Restaurant Review – Anila
I have a theory so please bear with me; I think if you want to enjoy the best pasta outside Italy you go to a restaurant with an Italian head chef. If you want the best Paella you visit a restaurant with a Spanish chef, and if you want an authentic Indian meal, you go to a restaurant with a genuine Indian head chef. And so, we visited Anila on the main A6, Derby to Matlock road, not very far from our home this is a favourite restaurant of ours where we find the food is consistently very good. The welcome here is always warm and polite, the atmosphere relaxed and the tables well spaced. Comfortable seating and pleasing décor all contribute to a very pleasant dining experience. The chef at Anila has over 40 years of experience and so it goes without saying that the kitchen is efficiently run and the food is very well presented. We were dining on a Tuesday evening and the restaurant was buzzing nicely. We ordered our drinks and were happy to have non-alcoholic as Anila do not serve alcohol, although our waiter offered to de-cork any wines or beers that we had brought. We sat and looked through the menu which was refreshingly clear and easy to understand. Separated into clearly defined sections of Indian Ocean Delights, Clay Oven Specials and Vegetarian Delights with extras also clearly listed. While we waited for our starters, we dipped into our pickle tray with crisp rounds of Poppadoms. We shared a delicious Seafood Platter for 2 as our starter, which gave us a taste of a few different foods. I especially enjoyed the King prawns, dipped in a very light batter and the Hot Chilli Fish in a slightly sweet but tangy sauce, also chunks of salmon in Tikka spices just fell apart. All was served with a wedge of lemon and a fresh mixed salad, and on a personal note I think I would choose this as my main course on my next visit. Straying away from my usual Chicken Tikka Special, I ordered the Kandhari Lamb Chops. Cooked in a clay oven, a selection of small chops, lightly charred by the charcoal grill and coated with a mix of Indian spices which infused the meat were again served with a mixed salad. The beauty of this dish for me was that the sauce was served separately and so I could choose a mild Korma which suited my palate perfectly. The Pilau rice was light and buttery and the Naan bread very soft. Being much more adventurous mas the proportions were very generous. This is a medium dish which suited him well. The aromatic Basmati rice, garnished with strips of pepper and a twist of lemon along with seasoned spices was a meal in itself, however inside were delicious chunks of chicken, onion, potato and peppers. Spooning the Biryani sauce (which was full of soft roasted vegetables) over the top made this a tremendous meal. Pleasantly full we sat back and mulled over the events of the day with a coffee. We often order a takeaway from Anila to take home and share with friends, but to dine in was a very different experience. To be welcomed by Adil and served by Aram who kindly and patiently pointed us to try new dishes, was delightful and a completely different experience to eating at home. We thank them for giving us such a welcome treat in the middle of our week. Contact Information:Anila Indian Dining, 1331 Matlock Road, Ambergate, Belper, DE56 2EL Tel: 01773 462631 Opening Hours Mon – Closed(Except Bank Holidays) Tue – Thur – 5PM – 10.30PM Fri – Sat – 5PM – 11PM Sun – 5PM – 10.30PM Anila only serve soft drinks but you can bring your own alcohol and they’ll provide glassware.(Please don’t bring your own soft drinks.) 00
Tui Marella Cruises
with Martin’s World Travel Discover the World with Marella Cruises – All-inclusive cruising to over 100 unforgettable destinations. Set sail on an adventure of a lifetime with Marella Cruises, operated by TUI, one of the UK’s most trusted travel brands. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, ancient cities, or volcanic islands, Marella offers something for every kind of explorer — and it’s all included. A personal experience / overview by Julie, Senior Travel Consultant, Martins World Travel – Bolsover “Embarkation and Disembarkation when visiting ports of call was very efficient, so smooth and stress free. My itinerary had only one day at sea so more ports of call on my 7 night itinerary, 5 on this cruise, which suited my love of exploring new sites and places. Sailing from and to Limassol I visited 3 different countries, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey. Excursions were very well organised and a great way to experience the best of the ports of call. Good value too. Something for everyone – I watched Gary Barlow(tribute) in the live lounge, played Who wants to be a Millionaire in the Slug & Anchor and enjoyed dancing in Bar 11 – a contemporary cocktail bar. The Glasshouse offers a covered pool area with couple sized Balinese beds and hot tub – a very sedate chilled vibe, restyled to look like a trendy beach club. In the evening enjoyed tapas and similar delicacies with beautiful views. The elevated dining in the two speciality restaurants is exceptional and definitely 5 star dining…a must when on Marella. I indulged in the Spa and Beauty salon and was made to feel very special…such lovely ladies and the perfect tonic/treat. Sunbathed in the adults only ‘Veranda’ located at the stern of the ship…amazing views and impeccable waiter service. Marella is all inclusive and takes all the stress out of huge on-board bills†Sample cruise itineraries: Eastern & Western Mediterranean: Soak in the history and beauty of Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Turkey. Western Mediterranean: Experience the glamour and culture of France, Gibraltar, Italy, Malta, and Spain. Caribbean Escapes: Relax in paradise with stops in Aruba, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic. Canary Islands & Atlantic Adventures: Explore dramatic volcanic landscapes, charming villages, and black-sand beaches in the Canary Islands and beyond. With nearly 30 years of cruising expertise, Marella is known for its friendly service, diverse routes, and great value — making it a top choice for first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors alike. One of the standout features of Marella Cruises is its all-inclusive standard. Here’s what you can expect on board — all at no extra cost: Dine your way across at least four restaurants, offering everything from world cuisine to local flavours. Enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, included throughout your cruise. Be dazzled by West End-style shows, catch live music, or take part in interactive gameshows. Join in on table tennis, shuffleboard, fitness classes, and other daytime fun. Flights from over 20 UK airports, plus transfers to and from the ship, are all part of the package. Travel stress-free with 20kg hold luggage included when flying with TUI Airways. Whether you’re chasing sunsets in Santorini or beach-hopping through the Caribbean, Marella Cruises lets you do it all — without the hassle and with everything taken care of. Why Choose a Canary Islands & Atlantic Cruise? Sail into a world of dramatic landscapes, cultural treasures, and sun-soaked shores with a Canary Islands and Atlantic cruise. These Atlantic gems are more than just a beach escape — they’re a playground for adventurers, history lovers, and sun seekers alike. The Canary Islands are known for their otherworldly volcanic terrain and unique black-sand beaches, offering a backdrop that feels straight from a sci-fi film. Whether you’re looking to unwind in the sun, explore ancient towns, or dive into new experiences, there’s something here for everyone. Wander the cobbled streets of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, where history meets modern charm. On the island of La Gomera, the second smallest of the group, step inside the house where Christopher Columbus once lived. Seeking something more adventurous? Head beneath the waves on a submarine excursion off Lanzarote’s coast, or take on Mount Teide in Tenerife — Spain’s highest peak and a haven for panoramic views. Many itineraries also include a stop at Madeira, the lush Portuguese island known for its stunning scenery and relaxed elegance — adding even more variety to your journey. Atlantic Islands – Marella Voyager | Jan 2026 – Apr 2026 Visiting: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Arrecife, Lanzarote, Puerto del Rosario, Fuerteventura, Funchal, Madeira, Santa Cruz de La Palma, La Palma. Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 7 Night cruise Cruise and Stay options available All Inclusive Cruise (All tips included) From £946 per person Why Choose a Caribbean Cruise? Where turquoise waters, white sands, and island rhythms await. When it comes to postcard-perfect beauty, the Caribbean sets the standard. With over 7,000 islands stretching from the Florida Keys down to Venezuela, this sun-drenched region is a dreamscape of powder-soft beaches, clear blue seas, and laid-back island vibes. Wherever you drop anchor — be it Aruba, St. Lucia, or Guadeloupe — you’ll step ashore onto sugar-white sands, kissed by warm, crystalline waves. But it’s not just what’s above the waterline that wows. The Caribbean’s underwater world is just as captivating. Dive into adventure as you explore shipwrecks off Grand Turk, snorkel alongside sea turtles in Barbados, or swim with stingrays in the Cayman Islands. And don’t miss the iconic swimming pigs of the Bahamas — a must for your photo album. For wildlife lovers, a visit to Dominica offers the rare chance to spot sperm whales year-round — the only place on Earth where that’s possible. Beyond the beaches and reefs, each island brings its own unique personality. The Dutch-influenced streets of Curaçao pop with colour and charm, while Jamaica pulses with rum cocktails, reggae rhythms, and rainforest adventures. In Havana, Cuba’s capital, you’ll find vintage cars, colonial architecture, and
Lost Houses of Derbyshire – Rough Heanor Manor
By Maxwell Craven If you drive from the Royal Derby Hospital to the A38, you might notice that, between the two is an island of overgrown vegetation with a busy slip road on either side of it: a rather desolate place surrounded by roads. Although it is not visible, inside stands an 18th century brick farmhouse and some mainly modern outbuildings: Rough Heanor Farm. It all looks frightfully unprepossessing. Yet in truth the site has a very long history and one not without significance, in the main all well recorded in Medieval charters and post-Medieval estate records. Originally, its name was simply Heanor (Henovere), part of a suite of three names in Mickleover ending with the modern English suffix ‘-over’: Mickleover, Littleover and Rough Heanor. Heanor is a combination of Saxon heah (= high) and ofer (= ridge), thus ‘High Ridge’. A thousand years ago Rough Heanor was part of the large and important manorial estate of Mickleover, first recorded in Domesday Book, and then also consisting of Mickleover itself, Littleover, Findern and Potlock. For reasons now lost to us, the entire manorial estate was, at some time after 25th December 1066 and 1st January 1085 granted by the King to the Abbot and canons of the Abbey of Burton. (Rough) Heanor itself is first named in the early 12th century, in a land grant of Geoffrey, Abbot of Burton, confirmed in a charter issued between 1150/1159 by his successor, Robert who ‘…concedes the grant made by my predecessor of blessed memory Geoffrey…to Robert son of Walchelin…that land in [Mickle]over called Heanor’. This Robert son of Walchelin, or ‘FitzWalchelin’, held the land in perpetuity in return for an annual payment of 5/- (25p) – a nominal sum, representing that although the grant was hereditary, the Abbot remained technically feudal overlord of the estate. Abbot Robert’s successor, Bernard, in 1160/74 increased the annual payment of half a mark (thus 6/8d = 34p). Robert’s father Walchelin held the neighbouring manorial estate of Radbourne. He had married a daughter of Henry de Ferrers, one of the great feudal barons of the Conquest who was by 1086 in possession of 115 manorial estates in Derbyshire alone, including Radbourne. Walchelin’s name suggests that he was already a kinsman of some kind of Henry de Ferrers, too. Robert had three sons, of whom the eldest, Robert III FitzWalchelin became the ancestor of the Chandos and Pole families, the second was settled upon an estate in the NE of Derbyshire, and the youngest, Peter, was settled at Rough Heanor, which was then clearly considered a viable enough estate to support him and his family. This Peter is referred to both as Peter FitzWalchelin and as Peter de Heanor, the latter style clearly implying that he lived on his holding and thus strongly suggests that some kind of a dwelling of élite character must have come into being from this time, the manor house. Peter’s grandson, Nicholas, seems to have achieved considerable status, for we find him holding the manor of Shipley in 1242 and in 1258 sub-divided portions of the manors of (Rough) Heanor and (Kirk) Langley. The family seem to fade from record after the first third of the 14th century, being most probably wiped out in the Black Death ravaging the country 1348-1350. Subsequently the manor and site of the settlement devolved on the de Heanor’s closest kin, the heirs of Robert III FitzWalchelin of Radbourne and became part of the wider holdings of the Chandos family, by that date the FitzWalchelins’ successors. There is also plenty of charter evidence for a settlement as part of the manorial estate, too, although it probably ceased to be viable after the Black Death and the ‘climate anomaly’ that immediately preceded it, which plunged the county into cool wet summers and much colder winters after some 600 years of warmth. There was living in (Rough) Heanor in 1327 a Richard ad Crucem – ‘Richard near the Cross’, suggesting a preaching cross was then still extant. It was probably positioned on the border between this part of Mickleover and Littleover, thus on or by the Uttoxeter Road, as a focus of Christian preaching established before the churches came into being. There is also compelling evidence for the manor house having had a domestic chapel at (Rough) Heanor, too. The fact that this has not been noted previously is that the history of the church of St Mary at the modern town of Heanor has become entangled with references to this chapel at (Rough) Heanor and a lost parish church of St. Mary in Derby. Nevertheless, although not in existence before 1160, the chapel seems to have been founded soon afterwards, probably when Robert FitzWalchelin was granted the estate, as a domestic chapel to the house which Peter FitzWalchelin chose to build there. This chapel may have been dedicated to St. Nicholas, perhaps explaining the congruence with the name of the two successive Nicholas de Heanors, who seem to have been lords of the manor in the 13th century. One 19th century source indeed, avers that Mickleover church to which the chapel belonged, was once so dedicated itself, probably as a confusion with the chapel-of-ease nearby. After the late 1340s, then Rough Heanor became a deserted medieval village (DMV) and the house was probably abandoned, or reduced to act as a farm for a Radbourne estate tenant. Yet documents dating to 1398, 1408-1409 and 1492 mention only a leased messuage (house and land), at one stage successively the residence of younger sons, Thomas and John de la Pole, second and third sons of Sir Peter de la Pole, the man who had acquired Radbourne by marriage with the heiress of Sir John Chandos KG, hero of the Hundred Years’ War. In 1713 William Woolley recorded that ‘In 41 Elizabeth [1597] Germain Pole had an estate here…which he left to his son Thomas. I suppose they may have it still and it is now called Rough Heanor.’ This is the
Celebrity Interview – Mark & Lard
by Steve Orme Mark Radcliffe and Marc Riley presented various weekday shows on BBC Radio 1 from 1991 to 2004. Now they are on the road with their show Carry On – An Evening With Mark and Lard which is basically a series of clips from their afternoon programme. They will stop off at both Buxton and Nottingham over the next few months. Mark and Lard, both northerners, first teamed up in 1991. Radcliffe was a radio producer who began presenting specialist shows. Riley, formerly a guitarist with post-punk band The Fall, was a record plugger and tried to get Radcliffe to play his records. Radcliffe eventually took on Riley as his sidekick. Marc reckons getting kicked out of The Fall was the best thing that’s happened to him in his working life. “Being in The Fall was quite hard work. It was an honour and a privilege and I absolutely loved the band. But if I hadn’t got kicked out, then none of the rest of the things that have happened to me over the last 30 years would have happened. “The Fall was a massive thing for me. I’m still very proud of it but if I’d been in there for 20 years I think I would have been an emotional and nervous wreck instead of being on the radio to ten million people.†When Mark and Marc presented Hit The North they were allowed to play their own choice of records. They were snapped up by Radio One and given “the graveyard shiftâ€, as it’s known in the industry – broadcasting from 10pm until midnight. Again they picked all the music which featured the likes of Oasis, Blur and Nick Cave. That led to their being given the breakfast show on Radio 1 after the departure of Chris Evans. They lasted only eight months – the shortest of any presenter in that time slot. “It was a massive culture shock,†says Marc, “because not only was the audience massive and not really used to us, we weren’t used to working at that time of day. It was awful for everybody. “We also had to play nothing but anodyne music that we didn’t like at all. It was a well-paid job, the profile was very high but we failed. “Then we went to the afternoon show which was hugely successful which is how we’re in the position now to be able to tour the country and get big audiences who basically want to see the afternoon show. The tour has to fit around the anarchic duo’s other work. Mark Radcliffe presents the Folk Show on Radio 2 on Wednesdays and a two-hour show with Stuart Maconie on 6 Music on Saturdays and Sundays. Marc Riley hosts an evening show on 6 Music from Monday until Wednesday which features sessions by artists that he chooses. Their live show has proved popular, with several dates selling out. “We start the show off by recounting the fact that we’re treading the same boards as Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin,†says Marc. “It’s mind-blowing really, an absolute privilege to be able to play those places.†Mark Radcliffe tries to put his finger on how the live gig works: “It’s not a resumption of the show, it’s the resumption of a friendship between Marc and I which isn’t to say we fell out. “We went on our separate paths for a long time but what we’re doing live is more akin to conversations we would have off air and in the pub.†Marc Riley adds his thoughts: “You don’t need two people to present a radio programme – it’s just largely music. But the relationship we had on air was largely about making each other laugh. “That’s what the audience are coming back to see and hear. A lot of them know the clips that we play in, they’re aware of the characters and the punchlines but they still laugh like an open drain at the end of it. We’re having a good laugh. Not every show is the same.†As well as presenting, Mark and Lard created a spoof rock band called the Shirehorses who released two CDs. Mark turned down Marc’s suggestion that they should resurrect the band – but when Marc pointed out it was the 20th anniversary of Mark and Lard’s last show, they agreed to do a couple of gigs. It soon became clear there was a big demand for their live show. So why has it taken them 20 years to stage this tour? Mark Radcliffe points out they were doing other things. When they started Mark was single while Marc Riley was married but didn’t have children. “We were very different people then in a different world,†says Mark. “We went to the pub and talked about things and made each other laugh. By the time the show finished I was married, we both had children and we didn’t live as close to each other. “I got to the point where I didn’t want to do it any more. You change as a person. A new Mark and Lard show could only be disappointing for fans of the old one. A lot of it was stupid and puerile. “We started together 30 years ago. I just don’t think it’s credible for two blokes in their sixties to be those people. “It’s a very different thing going on stage and talking about it in retrospect. Looking back and celebrating it, we do call the show an exercise in celebration, nostalgia and pension pot enhancement. That’s honest but accurate.†Mark Radcliffe will turn 67 at the end of this month and Marc Riley is 63. Neither is worried about the BBC being ageist and getting rid of them. “I don’t think you could accuse Radio 2 of being ageist,†says Mark. “Tony Blackburn’s on and he’s in his 80s. “I’ve been working in radio since 1979 so I can hardly complain about anything. “Mark and Lard
Derby’s Iconic Market Hall is Back
by Maxwell Craven “The design that emerged and which Thorburn built from 1863, centered upon an impressive covered hall with an iron roof made by local founder, J. & G. Heywood & Co. at their Phoenix Foundry, which covered an area of 220 x 110ft.†From Medieval times, Derby was a flourishing market town. Indeed, the Saxon mint established in the 10th century and which produced silver pennies until 1154, had more moneyers and a greater output of change than that of Nottingham, suggesting in the terms of trade, Derby then outstripped its easterly neighbour. Derby’s markets were scattered: livestock was sold at the widest part of Friar Gate between Bridge Street and Brick Street, grains were sold in the wide part of Corn Market (the clue is in the name) and most other things were sold in the Market Place, where there were areas set aside for bakeries, butcher’s stalls and other items, mainly under the control of the Abbot of Darley. By the early 19th century these arrangements were considered insufficient, and when a new Guildhall was commissioned by the Derby Improvement Commissioners from London architect Matthew Habershon (1789-1852) in 1828, a covered area of stalls was provided behind the building. This elegant Greek revival building was stone faced at the Market Place side, but largely brick to the south. Unfortunately, Habershon’s Guildhall burnt down rather spectacularly on the evening of Trafalgar Day 1841, taking most of the Borough’s precious records stored within, with it. Henry Duesbury, grandson of the founder of the China factory, was commissioned to build a replacement, which incorporated much of the ground floor of its predecessor, and much of the entire east elevation which was glimpsed from the Market Hall or Lock-up Yard. The original market area behind managed, miraculously, to survive unscathed. However, by the 1860s, even this area was considered to be inadequate and a decision was taken to clear it and build anew. The Borough engineer at the time was a Stranraer-born Scot, Thomas C Thorburn, who developed a detailed specification, before subcontracting the design to Manchester architect James Stevens (1826-1902). The design that emerged and which Thorburn built from 1863, centered upon an impressive covered hall with an iron roof made by local founder, J. & G. Heywood & Co. at their Phoenix Foundry, which covered an area of 220 x 110ft. (67 x 33.5m). The roof span soared to 86ft 6ins (26.4m), with an apex at 64ft (19.5m). Much of the engineering concept of the roof and the galleries which ringed the space was, for the time, innovative, and it was all opened to much acclaim in Spring 1866. The exterior is of brick and rusticated ashlar with a fairly restrained (for the era) Classical pedimented facade to the south, facing Albert Street and Osnabrűck Square. It is now listed grade II. Market Hall, Thornburn’s Sketch 1862, showing a much more elaborate building However, all was not well. The original opening was planned for 1865, but Thorburn suddenly resigned and very promptly departed for a new post elsewhere. His local successor, George Thompson (1833-1882), was disconcerted to find there was an inherent weakness in the iron structure, to remedy which he was obliged to come up with solutions. Thus, a scheme of remedial works and necessary alterations was undertaken in some haste to prevent the entire structure possibly descending on everyone’s heads at the planned grand opening. The structural defects thus revealed were, of course, blamed on Stevens, and on the departed Thorburn for sub-contracting the job in the first place; the real reason was that in those days the consequences of radical design could not be tested by computer modelling, and occasionally trial gave way to error. The Council spent much time and money pursuing both Stevens and Thorburn for redress, for no blame could be apportioned to the iron founders – especially as James Heywood, proprietor of the Phoenix Foundry, was an alderman of the Borough! The southern façade of the building was marred in the early years of the 20th century by a rather crude cluster of buildings constituting the fish and poultry markets, built on the site of William Strutt’s fireproof calico mill ironically burnt down in 1853. This fish market was an extension of that provided by Stevens and Thorburn in 1863 as part of the original build. A large turret clock was supplied by leading Derby clockmaker Edward Johnson, for the south gallery, but this was inexplicably removed in 1988 but, fortunately, was rescued and donated to Crich Tramway Museum when the building was completely refurbished and extended eastwards, with a new very elegant brick facade. The interior was originally fitted with stalls, the design of which was altered in the 1930s, when Herbert Aslin, the Borough Architect, designed new ones in the manner of the period, and these lasted until the 1988 rebuilding, when they were replaced by rather less pleasing ones. The hall was re-opened by the Mayor, Cllr. Les Shepley in the same year, an event commemorated in a ground glass inscription etched into the new glass doors giving onto Osnabrűck Square. The Market Hall closed to enable the current refurbishment to begin getting on for a decade ago now, but the Council failed to make any viable arrangements for the poor old stallholders – some of whom had been in business there for more than two generations – and this had led to misgivings that the Council would not be able to replicate the relaxed and positive ambience of the place as it had been previously. There have been delays and disconnected progress, but thankfully the Iconic Market Hall is finished. Now begins a new era for this grand building and for the city of Derby. Of course, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating! Maxwell Craven 00
The Art of Conservation
Around 70km north of Hanoi, Vietnam a beautiful Asiatic moonbear stretches to his full height and climbs up onto a high platform to examine a fresh bunch of wild grasses, leaves and branches.  But for the first seven years of his life, this bear had spent his days in a dark cramped cargo container on an illegal bile farm in the south of the country undergoing the unending torture of regular bile extraction through an open wound in his abdomen. His rescue and relocation to the beautiful safe surroundings of the Animals Asia sanctuary was made possible through a Foundation established by one of Derbyshire’s best loved wildlife artists. In countries across Asia, thousands of bears live a life of torture on bear farms, so that their bile can be extracted and used in traditional medicine to cure ailments. Bears are confined in cages which vary from agonisingly tiny “crush†cages to larger pens, all of which cause terrible physical and mental suffering. When Pollyanna Pickering established her charitable Foundation in 2000, it was with the original fairly modest intention of raising funds to purchase equipment for small wildlife rescue centres and sanctuaries rehabilitating British wildlife. She never imagined that a decade later her funding would allow a moonbear to be released from a life of torture – or that to this day her Foundation would be helping to fund conservation projects from Bhutan to Belize. This summer the 25th anniversary of the Foundation is being celebrated in an exhibition to be staged in her private gallery at Brookvale House Oaker Matlock Derbyshire DE4 2JJ (AA Signposted) from 21st – 29th June (Admission Free). Visitors will be able to view over fifty original paintings – many of which will be on display to the public for the very first time – in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The gallery will also be welcoming a very special guest – ‘Longarm’ – a life sized sculpture of a brave and inspirational orang utan created by the award winning wildlife sculptor Casey Nadine Banwell. Pollyanna’s work as a wildlife artist always brought her into close contact with the animals she loves. Many years ago she began to visit wildlife sanctuaries in the UK to sketch and paint the creatures in their care – and became increasingly interested in the work they were carrying out. She became a licensed registered keeper to care for and rehabilitate injured and orphaned raptors, but soon discovered people would bring any wildlife in need of help to her door! This hands on work was sometimes challenging, but also very rewarding – and Pollyanna felt it was her way of giving something back to the birds and animals who made it possible for her to earn her living as a wildlife artist. All the birds and animals she cared for were rehabilitated into the wild, unless too badly disabled to survive independently in which case they were given a home with her for the rest of their natural lives. Pollyanna funded the hospital – including the treatment, medical supplies, feeding and rehabilitation work entirely through a percentage of sales of her artwork. Eventually after fifteen years of hands on care, she had to make the difficult decision to scale down the sanctuary. Her increasing success in the art world was taking her away from home for ever-longer periods of time, and she was unable to secure permanent expert help to care for the patients. However she was determined to find a way of carrying on her conservation and rescue work with wildlife, and the Pollyanna Pickering Foundation was established. With Pollyanna’s daughter Anna-Louise as president, The Foundation continues in its original aim to help British wildlife in need. However Pollyanna always believed that in order for her to fully capture the realism of her subjects it was vital to study and sketch them in their natural habitats, and so she has travelled into some of the most remote and inhospitable parts of the world, to study and paint endangered species in their increasingly fragile habitats. She witnessed first hand the huge impact we have had on the natural world, primarily through destruction of habitat and poaching of endangered species. The Foundation’s scope widened to raise funds for the protection and rescue of wildlife worldwide, and has helped to protect Rhinos in Africa, Wolves in Ethiopia, orphaned polar bears in the arctic, and build a tiger orphanage in Nepal. Major campaigns have helped to fund construction of enclosures at Born Free’s big cat sanctuaries in South Africa and Ethiopia and purchased equipment for Project Tiger’s anti-poaching rangers working in India. Through exclusive adoption programmes, the Foundation supports a wild cheetah relocation programme in South Africa, the care of Giant Pandas in China, and the rehabilitation of orphaned wild dogs in Namibia. Most importantly the Foundation never forgets the individual animal – Pollyanna’s work has helped fund the rescue of lions from a Romanian Zoo and their subsequent transfer to the Born Free sanctuary in South Africa – and of course the Foundation has committed to funding the care of Polly Bear in the Animals Asia sanctuary for the rest of his natural life. “It is an honour to continue Pollyanna’s legacy through the Foundation†Anna-Louise told us “Through the funds we raise at the exhibition, alongside our annual prize draws and the talks I give to societies all around the UK we are able to continue our work world-wide – in the past few years we have been helping to protect Jaguars in Brazil, Snow Leopards in the Himalayas and Lions in Kenya.†Two new limited edition prints will be launched at the anniversary exhibition. Also on display throughout will be Pollyanna’s extensive range of books, greetings cards, fine art and limited edition prints, and a wide variety of gift ware featuring her work, including brand new card crafting kits as launched live on television! A sneak preview of next year’s charity cards will also be
Lost Houses of Derbyshire – Old Radburne Hall
By Maxwell Craven One of the most delightful, sequestered and ancient parish churches in the county is that of St. Andrew, Radbourne, set beside the Radbourne Brook (effectively a tautology: the clue is in the name, the ‘red bourne’, or stream) in a hamlet which hardly seems to exist, despite being barely four miles from Derby. It is well hidden from the unfrequented road, although well signposted. As you descend the path to the church you can see across a broad pasture to the brook and the ridge beyond, atop which stands the fine Georgian mansion that is today’s Radburne Hall (the spelling differs from that of the settlement, by hallowed tradition), although it is slightly beyond one’s eye-line. The pasture itself is full of strange hollows, and was originally the site of the first known houses on the site. Radbourne is one of those rare landed estates: one that has never been sold since its first recorded owner obtained it. It has, however, passed via an heiress four times since its first record, the first three in the Middle Ages, the fourth currently, but the blood of the first recorded tenant, Wakelin de Radbourne – who is on record for 1100, but was almost certainly the 1086 (Domesday Book) tenant – still flows in the veins of the incumbent family. Who exactly Wakelin was is not clear, although it has been suggested that he was reasonably close kin to his overlord, the tenant in chief, Henry de Ferrers, lord of an hundred Derbyshire manors, other members of whose family certainly used the name. The monumnet to Sir John, now at Mazerolles The grandson of Walkelin left no son but a daughter and heiress, who married John de Chandos who was of a minor gentry family from SW Herefordshire, Chandos being a locality in Much Marcle parish in that county. John’s great-great-grandson was Sir John Chandos, KG, the great hero of the Hundred Years’ War, Constable of Aquitaine and Seneschal of Poitou, created by Edward III Viscount St Saveur-le-Viscomte in the Contentin in 1360. Sir John, born around 1320, was a close friend of the heir to the throne, Edward, the Black Prince and, in 1348 joined his patron in being nominated one of the first ever Knights of the Garter. Described by the medieval historian Froissart as ‘wise and full of devices’, as a military strategist, Chandos is believed to have been the mastermind behind three of the most important English victories of the Hundred Years War. He was chief of staff to the Black Prince at the Battle of Crécy in 1346, was a leading commander a decade later at the Battle of Poitiers and also in the Battle of Auray, in the War of the Breton Succession in 1364, following which his commander, John Duke of Montfort, was able to succeeded as John IV, Duke of Brittany. In addition to his other honours, Chandos was created the lieutenant of France and vice-chamberlain of England. In 1369, the French launched a successful counter-attack, regaining much territory and forcing Edward to recall the retired Chandos, who attempted to deal with the French attempts to regain a foothold in Poitou, of which he was made governor. In a skirmish following an unsuccessful attempt to re-take St. Savin, Chandos met the French on the bridge at Lussac. In the ensuring melée, Chandos’ long coat led to him slipping on the frost. James de Saint-Martin, a French squire, struck Chandos with his lance, piercing his face below the eye although Chandos’ uncle, Edward Twyford of Kirk Langley, standing over his wounded nephew, repulsed the attack. The wounded Chandos was carried on a large shield to Monthemer, the nearest English fortress, but died, unmarried, in the night, either on the 31st December or the early hours of New Year’s Day 1370. Sir John Chandos as Knight of the Garter, 1348 from the Bruges Garter Book Such was Sir John’s reputation that Charles V (‘the Wise’) of France is reported to have said that ‘had Chandos lived, he would have found a way of making a lasting peace’ although French chronicler Jean Froissart was more circumspect, saying ‘I have heard him at the time regretted by renowned knights in France; for they said it was a great pity he was slain, and that, if he could have been taken prisoner, he was so wise and full of devices, he would have found some means of establishing a peace between France and England.’ He added of Chandos that ‘Never since a hundred years did there exist among the English one more courteous, nor more full of every virtue and good quality.’ He certainly comes across much in the heroic mould of those other two hammers of the French, the Dukes of Marlborough and Wellington, although his reputation lost nothing in having been killed in battle. The estate passed to Sir John Lawton, married to one of Chandos’s sisters, although the loss of the original patent creating Sir John a Viscount means that no one is sure whether it was remaindered to his sisters and their issue, failing any heirs of his body, or not. As a French title, albeit granted by the King of England (but as King of France), this may well be true, meaning that Lady Chichester might well be Viscountess de St. Sauveur. Certainly, his heiress brought all his property to her husband to Sir Peter de la Pole from Cheshire. The Poles, too burgeoned mightily once ensconced in the county, for younger branches settled at Kirk Langley, Barlborough and in a moated house north of Hartington, now marked by a farmhouse called Pool Hall; one of this latter branch, John Pole, became the outlaw after whom Castleton’s Poole’s Cavern was (phonetically) named. Nevertheless the Radbourne Poles have been there ever since, although they assumed the additional surname of Chandos in the Regency period as homage to the enduring renown of Sir John. At Radbourne Sir John is reputed to have had a ‘mighty large howse of
Arctic Cabins & Cabin Master
Derbyshire is a county that produces some of the country’s greatest products and each month we feature one of Derbyshire’s best independent producers. Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master, based in Derbyshire, have quietly built a reputation for quality, craftsmanship and community over the last two decades. From beautifully hand-built garden rooms to authentic BBQ cabins, this family-run, employee-owned business has helped thousands of customers across the East Midlands and beyond transform their outdoor spaces into something truly special. A Business Built on Family and Local Values Founded over 20 years ago, Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master began with a simple mission: to create unique, high-quality timber buildings that bring people together and help people make the most of their homes. What started as a small family business quickly grew through word of mouth, fuelled by the care and detail that goes into every single build. Today, the business still holds on to its family-run ethos but is also, proudly, an Employee Owned Trust. This means every team member has a stake in the success of the business – something that translates directly into the pride they take in their work and the outstanding service they provide. When you speak to someone at Arctic Cabins or Cabin Master, you’re not just speaking to an employee, you’re speaking to someone who genuinely cares about your project, because it’s their company too. Hand-Built in Derbyshire Unlike many companies that outsource manufacturing, all of Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master’s buildings are designed and hand-built right here in Derbyshire. The dedicated team of craftspeople work out of purpose-built factories in the heart of the East Midlands, using locally sourced, high-quality materials wherever possible. Every structure is built with durability, beauty, and practicality in mind. From the initial design to the final installation, attention to detail is at the core of the process. Each building is made to order, allowing customers to customise size, layout, cladding, doors, windows and internal finishes to suit their individual needs. Whether it’s a peaceful garden office, a fully insulated gym, a backyard bar, or a luxury BBQ cabin, every space is crafted with precision and passion. Serving the East Midlands and Beyond Being based in Derbyshire gives the company a central location that’s perfect for serving customers across the East Midlands—including Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and beyond. But the reputation of Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master has stretched well outside the region too, with happy customers dotted all over the UK. The company’s commitment to transparency, honest pricing and full-service project management makes the entire experience, from design to delivery, straightforward and stress-free. With show sites in Nottingham and Warwickshire, visitors are welcome to browse over a huge range of buildings in person, explore different styles, and speak with the knowledgeable team to bring their ideas to life. 20 Years of Trust and Innovation Reaching a 20-year milestone is no small feat in today’s competitive market, but Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master haven’t just stood the test of time—they’ve continued to evolve and innovate along the way. The team is always looking for ways to improve materials, design, energy efficiency and installation practices. But at the heart of it all, the values that shaped the business from day one remain unchanged: honesty, craftsmanship, and service. What also sets them apart is their flexibility. While some companies only offer set designs, Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master specialise in bespoke builds tailored to how customers want to live, work or relax. Need an office with extra insulation and built-in storage? No problem. Looking for a cabin that doubles as a guest room and garden bar? They’ll help you make it happen. More Than Just Buildings—It’s a Lifestyle What makes these garden buildings special isn’t just how they’re built, it’s what they make possible. For some customers, it’s finally having a quiet place to work from home. For others, it’s a cosy hideaway to enjoy the outdoors all year round, or a space to gather with family and friends for food and laughter. Each garden room becomes a natural extension of the home; a space to recharge, create, celebrate or simply relax. And it’s not just the end result that people appreciate. Customers regularly praise the whole team for their professionalism, friendliness, and willingness to go the extra mile. From the initial design consultation to the final day of installation, the journey is just as satisfying as the destination. Looking Ahead As Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master look to the future, the company is committed to staying true to its roots while continuing to grow sustainably. With increased demand for high-quality, sustainable outdoor buildings, the team remains passionate about delivering solutions that combine form, function and longevity. They may have expanded in size, but they’ve never lost the personal touch that earned them their loyal following. Every cabin tells a story of craftsmanship, of local pride, and of people who genuinely love what they do. So, if you’re looking to enhance your outdoor space with a structure that’s beautiful, functional and built to last, you won’t find a better team than the one at Arctic Cabins and Cabin Master. Handcrafted in Derbyshire. Powered by people. Built for life. www.cabinmaster.co.uk www.arcticcabins.co.ukTel: 0115 932 8888 251 Toton Lane, Stapleford, Notts, NG9 7JA 00
Celebrity Interview – Sir Tim Rice
By Steve Orme ‘Think of the greatest songwriting duos of all time and you’ll probably come up with Gilbert and Sullivan, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Lennon and McCartney, and maybe even Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Among that list must surely come Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.’ Sir Tim Rice has had a stellar career, collaborating also with the likes of ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, Elton John and Alan Menken as well as writing the lyrics for several pop songs. Now Tim is on the road with his show My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well which will stop off in both Buxton and Nottingham. So what’s it about? “It’s basically me telling the story of various shows and songs I’ve been involved with over the years. They’re sung beautifully and dynamically by a team of singers with a very nice band. “It’s all the hits and a few flops. So you’ve got everything from Don’t Cry For Me Argentina to songs from Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar and a lot of Walt Disney stuff including The Lion King. “I think most people who come will know most of the songs. I do fling in one or two that people might not know but only one or two because in all honesty people come to hear the songs they know and love.†Tim started doing the show for charities. In the first instance it was 45 minutes long. Then an independent production company approached Tim and suggested he should do a commercial tour. “I used to joke that it saves you going to see the shows – you can just hear the best bits and see six or seven shows at once. People love hearing the stories behind the songs, how Don’t Cry For Me Argentina was written and what the original version of one or two of the hits was. “The show is light-hearted and you do get some very good performances of the songs.†It may surprise you to know that Tim does a little bit of singing himself. “I illustrate one rather bad version of a well-known hit song before it had the lyrics that made it a hit. I sing the original version which is really quite funny. It wasn’t meant to be funny at the time but in retrospect it certainly is. And I join in the odd thing occasionally but the audience don’t really want to hear me sing too much.†The show ends with a song from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the catchy Any Dream Will Do, which gets the audience singing along. “I’m flattered that they all know the song. The audience tend to do the “ah, ah-ah†which is the only bit that I didn’t write!†he laughs. “It’s a singalong and everybody has a good time.†The tour of My Life In Musicals – I Know Him So Well goes on until the end of this month. Tim’s family – he has four children and seven grandchildren – weren’t pleased with such a punishing schedule – 38 dates in seven weeks. But the 80-year-old is relishing being on the road. “I know I’m a bit insane actually. I should have sat down with the producers and said I don’t think I really want to do Scotland the day after Cornwall. If I’m in a fairly comfy car being driven or even going by aeroplane, it’s not too bad. I’ll get through it. “But I think if I do another tour after this one, I would probably say it’s going to be fewer dates and the venues will be geographically planned.†Timothy Miles Bindon Rice was born on 10 November 1944 in Amersham in Buckinghamshire. He was educated at three independent schools, leaving Lancing College with A-levels in history and French. He began working as a trainee solicitor for a law firm in London before joining EMI Records. Tim had an idea for a book on the history of the pop charts and took it to a literary agent. The agent suggested Tim, then aged 20, should meet a 17-year-old who wanted to write for the theatre and needed someone to come up with lyrics for his tunes. That young man was Andrew Lloyd Webber. Their first joint effort wasn’t a success but then Lloyd Webber received a commission from a London school to write a Bible story set to pop music. The pair agreed to give it a shot and produced a 20-minute version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Among the parents in the audience was Derek Jewell from the Sunday Times who praised the performance as “irresistibleâ€. Then Decca Records came knocking with an offer to turn the piece into an album. Joseph was the first of Tim and Andrew’s collaborations that started life as a concept album before becoming a commercial theatre piece. In 1972 a director took it to the Edinburgh Festival and it became a big hit with an adult audience. “That gradually led to it becoming the huge commercial behemoth it is today. It just goes on and on. I feel this is very important: because the lyrics are quite sophisticated, adults like it as well. That I think is the secret of Joseph: it appeals to different generations, so parents don’t mind taking their kids to it three times.†Tim and Andrew followed Joseph with Jesus Christ Superstar – again it started as a concept album – which ran in the West End for eight years. Its success was due to their blending symphony orchestra, soul, gospel, rock and blues. “Andrew was more theatre, I was more rock ‘n’ roll,†says Tim. “I think the combination and the respect we had for the other one’s taste worked for Superstar.†Evita followed before the duo began to work on separate projects. Tim met Benny and Björn from ABBA which led to the show Chess and its most well-known songs I Know Him So Well and One Night
The Peacock at Rowsley
A Historic Gem Reborn in the Heart of the Peak District Nestled within the picturesque Peak District National Park, The Peacock at Rowsley is a venue that beautifully balances the old and the new. Originally built in 1652, this historic four AA Silver Star hotel and three AA Rosette restaurant has long been a destination that attracts visitors looking for luxury, relaxation, and exceptional food. The venue is now under the ownership of Longbow Venues, led by Rob Hattersley, a local with deep roots in the area. Rob, whose family has lived in the Peak District for generations, has a deep passion for preserving and nurturing the region’s historic sites, ensuring places like The Peacock remain a vital part of the local community. A Blend of Historic Charm and Contemporary Elegance A recent £500,000 refurbishment has breathed new life into The Peacock at Rowsley, with a careful balance struck between preserving its historic charm and updating its facilities for modern guests. The restoration has revealed beautiful Victorian stone tiles and refreshed the venue’s signature Mouseman furniture, which has been lovingly restored to maintain its characteristic craftsmanship. While the updates bring a fresh feel to the venue, the essence of The Peacock remains grounded in its rich history, making it a place that feels both timeless and welcoming. Celebrating Local Flavours with a Contemporary Twist At the heart of The Peacock at Rowsley’s revival is its culinary offering. Under the leadership of Head Chef Dan Smith, who has spent 18 years at the restaurant, the menus are a true reflection of the Peak District’s bountiful local produce. Dan’s career—shaped by experience with Michelin-starred chefs like Tom Aikens and at L’Ortolan—ensures that each dish is a work of art, prepared with precision and passion. Local ingredients are showcased in dishes such as Haddon Estate venison, wild garlic, and Jerusalem artichoke, bringing the rich flavours of the region to life. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the return of Sunday lunch after its hiatus due to the pandemic offers guests a hearty and comforting roast, with locally sourced meats and vegetables served in a warm, inviting atmosphere. A Comfortable Stay Surrounded by Natural Beauty The Peacock at Rowsley is more than just a place to dine. It’s also home to 15 charming guest rooms, each offering a blend of historic elegance and modern comfort. Whether in a spacious four-poster suite or a cosy single room, guests will find themselves immersed in comfort, with marble bathrooms and thoughtfully appointed interiors. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the Peak District, whether on foot or by bike. An Invitation to Explore With its location near the River Wye and Derwent, The Peacock offers guests the unique opportunity to purchase fly-fishing permits for some of the UK’s finest wild trout waters. The surrounding area, with its scenic walks through Chatsworth, Bakewell, and beyond, invites guests to experience the natural beauty of one of England’s most iconic landscapes. A Venue With a Purpose The reopening of The Peacock at Rowsley is not just about luxury—it’s about preserving a piece of local heritage for future generations. Longbow Venues, under the stewardship of Rob Hattersley, has ensured that the venue remains a key part of the Peak District’s cultural fabric, offering guests a memorable experience that blends history, fine dining, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. It’s a place where visitors can connect with the past while enjoying the best that the Peak District has to offer today. 00
