Janet Roberts's Blog, page 23
July 9, 2012
Making Well Dressings - Buxton - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
To actually get to see these amazing works of art being created is a privilege indeed, so I was delighted when I spotted a sign outside St. John the Baptist Church in Buxton. This I had to see!
The church itself was built in 1811 by the 5th Duke of Devonshire as the existing churches were too small for the increasing number of visitors to the town to take the waters. Before the church would be built over 2,000, 16 foot wooden piles had to be sunk to secure the foundations as the ground was so boggy and the final bill came to over £2,200.
The ancient art of Well Dressing has been practiced in Buxton since 1840 when it was created as a 'thank you' to the 6th Duke of Devonshire as he had arranged for the first piped water supply to Buxton Market Place. This one was created in 1897.
Inside the church the middle area had been completely cleared, and the floor covered with plastic. Everywhere volunteers were bent over boards hard at work, with only a couple of hours left to complete each complex design.
These are carefully transferred onto a base of moist clay mounted on boards, and only natural materials are used. It takes the skilled volunteer workers 3 days, working in shifts from 9am to 9pm, starting with the longest lasting material. The petals are overlapped, like the slates on a roof, using light pressure and it is the stickiness of the clay that acts as an adhesive.
Unfortunately I was unable to stay to see these Well Dressings put in place around the town but if I eventually find a picture I will add it to this blog. I for one would certainly like to see the finished boards!
If you would like to read another fascinating Derbyshire story why not take a look at The Hardwick Love Story
To actually get to see these amazing works of art being created is a privilege indeed, so I was delighted when I spotted a sign outside St. John the Baptist Church in Buxton. This I had to see!
The church itself was built in 1811 by the 5th Duke of Devonshire as the existing churches were too small for the increasing number of visitors to the town to take the waters. Before the church would be built over 2,000, 16 foot wooden piles had to be sunk to secure the foundations as the ground was so boggy and the final bill came to over £2,200.
The ancient art of Well Dressing has been practiced in Buxton since 1840 when it was created as a 'thank you' to the 6th Duke of Devonshire as he had arranged for the first piped water supply to Buxton Market Place. This one was created in 1897. Inside the church the middle area had been completely cleared, and the floor covered with plastic. Everywhere volunteers were bent over boards hard at work, with only a couple of hours left to complete each complex design.
These are carefully transferred onto a base of moist clay mounted on boards, and only natural materials are used. It takes the skilled volunteer workers 3 days, working in shifts from 9am to 9pm, starting with the longest lasting material. The petals are overlapped, like the slates on a roof, using light pressure and it is the stickiness of the clay that acts as an adhesive. Unfortunately I was unable to stay to see these Well Dressings put in place around the town but if I eventually find a picture I will add it to this blog. I for one would certainly like to see the finished boards!
If you would like to read another fascinating Derbyshire story why not take a look at The Hardwick Love Story
July 6, 2012
Cantamus Girls' Choir - Mansfield - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
The amazing Pamela Cook founded a choir for girls between the ages of 13 and 19, way back in 1968, in the midland town of Mansfield in northern Nottinghamshire. From then it has gone from strength to strength becoming internationally renowned with 26 first prizes in choral festivals all over the world. They have also won 8 Grand Prix, BBC Choir of the Year (twice), choir of the World (Llangollen Eisteddfod) and world championships at the World Choir Olympics in Bremen in 2004, and Xiamen, China in 2006.In addition the choir had undertaken 40 overseas tours including going to Japan, China, Israel, USA and Canada, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Estonia and Finland. (What an experience for these young lassies!)
They have featured in numerous radio and TV broadcasts, and even had a BBC documentary made about their successful tour of China, entitled 'The Golden Girls'.
In this country they have performed in the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican and the Royal Festival Hall in London, as well as other prestigious venues around the country. In 2008 the choir sang with the BBC Welsh National Orchestra in the BBC Proms concerts in both Cardiff and London.
With such a background it is hardly surprising that many girls go on to pursue careers in music and a number are now employed as soloists or chorus members in Opera Houses around the world.
I try to attend concerts whenever I can, as they are such a thrilling and uplifting experience. I recently attended one such event in beautiful Southwell Minster when they were joined by the Alfie Boys Choir from South Africa. (To see my video of these young men just click here)
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If you'd like to see more of my writing why not click here
July 3, 2012
Sutton Estates Open Farm Sunday - Market Rasen - Lincolnshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
It was a poster that attracted me to this event, and the magic words 'Open Sheepdog Trial' - something I really love and have only ever seen in Derbyshire.
I went to Market Rasen and had the most terrible time finding the place - in fact I nearly gave up. Signs are something they clearly don't encourage! What amazed me therefore when I did finally arrive was how many people were there! Clearly this was a very popular, annual event and everyone else knew where it was!
The vast Sir Richard Sutton's Settled Estates lie in an area of the Lincolnshire Wolds of Outstanding Natural beauty. They clearly take stewardship of the land very seriously and the various marquees had most informative displays showing the environmental measures being undertaken. They have Lincoln Red Beef cattle which is an old native breed said to have brought here by the Vikings. It has developed and adapted to life on the Wolds ever since. During the summer the animals are lightly stocked on rolling hillside pastures and in the winter they live in airy yards, close to the little 12th century church of St Andrew, where they are fattened on hay and roots.
Lincolnshire is fortunate in having one of the highest Barn Owl populations in the country. The first nesting box on this Estate was a tea chest on a beam in a barn and this has been used every year since erection 20 years ago. Now, in addition to using indoor boxes, outdoor ones on a pole are used and there are a total of approximately 25 around the Estate. Since 2003 approximately 160 Barn Owls have been ringed on the Estate.
Apart from the excellent Sheep Dog Trials, which were actually hard to photograph due to the rain, there were tractor rides, which I really enjoyed. The countryside is breathtaking, and it was clear to see the wide strips of wildflowers and grasses left beside each field, making up a staggering 52 miles in total.
It was clear why people come back every year for what is obviously a very popular annual event, and I look forward to visiting on a sunny day!
Looking for an unusual war time story? Try clicking here
It was a poster that attracted me to this event, and the magic words 'Open Sheepdog Trial' - something I really love and have only ever seen in Derbyshire.
I went to Market Rasen and had the most terrible time finding the place - in fact I nearly gave up. Signs are something they clearly don't encourage! What amazed me therefore when I did finally arrive was how many people were there! Clearly this was a very popular, annual event and everyone else knew where it was!
The vast Sir Richard Sutton's Settled Estates lie in an area of the Lincolnshire Wolds of Outstanding Natural beauty. They clearly take stewardship of the land very seriously and the various marquees had most informative displays showing the environmental measures being undertaken. They have Lincoln Red Beef cattle which is an old native breed said to have brought here by the Vikings. It has developed and adapted to life on the Wolds ever since. During the summer the animals are lightly stocked on rolling hillside pastures and in the winter they live in airy yards, close to the little 12th century church of St Andrew, where they are fattened on hay and roots.
Lincolnshire is fortunate in having one of the highest Barn Owl populations in the country. The first nesting box on this Estate was a tea chest on a beam in a barn and this has been used every year since erection 20 years ago. Now, in addition to using indoor boxes, outdoor ones on a pole are used and there are a total of approximately 25 around the Estate. Since 2003 approximately 160 Barn Owls have been ringed on the Estate.
Apart from the excellent Sheep Dog Trials, which were actually hard to photograph due to the rain, there were tractor rides, which I really enjoyed. The countryside is breathtaking, and it was clear to see the wide strips of wildflowers and grasses left beside each field, making up a staggering 52 miles in total.
It was clear why people come back every year for what is obviously a very popular annual event, and I look forward to visiting on a sunny day!Looking for an unusual war time story? Try clicking here
June 30, 2012
Olympic Torch - Chatsworth House - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
"A once in a lifetime experience" is the phrase you hear the most about the arrival of the Olympic Torch, and certainly great care appears to have been taken so that as many people as possible can both view and take part in this unique event. In fact it is claimed that the flame is within 10 miles of every resident of Great Britain.
The torch itself has been designed by the London-based design studio BarberOsgerby. Each weighs 800g and is made of aluminium alloy. There are 8,000 circules perforating the golden skin, one for each inspirational torch bearer.
The Olympic Torch Relay lasts 70 days, with an average of 110 people carrying the torch daily, until it arrives in London on 27th July, 2012. The methods used for transporting it have been amazing, from boat, horseback, steam train, and in nearby Matlock, even on their cable car! When the flame is not in the torch it is safely stored within a miner's lamp.
Of course I couldn't wait to witness such an event, but the huge crowds that were turning out everywhere were a bit of a deterrent. However, from the huge amount of information avaialble on the web it was possible to find out exactly where the convoy would be at any given date, down to details of the times of arrival and departure.
I decided that hoping to see the flame in any town or village would be nearly impossible, but beautiful Chatsworth House, set in a thousand acres of rolling parkland, seemed a much better bet - and any way, as regular readers of this blog will know, it's one of my favourite places! I carefully timed it to arrive just after the opening of the Golden Gates, an access point not often available to the public. Then I saw the large convoy arrive at the base of the Bastion Wall, before rushing into the garden to view the flame's arrival. Unfortunately it was very crowded here, and I never got to see the Duke or Duchess, but I did get a better view later as the convoy was leaving the park.
I took this video - not perhaps my best, but it does give an indication of what a special event it was, and one that will stay long in my memory.
"A once in a lifetime experience" is the phrase you hear the most about the arrival of the Olympic Torch, and certainly great care appears to have been taken so that as many people as possible can both view and take part in this unique event. In fact it is claimed that the flame is within 10 miles of every resident of Great Britain.
The torch itself has been designed by the London-based design studio BarberOsgerby. Each weighs 800g and is made of aluminium alloy. There are 8,000 circules perforating the golden skin, one for each inspirational torch bearer. 
The Olympic Torch Relay lasts 70 days, with an average of 110 people carrying the torch daily, until it arrives in London on 27th July, 2012. The methods used for transporting it have been amazing, from boat, horseback, steam train, and in nearby Matlock, even on their cable car! When the flame is not in the torch it is safely stored within a miner's lamp. Of course I couldn't wait to witness such an event, but the huge crowds that were turning out everywhere were a bit of a deterrent. However, from the huge amount of information avaialble on the web it was possible to find out exactly where the convoy would be at any given date, down to details of the times of arrival and departure.
I decided that hoping to see the flame in any town or village would be nearly impossible, but beautiful Chatsworth House, set in a thousand acres of rolling parkland, seemed a much better bet - and any way, as regular readers of this blog will know, it's one of my favourite places! I carefully timed it to arrive just after the opening of the Golden Gates, an access point not often available to the public. Then I saw the large convoy arrive at the base of the Bastion Wall, before rushing into the garden to view the flame's arrival. Unfortunately it was very crowded here, and I never got to see the Duke or Duchess, but I did get a better view later as the convoy was leaving the park. I took this video - not perhaps my best, but it does give an indication of what a special event it was, and one that will stay long in my memory.
June 25, 2012
Derbyshire Food & Drink Fair
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
This is an annual event, and again in 2012 it was held at Hardwick Hall, using part of the 'Wine Glass' formation of trees just beyond the ha-ha. It was expected over 10,000 people would be attending, and it is easy to see why such events boast the county's economy.
Inside the boiling hot marquees were a huge range of products - literally something for everyone. I must admit to being drawn to these striking, sculptural chairs, although I think they were somewhat out of my price range!
One area I particularly enjoyed was the huge Cookery Theatre with seating for 300 people, and thanks to the large screens, it was possible to see everything even if seated at the back.
Outside I particularly liked the way all the stalls had been arranged in a great circle, with the seating area for picnics and take-aways in the middle, so despite the crowds it never seemed claustrophic.
I bought masses, including these flavoured olive oils, one which is fragrant herb oil, and the other lemongrass & citrus oil. Now wont they be special, and I'm really looking forward to using them.
Certainly an event well worth looking out for again next year.
Are you familiar with The Hardwick Love Story
This is an annual event, and again in 2012 it was held at Hardwick Hall, using part of the 'Wine Glass' formation of trees just beyond the ha-ha. It was expected over 10,000 people would be attending, and it is easy to see why such events boast the county's economy.
Inside the boiling hot marquees were a huge range of products - literally something for everyone. I must admit to being drawn to these striking, sculptural chairs, although I think they were somewhat out of my price range!
One area I particularly enjoyed was the huge Cookery Theatre with seating for 300 people, and thanks to the large screens, it was possible to see everything even if seated at the back.Outside I particularly liked the way all the stalls had been arranged in a great circle, with the seating area for picnics and take-aways in the middle, so despite the crowds it never seemed claustrophic.
I bought masses, including these flavoured olive oils, one which is fragrant herb oil, and the other lemongrass & citrus oil. Now wont they be special, and I'm really looking forward to using them.
Certainly an event well worth looking out for again next year.
Are you familiar with The Hardwick Love Story
June 24, 2012
Hope Valley Ice Cream
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
I first came across Hope Valley Ice Cream when we visited Edward and Vintage in Tissington (see previous blog)
I couldn't wait to visit, and despite it being a wet and chilly day, Derbyshire is always so beautiful I anticipated a nice trip. What I hadn't realised was how hard the farm would be to find - and I ended up going twice along Jagger Lane, and eventually reaching it off A6187)
I've been to Ice Cream Palours before but this was much smaller than I'd anticipated, and didn't seem really geared for visitors. (It's the area to the extreme left of this photo). There were a few seats inside and out, and a freezer full of tubs of ice cream, both to eat immediately or to take home.
Clearly this would be a quite wonderful place to stop if you were out walking in the wonderful countryside, and that is really what it is geared to provide.
In future, I'll definitely be looking out for Hope Valley Ice Cream at outlets around the county, as the product is absolutely delicious, and it's always good to support local enterprise.
Are you familiar with the Clumber Love Story?
I first came across Hope Valley Ice Cream when we visited Edward and Vintage in Tissington (see previous blog)
I couldn't wait to visit, and despite it being a wet and chilly day, Derbyshire is always so beautiful I anticipated a nice trip. What I hadn't realised was how hard the farm would be to find - and I ended up going twice along Jagger Lane, and eventually reaching it off A6187)
I've been to Ice Cream Palours before but this was much smaller than I'd anticipated, and didn't seem really geared for visitors. (It's the area to the extreme left of this photo). There were a few seats inside and out, and a freezer full of tubs of ice cream, both to eat immediately or to take home.
Clearly this would be a quite wonderful place to stop if you were out walking in the wonderful countryside, and that is really what it is geared to provide.
In future, I'll definitely be looking out for Hope Valley Ice Cream at outlets around the county, as the product is absolutely delicious, and it's always good to support local enterprise. 
Are you familiar with the Clumber Love Story?
June 15, 2012
Kensington Palace - London
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Kensington Palace, a royal residence since the late 1600's, has recently undergone a £12 million transformation. The imposing brick building is now divided into two, the historic state apartments which are open to the pubic, and the separate private wing now home to such people as the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.
I couldn't wait to visit! However, I found the vast amount of queuing very off-putting. You line-up forever to get tickets, to get into the rooms, to obtain anything in the way of food, and you could forget going using the toilets!
Unlike any other Stately Home that I've visited, where you start at the beginning, go on a circular route through the various rooms, and always end up the Gift Shop, here at Kensington Palace, there are four routes, so you enter, and then double back on yourself, which when it's busy is a total nightmare as people are coming in both directions. Also I got completely confused, and ended up doing one section twice. There also seems to be a vast number of stairs and corridors, and I quite unable to work out the arrangement of what appears to be a very complicated building.
By far the best part is that devoted to Queen Victoria, and there is her handwriting, being used like graffiti, absolutely everywhere. I personally really enjoy audio tapes when going round these places, but there was nothing like that available. Each room had sheets of information available, but in the room depicting the death of Prince Albert, with it's black walls, low lights and closed blinds, they were impossible to read!
I was particularly keen to visit the place that had been the home to Princess Diana, and where all the floral tributes had been laid following her tragic death. I was very disappointed to find it consisted of a strange corridor covered with cartoons by Julie Verhoeven which, after a few twists and turns, ends up in a small, somewhat gloomy rooms displaying a few of her dresses, and a number of fashion photos.
Of course there is the inevitable, very expensive Gift Shop, although the couple of books relating to Princess Diana had been placed beyond the tills, and well out of sight. It did seem so much that she had been airbrushed out of the history of the place. At the end of the Shop there was a very small eatery, with drinks in paper cups (I just hate that!). There is a small area with tables and chairs outside but of course that is weather dependent.
As you may have gathered, I was hugely disappointed by my visit to Kensington Palace - somewhere I had been looking forward to so much. (By far the best part was being allowed non-flash photograph) It was much more of a museum that an occupied home, and the four areas did not seem to link together, nor tell a comprehensive story. I do not anticipate rushing back.
Kensington Palace, a royal residence since the late 1600's, has recently undergone a £12 million transformation. The imposing brick building is now divided into two, the historic state apartments which are open to the pubic, and the separate private wing now home to such people as the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.I couldn't wait to visit! However, I found the vast amount of queuing very off-putting. You line-up forever to get tickets, to get into the rooms, to obtain anything in the way of food, and you could forget going using the toilets!
Unlike any other Stately Home that I've visited, where you start at the beginning, go on a circular route through the various rooms, and always end up the Gift Shop, here at Kensington Palace, there are four routes, so you enter, and then double back on yourself, which when it's busy is a total nightmare as people are coming in both directions. Also I got completely confused, and ended up doing one section twice. There also seems to be a vast number of stairs and corridors, and I quite unable to work out the arrangement of what appears to be a very complicated building.
By far the best part is that devoted to Queen Victoria, and there is her handwriting, being used like graffiti, absolutely everywhere. I personally really enjoy audio tapes when going round these places, but there was nothing like that available. Each room had sheets of information available, but in the room depicting the death of Prince Albert, with it's black walls, low lights and closed blinds, they were impossible to read!
I was particularly keen to visit the place that had been the home to Princess Diana, and where all the floral tributes had been laid following her tragic death. I was very disappointed to find it consisted of a strange corridor covered with cartoons by Julie Verhoeven which, after a few twists and turns, ends up in a small, somewhat gloomy rooms displaying a few of her dresses, and a number of fashion photos.
Of course there is the inevitable, very expensive Gift Shop, although the couple of books relating to Princess Diana had been placed beyond the tills, and well out of sight. It did seem so much that she had been airbrushed out of the history of the place. At the end of the Shop there was a very small eatery, with drinks in paper cups (I just hate that!). There is a small area with tables and chairs outside but of course that is weather dependent. As you may have gathered, I was hugely disappointed by my visit to Kensington Palace - somewhere I had been looking forward to so much. (By far the best part was being allowed non-flash photograph) It was much more of a museum that an occupied home, and the four areas did not seem to link together, nor tell a comprehensive story. I do not anticipate rushing back.
June 1, 2012
Farm House Tea Room - Felley Priory - Jacksdale - Nottinghamshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Felley Priory is an amazing place, which I wrote about way back in 2007 (see previous blog)
I was delighted to find they now have a Tea Room and was anxious to try it out. Certainly there are a lot of tables available, and the menu was most tempting with
'Puff Pastry topped minced beef & onion, mint'y lamb or Beef in Red Wine, served with mashed potato and vegetables' all at the very reasonable price of £6.50. Alternatively, and for the same price, you could have had one of these tempting meals served in a large Yorkshire Pudding.
There were even tables available outside, but unfortunately it was pouring with rain the day I went!
The tea room was certainly quite well supported when I went, but the service was absolutely dreadful. I had to ask to have my table cleared of dirty pots, they got the order wrong and everything was terribly muddily and disorganised.
In fact I was astounded to learn that the Tea Shop has been in existence for more than a year, as I got the impression it must have just opened, and they were learning how to do it!
I will probably go back, if only to see if I just hit it on a bad day, because I was definitely unimpressed, even though the cake, when it eventually arrived was nice!
If you enjoy my writing why not visit my Smashwords page
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Felley Priory is an amazing place, which I wrote about way back in 2007 (see previous blog)
I was delighted to find they now have a Tea Room and was anxious to try it out. Certainly there are a lot of tables available, and the menu was most tempting with
'Puff Pastry topped minced beef & onion, mint'y lamb or Beef in Red Wine, served with mashed potato and vegetables' all at the very reasonable price of £6.50. Alternatively, and for the same price, you could have had one of these tempting meals served in a large Yorkshire Pudding.
There were even tables available outside, but unfortunately it was pouring with rain the day I went!
The tea room was certainly quite well supported when I went, but the service was absolutely dreadful. I had to ask to have my table cleared of dirty pots, they got the order wrong and everything was terribly muddily and disorganised.In fact I was astounded to learn that the Tea Shop has been in existence for more than a year, as I got the impression it must have just opened, and they were learning how to do it!
I will probably go back, if only to see if I just hit it on a bad day, because I was definitely unimpressed, even though the cake, when it eventually arrived was nice!
If you enjoy my writing why not visit my Smashwords page
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May 27, 2012
Goltho Gardens - Nr Wragby - Lincolnshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
It is said that the name 'Goltho' comes from the Saxon for 'where the marigolds grow', and how apt that is for this lovely place.
Bravely purchased in 1997, when the house was virtually derelict and the four and half acre garden mostly a ploughed field, the stunning transformation must be the result of such a lot of hard work. My first stop was in the attractive tea shop which was added in 2008, and where I had the tastiest meal, overlooking quite a large plant selling area.
However, I couldn't wait to enter the garden itself, going through this attractive entrance, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Time and again I thought I'd reached the end, only to find another little path weaving its way into a new area, although it should be noted not all paths are suitable for wheelchairs.
Everywhere there were inviting seats and delightful sculptures, together with two pools teeming with fish. Who could ask for anything more? Coupled with charming staff I thought this the most perfect place to visit, and I certainly am looking forward to returning later in the year.
If you enjoy my writing why not check out my Smashwords profile?
It is said that the name 'Goltho' comes from the Saxon for 'where the marigolds grow', and how apt that is for this lovely place.
Bravely purchased in 1997, when the house was virtually derelict and the four and half acre garden mostly a ploughed field, the stunning transformation must be the result of such a lot of hard work. My first stop was in the attractive tea shop which was added in 2008, and where I had the tastiest meal, overlooking quite a large plant selling area.
However, I couldn't wait to enter the garden itself, going through this attractive entrance, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Time and again I thought I'd reached the end, only to find another little path weaving its way into a new area, although it should be noted not all paths are suitable for wheelchairs.Everywhere there were inviting seats and delightful sculptures, together with two pools teeming with fish. Who could ask for anything more? Coupled with charming staff I thought this the most perfect place to visit, and I certainly am looking forward to returning later in the year.
If you enjoy my writing why not check out my Smashwords profile?
May 25, 2012
Market - Chesterfeild - Derbyshire
http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Chesterfield is 6 miles from the M1, and 24 miles north of Derby. It was granted a market charter in 1204, and it is still holds one of the largest markets in Britain every Monday, Friday and Saturday. It is certainly possible to find absolutely everything there!
In this photo it is just possible to see the amazing 'crooked spire' in the background.
The amazing twists are almost certainly the result of replacing the original oak tiles with lead ones. These heat up unevenly in the sun, and their vast weight causes the timber frame underneath to twist in this spectacular fashion.
Chesterfield has a large number of really interesting and impressive buildings. In this photo you can see some striking black and white buildings beyond the bustling market stalls.
As if the vast outdoor market was not enough, there is also a large, impressive indoor market, which can be seen in the background here. It was built in 1857 'for the shelter and safeguard of market people.' It houses more than 70 shops and stalls, selling everything from jewellery and knitting wool, to meat and fish. It is open 6 days a week, closing early on Wednesdays. It is presently in the process of being refurbished to improve the facilities.
I just love going to Chesterfield - especially on market days - it's just such a buzzy place, and you can find absolutely everything there!
Chesterfield is 6 miles from the M1, and 24 miles north of Derby. It was granted a market charter in 1204, and it is still holds one of the largest markets in Britain every Monday, Friday and Saturday. It is certainly possible to find absolutely everything there! 
In this photo it is just possible to see the amazing 'crooked spire' in the background.The amazing twists are almost certainly the result of replacing the original oak tiles with lead ones. These heat up unevenly in the sun, and their vast weight causes the timber frame underneath to twist in this spectacular fashion.
Chesterfield has a large number of really interesting and impressive buildings. In this photo you can see some striking black and white buildings beyond the bustling market stalls.
As if the vast outdoor market was not enough, there is also a large, impressive indoor market, which can be seen in the background here. It was built in 1857 'for the shelter and safeguard of market people.' It houses more than 70 shops and stalls, selling everything from jewellery and knitting wool, to meat and fish. It is open 6 days a week, closing early on Wednesdays. It is presently in the process of being refurbished to improve the facilities.
I just love going to Chesterfield - especially on market days - it's just such a buzzy place, and you can find absolutely everything there!
