the window I could see a picture restorer hard at work. It was absolutely fascinating and I stood and watched for quite a while, as it seemed a rare opportunity to see such a skilled craft. With the priceless Portland Collection held in Welbeck Abbey he must have plenty of work to keep him busy.
Then it was time to view the many other artists' studios, ranging from glass and furniture designers to potters and textile workers and jewellery makers. Altogether a fascinating way to spend a morning.
blog links
To see all my e-books just click here
It's always a treat to get to see the artists at work in the Harley Foundation Studios. Although there was a Farmer's Market and Craft Marquee, I headed straight up the Tan Gallop to start the Trail. The building itself is quite strange, and seems out of keeping with the historic Welbeck Abbey Estate, but the studios inside are just wonderful, and must be the most delightful spaces to work in, with views across the parkland, although they are quite isolated. First stop was at Phil Neal's, who is described as a sculptor, and was certainly quite a character - together with his delightful dog, Stanley. He was keen to demonstrate his musical contraption, called a Mellophonium, which he plans to take round schools in a trailer! It was certainly causing a lot of interest and delight! I was just annoyed that I forgot, and turned my little camera into a vertical position, which distorts the image.
It was a musical encounter next, in the studios of Goetze and Gwynn who are organ builders and restorers. This was just so amazing, and the huge organ they were working on is nearer completion and will be transported to a Roman Catholic Church in Westminster, London in the next fortnight. In this picture one of the partners is showing the display board featuring organs they have worked on from all over the world. Absolutely fascinating.
Further along the block there was a studio that wasn't listed in the leaflet, and wasn't open to the public, but by looking through the window I could see a picture restorer hard at work. It was absolutely fascinating and I stood and watched for quite a while, as it seemed a rare opportunity to see such a skilled craft. With the priceless Portland Collection held in Welbeck Abbey he must have plenty of work to keep him busy. Then it was time to view the many other artists' studios, ranging from glass and furniture designers to potters and textile workers and jewellery makers. Altogether a fascinating way to spend a morning.
blog links
To see all my e-books just click here
November 22, 2012
'Golden' Exhibition - Pollyanna Pickering - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Incredible as it sounds, renowned wildlife artist Pollyanna Pickering holds two exhibitions a year of her stunning work. The summer one features paintings from her world wide expeditions usually when she tries to spot endangered animals such as pandas, jaguars or golden languar monkeys. The winter exhibition, which again features 50 new paintings, usually depicts British wildlife, such as kingfishers, border collies and ducks.The exhibitions are absolutely breathtaking and are held in Pollyanna's private home just outside Matlock. There is also a vast collection of greetings cards, prints, tea towels etc. as well as a chance to explore her extraordinary garden.
How she packs so much into every day is a total mystery to me! This year alone she has undertaken 33 flights to far-flung countries, received a very prestigous award from Canada, and given numerous talks and slide shows, which are a real delight. (For more about her busy shedule just click here)And my souvenir from the latest, delightful exhibition? This lovely book telling 'The Story of Fifty Remarkable Exhitions', with text and photographs by her daughter, partner and business manager, Anna-Louise Pickering.
For my previous blog about Pollyanna Pickering just click here
For a list of all my e-books just click here
blog links
November 13, 2012
Maxeys Farm Shop - Kirklington - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I just love Farm Shops and immediately it became obvious that this was exceptional. As you drive along Hockerton Road from Newark, just through the little village of Kirklington, you see the single storey building. It's a fast road, so you need to have your wits about you as you turn in.
Then you drive past immaculate rows of vegetables. Talk about no food miles - just a few paces and they're on sale in the shop - just my sort of place!
Maxeys was opened on Valentine's Day 2012, on the wedding anniversary of Katharine and Keith Maxey. However, they were no new comers to this business as they had been well-known wholesale supplier for more than 20 years, with an enviable reputation of quality.
Inside the shop is a staggering array of goodies. When I visited it was near Halloween and the field was open so people could choose their own pumpkin - skillfully grown by the couple's 13 year old son James.
The majority of the vast stock is locally produced, with Lincolnshire sausages prepared by Richard the shop's butcher. The bread and cakes travel just a few miles, as do most of the 70-odd cheeses.
I can see this is going to be one of my regular stops I loved it so much!
Are you familiar with my other blog
blog links
I just love Farm Shops and immediately it became obvious that this was exceptional. As you drive along Hockerton Road from Newark, just through the little village of Kirklington, you see the single storey building. It's a fast road, so you need to have your wits about you as you turn in.Then you drive past immaculate rows of vegetables. Talk about no food miles - just a few paces and they're on sale in the shop - just my sort of place!
Maxeys was opened on Valentine's Day 2012, on the wedding anniversary of Katharine and Keith Maxey. However, they were no new comers to this business as they had been well-known wholesale supplier for more than 20 years, with an enviable reputation of quality.
Inside the shop is a staggering array of goodies. When I visited it was near Halloween and the field was open so people could choose their own pumpkin - skillfully grown by the couple's 13 year old son James.The majority of the vast stock is locally produced, with Lincolnshire sausages prepared by Richard the shop's butcher. The bread and cakes travel just a few miles, as do most of the 70-odd cheeses.
I can see this is going to be one of my regular stops I loved it so much!
Are you familiar with my other blog
blog links
November 6, 2012
The Hay Barn - Kneesall - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This Farm Shop, ice cream shack and cafe are situated on the A616 on the Wellow/Ollerton road to Caunton/Newark. It's on the top of the hill, so you need to have your wits about you to turn in to the small car park.
I went in to the Hay Barn Cafe, which was a delightful space which had been skillfully converted,. with large windows making it an inviting space. The food reflected the interest of the owners - predominately bacon, ham, eggs etc., so breakfasts, ham and eggs, quiches etc. dominated the menu. I fancied a home-made sausage roll, but unfortunately they didn't have any of these, so both I, and the customers who followed, were disappointed. I settled for a sausage cob, with sauteed potatoes and a glass of hot chocolate, which was very tasty.
Along the back wall was a small selection of locally-produced items, and I bought a jar of honey. I was disappointed that the Farm Shop was closed, I suppose because it was Monday. A small selection of items in the shop fridge would have been nice, as I would have bought some of the sausages I'd just sampled.
Definitely a place to remember when travelling in this area, and I wish the enterprising owners well.
***
If you would like to know more about me just click here
This Farm Shop, ice cream shack and cafe are situated on the A616 on the Wellow/Ollerton road to Caunton/Newark. It's on the top of the hill, so you need to have your wits about you to turn in to the small car park.
I went in to the Hay Barn Cafe, which was a delightful space which had been skillfully converted,. with large windows making it an inviting space. The food reflected the interest of the owners - predominately bacon, ham, eggs etc., so breakfasts, ham and eggs, quiches etc. dominated the menu. I fancied a home-made sausage roll, but unfortunately they didn't have any of these, so both I, and the customers who followed, were disappointed. I settled for a sausage cob, with sauteed potatoes and a glass of hot chocolate, which was very tasty.
Along the back wall was a small selection of locally-produced items, and I bought a jar of honey. I was disappointed that the Farm Shop was closed, I suppose because it was Monday. A small selection of items in the shop fridge would have been nice, as I would have bought some of the sausages I'd just sampled. 
Definitely a place to remember when travelling in this area, and I wish the enterprising owners well.***
If you would like to know more about me just click here
November 2, 2012
Gainsborough Old Hall - Lincolnshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/It was 2005 when I last visited Gainsborough Old Hall (see previous blog)
Definitely time for a return visit I decided!
Whilst everything initially looked the same, there was one big difference. Now included in the price, which is surprising low anyway, is a personal, hand held device, plus earphones. The staff went to a lot of trouble to ensure I understood how to operate the machine, and it was to transform my visit. As you can see, with some difficulty, I video-d this gadget, and at first was non-plussed that it was silent, and then realised I was listening to the fascinating commentary via headphones - how daft I am! However, I think the pictures give some idea of the scope of this amazing programme, which covered not only details of the historical building of this medieval house, but how the occupants would have lived, with
actors playing various roles.
It was all so interesting and although I had been to the Hall previously, it still took two hours to go round again.As though the hand-held device wasn't fascinating enough there is also a small room with a video which I think everyone enjoyed.
My only, small criticism would be the cafe facilities. I went on a cold, wet morning and wanted something hot - like a bowl of soup. However the choice was very limited, and then I had difficulty finding any where else nearby, it being a Sunday.
If you would like to know more about me just click here
October 22, 2012
Southwell Bramley Apple Festival - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
What could be more apt than a Bramley Apple Festival in Southwell for it was in 1809 that the first Bramley tree grew from pips planted by a little girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, in her garden in Southwell. Local butcher Matthew Bramley bought the cottage and garden in 1846, and ten years later local nurseryman Henry Merryweather asked if he could take cuttings from the tree.
Bramley agreed, but on the understanding that the apple should bear his name - hence Bramley's Seedling was born. Mr Merryweather nurtured the Bramley apple trees in his Southwell nursery in north Nottinghamshire, and the first recoded sale was in 1862 when he sold three Bramley apples for 2 shillings to George Cooper of Upton Hall.
Fruits of the grafted apple were first exhibited before the Royal Horticultural Society's fruit committee in 1876 and nine years later Bramley Seedlings received a first class certificate at the Royal Jubilee Exhibition of Apples in Manchester. However, disaster struck in 1900 when the original Bramley tree blew down during a violent storm, but somehow the tree survived and is still bearing fruit more than 100 years later.
During the early 1900s. Bramley trees were extensively planted and the fruit was a useful source of food during the First World War, and by 1944 more than 6.25 million trees were under cultivation. In 2003 the Bramley was one of 50 great British trees chosen to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
For me, the festival got off to a rousing start with Morris Dancers just outside the impressive Minster.
Then it was inside for an excellent cookery demo taking place in the transept of the church, which seemed a bit strange, but was very popular, and with a microphone and overhead mirror, easy to follow and enjoy. It seemed apt that all the recipes should include the Bramley apple, and be taking place just below this stained glass window, with its inscription 'Bramley Apple - 1809 - 2009'.The main body of the minster was full of stalls, and was proving very popular. I bought locally produced rape seed oil, ham, cheese, honey and marmalade. I was a bit disappointed that the one thing I'd planned to buy - Bramley apples, weren't on sale, but then this has been a very difficult year for producers with the weather just so awful.
However, there's always next year.
If you would like to know more about me just click here
blog links
October 9, 2012
Behind the Scenes Tour - Chatsworth - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This was the second time I'd been on one of these very special days. This was the classic tour, and started with a coffee in the The Cavendish Rooms with attentive staff hovering with silver jugs! Then it was into the little room at the end of the resturant for a talk entitled 'Chatswoth in Wartime', which actually I heard before during one of the excellent winter lectures.
Then our party was divided into two group, and I was in the one which was taken at a brisk pace down to the main house for a Behind the Scenes Tour. This included going down into the cellar to see the old beer barrels, and up onto the roof of the private theatre, where we got the most amazing views over the lovely parkland. I must admit I found the stone, spiral staircase, with no handrail, a bit scarey, and was rather thankful we came down a different route!
Back up to the stable block for a lovely lunch in the Burlington Room, where all the tables were beautifully laid with complimentary still and sparkling water, white and red wine. The attentive staff served us a lovely hot meal - this was the dessert, individual fruit crumbles with custard, and excellent it was too!
Then it was time for our group to go on the tractor ride out to the Old Park, which was the part I was really looking forward to best. We travelled past the front of the Stately Home, along the side of the river, before turning up into this gorgeous ancient woodland. We were told there was quite a steep hill to climb, but we went at such a leisurely pace, and the weather was so gorgeous, it was certainly no hardship for anyone in our party. On the way we saw quite a few fallow deer, apparently gathering now for the annual rut, and some people glimpsed both an owl and a hare. We mainly stopped and admired the large number of really ancient trees, their trunks sculptured by centuries of weather. Relunctantly we returned to the tractor, to drive back to Chatsworth House.
I really enjoyed this day, helped by amazing autumnal weather. However, considering it cost £57 per person I did think some of the organisation could have been slicker. For example, it was poor that there was found to be a problem with the computer for the slide show after we arrived - this sort of thing needs to be sorted in advance. Also the screen needed to higher for those at the back, and a speaker always needs a microphone and a remote to change the pictures. Also if the group is to be divided into two parties, it needs to be arranged that the length of each corresponds! I thought the House Tour needed to be much slower, and perhaps more rooms added, as we arrived back at the Burlington Room, and had more than half an hour to wait for the tractor ride to return. Twice on the house tour we arrived at locked doors - our guide should have a master key I thought.
But despite these minor glitches, I thoroughly enjoyed this memoral day and felt so priviledged to be able to stroll through this 300 acres secret woodland, which is rarely open to the public
. If you would like to know more about me just click here
blog links
This was the second time I'd been on one of these very special days. This was the classic tour, and started with a coffee in the The Cavendish Rooms with attentive staff hovering with silver jugs! Then it was into the little room at the end of the resturant for a talk entitled 'Chatswoth in Wartime', which actually I heard before during one of the excellent winter lectures.
Then our party was divided into two group, and I was in the one which was taken at a brisk pace down to the main house for a Behind the Scenes Tour. This included going down into the cellar to see the old beer barrels, and up onto the roof of the private theatre, where we got the most amazing views over the lovely parkland. I must admit I found the stone, spiral staircase, with no handrail, a bit scarey, and was rather thankful we came down a different route!
Back up to the stable block for a lovely lunch in the Burlington Room, where all the tables were beautifully laid with complimentary still and sparkling water, white and red wine. The attentive staff served us a lovely hot meal - this was the dessert, individual fruit crumbles with custard, and excellent it was too!
Then it was time for our group to go on the tractor ride out to the Old Park, which was the part I was really looking forward to best. We travelled past the front of the Stately Home, along the side of the river, before turning up into this gorgeous ancient woodland. We were told there was quite a steep hill to climb, but we went at such a leisurely pace, and the weather was so gorgeous, it was certainly no hardship for anyone in our party. On the way we saw quite a few fallow deer, apparently gathering now for the annual rut, and some people glimpsed both an owl and a hare. We mainly stopped and admired the large number of really ancient trees, their trunks sculptured by centuries of weather. Relunctantly we returned to the tractor, to drive back to Chatsworth House.
I really enjoyed this day, helped by amazing autumnal weather. However, considering it cost £57 per person I did think some of the organisation could have been slicker. For example, it was poor that there was found to be a problem with the computer for the slide show after we arrived - this sort of thing needs to be sorted in advance. Also the screen needed to higher for those at the back, and a speaker always needs a microphone and a remote to change the pictures. Also if the group is to be divided into two parties, it needs to be arranged that the length of each corresponds! I thought the House Tour needed to be much slower, and perhaps more rooms added, as we arrived back at the Burlington Room, and had more than half an hour to wait for the tractor ride to return. Twice on the house tour we arrived at locked doors - our guide should have a master key I thought.But despite these minor glitches, I thoroughly enjoyed this memoral day and felt so priviledged to be able to stroll through this 300 acres secret woodland, which is rarely open to the public
. If you would like to know more about me just click here
blog links
October 5, 2012
Hollybeck Nurseries - Southwell - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I'd heard really good reports about this nursery, so thought it was time I visited and checked it out for myself. It's a really tucked away nursery, mid-way between Oxton and Southwell, on the Oxton Road. You enter down a trackway, and there's a small car park. Next to it is a newly opened cafe, called The Topiary Tea Room. They take pride in sourcing thier ingredients locally whenever possible, with free range eggs coming from Ivan Simpson's at Normanton, and the dairy products from New Field Dairy of Hockerton (see my blog about this place). Fruit and veg come from Maxeys in nearby Kirklington and the Hoggard Family Farm in Halam, with meat (both fresh and cooked) from Stoppards of Farnsfield, together with bread from nearby Atherleys.
This definitely sounded like sort of a place, and one I would be happy to support.
Beyond the attractive, clean tea room are a number of selling areas, all of which were spacious and well set out, with a wide range of plants. It is so unusual to visit a place where 90% of the plants are grown in Britain. Their speciality is spring bulbs (always a great favourite of mine), which again, most unusually, they farm themselves. The majority of these are sold loose - so much better than sealed in some plastic bag imported from Holland, with strange symbols for instructions!
However, what really sold the place to me was the friendly staff. I judge a place not only on its cleanliness, the range of products (and cakes!) but the quality of the people who work there. I just love it if someone who is skilled, is quite happy to stop what they are doing and share their expertise in a friendly and willing way. This certainly applied to Hollywell, and I for one, look forward to returning in the near future.
If you would like to know more about me just click here
blog links
I'd heard really good reports about this nursery, so thought it was time I visited and checked it out for myself. It's a really tucked away nursery, mid-way between Oxton and Southwell, on the Oxton Road. You enter down a trackway, and there's a small car park. Next to it is a newly opened cafe, called The Topiary Tea Room. They take pride in sourcing thier ingredients locally whenever possible, with free range eggs coming from Ivan Simpson's at Normanton, and the dairy products from New Field Dairy of Hockerton (see my blog about this place). Fruit and veg come from Maxeys in nearby Kirklington and the Hoggard Family Farm in Halam, with meat (both fresh and cooked) from Stoppards of Farnsfield, together with bread from nearby Atherleys.This definitely sounded like sort of a place, and one I would be happy to support.
Beyond the attractive, clean tea room are a number of selling areas, all of which were spacious and well set out, with a wide range of plants. It is so unusual to visit a place where 90% of the plants are grown in Britain. Their speciality is spring bulbs (always a great favourite of mine), which again, most unusually, they farm themselves. The majority of these are sold loose - so much better than sealed in some plastic bag imported from Holland, with strange symbols for instructions!However, what really sold the place to me was the friendly staff. I judge a place not only on its cleanliness, the range of products (and cakes!) but the quality of the people who work there. I just love it if someone who is skilled, is quite happy to stop what they are doing and share their expertise in a friendly and willing way. This certainly applied to Hollywell, and I for one, look forward to returning in the near future.
If you would like to know more about me just click here
blog links
