Janet Roberts's Blog, page 3

Well Dressings - Tissington - Derbyshire

This little Estate village tucked away in rural Derbyshire is always the first, and in my opinion, one of the best places to see traditional Well Dressings - see previous blog.

Here are my pictures, which I think you will agree show just how much work and thoughts goes into these amazing creations every year. This is the one directly opposite the impressive Hall which has been in the hands of the FitzHerbert family since the reign of Elizabeth I.  Today the Estate consists of 10 farms, 40 cottages and miscellaneous lettings.  Everyone in the Village contributes in some way to the dressing of the Wells whether by digging the clay, picking the flowers or helping to put up the dressings on the Wednesday evening.  This is the design opposite the Hall.

Then it was time for a lovely lunch in Herbert's Fine English Tearooms - which was formerly The Old Coach House, which boasts a quirky decor and array of vintage crockery which adds to its charm!  (I particularly like the vintage photos on the walls!).

Then round the corner to Yew Tree Well - which was one of my favourites this year.  There was just so much skill involved in creating such striking images using only natural material.  No wonder the many children who were visiting just loved this! 

Next up to St Mary's Church for a 20 minute video on the making of the Well Dressings, which was interesting - especially seeing the men pounding the clay with their wellington boots - which took about 20 minutes really hard work!-

Then down to one of my favourite locations - Town Well, which is set surrounded by mature trees and overlooking the village pond. Just then, five horses were ridden by, somewhat adding to the rural charm!

Then up to Bowrings the butchers to buy freshly sliced ham for tea, before going to visit the Coffin Well - which as often seems to be the case, movingly commemorated the War.  (I was particularly struck by the striking figures at the side, and the lovely black and white dog)


 Then a stroll up the country lane towards one of my favourite places - Edward and Vintage  - Tissington's 1940's sweet shop and vinatage homeware.  It sells homemade ice cream, homemade fudge, not to mention lashings of ginger beer and award winning rhubarb and custard! (See my previous blog)

Next stop Hands Well, skillfully showing the Wedding in Cana - before ending with the delightful Dressing made by the village Kindergarten - what fun they must have had!






Altogether a memorable day out.  It seems quite sad that by mid-week these amazing designs will have been gone forever, with boards stored for another year, although I expect the designers already thinking of stunning images to depict next year.


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

Broomfield Hall Open Gardens - Morley - Derbyshire

This is the first time this establishment was open under the wonderful National Open Garden Scheme, which is now celebrating its 90th year of opening for charity. - see previous blog.

Broomfield Hall is part of Derby Cellege and covers 25 acres of Victorian gardens and woodlands which are maintained by students and volunteers.

The original hall was built in 1873 by industrialist Charles Schwind, when he employed the services of WilliamBarron from nearby Elvaston Castle.  It has had a somewhat chequered past, and after a long period of neglect is now, with the skill and energy of Head Gardener Samantha Harvey and a large team of volunteers, undergoing restoration.  Key areas of the grounds have been restored thanks to a £4,000 grant received last year from the Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust.

I started off with refreshments, provided by volunteers - and very nice it was too!

Then on to a tour! There are so many different areas like the impressive Long Border, which is in the process of being planted, the Japanese garden which is to be restored, and the new Rose Garden, and a grant has been received to help fund this project.  There is however a rabbit problem and everything is having to be protected with wire!

I was particularly taken with Parterre Garden, where cool colour are to be used to fill the beds. Further on there was an interesting array of different kinds of hedges, which the students were learning to prune.  My favourite tree was Prunus 'Shirofugen' for underneath was a notice commemorating the contribution made to the gardens by William Barron (1805 -1851), who was head gardener at nearby Elvaston Castle - see my ebook telling the delightful story about this place.

I also enjoyed going through the Woodland Walk where we saw the lovell 'Handkerchief Tree, still with some white leaf bracts.

Then it was time to explore the large, extensive plant centre - no wonder everyone was leaving absolutely laden - me included!





 This is definitely a 'work in progress' but it was interesting to go on a tour and see the extensive gardens, which at one time must have been quite breathtaking. I look forward to visiting again the future.
***Did you know they used oil from under Sherwood Forest during the Second World War?  For more about this amazing, and little-known story, just click here

Beauvale Pilgrimage - Moorgreen - Nottinghamshire

I just love this place, and frequently visit the lovely tea room which is situated in what had been the Gate House to this special site.  (For more about the history just see my previous blog).

I knew that once a year they hold a pilgrimage to honour the martyrs, and this year I was determined to attend.  Fortunately it was the most beautiful day, with warm sunshine and a cloudless blue sky.

The event started with a procession up the lane, that wound it's way passed the Gate House and across the the ruins, to the memorial stone. It was good to see school children taking part, as well as a lot of clergy and parishioners.

After a short service, we all headed for the nearby rows of chairs for the main service - there's always something special about ceremonies held outside in the sunshine.

Although I'm not Catholic, I could follow the service in the booklet provided, and I certainly enjoyed the sermon given by the Rt. Rev Bishop Patrick McKinney - which seemed most appropriate in the circumstances
Altogether this was a most inspiring and lovely afternoon - and I certainly enjoyed such an unique occasion.
***Are you familiar with The Elvaston Love Story?  If not, why not click here for details of my e-book

Chinese New Year - Manchester

I'd never been to one of these celebrations, and I thought it was high time I rectified that, especially as it's so easy to get to Manchester on the train.

I was surprised the town wasn't more decorated for the event, and there were very few posters, but inside the Arndale Shopping Centre I encountered my first 'lion', which had been put into a pen and was going round being stroked by the crowd, to the absolute delight of the many children.

Then it was off to find The Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors.  These were 40 illuminated exact replicas of China's Terracotta Warriors, the famous clay statues which guard the first Emperor of China in his Tomb, each over two metres tall.  The statues were originally created for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and have travelled the world.  What amazed me was that you were able to walk right up to them, even though they were quite fragile.  They reminded me of the stunning light sculptures we'd seen at Longleat and wondered if they were created by the same skilled craftsmen (see previous blog)

Not far away, but actually in Salford, was the most gorgeous inflatable 50ft golden Chinese Dragon, situated in Greengate Square, which is just across from Manchester Cathedral.  Who couldn't love it?

We even had time to see some of the live music taking place in St Ann's Square, when solo artist played a selection of traditional Chinese folk music of ethnic minorities such as Mongolian and Tajiks on Chinese instruments such as Erhu, Zither and Pipa.







Then it was time for the main event - the Dragon Parade!  After a long wait the crowd of thousands was rewarded first by a group of dignitaries, followed by the explosion of firecrackers, and, at last, the parade itself!


It was all such fun, and I was really pleased I'd made the effort to see such an unusual event.***Are you familiar with the Clumber Love Story?  You can read it for FREE by clicking here

New Memorial Window - Southwell Minster - Nottinghamshire

This beautiful new addition to Southwell Minster is located near the Choir stalls, and was created by Nicholas Mynheer.  There is a detailed pamphlet and it's well worth stopping and reading this first before looking at the window, as there's just so much detail to look at, and to appreciate the significance of every piece of the window.

The decision to commision a new window for the Cathedral was made when it was realised by those in authority that almost the entire working population of men went to the First World War, and the devastating effect it had on those left behind.  As the Cathedral, which was then the Mother Church of two Counties, did not have a memorial to all those from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire who lost their lives, the centenary of the start of the First World War seemed a fitting time to commission Nicholas Mynheer.

I would like to reproduce the whole of the information booklet - it's just so interesting, but obviously I can't, but will pick out what seems to me the most poignant points.

'The plough horse will become a horse of war and ploughshares will be turned into swords.  Beneath the ploughed land we see miners at work, perhaps soon to become tunnellers for a different cause - to under-mine the enemy.  ...

'Around the soldier being lifted down we see the swirling cycle of war.  Beneath the figures a battle ship on the raging seas.  This is HMS Canada on which Capt. Robert St. Vincent Sherbrooke from Oxton, Nottinghamshire was midshipman in 1917.  Captain Sherbrooke went on to become Rear Admiral and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action in WW11.

'In the sky above biplanes dogfight.  One is a Nieuport Scout, flown by Capt. Albert Ball from Nottingham.  Albert was only 20 when he was killed (in unknown circumstances) but as England's greatest fighter pilot he had become a great symbol of hope.  In a short 15 months of flying he had been awarded the MC, DSO and two Bars and credited with at least 44 victories.  He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

I particularly liked the fact that women are remembered in this memorial window - so often it's just the serving men.

'The women and all those who remain 'at home' keep some vestige of normality, supporting and empowering the war effort through their galvanised work and their own sacrifices.  But this is also Mary at the foot of The Cross, arms lifted to Christ as he is lifted from the Cross.  The white sheet is his winding sheet; his shroud.

It is as if she also reaches out to the two soldiers limping towards her.  Perhaps they are her sons? 

I certainly plan to return to Southwell Minster to see this lovely window again - there is just too much to absorb in one go.  A really lovely addition to a truly beautiful place.
***Why not now visit my web by clicking here 

Sophie Ploeg - Harley Gallery - Welbeck - Nottinghamshire

The small galleries in this complex have such interesting, unusual and frequently changing exhibitions and I love going to visit.

Sophie Ploeg he won the 2013 BP Travel Award at the National Portrait Gallery.  Her new works are inspired by the early history of Welbeck Abbey and the Cavendish family in the 16th and17th century  They depict various luxurious fabrics and embellishments such as velvet, lace and embroidery which could only be afforded by the social elite. These fabrics were more valuable and more costly than the paintings themselves and would have denoted the high status and wealth of their wearer. Sophie is particularly fascinated by the dynamic between the present and the past, using fabrics and clothing as the thread that binds the two together.

Rather than comment on the paintings I'm just going to show you and you can judge for yourself
 'Pleating Time' Oil on linen  £3750
'The Handkerchief Girl' oil on linen   £5450
4 Ages of Woman 'The Lace Maker' oil on linen  NFS  4 Ages of Woman - 'Repeating Patterns' oil on linen  £3750                       4 Ages of Woman - 'The Pearl Necklace'  oil on linen  £3750
This fine, and interesting exhibition is only there until the 8th January 2017 so I urge you to go if you possibly can.  ***For more of my writing just see my web page
 . 

The Nutcracker - Christmas 2016 - Chatsworth - Derbyshire

This is always a feature of my Christmas festivities - and judging from the crowds - a lot of other people's too!  The holiday just wouldn't the same without a visit to this magnificent Stately Home, to see it all decorated ready for the festivities.

The year the theme was 'The Nutcracker' - which is apparently 'an exciting tale of magical lands, epic battles and dancing fairies, which all starts with a young girl called Clara'.  Unfortunately I wasn't familiar with the story and had little idea why toy soldiers were everywhere, other than the hand out said that Clara's Uncle, the toymaker, had given her one!  (It's nice to given a sheet on arrival, but I think, like most people - I read it after I get back home!)

Certainly the chapel looked absolutely stunning, festooned with snowflakes.

In the beautiful Painted Hall a lovely ballerina danced

whilst in the impressive Dinning Room, the table had been shortened, and a little train ran round and round.

Even the Sculpture Gallery resounded with the beautiful music, whilst dancers in silhouette adorned the walls.

Whilst I must admit this wasn't my favourite Christmas at Chatsworth, I was still pleased I'd gone.
***Have you seen my web page?  Just click here 

'Frozen' - Sheffield Arena -

It was years since I last went to an Ice Show, and with Sheffield Arena being so easy to get to on the excellent tram service, I decided to book a ticket.  All of the arena has excellent seats and it was obvious from the start that we were in for a treat.

The show began with a cavalcade of the familiar Disney characters.  This is of course Cinderella and her Prince Charming.

It struck me how hard it must be to skate so professionally whilst not only wearing a fancy costume, but a head mask as well!

Then the story proper began and it was spectacular - with things happening constantly - from the roof, the edge of the ice rink and props themselves.  There were times when you could hardly keep up with all the fun!  This is the Ice Palace, which also doubled for other things as well.

However, the character who stole my heart, and I fell in love with, was dear Sven the Reindeer.  Who couldn't love such a wonderful creature, whilst at the same time admiring the skill of the operators!

Altogether this was a wonderful, happy show and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.***Did you know I have a web page?  Just click here

The Roman Baths in Bath

I'd wanted to visit this amazing place for years, and being in the area it was just too good an opportunity to miss.

The Roman Baths are right next to the beautiful Bath Abbey, so very easy to find.  The booking in arrangements are fast and efficient and they are clearly used to considerable numbers.  Everyone is given an audio guide which is included in the entrance price.  At every stopping point there is a range of options to listen to, and if you did them all you'd be there for hours - although it would be very interesting!  There's even a contribution by Bill Bryson!

Almost immediately you step in to a walk way where you look down onto the greenish water of the bath.  The hot water spring rises at a rate of 1,700,000 litres each day at 46 degrees centigrade.  It bubbles up into the King's Bath which was built in the 12th cenytury AD.  Beneath the King's Bath is a reservoir built by Roman engineers who usedthe hot water to supply the baths.  The Romans also used two smaller hot springs nearby.  Just incredible.

There is just so much to see - spread over several floors, including a comprehensive museum.  I was particularly taken with the ghostly figures that silently acted out Roman life on the walls!

Not too surprisingly, parts round the Baths was quite uneven, so making it difficult for people with mobility problems.  However, there are lifts to every floor, and ramps. 

I really enjoyed my visit - a really unique and unusual experience.  
***
Please visit my web page by clicking here

'Festival of Light' Longleat Wiltshire

I saw pictures of this amazing event and knew it was somewhere I had to go!

 This year is the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the safari park, so it was apt that there is an Honour Guard of 50 magnificent lions, each 4 metre tall, leading down the main entrance path - a foretaste of the delights in store.   This fine fellow represents 'Marquis', the first lion cub who arrived in the Safari Park in February 1966.

The 'lanterns' are created by a very skill team from Zigong in China's Sichuan province, and the work at Longleat for weeks in order to create this impressive display.

In addition to the lions there were loads of other animals - I was particularly taken with this pride of elephants,somehow created from over 30,000 individual pieces porcelain, and quite beautiful and different.  In fact I'd never seen anything like it.

As if all the animals weren't a sufficient delight, there is also a large display area commemorating the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter, and what fun all the bunnies were having!

What I couldn't believe was the sheer number of sculptures, it just went on and on, and round every corner was another delight.  It involved 2,500 individual lights, 30,000 bulbs and over 4km of LED lighting.

I thought it all quite wonderful and now can't wait until next year and wonder what amazing sculptures they'll dream up for us then?

The 'Festival of Light' continues at Longleat until the 2nd January 2017 - something not to be missed

***Have you visited my web page yet?  Just click here